Chapter 48: Thunderbird Subjugation — Interlude
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 48: Thunderbird Subjugation — Interlude
While Isaac and the Thunderbird were locked in a life-or-death struggle at Carly Hall...
“It’s the Black Monster!”
The Thunderbird subjugation party, rushing toward the hall, immediately recognized the figure standing against the Thunderbird and its army of familiars.
An entity that appeared whenever demons emerged. If there was a being powerful enough to cast ice magic on such a massive scale, it could only be the ‘Black Monster.’
Ciel, a member of the subjugation party, narrowed her eyes. Suddenly, the image of a certain silver-blue-haired man flashed through her mind.
Despite his meager mana pool, he possessed a mana perception that put her own to shame. Usually, mana perception was directly proportional to one’s maximum mana capacity.
Ciel had wondered how someone so weak could possess such terrifying senses, but a sudden realization began to bridge the contradiction.
“Could it be…?”
What if the Black Monster was actually that silver-blue-haired man who had been groveling just a moment ago?
A cataclysmic battle was unfolding within Carly Hall.
Ciel had always considered herself talented and strong, but looking at that clash, she realized that if she were caught in the crossfire, her end would be more fleeting than a mayfly’s. A bug crushed under a traveler’s boot would have met a more dignified end.
Of course, it was just a suspicion. She might simply be projecting a powerful image onto an innocent person.
Well, that would be ridiculous.
Loathing the physical exertion of running, Ciel lagged at the rear of the party as they ascended the hill. Eventually, the familiar she had secretly sent into the sky returned.
‘Zabet,’ a purple bat familiar imbued with the lightning element, landed on her shoulder. It flapped its wings frantically, a look of pure shock on its face.
[Ci-Ciel! You were right! It was him! The guy who was with you earlier!]
Zabet had descended to confirm the situation just before Isaac and the Thunderbird clashed. Though it had been tossed about by the violent storm that followed, it remained uninjured.
Ciel closed her eyes briefly as she listened to Zabet’s fussing. Her suspicion had just become a certainty.
It was said that extraordinarily powerful individuals enrolled at Märchen Academy every year. It seemed this year’s freshmen were no exception.
Furthermore, this hidden powerhouse wasn't Luce Eltania, but someone who couldn't even be compared to the top seat.
Only now did Ciel truly realize the scale of what was happening.
*
As the situation concluded, a creature hovered above the ancient Märchen Academy.
[Boo—, boo—.]
A round, balloon-like entity floated in the sky. Its limbs were submerged into its bloated body, and its grotesque, layered face was enough to turn anyone’s stomach. Its yellowish-brown skin was patterned like the cracks in a parched rice field.
The only sound it made was a foolish, repetitive "Boo."
From the end-of-semester evaluation to the Thunderbird Subjugation, this powerless balloon demon had watched everything through its [Clairvoyance].
Its closed eyelids slowly rose, revealing cold, bloodshot eyes looking down at the earth.
Heinkel the Hoarder. Though currently powerless, he was one of the world's worst calamities. He watched Isaac, who was currently admiring the [Tree of Radiance], in total silence.
[Boo—, boo—.]
Soon, Heinkel the Hoarder vanished into the clouds.
The academy staff was buried in chaos following the demon attack and the Thunderbird Subjugation. On-site investigations, uncovering the truth, identifying victims, placating powerful investors, analyzing security breaches—the academy was pouring every ounce of manpower into the aftermath.
The Thunderbird incident was too significant to ignore. Had things gone slightly differently, the casualties would have been catastrophic.
By the time summer vacation arrived, imperial knights would likely descend upon Märchen Academy. The situation was escalating, and the staff were working themselves to the point of exhaustion.
Luce attended the Truth Investigation Committee as the owner of Thunderbird Galia. However, since it was clear the demons had forcibly summoned the beast against her will, there was no reason to punish her.
Still, Thunderbird Galia was an 8-star magic beast. If a creature capable of destroying nations caused havoc for any reason, the academy couldn't just ignore it. They needed to ensure the familiar was stable.
The problem was that Luce was currently suffering from mana exhaustion. She couldn't even cast basic elemental spells, let alone summon her familiar.
No matter how vast one’s mana pool, the recovery speed plummeted once it was fully depleted. "Plummeted" was an understatement; it would take at least a week for Luce to return to normal.
Ultimately, the academy asked for Luce’s cooperation and placed her in quarantine until her recovery. They also assigned a supervisor to watch over her.
“Is this the room of the clueless junior who made me suffer~?”
Charles Hall was a luxurious dormitory reserved for the academy’s elite.
Luce, dressed in a simple one-piece dress, sat on her bed with a blanket pulled over her head. The moment a lavender-haired woman in a witch’s hat entered the room, a thick, fog-like aura of hostility began to emanate from Luce.
The supervisor was Dorothy Heartnova. She remained entirely aloof to Luce’s childish, murderous glare. The contrast between the two created a tension that seemed to split the room in half.
After all, Dorothy was considered a natural disaster—an existence that couldn't be bound by law or logic. To her, Luce’s glare was no more threatening than a passing ant.
Dorothy covered her eyes with a handkerchief and wandered around Luce’s room like an adventurer exploring uncharted territory.
Luce’s irritation peaked. But in her mana-depleted state, she had no way to oppose Dorothy and could only grind her teeth in silence.
“Nyahaha! This room perfectly reflects your personality! What’s with the decor? There’s not a single cute corner!”
“…”
“Not even one teddy bear! Are you poor? Do you want to borrow one of mine?”
“…”
“Kyaaa, what’s this? A cursed doll used in black magic! Our junior has a shady hobby~ Oh, can I try putting our junior’s hair in it when I’m bored? That’s fine, right?”
“Get out if you only came here to pick a fight.”
Luce finally snapped. They were the first words she had spoken in the ten minutes since Dorothy arrived. She spoke her mind, regardless of the fact that Dorothy was her senior and the strongest powerhouse in the academy.
Dorothy, as if expecting this, narrowed her eyes into crescents and approached Luce with a mischievous smile. She sat on the edge of the bed and tilted her head. Luce pointedly avoided eye contact.
“Junior, you noticed something strange, didn't you?”
“…”
“You don’t have to suppress that electric chicken anymore.”
Luce frowned, finally meeting Dorothy’s gaze.
Dorothy’s pupils always shone like a universe embroidered with starlight. Those star-shaped pupils were as unreal as ever. She had made a contract with the star fairy, Stella, and her eyes had been permanently altered by the fairy’s influence. Luce had heard that story while she was with Isaac.
At the time, Luce hadn't cared about the details; she had simply enjoyed being near Isaac.
It was clear this unpleasant senior was incredibly strong. Luce wasn't surprised that Dorothy had realized she had been pouring half of her total mana—all of her lightning mana—into suppressing the Thunderbird’s curse at all times.
Luce only reacted to the news that the suppression was no longer necessary.
As the master of Thunderbird Galia, she had felt the moment he was freed from his chains, returning to his state as a docile familiar. She didn't know what her own condition would be once her mana recovered, but one thing was certain:
Luce would finally be able to use her full power.
This solidified her position as the undisputed strongest first-year in the Magic Department.
“…Galia is free now.”
“I know. The electric chicken is a good boy.”
“Stop calling him an electric chicken. It makes Galia feel insignificant.”
Luce’s tone remained icy. Nevertheless, aside from Isaac, Dorothy was the person Luce had talked to the most. Luce usually ignored people entirely, but she had seen Dorothy’s face often enough to tolerate her.
“Nihihi.”
Dorothy laughed innocently as she stood up and headed for the door.
“That’s the end of this surveillance.”
“Already…? The academy said to watch me for three days…”
“It’s annoying!”
Dorothy’s blunt answer was enough to convince Luce instantly.
“So, junior, stay here quietly, okay?”
Dorothy flashed a mischievous smile, opened the door, and stepped into the hallway.
As she disappeared, the room fell silent. The atmosphere shifted dramatically. Finally, the nuisance was gone. Luce let out a deep sigh of relief.
Plop.
Luce collapsed onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. Now that she was alone, her thoughts began to race.
Greung. He had come to save her again. As expected, he was a man who had concealed his identity with a Magic Cloak of Disguise. The disguise must have failed when the cloak was damaged during the fight with the demons.
At the time, her vision had been too blurred to see his face clearly. However, from the size of the hand that touched her and the silhouette of his shoulders, Luce could only think of one man.
“Isaac…”
She wanted to grab Isaac’s hand right now and compare it to her memory of Greung’s.
Rationally, it seemed impossible for them to be the same person. If Isaac was as strong as Greung, how could one explain his low mana capacity, his basic magic skills, and the fact that he trained so desperately every single day?
But…
The ice element. The hand size. The shoulders.
Luce, who remembered everything with perfect clarity, wasn't one to rely on mere intuition. But right now, her intuition was screaming.
I want to believe that Greung’s true identity is Isaac.
Perhaps she had felt this way since the class placement evaluation. The intuition she had been suppressing was finally persuading her. Maybe that was why she felt so drawn to him.
“…”
Luce scrambled off the bed and headed for the door. She had been saved twice by that mysterious man. She couldn't help but be pulled toward him.
Whenever she thought of him, her heart pounded so loudly it pierced the silence. Even for Luce, who had never built a real relationship, it wasn't hard to recognize this unfamiliar emotion.
Her chest throbbed. She felt like she was going crazy. Only by uncovering Greung’s identity could the turmoil in her heart subside. She had to find out if Isaac was Greung. It was time to resolve the conflict between reason and intuition.
Just as she reached for the doorknob…
Charara—!
“Ouch!”
Her hand stung, and she recoiled. A cluster of stars flared briefly on the doorknob before fading. A small note, tucked under the handle, fell to the floor. She picked it up to find a short sentence and a drawing of a witch’s hat.
[Didn’t I tell you not to go out? Get some rest! I’ll bring you food!]
Luce’s eyes darkened. She ruthlessly crumpled the note in her fist. She tried the window next, but it was also sealed. Her frustration deepened.
[Status]
Name: Isaac
Lv: 60
Gender: Male
Year: 1st
Title: Freshman
Mana: 1800/1800
• Mana Recovery Speed (C)
• Stamina (B-)
• Strength (B-)
• Intelligence (C+)
• Willpower (A-)
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 (B-)
• (★1) Cold Divergence (B+)
• (★1) Basic Protection Magic (D+)
• (★4) Frostfire (C+)
• (★4) Ice Wall (C+)
• (★5) Frost Explosion (C-)
• (★2) Snow Pellets (C)
Passive
• (★7) Psychological Insight
• (★5) Demon Detection
• (★9) Ice Sovereign
Skill Tree ❰❰Details❱❱
[Unique Attributes]
• Hunter
[Potential]
Stat Points: 0
◈ Growth Rate
• Physical Training Efficiency (B+): 56/100 [UP]
• Magic Training Efficiency (A): 71/100 [UP]
• Learning Efficiency (B+): 51/100 [UP]
◈ Elemental Resistance
• Fire Resistance (D-): 10/100 [UP]
• Water Resistance (D+): 16/100 [UP]
• Ice Resistance (C+): 34/100 [UP]
• Lightning Resistance (B-): 39/100 [UP]
• Rock Resistance (D): 12/100 [UP]
• Wind Resistance (C-): 18/100 [UP]
• Neutral Magic Resistance (D+): 18/100 [UP]
◈ vs. Race Combat Power
• vs. Human Combat Power (E): 4/100 [UP]
• vs. Other Races Combat Power (E): 1/100 [UP]
• vs. Heavenly Beings Combat Power (E): 0/100 [UP]
• vs. Demon Combat Power (S): 100/100 [MAX]
[Familiar]
Eden (Lv: 50)
Grade: ★3
Race: Magic Beast
Elements: Rock
Bond: 65
Synchronization: 20
Summoning Mana Consumption: 40
• Owned Skills
Four days had passed since the Thunderbird Subjugation and the start of Luce’s quarantine.
During this time, the academy staff gathered the students to explain the events of the first-year evaluation. They announced a retest; however, bonus points would be awarded to those who had already passed or possessed a Fell Card before the incident.
Naturally, those who had already passed objected, but they were forced to yield to the majority opinion that the event had been a life-threatening emergency. Such was the power of the majority.
There was a retest in ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ as well, which I had already anticipated. Regardless, first-semester grades were a combination of exam scores and performance evaluations. Having bonus points for the retest was a massive advantage.
I, of course, received the most bonus points. However, due to my surrender during the duel evaluation, I couldn't expect a stellar grade for the semester.
Intuitively, I felt that the ice buff [Black Ice], which was imbued with darkness mana, didn't synergize well with [Ice Sovereign]. It was particularly difficult to apply [Black Ice] to 7-star magic or higher. It felt like forcing two incompatible circuits together—pure inefficiency.
In other words, the cost-effectiveness of boosting high-level magic wasn't worth the effort. Moreover, the mana consumption nearly tripled. Unless it was a short, decisive battle, I’d have to use [Black Ice] sparingly.
I invested my 21 new stat points: 5 into [Physical Training Efficiency] and 16 into [Learning Efficiency].
My elemental resistances had increased by 10 across the board thanks to an achievement unlocked during the Thunderbird subjugation. The minimum requirement for Hilde’s Frostscythe was an [Ice Resistance] of 60. With my Elemental Bracelet, I could now reach that threshold.
This was largely thanks to the early appearance of Leafa the Illusive, who wasn't supposed to show up until the second semester. I had planned to get it by the end of the year, but the conditions were met early.
This meant I could obtain Hilde’s Frostscythe, the ultimate ice elemental weapon, during this vacation. Just holding that legendary weapon would massively enhance my ice magic.
“Luce Eltania, are you ready?”
It was broad daylight at the beach.
The beach near Märchen Academy was beautiful enough to be a private tourist attraction. The fine white sand sparkled in the sun, and the emerald waves were dazzling.
A single female student stood with her feet in the water, her rose-gold hair fluttering in the sea breeze. It was Luce Eltania.
Under the watchful eyes of the staff, Luce nodded at Professor Fernando’s question. The academy had brought high-ranking wizards and Dorothy Heartnova to ensure the safety of the 8-star familiar. They had to be prepared for anything.
Luce had recovered enough mana to summon the Thunderbird. The fact that she could summon an 8-star familiar only four days after total exhaustion proved her recovery speed was insane.
Hidden behind a tree near the shore, I watched the scene unfold.
Luce stretched her left arm toward the sea. Professor Fernando gave the signal. The seal on Luce’s left wrist began to pulse with purple light.
Whooooosh— Kaboooom—!
In an instant, dark clouds blotted out the sun, and purple thunder roared. From a swirling cluster of lightning mana, the black Thunderbird emerged. ‘Thunderbird Galia’ had returned.
────────[Squaaaaaaawk—!!]
[Thunderbird Galia]
Lv: 175
Race: Magic Beast
Elements: Lightning
Danger: X
Psychology: [He is relieved that Luce Eltania seems to be fine.]
Thunderbird Galia landed in the shallow water and locked eyes with Luce. While everyone else held their breath in tension, Luce looked on with anticipation.
Galia gently brushed the top of his large beak against her cheek. Luce reached out and tenderly embraced the beast’s head.
“Why… did you only come back now… Why…?”
The normally cold and blunt Luce bowed her head and sobbed.
To her, Galia was the only living being who shared her memories of the Candy House. Hansel was gone, and the Witch was dead, but Galia had survived despite the curse. Restoring him to his original state had been one of her deepest wishes.
That wish was fulfilled here, in this moment.
Galia lowered his eyes. After years of being consumed by destructive instincts due to the Evil Dragon’s Curse, he seemed to feel an immense weight of guilt for the burden he had placed on her.
The academy staff watched the reunion in silence. Luce held Galia for a long time.
Someday, she would become a high-ranking Tower Master, a woman who would shape the history of the Empire. This moment—the restoration of Galia—was the true beginning of that journey.
*
On a dark night at Doris Hall, the dormitory for lower-ranked students...
I was drying my hair with a towel after a post-training shower. Back in my room, idle thoughts that I’d suppressed during training began to surface.
Most of them were about Kaya. I wanted to thank her for using the [Tree of Radiance], even if indirectly. However, Kaya seemed to be avoiding me lately.
It wasn't in a bad way, though. According to [Psychological Insight], she was always happy to see me. She just blushed furiously and looked embarrassed whenever our eyes met. It seemed she had developed romantic feelings for me.
It’s probably because of everything we’ve been through.
I had a rough idea of when I’d dealt the fatal blow to her heart. It must have been the ant nest and the end-of-semester evaluation. The night we defeated Garzia the Hermit, we’d had to sleep in the same space. And during the battle at the evaluation, I’d handed her the Armana Wand from behind. I’d been desperate, so I hadn't thought much of it…
But I had been careless with someone who had no immunity to men. I reflected on that.
Of course, if a girl as pretty as Kaya became my girlfriend, I’d be so happy I’d do a grand jeté, a 360-degree headspin, and an aerial somersault while shouting “Hoo!” at the top of my lungs.
But I wasn't in a position to date. Not until the Evil God was defeated. Besides, there were too many tangled issues with Kaya that needed resolving first. And honestly, I wasn't irresistibly attracted to her yet. Dwelling on it would only interfere with my training. I’d deal with the Kaya issue later.
With that decided, I got dressed.
「Water Generation (Water Element, ★1)」
Splaaash—!
“…?”
Suddenly, I heard water pouring outside my window. It wasn't rain; someone had poured it. I walked over and flung the window open.
Outside, under the moonlight, a girl with rose-gold hair and a tiny floating killer whale waved at me. I never expected Luce to visit me personally.
Though it was summer, the night air was cool. I threw on a thin coat and headed out.
Luce was standing on the macadam street of the living quarters, illuminated by the glowing streetlamps. She wore a one-piece dress and a cardigan. As soon as she saw me, she unsummoned Bello and stood somewhat humbly, a faint smile on her lips.
[Luce Eltania]
Lv: 150
Race: Human
Elements: Water, Lightning
Danger: X
Psychology: [She is happy to see you.]
Luce’s level had skyrocketed. The status window now calibrated her power at level 150. Now that Galia was purified, she could fully utilize her lightning mana. She had simply returned to her original strength.
(Note: While players receive potential stats and damage reduction against lower-level enemies as they level up, NPC levels are simply a reflection of their current combat ability.)
“It’s been a while, Luce. Is your quarantine over?”
Luce nodded.
“What’s going on?”
“I missed you, Isaac.”
I took a sharp breath. Sometimes, Luce’s casual words hit like a physical blow. It wasn't a confession of love; Luce was just the type to open her heart completely once the barrier was breached. The problem was that her barrier was incredibly high, and her past meant she had no idea how to maintain "friendship" boundaries.
I understood her unconscious flirting for what it was and moved past it.
“Are you okay? I heard you went through a lot. I was worried, but I couldn't visit during the quarantine.”
“…!”
[Luce Eltania]
Psychology: [She is happy that you were worried about her.]
…I really needed to be more careful with my words, too.
“I-I’m okay. Isaac, I want to ask a favor… Will you listen?”
Luce, who usually spoke in dull, short sentences, was being serious. This was important. She had been through a lot lately—harming others unintentionally and finally saving Galia. She was likely trying to process a whirlwind of emotions.
It had been the same in the game.
“What favor?”
I was ready to help her with anything.
If I fulfill your request, I hope you can find peace and go back to your usual self—giving me blunt remarks and talking about trivial things.
I focused intently on her next words.
“…Can I hold your hand?”
Chirp, chirp—
The sound of insects filled the silence. I was at a loss for words.
Luce subtly extended her right hand, waiting. Looking at her slender, delicate fingers, I couldn't even find my voice. I looked at her, but she had her head lowered, avoiding my eyes.
“I want to hold hands with Isaac.”
On this summer night…
Her voice, as soft as the moonlight etched in the sky, tickled the air.
I was reminded of how truly beautiful Luce’s voice was.
In that moment, my rationality faltered. I couldn't think.
All I could do was stare at her outstretched hand.
And there we stood beneath the streetlight.
In total silence, with our heads lowered.