Chapter 62: Carriage Driver — Interlude
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 62: Carriage Driver — Interlude
[Combat Skills]
Elemental Series 1: Ice
• Elemental Firepower (B)
• Elemental Efficiency (B)
• Elemental Synergy (B-)
Elemental Series 2 (Locked)
I wasn’t Ian Fairytale. That was a reality I had finally come to terms with.
Initially, I had tried to build my strategy based on my memories of playing ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱. But as I grew accustomed to being Isaac and followed the flow of various scenarios, my perspective shifted. The Trial of Frost, in particular, was the turning point for my motivation.
‘I need to be selective and focused.’
I was in no position to mimic Ian Fairytale’s growth path.
For instance, I lacked Ian’s innate talent for weaponry. Ian had spent his entire childhood honing his skills, allowing him to proficiently wield the ultimate weapons of every element.
But as Isaac, I was inherently weak. The most I could do was focus on magic and physical conditioning, and even that was pushing me to my limits. Realistically, I didn't have enough time to reach that level of proficiency before the Evil God’s resurrection.
Therefore, I needed to specialize my talents in magic.
Additionally, I had to pour more effort into strengthening my familiars to compensate for my lack of physical prowess. I needed a plan that suited ‘Isaac.’
‘Can I do it today?’
In my low-rank dorm room in Doris Hall, the morning sun streamed through the window. Seated on the edge of my bed, I extended my left arm.
It was the same daily routine: attempting to summon Hilde, only to fail every time. However, now that my [Elemental Efficiency] had improved from B- to B, I felt a glimmer of hope.
I began the attempt, visualizing the 8-star familiar, Frost Dragon Hilde, in a compressed form.
Hwaaaaa—!
Hilde’s summoning circle manifested on my left wrist, emitting a pale blue radiance. As usual, a barrier-like obstruction prevented her from materializing.
I just needed a small opening. If I could create even the tiniest crack in that wall, I believed I could pull her through.
‘Please, work…!’
I imagined myself swinging a sledgehammer against the barrier, pouring every ounce of focus into creating a gap for Hilde to slip through.
And then…
I felt a sudden release, like air escaping through a pinhole in a concrete wall. At that moment, I knew I had succeeded.
Woong—!
A faint, bluish orb emerged from the summoning circle. It flickered like a glowing firefly. I realized instantly that this was Hilde.
[Frost Dragon Hilde]
Lv: 1
Race: Magic Beast
Element: Ice
Danger: X
Psychology: [Relieved to finally be able to converse with you.]
I finally, finally did it…!
I cupped the orb in both hands. The sphere of light was so weightless it felt like a dandelion seed.
“Can you hear me, Hilde?”
[…I hear you.]
Hilde’s elegant voice echoed in my mind. It sounded like a woman in her late teens or early twenties.
[May I ask why you have summoned me?]
Her question carried a weight of hidden implications. I took a deep breath to steady myself. I had to say what needed to be said, even if it dealt her a psychological blow.
“Before that, there’s something I have to tell you.”
Steeling my resolve, I looked at the orb with a serious expression.
“I’m not who you think I am.”
[…?]
“You called me the Ice Sovereign. But I’m just… someone who happens to be strong against demons.”
There was no point in explaining the "System" to her; she wouldn't understand. Instead, I decided to frame my abnormalities as a result of my [Hunter] trait.
“I’m sorry if I disappointed you. I’m not the person you’re looking for.”
There was no such thing as a reincarnation of the Ice Sovereign. I was just Isaac—a weak, ordinary guy.
Hilde remained still, silent. I couldn't see her face, but it was clear she was processing my words. I waited for her response in the silence.
[…You are the Ice Sovereign. Of that, I am certain.]
Soon, Hilde firmly refuted my claim with a confident tone.
[You possess the soul of the Ice Sovereign. Naturally, you are not the exact same being from a thousand years ago. One cannot expect a reincarnated soul to be identical to their previous life.]
She continued, her voice clear and unwavering.
[No matter how much you deny it, I can tell. Do not underestimate my eyes.]
“…I’m really not him.”
[You are.]
“I’m not.”
[You are.]
“I’m really not.”
[You are…]
“I’m no—”
[For fuck’s sake! If I say you’re the Ice Sovereign, you are! Just shut up and listen!]
“…!”
I recoiled, stunned by the sudden shift in her tone. She sounded like a nagging grandmother losing her patience.
Ah, damn it. I told her it’s not me.
[Also, dost thou not even know my name?]
“T-That’s…”
I remembered the moment I had called out to her during the Trial of Frost. At the time, I was struggling to endure the Frostscythe’s chill and had acted on impulse.
Where do I even begin to explain…? This is a headache.
While I was fumbling for a response, Hilde swiftly moved on.
[…Enough. I have never heard of a trait that only strengthens one against demons. Are you truly this weak normally?]
“I am, but I wouldn’t call myself weak—”
[In short, you are asking me to see you as your present self rather than the Ice Sovereign of a millennium ago, correct?]
Cutting me off, Hilde summarized the situation. It seemed she was determined to view me as the reincarnation no matter what I said.
[I intended to do so from the very beginning. Clearly, you are no longer the same as you were back then.]
Hilde continued.
[Even if you truly weren't the Ice Sovereign in a past life, I have judged your worth and accepted you as my master of my own free will. Therefore, I hope you cease these useless concerns.]
“…Is that so?”
I had come prepared to terminate the contract, but it seemed she never had any intention of leaving. I felt a bit deflated, honestly.
After wondering what else to say, I eventually just nodded. If this was how it was going to be, I would speak to her as ‘Isaac.’
I was happy with this outcome.
“My name is Isaac. Thank you for contracting with me.”
[I as we—ahem. If you are truly so grateful, I would not mind you stroking me to your heart’s content in the future.]
It seemed that even as a legendary magic beast, Hilde yearned for her master’s touch. Once I could summon her physical form, I’d pet her until she was sick of it.
*
After earning enough to cover my tuition, I quit my job as a carriage driver. I calculated my future expenses and then threw myself entirely into training.
In the gym, I stripped off my shirt and hit the weights alongside the Knight Department students who had stayed over the summer. At the training grounds, I practiced magic using various elemental devices and sharpened my combat skills against illusionary beasts.
At the end of each grueling day, I’d return to my dorm, take a refreshing shower, and sit at my desk to study. After an extensive session, I would drop onto my bed and sleep like a rock.
Time flew by. Gradually, students began trickling back to the academy.
Four days before the end of summer vacation, the announcement I had been waiting for appeared on the Orphin Hall bulletin board.
[Dormitory Assignments for 1st Year, 2nd Semester: Magic Department]
.
.
.
[Isaac – Briggs Hall]
.
.
.
I had been promoted to Briggs Hall, one of the four upper-level dormitories at Märchen Academy. This was based on my grades from the first semester.
Finally, I was escaping the cramped confines of Doris Hall!
“Yes!”
Overjoyed, I pumped my fist. A few students passing by gave me strange looks, but I didn't care. I left Orphin Hall with a spring in my step.
Back at Doris Hall, I began packing. Considering this room had felt like a tiny one-room studio in Seoul… it was definitely cramped. Yet, seeing it empty felt strange.
“…”
This had been my home since the day I transmigrated into ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱. Feeling a surge of nostalgia, I bid Doris Hall farewell.
Take care.
I headed to Briggs Hall. The building was significantly larger and more imposing. I checked the directory and found my new room.
It was about twenty square meters, and it even came with a refrigerator powered by an ice spell. It was so nice that I immediately forgot all about my nostalgia for Doris Hall.
“Eden, put this over there.”
[Kyuu!]
After piling my belongings in the center of the room, Eden and I began organizing.
[I apologize for being unable to help.]
“It’s not like you can do much in that form anyway.”
Hilde was currently floating as a small, glowing blue orb. The fact that she lacked a physical body was entirely my fault, so why was she the one apologizing?
Once everything was unpacked, I wiped the sweat from my forehead. Despite being unable to sweat, Eden mimicked the gesture. I didn't know why he did it, but it was cute, so I let it slide.
*
The shaded walkways were refreshing, but the humid summer air was still oppressive. However, once the first exams of the second semester began, summer would give way to autumn.
As vacation ended, the returning students filled the academy streets with life. The sky was crystal clear. In the academy’s main square, the opening ceremony for the Magic Department was underway.
There were currently about 290 first-year students in the Magic Department—ten fewer than last semester. I’d noticed the drop on the dorm assignment list. They had likely failed out or withdrawn, perhaps fearing for their safety after the events of the first semester.
Shortly after the ceremony concluded, a voice rang out.
“Move to your provisional classrooms.”
Professor Fernando Frost, whom I hadn't seen in a while, was giving instructions. With the start of the second semester, a new assessment would be conducted to measure everyone’s mana and place them in appropriate classes.
I moved to Provisional Class 2 in Orphin Hall. Students were already taking their seats. The only familiar faces were Amy Holloway and Ciel Carnedas. I waved to Amy and glanced briefly at Ciel.
Ciel was still clutching the pillow I had given her during the end-of-semester evaluation. She seemed to really like that thing.
[Ciel Carnedas]
Psychology: [Fond of you and wary of you.]
“…?”
What’s with the conflicting emotions?
Was it because of what happened during the evaluation? For now, it seemed best to keep my distance. Whenever I saw her, I just remembered being dragged around.
I took a seat in the middle of the room. Soon, Professor Fernando entered. By now, Ian would have met the provisional professor of Class 4, Philip Meltron.
Professor Fernando stood behind the podium and began his address.
“I’m sure you all expected this.”
“…”
“Just like last semester, we will evaluate your mana. The purpose remains the same. In four days, classes will be reorganized based on your results. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate the growth you’ve achieved over the summer.”
As always, Fernando was blunt and to the point. The students’ expressions shifted into a mix of nerves and determination.
“To the training grounds.”
The entire first-year Magic Department moved to the training fields. Professor Fernando’s assistants began distributing mana meters—devices that looked like grip strengtheners—to the students waiting in line.
Marco, one of the assistants, handed me a meter with a hollow, lifeless expression. Judging by the dark circles under his eyes, he hadn't slept at all over the break. I felt a pang of pity for him.
“The five lowest-ranked students from each class, step forward.”
At Fernando’s command, the evaluation began. Naturally, the usual suspects stood out.
“Ha! Can you even handle the dense, limitless mana within this body?”
[Tristan Humphrey]
Mana: Grade B
Psychology: [Wants to showcase his strength.]
[Mateo Jordana]
Mana: Grade B
Psychology: [Feels that he has gotten slightly stronger.]
[Kaya Astrea]
Mana: Grade A-
Psychology: [Pleased with the results of her summer training.]
[Ciel Carnedas]
Mana: Grade B+
Psychology: [Wants to sleep as soon as possible.]
[Ian Fairytale]
Mana: Grade C
Psychology: [Proud to have gotten slightly stronger.]
“…”
[Luce Eltania]
Lv: 151
Mana: Grade S (Immeasurable)
Psychology: [Wants to be with you all day.]
When Luce’s results appeared, even Professor Fernando looked stunned. It was only natural; Luce had already surpassed the rest of the first years by an astronomical margin.
“Luce Eltania… your mana is immeasurable. You are at least Grade S. We will need a more precise meter for you in the future.”
The students were in an uproar, but Luce remained as expressionless as ever, lost in her own thoughts.
An "immeasurable" reading meant at least S-rank. Luce, who had already shocked everyone with an A+ last semester, had leaped to S-rank in a single break. To the other students, who didn't know her circumstances, it was terrifying growth.
In this world, S-rank had sub-grades: S-, S, S+, SS, all the way to SSS+. Luce was now somewhere in that bracket. For context, Dorothy Heartnova was SSS-, Alice Carroll was SS+, and the Lightning Sovereign, Jaul Dragoniac, was around SSS+. However, the status window simply listed them all as "S."
Furthermore, once a person reached Level 200, they could achieve EX-rank, surpassing human limits. That was how I had reached Level 200 and EX-grade stats in [Fictional Hell], eventually obtaining the 9-star passive skill [Ice Sovereign].
“Next.”
It was my turn. I stepped up and held the mana meter.
“Begin!”
At the command, I channeled my mana into the device.
[Status]
Name: Isaac
Lv: 68
Mana: 5200/5200
Mana Recovery Speed: C+
Thanks to the stamina boost from [Physical Training Efficiency], I had pushed myself harder than ever over the summer. My leveling speed had increased substantially, bringing me to Level 68.
Controlling my mana was significantly easier than it had been in the first semester. There were still minor leaks, but it was manageable.
With a sharp beep, the evaluation ended. Professor Fernando used telekinesis to collect the meters and began reading the results.
“Number 26, C-. Number 27, C. Number 28, C. Number 29, C-. Number 30… C+.”
When he reached my number, Fernando hesitated, his eyes widening slightly. He clearly hadn't forgotten my Grade E classification from last semester.
But now, I was Grade C+.
Memories of the previous semester flashed through my mind. Back then, I was the bottom of the barrel—Grade E mana, a commoner in Class D. I was the lowest rung of the ladder in both magic and social standing. The elitist students of Märchen Academy had treated me like trash.
“Is it even possible to go from Grade E to C+ in one semester?”
“There has to be a mistake… maybe the meter is broken? I mean, Ian is a genius, but Isaac is just some guy.”
“Don’t you remember him using that 5-star spell last semester? He must have worked himself to death. He even looks different now.”
“Still, he was Grade E…”
Because my growth was so explosive, shattering my image as a failing student, the way people looked at me was finally starting to change.