Chapter 50: Summer Vacation Ceremony
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 50: Summer Vacation Ceremony
“We shall now proceed with the summer vacation ceremony for the first-year students of the Magic Department.”
The end-of-semester retests consisted of several elemental magic evaluations. While small in scale compared to the traditional final exams, they were the most practical way to measure a student's growth.
And so, the first semester drew to a close. My final grade was the cumulative sum of every exam and performance evaluation I had taken thus far.
I ranked 230th out of 300 students. Well, it was expected. I had started the semester with a dismal Grade E in mana, and I’d had no choice but to forfeit my duel.
Still, I eventually intended to claim the top seat. Grades were, after all, a vital indicator of how much stronger I was becoming.
Under a brilliant blue sky, massive, fluffy clouds drifted leisurely across the horizon. Amidst the cheerful chirping of birds, the first-year students of the Magic Department finally held their long-awaited summer vacation ceremony.
The square was filled with students seated in neatly arranged rows of chairs.
Headmistress Elena gave a speech. Despite being in her 70s, she retained the appearance of a woman in her 20s—a side effect of her passive skill, [Immortality].
As the top seat of the first-year class for the first semester, Luce Eltania stepped forward as the student representative to read the declaration.
As she spoke, she discreetly glanced my way, letting a gentle smile slip whenever she found an opening.
The male students around me blushed as if they’d been blessed by a goddess, though they quickly turned envious and jealous gazes toward me. I was used to it by now.
‘What should I do…?’
My worries resurfaced, triggered by a recent dilemma.
I had asked her how she found out about Greung, and after hearing the story I already knew, I had given her some cliché relationship advice. I was breaking out in a cold sweat internally, doing my absolute best to hide the fact that I was actually Greung.
Well, setting Luce’s story aside for a moment...
I had a lot to accomplish over the break.
❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ was a widely recognized masterpiece. With its vast lore, sprawling story, intricate object interactions, and a massive open world that felt truly alive, it had been a fan favorite for years.
‘Once I step outside, there’ll be plenty of content to clear.’
I’d heard from Amy that Ian Fairytale planned to tackle guild quests outside the academy during the break.
The Evil God wouldn't be able to track Ian once he left the academy grounds. That was why the demons couldn't be informed of the ‘Child of Light’s’ exact whereabouts. Other light element wielders, like the Saintess, weren't attacked by demons for similar reasons.
In the first place, it consumed an astronomical amount of mana to reach into the abyss and awaken demons one by one. The Evil God likely had its hands full with that task alone.
So, I hope Ian enjoys his summer vacation to the fullest.
‘As for me, I’m going after Hilde’s Frostscythe.’
Thanks to obtaining the Elemental Bracelet, my plans had been moved forward. I could now begin the search for the ultimate ice elemental weapon: Hilde’s Frostscythe.
If things went well, I might have my second ultimate elemental weapon in hand before I even started my second year.
‘Perfect.’
I could already feel the crushing pressure of the upcoming “Floating Island” scenario beginning to ease.
The ‘Floating Island’ scenario was a chapter that left many players in tears because of Dorothy’s death. Although she was already cursed to die within a year, the demons had accelerated the curse, cutting her life even shorter.
It was a heartbreaking chapter for me; Dorothy had always been my favorite character.
‘I won’t let Dorothy die.’
Saving her would be a massive help in preventing future bad endings, but more importantly, she was my favorite. That reason alone was enough.
Achieving goals through gritted teeth and sheer determination was my specialty. Whether it was the ‘Floating Island’ chapter or anything else, I was going to save her.
To do that, I had to train like hell during this break.
*
On the way back from the ceremony.
Most students were frantically preparing to head home. Since the Magic Department’s break had been delayed by nine days, their impatience and discontent were palpable.
Come to think of it, there won’t be many students left on campus. I’ll have the training grounds all to myself. Hell yeah!
Since many students were leaving tomorrow, I planned to do my usual training today. Starting tomorrow, I’d move my operations to the official training grounds.
“…….”
Perhaps it was because the hectic semester was finally over, but a sudden sense of unfamiliarity washed over me.
I stopped and looked down at my right hand. The now-familiar shape of my fingers entered my vision.
Isaac. I had taken over the body of this weak man with silver-blue hair, red eyes, and the appearance of a total shut-in. I didn’t know where Isaac’s hometown was, who his family was, or how he had been raised.
Is it proper etiquette to dig up Isaac’s personal info and visit his family at least once?
‘Now that I think about it…’
A question surfaced in my mind.
‘Isaac, why did you even enroll here?’
I knew why Ian had enrolled at Märchen Academy. He wanted to graduate from the best institution and become a prestigious magic knight. Ian’s E-rank mana was simply the result of an environment that hadn't allowed his talents to awaken. Despite that, he had honed his swordsmanship to a razor edge.
But what about Isaac? He also had E-rank mana.
‘If his goal was to be a wizard, why did he focus entirely on academics instead of magic training?’
At the start of the semester, Professor Fernando had noted that Isaac received perfect marks in theory.
But why?
Overcoming E-rank mana wasn’t an impossible task. Even with zero talent, anyone who diligently trained their magic would eventually surpass the E-rank. Was he really aiming to be just a scholar? If so, the distribution of his efforts was far too lopsided.
Isaac must have passed the entrance exam on theoretical knowledge alone. It felt as though he had deliberately focused only on the ‘part he could do best.’
It was as if… he hadn't come to Märchen Academy to ‘become a successful wizard,’ but rather had ‘some specific reason to enter the academy.’ It was a strange possibility.
In ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, Isaac was an undeniable extra. He wasn't a hidden mastermind or an important figure who influenced the plot.
‘It’s on the tip of my tongue… Ah.’
Suddenly, a silver-haired female student came to mind. She was an NPC with no real story importance—a character with a mental disorder that bordered on sociopathic.
For some reason, I felt like Isaac was related to her. However, she was just a passing NPC, and I couldn't clearly recall her dialogue.
Was it just my imagination? I didn't know. Maybe I was just being overly sensitive.
Lost in thought, I made my way toward the Butterfly Garden.
“Sir Isaac!”
On the deserted path, a sudden gust of green wind brushed against my skin.
Along with a familiar voice, a female student wrapped in wind magic landed gracefully in front of me. Her light green twin-tails fluttered in the breeze.
It was the second seat of the first-year class, Kaya Astrea.
[Kaya Astrea]
Lv: 97
Race: Human
Elements: Wind, Ice, Plant
Danger: X
Psychology: [She is happy to see your face.]
“Kaya?”
I hadn't expected her to approach me, especially since she’d been avoiding me lately.
She had acquired the plant element. That was only natural. Now that I thought about it, she hadn't even asked me about the Armana Wand yet. I already had an explanation prepared.
“I-I-I came to say thank you!”
She was so nervous that her voice trembled like an earthquake.
“Because of the wand?”
“Yes, yes…!”
It was a bit late, but I hadn't expected gratitude anyway. If anything, I was the one who owed her.
“Don’t worry about it. You needed it, so I gave it to you.”
“Do you… care about me?”
I didn't bother to answer. It was true that I cared.
Kaya’s face flushed red, taking my silence as a confirmation.
“Actually…! I’ll be returning to my family soon. I won’t be able to see you during the break, so I came to say goodbye…!”
“How did you find me?”
“Well, I saw you while I was flying through the sky.”
Kaya was dressed in elegant brown traveling clothes. She must have wanted to see me one last time before leaving the academy.
“So, what I wanted to say is…!”
[Kaya Astrea]
Psychology: [She is in trouble because her mind has gone blank.]
In short, she just wanted to see my face and express her thanks before she left.
I was glad. I was genuinely grateful to Kaya.
Because of you, I’m still standing here.
“So, what I was trying to say…!”
Kaya stared at me with wide, shimmering eyes.
Here, in this corner of the Butterfly Garden, the path was lined with mahogany trees. True to its name, the flower beds were vibrant, and butterflies danced through the air.
Kaya’s ladylike demeanor blended perfectly with the scenery. She looked lovely.
The corners of my mouth drifted upward. She was the person I owed the most this semester—the one who had saved my life with the [Tree of Radiance].
I realized then that this was the first genuine smile I had ever shown her. I hadn't smiled at her nearly enough.
“Have a great break, Kaya.”
I stepped closer and patted her shoulder.
As I turned to head toward my usual training spot in the corner of the garden—
Chuu.
An unexpected attack landed. Something soft brushed against my right cheek for a fleeting second, making a tiny, cute sound.
Startled, I tried to keep my composure and looked at her.
“I-I…”
Kaya was trembling, her face turning a shade of red I didn't know was possible. Her entire complexion had changed.
Steam practically rose from her head, and her eyes were spinning in circles. It seemed she had only just realized what she’d done after failing to suppress her instincts.
“I’ve committed a grave sin───!!!”
Dadadadada—!
Kaya bolted. It was a full-on sprint in high heels.
She wrapped wind magic around her feet and tore through the air like a bullet.
For a long moment, I stood frozen, touching the cheek she had kissed while staring at the spot where she had been.
I never expected the shy girl to be so bold.
“…”
I must have been… really surprised.
*
Inside the luxurious Carnedas family carriage as it departed from the academy.
“Lady Ciel, is something bothering you?”
The carriage was crossing the great bridge, passing near the Kalis Mountain Range.
Emma, the armored elite escort of the Carnedas family, asked Ciel with a look of concern. They were sharing the same carriage.
Normally, Ciel would be napping at this time of day. However, for some reason, she was lost in thought, propping her chin on her hand and staring intently out the window.
What had happened at the academy? To Emma, a Ciel who didn't nap was a complete stranger.
“Just…” Ciel replied in her usual lethargic voice. “I’m just realizing how vast the world is.”
“…?”
Emma couldn't wrap her head around that. Ciel wasn't usually the type for ‘appreciation.’
Had the vibrant academy life changed her? Or was she so deeply troubled that she couldn't even sleep?
Feeling a strange tension, Emma swallowed hard.
Ciel’s mind was entirely on Isaac.
The boy with silver-blue hair had deceived her about his mana capacity, pretending to be weak. However, wizards couldn't just ‘act’ weak on a whim. Because of mana perception, any skilled wizard could sense another's mana circuit and estimate their power when they cast a spell.
That was why Ciel had initially concluded that Isaac was weak.
However, during the final exam, he had pinpointed the locations of the Fell Cards with ease. He had demonstrated a level of mana perception that was impossible for someone with his capacity.
It was a total contradiction.
But during the Thunderbird Subjugation, that contradiction was resolved: Isaac was revealed to be a powerhouse.
The fact that such a powerful being could hide their mana meant he had reached the realm of an archwizard at such a young age—an unbelievable conclusion.
Historically, there had never been such a prodigy. If the world found out that someone Isaac’s age had reached the realm of an archwizard…
‘The world would be turned upside down.’
The royal family aside, every major power would have their eyes on him. Everyone would be competing to win his favor.
‘But he’s hiding his identity…’
The academy had concluded that the black monster was a demon who had betrayed its own kind. It was a logical conclusion, given that he appeared exactly when and where demons showed up.
He also used ice magic wrapped in darkness mana—something only demons were thought to be capable of. And, from the outside, he didn't look human at all.
Ciel had initially agreed with the theory that the monster was a unique demon. But after learning Isaac was the monster, the possibility of a ‘Magic Cloak of Disguise’ became obvious.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Even so, the academy wasn't letting its guard down against the black monster.
But before all that, why is Isaac hiding his strength?
She didn't know the reason, but it was clear that Isaac was secretly struggling to protect the academy. In that case, it would be much more efficient to work with the faculty to stop the demons.
Yet, for some reason, Isaac refused to do so.
‘Is it because of the informant?’
During the dueling evaluation, Professor Fernando had learned from the demons that there was an ‘informant’ within the academy. This was public knowledge now, thanks to the investigation records posted by the Truth Investigation Committee on the Orphin Hall bulletin board.
In other words, that informant was someone involved in the academy’s administration.
If Isaac was in a position where being discovered by that person would mean disaster, the pieces of the puzzle finally fit together.
Behind the scenes, unknown to the students—including Ciel.
A dangerous shadow war between Isaac and the informant was unfolding.
Ciel didn't want to get involved in something so complicated and life-threatening. However, she needed that Märchen Academy diploma to live the comfortable life she craved, so dropping out wasn't an option.
‘Then… I should make that Class D guy protect me. But I shouldn't be careless enough to provoke him.’
As long as she kept the secret that ‘Isaac is actually strong,’ her safety was likely guaranteed.
And according to the information from the Carnedas family’s intelligence network, the Imperial Knights were now getting involved with Märchen Academy. If the informant was revealed now…
‘Will my academy life finally be worry-free?’
An informant siding with demons to cause harm.
Isaac, who defeated demons to protect people.
It was blindingly obvious which side she should take.