Chapter 44: Thunderbird Subjugation (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 44: Thunderbird Subjugation (2)
Thunderbird Galia’s eyes flashed with a crimson glare as it wreathed its massive wings in purple lightning mana.
It was casting a barrier. There was no doubt that the Thunderbird had just finished exchanging spells with Dorothy. She must have strategically retreated to protect the students.
In an instant, a thunderstorm condensed around Galia. Once the massive amount of lightning mana reached its peak, it compressed into an incredibly dense, tiny sphere.
──────── [───────!!!!!]
With the Thunderbird’s roar, the lightning mana erupted, sweeping across the grounds of the old Märchen Academy in the blink of an eye.
「Thunder God's Barrier (Lightning Element, ★7)」
Kaaaaaahhhhh──────!!!
Pajijijijijijik──────!!
“Ugh!”
A violent gust of wind sent me tumbling down the hill. For a brief moment, a sharp tingling sensation surged through my entire body.
Buildings were smashed to pieces, and ancient trees were uprooted like weeds. Lightning struck the earth countless times as the mana spread by the Thunderbird transformed into a wide-scale barrier.
With a violent jolt, a powerful purple dome formed from the concentrated lightning mana, generating lethal levels of high-voltage current.
[Thunder God’s Barrier].
The stage was set for the climax of the first year, first semester of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱: 「Act 3, Chapter 4, Thunderbird Subjugation」.
Boom────!!
Boom────!!
Boom────!!
Simultaneously, countless bolts of lightning struck various points across the academy grounds. From the scorched earth, the Thunderbird’s minions—the ‘Lightning Harpies’—began to emerge.
A particularly intense bolt struck the side of Carly Hall, where a massive swarm of Lightning Harpies began to congregate. This was because Vera the Summoner had marked Carly Hall as her territory.
“Argh…!”
Seriously, how many times am I going to roll on the ground today?
Grumbling, I scrambled to my feet and resumed my sprint up the hill.
The [Thunder God’s Barrier] was impenetrable. This was due to [Nest], a unique trait of Thunderbird Galia that allowed it to weave lightning mana into a solid, physical wall.
If I had to estimate the level of the spell itself, it was easily around Level 190. Even if the entire academy staff, Dorothy included, bombarded it at once, they wouldn't be able to scratch it. They would realize that soon enough once they tested the barrier for themselves.
───[Kiaaaaaahhhh─────!!]
The entrance to the palace-like Carly Hall shattered as Lightning Harpies burst out. They were winged, humanoid creatures whose entire forms were composed of pure lightning mana.
[Lightning Harpy]
Lv: 85 Race: (Demon) Elements: Lightning Danger: Medium Psychology: [Wants to kill humans.]
I reached Carly Hall just in time.
Thank you for opening the door, my sweet EXP!
[The demons have been recognized as enemies.]
[The unique trait [Hunter] is activated!]
[Level and stats are temporarily and greatly enhanced!]
[The skill tree temporarily becomes +10!]
「Frostfire (Ice Element, ★4)」
Hwaaaaaaaaak───────!!
My body suddenly felt as light as a feather. My exhaustion didn't just vanish; it was replaced by an overflowing surge of power. I felt like I could shatter a building with a single punch. The flow of mana within my circuits accelerated, and its very quality underwent a fundamental change.
The unique trait [Hunter] had been triggered.
I slaughtered the Lightning Harpies with blasts of cold, blue flames of unparalleled power, never once slowing my pace.
Entering Carly Hall, I found myself in a wide central corridor. A swarm of Lightning Harpies turned to glare at me in unison. The top floor of this building was where Vera the Summoner would take Luce.
That was my destination.
Kiaaaaaaahhh!!!─────!!
“Yeah, yeah. Move it, mobs.”
I took the central stairs three steps at a time, incinerating every Lightning Harpy in my path with [Frostfire].
[Level Up!! Your level has increased to 58!]
[You have gained 2 additional stat points!]
The Lightning Harpies were a fantastic source of experience. Sorry, Ian, but the Carly Hall free EXP is all mine.
“Phew…”
I finally reached the top floor. The hallway was lined with statues of legendary wizards and knights; though aged, their designs remained magnificent. At the end of the red-carpeted hall stood a grand altar.
With its soaring ceilings, the view from the top floor of Carly Hall was breathtaking, reminiscent of a grand cathedral. I wiped the sweat from my forehead and glanced out the window.
The Thunderbird flapped its wings in a display of overwhelming power. It was slowly making its way toward my location, accompanied by Luce and Vera the Summoner.
Soon, they would destroy the roof and descend. Luckily, they wouldn't go out of their way to look for the remains of the Lightning Harpies I had killed. I had fought cautiously, ensuring no traces of my magic were visible outside the hall.
“Eden.”
Light brown mana gathered in front of me, taking the form of my small golem familiar.
[Kyuuu!]
“Run away.”
[Kyuu…?]
Vera the Summoner had the ability to steal an opponent’s familiar at will. However, I could avoid that disaster by dismissing Eden ahead of time.
Eden tilted his head, confused by my command. After I urged him again to leave Carly Hall quickly, he gave a puzzled nod and trudged away. This simple precaution ensured Vera wouldn't be able to steal my familiar—a trap many players fell into because they didn't know her mechanics.
Now, I just had to hide.
Tap, tap, tap─
Fortunately, I knew the perfect spot. I began knocking on the walls behind the altar. In ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, a secret location within Carly Hall opened up once the Thunderbird Subjugation was over. My plan was to hide there early.
In the game, it was found by knocking on a specific section of the wall.
I must be close…
Tap, tap, tap─
Thud, thud.
‘Found it.’
The sound was hollow. I identified the pattern on the wall and located the hidden handle. Placing my right hand near it, I channeled a faint amount of mana. The wall slowly absorbed the energy, and the sensation was like stepping onto the shore of a calm lake.
Just like that, I was inside the wall.
The inner room was lined with luminescent stones that emitted a faint, ethereal light. My gaze immediately fell upon a cramped, run-down study filled with bookshelves. It was a small, stuffy space. At the far end stood a miniature desk with a dusty book resting on top.
It wasn't anything special—just a lore book from ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ containing hints about the Archwizards of each element. There was nothing worth reading now, and I didn't have the time anyway.
[A demon has been detected nearby.]
Huiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii─
[Demon Detection] activated. Vera the Summoner was close. I felt an intense, suffocating aura from beyond the wall.
[Vera the Summoner]
Lv: 125 Race: Demon Elements: Darkness, Lightning Danger: High Psychology: [Rejoicing at the thought of having obtained the strongest familiar.]
I pressed my ear against the wall to monitor the situation.
─────Kwaaaaang──!!
The ceiling collapsed. The outer walls and roof were shattered to accommodate the Thunderbird’s massive frame.
By now, the subjugation party should have formed. It would be led by Ian Fairytale—a light element wielder who could deal devastating blows to the Thunderbird—and Dorothy Heartnova, the strongest powerhouse at Märchen Academy.
In the original game, forming the party wasn't easy. The "wait for administration" faction and the "offensive" faction were always at odds. Ultimately, the first-year students would step forward to fight in a classic shounen manga moment. I remember feeling a rush of excitement watching that scene.
‘The only variable is the honor students.’
Normally, the honor students would have already passed their end-of-semester evaluations before the Thunderbird appeared. For instance, in the game, once Kaya obtained her third Fell Card, her mana perception improved, allowing her to find the remaining cards easily.
Because she passed early, she didn't play a major role in the subjugation. The same went for the other Class A and Class B elites.
But this time, things were different.
Due to Luce’s rampage and the fierce battle I was involved in, the Class A students and the top-ranked Class B students hadn't passed the exam before the Thunderbird arrived. I had seen the scoreboard on my way up the hill.
As a result, it was highly likely they had been organized into a full-scale subjugation force. Injured students would have joined after being healed by the shelter’s wizards.
At the very least, Kaya and Lisetta would definitely be out there. Kaya had a strong sense of justice, and Lisetta had a courageous desire to prove herself against the Harpies and the Thunderbird.
‘This is actually a favorable variable for me.’
The stability of the subjugation party had increased. The support from the helpers would be even stronger than in the original scenario.
The mission was simple: Defeat the Lightning Harpies and storm Carly Hall. While Dorothy focused on protection, Ian would strike the Thunderbird with light-aspected sword attacks. Finally, they would enter Carly Hall and defeat Vera the Summoner.
In the game, some argued the plan was absurd, but Mateo’s exclamation of “There is no other way!” always rallied the students. It was one of my favorite scenes.
The party would be moving systematically now, following their pre-determined routes to minimize casualties.
‘Dorothy is there, so don’t you dare go charging in and fainting, Ian.’
I’ll get rid of this crazy bitch and end this situation quickly.
…Time to get ready.
I pulled the ‘Magic Cloak of Disguise - Berserker’ from my magic bag and put it on. It was a necessary precaution to ensure my identity remained a secret.
[Kyahoooooooooooooooo!!]
On the top floor of Carly Hall, just beyond the wall where Isaac was hiding, the sky was obscured by the Thunderbird’s barrier, creating a gloomy, artificial evening.
Vera the Summoner, a gray-skinned demon standing three meters tall, twirled in circles with her arms outstretched. Despite her tattered dress, her movements were like those of an actress on a stage.
[Ah, the best, the best, ah~! To have the strongest familiar in my hands… I, Vera the Summoner, am so lucky! Ahhh, it’s so cute, cute, cute!!!!!]
The ceiling and one of the outer walls were gone, the Thunderbird’s massive body filling the space. Vera screamed with twisted affection as she stroked Galia. Her eyes were bloodshot, her voice raspy, and flecks of blood spurted from her mouth as she spoke.
[Kyaaaahhhhh, so cute! My familiar is so cute, I’m going crazy…!]
Vera scratched her frizzy brown hair like a rabid dog and struck the horn on her forehead. She rubbed the Thunderbird’s cheek with nails and palms covered in scraped skin and dried blood.
The darkness mana coursing through Thunderbird Galia’s body rendered it unable to resist; it could only shiver. Vera’s absolute domination magic was so potent that even an 8-star beast couldn't defy her.
[This black bird belongs to me, Vera. My new child~~. It’s such a waste for someone like you, ahhh~~]
Vera hummed an impromptu tune as she looked up at the Thunderbird’s original master, who was floating above the altar.
Luce, the rose-gold-haired student, was restrained in a standing position within a powerful lightning shield. She looked like a stuffed doll. She couldn't move; her mana had been drained by the Thunderbird, leaving her body limp and lifeless. She didn't even have the strength to open her eyes.
[It’s a wasteeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!]
Vera screamed with clenched fists, then bared her sharp teeth and giggled.
[Heheheheheheheheheh!!! Oh no, the humans are on their way! They’re coming to save you! They’re coming to save you, save you, save you! But what can they do? My familiar, my black bird, will kill all of your friends, keeeeekkkk!]
Luce offered no answer from within the shield. she drifted on the edge of consciousness.
[Ah, here they come, here they come—!!]
Vera shouted, looking out the shattered wall.
The subjugation party was charging toward Carly Hall, enveloped in a translucent shield of colorful starlight. It was a combined force of professors, proctors, and students. They were already ascending the hill.
[They’re here, they’re here!! Even the Child of Light! They’re marching toward the underworld on their own!!]
Vera, who had been laughing manically, suddenly stopped. The atmosphere shifted as her expression turned solemn. Her waist bent at a grotesque angle as she issued a command.
[Kill them all.]
The darkness mana enveloping the Thunderbird surged. The beast screamed in agony, its red eyes flashing. It spread its massive wings and soared through the collapsed ceiling.
──────── [────Kiyaahhhhhhhhhhhh───!!!!!]
Booooom boom boom boom─────!!!
The lightning barrier resonated with the Thunderbird’s roar. With a single flap of its wings, menacing purple thunderbolts rained down on the subjugation party. It was a wide-range bombardment where even a graze could be fatal.
Proctor Dorothy Heartnova hastily deployed a Starlight Shield. As the lightning struck the barrier, the bolts were distorted and neutralized.
“Ugh, that electric chicken!”
Dorothy was frustrated. She could have ended this with high-powered spells if she didn't have to protect the students, but her priority was their safety. She had no choice but to focus on the Starlight Shield.
The battle against Thunderbird Galia was fierce. The party’s goal was absurd: “Win while preserving everyone’s lives.” They only dared to attempt this against an 8-star beast because they had two people capable of dealing effective damage and one who could provide an absolute defense.
However…
“When did he pass out again?! Someone wake him up!”
“Ian!!”
Amy Holloway, the party’s healer, cried out in desperation.
Ian Fairytale, the key force whose light magic was the Thunderbird’s natural weakness, had already collapsed against a pile of rubble, unconscious.
[Inside Carly Hall]
「Frost Explosion (Ice Element, ★5)」
Kwaaaahhhhhhh─────!!
While Vera the Summoner was screaming, she sensed a sudden threat from behind and threw herself to the side. However, her left arm was caught in the blast, completely shattered by a burst of ice.
The frozen stump caused her excruciating pain, and she let out an ear-piercing shriek.
「Ice Wall (Ice Element, ★4)」
Simultaneously, an [Ice Wall] began to seal the shattered outer wall. Sensing the trap, Vera leapt over the rising ice with incredible speed, barely landing on a stable section of the floor.
[Owaaaahh…!! What are youuu?!!]
The remnants of the [Frost Explosion] and the incomplete [Ice Wall] dissolved into light blue powder.
A monster stood before the altar. It wore a navy blue hood pulled tight, hiding its face. Its mouth was packed with razor-sharp teeth more menacing than a beast's, and its skin was as black as ink.
The monster turned its back to the captured Luce, glaring at Vera as if to protect the girl.
「Cold Divergence (Ice Element, ★1)」
A pale, chilly aura radiated from the black monster’s body. Its large, round red eyes glowed with pure murderous intent.
────────── [Gahahaahahahaha!!!]
The monster’s roar shook the very foundations of Carly Hall.
Thanks to the ‘Magic Cloak of Disguise - Berserker,’ that was how Isaac appeared and sounded to others, regardless of his intent. Heavy mana brushed against Vera’s skin like a freezing wind.
Vera fell silent. The mana she felt from this creature surpassed her own.
[Hmm.]
Vera smiled. She had just thought of something very fun.