Chapter 65

Kara told me to shout, “Don’t follow me if you’re a stranger!”

Back then, I scoffed at the idea of someone dragging me away, but not anymore. I’m really grateful for the heads-up.

From my perspective, Saint Rize is not just some unknown person; she’s a formidable force wielding Blue Magic, just like Rod.

While Rod is endlessly kind and gentle, Rize is anything but. Her generosity comes with a wild streak, making her unpredictable at times.

She feels a strong bond with those chosen by Chaos, and considering the numbers involved, it’s understandable.

In that sense, it’s safe to say my mark has been firmly stamped!

“Did you just say you don’t want to? I’m pretty sure you just said you didn’t want to!”

“By the way, why did she get that proposal from the Saint?”

“Was she a follower of Chaos?”

When I mustered the courage to shout “no,” the classroom erupted into chaos once more.

After all, I turned down a proposal from a Saint. To an outsider, it must seem incomprehensible.

But not for me. I know all too well the hardships and trials I would face the moment I’m dragged by Rize.

“Hmm. That’s an unexpected answer…”

Rize muttered in surprise, sounding like she didn’t expect that response.

But even if it wasn’t me, she would have eventually expressed her refusal. The proposal was made without consideration for context.

“Um… Saint?”

“Yes?”

“Do you happen to know who Sivar is?”

It was Luna’s question. She seemed calm despite what could be a rather startling inquiry.

“No, but I can tell that his rationality and essence are contradictory.”

“Well… that’s true, but…”

She truly seemed to know nothing about me. Had she done her homework, she would’ve said something.

Kara was somewhat similar but slightly different. She was a bit wary of the prospect of taking me.

“By the way, it’s fascinating. Forget the refusal; you’re actually scared of the way I am right now.”

“Excuse me?”

As Luna pondered what to say, Rize spoke up first. My fear.

That statement left most students, including Luna, with puzzled looks on their faces.

Except for me. Knowing what kind of oddball she is, I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.

Being quirky often comes with that unpredictable streak. She won’t cross the line, but she definitely pushes it.

“Are you perhaps afraid of my appearance at this moment? Just judging by looks, that is.”

“Not at all?”

Luna took a quick glance at Rize’s ample bosom before turning back to respond.

Rize possesses a beauty befitting a Saint, her sharp gaze reminiscent of a cat, but not quite as fierce as Grace’s.

Moreover, there’s a familiarity in her beauty that even eases wariness.

“What about you, Student?”

Rize then shifted her gaze to Kara, who rested her chin on her hand and nonchalantly replied.

“It doesn’t look like you’re one to get into fights.”

She answered, still maintaining her caution. Seems like the first impression still lingered for her.

“Yes, it’s hard to instill fear in this form. Perhaps the opposite would be true.”

Rize confidently replied while placing a hand on her chest, one that rivals Eli’s in size. All the attention shifted toward her.

But I can’t let myself be fooled. That chest isn’t ‘natural’ like Eli’s; it was something she ‘grew’ herself.

Medical technology in this world isn’t that advanced; it’s a unique ability of Chaos.

So, that chest can be viewed as Rize’s ‘result’ after endless effort.

“However, this student is different. It appears he knows who I am and is terrified. That fear was also evident in his previous answer.”

“What exactly does Sivar find frightening about the Saint?”

“I have no idea. Maybe he truly sees through the essence of people?”

“The essence…”

Luna murmured softly, staring at me. Honestly, there’s nothing much to see.

It’s simply the knowledge of how eccentric and strong Rize is that terrifies me.

No matter how hard I struggle, the probability of being subdued by one punch is alarmingly high.

Those who have mastered Blue Magic can manipulate space at will.

The moment someone can wield space freely, defense loses its meaning, making it tough to counter.

“What exactly did you see in me? I find it increasingly intriguing.”

Rize leaned forward slowly, her face coming closer to mine.

A curiosity that surpassed mere interest. Her blue eyes gleamed with a mix of intrigue and fervor.

I froze like prey before a predator.

“Saint, if you don’t mind, it’s about time to start the class.”

Just as Rize’s gaze intensified, Malboro quietly conveyed the message.

Rize pulled back her upper body from me, separating her face from mine.

No matter how unpredictable she is, she knows where to draw the line. Thank goodness for that.

“I’m sorry. I got carried away since it’s not every day I meet a brother chosen by Chaos. I apologize for any inconvenience.”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Well then, see you next time, Brother.”

Rize called me ‘Brother’ while flashing a bright smile. To others, it seemed like a friendly smile.

But for me, it was as good as a death sentence. I felt like I was marked for life.

“Students! The gods are always cheering for you! Keep up the good work!”

Just before Rize exited, she offered some encouraging words. It felt like a storm had just swept through.

Instantly, when she left, I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me. My body felt a sense of weightlessness, as if all tensions had melted away.

I genuinely thought I was going to be taken away. What would have happened if I had even slightly misanswered?

In the Soul World, they would have kidnapped me using all sorts of nonsensical excuses. There’s no choice involved.

To summarize the type of hardships I’d go through afterward, it could be described like this:

It would turn into a game resembling Fist of the North Star or Baki. Or maybe JoJo.

“In the first place, in Gwonseong mode, the style is entirely different for just me.”

Fortunately, she came in the form of a Saint and not a Gwonseong, making it a bit more bearable.

“But why did she come now? Is it because I’m a follower of Chaos?”

As I mentioned, it’s extremely unlikely for Rize to show up right now. Usually, she doesn’t appear until the freshman year.

Yet, she broke through that slim chance and came looking for me, not Luna.

I have no idea how the story will unfold from here. Given that she’s a follower of Chaos and a Saint, it’s hard to predict.

“What is up with that guy that attracts the Saint’s attention?”

“Seriously. It’s weird that he was chosen by Chaos too.”

“I’m jealous.”

What’s there to be envious about? You all experience what it’s like to be entangled with that person.

How exhausting would that be?

Unbeknownst to me, the students busied themselves either envying or being jealous of me.

“Sivar, you seem to be remarkably popular, especially among the ladies.”

Grace commented, her tone indistinguishable between teasing and envy.

I don’t need this kind of popularity. Interest is one thing, but direct interaction is tricky for me.

“He does look cute, I guess. Maybe that’s why?”

“Kara, your tastes are unique. While Sivar is handsome, he’s not cute.”

“Really? He acts cute sometimes.”

“Now that’s even harder to understand.”

I could hear the conversation between Grace and Kara, who were two spaces apart.

Meanwhile, Luna, who was wedged between them, remained silent. I turned my head with my forehead pressed against the desk.

Maybe Rize’s words were sticking in my mind. Turning my head, I found Luna looking at me with a curious expression.

“…”

Sometimes, Luna gives me a look that’s hard to decipher. It was similar this time.

With the mural and everything, I’m sure the mysteries abound from her perspective.

‘…I don’t get it.’

I’ll think about this later. Right now, what should I do about Rize?

‘I hope the genre doesn’t change.’

That was my tiny wish.

*****

With no warning, Saint Rize’s visit turned the Academy into a hubbub.

Far beyond just being famous, Rize holds global authority. Even an emperor or king must tread lightly around her.

Not to mention, one of Rize’s titles is ‘Gwonseong.’ Just being a Saint is already intimidating, but having the power of a Gwonseong is another level.

During such a tinderbox of world circumstance, Rod’s presence acts as a firm pillar holding the Academy steady.

Rize is speculated to possess an even greater power, so it’s only natural for others to act cautiously.

“I think she’s just not my type.”

“What do you mean?”

“That woman Rize.”

As we were heading back to the lodging after class, Kara turned to speak. It seemed Rize didn’t sit well with her.

Luna raised an eyebrow at her words, while Kara glanced backward.

Though she had her usual expressionless face, a hint of concern was seeping through her demeanor.

Luna hadn’t picked up on it yet, but Kara’s eyes clearly revealed her feelings.

“Forget about being a Saint; stomping in like that is just putting people in a tough spot. She’s not unaware of her position either. At least she’s better than my father, I suppose.”

Kara subtly dissed Hector. Hearing that, Luna could only smile wryly.

Certainly, Rize’s actions today left a mark, both good and bad. Even the Priest class was adjusted because of her visit.

While the information from representatives dispatched from various denominations remained the same, the unexpected visit from the Saint complicated plans.

Not to mention, that Saint shows interest in Sivar. It became a variable for Luna, who was supposed to have a private audience.

“Still, she is a saint. There must be a reason for her visit. Kara, since you’re loved by Gulrak, you should relate to that, right?”

“Now that you mention it, I have no rebuttal. Regardless of who I am, it’s not easy to go against Gulrak’s wishes. I just hope she doesn’t torment our Sivar too much.”

“Hmm…”

When Sivar’s name came up, Luna looked back. Sivar was quietly following along.

‘What exactly did the Saint see in him, making her so fearful?’

Sivar is notoriously slow to show emotions. The only visible change would be a slight furrow of his brow.

And even that’s only if he tries! His expression makes itself known so rarely.

But today was different. Sivar expressed clear ‘fear’ when faced with Rize.

‘To see the true essence of a person…’

The words of Rize echoed in my head. The fact that Sivar can see people’s true essence.

It’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility. He did detect Delphi’s ominous intentions and broke his wrist before.

Moreover, he kindly warned Grace as well. Perhaps growing up in the wilderness sharpened his ‘instincts’.

‘Most people who become close with Sivar are usually kind-hearted.’

Even just looking at Kara, despite her reputation for being violent, she has a gentle heart.

Combine her refreshing personality with her meticulousness in money matters, and that becomes a charm.

Would they have gotten so friendly without Sivar?

I firmly believe the answer is no. Sivar has the ability to see beyond people’s essence.

‘Then why does the Saint feel fear? Why is she scared?’

Sivar’s response reminded me of something I often saw back home.

Even in the countryside, there’s always something there, and when festivals arrive, they catch pigs or cows.

What’s fascinating is that when approaching livestock for slaughter, they do everything they can to escape.

Some animals even lash out in desperation, as they can predict their own deaths.

‘Was Sivar similar?’

Although it sounds strange to compare people to livestock, the situation was remarkably alike.

Animals struggling to escape out of fear. The expression on Sivar’s face, engulfed in fright, was surprisingly captivating.

“Luna!”

A familiar voice broke into Luna’s train of thought. She and her group turned in unison.

There stood Eli, waving as she approached, her golden eyes shimmering.

Anyways, it seemed like they finished their classes around the same time.

“Did you and your sister finish your classes?”

“Yeah. You wrapped up earlier than expected.”

“Midterms are coming soon. The professors let us off early to study.”

“Oh, midterms.”

Speaking of which, they’re already approaching. Time feels both slow and fast.

“Sivar… Sivar?”

“Yes?”

“Why do you look like that? You have a strained expression.”

Eli’s eyes widened in surprise the moment she spotted Sivar.

He usually has a blank look, yet she instantly read his emotions just like Kara did.

“I’ve never seen Sivar like this before… Did something happen today?”

Eli poked at Sivar’s face and directed her question to the group. Concern flowed through her tone.

Kara couldn’t help but feel a twinge of discomfort at Eli’s actions, but she quickly filled her in on the events of the day.

“Sivar almost got kidnapped.”

“W-What?!”

“Eli…”

That was an over-simplified answer, practically compressing it. Eli gasped in shock, while Luna quietly called his name.

Kara quietly giggled at the amusing reactions. Her white teeth stood out against her darker complexion.

“Just kidding. By the way, did you hear that the Saint visited the Academy?”

“Ah, yeah. I heard the rumor that she showed up.”

“That Saint tried to take Sivar away! Claiming they’re both followers of Chaos.”

“Chaos? The one who was chosen by the Saint, right? The one the Chancellor mentioned last time.”

While Eli and Kara exchanged thoughts, Luna was gazing ahead. They had arrived at their residence.

At this hour, Rod should be inside. She knocked lightly on the door.

Knock, knock, knock- clunk-

After the knocks, she turned the doorknob. It wasn’t locked, indicating that someone was indeed inside.

Upon stepping in, she saw a sofa…

“Oh, they just arrived.”

“?”

The sofa was there, as was Rod sitting on it.

Yet another figure, a huge mound of muscle, caught my attention across from Rod.

I swear, that thing was all muscles. Its shoulders took up over half the sofa, causing a distortion in perspective.

What in the world is that? Luna blinked and discreetly took action.

Clunk-

Unwillingly, she shut the door again. For a moment, reality felt distorted.

‘…What is happening?’

Luna had seen countless monsters in her life. Even talking lightning squirrels exist in this world.

She’s had experiences of seeing someone as massive as a mountain. Just a moment ago, she witnessed Hector, didn’t she?

The sight of Hector’s physique had revealed where Kara’s remarkable height came from.

‘There could always be someone even bigger than that. But that face is unmistakably…’

Luna recalled the face of the person she just encountered. Though angular, it was distinctly the same.

With bright silver hair contrasting against a sapphire-like glint in her eyes.

Not to mention, the outfit was identical to what she had seen that morning. Well, except it was stretched out due to her muscles.

“What’s going on? Why did you open and close the door?”

Kara’s voice, filled with questions, resonated from behind. Her gaze expressed curiosity toward Luna’s odd behavior.

Luna had opened the door only to shut it almost immediately. She rubbed her eyes and replied.

“Ah, um… I think my eyes were playing tricks on me. Did I see it wrong?”

“What exactly did you see?”

While Luna rubbed her eyes, Kara took the lead and yanked the door open wide.

“Hello?”

“Whoa?”

As they greeted the figure standing by the door, it was impossible for her not to feel taken aback.

There stood Rize, the Saint of Chaos, grinning brightly.

Now it became clear to Luna why she had rubbed her eyes. It was because this woman was inside.

“Yikes!”

“S-Sivar? Why on earth are you reacting like that?”

Rize smiled brightly even as Sivar instinctively clutched Eli from behind in panic.

Eli’s blush deepened from the sudden back hug, though she questioned his unusual reaction.

All the while, Rize offered her gaze to Sivar, beaming at him before gesturing for him to come closer.

“I heard from Rod. It looks like we have quite a bit to discuss.”

“…You aren’t going to do anything weird, right?”

“Absolutely not. It’s not every day I get to meet a fellow brother.”

If that’s the case… Kara sneaked glances at Rize while stepping inside.

Luna followed her intuition and stepped in as well, glancing back at her.

‘Just a misunderstanding… right?’

It must’ve been just a trick of the mind regarding the ‘muscle’ she just saw.

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