Chapter 46: Ta-da (2)

Chapter 46: Ta-da (2)

Unsurprisingly, my theatrics during class were reported straight to Rod. The rumors were bound to swell to begin with. Although I only intended to demonstrate my regenerative abilities, I cannot deny it was a bit too extreme. If I had to make an excuse, I felt a minor wound would not have been convincing enough. I didnt even consider it initially, but anyway, that was my rationale.

"Heh, so about the blood?"

"Huh?"

"Did you clean up all the blood?" he asked.

Rod let out a cheery laugh after what practically amounted to testimony from Luna and Kara and then asked me politely. He seemed ready to let it pass.

"Kara and I helped him clean it all. We took care of it before the blood clotted, so it was pretty clean."

"Sivar did take responsibility. That's good to hear. But he was seriously hurt to the point that blood was gushing and then he recovered quickly?"

"That Yes."

"Hmm."

Upon hearing Luna's answer, Rod glanced at me earnestly. Feeling self-conscious, I deliberately looked away.

I had casually dismissed past incidents since they weren't intentional. Not today, though. Perhaps after having lived in the wild, I had lost touch with normal standards. Today, I had realized it.

"Well, as long as no one else was harmed, it's okay. You've had a tough day, now go and rest."

"Thank you. The Principal, please have a good rest too."

Luna bowed and turned to leave, her time to relax finally at hand.

Clunk-

"Huh? Luna!"

"Ellie?"

At that moment, Luna bumped right into Ellie, who was just walking in. Cradled in Ellie's arms was Porori.

Technically, he wasn't actually being cradled; Ellie had a small box in her hands, and Porori was sitting on top of it, comfortably leaning against Ellie's chest as if it were a cushion. I found myself quite envious.

"Kukukuku."

" "

Let me rephrase that. Incredibly envious.

How comfortable must he be, sleeping and snoring away like that?

He seemed to be in a deep, blissful sleep, drooling slightly, as if hed thrown his wild instincts to the wind.

"Are you leaving now?"

"Yeah."

"If you have nothing else to do, stay here with me. I'm bored being alone."

"Umm"

Prompted by Ellie's request, Luna looked at Rod, as if silently asking if it was alright.

Rod seemed fine with it, nodding permission. For him, the more people, the better.

After all, he rarely concerned himself with others' business and was fully capable of dealing with problems should they arise.

"Okay, I'll stay for a little while."

"Okay. But where are Kara and Elvin?"

"Elvin took off earlier because he had some business to attend to, and Kara should be here shortly."

"Why is Elvin, our fellow guardian, always leaving so soon?"

Ellie genuinely seemed curious, not just complaining. To her, it probably seemed odd.

Indeed, Elvin had a somewhat undefined relationship with the rest. Neither particularly close nor distant.

We were quite chummy overall, but for Elvin, business' seemed to be the right word.

Hes also busy with guardian duties.'

More importantly, he's a hopeful from the Matra Empire. He's likely busy interacting with the Matra Empire.

Soon enough through Elvin, we'll likely hear about the test' that is to come.

It may feel unfair, and indeed it is. As I have mentioned before, the academys principles have long been diluted.

"He told me he's busy. Ellie, you don't have a patron, right? Like from the Matra or Granada Empire trying to scout you?"

"I do? There's someone from there offering to support me if Id work with them."

"Really? I didnt know non-combat roles had such options."

Yes, they exist. And they tend to be generous with the support they provide. The difference lies in the types of materials supplied and certain ethical aspects. The Matra Empire offers a wide variety of materials but is rather conservative, while the Granada Empire might have limited resources but is much more relaxed.

"So, who approached you? The Matra Empire?"

"No. The Hwan Empire."

"The Hwan Empire?"

"Yeah. Their people came to me, suggesting we work together if it's something I'd consider."

The Hwan Empire doesn't typically make the first move unless they are confident in a prospects talents.

And Ellie possesses abilities and talent that would surely appeal to the Hwan Empire. They are renowned for their expertise in pharmaceuticals and potion-making.

Consequently, in the game, she often dies unless kept alive, at which point I can reap various buffs and healing potions for free.

"That's quite impressive. The Hwan Empire has a stubborn streak; they don't often scout unless they're sure."

"So, you accepted?"

"No? I told them I have more to learn at the academy for now. My schedule is already packed, and that would just add to the stress."

Ellie quietly placed Porori and the box on the sofa. The sound seemed to wake him from his slumber.

His comfortable spot on the couch stood no chance against the coziness of Ellie's pocket, which I had to admit.

"Umm Whats going on? Is everyone here?"

Soon, Porori rubbed his eyes, still half asleep. I gazed at him with a mix of envy.

Meanwhile, Ellie sat on the sofa, tenderly stroking Porori's head, a faint smile on her face.

"Ratatoskr worked hard today. He helped me find the ingredients I needed."

"Really? Do you know all the herbs?"

"Just because I didnt know the names doesnt mean I lack the knowledge."

Porori puffed himself up, arms crossed. I was overwhelmed by the urge to give him a good smack.

How can one creature be so infuriating in every single thing he does? Others might see it as adorable; I do not.

"So, does Sivar also know about herbs well?"

"I suppose? Since my recovery strength increased, Ive been using them more for meals."

Thats exactly right. Ever since the grade of my regeneration increased, herbs have practically become meal ingredients for me.

They are particularly impressive for removing the gaminess from wild animals.

"It tasted quite good, so I even snuck some for myself."

Perhaps out of envy, Porori sneered at me. He must hate seeing me get praised.

"Hey."

"What."

"Its pathetic."

" "

I taunted back at him for being pathetic. Porori's frown deepened, radiating a touch of intimidation.

Of course, with so many people around, he quickly retracted it, clicking his tongue and murmuring softly,

"If only I could bend my damn thumb"

Ah, as if. I mentally scoffed at him.

If that guy ever learns to bend his thumb? I'd bow down in respect immediately.

"Next is the Ring of Wisdom. Just solve it as it is. Its kind of like a puzzle, really."

"I want to give it a try."

Kara was the first to start with the Ring of Wisdom, where two rings were entangled together. She seemed to enjoy this kind of challenge.

Despite her struggle to untangle the rings, she persisted unsuccessfully.

"Ugh it's tough. Want to try?"

"Yes."

Having given up, Kara passed it to Luna. Luna seemed to be doing well initially but soon ran into difficulties.

It appeared to be quite challenging, but the design was something I'd seen before in the Soul World.

Although I might have forgotten exactly how to solve it, eventually, Luna couldn't solve it either.

"It's no use. Sivar, why dont you try?"

It was my turn after Luna failed. I had just started examining the rings when,

"What if someone just uses force to solve it?"

"You wont be able to with just force. Many have tried, so theyve been designed to be tough from the start."

Ellie was right. Given their small size, it was designed to respond to finesse, not force.

Thus, I was to figure it out with intelligence alone. I carefully rotated it, assessing the mechanism.

This seems about right?'

Despite my efforts, it just wouldnt fit. So I applied a bit more force just a bit, by my standards.'

Crack!

A snapping sound, and the rings separated cleanly. However, the separation was anything but pristine.

The middle part had completely shattered. In an instant, the Ring of Wisdom had become a ring of brute strength.

"I heard those were pretty hard to break?"

" "

Ellie murmured in disbelief. They might be tough for others, but not so much for me.

Upon hearing her, I slightly lifted my head there was something I needed to check.

[Sivar]

Strength: 145

Agility: 140

Stamina: 148

Magic Power: 145

Luck: 102

Faith: 3

I was aware that my strength and faith had risen a little since the battle with Hector, although I had yet to check explicitly.

But to see my strength increase by 5 points after 140, the progression is noticeable at each step.

Thats the reason why slight force had broken it. Since fighting Hector, I hadnt had a reason to use much strength, so I was unaware.

Regardless, I had to smooth things over. I glanced at the broken Ring of Wisdom briefly before slyly placing it below.

"Ta-da."

And then, I shamelessly boasted,

"Solved it."

After all, it doesn't matter which road you take if you reach Seoul, right?

My audacious attitude earned quite the reaction from everyone.

While Luna and Kara wore incredulous faces, Ellie let out an awkward laugh.

"Look at him. With such a strong body, he doesn't think. He'd start with a headbutt if you asked him to use his head."

Porori was busy being sarcastic. I had not anticipated this outcome.

Lastly, there was Rod. He quietly looked at what used to be' the Ring of Wisdom and spoke up.

"Ellie, how much did that cost?"

"It wasn't too expensive."

"But you are a commoner, aren't you? Even for toys, that expense must be substantial."

" "

Ellie was silent, unable to respond to Rod's pointed observation.

Rod apparently grasped her sentiment, for he looked at me sternly.

"Sivar."

" "

"Candy will be banned for a month."

"Please, not that."

That was the last thing I needed.

There's a limit to how much I can extort from that couple, after all.

"If you had apologized first, I might have let it go with a laugh. But that brazen attitude is a problem. Do you understand?"

I had no excuses. But I still felt it was unfair.

I sneaked a peek at the broken ring and turned away, muttering under my breath,

"This. It's fragile."

The Ring of Wisdom was simply fragile.