A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

Chapter 17: Adaptation (4)

The sudden face-off between Sivar and Elvin ended swiftly. Albeit, the impact in such a short period was immense.

Elvin was already gaining recognition even before he joined the academy. He was hailed as a hopeful, promising for his exceptional talent.

Being recognized in an academy that values skills meant the same as being powerful.

However, none of Elvin's attacks hit Sivar.

It would have been understandable if Sivar was just blocking, but Sivar was dodging each attack meticulously.

Typically, to dodge, one needs sharp kinetic vision and agility to match.

In terms of agility at least, this implied that Sivar surpassed Elvin by a few notches.

"He bit it with his mouth, right?"

"I saw clearly. Just how tough is he?"

"Regardless of how tough he is, it's impossible for a human."

Sivar's animal-like movements were impressive, but what attracted most attention was his display of teeth.

No matter how much magical power is used, human teeth have a clear limit. Most people wouldn't even attempt something like this.

But Sivar broke the sword with his teeth. The act of receiving an attack with his mouth was shocking.

Can you really call that a human? Even a savage wouldn't do such a thing.

A beast wearing a human's mask. Those who witnessed the duel could only think of Sivar in this way.

"Did you know that he was that kind of guy, Miss Luna?"

"A little."

Luna, who had been watching the duel from the gallery, answered Grace's question.

She had a hunch from the beginning, from the time when Sivar quickly subdued the Monkey, to the time when he was fighting with Ratatosk about how strong Sivar was.

That's why in this duel, Luna felt that Sivar was playing around'. They seemed to playfully tapping each other.

Luna, who was raised in the country, knew how animals played. Especially, bears often play in such a way.

Sivar showed exactly that kind of behavior. While Elvin was putting all his effort, Sivar faced him lightly.

He was not a threat at all.'

Elvin's skills were phenomenal to the point where Luna, who entered as the top student, would be impressed. The sword was swinged stably, quickly, and cleanly.

It was evident at a glance that he had diligently built up his basic skills. If she had fought directly, Luna would have had a hard time.

However, Sivar dodged Elvin's each attack and then broke the sword with his mouth.

This was impossible unless there was an overwhelming difference in skills.

"Zerka was beaten lethargically, so naturally, attention will focus on that man. It might be hard to approach him due to the principal being there."

"Do you also have interest in Sivar, Miss Grace?"

"I cannot dismiss that entirely."

Grace responded with a sly smile. Luna's face stiffened at her smile.

For some reason, Luna had a strong feeling that she was going to get herself entangled in something. She wasn't the type to lack discretion.

Furthermore, she felt worried about Sivar. Despite the fact that the Principal currently kept him company, the nature of people was unpredictable.

Perhaps, groups that admired his power would try to manipulate him. Luna was primarily anxious about this.

"Sivar doesnt know anything, he lived in the wild. He cant even speak or read."

If anyone had the intention of exploiting Sivar, she was determined to stop them at all costs. His power was far too dangerous.

Although she didnt witness his fight with Ratatosk herself, she had felt its aftermath firsthand.

If such power were used maliciously, it would inevitably lead to a horrifying result. She must prevent that from happening at all costs.

"So why is he obediently following the Principals orders? This is rather intriguing."

"He may not be able to speak but, to some extent, he can communicate."

"Hmm."

In response to Lunas reply, Grace shifted her gaze forward. The medical team was entering to assess if there were any injuries.

They both seemed unharmed. Of course, Sivar had dealt with Elvin quite efficiently.

Looking at Sivar, who was standing nonchalantly, Grace addressed Luna.

"If we can communicate, dont you think we have a chance of becoming acquaintances?"

"Excuse me?"

Taken aback, Luna asked for clarification. The nuance appeared to question Grace's intentions.

Grace responded to Lunas reaction with her characteristic smirk.

"Why not? If communication is possible, I could express my desire of being friends with him."

"II don't see what one stands to gain from being friends with Sivar. Hes not a savage, but hes wild."

It may have sounded like Luna was trash-talking Sivar, but she was stating raw facts. His treatment may be worse than a savage, given that he was wild.

Everyone was merely interested in him, and hardly anyone interacted with him like Grace did.

What one stood to gain from him was too uncertain. Their relationships would likely end at the point of mere curiosity.

Naturally, anyone who recklessly approached him would be exhausted from the unpredictable issues it might raise.

"I think I understand your concerns, Luna. However, you dont need to worry. Im simply curious about Sivar."

"If thats all, its fine, but"

"Speaking of which, it's strange. Luna, why are you protecting him?"

Grace asked Luna a question out of the blue. Luna blinked in response.

"Me?"

"Yes. From what I can tell, you seem to have a strong sense of protectiveness."

Upon hearing that, Luna rolled her eyes thoughtfully and fell into deep contemplation.

Her only goal was to prevent Sivar from being exploited

Ah.'

It was a belated realization, but too late. Luna's expression was carefully read in Grace's purple eyes.

Grace then asked Luna with a deep meaningful smile and a confident voice.

The pressure Luna felt from Grace's impression was considerable.

"Perhaps, is there something much more extraordinary than that?"

" "

"I dont know what it is, but I'm looking forward to it."

Rising from her seat, Grace left with a cheerful smile. Luna just looked at her with a feeling of emptiness.

She got me.'

And she got her well.

All Luna was trying to do was to stop Sivar from being used.

But that had rather backfired. It ended up revealing to Grace that Sivar held a secret.

From now on, Grace will probably approach Sivar. The only relief may be that Rod will be watching over him.

It's not easy'

Even a simple conversation was enough to drain ones energy. A lot of things had happened even though not a whole day had passed yet.

Luna let out a sigh as she looked towards the arena. Everyone, including Sivar, seemed to have already left the arena.

There was nothing she can do just by standing around here. Thinking she probably wouldnt be able to train, she decided to rest in her quarters.

"Hey, you there."

" "

"Yellow hair. Yes, you. Dont pretend like you don't know."

Whats happening this time? Luna frowned at the sound of the voice calling her as she was getting up.

At least Grace spoke politely, this person was direct and impolite. Luna too knew the manners, being a commoner.

Luna turned her head with that thought. Recognizing the person who called her, she relaxed a bit.

"You are"

Medium-length red hair. Green eyes reminiscent of a dense green forest.

She had a wild aura due to her cat-like eyes, but among all these, her dusky skin made her an impressive beauty.

Her attire was audacious as well. Despite the cool spring weather, she was wearing nothing more than a black tank top.

Moreover, noticeable scars carved into various parts of her arms contrasted starkly with her dusky skin.

"Rough. That was Luna's first impression of the woman. And she also knew who this woman was.

Wild no. The princess of the Tatars?'

Currently, she was the most sought-after freshman in the academy.

She was the princess of a country called Tatars', which had just begun to establish itself a few years ago after a nomadic and looting lifestyle.

However, because of their glorious history, a lot of people tended to belittle those from Tatars as barbarians.

The academy was no different. Despite being the princess of a nation, she was often openly referred to as a barbarian.

Every time that happened, this woman in front of her would retort back, making her famous in many ways.

Her name is definitely'

Kara.

She didnt know her surname, but she remembered that it was Kara.

"Princess, what brings you to me?"

Upon Luna's question, the princess of the Tatars, Kara, cast her gaze towards the training ground. Both Sivar and Elvin had already left the training ground.

Then she looked back at Luna and spoke in a lilting tone.

"I heard you brought the guy who was sparring over there, right?"

"What if I did?"

Luna replied dryly. There was no reason for Luna to be polite if Kara was being curt.

Kara seemed unconcerned and continued to speak in her sharp tone.

"Can you tell me where that guy lives?"

" "

She should have left him in the forest. Luna sighed inwardly at the relentless curiosity.

She would have liked to answer sarcastically. However, the manners taught by her teacher stopped her from doing so.

Besides, there was nothing to gain by unnecessarily antagonizing her. The more enemies, the greater the loss.

"Sivar is with the principal. It will be hard to meet him."

"I don't mind. I was just asking out of curiosity."

"But why Sivar?

Why was she showing interest in Sivar?

When Luna asked with that implication, Kara shrugged her shoulders and replied.

"Because he seems strong."

"Pardon?"

"He seems strong. Thats all."

Until she heard that response, Luna was taken aback.

"Come to think of it, you were at the top of your class when you enrolled, right? That implies you're strong. Are you stronger than him?"

"-No?"

"You dont need to be modest."

That was definitely not modesty. She should have seen Sivar and Ratatosk battle.

If she had been entangled there, she wouldn't be here now.

"Oh, what's your name? I only know that you're the top student."

"My name is Luna Estelle. What about you, Princess?"

"Just call me Kara. I'll leave now. Bye!"

Kara, like her appearance, greets energetically and leaves. Contrary to the rumor, she barely had any violent tendencies.

Luna looked at her leaving from afar. Luna wonder if Kara felt Luna's gaze.

Kara paused for a moment, then turned to look back at Luna. Luna was startled, but still faced her.

Before long, Kara grinned widely, revealing all her white teeth.

"Do you like me?"

"Huh?"

"I said, do you like me."

Kara left with words that Luna couldnt understand. Luna couldn't snap out of her daze until she was gone.

She really is a whirlwind of a woman. I strongly get that impression from how she only says what she wants and leaves.

But strangely enough, Luna did not feel bad at all. On the contrary, it seemed to work as Kara's charm.

"Ah"

Luna let out a long sigh and looked up at the sky.

It feels like a lot of time has passed, but the sky is still clear. Today, it feels like time is going slowly.

I want to go home.'

She is really anxious to see what will happen next.

Indeed.

***

Even after the competition was over, I didn't go straight back to my residence. Rod stopped Elvin for a while to have a chat.

I just stood by, slurping on a candy while watching them. He gave me a candy, probably to prevent me from wandering away elsewhere.

Rod seems to think he can manage me with a mere candy.

Right now, I would follow as he wished. And it's absolutely not because of the candy.

Really.

".Did you ask me to get some books for kids to read?"

"Not only books, I need a dictionary as well. I have never raised a kid, so I don't know what's best."

"I haven't raised a child either"

"Don't you have any younger siblings?"

"I do, but I don't personally teach them."

He seems to be asking him to help get some books suitable for me to read.

Having said that, I didn't expect to be reading fairy tales at this age. He should rather try to improve my vocabulary.

Regardless of my grumbling, Elvin gave me a faint smile and said rather awkwardly.

"Can I get fairy tales at the academy?"

"There are professors who live with their families, so it won't be impossible."

"Hmm I see. How many books should I bring?"

"Any book that everyone likely read will do."

Elvin probably had a hunch too. That Rod was having him run errands to teach me how to read.

Elvin glanced at me once again and then nodded his head. The errand itself wouldn't be difficult.

"Thanks. Is there anything you want?"

"No, not particularly. But I am a bit worried about this Sivar guy."

Suddenly, why me. Is he like this because he lost in the competition?

I was blinking my eyes when Rod also asked Elvin a question, probably confused by his statement.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I just learned from the recent competition. If that power is directed at a person"

Ah, is that what he meant? I think I understand what he's implying.

Rod, who seemed to realize what Elvin was getting at, packed a firm intent in his answer.

"That's why I'm overseeing him."

"What would you do if that power is directed at you, the Principal?"

That would never happen. No matter how dissatisfied I may be, if I fight against the Principal now, I would simply die.

The Sword Saint' title isnt a meaningless title affixed for show.

Without exaggerating, if we were to truly fight, I would die without even realizing why I was dying.

"Hmm"

Rod turned his gaze to me after Elvin's words and fixed his stare for a while. I just sucked on the almost melted candy.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Then he showed a kindly smile, followed by a somewhat hair-raising response.

"Ever since, I heard that disobedient children should be properly disciplined. But, for animals, it's said that they only obey when beaten."

" "

"I firmly believe that Sivar is a child who doesn't listen, not a beast."

I decided to become a child who listens well.