A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

The reason for the strong fandom of the Soul World lies not only in its appealing universe but also in the highly praised system. It’s not a combat system infamous for being shitty but the growth system. While, at first glance, it may sound ordinary, what deserves attention is that the growth applies not only to the player but also to NPCs and even monsters.

Let’s say there’s a monster that you failed to hunt and fled. That monster could potentially become a stronger monster later on. 

How do we know this? 

The system informs us, and we can discern it through scars engraved on the monsters. It could be a missing eye or have a large wound on the chest, among other things. That’s one of the reasons why it was called a god game among enthusiasts.

‘But what the hell did that bastard do?’

I looked at the Porori, who had grown to the size of a large dog, with a blue bolt adorning its body. Porori was originally smaller and didn’t even have a lightning bolt. 

However, during my absence, it achieved tremendous growth. It’s a phenomenon unseen in the game. Many people have neither hunted nor released the Porori, but to think  it could grow like this. Perhaps it’s because I lived in the wild.

I’ve fought Porori countless times, and whenever I felt bored, we encroached on each other’s territories. As a result, both of us could grow. However, since my awakening of the crimson magic power, the intensity of our fights became incredibly fierce.

‘It’s not like it’s a Pikachu.’

Now I had to call it Pikachu instead of Porori. It’s ridiculous.

However, I didn’t have time for pointless thoughts. Just it controlling the lightning alone was dangerous.

‘In order to directly control the lightning… the only answer is divinity.’

There were gods I believe to have brought me to this place. Among them, there was also a god who helped one control lightning.

If Porori truly gained power from that deity, he could no longer be called a ‘monster.’ It is highly likely that he evolved into a rare existence known in the Soul World universe as a ‘Divine Beast.’

Crackle! 

As Porori took a step forward, blue sparks flickered. Its intention was clear. 

It seemed like today was another battle for revenge. Since I marked my victory in our previous duel, it was only natural. So, when I took a step forward as well, Luna, who had been watching from behind, opened her mouth in surprise. 

“W-We should back off. It’s dangerous to stay here.” 

“But what about Sivar?” 

“If you don’t want to get struck by lightning and die, hurry up and get away!” 

“Ah, okay! Don’t die, Sivar!”

With Ellie’s reluctant cheer as the last support, they moved away from me. Thanks to that, I felt at ease and ready to fight. Porori seemed to dislike being disturbed in the fight, as he quickly approached once they left. 

I matched his speed. It started with a walk but gradually transitioned into a sprint. 

And then, Porori charged at full speed on all four legs. I also vigorously moved my two legs and tightly gripped my axe. The closer I got to him, the more I felt my whole body’s hair standing on end, probably due to the lightning. 

“Kyaaang!”

Finally, the Popori, as big as a large dog, jumped high and swung its tail , shimmering with blue lightning. 

After the tail whip, it followed with a Tetsuzanko, which had caused my rib bones to shatter once before. I firmly gripped the axe and swung it with force. The axe glowed with a faint red aura. 

Claaang!

(TL: It’s basically a body check. I legit just spent 30 min researching what this damn move is, but imagining a giant squirrel doing it was hilarious enough to be worth it. It’s from Virtua Fighter, here’s a link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av05JGHIFtw )

The sound didn’t seem like the tail and the stone axe colliding. It was clear and crisp, like iron striking iron.

Kwagwang!!

Apart from that, a massive shockwave occurred as the enormous force collided with another force.

Both Porori and I were thrown back. The moment of my body being suspended in the air felt incredibly long.

Thud!

My body collided with a solid rock. I was thrown quite forcefully, causing debris to rain down above me.

I quickly recovered from the shock and stood up. It seems like I flew inside the cave and collided with the wall.

All the wall paintings I carved out of boredom collapsed. It was a bonus that another entrance appeared in the cave.

“Phew.”

I brushed off the debris from my head and roughly assessed Polori’s location. Since it was thrown as far as I was, it would take time for it to recover.

During that time, I also needed to take some time to recover. First, I focused on the axe I held in my left hand.

The tail, entwined with lightning, must have broken it, leaving only the handle behind. It’s probably inevitable considering that it’s material after all.

In preparation for such situations, I created a spare. I grasped the neatly arranged stone axes and spears on the cave wall with both hands.

‘It’s coming.’

My senses were telling me. It has regained its senses and was approaching this way.

I didn’t wait, instead, I moved my legs quickly. I spread magic throughout my body, enhancing my senses.

Eventually, when I escaped from the cave, I noticed a shimmering blue light in the distance.

Flash!

With a single flash, the light grew brighter.

Flash!

Once again, it flashed, narrowing the distance even further.

Every time the light burst like real lightning, the distance rapidly narrowed. That must be another newly acquired ability.

It has become stronger. Unparalleled compared to before. It seems Popri has honed and trained itself.

‘Truly amazing.’

I still remember it vividly. The day I fell into this forest, that guy smeared dung on my face.

Until now, we’ve only had draws, but recently, I was able to get my revenge on him. Perhaps that’s why it’s so obsessed with me.

I used to have a mindset of “If I die, I die.” However, after meeting other people just now, my thoughts have changed. 

‘I will never die.’

After finally having some hope, how could I give up? I exerted strength in my left hand and extended my right foot forward. Then, I pulled back my left arm and adjusted my stance. 

When it was getting closer, I threw the spear with great force. One of the skills I acquired while living in this forest was ‘throwing’. It literally meant the act of throwing an object.

It’s a very ordinary skill, but the story changes when you push it to the extreme. If I can produce the same power as a gun just by throwing a stone, wouldn’t it be useful? I had both power and technique that made it possible. 

Bang! 

With the sound of the wind bursting, the spear left my hand and flew towards the Popori. It was as fast as an arrow. 

Of course, it anticipated this attack well and swiftly dodged with a flash! I also expected that. The limitations of a thrown spear were clear. 

It’s more convenient to think of it as a disposable item when fighting that guy. In the first place, it’s much better to fight it unarmed, as I can’t even properly harness the red magical power. 

Crash! 

The missed javelin caused a large explosion as soon as it hit the ground. The surrounding terrain and objects were scattered in all directions.

It exploded with just a slight impact due to the infusion of my magical power. I’m not exactly sure why, but the red magic seemed to have explosive properties like gunpowder.

There have been numerous incidents where I could have blown up myself, so I had to be cautious in everything I did. Fortunately, I can control it easily now.

Anyway, putting that aside…

Crackle!

Popori arrived right before my eyes, utilizing the speed of lightning. Its entire body was engulfed in blue lightning.

It feels like I’ve seen that somewhere before, but it didn’t matter. What’s important now is defeating that thing.

Honestly, I don’t think I’ll lose. Until recently, I’ve been fluctuating in and out of its territory.

But I couldn’t let my guard down. I realized that early on, after becoming complacent and almost being bitten by a venomous snake.

Uuung-

Once again, a reddish energy surged through my axe. I’ve filled it with the maximum capacity it could handle, so it felt like it could explode any moment.

Meanwhile, the Popori jumped high and began spinning around in circles. Soon, a powerful tail strike came crashing down.

It was a tail strike that has become even stronger by utilizing the centrifugal force of the spin.  I swung my stone axe with maximum magical power infused into it.

Kkaaang!

Once again, a clear and loud sound echoed.

Qua-a-aang!!

A massive explosion accompanied by a bright light filled the forest.

******

Roaring sounds of beasts and monsters, the chirping of grasshoppers, and the chorus of birds, among others. These are the sounds that could be heard in the forest, and usually they were loud but distant. Unless it was nighttime, a monster’s roar wouldn’t spread throughout the entire forest.

Kwaaang! Thud! Bang! Crash!

However, now the forest was filled with all kinds of noises. The sound of lightning tearing through the sky, explosions, the sound of something breaking, and so on. 

The creatures in the calm atmosphere were on edge due to these noises, filling the forest with tension. They worried that the sound might get closer.

The birds that were singing on tree branches flew away in the distance, and predators and prey alike distanced themselves from the source of the noises. 

Luna and Ellie were no exception. They were waiting in a relatively close position. 

– Haaaaaaa!

-Kyaaaaaang!

“··· ···”

The roars of one human and one beast reverberated throughout the entire forest. Luna’s expression stiffened upon hearing that sound. It was a roar that made one take a step back just by listening to it. It was hard to believe that it came from a person and a squirrel. 

‘That squirrel must have been the one to use the lightning…’

Luna recalled the lightning bolt used by the squirrel. One can only control lightning if they embrace a god’s divinity within themselves. It is practically impossible for animals to manipulate divine power. Animals are creatures driven more by instinct than reason.

To attain divinity, one must cultivate patience, practice self-restraint, and engage in virtuous acts. These were not experiences that align with the instincts of animals.

However, that squirrel was different. It effortlessly wielded the lightning, a sign of divinity. Since then, it has been engaged in a fierce battle with Sivar.

‘Could it really be a divine beast?’

A being spoken of only in legends, an entity called a divine beast. If it is indeed a divine beast, the Academy couldn’t simply overlook it.

Divine beasts are rare and extraordinarily powerful in their very existence. While they rarely pose a threat to humans, the fact that there are occasional instances when they do is problematic.

However, in most cases, even these occasional instances do not cause significant damage. Divine beasts were not confined to nature.

In the distant past, divine beasts were objects of worship, but now they are nothing more than monsters. Just monsters with whom one can communicate.

Therefore, upon returning to the Academy, Luna had to report it immediately. When that happened, things would be chaotic for a while.

“Is it okay for us to stay here?”

“…We should observe the outcome.”

However, there was only one reason for them to remain nearby. It is because they wanted to witness the outcome.

Regardless of who emerges victorious, they will leave the forest. However, the presence or absence of a witness will make a difference.

Even if Shivar wins, the Academy will be overturned. 

“Is it really going to be okay? Isn’t there something we should do to help?” 

“If you want to get struck by lightning and die, go ahead.” 

“Luna is the first year’s top student. You can’t do anything about it?” 

“It’s not like I’m from the Hwan Empire. There’s nothing I can do.”

The place known as the Hwan Empire, a country in the east and also a federation, was a home to individuals with mysterious abilities. One of them is the power to directly intercept falling lightning. It was a technique that returns the power of nature as it is.

Luna has only heard about it and has never actually seen it. Although there are numerous students from various countries at the Academy, they were all quite ordinary. 

“But what if Sivar dies like this? He’s the one who saved us.” 

“He won’t die so easily.” 

“Can you be sure? Maybe it would be better…” 

While listening to Ellie’s words, Luna sensed something strange. Ellie’s mouth was moving, but no sound was coming out. It seemed as if she was murmuring to herself. At first, Luna thought it was just a joke. 

Flash! 

Until a pillar of blue and red light rose in the middle of the forest, they turned their heads towards the direction where the light originated. It was blindingly bright. Seeing the lightning flashing in the middle, it was easy to deduce whose doing it was.

Kwaaang!

The pillar of light soon began to gradually increase in size. Its area expanded, engulfing the surrounding area.

Simultaneously, a deafening explosion struck their ears. It was the reason Ellie’s words were swallowed up.

Wiiiing!

“Ahh!”

“Ugh!”

The impact of the massive explosion spared nothing in its range. A tremendously powerful gust that swept through them.

It was a gust so strong that it could have easily blown them away. In fact, Ellie couldn’t maintain their balance and tumbled on the ground.

As the storm gradually subsided, Luna, who had blocked the gust with her arms, slowly opened her eyes.

“…oh my goodness”

And as soon as she opened her eyes, she was amazed, her mouth agape. The expression “reduced to ashes” would be an understatement.

Everything around the pillar of light had completely vanished. Not only the tall trees but also the small bushes were all gone.

How strong of a force would it take to produce these results? If they had been just a little closer, they would have been caught in the explosion.

Luna thought they had stayed far away from the affected area, but she was mistaken.

“Ugh… What, what happened? Where did the forest go?” 

“··· ···” 

“S-Sivar. Is he okay? Is Sivar fine?” 

“We need to check.”

Finally regaining her senses, Luna took a step forward. Ellie followed closely behind her with an anxious expression.

If it was an explosion like this, neither Sivar nor the squirrel could have survived. They might not even find their bodies.

Continuing on, they arrived at the epicenter of the explosion. It was such a massive blast that a giant crater had formed.

Near the crater, there were remnants that seemed to be fragments of Sivar’s cave. Naturally, all the suspicious murals had disappeared as well.

“L-Luna! Look over there! Look!” 

“…I’m looking.”

It didn’t take them long to find Sivar and the squirrel, both unconscious, in the center of the crater. It was uncertain whether they were unconscious or dead, but they still maintained their physical forms amidst the explosion. Both of them seemed unusually sturdy.

The two cautiously descended into the crater and approached them. Sivar was the first they reached.

“Sivar! Are you okay…!” 

Ellie swallowed her words and held her breath. Luna, who followed behind her, stiffened her expression upon seeing Sivar’s condition. It was serious. 

Beyond being merely serious, it was even doubtful as to whether he was alive. His entire body was charred as if struck by lightning, and it was difficult to find an unburned area.

His limbs were twisted, and there were parts that seemed completely crushed. He looked like a corpse to anyone who saw him. Interestingly, the cloth covering his lower body was intact. However, there was no time to pay attention to such details. 

“P-Potion. We need to give him a potion quickly.” 

“Ellie…” 

“If he drinks the potion, he’ll be okay. So…”

Having observed Shivar’s condition, Ellie urgently took out a potion from her bag. It was brought for emergencies. However, upon seeing Sivar’s state, one could quickly realize that potions or anything similar would be of no use. 

Ellie knew that as well. It was a desperate act born out of the desire to hold onto even a shred of hope. She didn’t want to let the person who saved her go like this. 

“Don’t do that. It’s already too late.” 

Luna felt equally sorry. She especially wanted to ask about the true nature of the mural, but it ended up becoming a lifelong mystery.

Ellie ignored her words and sprinkled the recovery potion onto Sivar’s body. Although she wanted to put it in his mouth, it was impossible due to the excessive burns. Nonetheless, she was determined to do her best. 

‘That squirrel…’ 

While Ellie was trying her best, Luna looked towards the squirrel. Unlike Sivar, it was less affected by the lightning and didn’t get burned like him. Instead, it had far more noticeable wounds than Sivar. Its limbs, including the tail, were twisted in a grotesque direction.

But what stood out the most was its chest. It had deep wounds, like those caused by a beast’s claws, in five different places. 

‘Just a squirrel, after all.’ 

Even though she saw it with her own two eyes, she couldn’t believe it. I guess divine beasts are really divine. It was the moment Luna was about to lift her foot because she wanted to get closer for a better look. 

Thump! Thump! Thump! 

Strange sounds began to emanate from Sivar, who was lying as if dead. Luna’s footsteps abruptly halted at the sound. Then she turned her gaze towards Sivar and witnessed an astonishing sight. 

“W-What…?” 

“What is this…” 

He was reverting. Sivar was returning to his original form so completely that even the word “recovery” seemed underwhelming.

As if shedding his charred skin like molting, the blackened skin was peeled away, revealing a fresh white skin, and the bones of the shattered arms and legs returned to their original state.

However, the hair and beard that had been incinerated by lightning did not return to normal. Instead, they only grew to the point of being there.

Crackle! Crack!

With the sound of bones aligning, it didn’t take long for Sivar to return to his previous appearance.

The speed of recovery and regenerative power was unimaginable, as if it couldn’t possibly belong to a human. Could it be that the potion sprayed by Ellie had an effect?

“Ugh…”

As the two people stared at him with wide-eyed expressions, Sivar let out a groan.

Then, he blinked his eyes that had been hidden between his bangs and turned his head slightly. Ellie was there where he turned his head.

“S-Sivar! Are you awake? H-How many fingers do you see?”

Ellie spread out two fingers and shook them.

In her haste, Ellie seemed to have completely forgotten that Sivar couldn’t even speak properly yet.

“Shibal…”

Sivar, as expected, only replied with a curse. It was a simple response, but it carried a different meaning.

‘Put your hands away because it’s dizzy.’

That’s what it meant.

[You have dramatically recovered from the brink of death! Your stamina is increasing!]

Well, thank you for that.