Chapter 45: Ta-da (1)

Chapter 45: Ta-da (1)

Unfortunately, I didn't get paid. Both Gloria and Kronos said they didn't have any money on hand.

Perhaps because of that, they emphasized they would pay me later, promising there would be no breach of that promise. It appears they're worried I might spill their secret.

Since I didnt want to lose such fine patrons, I pretended to understand and let it slide. They will probably pay me on the day of the self-training session.

"Luna, do you know how Sivar spends his money?"

"He wouldn't know. Hes never bought anything himself before."

"Hmm then, Luna, please hold onto the money. There might be people who would take advantage of Sivar, especially at the academy. You understand what I'm saying, right?"

"Yes."

However, the money wasn't to be given directly to me but decided to circulate through Luna.

I wanted to protest, but Gloria's reasoning was indeed valid. Being stubborn here would've been nothing but childishly unwarranted.

Of course, if Luna were to embezzle or prevent me from buying what I want, I'd have to insist. Claiming it's my money, after all.

"We will be going now. When do you plan to come visit me?"

"We'll likely visit every Wednesday during the self-training sessions at the academy. We'll make sure not to draw suspicion with our attire."

" "

At the mention of attire, Luna's face reddened slightly. It seems the kiss between the two earlier must have come to mind.

If shes reacting like this already, it's going to be a challenge. Not that itll go as far as a kiss, but I'll have to witness all sorts of flirty acts in real time.

" Goodbye. We'll be going now."

"Safe travels. And remember to keep the secret at all costs."

"I'll be counting on you in the future."

With differing forms of farewell left behind us, Luna and I made our way out of the forest.

Before exiting the forest, I turned my head towards where Gloria and Kronos were.

Shassak-

As soon as I turned back, they disentangled their interlocked arms, posing as if nothing had transpired.

Once we leave, they will likely engage in a brief sparring followed by an intimate conversation. Of course, I have no intention of watching.

In the game, it naturally transitioned to the training ground.'

Moreover, its almost time for classes to begin. Diligent Luna would never miss a lesson.

"Sivar."

"?"

Just as we were about to leave the woods, Luna called out to me. I looked at her, puzzled.

Her face was full of things to sayso many that deciding where to begin seemed difficult.

Understandable, given the number of events that transpired in short order.

"About the money you asked from those two earlier. Its good they are kind people, but you shouldnt do that with anyone else. Got it?"

"Yes."

"And it's fine if you use the money they gave to eat candy. Just don't spend it too recklessly, okay?"

"Yes."

That's easy enough. It seems she's worried about my sense of finances potentially going awry.

I thought Luna would blindly follow Rods orders, but it seems shes not quite so closed-minded.

"Yes."

"And"

Luna started to say something more, then stopped. She looked straight into my face.

When looking at someone's face, I usually focus on the eyes, but Luna's gaze was strange. It was looking lower than the eyes.

Simultaneously, her pale cheeks began to warm up slightly. With skin so fair, the redness stood out even at a slight blush.

And then she glanced up and down, stuttered, and urged me.

"A-ah, about what those two did earlier, you must not imitate that recklessly. Especially not with girls. Understand?"

"Ah."

So that's what she was getting at. Pretty innocent on this subject, she is.

I nodded, showing understanding, and questioned.

"Peck?"

"Uh, yeah. Th-that"

"A kiss?"

" "

My crisp choice of words caused Luna's face to ripen further.

No resistance to this sort of thing whatsoever.

*****

After exploring the secret romance between Gloria and Kronos, we immediately headed for the training grounds.

Last week, the afternoon was filled with self-training because of the duel, but starting today, classes are in session.

The lessons are mostly about professors sharing various tips and tricks, magic included.

"Running a bit late?"

" There was a small matter to attend to."

Luna and I narrowly made it on time for the lesson. Kara was already waiting for us, having finished changing.

Afternoon lessons mostly involve practice and thus it doesnt really matter if youve changed like Kara or not.

As a result, while many students have changed, its not uncommon for some to stick to their uniforms.

That girl also stands out.'

Someone like Grace, for example. Aside from being a mage, it is known that she insists on her uniform from start to finish.

Characteristically prideful, she regards clothes as merely a cover. Honestly, whatever she wears will carry elegance given that face.

"Looks like everyones here. Let's start the lesson then."

Close to the features of an East Asian and possessing a graceful appearance, Yeonhwa has a beauty spot under her left eye.

I fought desperately every time, preserving as much physical strength as possible, regardless of how depleted my magic became.

And that persistence led to now. Hence, I just sat there idly.

"Errr Kara."

"Yeah?"

"Arent you practicing?"

"I already know all of that stuff."

Kara, with overwhelmingly more practical experience than the other students, had mastered first aid long ago.

I believe even that was taught to her by Hector. Combat is certainly an area with a lot to learn, if nothing else.

"Aren't you practicing, Sivar?"

Yeonhwa approached me as I sat staring into space.

Apparently, she found it odd that I was doing nothing while Kara was an exception.

I merely raised my head to meet Yeonhwa's gaze while seated. She looked almost mystical, dressed in Eastern-style clothing.

"Yeah. Not practicing."

But irrespective of that, if there's no need, then there's none. I

"Hm? Oh right, you have started speaking now?"

My response seemed to disconcert Yeonhwa briefly, but she soon nodded in acknowledgement.

News of me consistently reached Godin, who in turn informed the professors.

Godin was always among those who could be relied upon to explain things objectively.

"Why aren't you practicing? You know, professors might deduct points for lack of diligence."

"Professor?"

"Yes?"

I was being reprimanded when Luna called out to Yeonhwa, her face etched with concern.

Then she shot a glance at me before turning to Yeonhwa and opening her mouth.

"Sivar doesnt need to learn separate emergency care. His basic regenerative ability is exceptionally strong."

"What do you mean by having strong regenerative abilities?"

Yeonhwa asked with a slightly incredulous tone. It must be a baffling concept to her.

Luna, too, seemed puzzled about how to explain it. Explaining it verbally would mean delving into complicated matters.

I would have to talk about circumstances leading to severe injuries, and Yeonhwa might harbor further suspicions.

Thats why I gave Yeonhwas body a few light taps. She then turned to look at me again.

Swoosh-

First, I showed her my handsscarred with fresh marks and embedded with calluses.

As Yeonhwa looked puzzled upon seeing my hands, I knew that if explanation was complex, then demonstrating by action would be better.

Slowly, I brought my hand, specifically my wrist, close to my mouth.

Crunch!

And then forcefully bit into my wrist.

Crack!

Like a wild animal, I gnawed on it brutally, tearing a chunk of flesh right off.

"What, what, what are you doing! What is this madness!!"

Blood gushed from my wrist like a broken faucet. Yeonhwa was horrified by the sight.

Students, who were focused on their practice, turned to us upon hearing Yeonhwa's shriek.

"What, what, what's that? What's he doing?"

"Do, do we need a doctor? Shouldn't we call for a healer or a priest?"

They, too, were aghast upon seeing the blood pouring from my wrist, echoing Yeonhwa's shock.

In the meantime, a flustered Yeonhwa reached out to perform first aid.

Thud-

"What are you doing?! Let go now!"

However, my hand covered the wrist first, acting more swiftly. Yeonhwa, furious, tried to pull my hand away.

Of course, she couldn't overpower me, not with her strength. Hadn't it taken three people last time to barely hold me back?

Feeling it was enough, I slowly removed the hand covering my wrist. The palm was already drenched in blood.

"What in the Huh?"

Yeonhwas face became bewildered as she checked my wrist and found the wound was already healed.

It wasnt that I hadn't been injuredboth my wrist and the hand covering it were smeared with blood.

But it had regenerated flawlessly in such a short time. An injury of this extent meant almost nothing to me.

As everyone watched, I raised both hands, expressionless, and announced.

"Ta-da."

"How can you ta-da' after giving everyone a heart attack!"

I was immediately scolded by Kara.

"And you didnt need to go that far! You could've just scratched yourself with a fingernail!"

"Ah."

Right, there was that method. Am I really such a fool?

While I lamented my belated realization(?), Kara pointed to the blood-soaked floor, saying.

"You're cleaning all of this up today. Or else, you'll answer to me. Got it?"

" "

"Answer."

"Yes."

How best to clean blood? That, I do not know.