Ripples of the Duel
The impromptu duel between Sivar and Elvin ended in a flash. But its impact was tremendous, belying the brevity.
Elvin was already a rising star whispered about even before enrolling at the academy—a promising talent praised for his exceptional gifts. In a meritocracy like the academy, high recognition meant one thing: strength.
Yet not a single one of Elvin's attacks had landed. Dodging them would have been understandable, but Sivar had evaded every strike. Evasion demanded superior dynamic vision and agility to match. In terms of agility, at least, Sivar was several levels above Elvin.
"He definitely bit through it with his teeth, right?"
"I saw it clear as day. How tough is that guy?"
"Tough or not, no human could do that."
Sivar's beastly movements were impressive, but his bizarre feats stole the spotlight. Human teeth had clear limits, even infused with mana—and no one in their right mind would even try such a thing. Yet Sivar had snapped a sword with his teeth. Catching an attack in his mouth was shocking enough. Could you even call that human? Not even barbarians pulled stunts like that.
A beast in human skin. That was the impression of everyone who'd witnessed the duel.
"Did you know that man was this capable, Luna?"
"...A little."
Luna, watching from the stands, answered Grace's question. She'd suspected as much since he'd dispatched the Monkey in an instant, and from his fight with Ratatosk. Just how strong Sivar was.
That's why this duel felt like Sivar had been playing around. Light taps, like kids messing about. Having grown up in the countryside, she knew how animals played—bears especially loved that sort of thing. Sivar had mirrored it perfectly. Elvin straining with all his might, while he toyed casually.
'He wasn't threatened at all.'
Elvin's skill was enough to impress even Luna, the top enrollee. His swordwork was steady, clean, and swift—solid fundamentals evident at a glance. If she'd faced him herself, it would have been a tough fight.
But Sivar dodged every attack and shattered his sword with his teeth. An impossible feat without an overwhelming gap in ability.
"With the Jerka heir getting trounced so helplessly, all eyes will be on that guy now. Hard to approach with the president right there, though."
"...Is Grace interested in Sivar too?"
"Can't say I'm not."
Grace flashed a knowing smile. Luna's expression hardened at it. For some reason, it felt like she'd get dragged into this mess.
She wasn't oblivious. And she worried about Sivar. The president had him now, but people were unpredictable. Some group eyeing his power might pull strings.
That was her biggest concern.
"Sivar came from the wilds—he knows nothing. Can't speak, can't read."
If anyone tried to exploit him, she'd stop it desperately. His power was too dangerous. She hadn't seen his fight with Ratatosk up close, but she'd witnessed the aftermath with her own eyes. If that strength fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be horrific.
She had to prevent that.
"Then why does he obey the president so readily? That's what intrigues me."
"He can't speak, but communication is possible to some degree."
"Hmm."
Grace turned her gaze forward at Luna's reply. Medical staff entered to check for injuries. Neither seemed hurt—Sivar had subdued him too cleanly.
Grace stared at the blankly standing Sivar before addressing Luna again.
"If you can communicate, couldn't you build some rapport?"
"Pardon?"
Luna blinked in confusion, her tone asking what that meant.
Grace replied with her signature mocking smile.
"Why not? If communication works, you could just tell him: 'I want to be friends with you, Sivar.'"
"...I don't see what I'd gain from befriending Sivar. He's not even a barbarian—he's a feral."
It sounded like a diss, but it was fact. A feral was treated worse than a barbarian. People would gawk from afar, but few like Grace would approach. Too uncertain what you'd get out of it. Interest would stay just that—interest. Approaching risked headaches if something went wrong. Natural caution.
"I think I know what worries you, Luna. But it won't be an issue. I'm purely curious about him."
"If that's all, then fine, but..."
"By the way, it's odd. Why are you protecting him?"
Grace's question came out of nowhere. Luna blinked.
"Me?"
"Yes. You sound so protective."
Luna rolled her eyes, pondering. She was just trying to shield Sivar from exploitation...
'Ah.'
Too late. Grace's purple eyes gleamed as she caught Luna's expression. She smiled meaningfully, her voice brimming with conviction. Her presence pressed down oppressively, maybe due to her features.
"Sounds like there's something even more impressive about him?"
"......"
"Whatever it is, I'll look forward to it."
Grace rose with a beaming smile. Luna felt deflated watching her go.
'Played.'
And thoroughly. She'd only meant to protect Sivar from being used. But it backfired, tipping off that he had secrets. Grace would pursue him now. At least Lord was watching over him.
'This won't be easy...'
Even simple talk drained her. And not even a day had passed—too many events already. Luna sighed, glancing at the arena. Sivar and the others had already left.
No point sticking around. No training either—she'd rest at the dorm.
"Hey. You there."
"......"
"Blondie. Yeah, you. Don't play dumb."
Now what? Luna frowned at the voice as she stood. Grace had at least used polite speech; this was blunt casual. Even a commoner like her knew manners.
She turned—and softened slightly upon recognizing the caller.
"You're..."
Medium-length red hair. Forest-green eyes. Feline features exuding wildness, accentuated by tanned skin. Her outfit was scant: just a black tank top despite the spring chill. Scars dotted her arms, contrasting her bronze tone.
Rough. That was Luna's first impression.
And she knew who it was.
'Barb... No. The Tatar princess?'
The freshman drawing the most buzz. From the nation of Tatar, forged from nomads and raiders just years ago. But their bloody history led many to slur Tatars as barbarians—even at the academy.
Despite being a princess, she was openly mocked as one. Each time, she served up brutal beatdowns, making her infamous in multiple ways.
'Her name was...'
Kara. Didn't know the family name, but that was it.
"What business does the princess have with me?"
Kara glanced at the now-empty arena before fixing on Luna with a snappy tone.
"Heard you brought that guy who dueled here. True?"
"And if it is?"
Luna shot back curtly. No reason to be polite with the casual barrage.
Kara didn't care, pressing on sharply.
"Know where he's staying? Tell me."
"......"
Should've left him in the forest. Luna inwardly sighed at the mounting interest. She wanted to snap back, but her mentor's etiquette lessons held her tongue. No gain in making enemies—more foes meant more trouble.
"Sivar's with the president. Hard to meet him."
"Don't care. Just curious."
"Why Sivar, though?"
Why this interest? Luna's question carried that weight. Kara shrugged.
"Looked strong."
"Pardon?"
"Looked strong. That's it."
Luna was dumbfounded until then.
"Oh yeah, you're the top enrollee, right? Means you're strong. Stronger than that guy?"
"...No?"
"No need to be modest."
Not modesty. She'd have to see Sivar vs. Ratatosk herself. Caught in that? She wouldn't be here. Certain.
"Right. What's your name? Only know you're top enrollee."
"Luna Estel. And you, Princess...?"
"Just call me Kara casually. I'm off. Bye!"
She left with bubbly energy matching her looks. No violence, contrary to rumors.
Luna stared blankly at her retreating back. Kara paused, turning with a grin exposing perfect white teeth.
"I like you?"
"Pardon?"
"Like you."
Kara vanished after the cryptic words. Luna stayed dazed until she was gone.
A storm of a woman. Said her piece and bounced. But oddly, not unpleasant—more like her unique charm.
"Haa..."
Luna sighed skyward. Time felt dragged out today, yet the sky was piercingly blue.
'...Wanna go home.'
She dreaded what came next. Truly.
After the duel, we didn't head straight back. Lord called Elvin aside for a talk.
I just munched candy nearby, watching. He'd handed me one, probably fearing I'd wander. He figured one candy could handle me.
Fine for now. Not because of the candy. Really.
"...You want books for children?"
"Books, and a wordbook too. Never raised kids—don't know what's good."
"I've not raised any either, but..."
"No siblings?"
"I do, but I don't teach them."
Seemed he was asking Elvin to fetch books for me. Fairy tales at my age? Teach letters first.
I grumbled inwardly, but Elvin glanced at me, bewildered.
"Fairy tales at the academy?"
"Some professors live with families—bound to have some."
"Hm... Understood. How many?"
"Well-known ones everyone reads."
Elvin probably guessed: Lord using him to teach me letters.
He glanced again, nodded.
Not hard.
"Thanks. Want anything?"
"No. But this Sivar worries me."
Why me suddenly? Because I won?
As I blinked, Lord asked, puzzled.
"What do you mean?"
"From the duel. If that power turns on people..."
Ah, that. Got it.
Lord caught on, replying firmly.
"That's why I'm keeping him."
"What if it turns on you?"
No way. Even I'd die challenging the Sword Saint now. "Saint" wasn't a joke title. Fight for real? Dead before knowing how.
"Hmm..."
Lord eyed me, gaze lingering. I chewed my melting candy.
Then he smiled kindly—and dropped a chilling line.
"They say disobedient kids just need firm guidance. But beasts learn with a stick."
"......"
"I firmly believe Sivar's just a disobedient kid. Not a beast."
Resolved to be a good, obedient kid.