Chapter 101: Territorial Fight (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 101: Territorial Fight (1)
After finishing her classes at the Magic Department’s Orphin Hall, it had become a routine for Eve to go looking for Isaac.
Whenever she found him, the same thought always crossed her mind.
‘This guy really does nothing but train...’
Isaac trained during every waking moment. It wasn't an exaggeration—he literally spent the entire day training. He genuinely didn't have any other hobbies or interests.
Even among the hyper-ambitious students of the prestigious Märchen Academy, his level of diligence was bordering on the pathological.
While secretly tailing her younger brother, Eve frequently overheard the other students talking about him. It seemed her brother had developed quite a reputation among the freshmen.
However, it wasn't exactly a positive one.
– “Has Isaac lost his mind lately?”
– “How did a guy who was barely Grade E last semester manage to wield a magic weapon already?”
– “His skills are way beyond Class C standards. And wasn't he at the bottom of Class D just last term?”
– “Was he a hidden genius all along? Like one of those prodigies who suddenly gains enlightenment and hits a massive growth spurt?”
‘Isaac was a Grade E...?’
Eve could hardly believe it. Grade E was a rank for those with mana levels lower than the average person. The fact that Isaac had been a Grade E last semester clashed violently with her own memories.
The abilities Isaac had displayed during the joint practical evaluation were, at the very least, at the level of Class B.
‘How could someone like that have been a Grade E just last semester...?’
To go from Grade E to a mana grade of C+ in a single semester was a terrifying rate of growth. Her brain felt like it was short-circuiting as she tried to process the information.
‘Not two years... but he got that strong in just half a year?’
Was that even possible?
It had taken Eve two years to master the wooden staff she currently held, and even now, she struggled to control it at times. Yet, Isaac’s staff looked far more difficult to handle than hers, likely requiring an immense level of mana control.
It was undeniable: he had reached a level where he could master complex magic weapons in a mere six months.
‘Could he actually be a genius...?’
No. Eve shook her head. Isaac was definitely not a genius. He had been a weakling born with naturally low mana. There had to be another explanation. Something else was facilitating this rapid growth.
Eve was determined to find out exactly what that "something" was.
*
Dinnertime, Training Grounds.
Eve sat in the second-floor stands overlooking the dome-shaped training area. She was there to see if Isaac would show up today.
“Sir Tristan, you were truly incredible in class today!”
Voices echoed from the nearby stands. The chatter of her first-year juniors caught Eve’s attention.
“Even the professor was stunned! It was a remarkable sight!”
“Hah! Of course it was. That much is nothing to me. The material was so basic it was practically yawn-inducing!”
“Ugh, I wish I was in Class B with Sir Tristan. It’s a tragedy we don't get to see your demonstrations in our class...!”
Two boys and a girl were showering a vain, blond noble with excessive praise. Eve wasn't interested; Märchen Academy was always full of arrogant types. She was no different, though in her case, her "arrogance" was just a facade built on lies.
Shortly after, a man entered the first-floor training area.
‘He’s here!’
It was Isaac. As usual, Zhonya’s Staff was slung over his back. He began channeling mana into various magic circles, engaging in combat with demonic illusions.
Today, Eve intended to finally uncover the secret behind Isaac’s strength.
‘I’m not here because I want to see Isaac. I just want to know how he became so powerful...’
That was it. She definitely hadn't come just to catch a glimpse of him. Definitely not.
“Sir Tristan, look at that guy...”
“Isn’t that Isaac?”
The blond noble, Tristan Humphrey, leaned against the railing and squinted at Isaac.
‘He recognized him immediately?’
Well, Isaac was infamous. It wasn't surprising that people knew him. However, as Tristan watched Isaac, a deep scowl formed on his face. It was a sharp contrast to his usual smug expression.
“That commoner bastard... he dares to train so blatantly where I can see him. How audacious.”
“Sir, may I make a suggestion? Why don't we use this chance to fuck up that commoner you hate so much?”
Eve’s expression twitched.
“Look at that magic weapon. It’s probably all flash and no substance. A Grade E loser handling a magic weapon? What a joke.”
“I feel sick just looking at him.”
“It makes sense why you hate him, Sir Tristan. He’s acting all confident just because his grades went up a little. Look at him showing off with that worthless staff.”
The students flattering Tristan bared their fangs at Isaac. It was clear they were trying to win Tristan’s favor by insulting the person he disliked.
Eve began channeling mana into the wooden staff resting against her shoulder.
During their childhood, Isaac had been so weak that the label "The Worst of the Worst" fit him perfectly. He had been constantly ignored and bullied. Whenever that happened, Eve was the one who stepped in to protect him. Unlike him, she had always been talented in magic.
– “Sis...”
– “It’s okay now, Isaac. It’s okay.”
– “I was so scared...”
– “Just stay by my side. I’ll protect you for the rest of your life, okay?”
The thought of these bastards laying a hand on her little brother made her blood boil. She couldn't stand it. After all, Isaac was her precious, cute little brother. If it weren't for her promise to Baron Ropenheim, Eve would have gladly shouted to the world how adorable and lovable Isaac truly was.
‘These brats who don't even understand Intermediate Element Theory dare to say such things...’
Her logic flew out the window. If they touched a single hair on Isaac’s head, Eve was prepared to unleash her full wrath on these juniors, even if it meant disciplinary action.
Eve’s furious gaze locked onto Tristan’s group.
But at that moment, Tristan looked at his lackeys and clicked his tongue.
“What nonsense are you spouting, you imbeciles?”
‘Huh?’
His reaction was the complete opposite of what she expected. Tristan’s dismissive tone left his followers speechless.
“Fuck him up? How dare you use such vulgar language in my presence?”
“S-Sir Tristan...?”
“Engaging in such disgraceful behavior would imply that I consider myself weaker than him. I am superior to that bastard in every way. If I cannot prove my superiority fairly, I refuse to stoop to underhanded tricks. Do not tarnish my reputation again. Or else.”
Tristan’s voice was thick with irritation.
“And as for that weapon—at the very least, that’s a Tier 2 or 3 magic weapon. How can you not recognize something so basic? Regardless of how arrogant that commoner is, the skill required to wield that is undeniable. Don't deny the reality right in front of your eyes.”
“But, Sir Tristan...”
“Hah! My mood is ruined. Come, you incompetent fools. We’re training!”
“Ah, yes! Right away!”
What the hell? What’s wrong with him?
The sight of Tristan—who seemed to have a twisted but surprisingly honorable mind—left Eve feeling deeply unsettled.
‘He’s an asshole, but he’s... unexpectedly sincere?’
Eve calmed herself. There was no need to get angry anymore.
As Tristan brushed past his subordinates, a sudden sound erupted.
CRASH—!
A deafening explosion echoed from Isaac’s training area, sending shockwaves through the hall.
Eve jumped, her lips parting in surprise. Tristan also stopped in his tracks, casting a sharp gaze toward Isaac.
The atmosphere turned heavy. Students across the hall stopped their training, their attention drawn to the center. A tall, muscular figure stood facing Isaac.
Given the sound, it was clear a boulder had been shattered by the sheer force of a punch.
‘V-Verga?’
Eve stood up, her pupils trembling.
An elite member of the Black Tiger, one of the Four Constellations. His dark green hair was slicked back, and a massive two-handed axe was slung over his shoulder. It was Verga Rayphelt, a second-year from the Knight Department known for his ferocity.
*
‘This feels incredible.’
Thanks to Dorothy’s healing, I felt invincible. My condition was beyond exceptional as mana surged through me. It seemed that because Dorothy had untangled my mana circuits, the flow had improved drastically.
However, this recovery method was a heavy burden on the body. From the second time onward, there was a risk it would actually weaken my circuits, so I couldn't rely on it as a permanent fix.
Right now, I was running a marathon to eliminate the Evil God. While defeating the Floating Island was a priority, it wasn't the end goal. Proper health management was a necessity.
I finally reached the training grounds. The elemental formations were partitioned by transparent barriers, and students were busy training in their respective zones.
‘Sweet. Found a good spot.’
There was a vacant space among the formations that looked perfect. As I headed toward it, the surrounding students looked surprised. I knew why.
‘It’s because a sub-event triggers here.’
This specific spot was tied to an event that granted a lot of EXP. I wasn't about to pass that up. Ignoring the stares, I pulled out Zhonya’s Staff and hummed to myself as I readied for battle.
I started beating the hell out of the demonic illusions.
“...?”
As I finished a wave of illusions, a shadow loomed over me. A massive man stood behind me. When I turned around, I saw a wall of muscle and dark green hair.
A double-handed axe was slung over his back. He was a physical monster, a human version of Marlog the Envious. I recognized him immediately from Magic Knight of Märchen.
He was an elite member of the Black Tiger faction. The man I had been waiting for.
[Verga Rayphelt]
Lv: 94
Race: Human
Elements: Rock, Ice
Danger: Low
Psychology: [Resentful toward you for taking his training spot.]
“...Who do you think you are?”
His voice was a low growl, accompanied by heavy, beast-like breaths. I stayed silent, watching him blankly. He suddenly swung his fist, striking a nearby boulder.
CRASH—!
The rock shattered with a resounding boom, collapsing into dust. The shockwave blew my silver-blue hair back.
‘Whoa...’
Dust filled the air. It was exactly like the event in the game.
Seeing it in person, though... he definitely packs a punch.
“Are those two going to fight?”
“He broke a boulder with his fist? Is that even possible?”
“Isn’t that Verga? One of the elites from Black Tiger...!”
“I knew this would happen... should I have warned him? Is he going to be okay?”
Whispers broke out among the spectators.
“Never mind that. I’m more interested in why a bastard like you is. Using. My. Spot.” Verga growled.
This was the sub-event from Magic Knight of Märchen that triggered in the second semester of the first year: 「Territorial Fight」.
Starting a week after the joint practical evaluation, if you trained in this specific spot during dinner, Verga Rayphelt would appear to claim it. In the game, the protagonist, Ian Fairytale, would argue that monopolizing a public spot was unfair.
Verga would then challenge Ian to a duel, but the rules were unique. It was a "manly" contest where they took turns hitting each other. Whoever lost consciousness first was the loser.
As the senior, Verga would let Ian strike first, confident in his protection magic and natural resilience. If Ian could take him down in one hit, the player won. If not, Verga’s counterattack would send Ian straight to the infirmary.
Winning didn't just give EXP; it opened up advantages for future events.
‘So, the correct response is...’
I put on a slightly cheeky expression and replied nonchalantly.
“There’s no reservation system here. Why should this be your spot, Senior?”
“What...?”
“Senior, it’s not right to monopolize a public training ground.”
The surrounding students looked horrified. Audible gasps filled the hall.
“Is he insane?”
“Did he lose his mind? Does he even have a brain?”
“Oh no, his opponent is a Black Tiger elite...!”
“Does he have a death wish? Is this some new form of suicide?”
In their shoes, I’d probably think the same thing. A freshman like Isaac boldly provoking a powerhouse like Verga was madness.
“...Arrogant brat. Are you picking a fight with me?”
Verga’s eyes glinted with murderous intent.
I let a faint smirk curl onto my lips.