SWNOVELXO Chapter 100
TLed by NolepGuy
Chapter 100
Although there were various incidents during the midterm exam, they didn’t directly affect me.
The restrictions on attack rights were imposed by the professors first, so no one could hold me accountable. Even if there were repercussions, I wouldn’t care.
I thought Rize, who shares meals and lodgings with me, would scold me, but she didn’t. Instead, she praised me, saying Chaos was pleased.
In fact, my faith skyrocketed just from the midterm exam. When I checked last time, it had risen to an impressive 34.
In the Soul World, regardless of one’s origin, faith is typically fixed at 10, making it hard to increase.
Yet my current faith has exceeded 30, which is quite a high level.
‘Not that it matters since there’s nowhere to use it.’
Normally, when faith increases, its effects vary depending on the order.
For Gulak, offensive abilities like lightning are enhanced, while for Gaia, healing and defensive abilities improve.
However, Chaos is a bit different. The higher your faith, the lower the probability of Chaos messing with you.
While it tends to be mischievous most of the time, it fulfills its role reliably in critical situations, making it somewhat ambiguous.
Still, having high stats isn’t a bad thing. With Rize by my side, I can take things slowly.
“Is it tasty?”
“Yeah, it’s delicious.”
“That’s a relief. You really love chocolate, don’t you?”
For now, let’s start with the dessert. I happily scooped up a mountain of chocolate ice cream.
Kara said I could eat as much as I wanted as a reward for the exam, so today I plan to indulge without restraint.
You might think I’d feel self-conscious, but if anything, Kara feels uncomfortable when I hesitate.
She often grumbles, saying that even in the Soul World, if I keep being overly cautious, it’ll create more awkwardness between us.
Considering her bold yet generous personality, it’s much better to just eat freely.
“She’s going to get diabetes at this rate… Don’t let her eat too recklessly.”
Of course, it’s not like we’re eating alone in a cozy setting. Kara, perhaps feeling guilty, also treated Grace.
Originally, Lee Yeonju was supposed to join us, but she adamantly declined, citing personal matters.
She’s probably busy since one of the key figures of the Hwan Empire is set to enroll soon.
“Diabetes is that thing, right? The condition where eating too much sweet food causes all sorts of illnesses.”
“Yes, you’re quite knowledgeable.”
“A few years ago, it was considered an endemic disease mostly found in our country. Ever since the founding of Tatars, all kinds of sweet foods have spread everywhere, haven’t they?”
“Ah, now that you mention it, that’s true.”
The Tatars, inspired by Ancient Egypt, have a food culture quite similar to it.
In the Middle East on Earth, desserts so sweet they make your tongue tingle are considered a specialty, and the Tatars are also famous for their incredibly sweet desserts.
It’s said that they’re great for replenishing energy and providing sufficient nutrients in the scorching heat, which is why they’re widely supplied to the military. That’s how I heard it, at least.
“You know chocolate was invented in our country, right?”
“Really? That’s the first I’ve heard of it. But aren’t the ingredients for chocolate found in other regions?”
“Turns out, we can cultivate them in our region too.”
They make everything sweet. This could be considered the defining phrase of Tatar food culture.
With this, it wouldn’t be surprising if there were an overflow of diabetes patients, but strangely enough, there are almost none.
It’s largely because their pancreases are absurdly strong, and their advanced medical knowledge allows for proper management.
Of course, once someone does get diabetes, there’s no escape from strict management. Even in a fantasy world, what can’t be cured simply can’t be cured.
“Ugh…”
Perhaps because I kept eating ice cream nonstop, my head started to throb as I listened to Kara’s explanation.
When I grabbed my head and let out a low groan, Kara chuckled and said,
“Eat slowly. For today, this big sister will treat you to everything.”
“Big sister? Is Mr. Sivar’s age similar to ours?”
When Kara referred to herself as “big sister,” Grace widened her eyes in surprise.
Kara often exuded the vibe of a reliable older sister, so it didn’t feel out of place at all. She was actually about two years older than the other students.
If I considered my real age, I’d be close to hers, but because she always gave off such a dependable impression, I didn’t dwell on it.
“Who knows? I’m not sure either. But judging by his face, he’s probably around your age.”
“Hmm…”
Grace stared intently at my face after hearing Kara’s words. Her sharp gaze seemed to scrutinize me thoroughly.
I stared back at her just as intently. Perhaps embarrassed, she slightly blushed and turned her head away.
Then Grace cleared her throat and responded positively to Kara’s comment.
“That might be true. When he first arrived, I thought he was older because of the long beard.”
“A beard on that face… That’s kind of odd. But I think it’d still be cute.”
With that, Kara patted my head, calling me cute. By now, such gestures of affection felt natural.
Grace, observing our interaction, seemed to feel something, judging by her subtle expression.
It’s true that such physical affection between a man and a woman isn’t common. It requires a certain level of closeness.
“Kara, you seem really close to Mr. Sivar.”
“Do I? I’m not sure.”
“Hmph!”
When she even tried pinching my cheek, I pouted in protest.
While I don’t mind her patting my head when I’m eating, I’d prefer if she refrained from pinching my cheeks.
Perhaps understanding my feelings, Kara stopped pinching my cheeks and instead patted my head a few more times.
“Honestly, it’s only natural for us to grow close. No one else approaches me, and even when I try to approach them, they avoid me. But he’s different. Before I knew it, we were close.”
“…”
“You don’t have to make that face. I know how much damage our country caused yours. I’m not shameless enough to ignore that.”
Noticing Grace’s apologetic expression, Kara waved her hand dismissively to comfort her.
As she said, the Tatars had a history of raiding neighboring countries both before and after their founding.
Because of this, it’s no wonder they’re spoken of poorly. Especially since Hector earned the title of “King of Destruction,” prejudice is inevitable.
“Looking back, I’ve realized I was part of the problem too. If the victim doesn’t accept an apology, then it’s not an apology—it’s coercion.”
“Coercion…”
“Yeah, coercion. So I’ve decided to accept the label of barbarian. After all, didn’t the investigation reveal that the Frozen were originally barbarians too? Maybe the Tatars will improve over time.”
In less than a month, she seems to have undergone significant changes in her mindset. Even in the Soul World, I hadn’t seen this side of her.
What could have caused such a transformation in her? I paused from scraping my ice cream and looked at Kara.
Her green eyes were filled with melancholy. Her expression as she looked at me carried a hint of guilt.
What could possibly make her feel guilty? There wasn’t any situation that warranted such feelings.
“And… I’ve realized how hypocritical people can be. I secretly looked down on civilized people, but I’m no different.”
Saying this, Kara gently touched my face. I quietly gazed at her while savoring her soft touch.
Her green eyes sparkled like jewels. She usually had a carefree image, but seeing this side of her felt refreshing.
“Well, enough of this trivial talk. Don’t you have anything you’re curious about? Take this chance to ask me anything.”
As the atmosphere grew awkward, Kara quickly changed the subject, returning to her usual dependable demeanor.
Grace seemed to notice this too, as she paused to think of another question to ask.
There must be countless things to ask, but careful thought is necessary to avoid potential traps.
“Kara.”
“Hmm? Do you have something to say to me?”
“Ice cream. More, please.”
Regardless of the topic, I just wanted more ice cream.
When I held out my empty bowl and made my request, Kara gave me an incredulous look.
Then she let out a dry laugh and firmly refused in a slightly stern tone.
“Not now. Eat slowly.”
“Why?”
Could it be because I’ve eaten too much? Admittedly, I had been eating quite a lot.
Seeing my slightly hesitant reaction, Kara smiled broadly and spoke.
“You’ll get tired of it quickly. You should try something else too.”
“Something else?”
“Don’t just eat chocolate. Try strawberry or vanilla. Let’s see…”
Kara scanned the menu, looking for something suitable. Being a cafe, there were plenty of sweet options.
When something caught her eye, she pointed at it with her finger, curious.
“Mint chocolate? What’s this? I’ve never seen it before.”
“…”
I stiffened my expression. So even here, there are foods that cross the line.
“That one is quite polarizing. It might not suit your taste, Mr. Sivar.”
“But isn’t he someone who eats anything well? Wouldn’t it be different for him?”
“Is that so? I’m fine with it, so go ahead and give it a try.”
For the first time that day, I left food unfinished.
“Why do people say this tastes bad? That’s strange. Yum.”
“··· ···”
I can’t help but wonder how you can eat that.
*****
“······Then, I’ll be going now, Headmaster.”
“Alright. Be more cautious next time.”
Creak- Thud-
Delphoi bowed respectfully to Rod and quietly closed the door.
Even after closing the door, Delphoi didn’t walk away immediately but stood silently in front of it for a while.
His clenched fists trembled, and his lips were pressed so tightly together they were on the verge of tearing.
“Damn it!”
Muttering curses under his breath so Rod wouldn’t hear, Delphoi began to walk.
As he headed toward his research lab, he replayed Rod’s words in his mind.
[In an Academy that upholds the principles of fairness and equity, not only were these conditions insufficient, but you also overstepped your authority······ If this becomes known, I fear for your reputation.]
[Where are you from again? Ah, from the Magic Tower, right? By any chance, is the principal there······]
[If such actions are uncovered again, I will not tolerate it. Sivar is now officially a student, after all.]
I had somewhat expected it, but I was cursed out in every way imaginable. I could vividly feel what it meant to be beaten down with words.
The problem was that I couldn’t refute a single point of Rod’s criticism. Most damningly, the fact that I had overstepped my authority was undeniable.
But even so, I hadn’t anticipated that Rod himself would intervene. He was supposed to act as a breakwater to maintain neutrality.
For that breakwater to have taken a stance meant that my reputation was highly likely to take a hit.
‘Because of that damn barbarian bastard······!’
It’s still vivid. The moment he twisted my wrist with an expressionless face.
And then, to top it off, I fell over in such an undignified manner. It was impossible not to be furious.
But what could I do about it? Sivar not only had Rod’s backing but was even supported by the Saintess.
Politically, I couldn’t bury him, nor could I make the trials excessively difficult. If I pushed too far, I might genuinely get expelled.
‘That guy and this guy······!’
It feels like everyone is looking down on me. From that wildling to Grace, who switched her advising professor just because she didn’t like me, and finally Rod.
Among them, the wildling and Rod were unpredictable if provoked. One thing was certain: my reputation, and possibly my life, would be at risk.
Grace, on the other hand, was different. Her household was bothersome, but that could actually become a weakness to exploit.
I wanted to vent this anger somewhere immediately. And the easiest target was Grace.
‘Alright. I’ll start with her. That should naturally lead to entanglements.’
Grace and Sivar were quite close. That meant it would be easy to tie them together like a string of sausages.
For now, I would start with one thing at a time. Delphoi’s lips curled into a sly smile.
‘I need to get to the research lab quickly.’
There wasn’t much time left.
‘No amount of begging will help now.’
It was the mindset of someone slapped in Jongno and glaring at the Han River.