Berserker Rampage in the Circle
html, body { margin:0; padding:0; } Porter: Johann 4
Johann speculated on the cause of Jekki's monstrous transformation. It was obvious that the suspicious potion he'd consumed before turning was the direct culprit. So where had Jekki gotten his hands on something like that?
That potion he drank was definitely a Berserker Potion. According to the original story, it shouldn't come into play for another six months. Why the hell is it happening now?
This world was starting to deviate from the original plot. There were too many possible reasons. For starters, he'd been acting nothing like his original counterpart from the get-go.
Just like a butterfly's wingbeat summoning a tornado, some tiny rift had surely sparked this current distortion. Fate was beginning to shift, bit by bit.
The Berserker Potion was brewed by the 'Black Robe.'
Black Robe
A criminal syndicate from the heavenly realm, made up of genius alchemists. Their primary goal was the total destruction of the Academy. Plenty of villains popped up with aims like that. Honestly, Black Robe was just a bunch of small-time fodder—not worth much vigilance.
Once I clean this up, I should check into Black Robe's movements.
For now, though, priority one was containing the situation.
"Grraaarrgh!"
Jekki's form was already that of a green orc. Veins bulged like writhing earthworms across his skin. He was a battle mage, but there wasn't a shred of humanity left in him now.
One effect of the Berserker Potion: it sent the drinker's mana into overdrive, supercharging their body in seconds. Probably not even a famed sword could pierce his hide right now.
Of course, the price is steep. True to its name as the berserker's elixir, the user drops dead within thirty minutes.
Plus, the potion's toxicity stripped away their reason. Right now, Jekki was nothing but a monster driven by pure destructive impulse.
Shing!
The sound of glass beads rolling on a jade tray echoed faintly through the hellish roar Jekki unleashed. Garnet senior was drawing her sword from its sheath.
The gleaming blade reflected her icy expression like a mirror. Her eyes, radiating a quiet chill like moonlight on still water, locked onto the rampaging Jekki.
"To subdue him... we'll need to sever both arms at minimum."
There wasn't a hint of hesitation in her decision. Like a machine coldly applying logic, Garnet senior had already settled on how to deal with Jekki—and without so much as a blink, she kicked off the ground.
Thud!
The impact of her foot drowned out Jekki's destructive groans. Ripples spread from her launch point like stones skipped across a lake. Without even trading a single blow, Garnet senior revealed her sublime skill.
"Grraaarrgh!"
The real Jekki would've needed two or three dopings just to react to that charge. But the Berserker Potion bridged the gap between him and senior perfectly. As she rocketed toward him like a cannonball, Jekki's fist—laden with thick mana—shot out in a straight line.
"All you can do is make those disgusting noises!?"
Senior raised her sword. Raging flames enveloped the blade like a sword spirit. The overflowing inferno made her moniker crystal clear.
Flowing Flame
The most dazzling, beautiful title that defined Idsha Garnet.
The flaming sword moved with viper-like precision toward its prey. The afterimages it left evoked the trail of a long whip.
Left to right, right to left.
The forms traced by Flowing Flame transcended beauty into something reverent. Sparks flew like shooting stars with every whip-like lash, adorning the air.
"Grraaarrgh!"
But the green monster opposing her feared no fire. Was it because he'd lost his mind and thus his fear of strength? Or had the potion's power elevated him to senior's eye level? Hard to say.
Jekki didn't get easily sucked into the elegant arcs of her flaming sword. Matching her speed almost perfectly, he dodged the flames and countered with punches. Those clever moves made it hard to believe the potion had stolen his wits.
Every swing of his fist wrecked the Circle's furniture and fixtures. No wonder senior's face soured.
"I wonder if we can bill the student council for this damage..."
"Grraaarrgh!"
Deflecting senior's attacks defensively, Jekki's red eyes flashed as he stepped forward. Mimicking her earlier move, he planted his foot and lunged.
Time Acceleration.
I accelerated my body and cut in front of him. My sword was already brimming with mana.
Fire Control.
Flames coated the mana blade. A technique imitating Garnet senior. It wouldn't match the real Flowing Flame, but it'd do the job.
"Grraaarrgh!"
I swung horizontally at his incoming fist. His punch was mana-coated too, so this alone wouldn't drop him. Blocking wasn't about finishing him anyway.
The star of this show has to be Garnet senior.
Garnet senior wasn't some passive damsel. If I handled everything, it'd backfire.
Kuuung!
I planted my feet firm and braced. The Berserker Potion's power was no joke. The shock racing up my arms felt like electrocution. My hair stood on end from the sheer destructive force. He'd gone all-out this time—probably aiming to flatten senior.
Slash!
Big attacks leave big openings. Garnet senior didn't miss the gap from our exchange. A pro like her wouldn't.
"Gwaaaargh!"
Jekki's scream changed tone. It reeked of agony now.
A red line traced his shoulder. The next instant, the arm outstretched toward me tumbled free. Senior's flame sword had severed it.
"Normally I'd call that meddling... but right now, I'll borrow even a cat's paw. Nice assist."
Senior flashed a thumbs-up.
"An honor to help senior."
Flames began sprouting from the severed shoulder stump. Regeneration was useless against Garnet senior's blaze—unless it outpaced her firepower.
"Looked like you handled flames just now. You a flame swordsman too?"
"Just dabble in elemental swordsmanship. Nowhere near senior's level."
"Rare talent. Makes me jealous. My offer to join our Circle still stands. What do you say?"
"Hm... You'll be busy remodeling for a while. I'll pass for now."
"Shame."
She sounded genuinely disappointed. I could practically hear her favorability ticking up.
"He's not down yet. No slacking."
"One arm gone, and senior's flames are burning him. Just a matter of time."
"I know. Now the other arm."
One-armed, Jekki was helpless. No need for teamwork—senior alone showered him with fire and lopped off the other arm.
Deprived of his main weapons, Jekki collapsed howling like a kicked pup. Maybe the potion's backlash hitting; he convulsed on the floor, kissing the ground.
"He was off from the start, but this is even weirder."
Senior added as she eyed him. Only then did the teachers show up.
"Heard a monster appeared out of nowhere! Where!?"
Riggle Framework arrived first. Tempest dorm's supervisor.
"Situation's over. Just cleanup left."
Garnet senior replied curtly. As she said, the culprit was already a cold corpse.
*-*-*
"Weird stuff always seems to happen around you."
"Scarlett senior, that's a bit harsh."
I said that, but I agreed. Big incidents always swirled around me. Had to— I was this world's protagonist.
"Investigation report on the Sun and Hill incident came out. Barely anything to show for it, honestly."
"Leaves a bitter taste."
"The sole clue is the black-robed giant Jekki was seen with before. Framework supervisor testified he mentioned spotting one near the dorm the day before."
Black Robe, as expected. No surprise since I'd figured as much.
"That's why directives came down. Report any suspicious folks immediately. Johann, seen anyone shady? You'd probably run in those circles."
"Why me?"
"You casually hit up a crime syndicate in the demon realm last time."
"Different situation. No shady types on my radar. I'll report if I spot any."
True enough. Right after the incident, I'd looked into Black Robe myself. No leads inside the Academy.
With the plot diverging, can't rely on the original blindly.
They weren't making bold moves, so no need to overreact. They'd probably experiment with potions and watch the Academy for now. Still, basic vigilance was key—who knew when they'd change.
"Things are chaotic, but how's festival prep?"
"On track. You? Fourth-years swamped with festival stuff?"
"Student council duties mean others handle it. Budget wrangling eats time this season. Apply early if you need funds."
"Isn't that accounting's job?"
Senior was secretary, not accountant.
"No real accountant in our council. Or none who works properly."
"Tough break."
"Used to it."
She said it stone-faced, like she meant it.
"Anyway, gotta run. Festival prep calls."
"Good luck."
I bowed to senior and headed back to my office. Not a lie—I was swamped with festival work.