SWNOVELXO Chapter 65
TLed by NolepGuy
Chapter 65
Kara told me. If someone you don’t know tells you to follow them, shout, “No way!”
Back then, I scoffed, wondering who would even try to drag me away. But not anymore. Thank you so much for telling me.
From my perspective, Martial Saintess Rize is not just a stranger but a powerful individual who wields Navy-Colored Magic like a Lord.
While Lords are endlessly benevolent and gentle, Rize is not. Her generosity is laced with boldness, giving her an almost reckless edge.
She especially feels a strong bond with those chosen by Chaos. Given how few there are, it’s inevitable.
In that sense, it means I’ve left a strong impression—bam!
“You said no? Just now, you definitely said no, didn’t you?”
“By the way, why did she make such a proposal to him?”
“Was he a follower of Lord Chaos?”
When I mustered the courage to shout “No,” the lecture room became chaotic once again.
Well, it’s no wonder—I had just rejected the Saint’s proposal. To those who don’t know the situation, it must seem incomprehensible.
Not to me. I know all too well what kind of trials and tribulations await if I get dragged along by Rize.
“Hmm. No… That’s an unexpected answer.”
Rize murmured in a tone of surprise. It seemed even she hadn’t anticipated my response.
But even if it weren’t me, I would’ve expressed my refusal. Her proposal disregarded all context and circumstances.
“Umm… Saint?”
“Yes?”
“Do you, by any chance, know who Sivar is?”
It was Luna’s question. Despite how disconcerting it could be, her face remained calm.
“No. But I can tell that his reason and instincts are at odds with each other.”
“Hmm… Well, that’s true, but…”
She truly seemed to know nothing about me. If she did, she would’ve said something by now.
Kara was similar but slightly different. She had been somewhat wary at the mention of taking me away.
“Still, it’s fascinating. Setting aside the rejection, you’re afraid of me in my current form?”
“Pardon?”
As Luna pondered what to say, Rize spoke first. Her claim that I was afraid of her.
At her words, not just Luna but most of the students watching wore puzzled expressions.
Everyone except me. Knowing what an eccentric she is, I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.
Being eccentric, she also had a reckless streak. She wouldn’t cross the line, but she’d push it right to the edge.
“Are you, perhaps, afraid of me in my current appearance? I mean, purely based on looks, not the atmosphere.”
“…Not at all?”
Luna glanced at Rize’s ample chest before looking back at her face to answer.
Rize possesses a beauty befitting a Saint. Even with her cat-like sharp eyes, she’s not as severe as Grace.
Her beauty is mixed with a sense of familiarity, enough to lower one’s guard.
“What about you, student?”
Rize then turned to Kara and asked. Kara, resting her chin on her hand, met her gaze and replied indifferently.
“…You don’t look like someone who’s into fighting.”
Though she answered, her wariness remained. It seemed her first impression of Rize wasn’t favorable.
“That’s right. It’s hard to inspire fear with this appearance. Though the opposite might be possible.”
Rize confidently replied, placing her hand on her chest, which rivaled Ellie’s in size. The already drawn gazes focused even more.
But don’t be fooled. That chest isn’t “natural” like Ellie’s but something she “cultivated” herself.
It’s not that the world’s medical technology is that advanced; it’s a unique ability of Chaos.
So, it’s easier to think of her chest as the “resultant product” of her countless efforts.
“But this student is different. He seems to know who I am, as if he’s afraid of me. That fear was also evident in his earlier answer.”
“What part of the Saint does Sivar find so frightening?”
“That, I don’t know. Perhaps he’s seen a person’s true nature?”
“True nature…”
Luna muttered softly, looking at me. In truth, it’s not about appearances or anything like that.
It’s because I know how eccentric and powerful Rize is that I’m afraid.
No matter how much I resist, one punch from her would likely put me in my place.
Those who’ve mastered Navy-Colored Magic can essentially manipulate space freely.
Once someone can control space at will, defense becomes meaningless, making them a nightmare to deal with.
“What exactly did you see in me? You’re becoming even more fascinating.”
Rize slowly leaned forward, bringing her face closer. Soon, her face was right in front of mine.
Her blue eyes gleamed with curiosity far beyond mere interest—brimming with fascination and passion.
I could only freeze like prey before a predator.
“Saint, pardon me, but it’s about time to start the class.”
Just as Rize’s gaze grew more intense, Marlboro quietly delivered the news.
At this, Rize slowly straightened her posture and moved her face away from mine.
As reckless as she is, she doesn’t cross the line. If anything, that’s a relief.
“I’m sorry. I got excited without realizing it since you’re a Brother chosen by Lord Chaos. I apologize for the trouble.”
“No, it’s fine.”
“Then, see you next time, Brother.”
Rize called me “Brother” and smiled brightly. To others, it might seem like a smile meant to build rapport.
But to me, it was no different from a death sentence. It seemed I had left quite the impression.
“Students, the gods are always cheering for you. Keep up the good work!”
Just before leaving the room, Rize offered some words of encouragement and departed. It felt like a storm had passed.
As soon as she left, I felt the tension drain from my body. A wave of exhaustion washed over me.
I really thought I was going to be dragged away. What would’ve happened if I’d answered even slightly wrong?
In Soul World, they come up with all sorts of absurd excuses to abduct you. There’s no such thing as a choice.
To roughly explain the hardships that follow, I can put it like this:
The game turns into Fist of the North Star or Baki. Or maybe JoJo.
“In Martial Saint Mode, the art style changes entirely.”
Fortunately, she came as a Saint this time, not in Martial Saint Mode, so it was less intense.
“But why did she come now? Is it because I’m a follower of Chaos?”
As I mentioned earlier, Rize showing up now is an extremely rare occurrence. Normally, she wouldn’t come during a freshman’s time.
Yet, not only did she break through those odds, but she also sought me out instead of Luna.
I have no idea how things will unfold from here. Being a follower of Chaos and dealing with Martial Saintess Rize makes it unpredictable.
“What’s with that guy to even catch the Saint’s attention?”
“Yeah, and being chosen by Lord Chaos too.”
“I’m jealous.”
Jealous? Try getting involved with her yourselves. You’ll see how exhausting it gets.
Oblivious to my thoughts, the students were busy envying or resenting me.
“Mr. Sivar, you’re surprisingly popular, aren’t you? Especially with the ladies.”
Grace spoke in a tone I couldn’t tell was teasing or envious.
I don’t need this kind of popularity. Attention is fine, but dealing with it directly is demanding even for me.
“Well, he is kind of cute. Maybe that’s why.”
“…Kara, your taste is unique. Mr. Sivar may be handsome, but he’s not cute.”
“Really? I think his behavior is cute.”
“That makes even less sense to me.”
Even the friendly chatter between Grace and Kara two seats away reached my ears.
Luna, sitting between them, remained silent. I buried my head in my desk and turned my head slightly.
Perhaps Rize’s words had bothered her. When I turned, I met Luna’s gaze as she looked down at me with a curious expression.
“… …”
Sometimes, Luna gives me an unreadable look. This was one of those times.
The mural and everything else—it must all seem like a mystery to her.
“…I don’t know.”
I’ll think about this later. Right now, I need to figure out what to do about Rize.
“I just hope the genre doesn’t change.”
That was my small, earnest wish.
*****
The Academy became chaotic in an instant when the Saintess, Rize, arrived without any prior notice.
Rize wasn’t just famous—she was globally renowned and held immense authority. Even emperors or kings couldn’t help but tread carefully around her.
Moreover, one of Rize’s other titles was the “Fist Saint.” It was already a delicate situation with her being a Saintess, but she also wielded the power of the Fist Saint.
In a world teetering on the brink of conflict, Rod’s presence was what kept the Academy stable.
Yet, Rize was suspected to possess even greater power than him, leaving no choice but to tread lightly around her.
“I don’t think I like her.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know, that woman, Rize.”
On the way back to the lodging after all the classes had ended, Kara suddenly spoke up. It seemed she didn’t like Rize.
While Luna looked puzzled by her words, Kara glanced back.
Her face was expressionless as usual, but her worry was evident.
Luna hadn’t noticed it yet, but Kara could see it clearly.
“It’s one thing for her to be a Saintess, but barging in unannounced just makes things hard for everyone. It’s not like she doesn’t know her position. Still, I guess she’s better than my father.”
Kara subtly threw shade at Hector. Hearing this, Luna could only give a wry smile.
Indeed, Rize’s actions today had caused both minor and major disruptions. Even the cleric classes had to be adjusted.
Although the representatives sent by each Order gave the same explanations, the Saintess’s unplanned visit had slightly derailed the schedule.
To make matters worse, the Saintess seemed to have taken an interest in Sivar. This was an unexpected variable for Luna, who needed to meet with him privately.
“But she’s still the Saintess, isn’t she? She must have had some reason for coming. Kara Unnie, you’ve been blessed by Lord Gulak, so can’t you understand?”
“When you put it that way, I have nothing to say. Even I find it hard to go against Lord Gulak’s words. I just hope she doesn’t trouble our Sivar.”
“Hmm…”
At the mention of Sivar, Luna turned to look back. Sivar was quietly following behind them.
‘What could he have seen in the Saintess to be so terrified?’
Sivar was slow to express emotions. At most, he might slightly furrow his brow.
Even that only happened when he was under significant strain. He rarely displayed any emotions.
But today was different. When Sivar faced Rize, he had shown unmistakable “fear.”
‘The ability to see a person’s true nature…’
Rize’s words lingered in Luna’s mind. She had claimed that Sivar could see the true nature of people.
It wasn’t entirely implausible. Hadn’t he noticed Delphoi’s sinister intentions and broken his wrist?
He had even kindly warned Grace. Perhaps because he had lived in the wilderness, his “instinct” was exceptionally sharp.
‘Most of the people who got close to Sivar turned out to be kind-hearted.’
Take Kara, for example. Despite rumors of her being violent, she had a kind heart.
Her straightforward personality aside, her meticulousness with money was also part of her charm.
Would they have grown this close without Sivar?
Absolutely not. Sivar had the ability to see into a person’s true nature.
‘Then why the Saintess? Why is he so afraid of her?’
Sivar’s reaction then… it was something Luna had often seen back in her hometown.
Even in the countryside, everything necessary was available, and during festivals, pigs or cows were sometimes slaughtered.
The strange thing was, when people approached the livestock for slaughter, the animals would desperately try to avoid them.
Some of them would even lash out in frantic attacks. It was as if they could sense their impending death.
‘Sivar was similar, wasn’t he?’
Comparing a person to livestock might be a bit much, but the situation was eerily similar.
An animal struggling to avoid being taken away. The fear-stricken expression on Sivar’s face was strangely fascinating.
“Luna!”
Luna, lost in thought, was startled by a familiar voice. She and the group turned their heads.
Turning around, they saw Ellie, the woman with golden eyes, waving as she approached.
It seemed their classes had ended around the same time, and they had run into each other.
“You and Unnie finished your classes too?”
“Yeah. You’re done earlier than I expected.”
“It’s almost midterm exams. The professor let us out early to study.”
“Ah, midterm exams.”
Now that she thought about it, midterms were already approaching. Time felt slow yet fast at the same time.
“Sivar… Sivar?”
“…Yeah?”
“What’s with your expression? You look like you’re struggling.”
Ellie’s eyes widened in surprise as soon as she saw Sivar.
He was probably expressionless, but like Kara, she had instantly read his emotions.
“It’s my first time seeing Sivar make this face… Did something happen today?”
Ellie touched Sivar’s face here and there as she asked the group. Her tone was full of concern.
Kara felt a moment of discomfort at Ellie’s actions but quickly explained what had happened today.
“Sivar almost got kidnapped.”
“W-What?!”
“Unnie…”
Kara’s explanation was overly concise, almost too compressed. Ellie was shocked, while Luna quietly called her name.
Kara chuckled at their reactions. Her white teeth stood out against her darker skin as she smiled.
“I’m kidding. Did you hear that the Saintess came to the Academy?”
“Oh, yeah. I heard rumors that the Saintess had arrived.”
“That Saintess tried to take Sivar with her. She said they were both followers of Chaos.”
“Chaos? The god who chose Sivar, right? The one the Headmaster explained last time.”
While Ellie and Kara continued their conversation, Luna looked ahead. They had already arrived at their lodging.
At this hour, Rod was likely inside. Luna lightly knocked on the door.
Knock, knock—click.
After knocking, she turned the doorknob. Since it wasn’t locked, someone must have been inside.
Luna peeked inside. Opening the door revealed a sofa…
“Ah, you’re just in time.”
“…?”
She could see the sofa, and Rod sitting on it as well.
But what caught her attention was the massive figure sitting across from Rod.
It wasn’t an exaggeration to call him a muscle mass. His shoulders alone took up more than half the sofa, making her question her sense of perspective.
What on earth was that? Luna blinked and quietly stepped back.
Click.
Without realizing it, she closed the door again. For a moment, reality felt distorted.
‘…What was that?’
Luna had seen countless monsters in her life. This was a world where even talking lightning squirrels existed.
She had even encountered people as massive as mountains. Just recently, she had seen Hector.
Hector’s physique had explained where Kara’s superior height came from.
‘There could be someone even more imposing. But that face was definitely…’
Luna recalled the face of the person she had just seen. Despite its sharp angles, it was undeniably his face.
Silver hair that contrasted with her own and blue eyes that sparkled like sapphires.
Even his outfit was the same as what she had seen that morning. Though it had stretched due to his muscles, it was unmistakable.
“What are you doing? Why did you stop opening the door?”
Kara asked curiously from behind. To her, Luna’s actions seemed strange.
Luna had opened the door only to close it again. Rubbing her eyes, Luna answered.
“I thought… my eyes were playing tricks on me. Did I see it wrong?”
“What was it?”
While Luna rubbed her eyes, Kara stepped forward and opened the door wide.
“Hello?”
“Oh?”
And there she was, greeted by the person at the door with a bright smile.
It was Rize, the follower of Chaos who had visited that morning.
I think I understand why Luna was rubbing her eyes. It must have been because this woman was inside.
“Eek!”
“S-Sivar? W-What’s wrong?”
Meanwhile, upon confirming Rize’s presence, Sivar recoiled and clung tightly to Ellie from behind in a back hug.
Embarrassed by the sudden back hug, Ellie still asked for an explanation. Sivar’s reaction was too unusual to ignore.
During this, Rize glanced at Sivar, then smiled faintly and stepped aside. It was a gesture inviting them to come in.
“I heard from Rod. It seems we have quite a bit to discuss.”
“…You’re not going to do anything strange, right?”
“Of course not. You’re a rare brother, after all.”
Well, in that case. Kara, while casting wary glances at Rize, stepped inside.
Luna, who was behind her, also followed cautiously, watching Rize’s movements.
‘It must… have been a mistake, right?’
It was certain now—the ‘muscles’ she’d just seen were definitely a figment of her imagination.