Chapter 205: Alice Subjugation (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 205: Alice Subjugation (1)
A cool night breeze drifted through the air, following a thunderstorm that had drenched the island.
Upon returning to the dorm, I washed up. After partially covering the desk lamp to dim the light, I pulled a silver dagger from my magic pouch. It was the Blade of Frost Flowers.
I traced the magic circle engraved upon the blade. As Hilde had warned, this dagger was not something I could handle lightly. It was the key to a ritual that summoned the entire military might of Düpfendorf.
The dagger pulsed with their collective will—a silent demand for me to become their king.
Düpfendorf. An ice kingdom founded on a harsh land where blizzards raged incessantly. I knew that the nation-destroying ice magic beasts I had only read about in the setting book called that place home.
To wield the Blade of Frost Flowers meant commanding the legions of Düpfendorf and those catastrophic beasts. The sheer volume of mana required for the summons would be astronomical. In other words, I would need the strength of the Primordial Ice Sovereign.
As I was now, I wouldn't be able to use it unless my unique skill, [Hunter], was active.
Suddenly, a flurry of thoughts clouded my mind.
My memories of the first round were blurry. I had no way of knowing if I had received Düpfendorf’s aid back then.
But all that matters is who I am now.
The undeniable fact was that I now had more forces at my disposal. In this journey to confront the Evil God, such an army was invaluable.
What came to mind next was Alice Carroll. I still couldn't read her inner thoughts, but… doubts remained.
"The choker…"
It was visible every time we met. The scratches on the choker Alice always wore were steadily increasing in number.
At first, it wasn't noticeable unless one looked closely, but as the day of our destined battle approached, the frequency worsened. Just earlier, in the coastal cave, she had come close enough for me to see everything I needed to.
Since I hadn't been able to see Alice’s choker in detail in ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, it was a detail I hadn't realized until now.
Initially, I thought it was simply because Alice was mentally unstable.
Whether it was during 「Act 9, Alice Subjugation」 in ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ or during the Trial of Frost, Alice had always displayed a psychopathic streak. I assumed that was her true nature. It wasn't without reason that rumors circulated on forums about Alice being a regressor; the trope of a character losing their mind through repeated regressions was common enough.
Moreover, in the game, Phantom Cat Cheshire had remarked that Alice’s heart was pitch black. As her familiar, it would naturally know its master best, yet Cheshire faithfully followed Alice’s ambition for world destruction.
Everything pointed to Alice being inherently evil.
Thus, it wasn't strange to assume she scratched at her choker due to mental instability and anxiety. I had assumed the persona Alice showed me was all an act.
But is that actually correct?
In ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, Amy Holloway used the spell [Heart Color Discernment] on White and became skeptical about the true darkness of her heart. That made the player anxious that White might be abnormal, but it later turned out to be a clue pointing toward the demon, The Abyss.
What if Alice is the same?
The dramatic psychological shift Alice showed during the Alice Subjugation…
…Was it really her revealing her true self?
Unfortunately, I had no way of confirming the truth. The image of Alice from earlier simply wouldn't leave my mind.
I looked out the window. The capricious night wind brushed against my skin. The clouds cleared, revealing a faintly shining moon. Though obscured by dark clouds at times, the moon continued its orbit in the same place every day.
When that obvious fact struck me, I thought of something that needed to be done.
Ssshk.
I sheathed the Blade of Frost Flowers. Calming my emotions, I stared quietly at the dagger.
Now, what I needed was resolve.
*
Seed Spreading Day.
It was a sacred occasion detailed in the scriptures of the Helize Church—the day when Lord Manhalla scattered the seeds of blessing, promising humanity a prosperous life. On this day, it was customary for the Helize Church to offer prayers of thanks to their Lord.
Perhaps due to last night’s downpour, the sky was clearer than ever. Before long, the horizon turned a deep navy blue.
The Märchen Academy plaza was packed with faculty and students in uniform. Around the perimeter, the academy’s combat forces and the Imperial Knights stood guard. On a stage featuring an altar, priests and members of the Helize Church were conducting a religious ceremony.
During the proceedings, a few faculty members were muttering under their breath.
"Why do we have to be here too…?"
"It’s the Headmistress’s order."
"Exactly. Why would she issue such an order?"
Since the academy’s administration needed to continue uninterrupted, even on Seed Spreading Day, it was standard practice to leave essential personnel in Bartos Hall. They were usually expected to perform their roles and offer prayers privately. Only students were obligated to attend the event in its entirety.
However, for some reason, Headmistress Elena Woodline had ordered all staff, except for a few security personnel, to attend the event.
The ceremony would take at least two hours. The night shift workers, who would now have to brace for a massive backlog of work due to the administrative gap, were understandably disgruntled.
Meanwhile, Princess Snow White, standing among the students, was harboring her own doubts.
Senior Isaac is missing…
Isaac was nowhere to be seen. Despite the large number of students, they were organized by faculty and year, so she only needed to check the area for the second-year Magic Department students. She scanned the crowd, her gaze inadvertently causing several nearby male students to flush crimson, but there was no sign of Isaac.
White had survived several assassination attempts by her mother. Those were not moments she had simply endured; the keen intuition forged by her survival instincts played a significant role in her life.
And that same peculiar sensation was stirring unease within her now. It was because of the events earlier that day.
—White, could you lend me that watch?
After their mentoring session had ended, she had lent Isaac her platinum pocket watch. It was a small timepiece she had received as a gift from her mother. The abnormal phenomenon affecting the watch was worsening; the entire face was now on the verge of turning pitch black. Isaac had mentioned he had a theory about the cause and wanted to borrow it for a single day to analyze it.
It was a watch of great significance to her. She regarded it as her mother’s only gift unrelated to the assassination attempts. Therefore, she preferred it not to pass through anyone else’s hands, but if Isaac could discover the cause of the anomaly, White thought she could handle the repairs afterward.
But…
From time to time, Isaac had casually mentioned he was investigating the phenomenon. He claimed it was out of academic interest, but was that the real reason?
She thought back to Isaac’s reaction during the joint practical evaluation. He had momentarily stiffened upon seeing the watch. White had pretended not to notice, but it seemed he knew something.
Why did you make that face, Senior Isaac?
Isaac was a senior known for his consideration and vast knowledge; he was a reliable ally who always looked out for her. Therefore, White felt a strong sense of dread.
The timing was too perfect. Isaac, a model student, was absent from an event that all students were required to attend.
What if there was a mechanism in that watch designed to kill? What if the dial turning pitch black was a sign of its activation? What if the watch was actually an assassination device powered by magic?
Perhaps Isaac already knew what the phenomenon was. Perhaps he had spared White the knowledge, certain that something unspeakable was about to happen. Could it be that the demonic influence of her mother, who had already lost her life, still reached into the academy?
No, it couldn't be… It can't be.
Let’s not entertain such fantasies.
It mustn't be so. White fervently hoped it was just a misunderstanding.
Eventually, the event reached its final stage.
The followers, led by Saintess Bianca Anturaze, approached the altar. Wearing a pure white veil and holy garments, Bianca gave off an impression of purity and mystery, like untrodden snow. As Bianca knelt before the altar, everyone bowed their heads and clasped their hands.
Silence fell over the plaza.
“Lord Manhalla, your humble servant offers a prayer.”
Bianca began to pray on behalf of the assembly. Her voice echoed through the loudspeakers.
“In the past, you entrusted the future to us.”
Headmistress Elena Woodline looked out the window from the top floor of Orphin Hall, the Magic Department’s lecture building, her expression tense. Her eyes were fixed on Bartos Hall, the palace-like hub of the academy’s administration.
In that room, Hegel Tower Master Aria Lilias sat on a sofa, calmly sipping tea.
“You have sown the seeds of blessing in this land, promising us a life of abundance.”
A massive barrier began to unfurl along the outer walls of Bartos Hall. Injured security personnel scrambled out of the building, following Headmistress Elena’s prior instructions to prioritize escape and avoid combat should an incident occur.
They reported to the Headmistress as messengers.
"A traitor has emerged! Student Council President, Alice Carroll! Alice Carroll!! That student is the culprit! We need backup immediately!"
A traitor has appeared.
Headmistress Elena Woodline narrowed her eyes.
“Our prosperity was solely due to the divine grace of the Lord.”
Somewhere in the academy, the Trump Paladins moved in unison, leading their troops. Following Alice Carroll’s orders, they took up positions throughout the campus.
“We follow the Lord and give thanks.”
Suddenly, the clouds in the sky began to swirl violently around Bartos Hall. Beneath them, a dark violet magic circle traced its path. Subsequently, a translucent golden barrier, constructed of time magic, deployed over the building.
“Allow us to praise you eternally…”
GUUUUUUUUUU!!!
The prayer Saintess Bianca was chanting was swallowed by a ground-shaking roar.
Bianca stopped. No one questioned the sudden silence. Every gaze turned toward Bartos Hall as a sinister mana descended upon the academy.
A monster’s head emerged from the magic circle in the sky. As the creature pulled its massive body through, the form of a gargantuan dragon became visible.
"What is that?"
"A dragon…?"
Sharp reptilian claws. Large wings wreathed in reddish-purple fire mana. Sturdy, obsidian scales.
The Nightmare Dragon Jabberwock, an 8-star black dragon magic beast, roared as its four eyes gleamed with malice.
[GRAAAAAAHH!!]
The people in the plaza froze, their breath hitching at the sight. The Imperial Knights, initially stunned by its overwhelming presence, quickly drew their swords. Fear rippled through the crowd.
While everyone was attending the Seed Spreading Day event, someone had seized Bartos Hall. It was clear to everyone that the intent was malicious.
A terrorist attack had begun.
At that moment—
Chalang!
KWAAAAANG!!
[GRAAAAGH!!]
A brilliant explosion of starlight engulfed the Nightmare Dragon Jabberwock.
Soon after, a female student wearing a witch’s hat appeared near the dragon, surrounded by a swarm of stars, as if she had anticipated this exact situation.
It was Dorothy Heartnova.
Dorothy unfurled a rainbow-colored magic circle, emitting several rays of starlight. The beams struck the golden barrier over Bartos Hall but dissipated instantly upon contact, as if they were being completely nullified. It didn't even feel like they were being blocked; it seemed as though the attacks were being shut down at their very source.
"It’s not breaking through…!"
Dorothy adjusted her witch’s hat and surveyed the rooftop of Bartos Hall. She could see a massive golden magic circle filling the roof beyond the translucent barrier, with Alice Carroll standing at its center.
Alice looked as if she were praying to a god. Ignoring Dorothy entirely, Alice produced a peculiar pocket watch. It floated in mid-air, emitting a golden mana.
Following that, an otherworldly monolith slowly began to take shape.
A forbidden magic that defied truth. The cornerstone for invoking a 9-star time-acceleration spell: [Obelisk of Eternity].
"You’ve finally shown your true colors, Alice!!"
A smile spread across Dorothy’s lips.
So, that’s the Phantasmal Clock.
The Phantasmal Clock was an artifact retrieved and kept by Alice’s minion in another world, and destroying it was Isaac’s primary goal. Isaac had explained during the strategy meeting that there was a high risk Alice wouldn't even reveal the clock if they attacked too early. It would have been a futile effort.
This meant that the moment Alice brought out the Phantasmal Clock…
…Dorothy was free to strike down the "villain" Alice however she saw fit.
However, Isaac had entrusted Dorothy with the role of protecting the academy while restraining the Nightmare Dragon. She wanted to finish off the giant dragon quickly so she could move on to Alice.
Dorothy continuously deployed rainbow-colored magic circles.
Whooooosh!
KUUUUUH!
Struck by the starlight beams, the Nightmare Dragon roared in agony, retaliating by spewing a massive wave of reddish-purple flames. To protect the academy, Dorothy deployed a large starlight barrier to intercept the fire.
[Meowww!]
Then, from behind Dorothy, a chubby purple cat familiar—Phantom Cat Cheshire—appeared. Dorothy turned her head and stared blankly at the cat. The Phantom Cat smiled creepily, its grin splitting from ear to ear.
[Hello, Dorothy.]
"Hello, fatty."
[I wish you wouldn't interfere.]
"Nihihi, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?"
It was just as Isaac had predicted. Facing the Nightmare Dragon meant dealing with someone like Phantom Cat Cheshire. Regardless, the task remained the same.
With her gaze fixed on the cat, Dorothy extended her arm toward the Nightmare Dragon. Her hand grasped at the empty air.
A swarm of stars mercilessly swirled around the dragon. Simultaneously, with a crashing sound, gravity intensified from every direction, attempting to crush the beast. Had it been an ordinary creature, it would have crumpled like a tin can, but the sturdy Nightmare Dragon roared fiercely and resisted.
Beneath Dorothy’s witch hat, from the shadowed corners of her eyes, her mysterious pupils gleamed with an inner light.
"Somebody’s going to die today."
With a sharp smile, Dorothy glared at Cheshire.
*
"Sir Isaac, the enemies have dispersed."
I was hiding, holding my breath alongside Kaya Astrea, at a location some distance away from Bartos Hall.
Since Phantom Cat Cheshire had cast detection magic in the area beforehand, we couldn't stay close to the building. We decided to move with minimal personnel just in case. We were currently lurking in a spot untouched by Cheshire’s detection, biding our time.
Since the academy’s forces and the Imperial Knights were bound to converge, the Trump Paladins and their troops intended to defend Bartos Hall. In the game, depending on which route you took toward the hall, you would face different mid-bosses. However, we had no intention of wasting time on them.
I looked up at the sky. As expected, Phantom Cat Cheshire had begun to engage Dorothy alongside the Nightmare Dragon Jabberwock.
Dorothy was a formidable opponent. Even a powerful familiar like the Nightmare Dragon wouldn't be enough to stop her, so Alice had sent the Phantom Cat to assist.
With Cheshire occupied, I activated [Clairvoyance] to survey Bartos Hall. Fortunately, there were no casualties.
In the Alice Subjugation of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, Alice killed every staff member remaining in Bartos Hall because they were in her way. After that, she underwent a dramatic change, becoming a psychopath who delighted in slaughter.
To prevent such a disastrous scenario, I had asked Aria Lilias, the Hegel Tower Master, to ensure Bartos Hall was evacuated during the Seed Spreading Day event. She had relayed my request to Headmistress Elena Woodline, framing it as a request from the Nameless Hero.
Thanks to her, the staff who would have been in Bartos Hall were at the event instead, narrowly avoiding death.
"Let’s go."
"Yes, Sir Isaac."
Kaya and I began to move. Our destination was Bartos Hall, the palace at the heart of Märchen Academy, now occupied by Alice.
---
[Status]
Name: Isaac
Lv: 124
Gender: Male
Year: 2
Title: Skilled Second Year
Mana: 49850/49900 – Mana Recovery Speed (A)
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