—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
—————————————————————–
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
‘Strange.’
The scene of Valerie knocking down other students caught my eye.
Bang!
The ground practically exploded, sending one student flying into the far wall.
“……!”
Even I couldn’t help but stare, wide-eyed, at such a sight.
This was far beyond the acceptable “limits” of the competition.
Using magic to hinder opponents was, of course, within the rules.
But using magic filled with killing intent, magic that belonged on a battlefield, was a different story entirely.
Yet, the other professors remained strangely composed.
‘Definitely strange.’
It wasn’t just composure; it was as if they hadn’t even witnessed the scene.
As if their calmness stemmed from their lack of awareness.
The feeling that I was the only one witnessing this unsettling spectacle created a profound sense of unease.
“Wow~”
“Valerie has incredible sprinter skills, doesn’t she? It’s not easy to change direction like that.”
A beat later, incomprehensible reactions erupted from the professors and the audience.
Even time seemed to flow strangely, distorted just for me.
“…When did she even use Sprinter?”
Sprinter.
A high-level wind element spell that allowed the caster to lay down a carpet of wind beneath their feet, designating a specific path for enhanced speed.
As far as I could see, Valerie hadn’t used Sprinter yet.
If questioned about whether my perception was flawed, I could confidently deny it.
Valerie had most definitely not used Sprinter.
Bang!
Valerie’s magic collided with the power of Lepista surrounding Charlotte.
It was a relief that Charlotte was unharmed, but was it wise to reveal the violet flames in front of everyone?
I felt a nervous flutter in my chest.
I glanced at the Headmistress.
With her deep magical knowledge, she might recognize the power of the curse.
‘…?’
But Violet, too, remained utterly composed.
She simply watched the competition with an air of amusement.
“What is going on?”
Just then, a faint scent of Lamia reached my nose.
That distinct reptilian scent, unique to Lamias.
I immediately rose from my seat and surveyed my surroundings.
Things I began to see, and feel, the moment I considered the possibility of a demon’s presence.
[Main Scenario Branch Point]
Key figures are in grave danger.
Inaction will result in a Bad Ending.
The notification finally appeared in the corner of my vision.
Was this the scenario’s way of increasing the difficulty as I progressed?
In the past, such warnings would have appeared days in advance.
I had been careless.
I had too easily overlooked the fact that the scenario wouldn’t always unfold according to my wishes.
“Jekkiel?”
At that sound, my head snapped around.
This was the human world.
That name, a relic of the Demon Realm, should have never been uttered here.
“Greetings. I am the Sin of Pride.”
“……”
What entered my vision was a Lamia, a stark contrast to Vivian.
Everything about her, from head to toe, was black, save for her golden eyes.
Even her legs were human, adding to the unsettling image.
Yet, I was certain she was a Lamia for two reasons: the distinct Lamia scent, and the vertically slit pupils, a trait exclusive to reptiles.
I was so taken aback that I looked around again.
A demon was openly present, yet none of the supposedly skilled human mages, the professors, reacted.
The black Vivian stretched her lips into a wide, unsettling smile.
“It’s useless. The entire arena is under an illusion spell.”
“An illusion.”
Such blatant honesty implied unwavering confidence.
“Yes. An illusion. A Lamia’s specialty. Making you see what isn’t there, fueling envy and twisting even truth itself. Isn’t it delightful?”
“You’re confident no one can dispel it.”
“Of course. Who could? I’ve been preparing for so long.”
The black Lamia snapped her fingers, and the intricate workings of the illusion spell were revealed, as if to taunt, ‘Even if you see it, you can’t dispel it.’
I studied the spell for a moment.
Even a brief glance revealed its complexity, the sheer density of its interwoven structure, and the immense amount of mana required for its creation.
“You’ve been preparing for quite some time.”
“Precisely. I’ve been observing you, preparing for this, for a very long time.”
“For a very long time?”
“Look at Valerie. Doesn’t she look familiar?”
Valerie.
Valerie.
Valerie…
Namesakes were common.
But as I searched my memory, something clicked.
‘The day of the Rahel Academy entrance interviews.’
There had been an elf who showed me a newspaper.
An elf with distinct pink hair.
“That was a Lamia.”
“Surprisingly, yes. You’ve been a target since then.”
“Why would a retired demon have business with me?”
“Well, perhaps your defiance against the Demon King was… enviable.”
Chuckling, she continued.
“My name is Bianca. Have you heard of me?”
“Vivian’s shadow.”
“Indeed. I’m honored you recognize me.”
Vivian’s shadow.
She was always close to Vivian, handling all sorts of unsavory tasks.
“And when did I prepare this barrier? Ah, yes. Since you left for the Harpy Hills. You’ve been under surveillance since then.”
I silently surveyed my surroundings.
Bianca and I were conversing openly, yet no one paid us any attention.
“You seem troubled.”
Bianca sneered again.
“You’ve figured out that the barrier will dispel if I die, haven’t you? And you’re debating whether to fight me here.”
She wasn’t wrong.
That was my intention.
The foundation of a barrier was tied to the caster’s life force.
Therefore, I had to kill Bianca.
But I was hesitant, worried about the other students caught in the crossfire.
Bianca continued, pressing her palms together and then stretching them apart.
Red threads, like melted cheese, extended from her fingertips.
“It’s not impossible. But you’ll have to kill every student here before you can touch me. That’s how I intend to fight.”
In short, she was holding the entire student body hostage.
In the past, I would have been unburdened by such tactics.
But now, as a protector of these students, they were my weakness, a fact Bianca had astutely grasped.
Swish, swish, swish.
“So, what will you do? If you surrender, I’ll guarantee their safety.”
Bianca’s red threads wrapped around the necks of the students, one by one.
A single twitch of her finger could end countless lives.
But at that moment—
Fwoooosh—
My vision darkened. It wasn’t just me; Bianca’s eyes widened in surprise.
“What?”
She stared, but the encroaching darkness seemed endless.
What appeared to be the edge was instantly swallowed by more darkness.
Thud!
Suddenly, a crimson pillar descended from the inky blackness.
Debris scattered across the ground.
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
More pieces fell, forming a massive gate.
Amidst the swirling dust, the gate creaked open.
Creeeak—
A white calf stepped over the threshold.
Bianca stared, her eyes widening.
“What… you…”
Then, her face twisted in a grimace.
Only one figure had emerged.
But that single presence was enough to send shivers down Bianca’s spine.
“Hostages. How utterly distasteful.”
Click.
Click.
The sound of high heels echoed.
A vampire with white, bobbed hair walked towards Bianca.
Her steps were precise, unwavering.
“But that won’t happen here. This is my domain.”
The Queen’s domain.
She snapped her fingers, and countless rapiers erupted from the ground.
“And one more thing.”
She picked up one of the rapiers.
“I, too, have been watching over Jekkiel.”
The promise to protect Jekkiel.
Her time had come.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
[ODA WHO????? PEAK FICTION IS RIGHT HEREEEEE]
So peak 🔥🔥🔥🔥