SWNOVELXO Chapter 86
TLed by NolepGuy
Chapter 86
Cohabitation with Rize had begun. At first, I thought it was just a change in residence and roommate.
Rize assured me that she wouldn’t invade my personal life and would only help with character development.
So, as I always had, I planned to live uneventfully. First, it was morning.
“Brother Sivar, morning exercises are more effective with stretching than with high intensity or prolonged workouts.”
“······?”
Originally, I preferred to laze around in the mornings, doing nothing. I’d eat with Rod, attend classes, and that was it.
Also, like the saying “The early bird catches the worm,” I always woke up early in the morning.
Rize woke up around the same time as me. While I was standing idly, she brought up the topic.
“There’s a proverb in the East: A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Without the shield of physical strength, the mind is just an empty shell.”
“·········So?”
“Follow my actions. It’s great for improving flexibility. Of course, I’ll respect your choice, so you can do as you wish.”
With that, Rize switched from Saint Mode to Martial Saint Mode and began exercising. The first thing she did was a full split of her legs to 180 degrees.
But the process was anything but ordinary. She placed two chairs on either side and rested her legs on them.
Her legs stretched far beyond 180 degrees. Her thighs, as solid as logs, and her calves, reminiscent of clubs, were on full display.
“Would you like to try? Once you get used to it, it feels incredibly refreshing.”
In that position, Rize invited me with a smile that could change the genre entirely.
I wondered briefly—if I followed Rize’s exercise methods, would I end up like that? I was a little curious.
“I’ll do it.”
“A good choice.”
So, I followed her. There’s nothing bad about improving flexibility.
Rize also advised me that improving flexibility would enhance the mana circulation within my body.
Rize, as a Martial Saint, was more knowledgeable about the body than anyone else. It was like receiving training from a renowned trainer for free.
Not taking advantage of this would be foolish. During our cohabitation, I could improve not only my mind but also my body.
“As expected, your flexibility is quite impressive.”
When I mimicked Rize’s actions, she complimented me. This much was easy.
For stealth, I needed to compress my large body as much as possible.
Perhaps because of that, my flexibility gradually improved. Especially my waist—it developed significantly.
It seemed natural, given that hunting often required lowering my waist.
“Good. Then how about this?”
Rize moved on to the next stage after the splits. True to her appearance, she used only her leg strength to bring the chairs back to the center.
While I was marveling at her near-eccentric act, Rize descended from the chairs and took action.
Swoosh—
She started by bending her waist back with remarkable flexibility. At first glance, it seemed ordinary.
But she didn’t just bend her waist; she folded it completely in half and tucked her face between her legs.
It might sound like an odd description, but everything I’m saying is true.
She really folded her waist in half and placed her face between her legs.
“Hahaha! How about this! When flexibility reaches its peak, even this is possible!”
Rize laughed heartily and spoke proudly.
Though I had noticed yesterday when she admired herself in the mirror, she had immense pride in her body.
Even such bizarre eccentricities were something she confidently boasted about.
“…That’s creepy.”
So, I said it honestly. I seriously doubted whether she was even human.
Even I, who had handled all sorts of bugs in the forest, found it creepy. I’d rather watch animal innards than this.
“Such words do hurt my feelings.”
But Rize, unfazed, returned to her original posture. Her expression showed no sign of being hurt.
No matter how I thought about it, I couldn’t believe someone with her build could be that flexible. It must have been the literal result of blood, sweat, and tears.
“It’s about time for breakfast. I’ll prepare it for you myself.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Despite how I may look, I’m fairly skilled at cooking.”
That was fine by me. Cooking had always been a hassle during my time in the forest.
“······In that state? You’re going to cook?”
“Is there a problem?”
The problem was that she remained in Martial Saint Mode while cooking. To top it off, she even tied on an apron.
It felt like the genre was shifting in real-time. I chuckled inwardly and waited quietly for the food.
“How is it?”
“It’s delicious!”
Still, the food was genuinely tasty.
Who cares about muscles or anything else? As long as the food is good, that’s enough.
“Brother Sivar.”
“Yes?”
“Always keep this in mind. What matters most is your heart.”
As always, I didn’t quite understand what she meant.
I decided to interpret it as advice not to cause trouble.
******
After finishing breakfast, I prepared for class.
I hadn’t fully adapted yet, but it was practically the same as being fully adjusted.
Starting today, I had to wear my school uniform to class, and it was quite uncomfortable.
Thankfully, I had been wearing a loose summer uniform for a week now. If it had been the spring and autumn uniform, it would’ve been stifling.
“Do you know how to tie a necktie?”
“No.”
“Neither do I. Just tie it roughly and go.”
Then why did you ask, woman?
I grumbled inwardly as I tied my necktie haphazardly. Anyway, there was no risk of losing points for improper attire.
Besides, I didn’t care about points. My focus was on events or various hidden routes.
‘What was the content of the midterm exam again?’
So, I didn’t even know what the midterm exam was about. They had announced it last week, but I had let it go in one ear and out the other.
I figured it would probably be a practical combat test. As long as it wasn’t a written test, I’d be fine.
Though I could speak, I couldn’t read or write yet. It seemed it would take a while to overcome illiteracy.
“Then, have a great day.”
“I’m off.”
Leaving behind Rize, who saw me off in Martial Saint Mode, I headed out alone.
The distance to the lecture room wasn’t far, but walking alone felt strange.
Normally, I would’ve arrived at the lecture room with Luna or Kara. Familiarity truly is powerful.
‘I know the way. There’s still some time before class—should I go find Godin?’
During the adaptation period, I hadn’t met Godin often. I usually only sought him out when Rod was absent.
Occasionally, I’d visit out of boredom, but other than that, there wasn’t much reason to meet.
From now on, I should visit more often. Now that I could speak, I could learn magic from Godin.
“Sivar!”
“?”
While lost in thought on my way to the classroom, a familiar voice caught my attention.
Turning my head, I came face-to-face with Kara in her summer uniform. Her ever-refreshing smile was striking.
“It really is you, Sivar. I wasn’t sure since you were walking alone.”
“Hello.”
“Yeah, hello.”
When I waved lightly to greet her, Kara warmly returned the gesture.
Her skin tone, which wasn’t as noticeable in the spring and autumn uniform, stood out more in the summer uniform.
The combination of white and bronze tones gave her a slightly rebellious yet oddly attractive impression.
Not to mention her figure, which couldn’t be hidden even by the thin summer uniform. It strangely suited her.
“What did you have for breakfast?”
Kara naturally sidled up to me and asked, her green eyes filled with curiosity.
I kept my gaze forward and responded in my characteristically blunt tone.
“Rize.”
“…What?”
A response as short as it could be. Yet, the meaning it carried was far from ordinary.
Kara flinched at my answer, her steps gradually slowing.
“The one Rize made.”
“…Oh. I see. You scared me for a second there.”
Kara let out a sigh of relief at my follow-up explanation. Her voice trembled slightly, as if she had been genuinely startled.
Everyone could tell it was a joke. Even if the phrasing was odd, the words themselves weren’t difficult to understand.
Would you call it inversion? It’s a way of speaking that could easily lead to misunderstandings.
“People say you should listen until the end, but you’re even worse. Still struggling to speak properly?”
“Yeah.”
“But you’ve gotten much better, you know. Until last week, I practically had to decode everything you said.”
Well, I’ve been steadily accumulating faith during that time. My current faith level is close to 20.
It means there’s still a long way to go. Even in the Soul World, you needed at least 50 faith for proper faith-based gameplay.
Of course, it’s not like I’m focusing on faith-based gameplay. It’s just that raising it doesn’t hurt, so I’m considering it.
“Still, it’s a bit disappointing. I kind of enjoyed deciphering what you said.”
“Should I go back to that?”
“No, don’t. Just speak comfortably.”
“Okay.”
“At least you’re good at answering.”
While exchanging trivial banter with Kara, we eventually arrived at the classroom.
Upon entering, I noticed a considerable number of students already gathered there.
“What’s this? Is she wearing the uniform now?”
“Looks like her adaptation period is over. How did she even pass? I heard she went around destroying buildings.”
“Maybe because she didn’t hit anyone?”
Normally, everyone would just mind their own business. But seeing me in the school uniform prompted them to start whispering.
Considering I had been wearing casual clothes until yesterday, their reaction was only natural.
I ignored their murmurs and moved to my seat with Kara.
It was the corner seat that had practically become my designated spot.
“I can relate. I got the same reaction when I first showed up in the uniform.”
“What about you, Kara? What was the reaction?”
“Huh? Oh, what did they say? Something like, ‘She hit people but somehow managed to get admitted.’ I heard it was a close call, but who knows.”
From the beginning, Kara and I have always had a knack for understanding each other.
Even if I spoke poorly, she understood perfectly, so I didn’t need to use complicated words.
And even if I did use difficult words, Kara enjoyed interpreting them, which made it easier for me to interact with her.
“Hello, Kara Unnie. Hi, Sivar.”
Not long after, Luna arrived at the classroom. As always, she took the seat next to mine.
Despite it being the season for summer uniforms, Luna was still wearing her spring and autumn uniform.
To be precise, only her dress shirt had long sleeves. Doesn’t she feel hot in that?
“Aren’t you hot? You keep wearing long sleeves.”
“I don’t like my arms getting tanned. You don’t get tanned, do you?”
“I do tan. It just doesn’t show.”
While engaging in such small talk, Grace and Lee Yeonju arrived, and the lecture room quickly became lively.
Even amidst the bustling atmosphere, I stayed silent.
Occasionally, when someone asked me a question, I would respond clearly and concisely.
‘Unless I have something I want to say, I don’t see the need to speak first.’
For now, I had no particular desire to talk. I just kept my ears open.
“Oh, by the way, are you all studying for the exams?”
Then, a topic that piqued my interest came from Grace’s mouth.
The inevitable fate of all students: the exam period. The Academy was no exception.
The Academy’s exams lasted about a week, much like university exams, testing everything learned so far.
“Nope. Haven’t studied at all. Is it that important?”
Kara answered boldly, as expected of someone who wasn’t particularly invested in Academy life.
At least Luna and Grace, being diligent students, must have been studying consistently. Points were crucial, after all.
“It’s important if you consider the significant points you can earn.”
“Oh, points. I haven’t paid any attention to those. What can you even do with them?”
“…Kara, I think you don’t really need to worry about it.”
Even Grace, who was well-informed, didn’t seem to know what kind of exam it would be.
Apparently, it would be based on what had been taught in class, but the exact format was a mystery.
Sparring had already been done once, so the chances of that were slim. And doing it individually would just be review.
“Professor Marlboro will probably explain it soon. Grace, you should be fine, right?”
“Hmm. I’ve reviewed what we learned in class, but… Oh, by the way, Luna.”
“Yes?”
“What kind of person is Professor Godin? I’m thinking of studying under him after the midterms.”
While the midterms were important, Grace’s comment couldn’t be taken lightly.
Feigning indifference, I perked up my ears. It felt like an important turning point was approaching.
“I’ve only heard that he’s a good person… By the way, is Professor Delphoi not to your liking?”
“No, it’s just that he’s a bit… awkward to deal with? It might be prejudice, but as Mr. Sivar mentioned, there’s something unsettling about him.”
As she said this, Grace glanced at me. Her deep purple eyes carried a peculiar emotion.
As a member of a ducal family, her perceptiveness was sharp. She must have noticed Professor Delphoi’s sinister intentions long ago.
Under normal circumstances, she would have realized it much later. It seemed my warning had made her aware sooner.
“Does he do anything particularly strange? Shouldn’t you report it if he does?”
Kara frowned and asked sharply, as if she had caught on to what Grace was implying.
But Grace shook her head firmly, indicating it wasn’t enough to act on yet.
“It’s not to that extent. Again, it might just be my imagination. That’s why I plan to consult and adjust things first.”
“If that’s the case… Still, be careful. Snakes like him are everywhere.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. But would he really do something like that? I’m part of a ducal family.”
That’s exactly why he would target you. Being part of a ducal family is both a strong shield and a heavy shackle.
Professor Delphoi would cunningly exploit that, ensuring Grace couldn’t report him.
By the time his crimes came to light, it would already be too late to turn back.
If that happened, I’d never see Grace again. It would be a tragic turn of events in many ways.
‘I’ll have to keep an eye on him.’
It seemed like it was time to bring the beast to heel. I thought to myself as I waited for class to begin.
“As you all know, the midterm exams will begin tomorrow. The midterms will be team battles.”
And the content of the midterms was revealed.
“For reference, Mr. Sivar is prohibited from direct attacks.”
“…”
To me, it felt blatantly discriminatory.