Chapter 222: Alice Subjugation — Interlude (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 222: Alice Subjugation — Interlude (1)
In the world of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, Student Council President Alice Carroll met a tragic end.
After taking her own life, she was branded a traitor and a criminal, her name dragged through the mud and cursed by the masses. She was utterly vilified, and her final resting place was nothing more than a neglected grave tucked away in a desolate corner of the mountains.
As for her Paladins, they were captured by the Empire and vanished from the public eye. However, hidden clues found while exploring the game map suggested they had been subjected to horrific torture before eventually ending their own lives.
In the player community, it was an accepted fact that the Paladins never broke under the Empire’s interrogation, maintaining their silence until the very end.
But in the end, things changed.
Alice and the Paladins had survived, and now, they were my subordinates.
It was an unexpected turn of events. I had originally envisioned an equal partnership rather than a hierarchy, but this arrangement worked out in my favor.
Furthermore, Alice had summoned a foot soldier and received word that the Heart Kingdom was safe. Both she and the Paladins were visibly relieved by the news.
Roughly a year from now, as the Evil God neared its resurrection, Mephisto the Contractor would be preparing himself somewhere in this world. Since I had appeared only after the Abyss was defeated, I had to consider the possibility that he had fled.
I gave the Frost Spirit, Merphil, and several soldiers a detailed description of Mephisto’s likely location, characteristics, and appearance. Then, I ordered them to hunt him down.
They departed the academy in high spirits, eager to carry out my command.
With that, 「Act 9: Alice Subjugation」 drew to a close.
*
The next day, the sun rose over the horizon as if nothing had happened.
The Slayers remained at the academy alongside the Imperial Knights, acting under orders to stay put.
Bartos Hall, the epicenter of the Alice Carroll incident, was declared off-limits to preserve the scene. Meanwhile, the academy immediately began repairs on the few buildings that had been damaged.
As students, faculty, Hegel Tower wizards, and the island’s residents returned, the academy’s lively atmosphere was restored. However, the administration announced a temporary suspension of classes to deal with the fallout of the incident.
I had a brief meeting with Headmistress Elena Woodline. She gave me a detailed rundown of everything that had happened while I was trapped in the Abyss, including the circumstances surrounding Dorothy’s rampage.
Why did that happen?
In the original ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, there had never been an instance of starlight mana going berserk—not until Dorothy’s scripted death. It was completely unheard of.
For now… that’s something I’ll have to figure out with Dorothy later. I need to rest first.
Dorothy, Luce, and Kaya were so physically and mentally drained after the crisis was resolved that they had collapsed into a deep sleep the moment they reached their dorms. They didn’t wake up for two full days.
I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt and gratitude, knowing they had pushed themselves to such extremes just to save me.
After consulting with Vice-Commander Magrio, I decided to take temporary possession of one of the academy’s detention buildings to house Alice Carroll and the Paladins.
Alice had voluntarily chosen to stay in the detention center to sort through her thoughts. I respected her wishes and provided her with a private cell.
Meanwhile, a portion of the Düpfendorf forces was stationed to guard the facility on rotating shifts. The rest of the army returned to Düpfendorf to share the good news with their people and begin preparations for the coronation ceremony.
They seemed overjoyed.
I couldn't simply dismiss them back to Düpfendorf because I had formed a formal contract with them upon their summons. This contract was also the reason I could maintain their presence here without constantly draining my mana. Still, I felt a bit apologetic for keeping them so far from home.
Düpfendorf…
I had taken on a massive responsibility to achieve my goals. It still didn’t feel entirely real.
Naturally, I had no intention of running away from it. On the contrary, I was quite happy to be treated as a King.
I planned to visit Düpfendorf during the upcoming vacation for the coronation. I wanted to meet their expectations and make their long wait for a ruler worth it.
The Glacial Bear Barbatoma and the Icebound Crocodile Tugaros had both returned to the wild somewhere on the island. Considering these massive, terrifying creatures were now my minions, they actually seemed quite cute to me.
Saintess Bianca Anturaze sent word that she had a message for me. She asked me to visit the Church once things settled down, claiming there was something urgent we needed to discuss.
What’s her deal?
Saintess Bianca. While I’d prefer to avoid her if possible, I acknowledged her request, knowing she didn't harbor any sinister intentions.
In front of the academy’s bulletin board, students were buzzing with excitement and anxiety. The notice of suspended classes wasn't the only thing posted.
[The informant has been captured. In collaboration with the Imperial Knights, we are investigating the true nature of the incident.]
It was only natural for the students to gossip about the "informant."
Arguments broke out among the crowds. Some insisted it was impossible for the Student Council President to do such a thing, while others urged them to look at the facts objectively.
Were there any dropouts this time?
I remembered that in the game, several students dropped out after the 「Alice Subjugation」 arc, unable to stomach the constant scandals and danger.
Maybe a few had left? It was a small number. Most students seemed to believe that since the "informant"—the perceived root of all their problems—had been caught, everything would return to normal.
It was a sense of relief born of pure ignorance.
If they knew the true nature of the [Obelisk of Eternity], they wouldn't be this calm.
If they realized what would have happened had Alice activated that tower, they would understand that something truly terrifying was on the verge of resurrection.
Only a handful of people knew the truth of that magic. When I asked Alice, she admitted she had learned it through Mephisto.
In the game, the nature of that magic was only revealed after an exhaustive investigation, and the authorities immediately classified the information as top secret.
It made sense. Keeping it quiet minimized chaos, allowed for a controlled evacuation when the time came, and let them prepare for the subjugation of the Evil God in secret.
It’s better to keep it under wraps for now.
Otherwise, the resulting panic would be uncontrollable. I wasn't sure I could handle the fallout of that kind of chaos yet.
It seemed necessary to coordinate our stories with Alice and the Paladins beforehand.
With classes canceled, the students treated the days like a holiday. However, whenever I walked through campus, I was met with looks of pure awe.
Having revealed the activation of [Hunter] to the entire student body and attained the status of Ice Sovereign, such a reaction was inevitable.
Even the news that Emperor Carlos was planning a personal visit to the academy added to the fervor surrounding me. After all, who else could possibly be the reason for the Emperor’s visit?
I started using less crowded paths whenever possible. The excessive attention was becoming overwhelming.
The thought of classes resuming was daunting.
Well… that’s still a little ways off.
While walking through the grounds, I pulled out a pocket watch.
It was Snow White’s platinum-colored watch—the broken seal that had once housed the Abyss.
Up until the end of the 「Alice Subjugation」, it had been pitch black, but it was slowly regaining its original platinum luster.
I had snatched the watch using magic just before being consumed by the creature from the Abyss, as I had promised White I would return it.
However, I didn't plan on giving it back immediately. I needed to discuss the history of this watch with Emperor Carlos first.
*
[Status]
Name: Isaac
Lv: 150
Gender: Male
Year: 2
Title: Ice Sovereign
Mana: [※ Mana is currently depleted.]
Potential ❰❰Details❱❱
[Combat Abilities]
Elemental Series 1: Ice
• Elemental Firepower (A)
• Elemental Efficiency (A+)
• Elemental Synergy (A)
Elemental Series 2: Rock
• Elemental Firepower (A-)
• Elemental Efficiency (A-)
• Elemental Synergy (B+)
[Unique Traits]
• Hunter
• Weapon Master
• Ultra Magic Knight
• Rapid Growth
*
“I’m here.”
“Welcome, Baby.”
There was still some time before Emperor Carlos was scheduled to arrive.
I had been visiting Alice’s room in the detention center every day. At her request, the Paladins were keeping her confinement a secret from the public.
The academy detention center, usually reserved for students who caused serious trouble, didn't feel particularly grim. Perhaps it was the old-fashioned charm of the architecture. Since the inmates were students, the focus was always more on rehabilitation than punishment.
It felt as though we hadn't spent nearly enough time together in the Abyss, as we had endless stories to share. We laughed and played games, and I often cooked meals to share with her.
“I’m not sure if I should be treated this luxuriously by my Master.”
“What’s with that title…?”
“Aren’t you my Master now?”
“It’s awkward.”
“Then, did you prefer it when I called you Baby? Hmm? Baby?”
“You never said it that affectionately before.”
Alice treated me just as she always had, constantly teasing and joking. It seemed she understood exactly why I came to visit her every day.
When we ran out of things to say, we would simply sit side-by-side against the wall to pass the time. During those moments, I would hold a magic tool to practice my mana mastery—even if the progress was miniscule—just to keep her company.
Alice would drop casual puns, and I would play along with her jokes.
She must have had a lot on her mind. That was why I wanted to stay by her side, especially now that she had become my subordinate.
Should I check my progress?
I decided to organize my thoughts while sitting next to her.
The 「Alice Subjugation」 had yielded incredible rewards.
My level had increased by 2 after defeating Alice, by 8 after taking down Mephisto’s clone and the demon army, and by a staggering 15 after conquering the Abyss. That was a total of 25 levels.
Although my mana was currently depleted, given my growth rate, my maximum mana should now be around “95,300.” From level 151 onward, the rate of mana increase would spike even more sharply.
My title had changed to ‘Ice Sovereign,’ likely a result of wielding the Blade of Frost Flowers. Whether the system bestowed this title to reflect my current status or my achievements was unknown.
Moreover, I had earned two major achievements.
I gained the [Guardian of Time] achievement by successfully destroying the Phantom Clock during the fight with Alice, granting a bonus of 15 stat points.
By defeating the Abyss, I earned the legendary achievement [Eternal Transcendence]. The reward was…
…This.
I checked my skill list. A new neutral magic had appeared.
8-star magic: [Labyrinth Creation].
As the name suggested, it was a spell that constructed a labyrinth. The knowledge of this spell had flowed into my mind the moment the Abyss fell.
[Labyrinth Creation] could be merged with domain expansions like [Divine Sanctum of Blooming Frost]. In other words, I could now create a literal labyrinth of ice.
The mana requirement was astronomical, but it was manageable thanks to my [Vs. Race Combat Power] modifiers.
If I have one regret…
I could have earned the legendary achievement [Conqueror] by defeating Mephisto and the demon army. However, since I hadn't defeated Mephisto’s true body, the conditions weren't met.
When I finally find him, I’ll make sure his end is as brutal as it is permanent. By then, the [Conqueror] achievement will follow naturally.
As for [Vs. Race Combat Power]…
[vs. Human Combat Power] was still capped at 80. [vs. Heavenly Beings Combat Power] was at 0. [vs. Species Combat Power] was oddly marked at 1.
Currently, I had a whopping 115 unassigned stat points, thanks to the demon army and the Abyss. This surplus went a long way in easing my anxiety about the next semester.
The upcoming semester would feature Heavenly Beings, Fairies, and demons like Calgart the Necromancer and Thanatos the Ruination.
Thanatos the Ruination was invincible unless Ian used [Expelled from Paradise], meaning Ian’s role would soon become critical.
The real problem will be the Heavenly Beings and Fairies.
To prepare for them, I decided to hold off on distributing my stats. If I spent them now, I might find myself ill-equipped for a specific threat later.
Therefore, maximizing [vs. Human Combat Power] would have to wait. If I were to fight a human seriously now, my temporary level would rise to 190, with my stats strengthening accordingly.
That should be enough for now.
Of course, a time might come when I’d need to max out my human combat power, but I hoped to avoid such a situation if possible.
“Ah.”
It was time to go. Emperor Carlos would be arriving soon.
“The Emperor is arriving shortly. I have to head out.”
I stood up, and Alice followed suit.
“Yeah, take care. Thank you for coming today.”
“…Also.”
Before I left, there was something I wanted to give her.
“Is this okay?”
“Huh?”
I pulled a small gift from its wrapping paper and handed it to Alice. It was a black choker.
I had bought it the previous night after the shops reopened. I had chosen a neutral design, but if she didn't like it, I planned to take her shopping for a new one later.
“I bought it because you can’t exactly walk around with that stigma exposed. Do you like it?”
I didn't try to put it on her, waiting instead for her reaction. I was worried it might trigger some past trauma. If it did, I was prepared to apologize and throw it away immediately. I had only bought it because I thought it suited her style.
Alice stared at the choker in silence. Her face went blank for a moment, as if a thousand thoughts were racing through her mind.
The silence was uncomfortable.
Maybe I should just take it back…
“…Hee.”
Finally, Alice let out a soft giggle and accepted the choker with her usual gentle smile. She reached behind her neck and fastened it.
The black band perfectly covered the pale blue stigma on her throat. It suited her remarkably well.
“I’ll wear it, Baby.”
Alice’s cheeks flushed a faint pink.
I smiled, relieved to see her happy, and turned to leave.
*
In the room Isaac had just vacated, a deep silence returned.
With a stoic expression, Alice traced the fabric of the choker while staring at her reflection in the wall mirror. It was soft to the touch.
“Ah, this…”
She was still bound by someone else.
But this time, it wasn't a bond of resentment or a curse.
Alice lowered her head, her long hair veiling her face.
“I’m happy…”
Unconsciously, the corners of her mouth curled upward.
Alice found herself relishing the sensation of the choker—the slight, constant pressure against her throat.