Chapter 286: Hot Spring (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 286: Hot Spring (2)
[Hans McGregor]
Lv: 161
Race: Human
Elements: Fire, Water
Danger: X
[Van McGregor]
Lv: 162
Race: Human
Elements: Water, Fire
Danger: X
The McGregor twins.
They first appeared in Act 11 of Magic Knight of Märchen, though they weren’t particularly significant to the main scenario. They were merely the type of characters you’d remember if you were curious about the heavy hitters from other schools during the Academy Clash.
Their whole deal was "we’re the strongest when we’re together," wasn't it?
Their backstory was the driving force behind that mindset—rather cliché and predictable, honestly.
"We’re from Märchen Academy," I answered calmly, maintaining a polite expression.
Hilde and Eden were still soaking in the water, so only Dorothy and I were facing the twins.
Hans McGregor, the red-haired one, clapped his hands in mock admiration. "Kyaa, of course! Seeing you here means you’re participating in the Academy Clash tomorrow… which makes us opponents, huh?"
"Looks that way. I look forward to—"
"Poor you, poor you~," Hans drawled, cutting me off.
"What do you mean?"
"I remember you now. That’s why I feel sorry for you."
Why is it unfortunate?
Hans raised an eyebrow and pointed his right index finger at me. "I can’t stand guys who play the gigolo, hanging around beautiful women. Especially you—you’ve got a face I won’t forget."
Hans leaned back, draping his arms over the back of his chair. His broad shoulders were on full display, a clear attempt at intimidation. He ran his fingers through his wet hair, seemingly convinced of his own irresistible charm.
This guy… he’s a total narcissist, isn't he?
I hadn't remembered that detail immediately, but it was coming back to me. He had an incredibly inflated ego.
He doesn’t seem to know who I am.
He likely saw me as just another extra. Even though news had spread that the Ice Sovereign had appeared at Märchen Academy, my exact identity hadn't been widely revealed. Very few people could recognize me as the Ice Sovereign at a glance.
"You’ve been picking a fight since you got here. Are you really that confident?"
"Of course. No one can beat us in the Academy Clash. My brother and I don't lose to anyone."
Hans snickered as he stepped toward us. His hand reached out naturally, aiming for Dorothy’s shoulder.
"Hey, pretty girl. You’ve heard of the McGregor—"
Thud.
I stood up instantly and caught Hans’ arm.
"…What?" Hans glared at me, his eyes fierce as a vein bulged on his forehead.
"You."
This guy had a reputation for trying to claim any girl he took a fancy to, regardless of whether she was already with someone. He didn't care if he had to use threats, seduction, or outright coercion.
There were likely dozens of students at Raizel Academy whose girlfriends had been stolen by him. Outside the academy, that number was probably even higher. Being from a high-ranking noble family and possessing exceptional talent, few students at Raizel dared to stand up to him.
Hans, the academy’s greatest asset and a notorious womanizer, was not used to being defied.
"Who do you think you’re touching?" A cold voice escaped my lips.
Hans had been trying to put his arm around Dorothy to hit on her. Dorothy wouldn't have allowed the contact to happen in the first place, but the mere fact that he tried to touch her with such impure intentions irked me.
"Oh…" Dorothy looked at me, her expression calm. She seemed more impressed by my reaction than tense about the situation.
I understood why. To both Dorothy and me, the McGregor brothers were easy prey.
Hans sneered. "You seemed boring, but your eyes are getting interesting now. But do you have any idea who you’re dealing with right… ugh?"
I tightened my grip on Hans’ arm. His thick, muscular limb began to strain under my hold. A short groan escaped his lips.
"You bastard…!"
I sensed his mana flare. Hans reinforced the [Basic Protection Magic] he had active and layered physical strengthening magic onto his arm. His limb hardened, resisting my grip.
We glared at each other, the surrounding patrons watching with bated breath as the tension spiked.
A few seconds later.
Swish.
The belts of our robes, which had been loosely tied around our waists, suddenly unraveled on their own, revealing our bare bodies. It was a completely unexpected occurrence.
"Uh…?"
Hans and I instinctively looked down. Hans’ eyes widened in shock.
…I won.
"Tsk!"
Hans angrily shook off my hand, adjusted his robe with a frantic jerk, and turned to leave the hot spring. "This is annoying. Let’s go, Van."
"Got it, Hans." His blue-haired twin followed close behind.
"…Remember, that wasn't my full strength just now!" Hans barked, his face flushed with fury as he retreated. The fact that he felt the need to make an excuse only highlighted his sense of defeat.
Max [Physical Training Efficiency] applied to my entire body—and that included a man’s pride. My physique was formidable. Even before its "size" was factored in, its sheer definition was evident.
I handled that well enough…
An important scenario was starting tomorrow. I couldn't afford any unnecessary trouble right now.
However…
An unexpected adversary has made tomorrow something to look forward to.
Hans had tried to mess with my favorite character. He was going to pay dearly for that.
I adjusted my robe.
"Hmm?"
I suddenly felt an intense gaze. It was coming from Dorothy. She was completely frozen, her face as red as a ripe strawberry.
"Senior Dorothy?"
"W-what…?"
"You saw it, didn't you?"
"H-huh? What are you talking about?! I didn't see anything!" Dorothy responded dramatically, her shoulders shrugging repeatedly in a poor attempt at acting.
She definitely saw it.
I didn't really mind, though. I planned to proudly show it off to her someday anyway.
"Well, that’s good then."
Hilde and Eden were still enjoying the water with their eyes closed. I sat back down next to my familiars and let the warm water wash over me. With my eyes shut, it felt like heaven.
The sound of trickling water filled the air. A moment of peaceful silence passed.
"Ahem." Dorothy cleared her throat, trying to steady her voice. "What you did just now… was pretty cool."
"Who else would protect you against a guy like that?"
"But you weren't just pretending, were you? Nihihi. You didn't like the idea of a guy putting his hands on me, did you? Right?" Dorothy nudged my side with her elbow, laughing mischievously.
"I’m your fan, after all."
"A fan, huh… You know, I wasn't planning on telling you yet."
"What?"
"Did you really become the president of my fan club?"
So, she knew. That was why she had called me "President" earlier.
"Ah, that."
"Tell me, how did that happen?"
"I used a bit of my authority as the Ice Sovereign."
"You’re using the Elemental King’s authority for something so trivial…?" Dorothy seemed genuinely flustered.
"It was important to me."
"You’re a funny one…"
We looked at each other and shared a laugh.
*
It was just as Isaac said.
Dorothy felt refreshed after leaving the hot spring. Her body felt lighter than ever; this place had the best therapeutic effects of any spring she had ever visited.
However, the heat in her cheeks hadn't subsided. She couldn't stop thinking about Isaac standing up to protect her.
"What a cutie, he doesn't even try to hide that he likes me…" Dorothy let out her characteristic "Nihihi" giggle.
There was nothing to hide. No woman would hate it when the man she liked acted that way.
While getting dressed, Dorothy suddenly paused. "Hmm…"
Another memory flashed through her mind. She extended her right index finger and bent it slightly.
"That’s not it…"
One flimsy finger wasn't enough. Dorothy spread her entire hand. Maybe this was closer. She placed her fully spread hand against her lower abdomen. Her eyes widened in shock.
"W-won’t I die…?"
A raspy whisper escaped her. Simply measuring it in her mind terrified her. The nearby female guests glanced at her, unable to comprehend what she was muttering about.
For the first time, Dorothy felt a dizzying mix of excitement and fear.
*
Late at night. In a room at the faculty lodging.
Instructor Ronzainus was sipping a drink in the dark. He looked out the window at the large moon hanging in the night sky, scattering a faint, silvery light.
"It’s tomorrow."
The gift he had prepared for the Ice Sovereign would be revealed tomorrow. Perhaps it was the anticipation, but the drink tasted sweeter than usual to Instructor Ron.
Meanwhile, in the participant’s lodging area.
A girl sat on her bed, staring at the moon. Contrary to her intellectual appearance, she held a fearsome long spear as tall as herself.
Her dark blue hair fluttered in the breeze. Although she deliberately covered half her face with her hair, the fresh autumn wind revealed a long scar over her left eye.
"Ice Sovereign…"
She pictured his face. She imagined her spear slashing his neck, red blood spurting into the air.
"I’ll see you soon."
Her sole objective in this Academy Clash was simple.
To kill the Ice Sovereign, Isaac.
*
The next day.
With a grand opening ceremony in Aldreque, the Academy Clash began.