Chapter 80

After I got struck by lightning, I acquired the ability known as Thunder.

As you might guess from the name, it’s one of the “Lightning” abilities categorized under the Soul World trash skills.

Lightning, while it can be blocked, is not truly stopped. If you get zapped enough, your movements become sluggish.

Thanks to this overly powerful feature and the unique charm of lightning, it’s quite popular. Most people choose Gulrak just for the lightning ability.

‘But I got it in a rather mysterious way.’

If my memory serves me right, obtaining lightning is ridiculously simple.

You just need to offer some quality tributes. Or, get close with Kara and get her help.

In my case, it’s the latter. Kara didn’t directly push for the dance, but she did provide assistance.

However, the message about my faith increasing and the involvement of Chaos is pretty much half a confirmation.

‘So it turns out, Chaos doesn’t actually dislike me.’

He’s just a bit of a prankster, but his essence leans towards good. If he were evil, he would’ve sided with demons.

But I’m still a bit miffed at Gulrak. I can’t understand why he decided to strike lightning down on someone as fine as me.

Thanks to that, I got lightning, but come on, he could’ve used a more gentlemanly approach. Now every time I offer tributes, it’s gonna be a hassle.

‘By the way, receiving a choice from Chaos and getting Thunder… that’s a bit odd.’

This feels a little strange. Normally, once you receive Chaos’s choice in the Soul World, you can’t pick other gods.

Offering tributes at the altar or praying at a church should yield no reactions. It’s expected that no responses come back.

My memory’s a bit hazy, but I seem to recall that no incidents had occurred.

‘Maybe I’m just misunderstanding this?’

Like I mentioned, my memory is fuzzy. There could be parts I just don’t remember.

Don’t they say, “A good thing is still a good thing”? Thunder is versatile, and as its level increases, it even grants “Resistance.”

In other words, it means the effects related to lightning can be mitigated for me. In the cases of Hector or Kara, it could even be fully converted into magic power.

‘What about Gaia?’

Having received Thunder from Gulrak makes me greedy for Gaia, too. Being the deity of life and earth, she can grant direct healing abilities.

She’s less of a standard supporter and would probably be treated lavishly wherever she goes. So learning from her wouldn’t hurt.

But unlike Gulrak, it requires prayers instead of offerings. And that’s pretty tricky.

Though it’s more difficult, the upper limit is likely higher than Gulrak’s, but the difficulty of cultivation is top-tier.

‘First things first, I need to figure out how to handle Thunder.’

I’ve told everyone that I obtained Thunder. There’s no reason to hide it, nor did I feel the necessity.

“What? You got Thunder? Just like me?”

“Sivar, didn’t you receive Chaos’s choice?”

“A follower of Chaos, yet blessed by Gulrak?”

Naturally, everyone was surprised. I was shocked myself, so I can only imagine how they felt.

To reassure them, instead of answering, I spread out my hands. I realized how to use Thunder the moment I was struck by lightning.

Crack!

A rather strong lightning flickered in my hands, not as strong as Kara’s but still quite impressive. Uniquely, it wasn’t blue, but red lightning.

The color itself was dark red, similar to magic power, but due to the nature of lightning, it felt bright.

“Lightning… is red?”

“Kara’s is blue, right?”

Lee Yeon-joo and Grace expressed their confusion, not knowing about the existence of my red magic.

Rod advised me to keep it a secret, but those two are trustworthy. They won’t spill anything recklessly.

“I’m blue. Probably because of the influence of magic power. Sivar’s magic is red, you know.”

“Red magic? But magic is…”

“We know, right? We can’t go running our mouths.”

Following Kara’s warning, Grace and Lee Yeon-joo nodded silently. Blabbing wouldn’t help them at all.

I stared blankly at the red lightning dancing in my hand. With just this level of ability, I couldn’t launch a decent attack.

At most, it might just enhance a weapon like magic. If I use Ragnarok, the power would probably double.

[Ability: Compatible with Red Magic!]

Wait. Hold on a second. Why is this popping up now?

I suddenly raised my head, looking at the message that appeared out of nowhere. As soon as I used Thunder, it popped up. The thought that Thunder might disappear made me anxious.

[Ability: The rank of Thunder rises to A!]

“…Oh.”

Hell yeah? The rank of Thunder skyrocketed in an instant.

Just like when my boxing ability rose to B thanks to Wilderness Instinct.

But Thunder has shot up even higher to A. That’s an incredible growth spurt.

At this point, Kara’s Thunder stats are likely between S and SS.

I’m not entirely sure what the essence of Red Magic is, but considering the delicious seasoning of Condensation and Sculpting, it’s pretty impressive.

‘With this level…’

I might be able to land a hit on Rod or Rize? That thought popped into my mind.

Even Hector lacks the mastery of a martial artist compared to Rod. But objectively, his combat capability is a tier below.

Even that tier below has a massive gap, yet it’s still commendable. And I’ve managed to score a victory against someone like Hector.

Even though it was a somewhat unsatisfactory victory due to Berserk kicking in, I had maintained a stalemate up to that point. So, I should be able to deal some effective damage to Rod.

‘First and foremost, I’ll definitely outpace Porori.’

The moment the ceasefire pact is lifted, I’ll turn him into leather. That darn rat-fink.

<Boom!!>

No. Damn it.

Why do I hate this so much, Gulrak?

Why do I have to save that lousy squirrel while I’m treated worse than a beast?

[Your faith is increasing!]

It’s definitely only Chaos.

*****

It wasn’t long before Rod heard that Sivar had acquired Gulrak’s blessing, Thunder.

That’s because Luna reported back right after all the experiential learning() was completed. Of course, she also filled him in on the accident Sivar caused today.

“I told him to not touch things that aren’t his, but… I guess I have to teach him again.”

Rod sighed at the fact that Sivar had caused another mishap today. He looked quite troubled.

Luna hid a wry smile at that reaction. At times like this, it was clear that Rod had developed some affection for Sivar.

Otherwise, he would have mechanically shrugged off the news of another accident. Living under the same roof makes it hard not to develop any feelings.

“But it’s not without gains.”

“Gains?”

“Yes.”

Luna said that while glancing around. Currently, there was no one else at Rod’s residence.

Sivar and the others had gone out to have dinner. She had stayed behind, claiming she had something to discuss with Rod.

‘Sivar takes quite a while to eat…’

So, she had plenty of time. Luna thought about it as she began to pull out information bit by bit.

“Sivar received Gulrak’s blessing.”

“Gulrak’s blessing? You mean the lightning?”

“Yes. It was red lightning, but it was definitely Gulrak’s blessing.”

“Hm. A follower of Chaos, yet blessed by Gulrak…”

Rod pondered deeply. Even he, with his vast experience, found this to be an unprecedented situation, leaving him without a clear answer.

“I think this is something I should ask Rize about. She specializes in this area.”

“Understood. Then next…”

This is the most important part. Luna pulled out an object from her pocket with a tense expression.

The object in question was none other than a model of a monument. It was the thing Sivar smashed at the history hall today.

Rod made a strange expression when Luna placed the broken monument model on the table. It was like asking, “What’s this?”

“This is the model Sivar broke today.”

“Did he have to compensate for this?”

“No, it’s not that… it’s because it’s a demon’s magic circle.”

“…”

The atmosphere became grave in response to the answer regarding the demon’s magic circle. Rod narrowed his eyes and stared at the model.

At first glance, it looked like a standard model based on the monument. It had geometric patterns drawn on it, but that was also inscribed on the monument.

Not having any color painted on it made it difficult to dispute that it was a sculpture. It’s hard to deny that it’s a magic circle drawn by a demon.

“…Is this really true?”

“Yes. I’m certain.”

“You seem to have quite the peculiar abilities, as I mentioned before.”

“…”

Luna didn’t reply. She thought that responding wouldn’t hold much meaning.

If there was someone to ask about it, it would be Rize, but she wasn’t present at the moment. I could ask her later.

In the meantime, Rod examined the broken model from various angles. It seemed like a completely ordinary model.

“If I’m to confirm that this is really a demon’s magic circle… it looks like only Rize could assist with that. It’s fortunate in a way.”

“Is there no one else?”

“Even the attending physician I trusted turned out to be a demon’s minion, so who can I trust?”

It was a rather sad statement one could empathize with. Luna sealed her lips. It was an oddly bitter statement.

After examining the model for a long time, Rod set it down again. Then, he faced Luna seriously and said,

“If we can get confirmation from Rize, she will surely take it seriously. But as long as Rize is left at the Academy, the demons will retract all their plans.”

“Even demons, they do find the Saint threatening, huh.”

“True, but I suppose they are just biding their time. The current world situation is perilous.”

“Perilous…”

Luna wasn’t a fool either; she had heard plenty from her surroundings. The movements of the Hwan Empire seem rather concerning, and there’s news of revolutions breaking out in Santiago, among other things.

The present world situation is on the brink of chaos. The relationship between the Matra Empire and the Granara Empire is becoming increasingly hostile, and conflicts both large and small are breaking out.

At least the Academy is a thoroughly neutral zone, which is a relief, but if an incident were to occur here, it would cross an irreversible river.

“Perhaps the demons targeting the Academy is due to this. To topple the last bastion, the Academy. Then the world would no longer pay heed and would get swept into war. With a long period of peace, there’s plenty to settle with war.”

“Does it have to result in war?”

“Since ancient times, unresolvable fights were dealt with through violence. Since the dawn of civilization, that hasn’t changed. The demons are likely aiming for that.”

“Hmm…”

War.

That concept is far too distant for Luna, who has lived amidst peace.

If the demons are truly scheming for humans to clash, then the timing couldn’t be more appropriate.

Yet openly intervening would only let the demons retreat and say it was none of their business. Other nations would likely dismiss it as nonsense as well.

“For now, we have no choice but to let the demons execute their plans. Only then will they be recognized as the public enemy.”

“…So we aim to minimize damage?”

“To conduct a smooth operation, sometimes you have to cut the flesh. However, by eliminating these magic circles, we could reduce the damage.”

It’s a classic case of sacrificing the few for the sake of the many. Unfortunately, there’s no other option for the future.

If the demons don’t become the public enemy, it’s practically a circular loop. Luna had no choice but to accept this.

Still, there are ways to minimize damage. As Rod said, we can simply seek out more of the demons’ magic circles.

“…I understand. I’ll do my best to search for magic circles.”

“Understood. While doing that, I should focus on deciphering. The herbs that Eli provided are quite effective.”

“How are you feeling now? Is your body okay?”

“About 80%. Just a bit more rest and I should be fine.”

That’s a relief. Rod can use Blue Magic, which would be a significant power boost.

“Oh, and regarding Sivar’s adjustment process…”

Suddenly—

The door swung open before Rod could finish speaking. He had relaxed his tension after saying everything he needed.

Of course, on the other side of the fully opened door stood Sivar and his party. Up to this point, all was well.

However, for some reason, Sivar was not at the back but standing right at the front. Normally, he should’ve been at the back.

Large strides—

He even walked right up to them. Despite his innocent expression, he wasn’t small, making it feel as if a giant was approaching.

When both Luna and Rod were understandably taken aback, Sivar boldly declared,

“Rod Grandpa.”

“Uh, um?”

Not only did he call out Rod’s name, but he even added “grandpa” afterward. The “manners” emphasized by Rod were firmly attached.

“Let’s fight.”

The next words that followed were far from polite, though.

Rod was left dumbfounded by that declaration. Everyone else was as well.

Was it just so out of the blue? Rod stood there in a daze for a moment before quietly turning to Luna, asking,

“Did you get hit by lightning and mess up your brain?”

“…”

Luna could not reply either. She was equally astonished, losing her words.

In the meantime, Sivar revealed what he desired.

“If you hit me once, I’ll give you candy.”

It’s definitely a moment when a lesson in manners is necessary.

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