A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy-Chapter 223

The long-awaited event by countless people, the sparring and brawl, began today.

The main event, the brawl, is scheduled to take place on the last day, and today is for sparring. So I thought I'd just take it easy.

Watching the sparring wouldn't bring me any significant benefit, and it would just end with spectating. Staying holed up in the dormitory is much better.

"No, no. Watching the sparring is a rare opportunity."

"It can also improve your improvisation skills."

However, Rod dragged me along. Personally.

Even when Grace suggested we go watch, I declined. I wanted to rest.

But not long after Grace left, Rod came to find me. And he even brought Rize along.

When the Sword Saint and Martial Saintess come looking for you, what can a mere academy student like me do? Complaining won't stop me from being dragged along.

"I want to stay."

"No. You don't have anything to do staying alone in the dormitory, do you?"

"I want to stay."

"Don't act like a stubborn cat and stay quiet."

Furthermore, these two seated me in the VVIP section, a place reserved for the chancellor and high-ranking officials.

I had sat there once during last semester's sparring, but back then, I didn't know any better. It drew a lot of attention.

Once might be excusable, but sitting there twice? It's a clear signal: Don't mess with me, I'm being favored.

And with Rize present too? It's impossible not to attract attention.

'Still, it's nice to see everything from here.'

Since it was Rod's exclusive seat, I could closely observe not just the sparring arena but also the spectator seats.

The spectator seats were arranged by nation, just like last time, and acquaintances like Grace were seated in the student section.

The same went for Karas and Dan Yerin. As students, they weren't allowed to sit in the VIP section according to the rules.

'Seeing Gloria sitting there means that's the Matra Empire, and Chronos is in the Granada Empire...'

The focus this time isn't on the Matra Empire or the Granada Empire. It's on the East.

The reason it's the East and not the Hwan Empire is because the representatives of each nation attended. They immediately caught my eye.

The seating arrangement reflects the strained relations between the Hwan Empire and the allied nations, with a palpable sense of distance.

'They're openly showing their discord.'

From the Hwan Empire's perspective, it's infuriating, while from the other nations' perspective, it's entertaining.

The East's national power is comparable to the Soviet Union on Earth, but it's been self-destructing.

But that's only natural, considering the Hwan Empire's tyranny is so extreme it's nauseating.

It's so bad that even the citizens of the allied nations are rising up. That says it all. In such an era, even the citizens are affected?

Even the Soviet Union on Earth managed to maintain its alliance until it self-destructed. But the Hwan Empire has ruined even that.

'After the brawl, they'll attempt to assassinate Dan Yerin, and Lee Yeonju will assist.'

Looking at it this way, Dan Yerin is truly pitiful. There's no one around to protect her.

Even the reason Lee Yeonju wants to assassinate Dan Yerin is absurdly simple: because she's the Hwan Empire Princess.

While her symbolic significance is undeniable, the lack of information leads to innocent people being harmed.

'I need to stop that...'

Even though Dan Yerin is in the room next to mine, I can't feel at ease. You never know when or where they'll strike.

Especially Lee Yeonju. You can't predict where she'll appear, so she needs to be closely monitored.

'Anyway...'

I turned my head to look at the sparring arena. Right now, someone from our class and someone from another class were sparring.

The theme of the arena was a vast plain. With nothing else present, pure skill battles were crucial.

'Not very impressive.'

Maybe it's because I've sparred with Rod all this time. For some reason, it felt a bit dull.

The basics were solid, but it lacked that distinctive intensity. Of course, this was likely due to Rod's skills.

When a single normal attack can slice through space, it's strange if there's no intensity. My standards seem to have gotten too high.

"Come to think of it, you said you've taken on a disciple?"

As I sat quietly watching, Rod asked Rize, who was sitting next to him.

By disciple, he probably meant Erica, and Rize seemed to understand as she nodded.

"Rather than a disciple, she's more like a sister. I merely guided her to the right path."

"I heard rumors that she can transform like you..."

"It'd be faster for you to see it yourself. It'll be fun during the brawl."

So she can transform. That's the only way her previously flat chest could become massive.

But more important than that is technique. Even if divine power supplements muscles, it's meaningless without substance.

"Is she focused on martial arts like you? I'm curious about that."

"No. I only taught her for self-defense, and she's lacking a lot in technical aspects. She's not a Holy Knight but a cleric, after all."

Just as I expected. No matter how much she's embraced the power of chaos, it's pointless if she can't use it effectively.

Erica, who had no skills, couldn't surpass Luna and Kara in just a month. If she did, that'd be a problem in itself.

"Still, I've been consistently teaching her combat. She has talent and learns quite well."

"I'm really curious about her fighting style. Since you called her a sister, she must be a Follower of Chaos."

From what I've heard, she supports from the rear even after embracing chaos. So it's even harder to imagine.

A muscular body belongs on the front lines, not supporting from the back. It feels a bit out of place. I'll have to see it myself.

"By the way, wasn't she originally a Follower of Gaia?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"I've heard that Followers of Gaia can't use their powers if they become Followers of Chaos. Isn't that exactly your case?"

"Ah..."

At Rod's question, Rize couldn't answer immediately. She rolled her eyes, seemingly deep in thought.

So Rize used to be a Follower of the God of Life? This is the first I've heard of it. Was there anything about this in the Soul World?

'Or maybe it was overshadowed by her strong presence.'

Her character is so intense that I might've forgotten about her past. Now, everyone sees Rize as a Follower of Chaos.

While pondering, Rize finally spoke. Her tone suggested it was so long ago she'd forgotten.

"That's true, but... I'm not sure. Lord Chaos might've made an exception for her. After all, Mr. Sivar can use Lightning, right?"

Hmm. That makes sense.

"...?"

Wait. When did I ever tell Rize about my use of Lightning?

I found it a bit strange but assumed Rod must've told her. They're close, so they must've shared various stories.

Beeeep!

At that moment, a loud alarm echoed throughout the arena. It signaled the end of the sparring.

Looking at the arena, I witnessed an interesting scene. No one was standing.

Only people lying on the floor were visible. A rare draw.

"I'll take my leave now."

"Hmm? Already?"

"Yes. Something just came to mind."

As soon as the match ended, Rize left first. She seemed to have something to do.

Just as she was about to leave, Rize turned to me, as if she'd remembered something, and made a suggestion.

"Oh, Mr. Sivar?"

"Yes?"

"If you'd like, I'd like to spar after the brawl. Would that be possible?"

For some reason, it sounded like this to me.

[I'm going to crush you.]

It probably wasn't just my imagination.

*****

After getting Sivar's permission to spar, Rize moved to a different location. Even as she walked, countless gazes followed her.

Her stunning beauty and the figure revealed beneath her nun's habit were enough to captivate many men.

However, Rize paid no attention to her surroundings and walked straight ahead. Her destination was where Erica was staying.

She had heard Erica was training today in preparation for the brawl. So she planned to offer advice and make a request.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Sister, it's Rize. May I come in?"

"Yes, please come in."

As soon as she was granted permission, Rize opened the door and entered. This place, by the way, was a training ground assigned to clerics.

Since there were so few clerics, the academy provided various support. There was no need to rent a private training ground.

The 𝘮ost uptodat𝑒 novels are pub𝙡ished on freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

When Rize stepped inside, the first thing she felt was the intense heat.

A slightly sticky and peculiar body scent mixed with the heat. It was familiar to her.

"Hoo."

Erica was breathing heavily. Sweat poured down her body like rain, and her clothes were soaked in it.

Currently, she was not wearing her nun's habit but workout clothes, a tank top style that fully exposed her stomach.

As you might have guessed, these were also clothes Rize had personally purchased. The size was just right, and the color matched her hair—pink.

"It seems you're working hard."

"Yes. If I work a bit harder, fewer people will get hurt during the brawl."

"That's an admirable mindset."

Rize nodded with a satisfied smile. Erica's convictions were as steadfast as ever.

Life was immensely precious, and she was doing her best not to harm it. In some ways, she was walking a path completely opposite to Rize's.

Having once been a follower of Gaia, such convictions were perhaps natural. However, until recently, they had been riddled with contradictions.

Rize had gone through great pains to correct her over the past month. She was a cleric whose tenacity was worth acknowledging.

"Sister Erica."

"Yes, please speak."

"Will you truly refrain from using force until it directly harms you?"

"If there's someone who can fight in my place, yes."

"Then, does that mean you will fight yourself when the time comes?"

"Yes."

This was also satisfactory. It meant she wasn't recklessly putting up a shield but was instead offering support from behind in every possible way.

In truth, her mindset as a cleric was more than sufficient. It had only been distorted by her conflicting beliefs.

Rize smiled briefly before her expression gradually turned neutral. What one might call a poker face.

Erica looked puzzled at this, but Rize spoke first.

"Sister Erica, you might have to fight Brother Sivar."

"I know. If that time comes..."

"Surrender unconditionally."

"What?"

She was just about to say she would fight no matter what when Rize cut her off sharply.

Knowing Rize's personality, one might expect her to say, "Fight to the death," but this was unexpected.

"I'm sorry, but the difference in skill between Brother Sivar and Sister Erica is clear. I don't want you to get hurt."

"But still..."

"Please. Will you grant me this request?"

"...Understood."

Faced with what felt like a somewhat forceful request, Erica quietly acquiesced. However, her expression was far from satisfied.

Having received her answer, Rize smiled again. She then spoke to Erica, who was sitting and resting.

"Thank you. Then, shall we proceed with the final training? First..."

Bang!

Before she could finish her sentence, a small explosion occurred near Rize. At the same time, smoke began to rise.

From within the smoke, a muscular silhouette emerged. Even before the smoke fully cleared, Rize spoke.

"Let's start with some simple lower-body training."

At Rize's instruction, Erica also stood up. She nodded and then took action.

"Hup!"

With a sound that seemed to channel her strength.

Boom!

A similar explosion occurred near Erica. Though much smaller, an explosion was still an explosion.

Smoke also rose, and it was clear that within it was a muscular giant.

As the smoke slowly began to clear, Erica responded in a deep and heavy voice.

"I'm ready."

"Good."

If Sivar had seen this scene, he would have evaluated it as follows.

"May the blessing of chaos be upon you."

"May the blessing of chaos be upon you."

The end of the world must be near.