Chapter 131: Alice (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 131: Alice (2)
Isaac returned exactly one day after the demon of the Black Tower was slain. Wasn’t the timing just a bit too convenient?
This was what Chesire had told Alice. It was information the familiar had acquired by chance while lazing atop a tall building, watching the school gates.
Last night, in the Student Council Room.
Alice Carroll pondered in silence, her fingers tracing the black-and-white choker around her neck.
The Black Monster and the Nameless Hero.
That was how the public referred to the mysterious being who defeated any and all demons appearing at Märchen Academy.
As for Alice, she knew him as the Disruptor. After all, he was the one who constantly hindered the demons from killing Ian, the possessor of the light element.
The Disruptor was an enemy that needed to be eliminated, but…
By defeating the Floating Island, he had proven to the world that he had reached the level of an Archwizard. At least within the confines of Märchen Academy, he was practically the strongest being alive.
Archwizards possessed abnormally high mana perception, making them capable of sensing mana even when it wasn’t being actively emitted.
So, let’s consider the possibility of Isaac being the Disruptor. Monitoring him using a familiar or a minion would be no different than shouting, ‘Please look at me, I’m suspicious!’ It was a foolish move.
Now, thanks to that idiot Leafa, rumors were circulating about an informant among the faculty. That information was already being shared with the remaining Imperial Knights stationed at the academy.
Thus, Alice was forced to carefully weigh her options on how to deal with the Disruptor.
“…”
What she needed right now was information.
She had already gathered data on Isaac, and while he was suspicious, there was nothing definitive. She needed a smoking gun—something to confirm that Isaac was indeed the Disruptor.
If she could prove Isaac was the Black Monster, she would find his weakness and eliminate him at all costs.
Her throat throbbed. Alice rubbed the choker with increasing intensity.
“Haa.”
Alice steadied her breath and suppressed her emotions. She reluctantly let go of her choker and turned her gaze toward the window.
Snowflakes continued to fall endlessly over Märchen Academy.
The Student Council President. The Shadow of Märchen Academy. The final boss of Year 2, Semester 1.
The Heart Queen—Alice.
The difficulty of 「Act 9: Alice Subjugation」 in ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ was notoriously high.
Alice was incredibly dangerous; she could overwhelm a player with an endless onslaught of Trump Soldiers the moment they let their guard down. The Paladins, the elite middle-bosses of her Trump Army, were especially difficult to break through.
When such a terrifying boss—a master puppeteer who manipulated entire armies—suddenly appeared right in front of me, I couldn’t help but freeze.
Why are you here…?
Large snowflakes continued to drift down.
Underneath a narrow umbrella, Alice and I locked eyes. I had never been in such close proximity to her, not even in the game.
Even though it was vacation, Alice was dressed in her school uniform, likely because she was on duty as the Student Council President. There was a conservative tradition of wearing formal attire when visiting the Student Council Room in Bartos Hall.
Suddenly, a memory flashed through my mind: Alice in this very uniform, looking down at me with a smiling face as I died during the Trial of Frost. A shiver ran down my spine.
However, there was one difference this time—a cape shawl draped over her shoulders. It was an exclusive piece of outerwear for the Student Council President, a harmonious blend of black, gold, and crimson. It added an extra touch of sophistication to her regal aura.
Wait, is it a coincidence that we crossed paths on the street, or did she…
Putting that aside, was this really a random encounter? Or…
Did she approach me on purpose?
As expected, [Psychological Insight] didn’t work. Alice’s unique trait, [Red Queen’s Paradox], prevented me from reading even the tiniest shred of information about her.
Well, still…
Even if she had been tailing me, there was no way she could know about the hidden cave where the Stone Turtle dwelled.
During the journey there, I had summoned Hilde in her will-o’-wisp form to ensure no one was following. Even if someone had managed to stay hidden, the heavy snowfall would have left footprints. There was zero chance that either I or Hilde wouldn't have noticed.
Furthermore, no one could have followed me through the sky, whether by magic or familiar. Hilde’s high mana perception would have detected them instantly.
In other words, if she had discovered me and started following, it must have happened after I left the Stone Turtle’s cave and began strolling through the academy grounds.
I quickly composed myself. I deliberately let my mouth hang open slightly, letting out a small, stunned “Wow.”
If I kept looking flustered, it would only arouse suspicion.
“Why do you look so surprised?”
“Ah… It’s because you’re so beautiful.”
I intentionally stumbled over my words, putting on a shy, starstruck demeanor.
Nice. This makes me look like a total loser.
Could there be a better lie to cover up that brief, awkward lapse in composure?
Well, it’s true that she’s beautiful. The only lie is that I’m surprised.
“I see you have sensible taste. It’s fortunate that you’re a normal person,” Alice replied calmly, resting her free hand on her chin.
She spoke of her beauty as if it were a simple matter of common sense—a truth as undeniable as the sun rising in the east.
“Shall I help you up, baby?”
Ba… what?
“Baby…?”
“You’re my junior. Besides, you look like a baby right now. ‘Wahhh, I’m a baby~.’”
Alice reached out and tugged on my cape shawl, which was pinned with a red brooch, shaking it near her cheek with an air of unaffected coquettishness. I hadn't bothered to change it to the blue brooch that symbolized a second-year student yet.
Why is she acting so playful?
I swallowed hard and looked directly at her.
…It’s not playfulness. This is a ploy to lower my guard and peer into my heart.
If someone didn’t know the real Alice, they might think she was just a friendly, social person, but…
Not me.
As someone who had encountered Alice countless times in ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, her current behavior felt incredibly uncanny.
Alice was an enigmatic character with very little lore, which had led players to debate her secrets for years. I was well aware of all those theories. I knew every flaw and every trait of the golden-haired villain standing before me.
First of all, Alice’s "kind" disposition was purely for the sake of her public image. In a deserted alley during winter vacation, her true personality would have been to ignore a person in trouble and walk right past them.
If my hunch is right…
The information about an informant colluding with demons was public, as was the fact that the Black Monster was an Archwizard.
Against an Archwizard who could sense hidden mana, Alice couldn't afford the risk of secret surveillance. Therefore, it made sense for her to confront me directly.
She was here to confirm whether or not I was the Black Monster. If she became certain, she would immediately begin plotting my assassination. To do that, she needed to find my weakness.
She was here to probe me.
Once I reached that conclusion, everything became clear.
Alice is… suspicious of me.
“Why are you so stiff? It’s like you think I’m going to eat you up.”
She’s sharp.
“I was just a bit flustered… Did you really just act cutesy toward me?”
“Why are you bothered by such trivialities? Just think of it as a treat for your eyes.” Alice gave her signature gentle smile. “You look a bit uncomfortable. Should I help you get to where you’re going?”
I need to get out of here.
I was still considerably weaker than Alice. If things went south and my identity as the Black Monster was revealed, it was game over.
“No, I’m fine…”
I tried to stand, but my legs were leaden, and I lost my balance. I stumbled backward and landed hard on my butt.
It was just snow, so it didn’t hurt, but the fall drained what little strength I had left.
“Huh?”
Alice conjured an ash-gray magic circle and cast the neutral spell [Telekinesis] on me. An invisible force gently lifted my body.
Usually, living beings have a high resistance to [Telekinesis] cast by others due to the natural repulsion of mana fields. However, in my current state, I couldn't resist at all. I simply didn't have enough mana left to form a defense.
By the way, her mana density is terrifying. This is insane.
“You don’t seem to be in a position to refuse,” she noted.
Damn, my body…
If I continued to reject her help while in this state, it would only look more suspicious.
“Haha, you’re right…”
Whatever. Just stay calm.
I reined in my emotions. To survive this academy, I couldn't afford any clumsy mistakes.
Actually, this might be a good opportunity to gauge what Alice thinks of me. It was also a chance to convince her that I wasn't the Black Monster.
The situation is actually in my favor.
Would the indomitable Black Monster really be staggering around like a weakling for no reason? I just needed to play the part of the "Ordinary Isaac." While doing so, I would analyze her words, her expressions, and her tone to find any hint of her true intentions.
“It’s a bit shameless of me to ask, but… may I lean on you?” I offered a polite, troubled smile, mirroring her own.
I decided to engage her.
“Then, can you straighten your back?”
Alice used [Telekinesis] to comfortably lock my upper body in place.
“Well done.” Alice nodded with a bright smile.
And so, we shared an umbrella, walking side by side through the falling snow.
I told her I wanted to go to the dorms. My plan was to shower, change, and then head to the cafeteria for lunch with Luce.
This is a bizarre sight…
Walking under an umbrella like a couple with the final boss of the semester… the irony was palpable.
“Your legs are hurting, aren't they?”
“Yes, I can’t seem to muster any strength.”
“How did you get so worn out?”
“I was training with a summoned familiar… I think I got a little carried away.”
“Why aren’t you summoning it now? It’s a long walk back.”
“I’ve used up almost all my mana. Besides, I wanted to enjoy the snow for a bit.”
“What a cute response, considering your body is a mess.”
Despite my pointless reply, Alice let out a light laugh.
“Senior, you’re the Student Council President, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. I’m also your direct senior, since we’re both in the Magic Department.”
“Do you usually go out for walks?”
“Not usually. I just felt like walking because of the snow. Same as you.”
This feels like chatting with a pretty senior who’s kind but a bit boring.
“But why are you staying at the academy during vacation?”
“Well, it’s just that…”
I have nowhere else to go.
I almost said it, but I caught myself. Alice’s question felt a bit too pointed, and a sudden wave of discomfort washed over me.
What exactly made Alice suspect me?
What if she had witnessed me returning after defeating Babel the Corrupted? Alice’s familiar, Chesire, loved roaming the grounds. What if that cat had spotted me?
She might think I'm lying.
I realized once again that a conversation is a battle of information. I had to provide plausible answers without leaving any openings. If she asked a difficult question, I had to pivot and change the topic naturally.
“I have some family issues that are a bit of a headache. I never planned on staying in my hometown for long, even during vacation. I thought it would be better to train here. You’re staying because you have a lot of work, right? Being the Student Council President and all.”
Alice blinked slowly and looked me in the eye.
“That’s right. I, on the other hand, would love to go back home. Most people would. But aren’t you scared to stay here during the break? Especially with a monster capable of destroying the world lurking about.”
“Monster… You mean the Nameless Hero?”
“Of course.”
Unfortunately, far from destroying the world, the current me couldn't even beat Kaya.
“Since he’s protected us from demons, he feels… reassuring rather than scary. But since you’re the Student Council President, I’m sure he’s a major headache to deal with.”
Because to you, I’m an obstacle that needs to be removed.
“I see ‘Baby’ has a deep understanding of the situation.” Alice’s expression remained perfectly calm. “However, I would argue that the Black Monster is not yet a trustworthy entity. There is too much uncertainty.”
“Pardon?”
“Based on observations, he is very savage. His actions have been protective so far, but that’s only in hindsight. He might just be attacking demons for his own unknown reasons. It wouldn’t be strange to view the Black Monster as a… potential risk factor. We never know when he might go berserk.”
Alice gently stroked the black-and-white choker.
“As the Student Council President, I have to think and prepare conservatively for any uncertainty. There is much to worry about. The demons, the Black Monster…”
“You’re stepping down at the end of next semester, right? It must be tough, especially during a time like this.”
“Thank you for your concern. Speaking of which…” Alice paused for a moment, as if a thought had just occurred to her. She seemed to be choosing her next words very carefully.
Sometimes, during a conversation, you can feel the air grow heavy—a fishy, ominous sensation that makes it hard to breathe.
That was exactly what I felt now.
“You’ve been deeply involved in several incidents where demons appeared.”
During the first year, many students were involved in demon attacks. It was a common occurrence. But there was one specific gap.
The hunting evaluation…
On the day of the hunting evaluation, I had faced Kaya the Ravenous inside the stomach of the underground giant demon. Externally, I was recorded as a victim who nearly died alongside Lisetta, Kaya, and Ian. Only a few people were present.
The Student Council President was a member of the Truth Investigation Committee. It was only natural that Alice had seen my name.
“It was the day of the hunting evaluation in the second semester of your first year. The students’ locations were being tracked in real-time. Just before the magic was disabled by the demon’s appearance…”
Alice’s gaze shifted toward me. She was smiling, but a ghastly aura emanated from her cherry-blossom eyes.
“There were only four people who reached the center of Elt Island.”
Four people.
Me, Kaya, Lisetta, and Ian.
Among them, only Kaya and I possessed the ice element. Kaya had awakened as a blood wizard and was unconscious after losing to me.
“…”
Which meant the only suspect left was me.
“Weren’t you… very scared?” Alice asked, gently licking her lips.
It was an aggressive probe. She was no longer hiding her intent to scrutinize me.
Gosh darn it…
What a shame.
She clearly thought she held the upper hand in this information war, but unfortunately for her, she had picked the wrong opponent.
“It was indeed terrifying. The Black Monster looked savage, just like you said, Senior. But… my memory of that day is a bit different.”
I looked straight into Alice’s pale pink eyes. I kept my expression calm and projected a sense of genuine curiosity.
“Could there be some kind of mistake?” My voice was low and steady. “After all, Senior… has no reason to lie to me.”