Chapter 45
Once again, I felt it.
Bargan’s fiancée, the villainess, and the devotee of the goddess infiltrating Academia, Erica.
“Shugenharz! Are you tired yet?!”
She is exceptional.
Especially the combination of frost and warp magic is quite powerful.
Full-body teleportation varies significantly in speed depending on the distance and whether the current line of sight is secured.
Hence, using warp to move the entire body in regular combat is perplexing.
Even if the distance is short, if the current situation is not visible, and due to the difficulty of instant coordinate calculation and the time it takes to move.
However.
Quadddduk!
Another ice rises from the ground.
Thinly spread ice plates and dozens of floating ice spears in the air.
The ice chunks embedded here and there create an illusion reminiscent of a glass house in an amusement park.
Each time they rise nearby, using elemental magic to break them, but the number rising is more.
Moreover, Erica is not just watching quietly; as time passes, a stage favorable to her is being created.
⎯Jiing.
A ripple of magic.
Once again, Erica aims for my back.
I quickly twist my body, grab her outstretched wrist, and pull her to the ground.
It was utilizing her kinetic energy.
That’s how Erica hits the ground.
⎯Jiing.
Warped again.
⎯Chajak!
As she disappears, ice spears that seemed to be waiting rush from all directions in the air.
Attacking the intruder like a swarm of bees.
Fired with a killing intent.
Jjeojeojeojeok⎯!
The spears that missed the target and hit the ground don’t just disappear but create another ice pillar, providing Erica with a line of sight.
Every movement carried meaning.
The combination of ice and warp.
Erica’s extraordinary intellect and abilities that make it possible.
“Excellent. Excellent, Erica!”
It was a heartfelt expression.
She is a significant force. A crucial talent.
I knew it, but every time I witness her exceptional skills. Every time I see her amazing calculation abilities.
Contrary to the spine-chilling sensation due to the rapidly dropping temperature.
Pure elation surged within me.
Continuing the battle, I observed Erica closely and analyzed her.
The feeling I had when I first saw Alicia’s talent with my own eyes.
Erica may not possess the same insane talent as Alicia, but she has different utility and distinct uniqueness. There are so many things she must do using that ability, making her an indispensable existence.
Surely, she will play a significant role in the future story!
I organize the countless thoughts that come to mind into a single sentence.
I’ll shorten it.
Erica, she is
“Useful.”
Shatter—!
With the sound of glass breaking, the ice wall crumbles.
To be precise, I shattered it.
Not by using elemental magic.
Pure strength.
Aura and physical power.
“…You’re a magician, yet you chose such a weapon even without accessories or a staff? Impressive.”
Erica pointed out the weapon I was holding with a wry smile.
Accessories and staff.
Yes, typically, for a magician, it would be more appropriate to wear rings or bracelets that can swiftly move mana and enhance power.
However, those items do not suit the possessed me. Even if they were relics, they are for practice in Academia. Moreover, at this stage of growth, they would only be a hindrance.
Whirr—click.
I twirled the small weapon I was holding in the air as if playing with a toy.
Lightly, like playing with a toy.
And, as always, I didn’t forget to smile.
“Well, isn’t it handy to carry around?”
“I’ve never seen a magician using a club before.”
“Common sense is a law closely related to prejudice.”
Club (鐵槌).
Simply put, an iron mace.
A type of blunt weapon similar to the silver-headed club used by palace guards in the Joseon Dynasty. It is short in length, easy to conceal, and despite its simple appearance, quite powerful.
A weapon used for assassination despite its cute(?) appearance.
Just hitting someone with it could kill them, and adding Aura to it would surely wreak havoc on anything.
“The reason I didn’t bring this out is that there was a possibility of hurting you.”
“But… it seems like I might lose if I don’t, so I’ll bring it out. Is that what you call useless consideration?”
“Yes, you’re right. If things continue as they are, you might escape sooner than planned, so I must reluctantly bring it out to make you shed tears. Erica, forgive this fiancé who might harm you.”
“Seeing you still teasing me, it seems like you’ve used a considerable amount of mana to the point of not understanding the situation. Feeling dizzy, perhaps?”
The air freezes.
Erica prepares to unleash her fierce attack once again.
To counter, I infused Aura into the club, not to melt ice but to break it this time, as wind is more effective for shattering.
From Noble mtl dot com
“I won’t deny that you’ve spent a considerable amount of mana. But one thing, fiancée. It’s not me but you who doesn’t understand the situation.”
“Nonsense.”
“No, it’s not nonsense. Think about it. Hasn’t it been quite some time since we started the battle? Yet… we’re still the only ones here.”
“……”
“Judging by your reaction, it seems you didn’t completely overlook it. As anxiety crept in, you tried to immerse yourself in the battle to forget about it.”
I chuckled.
More like a lion or a tiger than a wild beast, looking at her. No, whether by size or appearance, she’s closer to a cat.
“Erica, snap out of it. The reinforcements aren’t coming no matter how long we wait.”
And realizing belatedly the whole situation, you’ll soon prepare the warp to flee.
“Alright, let’s start the second round.”
***
Central hub near Squad 1.
Alicia and the entire army joined the chaotic battlefield.
Upon arrival, Alicia quickly assessed the situation. The combined forces of Squads 4 and 5 had significantly diminished. There were casualties in Squad 1 as well, but the situation was favorable.
It was thanks to Leon and his squad from Squad 3 who came to help.
As her master had predicted.
So Alicia should act as he had advised.
“Whoa! Is this from Squad 1!”
A man dashed towards them like an arrow.
Clearly, he had been engaging in a fierce battle with the enemies in the distance, causing a storm as he spoke.
Thud.
He placed his hands on Alicia’s shoulders.
“Hmm! Well disciplined indeed! A very refined flow of mana! I’m Osel Vanteolo Leon. I’ve been holding off those villains in your absence.”
“Oh, I heard that… Thank you very much.”
“No! There’s no need to bow. I couldn’t stand by and watch the misdeeds! It was only right for a hero to do what I did! hahahahaha⎯!!”
Alicia felt a piercing pain in her ears. Just a laugh, yet so threatening.
It might be usable in battle. She hadn’t heard from her mentor, but there might be a technique using this….
Whether infected by Vargan or not, Alicia carefully examined him. Outwardly, she maintained a thankful demeanor, but internally, the situation was somewhat different.
“It seems I’m no longer needed here!”
Leon, stretching his neck, glanced at those who followed Alicia.
With arms crossed, a surge of confidence and overwhelming emotions flooded him, ‘I was able to protect the weak ones! Today, I’ve taken another step towards becoming a true hero!’
“Thank you again. Without you, Squad 1 would have been at a disadvantage by now.”
“You’re a virtuous one! Expressing gratitude and propriety is also a virtue of a hero! Thanks to you, I’m learning too!”
With another hearty laugh, Leon turned around, hands on his hips. His broad chest expanded further, as if to show off his already wide back.
“Well then, I shall take my leave. When we meet again on the battlefield, let’s engage in a magnificent battle that shakes the heavens and earth!”
“I’ll do my best to meet your expectations. Oh, Leon. Wait, there’s dust on your clothes…”
“Hmm, thanks!”
⎯Bzzzzz!
『The king of Squad 3, Osel Vanteolo Leon, has been killed. The king of Squad 3 is dead. All remaining members of Squad 3 will be automatically out. Once again…』
“…Huh?”
As the broadcast rang out, the once chaotic battlefield fell eerily silent, and all eyes turned to Leon and Alicia.
Leon gazed at Alicia with puzzled eyebrows, his understanding incomplete.
Alicia shows a kindness akin to a saint and a naive smile that knows nothing of the world.
If her last words weren’t spoken, even those witnessing the situation before their eyes wouldn’t recognize her actions.
“Thank you. We are grateful.”
***
It’s done.
The leader of Class 3.
Bell was deeply despairing, tearing at his hair.
They were preparing to rush into the stronghold of Class 1, where a corner of the building had collapsed during the battle with Artellion, surveying the overall situation.
But, what kind of mess is this?
Isn’t it the case that Leon and his group, who had promised to quickly confirm the middle stronghold as scouts and return, are helping Class 1?
When Leon, over the communication, was saying, “A true hero does not pretend not to see injustice!” and making a fuss, he felt like cutting off his own ears.
Ah, yes.
Leon was always like this. It’s not that it wasn’t expected. But this isn’t right. Why did you take on the role of ‘king’!
At the beginning of the Class War.
Leon approached Bell, who was pondering whom to entrust with the role of king.
– Bell, I will be the king!
– No, it’s okay.
– Trust me!
– No, are you really okay?
Knowing well what it meant to entrust the role of king to Leon, Bell desperately resisted.
But.
– Bell!
– Ah, you scared me. Why are you suddenly shouting like that?
– I have a shield. And I have robust stamina and unwavering will!
– …So?
– If you defend your back with an aura, there’s no worry about being outdone!
– ….
Like a fool… no, he was an unexpected individual, but Leon’s physical abilities and aura were alluring gems not to be missed.
There wouldn’t be many who could pass through his aura. Even if caught off guard, there was a high chance of resolving it somehow with animal-like instincts and reflexes.
– Bell!
– Ah, really. It’s not good for my heart. Please speak a bit softer.
– Attach someone who knows how to handle a familiar capable of communication around me. And move me through communication.
– Do you understand the meaning of that right now?
He clearly stated.
– Of course, I will move as you command. So trust me and entrust me with the role of king!
His confident shout still echoes like a reverberation in the ear.
And this lingering feeling isn’t fading, what?
Pretending not to see injustice doesn’t make one a true hero?!
Suppressing the instinctual denial, reluctantly believing, and then what?
“Leon!! You X bastard!!”
Bell let out a loud howl, almost as if a scream. Originally a commoner, the idea of insulting a viscount was unimaginable.
This time, even Bell’s surrounding half-hearted comrades either nodded sympathetically or gave him pitiful looks.
He gasped, shouting with all his might, then fell to the ground.
“hahahaha, hahahahaha!”
Bell started laughing maniacally, like someone who had lost their mind.
All his carefully laid plans had gone up in smoke.
In front of everyone at the class tournament. In such an important moment. After spending nights preparing tirelessly, everything he had done seemed to vanish into thin air, ending so anticlimactically.
A drop of extreme emptiness and helplessness welled up in Bell’s eyes, rolling down his cheeks and falling onto the dusty ground.
Crazy, now I realize the great advantage I had by knowing the future, although I didn’t know all the details, I knew the general direction of the future. And with that he did them all alone xd