Chapter 32: Duel — Interlude
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 32: Duel — Interlude
Fortunately, the plan went off without a hitch.
With Professor Fernando slung over my back, I stepped through the rooftop exit. Once I was certain the coast was clear, I carefully set him down. I stripped off the Cloak of Disguise, tucked it into my magic pouch, and carried him the rest of the way down the stairs.
When I judged we were close enough to the arena, I gently propped him up in the hallway.
I reached into my magic pouch and pulled out a few "firecrackers." Since I’d been operating under a secret identity, I’d made sure to stock up on tools designed for distraction.
Using a [Fire Generation] scroll, I lit the fuse and set the firecrackers nearby. Once they went off, the noise would inevitably draw the proctors or security guards to this location.
With everything set, I sprinted down the hallway toward a window. Was it thanks to that hellish physical training? I vaulted out the window like a seasoned stuntman and vanished into the night. By the time the sound of the firecrackers faded behind me, my work was done.
I sprinted all the way back to the first-floor training room. Since the hallways were crowded, I was able to slip back in naturally and blend with the other students.
A few moments later, I received confirmation that my plan had worked: word spread that Professor Fernando had been evacuated. The dueling evaluations were suspended immediately. It wasn't hard to guess why.
Professor Fernando had likely left instructions for his associate: "If I don't return within a certain timeframe, halt the evaluations and send the combat troops to the roof."
It was a hunch I’d had earlier, and it seemed I was right. It would have been fine even if I’d left him on the roof, but I couldn't take that risk. Without concrete evidence, speculation was just speculation.
Anyway, look at the results. Things turned out exactly as I hoped, didn't they?
A win is a win.
I decided not to overthink it. Shortly after, an announcement blared: the dueling evaluations would resume once the details of the incident were clarified.
*
A few days later…
The findings of the Truth Investigation Committee were posted on the bulletin board in Orphin Hall, the main building of the Magic Department.
After investigating witness statements and mana traces, the committee concluded that a demon had appeared and subsequently been eliminated. The "hero" of the incident was identified as the same suspicious individual who had appeared during the class assignment evaluation—me, in the form of the black monster.
The finer details of the investigation were kept under wraps, so the public remained unaware of exactly who was involved or what had transpired. Regardless, I was just relieved there was no mention of "Isaac."
The mood is definitely shifting for the worse, though.
The atmosphere at the academy had plummeted to an all-time low. Demons, usually considered once-in-a-lifetime disasters, had appeared multiple times in a shockingly short window.
Students were abuzz with theories. Some claimed it was just a string of horrific luck, while others argued that the high concentration of powerful mana in one place was acting as a beacon for the demonic.
The academy faculty announced a concerted effort to resolve the frequent appearances, but I knew the truth. After the Thunderbird Subjugation, the situation would spiral completely out of control. Eventually, even the Imperial Knights would be summoned to investigate.
My condolences to the faculty; they were in for a very rough semester.
Ah, right. That happened too.
I suddenly recalled Kaya’s reaction when she had approached me, looking utterly shell-shocked.
"Sir Isaac! The black monster from the class assignment evaluation appeared again...!"
"Huh? Yeah, I heard."
"Could it be... a demon that betrayed its own kind?!"
She was an idiot, so I just let it go.
*
[Status]
Name: Isaac
Lv: 56
Gender: Male
Year: 1st
Title: First-year
Mana: 1100/1300
Potential ❰❰Details❱❱
[Combat Skills]
Elemental Series 1: Ice
• Elemental Firepower (B-)
• Elemental Efficiency (B-)
• Elemental Synergy (B-)
Elemental Series 2 (Locked)
[Owned Skills]
Active
• (★1) Ice Generation (B-) / (★5) Black Ice (B-)
• (★2) Ice Curtain (C+)
• (★1) Cold Divergence (B-)
• (★1) Basic Protection Magic (D)
• (★4) Frostfire (C-)
• (★4) Ice Wall (C-)
• (★5) Frost Explosion (D)
• (★2) Frost Wave (C-)
Passive
• (★7) Psychological Insight
• (★5) Demon Detection
• (★9) Ice Sovereign
Skill Tree ❰❰Details❱❱
[Unique Traits]
— Hunter
*
In the dead of night, I returned to my usual corner of the Butterfly Garden to train.
I pulled up my Status Window. The ultimate buff of the ice element, the 9-star passive skill [Ice Sovereign], was still there. I had acquired it permanently after fulfilling the hidden conditions, independent of the [Hunter] trait's temporary effects.
Incredible.
It was a massive windfall. The day I defeated Leafa the Illusive, I realized [Ice Sovereign] hadn't disappeared, and I’d nearly started shadowboxing for joy. If I could master this skill, my power would skyrocket.
I already have the Elemental Bracelet, too.
The Elemental Bracelet was a magic tool that significantly boosted resistance to a chosen element (excluding Light and Dark). I’d tried testing it with a 2-star scroll, but the spell was too weak to give me an accurate reading of the bracelet's limits.
Once the dueling evaluations ended, 「Act 3, Chapter 2: Familiar」 of Magic Knight of Märchen would begin. Once I had my own familiar, I could have them cast spells on me to test my resistances properly.
I invested my newly acquired stat points: 10 into [Physical Training Efficiency] and 10 into [Learning Efficiency], bringing them to B+ and C+ respectively. Now, my physical growth rate would outpace even most students in the Knight Department.
"Haa..."
I took a deep breath, calming my racing heart. It was time to re-test [Ice Sovereign].
I'm nervous...
The last time I unleashed its power, I nearly shook hands with King Yeomra. Still, I had to keep testing it. I had to make it mine. It was the pinnacle of ice magic.
Focus.
I reached for the frigid core nestled deep within my soul—the trigger for the dormant power. Carefully, I tried to raise the output of [Ice Sovereign] from 0% to a mere 1%.
The moment I did—
"Ugh!!"
Agony lanced through my body. It felt as if every single cell was being pierced by a frozen needle.
"Agh... huff..."
I immediately slammed the output back to 0%. The pain vanished instantly, but I collapsed onto the grass, groaning. I must have blacked out for a split second.
Ugh, I’m going to get PTSD from this... it hurts so damn much.
I still had a long way to go. My current vessel simply couldn't handle [Ice Sovereign] in its normal state. Perhaps it would be better to wait until [Hunter] was active to try again.
After composing myself, I stood up and began practicing my other spells.
"What are you practicing?"
"...!"
I jumped, startled by the sudden voice and a poke in my back. I spun around to find a girl in a witch hat, clutching her stomach as she tried to stifle her laughter.
"Nihihihi...! Oh, that reaction! You're so cute, President."
*
I felt a wave of nausea from the lingering pain, but I gritted my teeth and endured it when I saw her face.
"What are you doing out this late, Senior?"
"The stars were so pretty tonight! I was watching them and suddenly thought of you, so I came to say hi! And look at you, still training!"
The sky was a tapestry of brilliant stars, vivid and clear in the cloudless night.
"I had a hunch. Our President is so diligent~"
Dorothy narrowed her eyes playfully, a sly smile crossing her lips.
I felt a prickle of unease. There was no logical reason for it, but my knowledge of Magic Knight of Märchen told me she hadn't just "randomly" remembered me.
"...Senior, is there something you want to say to me?" I probed.
I couldn't read her mind because her thoughts were shielded by starlight mana, so I had to be direct. Dorothy kept smiling, but the ensuing silence was as good as a confession.
That was the source of my discomfort. Dorothy’s usual effortless, mischievous smile felt slightly forced—a sign that her mind was preoccupied.
"What makes you think that?" she asked.
Don't underestimate me. I know you better than anyone because you're my favorite character.
"It just seems that way."
Dorothy went quiet for a moment, then looked me straight in the eye with a wry expression.
"You're sharp, President. We've only known each other for two weeks, yet you act like you've known me for years."
That's because I have.
I couldn't say that, so I stayed silent. Dorothy looked at me with a hint of doubt.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Will you give me an honest answer?"
"I'll try."
"Nihihi, okay."
Swish.
Dorothy leaned in close, her face inches from mine. I was used to this tactic by now, so I didn't flinch. I just stared back.
"Why is the President working so hard?" she whispered.
"...?"
"Is there a reason you're training yourself to the point of death?"
...I actually did almost die just now.
To someone as naturally gifted as Dorothy, a person like me must have seemed like a bizarre anomaly.
My goal is to defeat the Evil God Nephid. Knowing how terrifying Nephid is on Hell Difficulty, I can't afford a single moment of rest.
I couldn't leave everything to the "Master Fainter," Ian Fairytale.
I could have told a powerhouse like Dorothy Heartnova about the resurrection of the Evil God. It would have been a logical explanation.
But I couldn't.
Dorothy was cursed to die within the year. Furthermore, that curse accelerated whenever she came into contact with beings of demonic origin—like the "Fictional Creatures" I had fought recently.
Fighting a transformed human like "Thunderbird Galia" was one thing. But if she fought a true demon like "Vera the Summoner," she would lose her life in an instant.
"There is no special reason," I lied.
She had to know I was lying.
"I just think it's better to be strong."
"Hmm."
Dorothy gave me a look of pure disapproval. But she didn't push. She just laughed.
"You're no fun, President."
A smile remained on her lips, but her eyes were tinged with disappointment. It didn't matter.
I won't put you in danger.
I'm going to save you, my favorite. Once that's done, then you can help me.
Dorothy turned and began to walk away.
"Senior, are you leaving?"
She just waved a hand without looking back. As she disappeared into the trees, the chirping of grasshoppers filled the silence again.
It felt strange. A faint sense of guilt gnawed at me, like I’d done something wrong even though I knew I hadn't.
...Focus on training.
I slapped my cheeks hard to clear my head and began channeling mana into my palms.
*
In Charles Hall, the dormitory for the academy’s elite, one room remained dark, save for the soft glow of moonlight.
Dorothy, dressed in her nightgown, lay on her bed staring blankly at the floor.
"..."
She had so many questions for Isaac.
Why are you so strong? Why do you train so desperately while pretending to be weak? Why are you hunting demons in secret?
He was already powerful enough to be considered an Archwizard. His behavior made no sense. He wasn't just "perfecting the fundamentals" like some old master.
And more importantly...
Why did you look at me like that?
Isaac had lied to her. He hadn't revealed his true motivations. But why, through that lie, did she sense "concern" and "affection"?
Her [Emotional Insight] was never wrong. Isaac was genuinely worried about her.
You lied to me... for my sake?
What could possibly link your lies to your concern for me?
I'm not someone who needs protection...
It was absurd. The idea that he—the strongest person at Märchen Academy—was worried about her was almost comical.
[Dorothy. Why are you still awake?]
A graceful voice drifted from the bedside. Dorothy turned to see a white cat with a pink ribbon on its tail. It was her 5-star familiar, Ella.
[You've been tossing and turning... Oh my, are you in love?]
"You still haven't digested those firecrackers, have you? You're talking nonsense."
[I told you not to mention the firecrackers! Just thinking about the taste makes me sick...!]
Dorothy teased her with a sleepy smile, and Ella huffed in indignation.
The night Isaac defeated the demon, Ella had eaten the firecrackers he’d left near Professor Fernando. It was to give Isaac time to escape. If they had exploded on schedule and the guards had arrived, Isaac would have been caught red-handed. The academy staff weren't fools.
I'm worried...
Dorothy stroked Ella’s soft fur.
Does the President know about my curse?
Isaac appeared ordinary, but he was the most powerful person she had ever met. If so, there was a high probability he had seen through the nature of her curse. If his lies were connected to her curse, then it all came back to the "demons."
"Hmmmm."
Dorothy thought so hard her brain began to overheat.
[Dorothy? Dorothy!]
Her brain hit its limit, and she began to zone out. Complex thinking was her Achilles' heel.
*
The dueling evaluations finally resumed.
I expected things to follow the original scenario, minus the interference of Leafa the Illusive. But while having lunch with Amy Holloway, I heard some shocking news: Luce had knocked Ian out with a single blow.
What...? Why?
Ian was supposed to reveal his light element during a hard-fought duel to impress the students—specifically Ciel Carnedas, one of the official heroines.
Ciel’s family held the "Promise with the Celestials." Her ancestor had visited the Divine Realm and promised to bring the "Child of Light" back to them. Because of this, Ciel was destined to seek out Ian, eventually leading him to the Heavens to obtain the Luminous Sword.
Without that sword and the skill [Expelled from Paradise], we would face a hard-locked Bad Ending against a future demon immune to everything except Light.
"Whoa, what was that?"
"Did I see that right...?"
"Is that... Light magic?"
Fortunately, Ian managed to demonstrate his Light magic during his duel against Mateo Jordana. I spotted Ciel Carnedas in the crowd, her eyes wide with shock.
I finally breathed a sigh of relief.
That was a close one...
In the original game, Ian was hesitant to use Light magic against Mateo. But after being utterly humiliated by Luce, he must have realized he couldn't afford to hold back anymore. [Psychological Insight] confirmed as much.
With the plot back on track, I could focus on my own match.
Mateo lost to Ian’s Light magic but took Ian’s hand in a display of sportsmanship—a classic heartwarming scene.
"Hmph! As expected, no one can match the majesty of my mana!"
Tristan Humphrey, who had been depressed lately, was back to his usual arrogant self after winning a few easy duels.
Luce Eltania won her matches effortlessly using only basic water magic.
"Is this the extent of your strength?"
Kaya Astrea also dominated her group. Like Luce, she won easily with wind magic, though she was much more merciful to her opponents.
"Aaahhhhh!"
Amy Holloway spent most of her match running away in terror, but when cornered, she closed her eyes and unleashed a desperate barrage of fire. Her opponent ended up looking like a charred chicken, leaving Amy looking more confused than triumphant.
"Hoho! I didn't expect a Class C student to challenge me. Was it just so you could pant like a dog at my feet? How pathetic... but I admire the courage. I shall grant a pig like you the honor of being trampled."
Rose Red Rivera laughed her signature "Hoho" laugh while enthusiastically stomping on a male student who had fallen. The crowd’s reaction was a mix of horror and confusion, though the boy being trampled looked strangely... happy.
"Next! Class D, Isaac. Class C, Donnelly Jenkins. Step forward!"
The referee called my name. I stepped onto the arena. Across from me stood a Class C student—the one I had specifically challenged. He was on the cusp of Class B, making him the perfect benchmark for my current strength.
"All skills are permitted! Surrendering is prohibited for the first minute. Show respect and begin!"
Kaya’s sparkling eyes...
Luce’s unreadable gaze...
Mateo’s tense expression...
Amy’s cheering...
Tristan’s jealousy...
Rose’s annoyed glare...
Ian’s focused stare...
Every eye in the arena was on me.
I might be the 'Academy's Weakest,' but I've been hunting demons.
I was confident I could take on a top Class C student now.
"Begin!"
At the referee’s shout, I ignited [Frostfire] in both hands.
Magic Knight of Märchen, Act 3, Chapter 1. The dueling arc was reaching its climax.
*
"Great work today, everyone!"
"You too, Enoch!"
"Hahaha! Enoch, your swordplay is as sharp as ever!"
It was an eerie night. A party of four adventurers—two warriors, a wizard, and a healer—were trekking back to their inn after a successful dungeon crawl. Their bags were heavy with monster parts and treasure. They were already planning their celebration.
As they crossed a moonlit clearing in the forest, they suddenly froze.
"Wait."
Their eyes locked onto a figure on the nearby beach. A woman, nearly three meters tall, was strolling along the sand. Her dress was tattered, her skin the color of ash, and her mouth was filled with an impossible number of needle-sharp teeth.
The woman stopped. Her head twisted at a grotesque angle to face the adventurers. She stretched her mouth into a horrific grin.
[Good morning, everyone!]
Her voice was cheerful, jarringly out of place in the dark woods.
[Can you hear the birds chirping? How cute, how cute!]
There were no birds. Only a heavy, suffocating silence. The adventurers drew their weapons, sensing the overwhelming malice radiating from her.
An owl hooted in the distance.
[Yes! That sound! Hoot, hoot, hoot, hoot!]
The gray-skinned woman swayed like a blade of grass. She began whispering rapidly, then let out a series of duck-like cries, blood spraying from her lips.
[Ah! Such cute things! Do you have cute ones too? So cute, so cute!]
As if her cry were a command, the adventurers' familiars were forcibly summoned into the clearing.
"What?! No!"
"Zordyk!"
The familiars shrieked as they were wreathed in dark mana. Suddenly, dozens of other familiars emerged from the shadows—hideous, corrupted beasts under the woman's thrall. They were puppets, their wills erased by darkness.
The adventurers' own familiars turned on them, flying toward the woman.
[From now on, I am your new owner. Aah, how cute...]
The woman caressed the four new familiars, her eyes lingering on the contract brands on their bodies. She frowned in annoyance.
[Alas, these marks are unsightly. Don't worry, your new stepmother will set you free!]
The army of corrupted familiars lunged. It wasn't a fight; it was a massacre. The four adventurers were torn apart by their own companions.
Once it was over, the woman waved a hand, and her army vanished into swirls of dark mana.
[The scent is getting stronger... so cute... I wonder, does the Child of Light have a cute one too?]
Vera the Summoner, the demon with absolute dominion over familiars, began her staggering walk toward Märchen Academy.