Chapter 66

I can’t say I didn’t see this coming. Since Rize came to the Academy, we’d inevitably run into each other somewhere.

But I never dreamed we’d meet this early. And in her residence, no less.

I thought I would chat with Rod during class and return when it ended.

Rize is one of the most free-spirited individuals in the world, but even she has her dignity to uphold.

All of this was a huge miscalculation. When I think about it, Rize is both a Gwonseong and a Saint, while Rod is a Sword Saint.

In military terms, it would be like a warrant officer and a sergeant major meeting personally—who would dare interfere with that?

The fact that she retreated as soon as class started was clearly on official business. No matter how free-spirited you are, work is work.

“Ah. I’ve heard that the Chancellor and the Saint have met each other once before?”

“Yes. It was during a pilgrimage at the suggestion of Lord Chaos. Back then, I had less facial hair and my hair wasn’t white.”

“That’s already more than 20 years ago!”

Rod chuckled as he sipped his tea. He didn’t seem bothered at all by Rize’s unexpected visit.

Hector is burdened with a lot of political ties, but Rize is a different story.

She holds a position that transcends politics by quite a bit.

Besides, Byzantium is a nation that prides itself on strict neutrality, so there’s no trouble there.

“And you have no right to speak, my friend. You seem even stronger than back then.”

Rod smiled as he glanced at a certain area, his eyes landing squarely on Rize’s chest.

This wasn’t because he was a perv; he knew about her unique physique and abilities.

If no one else had been around, he would have openly commented on her chest. But back then, Rize had a different shape, too.

“Of course. As long as demons exist in this world, I will not disappear.”

“Have you ever encountered a demon, Saint?”

That was Luna’s question. As someone searching for traces of demons, she couldn’t help but be interested.

Moreover, Rod had previously defeated a blue demon, so it was no wonder she was curious.

“Of course. During my pilgrimage, I faced countless demons and defeated them all.”

“Among those, were there any demons stronger than blue?”

“Yes. They were excellent opponents in combat. It was even better that I didn’t have to show mercy.”

Rize had delicately rephrased the fact that she beat them to death. This caused a few puzzled expressions around the room.

It might be hard to grasp just how strong the blue demons are. In reality, it’s tough to state definitively.

Just like people, demons vary greatly in skill. The range starts to diverge significantly from blue and includes various abilities.

“How did you manage to take down one with that body? I still can’t believe it. Is it because demons are weak to holy power?”

Kara didn’t seem to buy it. She was constantly scanning Rize’s physique.

While it’s a fantasy world with magic and superhumans, there’s always a limit to it. No matter how much one can fly or crawl, ‘build’ still matters.

But Rize’s appearance is closer to that of a natural woman. One overflowing with maternal instincts, just like Eli.

Kara isn’t lacking in size, but she also inherited exceptional physical gifts from Hector.

Just touching her limbs, they felt as sturdy as steel cables. Trust me, I know from experience.

‘That’s all muscle though.’

But still, I hadn’t seen her Gwonseong mode, which is why I said that. The playful commentary about muscle wouldn’t hold up for Rize.

It’s often joked that the law of conservation of mass applies here. Even if the build changes, the mass itself doesn’t.

So she must still be incredibly strong right now. She could probably easily overpower someone like Kara.

“Well, we seem to have strayed into idle chatter. I hear you’ve been informed about Sivar. What kind of person is he, and what are his traits?”

Looks like we’re coming to the main point. Rize looked directly at me as she brought it up.

I flinched under her intense gaze and subtly shifted my weight.

Next to me sat Eli, who rubbed my head as if to reassure me.

“He is a man who not only survived in the Chaos Forest but is also living there. An individual who uses Red Magic and possesses a berserk trait like a monster. You could say he’s a fitting brother for Lord Chaos.”

“Are you planning to take Sivar with you?”

Eli asked urgently. Even without knowing the details, she seemed to have an inkling of what was going on.

In that moment, Eli hugged me tightly, her body language clearly saying she didn’t want me to go.

Thanks to that, a cozy feeling enveloped me, easing my mind.

“Usually, yes. But after speaking with Rod, it seems that if I take him, it could become quite a headache.”

“Then…”

Was she really going to withdraw? I shot a surprised glance at Rize.

In the Soul World, she always drags me along, referring to me as her brother or sister.

After that, the atmosphere shifts like something out of a seinen manga. The characters gradually become influenced by Rize.

“My goal is simple. To help those chosen by Lord Chaos to make choices for themselves. Most of those chosen face identity confusion. Typical folks often label those who stray from conventional ways as oddballs.”

Rize calmly explained while sipping tea that Rod provided her. Naturally, it wasn’t just any old tea.

The herbs themselves were brought directly by Ratatosk, not from a hospital. It helps break down toxins accumulated in the body.

“However, oddballs have their own beliefs. When those beliefs shine, they can elevate not just themselves and their surroundings, but the entire world. Unfortunately, more often than not, they fade away without realizing their beliefs and identities. I’m here to assist them on behalf of Lord Chaos.”

The world is full of geniuses born in the wrong era, unable to shine.

Most people criticize them. When they can’t even emit light, they are often treated as abominations.

You might hear stories of scientists gaining recognition posthumously. People didn’t believe them at the time, but they were right in the end.

“But I merely open the possibilities; it’s up to them to bear fruit.”

“Are there any who have harvested results outside of the Saint, then?”

“Of course. The person who founded the country of Santiago is a follower of Lord Chaos.”

Santiago is a nation where science and engineering are supremely developed compared to others. While other nations exist in the medieval era, it is more akin to the modern age.

Additionally, it incorporates magic, offering a variety of wonders.

Of course, where there’s light, there’s shadow. That I’ll explain later.

“Besides that, there are theologians who proposed theories of evolution, astronomers who revealed that the world is round, among many others.”

This is in-game lore, but it’s a bit different. Even if Chaos is steeped in randomness, ‘concepts’ are definitely chosen.

A prime example would be the force mage. One who boosts physical strength and agility while ignoring the required magic.

In effect, they would be no different than a warrior, but Chaos kindly allows them to only use magic.

And if Rize provides training? It’s not just the jester-type force mage we’d get, but a genuine Gandalf.

“Sivar is somewhat… significantly different, isn’t he?”

“True. There are few like Sivar who conflict between reason and instinct. But he identifies as a person, right?”

Rize, who had answered Luna’s question, turned to look at me with a question of her own. I nodded silently in response.

Those eerily red eyes full of rage. And the Red Magic accompanying that.

If you just look at this, he’s basically a monster. In fact, many treated him just like one.

But I’m undeniably a person, possessing reason and intellect. Berserk mode only triggers in a crisis.

If a crisis doesn’t arise, I can live like an ordinary person. It’s bizarre for a situation to occur that could trigger the berserk state.

“I can assist you. So you can control your true nature freely.”

“Really?”

This was a bit unexpected. I blinked in surprise and asked Rize.

Currently, my berserk level was maxed out at Ex. Switching from passive to active felt almost impossible.

I was barely holding on with tenacity, but had half given up on it.

Yet Rize claimed it was possible. It was a tantalizing reward.

“Yes. In the East, they call it the ‘heart’s core,’ right? It seems Sivar’s core is misaligned among those. In a way, you might say I’m similar to him.”

“Were you similar to Sivar as well, Saint?”

“My core was gravely misaligned. I faced many struggles because of it.”

“Where do you see that…?”

Kara mumbled as if she didn’t quite believe it. She wasn’t the only one; others had similar expressions.

Rize’s figure is worlds away from ordinary. Instead of resembling stone hard boulders, she embodies abundance.

Even Eli, who could be considered significant in terms of ‘core,’ glanced at Rize’s chest and tilted her head in confusion.

She likely understands how uncomfortable it can be to be similar in that aspect.

“I don’t quite know what Kara meant, but from the reactions I’m seeing, it seems there’s some disbelief. Honestly, it’s understandable; you’d find it hard to believe seeing this form.”

“Isn’t it… very uncomfortable? I’m quite ample myself, so I know.”

Eli placed a hand on her chest and cautiously spoke. The empathy in her question was clear.

To this, Rize smiled softly and slowly rose from her seat. She then made eye contact with Rod.

Rod seemed to read the meaning in her gaze, casually waving as if to say not to worry.

“It’s not like the students should be talking about this out loud. Nothing has as high a level of ‘persuasiveness’ as that figure does.”

Rod could say this because he knows Rize’s true nature. Rize thanked him and moved her feet.

She shifted to the seat right next to the table, and our eyes followed her.

“I once pondered: What does genuine support entail? Is helping those who have suffered physically or mentally the only form of support?”

Rize began speaking with a serene voice. Traditionally, priests have played the role of steadfast supporters.

However, Rize questioned the essence of a priest and contemplated it deeply.

“One day, upon being chosen by Lord Chaos and after decades of pilgrimage, I realized that it was meaningless if you didn’t solve the fundamental cause. While healing the suffering is a priest’s merit, preemptively removing the source of that suffering comes first.”

Boom!

With those words, a sudden blast erupted from Rize. The explosion wasn’t grand; it was more like a tiny pop.

“Ugh!”

“Eek?!”

Rod and I had somewhat predicted it, so we were fine, but others couldn’t help but be startled.

Luna gasped, Eli screamed, and Kara jumped in shock.

Especially Eli, who had hugged me tightly, suddenly felt a hush fall over her mind.

I wished time could freeze just like this, but alas, it couldn’t.

Amidst the faint fog generated by the explosion, a gigantic figure began to emerge slowly.

It was a size that ignored perspective. The physical stature of Saint Rize was rather normal for that matter.

But just look at that figure in the haze. Hector had an impressive build, but it was dwarfed by this one.

“I realized that treating the plague after it worsens isn’t ideal; preventing it entirely is far better. For that, powerful strength is essential.”

Her voice seemed to have deepened compared to before. It wasn’t just an illusion; it genuinely had deepened.

Though she just lowered the tone a bit, her voice was still that of a maiden.

It’s the difference between a well-bred lady and a seasoned female knight.

“…Huh?”

“Uh…?”

“…?”

As the fog gradually dissipated, Rize’s form increasingly became visible.

The more her form cleared, the more the reactions from the group morphed—they grew similar yet distinct.

Their eyes widened, gradually transforming into expressions of disbelief.

In contrast, Rod merely sipped his tea, smooth sailing through the situation.

“Henceforth, I have received from Lord Chaos what was lacking in all priests—‘body’.”

Just moments ago, Rize encapsulated the broad-heartedness of the earth and the richness of the forest, now she was entirely the opposite.

Rough seas of the ocean and the magnificent might of tall mountains. She exuded a raw, rugged impression.

“This is indeed… a blessing bestowed by Lord Chaos.”

“Whoa…!”

Following that, she slowly turned her back. At that moment, Luna was in shock.

The nun’s habit that once hugged her body seemed to have become stretchy, replaced by robust muscles.

The long slender limbs now appeared thick and sturdy, as if carved from rock.

Especially with those fists the size of a cauldron; one hit from those, and you’d probably meet Yama.

Earlier, Kara mentioned her muscles were like woven steel. What I’m seeing now… I can’t even explain.

For now, it seemed like a sword would be utterly futile against her. She’s probably endowed with the ‘Steel King’ trait.

Additionally, she might even have a higher grade than me. If my memory serves me right.

Boom!

Rize tightened her body and struck a pose reminiscent of bodybuilders.

As she did, the muscles across her body flexed dynamically, like a massive muscle monster.

“If that’s the case! Pure reason and savage instinct! How well does that suit Lord Chaos? I’ll help you along the way!”

Holy shit. The atmosphere is about to shift into a battle manga. Wait, is this more like Baki?

First, it’s ridiculous how she’s the only one with such a stark vibe. What’s with her thick line?

“…It certainly is Gwonseong.”

So overwhelming was her aura that even Kara, who doubted Rize, was convinced in an instant. It would be odd if one didn’t feel overwhelmed by this presence.

In the meantime, Rize confidently straightened her shoulders and extended her hand toward me. Her palm was about the size of my face, for crying out loud.

“Now, what do you say? Won’t you come along with me? Just like me, you too can manipulate your true nature at will.”

True nature, my ass. You’re the real Saint mode. But since you said true nature, I suppose it’s plausible.

“…Chancellor? Is this all agreed upon?”

In this surprising situation, Luna quietly asked Rod. It wasn’t much different from the morning.

Rod shrugged and answered in a carefree tone.

“Ultimately, it’s Sivar’s choice. And while that might be different for others, if it’s Rize, I’ll leave it to her.”

“On what basis?”

“That she’s stronger than me. That’s enough reason.”

“…”

That was a pretty convincing argument. In the end, Luna had no choice but to yield her decision.

But if you think about it, Rod’s practically given silent consent. Otherwise, he would have rejected it long ago.

Rize may have an unruly personality, but she also knows when to back off. If Rod had said no, she would have retreated.

‘Do I really have to be dragged along?’

To control the berserk state freely. That’s a huge lure by itself.

It’s just that I can’t meet the event conditions in the process. For me, that is a significant concern.

Just then, as I trembled in Eli’s embrace, contemplating, an unexpected voice pierced my ears.

“Oh, no!”

“Huh?”

“Eli?”

It was Eli. She hugged me a bit tighter and shouted.

Then, burying my face in her chest, she said, “Sivar looks terrified right now. And while it seems like an invitation, it’s basically coercion, isn’t it?”

At least when it comes to that.

“Who would properly comply? Please get him to understand first before rushing it.”

In this moment, Eli was nothing short of a Saint.

---