Chapter 62: Cleric (1)

Chapter 62: Cleric (1)

Since Kara had joined, nothing of particular note had happened.

Grace and Yeonhwa, who had not slept well, dozed off now and then, but there were no issues.

The same held true for the evening when the safe zone had shrunk to its smallest. There were almost no other survivors left, nor was there any willingness to fight.

"Are you going to fight? We don't mind either way."

"A peace treaty doesn't sound too bad."

This was Elvin speaking, one of the last to survive like us. As soon as he saw us, he immediately proposed a peace treaty.

It was as if my presence was a nuclear bombtoo big of a factor, hence the treaty.

We also didn't need to exert our full strength, which allowed for a peaceful continuation of the practice.

"What have you been eating to survive, Elvin?"

"Just water."

"Aren't you hungry? It must be tough."

"Id rather starve than eat frogs or snakes."

Elvin had survived somewhat foolishly. He had held out eating nothing at all.

He solved his need for water with the potions he had brought. Hunting was too difficult, and he didnt want to eat bugsit was his way out.

"How about this?"

"Get that away from me, fast! I'm not eating it!"

So when I offered him a nicely roasted grub, he was horrified. Everyone seems to hate bugs for some reason.

I passed the insect, which had turned Elvin's complexion to a pale shade, over to Kara. She accepted it gratefully and popped it into her mouth.

"Mmm. Mmm. Delicious as expected. Why would anyone refuse something this good?"

"I don't know."

""

Elvin gave us an indescribable look. It wasn't a lie; the bugs truly did taste good.

As time passed and evening approached, with the sun about to set, we heard an announcement.

"Great job, everyone. The survival practice session ends here."

The professors found us when we were cracking jokes and relaxing in the safe zone.

The eventful survival practice was over. Now we could finally rest comfortably in our beds.

"Keep your bracelets on for a while longer; it's better that way. They enhance fatigue recovery and temporarily halt natural bodily functions. So go to your dorms to remove them, and then return them the next day."

"Why put a function to stop natural bodily functions?"

Grace asked, mirroring the puzzled looks of others.

When the environment changes even slightly, people's bodies are affected in various ways, especially their natural processes.

In the case of survival practice, the environment underwent extreme changes. Most had not realized what had changed.

"There are several reasons, but mainly its to avoid embarrassing situations. We were watching over you, after all. Does that make sense now?"

"Yes."

Grace nodded. She must have somewhat predicted that the teaching staff was overseeing the students. That allowed everyone to focus solely on the practice.

There might be some discomfort with that method, but there was no major opposition. Those who had decided to focus on survival rather than unnecessary matters were in the right.

"Don't worry too much about it. We dont concern ourselves with students personal issues. Its one of the principles of the academy."

Marlboro said this with a sideways glance at me. Even the other professors subtly directed their gaze my way.

Why were they looking at me, I wondered, and then realized.

"Ah. Luna."

I momentarily forgot Luna was lingering in the back of my mind. It was highly likely that they had overheard every word she had said to me.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Luna had inquired about the cave paintings I lived with, but to others, it could be interpreted as more than enough for a serious confession.

To this, Grace nonchalantly explained the situation.

"Sivar said he'd cooperate actively, so I promised to buy him a cake. And Sivar held up his end splendidly. That's all there is to it."

"Cake? That sweet, fluffy thing?"

"Yes, exactly that."

"Hmm"

After hearing the answer, Kara turned her gaze to me. Her green eyes were agitated with thought.

Whatever she pondered, it didn't seem to be negative.

"Alright. Promises are promises, I get it. Decide some other time not now though. You're tired, and we're tired. We have plenty of time, right?"

"Lets do that. Yeonhwa, do you want to join?"

Yeonhwa hurriedly shook her head no. It was decidedly clear she was not interested.

Grace let it go; it was a courtesy offer after all.

When was Yeonhwa's episode again?'

As I recall, it was related to a visit from prominent figures of the Hwan Empire. A high-ranking individual would make an appearance.

That person would instantly recognize Yeonhwa and events would unfold. It would be a mess if that person weren't relatively sensible.

"Once again, I say good job everyone. I'll probably not get up tomorrow, so let's meet in two days."

Following Grace's final words, we all headed back to our dorms. Naturally, I moved along with Kara.

I just hope that person doesnt show up.'

The survival practice was over, so the next episode was inevitable. The one related to the cleric.

In Soul World, that route allowed access to cleric-related professions, though one needed a bit of faith.

As someone whose faith was scraping bottom, it wasn't really of concern to me. The real problem was me being a follower of Chaos.'

"Sivar."

"?

As I deepened into my thoughts, possibly contemplating if that person would really come, Kara called out to me. Snapping out of my reverie, I turned to look at her.

For some reason, Kara seemed annoyed. Puzzled if I had done something wrong, her advice took me by surprise.

"Ellie taught you already, I presume, but if someone offers you tasty things or tells you to follow them, you shouldn't, okay?"

"Um?"

Her warning caught me completely off guard. It was bewildering advice, to say the least.

As I stood there confused, Kara scratched her head and provided some sort of explanation.

"Grace, right? She seems nice enough but dont just go following people. Especially not if someone you don't know offers you food or promises something good. Got that?"

She talked as if I were a child. I stared back at her incredulously.

Kara misinterpreted my expression and tried to drill the point home.

"Now, repeat after me. What if a stranger tells you they will buy you a cake if you come with them? What will you do?"

"Yeah."

I should just take the cake and leave, I thought. But Kara didn't seem pleased with my response.

"No! You say no' to them. Let's try something else. If a stranger offers money and suggests doing something good, what would you do?"

"Yeah."

"No! You're supposed to say no'! Wow. You really might have gotten into trouble, you know? It's good we caught this in time."

I knew I could defend myself no matter what; I couldnt fathom why she was reacting this way.

Regardless of my thoughts, Kara muttered to herself with genuine concern in her voice.

"I'm scared someone might take away our dear Sivar. I'll have to keep a closer watch."

"?"

Who would take whom away? If someone tried to force me, Id simply bite to escape.