Chapter 141: Misconception
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 141: Misconception
“Kill him!”
“Show that arrogant brat what’s what!”
The crowd gathered at the Level 3 Reinforced Sparring Arena shouted savagely.
They were cheering for Under-the-Bed, the game company’s official villain and NTR-man, while hurling insults and flipping me off.
Despite the existence of the Illusion Space, there are always people who insist on sparring in reality.
I only found out recently, but apparently, the Illusion Space is a type of magic that an individual can’t perform unless they tap into the power of Yggdrasil’s Source.
I’m used to it because of the game, but it’s not exactly a common technique.
They say that with enough data—especially for Yggdrasil students—it can be replicated with nearly 100% accuracy, but there are always those idiots who doubt new technology without even looking into it.
That bastard Under-the-Bed was one of them. He didn't trust the Illusion Space and demanded a real-life showdown.
The item used for such occasions was the Danger Alarm strapped to my wrist.
It’s a pretty uninspired name, but the bracelet reacts and breaks when the Mana Barrier drops to a dangerous level.
Since it’s a spar, we obviously aren't going to fight to the death; instead, the one whose Danger Alarm breaks first loses.
I’ve always preferred the Illusion Space, so this was actually my first time at the sparring arena.
Ah, you’re wondering why I’m suddenly getting cursed at by a crowd while sparring?
We have to go back a bit for that.
It was while I was heading to class after thoroughly enjoying Erin’s breasts.
True to Yggdrasil’s reputation for peak spatial waste, the building where the classrooms are clustered was built in a circle, with a hollow center providing a space to rest.
You could call it a meeting plaza.
Equipped with various facilities and a stylish garden, students spend their breaks there, resting or interacting with students from other classes and grades.
Sometimes kids put on performances, and other times people gather for campaigns or surveys.
And because people gather there, it’s also a place where people publicly brag about or receive congratulations for things worth celebrating or envying.
The Comedy Duo, who seem to suffer from a chronic illness that will kill them if they don't cause trouble for a single day, were once again loudly bragging to everyone about what happened during the request.
It seemed like Season 2 of the Comedy Duo’s "I Was a Loser at Yggdrasil, but Outside the Barrier, I’m SSS-Rank Something-or-Other" was airing, and a large crowd had gathered.
The problem, however, was that there were many transfer students this time.
Most of the transfer students were people who had already obtained their licenses and had been roughed up in the field.
To people who had seen it all, the sight of a greenhorn bragging and acting tough probably didn't sit well.
Honestly, I get it.
Being a combat mage is a job where you put your life on the line, so the trauma is no joke.
Just because someone likes war movies doesn't mean they’d be thrilled to be in an actual war, right?
Still, meddling with a kid who’s just happy and chatting after successfully completing a request seems a bit petty.
They were probably jealous that he caught Okigo, too.
Is a Hazard Level 7 monster some neighborhood dog? It’s a beast that usually requires a 12 Zodiac-class mage to take down.
No matter how elite or experienced those transfer students were, most of them probably hadn't even seen a Hazard Level 7 in person.
Anyway, Under-the-Bed stood up as the representative of the transfer students, shamed them by calling "Loser Outside the Barrier Season 2" a bunch of lies, and got into a fight with Rio.
“Didn't Cerberus do everything? There’s a difference between shivering in hiding and actually being there. Do you guys really believe this bullshit?”
From what I heard from Mary, it surprisingly seemed like there weren't many lies.
Wiping out the swarming monkeys while guarding the communication tower, reclaiming the base in cooperation with Greyhound, Frey holding down Okigo alone, and finally finishing it off by firing Magnums up and down.
There was a bit of MSG added to their exploits, but the facts were correct.
Our "Triple-S Outside the Barrier but Losers at Yggdrasil" duo were, naturally, too intimidated to properly argue back, leaving Under-the-Bed to spout whatever he wanted.
And then came the problematic remark.
“I feel bad for Frey, too. Having a piece of trash like that acting like her disciple.”
“Take that back right now!”
Rio, who had been acting like a loser, immediately snapped and got angry at Under-the-Bed upon hearing those words.
Ayy—and here I thought he was getting mad because the guy insulted me.
Our hardcore otaku was angry because he used the word "bitch" to refer to Frey.
…Is there even a point in helping a guy like this?
I don't want to defend Under-the-Bed, but it’s true they caught a ride on Frey’s bus, isn't it?
Of course… this mess wouldn't have happened if I hadn't sent Frey after Okigo, which didn't really need to be touched.
“If you’re going to beg for forgiveness, now’s your last chance.”
“Huh? Are you talking to yourself?”
“… …”
Standing in the arena with me, Under-the-Bed scowled and cracked his thick neck to warm up.
So, why did I end up fighting when I agreed with the transfer students' opinion and didn't even want to help that damn otaku?
Because I only heard everything I just told you after I had already delivered a dropkick to Under-the-Bed’s face.
Yeah, it’s my fault for losing my cool and kicking him the moment I saw him.
I just can’t help but stop thinking whenever I see that guy.
So, back when I first played this game…
I fell for the amazing Shizuka at first sight and tried incredibly hard to woo her.
Back then, I played without a guide, so I didn't know you couldn't get Shizuka without meeting specific conditions. I clung to that iron-walled woman, pouring everything into her, even though common gifts that gave others 10 points only gave her 1.
But then the second semester started, and that bastard Under-the-Bed claimed Shizuka.
I was more shocked than the game’s protagonist, Akito, seeing Shizuka fall into depravity as a slut.
Fuck, the game didn't say NTR was one of the genres.
I understand in my head that that was a game and has nothing to do with the current reality.
But what can I do? My stomach turns just looking at his face.
“Isaac! Show that brat what’s what!”
“Kill that guy who acts tough despite being weak!”
I only aimed my dropkick at Under-the-Bed, so why are the transfer students so angry?
“That’s because you provoked them by asking if they were jealous.”
God Sayoshi, do you have telepathy too?
Why are you just reading my thoughts and answering them?
Thinking back to when I was excited, I did say something like that.
When they complained about me riding Frey’s bus, I barked back, asking if they were jealous.
Connections are power too, don't you guys even have that? You should bring a 12 Zodiac-class mage along too~ Ah, I guess if you had those kinds of connections, you wouldn't still be in that state~
…I did provoke them quite a bit.
But is this thing really sturdy? I’m inside the arena and God Sayoshi is outside, so why can I hear him?
The wall is white up to about waist height like a railing, and above that is transparent glass-like material so people can watch the spar.
Yggdrasil wouldn't do a shoddy construction job, so it should be sturdy.
While I was tapping on the glass with my fist, Under-the-Bed transformed his stick into a weapon.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Are you a chuunibyou? A giant scythe? Really?”
“Are you talking about yourself?”
“No, I’m talking about you, dumbass. Are your ears clogged? Fitting for someone named Under-the-Bed, you even brought a tool for picking cotton.”
Under-the-Bed, who had tried to mock my Etiquette Infuser by mimicking my line, scowled again and channeled his mana.
But what are these guys relying on to act so cocky with me?
I showed them my insane Mana Barrier and how I could blow away several people in one shot during the last test.
They’d need to bring Akito if they wanted to take me down.
“You seem quite relaxed.”
“Huh? Are you talking to me?”
“Who else is there? You can’t use your precious Space Magic since you can’t use magical tools.”
Bukgeuk-jwa, standing next to Masayoshi, smiled at me.
It was a smile that seemed to hope for my defeat.
As if to prove it wasn't a misconception, she asked the Comedy Duo to step away from me for a moment and spoke her true feelings.
“Go get beaten to a pulp.”
“Are you sure? I totally wrecked you, so if I lose to him, that makes you a total loser, doesn't it?”
“What! That was because you used underhanded tactics…”
“Why don't you try saying that in a real fight?”
“Urgh…”
Unable to find a proper retort, Bukgeuk-jwa gnashed her teeth in frustration.
“But you know? Why do you think I’m weak? Didn't I show you enough during the test… I mean, the exchange meet? Even if I had help from accelerators and poison, I drew against hundreds of mages. If nothing else, I’m incredibly sturdy.”
“Ha—”
Bukgeuk-jwa laughed as if my question was absurd.
“Do you actually believe the specs from the Illusion Space are your own?”
“… …?”
“?”
We stared at each other with question marks over our heads, neither understanding the other.
What is she talking about? Is she talking about magical tools?
After staring blankly for a moment, Bukgeuk-jwa asked with a look of disgust.
“Wasn't your Mana Barrier boosted because it was one-versus-many?”
Ah, I see.
These transfer students were under a massive misconception.
Because my Mana Barrier was so high—so far beyond common sense—they thought it had been boosted dozens of times for the sake of the test.
Aah—I don't really like these "hidden OP" tropes, but I guess I have no choice.
The corners of my mouth slowly curled up at the thought of shattering their stupid misconception.
Ignoring Bukgeuk-jwa, who was asking me something, I approached the waiting Under-the-Bed.
“Ready to die?”
“Wasn't this a spar? You aren't supposed to kill, right? Now that I look at you, are you planning to kill me and make it look like an accident? You really have the mindset of a criminal.”
“…This guy just keeps talking shit.”
I ignored him and looked around at the gathered crowd with a smirk.
“I guess experiencing a bit of the field made you think the world is an easy place?”
“Why is he saying the words we should be saying?”
“Look who’s talking!”
Listening happily to the "ooga-booga" of the convulsing spectators, I beckoned Under-the-Bed with my finger.
“In this spar, I will attack you exactly once.”
“Already making excuses—”
“And.”
Cutting him off, I spread my arms wide.
“I’ll take every single attack you throw at me.”
“…What the hell are you doing?”
“Since you guys are so damn weak, I figured I should do at least this much to make it fair—Oof.”
This son of a bitch attacked while I was still talking.
The giant scythe caught me around the waist and threw me straight into the arena wall.
As I stuck to the wall like a lizard before sliding down, the transfer students burst into laughter.
Go ahead, laugh all you want now.
On the other hand, the current students had fed-up expressions, already anticipating what I was about to do.
Even if they hadn't experienced it themselves, anyone could easily recognize the perversion of an M-leaning meat shield given my Mana Barrier.
I stood up, dusting myself off, and smiled at Under-the-Bed.
“Is that all? It didn't even tickle. Can you even pick cotton swinging it like that? Your master’s gonna be mad if you don't finish your quota.”
Boom-boom-boom-boom—!
An enraged Under-the-Bed unleashed a barrage of magic, causing a series of large explosions.
As I had declared, I didn't defend myself. I let his magic hit me repeatedly, fluttering through the air like a leaf, until Under-the-Bed closed the distance and swung his scythe.
Once again, it caught me around the waist, dragging me helplessly before slamming me into the ground, and then the tip of the scythe stabbed into my head.
Since there was no way it could pierce my Mana Barrier, the scythe just scraped the surface and slid off. Then it hooked around my neck again, lifting me into the air.
Another magical bombardment followed.
It was a more impressive combo than I expected.
The way he used the scythe to hook me and continue the combo was flashy.
I guess he didn't get into Yggdrasil just for show.
Under-the-Bed pressed his advantage without giving me a moment's breath.
When the attack magic ended, the scythe would come in to slash me, snatch my body to throw me, and then repeat the magic attacks.
Honestly, it was a bit hard to endure the embarrassment when he hooked me by the armpit and dragged my face against the arena wall.
But I’m a man of my word.
“… …”
He tried not to show it, but Under-the-Bed’s breathing was ragged.
I, who had been lying comfortably on my side with my head resting on my palm, gave him a bright smile.
“Done already? You haven't even chipped away half of it yet.”
The area around the arena, including Under-the-Bed, fell silent.
The current students were looking away as if embarrassed, and this time, it was the transfer students who had horrified expressions.
“How… the Mana Barrier was supposed to be from the Illusion Space…”
“Who said that? That my Mana Barrier was inflated?”
“… …”
Aah—perhaps I was reincarnated into this world just to see that look of despair on Under-the-Bed’s face.
It felt amazing to see Under-the-Bed, the guy who stole Shizuka from me, looking at me as if he were looking at a monster.
Thank you so much for your baseless misconception.
Now, shall we wrap this up?
I slowly stood up and clenched my fist as I looked at Under-the-Bed, who seemed to have neither the will nor the strength to attack anymore.
“The Danger Alarm doesn't block attacks for you or anything, right?”
No one answered, but I knew it only had an alarm function.
“I was going to pay you back for hitting me so hard, but…”
If I used Counter Magic with the stacks I’d gathered now, Under-the-Bed would die.
As much as I wanted to kill him, I couldn't become a murderer here if I cared about my future.
Consider yourself lucky you’re a Yggdrasil student.
As I activated Counter Magic, combining it with the martial arts of the Magnum, the Mana Barrier that had been chipped away until now gathered in my hand.
You really did hit me a lot.
As an ominous amount of mana gathered in my hand, the transfer students' expressions turned to horror, and I took my stance.
“I said I’d only attack once, right?”
BOOM—!
As I thrust my fist forward, the Counter Magic, its power concentrated, shot out in a straight line.
It passed right by Under-the-Bed’s head, punched a hole through the reinforced wall of the arena, and even left a hole in the wall behind it.
The sight of the back of Under-the-Bed’s head as he stared at the hole in the arena wall, unable to even react, was quite a spectacle.
Crash— Bang— Kaboom—!
“Argh!! What was that?!”
“Kyaaaaah—!”
Uh… was the power too high?
Even after piercing the walls, the magic continued to fly without losing its momentum, and screams could be heard from beyond the walls I couldn't see.
I messed up…
Um… well, as long as no one got hit, it should be fine, right?