The sparring event had co to an end. The outco was not much different from what I had anticipated.
The one notable difference was the number of people who challenged Luna for a duel. Having seen Kara's overwhelming defeat, there seed to be many eager challengers.
But of course, she swept them all. Kara was just too strong; it wasnt that Luna was weak. As a result, the spars were considerably easy for Luna.
"So how does it work with the points? I don't care about points or anything, but you do, right?"
"Maybe my rank will be higher than yours now? The defeat probably counts for a lot."
After all the spars ended, we were given free ti. Even though it was just one day of free ti.
Well, the next day was the weekend, so it was pretty much the sa as having a long break. That's when I t with Kara.
As you know, it was to take Kara to Rod to get his permission. From now on, Kara would also have a responsibility as my guardian.
Responsibility is just about not being reckless with violence. Even if violence were used, it would be directed at those worse than beasts.
"Ah. And you should bring candy."
"Candy? You don't an the toasted rice flavored ones Sivar gave last ti?"
Kara spoke with an expression of being fed up, apparently the rice candy had left quite an impression. Its definitely an acquired taste.
"No. You don't have to bring those specifically. he'll eat anything sweet."
"Really? Okay. I thought Sivar liked that candy."
"Like. It."
I answered that I liked it. Having eaten so much of it, my taste buds had beco quite accustod.
Kara looked at with an indefinable expression. Let say it again; I don't dislike toasted rice flavored candy.
"Anyway, I'll take it you like sweet things. You have to solve your als at the buffet every day, right? It looks like you eat a lot."
"Yes. Otherwise, I couldn't afford the food expenses."
"I'll treat you to sothing nice occasionally. I'll take the responsibility."
"Are you sure about the money?"
Luna asked, half surprised, half concerned. Given the amount I eat, her response was predictable.
My usual diet is impressive, but on days I use mana, my consumption increases exponentially.
Recently, there haven't been many opportunities to use mana, so it's been manageable, but it's bound to increase soon. And the food expenses will rise accordingly.
But Kara, appearing not too bothered, waved her hand dismissively and replied with her usual refreshing smile.
"Don't worry. I may not look it, but I am a princess after all. I have plenty of money."
"How much?"
"Enough that it's rotting away, that's how much. Our country makes a lot of money."
As previously explained, the Tatars developed their trade due to geographical advantages. They are sandwiched between the Hwan Empire and the Tatars.
Originally, the shortest trade routes passed through Tatar territory, which ant risking being plundered by the Tatar people.
After establishing the nation, they cleverly exploited this, transitioning the threat of plunder into a trade business.
Plus, with the Tatars themselves providing escort services, trade naturally flourished.
"So don't worry about money. If you want, I can lend you so for a ti or two."
"Sister"
"But you have to give it back."
"Eh?"
Luna showed a unique reaction to the repaynt part, her pretty face crumpling cutely.
Kara, possibly expecting this response, laughed and clarified clearly.
"Sorry, but both I and the Tatar people are ticulous about money. Nothing is easier to lose trust over than money matters."
"What if soone borrows money and doesn't repay?"
"Just consider it a donation and move on. But know that you permanently lose trust in that person."
It's a scenario that exists in the Soul World too. If you borrow money from Kara and don't repay, your affinity drops steeply like a roller coaster.
Unlike Elvin, this is one reason Kara is far removed from the role of a rich patron. Everything else may vary, but she is ticulous with money.
"Sivar."
"Yeah?"
As I was mulling over my thoughts, Kara called for . I looked back at her, wondering.
"Do you know what money is?"
"Money?"
"Yes. Like this."
Kara then showed sothing. She was holding a round object between her index finger and thumb.
The object was mostly silver. In the center, there was a number and a figure inscribed.
It's one of the global currencies used within the Soul World.
Co to think of it, I need to start saving money.'
I had completely forgotten about money matters, never having dealt with living expenses before.
Others had paid for everything around , and I had lost any sense of money.
"Seeing your expression, you don't know it. Collect these, and you'll find things easier later on. Got it?"
"Yeah."
"I heard you can earn money by hunting or gathering herbs, right?"
The question Kara directed to Luna. Luna nodded in response.
"Yes. I go into the forest to gather herbs every weekend. That's where I t Sivar by chance."
"Sivar might be able to get a lot of good ga, right?"
"Hmm"
Luna considered the plausible point and looked at , appearing to ponder.
Just the monkey I dealt with to save Ellie is known to fetch a high price.
"I'll think about it slowly. Sivar doesn't understand money yet."
"I'll help you out until then. Later, you can repay physically."
Isn't that statent ripe for misunderstanding? She must an hunting, but the way it ca out was ambiguous.
Luna seed to pick up on the strangeness and paused after nodding, then looked at Kara and went, "Eh?"
"Sister?"
"What?"
"That thing you said just now It was a bit"
"What do you an?"
Kara suddenly froze as if she had made so blunder and realized it. Her face turned gradually redder before sneaking a glance at . I just stared blankly, the best course of action when in doubt, since she would assu I really didn't understand.
Nevertheless, the embarrassnt must have been mutual as Kara coughed and quietly clarified.
"Don't get the wrong idea. It's not like that, okay? Sivar probably doesn't even know what that ans, right?"
"Then why would you say it! Youre making people nervous! People are listening."
"Whos listening?"
"I am."
Lunas response couldnt have been more confident, leaving Kara at a loss for words. How peculiar she is.
Kara tried to retort but ended up laughing weakly. It was an admission of defeat.
"Forget it. It's useless to keep talking. By the way, where does Sivar live?"
"Were almost there. Right over there."
Masterfully changing the subject, we arrived at the residential area. This was now my living space, not just The Principal's office.
While The Principals office is in the main building, Rod also works here. But since Im attending classes, we dont cross paths.
"The Principal lives here too?"
"Yes. I believe he takes care of his als and lodging here as well."
Knock knock knock
Luna knocked gently on the door. Then from behind I sensed soone approaching.
Creak
"Ah. You're here?"
"Yes. Is there soone else inside?"
"No one. Ellie is currently in class."
Rod personally opened the door and welcod us in. Without a secretary, he had to handle things himself.
Kara seed as surprised as that Rod ca to greet us himself, her face reflecting the unexpected turn.
"Youre the Tatar princess. Your na is"
"Just call Kara, please."
"Understood. Please co in, Ms. Kara."
Rod swung the door wide open and ushered us in. As soon as we entered, a distinct scent filled the air.
Since two n lived here, they burned incense to counteract any bachelors sll.
"Do you want sothing to drink?"
"No, that's alright. I'm just here to talk and then leave."
Kara politely declined Rod's offer, waving her hands, indicating she thought it would be impolite to stay longer.
Rod didnt insist any further, but he did prepare a set of tea and light refreshnts for us.
For Kara, the grandeur of the situation was apparent as she began to fidget, given its uncommon for a Sword Saint of Rod's caliber to serve guests personally.
Just as she was about to help out, Rod reached out to stop her.
"This is where I and Sivar live. As the hosts, it's our duty to tend to our guests."
"But still"
"Dont the Tatars have their own hospitality customs? So, just take a seat quietly."
Laughing, Rod persuaded Kara, and she finally sat down without further argunt.
Kara, who had been so assertive about becoming my guardian, seed like a gentle lamb in front of Rod.
"So, you want to be Sivar's guardian?"
A mont later, after the setting was complete, Rod sat down and broached the topic.
Kara, who was nibbling on a biscuit, hastily shoved the rest into her mouth at his question.
"Gulp! Yes. You might have heard, but I'd like to be Sivar's guardian."
"I heard the student has been helping with Sivar's training. Do you want to continue managing the training after becoming the guardian?"
"Thats correct."
"May I ask why you're helping him?"
Kara, as if prepared for that question, spoke in her unwavering tone, like she was in an interview.
"Initially, it was out of curiosity. I thought it didnt matter either way. But after sparring with him, my thinking changed."
"How so?"
"Itd be a waste to let that power run rampant."
A very Tatar-like response. Usually, the discourse would be along the lines of this strength is too dangerous; we must teach restraint.
But Kara had gone in the completely opposite direction. Rod seed unbothered, perhaps having anticipated this.
"It's too inefficient. It's okay to rely on a sturdy body and charge forward, but doing so will lead to trouble later. Youll need to know restraint'."
"You an you want to teach him how not to accidentally kill soone?"
"Sothing like that."
Rods interpretation was close to the mark. Kara had ntioned teaching restraint, not forbidding the use of power altogether.
Steady if firm, and violent if violentthat's the mindset. Kara knew this and nodded along.
"Its just a matter of asure when using force; the concept remains the sa."
"I agree. However, violence isn't so readily accepted in civilization."
"I understand what you're saying. But I don't resort to violence for no reason. I will be mindful of that."
"That should be enough. It seems you've learned well from Hector."
""
Kara hesitated montarily when Rod ntioned Hector. But she did not deny it.
As Rod put it, most of Kara's philosophy was learned from Hector, advice that power shouldnt be used recklessly.
Its also the reason she resents Hectorhaving viewed and learned from him all her life, changing her heart midway and then being forced to adopt a different perspective.
"Regardless, I agree with that."
"Understood. Then"
Thump thump thump
Before Rod could finish, soone knocked on the door. A rough knock.
If it had been Ellie or a professor, they would have knocked lightly. But this one was blatantly aggressive.
"I'll go see who it is."
"Please do."
Luna got up and headed towards the door with Rods low approval.
It seed he already knew who had co knocking. Being a Sword Saint, he would have identified them by their presence.
I felt the sa way. Although it was difficult to identify who it was based on their aura alone, one thing was certainly clear to .
They were huge.
Creak
"Who is oh?!"
Luna began to speak, but halted abruptly and gasped in shock, stepping back seemingly terrified.
It was no wonder the person at the door had an unbelievably large build he appeared to be two heads taller than an average adult male.
The visitor looked at Luna with a puzzled expression before turning his gaze to the people behind her. Then he asked us in a polite' tone, "Do you mind if I interrupt for a mont?"
"As long as you don't break anything," was the reply.
"That might be a bit difficult."
Kara's biological father and the king of the Tatars.
King Hector, known as the Destroyer, unexpectedly visited the Principal's office.
"Father? Why are you?"
Caught off guard by the unexpected visitor, Kara muttered with a bewildered expression.
anwhile, Hector entered, bowing his head due to the doorway's low height as he was too tall.
Then Hector looked around the house where Rod and I lived. He nodded as if he approved of the place.
"Not too bad. Do you and the old man live here with that kid?"
"That's the plan for now. Don't just stand there, have a seat."
"If you insist."
With a thud
Hector took a seat at the invitation of Rod, right next to Kara.
And he was also directly across from . Naturally, Hector and I exchanged looks.
His eyes were still full of interest as they t mine, but today it was different.
How should I put it? His gaze was almost challenging. Anyway, it was evident.
"Shouldn't you put that axe down from behind you? If soone sees, they might think you're here to fight."
"Give a break. I'll be heading back to Tatars soon anyway."
"That weapon would return even if you drop it in the sea."
"It gets boring without it."
Though the mood grew tense with Hector's arrival, the situation surprisingly loosened up.
Luna, who had been cautiously watching from the door, carefully pulled up the remaining chair and sat down next to .
"So, why did you co?"
When Hector started chatting with Rod, Kara broke the silence, clearly displeased with the current situation.
Indeed, it would be understandable for her to be angry, as Hector had barged in unannounced. But Hector too had his reasons.
"Just so you know, I'm not here for you I ca for him. There's sothing I need to check."
"Why Sivar?"
"I'm concerned, especially with the redness of his eyes."
Red eyes. I unwittingly touched my eyes.
The crimson pupils shone vividly a symbol of frenzy' in monsters.
Frenzy is triggered in a near-death state. In the past, I had narrowly escaped death several tis, causing the frenzy to activate often.
Now, having gained resilience, I've beco better off, but it's still dangerous, having activated even during my fierce battle with Porori.
"I should ask since he seems to understand human speech. Was it Sivar?"
""
"Are you a beast pretending to be human, or a human possessing the power of a beast?"
It was a gravely serious question, one that pierced right into the nature of my being.
Honestly, I couldn't answer that question. The wild instincts within were turning into a beast.
Furthermore, due to my drastically lowered faith, I couldn't even properly wield language. In essence, I was a beast with the appearance of a human.
"If it had been soone else getting close to my daughter, I wouldn't have said a word. But you are too dangerous."
"Dangerous?"
"Yes. Dangerous. If those red eyes are real, then there's no way you'll be able to blend into society. In a crisis, you'll lose your reason and beco a beast. Every single ti."
""
His words were accurate. Porori had once said sothing similar.
If I didn't do sothing about these red eyes, there definitely would be serious problems.
Language aside, the reason a beast is a beast is that its instincts are stronger than its reasoning. As long as the frenzy exists, those instincts are bound to take over.
"Look at this Suddenly, you show up and start saying these things. What's wrong with having red eyes?"
Kara spoke with a voice that could not hide its disbelief. However, Hector paid her no mind.
His gaze was fixed solely on . I couldn't help but feel puzzled even as I t his gaze.
Was it always supposed to be like this?'
There's an event where, if you beat Kara in a match, you get to et Hector.
Whether you were in your dorm, at a cafe, or at a restaurant, he'd just appear out of nowhere and have various conversations.
Mostly, they were about taking care of his daughter but also about not getting too close. It was a father-daughter chat.
"Old man."
"Speak."
"Do you know of any place nearby where it's okay to wreck things? I believe there's a forest close by."
With remaining silent, Hector posed the question to Rod.
Rod frowned slightly at the question before responding tersely.
"Absolutely not. This is an academy. If an accident happened, even you wouldn't be safe."
"So you're saying to leave it be? What if he causes an even bigger accident than later on?"
"Hmmm"
Considering it a valid point, Rod turned his head towards , his eyes lost in deep thought like a tranquil lake.
Then he calmly asked Hector another question.
"If it works out, what then? Will you fix him?"
"No. As you know, I can't leave my position for long now."
"Then no"
"But."
Hector interrupted before Rod could finish his objection. It was as though he had an alternative in mind.
Thud!
Suddenly, he pulled out the weapon he had been carrying on his back and placed it on the desk. Everyone's eyes were imdiately drawn to the weapon.
By general appearance, it looked like an axe'. However, it was too big to be a one-handed axe and too small to be a battleaxe.
If compared to sothing on Earth, it would be akin to the size of a fireman's axe. In addition, its shape was unusual.
One side was sharpened like a blade, while the other was blunt like a hamr.
With everyone focused on the axe, Hector declared his intentions.
"I will lend this to ensure he doesnt display any bestial traits."
"Have you lost your mind?"
"Why would you!"
Rod as well as Kara were shocked, looking at Hector incredulously. Only Luna remained confused, unable to grasp the gravity of the situation.
Deep inside I was also shocked, though I managed to maintain a stoic facade.
That was the case because Hector's weapon was considered among the top ranks within the Soul World.
Ragnarok.'
Hector's prized weapon and a near endga item. However, it required continued accumulation of faith' to unleash its full potential.
To , then, it would be just a sturdy axe. It was uncertain if it could withstand my crimson magic.
It was an extraordinary offer for Hector to lend such an axe. It felt almost excessive.
Yet, it seed Hector was resolved as he spoke solemnly.
"For safety, it's vital to prevent any outbursts as much as possible. This is the best I can do."
""
"I just need verification. The mont I know he's a normal human, I'll kneel and apologize imdiately. Moreover, I swear to Gulak that I won't interfere with you any further."
A vow made to Gulak carries strong effects. If broken, lightning would strike from the heavens.
This showed the sincerity of Hector's intent. He was willing to sacrifice his beloved weapon for Kara's potential safety.
Rod seed lost for words at the offer to lend the weapon and fell into contemplation.
After so ti had passed with Rod deep in thought, he sighed quietly and began to speak.
"There's a forest 6 o'clock from my position, about 300 ters away."
"Can we just wreck it?"
"I'd prefer you fight further away if possible. Debris could fly over here."
"Good. And you?"
Hector kindly sought my opinion, seemingly leading the event to turn into a duel.
I shifted my gaze towards Kara. She seed to have grasped Hector's resolution by her shocked face.
Luna felt similarly. Although she couldn't keep up with the topic, her expression showed she realized the seriousness of the situation.
"Both."
With that, I addressed them both. Their gazes fixed on .
In an attempt to assure them, I expressed my resolve with a concise but powerful language.
"Fine."
"I don't know who taught you, but you seem to have learned consideration well."
Hector chuckled at my response before slowly rising from his seat.
He grabbed Ragnarok from the desk and began to walk.
It seed I should follow him. As I was about to move following his broad back.
"Lets not delay and"
Hector tightened his grip on the axe.
"Start imdiately."
He swung the weapon upwards, not with the blade, but with the blunt side.
"Shibal"
Just a mont.
Boom!
My body was catapulted through the ceiling and into the sky.
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