Everyone Has a Plan (1)
As she navigated a whirlwind of troubles, Luna suddenly had a thought. Was academy life always this grueling?
She'd known the competition was fierce, but this was ridiculous. Cleaning up after Sivar's mishaps, finishing her personal training, investigating the demon's schemes—there was just too much to do. By the end of each day, she was utterly drained, collapsing into bed at the dorm like the dead. I want to go home. That was the thought that always crossed her mind right before sleep claimed her.
If she'd stayed home, none of this would have happened. She'd have lived like an ordinary person, grown into adulthood normally, and dated someone equally ordinary. But everything changed after meeting her master. Through him, her talents awakened, leading her to enroll in the academy. And now, she was suffering spectacularly, just as he'd predicted with all that talk of trials and tribulations.
"Good morning, Luna. Nice day, isn't it?"
"Good morning..."
"Hm... didn't sleep well last night? You look exhausted."
Luna replied to the sharp-featured beauty Grace's morning greeting in a voice thick with fatigue. Even Grace, who usually exuded an air of superiority, was showing concern. Luna rubbed her dry face and glanced sideways.
"Don't tell anyone else about this, okay? If the president hears, I'll get in trouble too."
"Sure."
"Okay. Say ahh~"
"Ahh~"
Pop. Kara was feeding Sivar a candy. She flicked it straight into his mouth with her finger. Whether it was withdrawal symptoms or something, Sivar kept whining for more sweets. Finally, unable to stand it, Kara had slipped him one on the sly. It was just ordinary orange-flavored candy, by the way.
Please, just don't cause any trouble. That was what Luna was thinking inwardly when—
"By the way, I heard Sivar did something hilarious two days ago... or did he?"
Grace sat down next to Luna, her voice laced with curiosity. It was a natural move. Luna turned to face her directly. Up close, those sharp eyes stood out even more.
"...What do you want? You already know everything that happened yesterday, don't you, Grace?"
Luna wasn't lacking in knowledge or intuition. With an incident that big yesterday, Grace surely knew all about it. But the academy was her first taste of such a massive society, so she had her gaps. She had no choice but to ask outright.
"I do know. Hard to find someone who doesn't."
"Then why ask?"
"I'm curious. Exactly what happened. And it seems like it really was Sivar, huh?"
"......"
Caught again. Luna's delicate brows furrowed slightly. Of course, the rumors had spread far and wide by now, so it wasn't hard to guess who started them. Grace had probably asked just to confirm. To gauge Sivar's power.
"...You're asking even though you know?"
"Yes. Didn't I tell you before? I want to get close to Sivar too."
"You'll suffer for it."
Irritation aside, that was sincere. Fewer people suffering was ideal. ...No. Actually, more people suffering like her would be better. Especially Grace.
She'd been eyeing Sivar from the start but hadn't found an opening to approach. If Luna subtly paved the way, wouldn't Grace jump at the chance?
"They say fortune favors the bold. Having someone as strong as Sivar as an ally would be incredibly reassuring, don't you think?"
"Of course. 'Other than that,' he's perfect for anything requiring brute strength."
"Brute strength... In the academy, nothing's more reliable."
"Yes. Exactly."
Grace didn't catch it, but Luna had emphasized "other than that." Sivar was like a kid born with freakish strength. Even Hector had nearly lost to him in a berserk state. That's why some accidents were impossible to clean up. Luckily, the Sword Saint Lord—presumed far stronger than Sivar—was watching closely, making cleanup possible.
His instincts must tell him Lord is stronger. Curiously, Sivar was always obedient around Lord. Ellie too, but that was different—more like submission to overwhelming power. He knew better than to even try challenging it.
"Candy."
"What? Again? No way. I need some left for myself."
"One. Plea...se."
"Ugh, fine. Here. Don't complain when your teeth rot later."
Kara treated him like a friend, so they were close. She might be Sivar's first real friend as a "civilized" person. Ellie felt more like a guardian, and Lord the same.
Then what am I? The question suddenly nagged at her. How did Sivar see her? She'd been too busy cleaning up to wonder before, but now curiosity stirred. Next time they were alone, she'd subtly ask. Plenty of chances left.
"Grace."
"Yes?"
"You seem especially interested in Sivar. Aren't the others good enough?"
"Hm~ Well, not really. But Sivar just looks that strong. That's all."
Of course, Luna wanted to block Grace from using Sivar. It was a tug-of-war. Let her suffer the grunt work, but ensure she couldn't control him. Then Grace would back off in frustration, stuck doing cleanup duty.
Please. She knew she shouldn't think that way. But too much had happened in too short a time. The catalyst? The Death Beam incident two days ago. She'd nearly lost the hard-won opportunity entirely. She'd only brought him to ask about the mural, but the fallout was insane. His very identity was suspect now.
"One thing in advance: please refrain from using Sivar. You couldn't handle it."
"Oh? But you seem to imply you can."
"If it came across that way, I apologize. But I'm serious."
Luna smiled at Grace. Pure, 100% sincerity. Grace responded with an enigmatic smile, looking intrigued. As if to say, fat chance. Prideful people showed it at the slightest prod.
You think I can't? Grace's pride writhed at Luna's bold claim, arrogant as it sounded. Born into a prestigious house, she'd gained much, but her family was no pushover. "Don't expect handouts without effort"—the family motto, drilled into her from childhood with brutal training. She was still striving for recognition. Noble power struggles were infamous for their complexity.
I need to build as many allies as possible. Better to amass friends than crush foes. That was Grace's plan upon entering the academy. She targeted commoners like Luna or low-rank nobles—easy to sway.
But I don't care about skill. The United Academy drew all kinds of talent. Unless top-tier, skill gaps meant little. Top ranks drew national attention anyway. Even prestigious families were state-bound. The Berche Duke's influence helped, but no recognition meant scant support.
Those who can pledge loyalty. That's what she wanted: talents ready to swear fealty. Loyalty for rewards—the basic lord-vassal bond. Sivar was perfect. As he adapted to civilization, he'd feel needs and naturally turn to her. Extend a hand then. He had no roots—no parents, no background. Belonging would mean everything.
Just get close bit by bit until then. He wasn't a beast; expecting animal loyalty was nonsense. Better to raise a dog. She wanted a person.
...Though I'll never get what I truly want this way. Grace smiled bitterly inwardly. A long-forgotten longing resurfaced amid her compromises. But the world wasn't a fairy tale. She steeled herself again. For family approval, for her future—she had to stay resolute.
"By the way, Grace. You're assisting Professor Delphoi with his research, right?"
"Yes."
"Has he done anything... strange?"
"Hm..."
Grace leaned forward at Luna's question. Sivar was playing finger games with Kara. He'd said before: Delphoi's a beast—stay away. Back then, she hadn't known why, but meeting him felt off. Polite words hid daggers; remarks dripped inferiority. Masks couldn't hide true nature. She'd felt an inexplicable unease.
"Hard to say... Could be bias from what Sivar said. I'm watching for now."
She couldn't judge yet. Sivar's "advice" might have prejudiced her. She'd distance gradually. Plenty of great magic professors besides Delphoi—like Godin. Weak in practice, but unmatched in theory.
"I see. Don't take it too seriously. Sivar might be wrong."
"Got it."
"Everyone here? Quiet down—I have an announcement."
Right on cue, Marlboro entered the classroom. Class hadn't started yet, and it was Friday before the weekend—not his usual day. Another professor should have come. Luna looked puzzled, and even Sivar turned from playing with Kara. As attention focused, Marlboro cleared his throat and announced the schedule.
"Next Monday, there'll be a special practical. Not in the main building—outdoors."
Academy practicals were rarely outdoors, so this sounded special. As curiosity peaked, Marlboro spoke in his stern voice.
"It'll be in the forest the academy strictly manages, and..."
He paused, glancing at Sivar next to Luna. Predicting the fallout, he continued.
"The theme is 'survival.'"
"...Survival?"
"Survive in the forest?"
"Wait, if it's that, then..."
Gazes snapped to Sivar at the theme. Luna, Grace, Kara—no exceptions. They all turned unconsciously. Sivar just stared blankly.
"From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.—exactly 12 hours. Survive on your own, in teams. Three or four per group. You get it so far."
"......"
"But as the theme suggests, you can eliminate others—by removing or breaking the bracelets on wrists."
Competition, ultimately. Eliminate or outlast for points. Some thought: just hide all day. But Marlboro shattered that.
"Hiding might seem fine at first. But the activity area shrinks over time. Choices dwindle in the narrowing space."
"So we have to fight eventually?"
A student raised a hand. Marlboro shook his head.
"Again: your team's choice. Survive alone or with multiples—no one knows. Ties still give solid points."
He explained rules: survival first; bracelet damage means instant elimination. Knockouts okay if bracelet intact. Professors monitor for safety; few dangerous animals.
"Wild boars and vipers at worst. Bring antivenom potions."
"What if no potion?"
"Remove the bracelet. Professors will handle it. Don't throw your life away foolishly."
Meals fully self-reliant—no aid. Perfectly survival-themed, especially in a forest full of variables.
"Finally, teams..."
Gazes locked on Sivar again. He'd survived—thrived—in forests. Strong enough to beat Kara. Everyone wanted him.
But reality bit.
"Teams are random. Pre-assigned with professors."
Snap. Marlboro flicked the paper he'd brought. Eyes fixed on it. Luna even used her "eyes," but too far for details.
...Wait. A flash of insight. She might get some peace soon. Fate hinged on teams. Luna listened intently.
"Team 1: Luna Estel."
Her name first. Tense, she waited.
"Antonio Vemos. Talia Jeradi."
She knew Antonio; Talia was new. Top, mid, low ranks balanced.
"Team 2: Kara Mayer Hectorsdotir. Jenaya..."
Learned Kara's full name by chance—unique and long. Luna glanced; Kara grumbled.
"Announces to the world whose daughter I am..."
Tatar tradition, appending lineage. Ask later.
"Elvin Martis Jerka. Banat Rex..."
Sivar's name didn't come soon, heightening suspense. Who'd team with him? Even Grace leaned in.
"Team 10: Grace Aria del Berche. Lee Yeonju. And..."
Near the end, Marlboro paused, glancing up—briefly at Sivar—then folded the paper.
"Sivar. That's all."
"......"
"Questions?"
Plenty. But pointless; no one asked.
"Again: focus on survival. No need to fight."
Marlboro knew their fears—code for "don't fight Sivar." Even Kara barely won. Forest was his home turf. Unbeatable. Better target others or just endure.
"Prepare thoroughly and aim high."
He left. An awkward silence settled. The practical was ordinary: survive forest, eliminate or ally. Problem: Sivar. Ecosystem destroyer beyond invasive species.
Amid headaches, one smiled.
"What a coincidence. Me and Sivar on the same team."
"...Yeah."
Too perfect for coincidence. Forced rigging? Either way, Luna welcomed it. With Grace too—jackpot. Now, execute that earlier thought.
"Luna, if it's not too much, a favor?"
"What?"
"For strategy and tactics: borrow Sivar this weekend."
Predictable. Luna kept poker-faced. Strategies meaningless with Sivar—a living strategic weapon. Grace didn't know his true power yet; irrelevant. Key: loan or no?
"Fine to borrow. But I come too..."
"No. What if our plans leak?"
Pfft. Sivar is the plan. Luna stifled a scoff at Grace's brazen reply. Expected. But Grace didn't know Sivar at all.
Still worried... Normally: sure, take him. But now? Sell conscience for weekend peace, or hold firm? Usually the latter, but exhaustion piled up. Conditioning vital for next week's practical.
Can he behave without me? Luna eyed Sivar worriedly. He played carefree with Kara. One frets; one frolics. Fury nearly boiled over, suppressed barely.
He's kept secrets with us. Never spilled about the mural. Goes with the flow. Not fully "human" yet, but never mistreated anyone—Hector aside, who started it.
Through it all, Luna nodded, decided.
"...I'll tell the president. After class, go with her."
"Thanks so much, Luna."
Half-conscience sold. Lord would grumble but allow. Grace's rationale flawless: team planning. Unblockable in competitive academy.
Luna smiled sweetly at oblivious Grace.
"No problem."
Outward smile; inward: Go suffer like hell. Take good care of Sivar.
Outward and inward diverged wildly.
"Pardon...? Did you just... say...?"
"......"
Grace faltered at the crisp, savory curse. Clearly heard something. Luna realized her slip too late—blood ran cold. Fatigue flipped filters. She'd never err like this sober. But spilled words can't be unsaid. She desperately backpedaled. Shamelessly, if needed.
"I said take good care of Sivar. Did I misspeak?"
"Ah... ahaha... R-right? I misheard?"
"Yes. Probably..."
"Jot-ppa?"
Grace gaped at Luna's shameless save. Intentional? Or...
"Jot-ppa. Suffer?"
"......"
"......"
Sivar spat back her barely-recovered words. Silence again. Grace's purple eyes iced over.
"Good grief. Watch your mouth around kids. And Sivar."
"Yeah?"
"Don't say that. It's a swear. Swear."
Kara's scolding or not, one thing clear.
"...Luna?"
"......"
"You know vulgar curses too. Unexpected."
She'd have to watch Grace's mood for a while.