A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 66

It wasn’t entirely unexpected. Since Rize had come to the Academy, we were bound to run into each other somewhere.

However, I never imagined we’d reunite this early—especially at my residence.

I thought she’d talk with Rod during class and leave by the time it ended.

Even though Rize was one of the freest individuals in the world, she still had a sense of propriety.

All of that was a miscalculation. If you think about it carefully, Rize was a Martial Saint and a Saintess, while Rod was a Sword Saint.

In military terms, it was like a seasoned warrant officer and a master sergeant meeting privately—who would dare interfere?

When she withdrew at the start of the class, it was clearly for official reasons. No matter how free-spirited she was, work still had to be done.

“Ah. So the Headmaster and the Saintess have met before?”

“Yes. It was when I embarked on the Pilgrimage Path at Lord Chaos’s suggestion. Back then, he had less of a beard, and his hair wasn’t as white as it is now.”

“That was over 20 years ago, wasn’t it?”

Rod chuckled heartily as he sipped his tea. He didn’t seem the least bit uncomfortable with Rize’s sudden visit.

Hector was a political headache, but Rize was a different story.

She was not only far removed from politics but had transcended it entirely.

Moreover, Byzantium was a nation that strictly adhered to neutrality, so there was no trouble to be had.

“And you’re one to talk. You seem stronger than you were back then.”

Rod asked with a faint smile, glancing at a particular spot. His gaze landed on Rize’s chest.

It wasn’t because he was a pervert; he was aware of her unique constitution and abilities.

If no one else had been present, he might have openly stared and commented. Though, Rize might have appeared in a different form in that case.

“Of course. As long as demons exist in this world, I won’t disappear.”

“Have you ever faced a demon, Saintess?”

It was Luna’s question. Given her search for traces of the demon, it was a topic she couldn’t ignore.

Besides, Rod had once subjugated a blue demon in the past. There was no way she wouldn’t be interested.

“Of course. During my pilgrimage, I encountered countless demons and defeated them all.”

“Were there any demons stronger than blue among them?”

“Yes. They were excellent opponents for practical combat. It was even better since I didn’t have to show mercy.”

Rize had softened her words to describe beating them to death. The others couldn’t help but look uneasy.

It might be hard to gauge how strong blue demons are. In truth, it’s difficult to definitively say.

Just as humans vary in skill, so do demons. The variance becomes significant starting from blue, and their abilities diversify.

“How did you defeat them with that body? No matter how much I look, I can’t believe it. Is it because demons are weak to holy power?”

Kara didn’t seem entirely convinced. She kept scrutinizing Rize’s body.

Even in a fantasy world with magic and superhumans, there are limits. No matter how exceptional, weight class still matters.

Yet Rize’s appearance was that of a quintessential woman. One with maternal affection rivaling Ellie’s.

Kara was also quite large, but she had inherited remarkable physical talent from Hector.

If you touched her limbs, they felt as solid as if woven from steel threads. I know because I’ve touched them myself.

‘That’s all compressed muscle.’

But Kara hadn’t seen Rize in Martial Saint Mode yet, which is why she spoke like that. What she called a joke about compressed muscle was a reality for Rize.

There’s a saying about the law of conservation of mass. Even if weight class changes, the mass itself doesn’t.

So, her strength must still be absurdly high. She could probably overpower someone like Kara with ease.

“We’ve been chatting for a while now. I’ve heard from Rod about Sivar—what kind of person he is and what characteristics he has.”

Was she finally getting to the main point? Rize stared directly at me as she brought up the topic.

I flinched under her intense gaze and shifted my position slightly.

Ellie, who was sitting next to me, patted my head as if to reassure me when I moved closer to her.

“A man who not only survived but lived in the Forest of Chaos. A human who wields red mana and possesses berserk tendencies like a monster. He could be considered a fitting brother to Lord Chaos.”

“You’re not planning to take Sivar with you, are you?”

Ellie asked urgently. Even without knowing the full details, she seemed to grasp the situation.

She hugged me tightly, expressing with her body that she didn’t want me to be taken away.

Thanks to her, a warm sensation enveloped my entire body, calming my mind and soul.

“Normally, I would have. But after hearing from Rod, it seems taking him with me would cause all sorts of trouble.”

“Then······”

Was she going to back off so easily? I looked at Rize with a surprised expression.

In the Soul World, Rize would have dragged me along no matter what, calling me her brother or sister.

After that, the atmosphere of the game would completely change, resembling Fist of the North Star. Characters would inevitably be influenced by Rize.

“My goal is simple: to help those chosen by Lord Chaos make their own choices. Most of those chosen by Lord Chaos experience confusion about their identity. Ordinary people often call those who deviate from conventional norms and formulas eccentrics.”

Rize continued her explanation calmly as she sipped the tea Rod had poured her. Naturally, it was a different tea.

The herbs weren’t from a hospital but were personally brought by Ratatoskr. They had the effect of breaking down accumulated toxins in the body.

“However, eccentrics have their own convictions. When those convictions shine, they can elevate not only themselves and those around them but the entire world to a higher level. Unfortunately, many disappear without ever realizing their convictions or identity. I assist them on behalf of Lord Chaos.”

In reality, the world is filled with geniuses who failed to shine because they were born in the wrong era.

Most people are quick to criticize such individuals. If they don’t shine, people don’t hesitate to mock even their memory.

You’ve probably heard stories of scientists whose theories were only recognized after their deaths. People didn’t believe them at the time, but they were eventually proven right.

“But I only open the door of possibility. Whether they bear fruit or not depends on them.”

“Has anyone, aside from the Saintess, borne fruit?”

“Of course. The founder of the Nation of Science, Santia, is a believer in Lord Chaos.”

Santia is a nation where science and engineering are exceptionally advanced. While other nations are in the medieval era, Santia is in the modern age.

Additionally, it incorporates magic like Arcane Punk, offering various marvels.

Of course, where there is light, there is also shadow. I’ll explain that part later.

“Others include a theologian who proposed the theory of evolution, an astronomer who revealed that the world is round, and many more.”

That’s how it’s set in the lore, though the game is a bit different. While Chaos is highly random, it definitely selects “conceptual players.”

A prime example is the Strength Mage. Instead of investing in mana, they max out strength and agility like crazy.

This essentially makes them a warrior, but Chaos is kind enough to allow them to use only magic.

And if they receive special training from Rize? They could become a true Gandalf, not just a joke Strength Mage.

“Isn’t Sivar… quite different from that?”

“That’s true. There are few as contradictory in reason and instinct as Mr. Sivar. But he perceives himself as human, doesn’t he?”

Rize answered Luna’s question while looking at me. I nodded silently in response.

Ominously red eyes, berserk tendencies, and red mana.

Judging by that alone, I’m closer to a monster. Many people have indeed treated me as such.

But I am undeniably a person with reason and intelligence. Besides, my berserk tendencies only trigger in dire situations.

As long as such situations don’t arise, I can live like an ordinary person. The real issue is the abnormality of situations that trigger berserk mode.

“I can help you. I can teach you how to fully control your instincts.”

“Really?”

This was unexpected. I widened my eyes and asked Rize.

Currently, my berserk mode is at Ex rank. Changing it from a passive to an active ability seems almost impossible.

I’ve been enduring it with sheer tenacity, but I’m half resigned to the situation.

Yet Rize claimed it was possible. It was an offer too tempting to ignore.

“Yes. In the East, they call it Mind, Energy, and Body. Mr. Sivar, your ‘mind’ is misaligned. In a way, you’re similar to me.”

“Were you similar to Sivar, Saintess?”

“My ‘body’ was severely misaligned. It caused me a lot of distress.”

“In what way······?”

Kara muttered skeptically. She wasn’t the only one; others shared the sentiment.

Rize’s figure was far from ordinary. Rather than being rock-solid, it symbolized abundance.

Even Ellie tilted her head in confusion after glancing at Rize’s chest.

Since Ellie’s figure was somewhat similar to Rize’s in terms of ‘body,’ she must understand how uncomfortable it could be.

“I’m not sure what Kara meant, but judging by your reactions, you all seem confused. And that’s understandable. It’s hard to believe, given my current appearance.”

“Isn’t it… very uncomfortable? I’m fairly large myself, so I know how inconvenient it can be.”

Ellie placed her hand on her chest and cautiously spoke, her question filled with empathy.

Rize smiled gently before slowly rising from her seat. She then exchanged a glance with Rod.

Rod, seemingly understanding the meaning in her gaze, waved his hand as if to say not to worry.

“They’re not the kind of students to share this elsewhere. And nothing is as persuasive as this appearance.”

Rod, knowing Rize’s true nature, could say such a thing. Rize thanked him and began to move.

She walked to a spot right next to the table. Naturally, our gazes followed her.

“I once thought deeply about what true support means. Is it limited to helping those who have been physically or mentally harmed?”

Rize began to speak in a calm voice. Since ancient times, clerics have fulfilled their roles as steadfast supporters.

However, Rize questioned the essence of being a cleric and pondered over it again and again.

“One day, after being chosen by Lord Chaos and completing a pilgrimage spanning decades, I realized this: If the fundamental cause is not resolved, it’s meaningless. Healing the victims is indeed a virtue of a cleric, but before that, eliminating the root of the harm in advance is essential.”

Bang!

With those words, a sudden explosion erupted from Rize. The explosion itself wasn’t massive, more akin to a puffed rice pop.

“Ack!”

“Eek?!”

Rod and I had somewhat anticipated it, so we were fine, but the others couldn’t help but be startled.

Luna gasped, Ellie screamed, and Kara jumped in fright.

Ellie, in particular, hugged me so tightly that my mind instantly calmed.

I wished time could stop like this, but unfortunately, it didn’t.

Whoosh– Whoosh–

Amid the hazy smoke that arose with the explosion, a massive figure began to emerge slowly.

Its size seemed to disregard perspective entirely. Saint Rize’s physique was relatively average.

But look at the figure within that smoke. Even Hector, who was enormous, paled in comparison to this.

“I realized that it’s better to prevent a plague from worsening than to treat it after it spreads. And for that, one needs immense power.”

Her voice seemed deeper than before. It wasn’t an illusion; it had genuinely deepened.

Still, it was only the tone that had lowered; the voice itself could still be described as youthful.

It was the difference between a refined young lady and a battle-hardened female knight.

“…Huh?”

“W-What…?”

“…?”

Eventually, the smoke gradually cleared, and Rize’s figure began to reveal itself bit by bit.

The more Rize’s appearance was unveiled, the more similar yet distinct the reactions of the group became.

Their eyes widened little by little, soon transforming into expressions of disbelief.

Meanwhile, Rod leisurely sipped his tea, unfazed by the situation.

“Thus, to set an example for all clerics, I received the lacking ‘body’ from Lord Chaos.”

If earlier, Rize embodied the vastness of the earth and the abundance of the forest, now it was the complete opposite.

The rough waves of the sea and the majesty of towering mountains. She exuded an impression of pure ruggedness.

“This is… the blessing bestowed by Lord Chaos.”

“Guh…!”

Then, she slowly turned around. At the same time, Luna recoiled in shock.

The nun’s habit, which had fit her snugly, stretched as if it were made of rubber, and instead of a voluptuous chest, a solid pectoral muscle had taken its place.

Her once slender and long limbs now appeared thick and chiseled, like sculpted stone.

Especially with those fists the size of cauldron lids—one punch from them would surely send you straight to the afterlife.

Earlier, I mentioned Kara’s muscles looked like intertwined wires. What I’m seeing now… I can’t even describe it.

Weapons like spears and swords seemed utterly useless against her. In fact, Rize likely possessed the ‘Iron King’ trait.

She might even rank higher than me. From what I vaguely recall, that seems to be the case.

Crunch!

Rize flexed her body and struck a pose. It was the kind of pose bodybuilders typically assume.

As she did, every muscle in her body moved dynamically, asserting their presence. If there were such a thing as a muscle monster, this would be it.

“This is true power!”

Flex– Bulge–

Instead of a bountiful chest, her rock-like pectoral muscles twitched. I had mentioned this before.

The chest size of Saint Mode Rize and Martial Saint Mode Rize is exactly the same.

Saint Mode Rize is essentially Martial Saint Mode Rize compressed vertically. They interact with each other.

If this isn’t quintessential fantasy, then what is? Science can go to hell.

“Brother Sivar, you can do it too. Pure reason and savage instinct! How fitting for Lord Chaos! I will assist you!”

Damn. The atmosphere is on the verge of turning into Fist of the North Star. No, maybe this is more like Baki.

Her art style alone is completely different. It’s as if she’s the only one with bold, thick lines.

“…She really is a Martial Saint.”

Even Kara, who had been skeptical of Rize, was instantly convinced. It would be strange not to be overwhelmed by this atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Rize stood tall and confidently extended her hand toward me. Damn, her hand was the size of my face.

“So, what do you think? Will you follow me? Like me, you too can control your instincts as you wish.”

What instincts? Your true self is the Saint Mode, isn’t it? Still, since you called it instinct, I suppose it makes sense.

“…Headmaster? Was this agreed upon?”

In the midst of everyone’s confusion, Luna quietly asked Rod. It wasn’t much different from the morning’s situation.

Rod shrugged his shoulders and replied in a laid-back tone.

“It’s entirely Sivar’s choice. Besides, if it were anyone else, I might hesitate, but if it’s Rize, I trust her.”

“What makes you say that?”

“The fact that she’s stronger than me. That alone is enough.”

“… …”

His argument was incredibly convincing. In the end, Luna had no choice but to relinquish the decision.

However, if you think about it carefully, Rod had essentially given silent approval. If he hadn’t, he would have refused outright.

Even though Rize has a headstrong personality, she knows when to back off. If Rod had said no, she would have stepped down.

‘Do I really have to go along with this?’

To freely control berserk power—that alone is an incredible merit.

It’s just that the process doesn’t fulfill the event conditions. For me, it’s an issue that requires serious contemplation.

As I trembled in Ellie’s embrace, lost in thought, an unexpected voice pierced my ears.

“N-No!”

“Huh?”

“Ellie?”

It was Ellie. She hugged me even tighter and shouted.

Then, with my face buried in her chest, Ellie spoke.

“Sivar is so scared! And while you call it an invitation, isn’t it practically coercion?”

If nothing else—

“Who would follow you like that? First, get closer to Sivar and then make your offer.”

At this moment, Ellie was the true saintess.