The Weakest of the Academy Became a Strong Hunter Only Against Demons.

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The position of an elite member among the Four Constellations could only be occupied by the best of the best.

Therefore, it was obvious that the skill of Verga Rayphelt, an elite member of the Black Tiger Constellation, was held in high regard.

It was rare to find anyone who didn't know of his capability. As such, his defeat had spread raging wildfire.

"Keheuheuheu…"

Black Tiger Headquarters. In an opulent lounge, the refined laughter of a female student echoed.

Even the male student, who was comfortably seated in a spacious chair, couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

The cause of this laughter was none other than the entrance of Verga Rayphelt, in all his dark green hair and muscled glory.

"Don't laugh."

Even Verga's low, growling voice couldn't suppress the laughter of the two students.

"Are you kidding me? How could an elite member of the Constellations get destroyed by a Magic Department freshman? And a kid from Class C at that? To even make such a ridiculous rule… Was dueling always so boring for you?"

"Next time, there won't be any problems. If I have a proper match, I'll definitely wi-!"

"Wow! You're such a sore loser! Uahaha!"

As Verga raised his fist, the male student stopped laughing.

"I always knew something like this would happen."

While leaning against the window, a second-year student from the Knight Department spoke up as he casually curled a dumbbell that any normal person would find absurdly heavy. His toned bicep elongated and then shortened in a rhythmic pattern.

"Take it easy, Verga. You're seriously addicted to duels."

"Hmph! That's nonsense. Prove whether your words are right or wrong with your strength. Let us duel right now!"

The male student by the window didn't stop curling the dumbbell as he let out a deep sigh.

After all, Verga was uncompromising and had a severe duel addiction. He didn't expect much from his response in the first place.

"Hey, Senior. What are you going to do then, huh? Are you going to throw away your own rules and ask, 'Oh why don't we have a proper duel this time?' Is that what you call a proposal? Moreover, an elite member of Black Tiger would challenge some Magic Department Class C freshman kid? Isn't that quite ridiculous?"

The female student sitting on the couch criticized Verga with a teasing tone.

"It tarnishes the honor of Black Tiger~."

"How arrogant. Do you want a scolding, Janie?"

"Heheh."

Janie, who had been sipping her tea, defused the situation with her usual aegyo; a tactic she had developed whenever she had nothing more to say.

"…Nevertheless, she does make good points. Of course, your manners to a senior are a complete and utter mess though."

Verga stared at his clenched fist.

"However, if I ever get a chance to fight that guy again, at that time… I'll make sure he feels the difference in our strengths."

Due to the shock he received in the duel last night, his abdominal muscles still ached.

He had let his guard down. After all, the amount of mana he felt from that Magic Department junior was so minuscule that he didn't think he had anything to be worried about.

However, he could have never imagined that the bastard would hold that much physical power.

Didn't they call a wizard with immense physical strength a 'Martial Mage'? That guy must have been one of those individuals.

If he ever had the chance to fight Isaac again, he would not let his guard down like he did yesterday.

He would definitely repay this humiliation.

"Are you planning to humiliate Black Tiger again?"

"Janie…"

"Heheh."

"…"

***

It was a season that brought a cold breeze and the sky gradually darkened earlier than usual.

In a corner of the butterfly garden, Isaac and Luce stood facing each other, setting quite a distance between them for their duel.

Isaac didn't want other people to know about this training spot, so the two chose to come here in secret.

"Luce."

Isaac had a composed expression as he pressed his knees firmly to stretch. Zhonya's Staff was on the ground beside him.

"I'm going to be in your care for the entire day. I'm going to train seriously. It can't be compared to last time. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

"Yeah, it's okay."

She didn't voice it, but Luce was thinking, 'I actually prefer it that way'.

"Thanks. I'll make it up to you later."

"There's no need. It's really okay."

While tilting her head, Luce smiled brightly. As always, her genuine smile was reserved exclusively for Isaac.

The difference in the amount of mana between Isaac and Luce was like comparing a deep sea to a shallow pool.

Basically, Luce was wasting her time whenever she indulged Isaac.

But of course, Luce always wanted to be with Isaac.

And, as always, Isaac knew what she was truly thinking thanks to [Psychological Insight].

However, that didn't mean he intended to take advantage of her feelings. After all, she was someone he truly cared for.

As such, if Luce was willing to assist him in his training, he was certainly planning to repay her accordingly.

After finishing his stretches, Isaac picked up Zhonya's Staff.

He twirled it lightly, as if it were a spear or a rod, and proceeded to ready himself for combat.

A comfortable grip. Smooth mana flow. His previous training with the staff had been a significant help in enhancing his mana mastery.

His crimson eyes solely focused on Luce. A strong determination was clearly visible on his face, almost as if to say, 'Today, I will definitely land a blow on Luce'.

"Do you think you can land a blow on me today?"

"No matter what, I will."

Due to the countless attacks he had poured at her during their previous duels, Luce knew about Isaac's tenacious dedication better than anyone else.

Today, Isaac was planning to relentlessly attack until he collapsed from exhaustion.

And right at that moment, Isaac rushed in.

Fuaaah—!

Zzzeuk–! Kwang!

It was a futile endeavor to try to freeze Luce's water magic with his ice magic.

If he summoned the small golem familiar, Eden, and combined their powers to use rock magic, the torrent would instantly destroy it.

The high-density mana forming the water magic created an intense current. Isaac's magic was nowhere near enough to resist it.

And even if he tried to use his athleticism to dodge it, he was still swept away by the insane AoE of her attacks.

Even so, the fiery determination in his eyes never faded in the slightest.

He had always been like this. In order to reach Luce, he would grit his teeth and charge like his life depended on it.

However, it wasn't rash stubbornness that fueled him. He had always used Luce as an experiment to try unique approaches, and if those didn't work, he would even try new methods.

His ability to apply the knowledge he gained in class directly to his battle tactics was no longer surprising.

To onlookers, this duel could appear futile and meaningless.

However, to Luce, who had clashed with Isaac, she could keenly feel his steady growth with every duel that they had.

'His mana amount, mana mastery, elemental resistance, and his reflexes have all noticeably improved.'

When compared to the first semester, his growth was almost terrifying.

'You're incredible, Isaac…'

Involuntarily, she found herself uttering words of amazement in her head. And not too long after, a smile curled up her lips.

For Luce, witnessing Isaac's growth in person was a source of immense pride.

* * *

The vast night sky stretched across the field.

While gasping for breath, I laid on the grass. I was so soaked that I resembled a drowned rat.

'I'm so tired I'm about to die…'

After hours of sparring with Luce, I was completely exhausted.

My body refused to move; my stamina was completely drained.

'Well, it was obvious it would turn out this way…'

While training with Luce greatly improved my combat senses and abilities, it had a fatal flaw; I got rapidly fatigued and it even affected my condition for the next day.

However, there was not much time left until the Floating Island part.

Now was the time to focus on rapidly improving my combat abilities, even if it meant clenching my teeth and enduring the necessary hardships.

That was why I boldly charged at Luce, but as expected, I ended up in this sorry state.

It was impossible to land even a single effective hit on her.

And this was considering the fact that she probably only used a fraction of her full power…

…Oh well. For now, I should just focus on improving my stats.

"Isaac, are you okay?"

Luce, who had suddenly appeared before me, looked down and bent her upper body forward.

Even the simple action of pushing back her flowing rose-gold hair exuded an elegant and noble grace.

"If I'm being completely honest, I can't move at all. I think I'm dying…"

"Mmm."

I was expecting her to extend her hand while asking, 'Do you want to get up?' but…

"Isaac looks defenseless right now. Can I kidnap him like this?"

An unexpectedly fucked up question popped up.

"…Seriously?"

"Just kidding."

Luce laughed faintly.

Is this a horror movie? Don't say such things while you're blushing, okay? It freaks me out.

Shortly after, Luce unfolded a fire magic scroll and placed it next to me. Flames akin to a bonfire emerged and provided just the right amount of warmth.

It seemed like she had predicted that I would be soaked by her water magic, so she prepared it in advance.

Afterward, Luce sat down with her butt placed on my abdomen.

As if it was always meant to turn out like this, her actions were so natural that even I was nearly fooled.

With that, she placed her hand on my chest and began casting a simple healing spell; my pain gradually subsided.

"…I'm grateful and all, but I'm not a chair."

"Isaac, I have something I want to ask you."

Huh, she's utterly ignoring me.

As time passed, it seemed that Luce had developed a sense of how much teasing was acceptable.

According to ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, Luce originally had a mischievous personality. The evidence of this could be shown in the increasing frequency of her jokes and pranks.

It was good to see her gradually become brighter and happier.

Anyway, I focused on what Luce was trying to ask.

"Why are you trying so hard, Isaac? It was already pretty bad, but today, it seems even worse than usual."

Luce's ability to read people was at an inhuman level. If I pushed myself even a little, she would immediately notice.

Although it didn't seem like a question one should ask while sitting on me, I decided to give a brief and simple answer.

"This is the only way I can become more skilled. I have to be strong like you in order to swagger around, you know?"

Half of my reply was a truth, regarding how I wanted to improve quickly, and the other half was a lie, regarding how I wanted to act cool. Hearing that, Luce briefly bursted into laughter.

Even the sound of her laugh was elegant. It was astonishing how a voice could be so refined.

"You want to be like me?"

"You're the top seat after all."

"That's true. With your high ambition, it's only natural."

After stretching both of her legs out, Luce grasped my thigh and chest while looking up at the night sky.

Her expression was clearly in deep contemplation.

"I guess it can't be helped then. I can't say anything even if you overdo it."

Since I didn't really have anything to say, I didn't reply.

Then, right as Luce's healing magic finished…

She climbed off my body and laid down right beside me.

"Huh?"

With that, Luce suddenly pulled my head into her chest.

"…!"

An indescribable softness spread around my head.

And a pleasant fragrance gently wafted into my nose.

Although no words of interjection came out, my two eyes were already spinning in shock.

It was incredibly… bewildering.

"Uh hey, uh Luce…?"

"Even so, it's okay to lean and depend on me sometimes."

Luce's gentle voice came close, softly enveloping my ears.

It was an enthralling voice that seemed to tickle my eardrums like a feather.

"Feel free to push yourself as much as you want, but if it gets too tough, come to me. That's okay with you, right?"

I widened my eyes and looked at Luce.

Thanks to the fire magic scroll beside us, her youthful smile shone brightly in my eyes.

Come to think of it, Luce had always shown a great deal of concern over my well-being.

She always seemed like someone who couldn't stand seeing me in danger and wanted to protect me at all costs.

I understood that right now… I was the most precious existence to Luce.

Her sensitivity to my well-being was probably due to her trauma of losing precious people in the past.

When something bad happened to me, she would get angry, sad, or would even cry for me. Luce was just that kind of person.

'I'm so proud of her.'

Hoo, this is making me feel like a proud dad.

"So this is not embarrassing for you?"

Last time when she asked, 'Do you want to touch my breasts?', she immediately withdrew her words in embarrassment. But it seemed like a hug was within her acceptable range.

"Eut, Isaac… your breath tickles a little."

Her laughter-tinted voice echoed mysteriously. How embarrassing…

Enough. I needed to get up before I got even more embarrassed.

It seemed like the healing magic Luce had casted on me had already spread throughout my whole body, so I recovered a decent amount of strength. Based on my experience, I should be able to resume training in a few minutes.

"Isaac?"

I pushed myself away from Luce and lifted up my torso.

I couldn't remain drunk on such ecstasy when my stamina was already returning.

Luce also followed suit, as she lifted herself up.

"Can I really count on you for things like this?"

When I playfully asked, Luce tilted her head slightly with a sly smile.

"The limit is hugs."

"…I wasn't thinking of asking for more."

"Liar."

I decided not to argue any further.

With Luce's extraordinary memory and keen observation, she was likely aware of the exact amount of times I had glanced at her chest. There was no credibility in my denials.

It was best to move on from such topics.

"…Why aren't you denying it more?"

As an awkward silence hung in the air, Luce slightly avoided my gaze. Both of her cheeks had a subtle hint of redness.

You weren't gonna believe me anyway…

The flames conjured by the fire magic scroll crackled like a bonfire.

Although it was just an area for training, lighting a fire with a magic scroll seemed to change the entire atmosphere, almost as if it was an actual campsite.

I chatted briefly with Luce for a while, and when my body was fully recovered, I jumped up from my spot.

"Let's start again."

As she fumbled around, Luce said, "Okay." while taking my wrist and getting up as well.

That day, Luce helped me in my training until dawn.

* * *

West, towards Arkins Sea.

As she listened to the waves crashing against the cliffs; she stared into the endlessly dark sea. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of futility.

While firmly pressing down on her witch hat to prevent it from flying away in the sea breeze…

…Dorothy Heartnova sat at the edge of the cliff, gazing at the distant horizon.

Underneath the hat that covered the moonlight, there was not a hint of her usual smile on her dry and wheathered face.

It was because she had started to faintly sense an oddly familiar mana in the sea breeze.

At first, she thought there might be something in the ordinary sky, but upon closer inspection, there was nothing there.

Nevertheless, a foreboding feeling gnawed at her.

She couldn't shake the feeling that, above that sea, there was an impending calamity possessing terrifying mana, that even she could not stop.

She would die from a curse.

Before she did, there was a being that she needed to send to the afterlife.

She didn't even know that the very being she needed to send into the afterlife was about to appear.

Dorothy was someone who had formed a contract with Stella, the Fairy of Stars, allowing her to observe all worlds where starlight shone.

However, due to her lacking abilities, she couldn't see everything and what she could see was rather unclear…

But thanks to this metaphysical and transcendental ability, Dorothy knew how powerful the colossal entity that cursed her was.

It was almost as if the architect of this world made it an existence that shouldn't be defeated.

Therefore, Dorothy had no choice but to calmly accept death.

─'I will save Senior.'

As she observed another world, memories emerged from her other self and began to resonate with her own.

It was the declaration made by a boy with silver-blue hair on this very cliff.

In the fog of memories, his words were the only echoes that were clearly etched in her mind. Her heart fluttered and her lips twitched involuntarily.

Dorothy silently held her breath as she watched the raging waves.

Not long after…

As if boasting its dominating presence, a massive island appeared in the sky over the Arkins Sea.

Its size, which seemed to cover the entire sea, was nothing short of its own little world.

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