A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

After the lightning struck me, I acquired the ability called Thunder.

As one can infer from its name, it's one of the overpowered abilities in Soul World, Lightning'.

Lightning has such characteristics that even if you try to block it, it's not really stopped, and if you progress to an electrified state, your movements become sluggish.

Thanks to its overpowered nature and lightning's unique charm, it's quite popular. Most people choose Gulak just for the Lightning ability.

But I obtained it in a rather odd way.'

From what I recall, the method to acquire Lightning is incredibly simple.

You just need to offer a high-quality tribute. Or you could get to know Kara and receive her help.

In my case, it could be considered the latter. Although Kara did not dance, she certainly provided assistance.

But the message about the increase in faith and Chaos's intervention pretty much confirms it.

Gulak doesn't hate me after all.'

He just likes to fool around, but his nature is closer to good than evil. He would've sided with demons if he were truly malicious.

But I'm still a little miffed at Gulak. I can't comprehend why he'd strike down someone decent like me with lightning.

While I did gain the ability Lightning, a more gentlemanly approach could have been employed. This makes me apprehensive about offering tributes in the future.

But being chosen by Chaos and obtaining Thunder, that's'

There's something odd about it. Normally, in Soul World, once selected by Chaos, you can't choose any other god.

Whether you offer up a tribute at the altar or pray in a church, it's meaningless. There should be no response.

Although my memory is a bit hazy, I recall that even a message indicating that nothing happened used to be displayed.

Or maybe I'm misremembering.'

As I mentioned, my memory is hazy. There might be parts that I can't recall.

But it's good when good comes along. Thunder has many uses, and as its rank increases, resistance' is gained.

Speaking of which, that means effects related to lightning could be diminished when it comes to me. For someone like Hector or Kara, they might even convert it into magical power.

Could the same apply for Gaia?'

Having gained Thunder from Gulak makes Gaia's blessings appealing. Gaia, the god of life and earth, can grant direct healing abilities.

Being a typical supporter, I could be treated well wherever I go, so it's worth learning.

However, unlike with Gulak, I can't simply offer a tribute; I must pray, and that's quite complicated.

As tricky as it is, the rewards are higher compared to Gulak, but the difficulty of cultivation is almost top-tier.

First, I need to learn how to wield Thunder.'

I announced to everyone that I had obtained Thunder. There was no reason to hide it, and I didn't feel the need to.

"What? You got Thunder? Like me?"

"Wasn't Sivar chosen by Chaos?"

"A follower of Chaos receiving Gulak's blessing too?"

Everyone was understandably astonished. If I was surprised, imagine how others must feel.

To assure them, I spread my hand instead of answering. I realized how to use Thunder when I was struck by the lightning.

Crackle!

Although not as potent as Kara's, quite a strong bolt shimmered over my hand. Instead of the usual blue, it was a unique red lightning.

The color itself was like a vibrant, deep red resembling magical power, yet it felt luminous due to the nature of the lightning.

"The lightning it's red?"

"Isn't yours blue, Kara?"

Yeonhwa and Grace expressed their surprise. They were unaware of the existence of my red magical power.

Rod had advised it was best to keep it hidden, but these two are fine. They're not the type to carelessly spill secrets.

"Mine is blue. It looks like it's influenced by the nature of the magical power. Sivar's magic is red."

"Red magic power? But magic power is"

"We know. Shouldn't we speak of that carelessly anywhere?"

Heeding Kara's warning, Yeonhwa and Grace nodded silently. Spilling the beans carelessly wouldn't do them any favors.

I stared intently at the red lightning flickering in my hand. A mere power like this won't suffice for a proper attack.

At most, it could enhance a weapon like magical power. If I use Ragnarok, its power could probably double.

[Ability: Compatible with red magical power!]

Hold on. Why is this popping up now?

I raised my head suddenly at the unexpected message.

The message appeared just as I used lightning. I started to worry if Thunder would disappear too.

[Ability: The rank of Thunder has risen to A!]

"Oh"

Excellent? The rank of Thunder just skyrocketed.

A similar example is boxing, which once increased to rank B thanks to raw instinct.

But Thunder's achievement is greater at rank A. This is a tremendous increase in power.

At this stage, the power of Thunder that Kara possesses is roughly between S and SS.

Although I'm not entirely sure what this red magical power is, it digests condensation and craftsmanship rather deliciously.

With this ability'

Could I possibly land a hit on Rod or Lize? The thought just crossed my mind.

Even Hector, as a warrior, is several levels below Rod. Nonetheless, the actual combat power is only a step below.

That one step below still involves a considerable gap, but it's an impressive level. And I managed to defeat such a Hector.

Although it was a win marred by frenzy, I had reached parity until then. Therefore, I could probably land a significant hit on Rod.

Porori is surpassed without question.'

Once the truce is over, I'll turn him into leather. That damned squirrel-like creature.

Boom crash!!

No. Shibal.

Why do you despise me so much, Gulak?

While you cherish that damned squirrel, am I worth less than a beast?

[Your faith has increased!]

Chaos is indeed the one.

*****

The news that Sivar obtained Thunder, a blessing from Gulak, soon reached Rod's ears.

This report came to him as soon as all the field experience (?) ended, thanks to Luna. She also relayed today's accidents caused by Sivar.

"I reminded him not to touch what isn't his Looks like I'll need to teach him again."

Sighing at the fact that Sivar had made trouble yet again, Rod showed signs of annoyance.

Luna could only smirk at his reaction. It was certain that Rod had started to care for Sivar.

Otherwise, he would have mechanically dismissed the incident. Sharing a roof opulates care.

"But it wasn't without gains."

"Gains?"

"Yes."

With that, Luna looked around. There was no one in Rod's residence at the moment.

The rest of the party, including Sivar, had gone out to eat dinner. She had stayed behind on the pretext of having something to discuss with Rod.

Sivar takes a while to eat'

There's plenty of time. With that thought, Luna started to disclose her information one by one.

"Sivar received a blessing from Gulak."

"A blessing from Gulak? You mean Lightning?"

"Yes. Although it was red, it's certain that was a blessing from Gulak."

"Hm. A follower of Chaos receiving a blessing from Gulak"

Rod looked contemplative. Even with his vast experiences, this was a new situation, and he could not give a clear answer.

"I should consult Lize about this matter rather than myself. She's the expert in these matters."

"I understand. Next is"

This was crucial. Luna, with a nervous expression, reached into her pocket and brought out an item.

It was none other than the model of the monument. The very thing Sivar had destroyed earlier today at the historical museum.

Rod also had a peculiar look when Luna placed the crushed monument model on the table. It was a look that seemed to ask, What is this?'

"Sivar smashed this model today."

"Did I ask him to compensate for it?"

"No, that's not it It's because it's a demonic magic circle."

""

The air turned heavy with the mention of the demonic magic circle. Rod narrowed his eyes and examined the model.

On the surface, it was a model based on a monument. Geometric patterns were inscribed on it, but those are also on the monument itself.

The lack of any color was because it was a statue. An observation that doesn't necessarily lead to the suspicion of a demonic magic circle.

"Really?"

"Yes, I'm certain."

"You've got a peculiar knack for this, but you've said that before."

""

Luna didn't respond. She thought it lacked significance to answer anyway.

The only one to consult would be Lize, but she wasn't present. It can wait until later.

Meanwhile, Rod inspected the broken model. To any observer, it was an unremarkable piece.

"To verify it as a true demonic magic circle I guess Lize is really the only one. It's a good thing amidst misfortune."

"Isn't there anyone else?"

"When the one I trusted as my personal physician turns out to be a lackey of demons, who would I trust?"

Rod's comment felt rather sorrowful. Luna clamped her mouth shut. His words left a bitter taste.

Rod examined the model for some time before setting it aside, turning to face Luna with a serious expression.

"If Lize confirms it, she'll pay attention to the situation. But as long as she remains in the academy, demons would likely abandon all their plans."

"Even demons see the saintess as a threat."

"That's one factor, but they'll be waiting for the right opportunity. The current world situation is dangerous."

"Dangerous?"

Luna wasn't a fool and had heard plenty of rumors. Tensions within the Hwan Empire were unusual, there were revolutions in Santia, and more.

The current state of the world was veering into chaos. Relations between Matra Empire and Granara Empire were worsening, and fights large and small were breaking out here and there.

Thankfully, the academy maintains strict neutrality but should any significant trouble occur, a line would be crossed with no return.

"Perhaps this is why demons target the academy. It stands as the last bastion. If the academy falls, the world would no longer hold back and become embroiled in war. After a long peace, there are many issues that can only be resolved through war."

"Must it be war?"

"Throughout history, battles that words can't solve have been settled with violence. It's been the same since the dawn of civilization. Demons are likely banking on this."

"Um"

War.

For Luna, who had lived in peace, it was a tale far too distant.

If demons indeed aim to stir strife among humans, it could not be a more fitting time.

But actively opposing them would just cause demons to shy away. Other nations might also excuse it as nonsense.

"For now, we can only let demons carry out their plans. It will enable us to acknowledge them as a common enemy."

"Are you suggesting we minimize damage?"

"To conduct smooth surgery, some flesh needs to be cut away. Yet if we manage to eliminate more of these magic circles, we can reduce the damage."

It's the typical sacrifice of the few for the many. Regrettable, but necessary for the future.

If demons aren't made public enemies, it will just be an endless loop. Luna could only accept this.

Still, there are ways to reduce damage as much as possible. Like Rod said, it's a matter of finding more demonic magic circles.

"Understood. Ill try my best to locate magic circles as much as possible."

"Good. In the meantime, I must focus on the antidote. The herbs provided by Ellie have been effective."

"How are you feeling now? Is your body okay?"

"Roughly 80 percent recovered. With a bit more rest, it should be alright."

That's a relief. Rod can use blue magic, which will be a significant force.

"Oh, by the way, about Sivar's adaptation period"

Thud-

Before Rod could finish speaking, the door swung open. Having said all that needed to be said, Luna had relaxed her guard.

Beyond the open door, naturally, Sivar and his companions were entering. So far, so good.

But how come Sivar was at the front of the group? Normally, he should be at the back.

Stride- Stride-

He was even striding forward confidently. His face may look innocent, but he's not small in stature, almost giving the impression of a giant approaching.

Luna was taken aback, and Rod was visibly flustered when Sivar boldly said,

"Rod, old man."

"Uh, hmm?"

Sivar not only used the name Rod but added old man' too, adhering to the manners' that Rod had emphasized.

"Lets have a match."

The words that followed, however, were far from polite.

Upon hearing that, Rod was completely dumbfounded, as were the others.

Was it the randomness of the statement? Rod looked blank for a while before quietly asking Luna.

"Did he get hit by lightning and lose his mind?"

""

Luna couldn't reply either. She was just as flabbergasted and speechless.

Meanwhile, Sivar made his intentions clear.

"If I punch you, I get a candy."

It's time for some manners training.

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