The Academy's Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter

→ Thunderbird Subjugation (5) ←

It was a famous story.

Hansel and Gretel were born to a poor family in the woods. Their parents, who could no longer care for them, abandoned the young pair of siblings in the woods.

The young girl, Gretel, cleverly dropped several stones along the way, which helped her and Hansel find their way back home.

However, they were abandoned once again.

They didn’t have any stones prepared the next time, so they left breadcrumbs to mark their path.

Unfortunately, the breadcrumbs were eaten by the forest birds, leaving them unable to find their way home.

Hunger struck. The young siblings wandered through the woods in search of food.

Unexpectedly, they discovered a house made of sweets and started hurriedly eating their fill, only to encounter the hooked-nose witch who lived inside.

The witch took in the abandoned Hansel and Gretel.

She cared for them wholeheartedly, but her true intentions were─

The First Episode of ?Magic Knight of M?rchen?, 「Behind the Scenes – Hansel and Gretel」.

In the game, the original story of the fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, took a twisted turn.

One day, Hansel started to fatten up. The witch checked his condition by grabbing his wrist every day.

Out of nowhere, Hansel’s body began to swell abnormally.

Not just Hansel, but children from other places had also begun to experience grotesque swelling.

It was the activation of the Evil Dragon’s Sacrificial Seal.

Hansel’s and Gretel’s parents had allowed a high-ranking noble to sequentially engrave the Evil Dragon’s Sacrificial Seal on their children, in exchange for a piece of meat.

The seal was engraved on parts of the eye and brain.

When the witch first discovered Hansel and Gretel, it was already too late to save Hansel.

Fortunately, it was just in time to save Gretel. The witch managed to replace the parts of her eye and brain where the seal had been engraved, preventing her from becoming the Evil Dragon’s sacrifice.

This was the setting for Gretel’s sudden improvement in eyesight and her ability to remember everything she saw. It was all thanks to the Candy House Witch’s research, who burned her very own body.

The witch knew that the Evil Dragon Orchis would appear and had tried to save the children in advance. She made her house from sweets to attract the children who had been victimized by the Evil Dragon.

Eventually, the sky turned red.

A massive black dragon, composed of countless decaying human corpses, burst through the clouds.

It was the Evil Dragon Orchis, a catastrophe capable of destroying nations.

The witch summoned her 8-star familiar, Thunderbird Galia, to confront the Evil Dragon and ultimately emerged victorious…

Unfortunately, the Curse of the Evil Dragon befell the Thunderbird.

The Candy House Witch was falsely accused of using children as sacrifices to summon the Evil Dragon and was executed by the empire in front of her house.

Gretel tearfully hugged the witch in front of the numerous military forces. The witch entrusted Gretel with the Thunderbird and took her last breath.

Gretel’s heart shattered at that moment.

Eventually, the truth was revealed, and the high-ranking noble who was the real culprit behind the summoning of the Evil Dragon Orchis was captured by the royal family and promptly executed. However, the country engraved the Witch of the Candy House, who should have been recognized as a hero, as an evil woman in history.

There was no better scapegoat than the Candy House Witch, who wasn’t entangled in any political disputes.

She was initially accused of killing many children. Although it was a false accusation, the cruel experimental area that used her own body as a test subject became a fitting piece of evidence for the charge.

Thus, the Candy House Witch was labeled as the “Great Witch of Heaven’s Wrath” by attributing all sorts of grotesque evil deeds to her, which made her an enemy of the people.

Only the Eltania family, who had received grace from the Candy House Witch, denied her infamy as the Great Witch of Heaven’s Wrath.

They took in Gretel as their own per the witch’s request.

And gave the child, who was struggling with her past, a new name – Luce Eltania.

The barrier enveloped in purple lightning turned into shining powder and scattered into the sky.

On the altar at the top floor of Carly Hall, which was so severely damaged that it no longer resembled a building.

Luce’s body started falling as the barrier of the Thunderbird was released.

Thump─

A man caught her.

Luce couldn’t muster any strength. Her mana was completely drained by the Thunderbird, and even her energy seemed to be depleted.

Luce slowly opened her eyes, but her vision was so blurry that she couldn’t make anything out.

However, she could tell that a man was holding her in a princess carry.

‘Who…?’

No words came out of her mouth. Her mouth didn’t move.

With her blurry vision, Luce could barely discern the color of the man’s clothes and the outline of his shoulders.

Navy blue clothes, and broad shoulders. She felt the faint chill of ice mana.

‘Greung… It must be you.’

There was no one else that came to mind as a navy blue clad ice element user who could have broken through the Thunderbird and the demons.

His physique looked different from what Luce knew, as if his disguise had been blown.

But this physique… feels oddly familiar.

─ ‘Don’t elementalize your mana; instead, let it flow freely for the time being. And remember this sensation.’

─ ‘…I’m going to release it now.’

─ ‘Not yet!’

─ ‘Puhahaha! Ahahahahahaha! Hahahahaha! Oh, that’s so funny…! My stomach hurts…’

When she had been practicing elemental flower crafts.

The memory of holding the hand of her silver-blue haired friend popped up.

Greung’s touch on her arms and legs overlapped with that memory.

She wasn’t certain because the fabric of the clothes was in the way. However, the size of the hand she felt was too similar to that man’s.

Luce’s pupils were shaking slightly.

‘I…saac…?’

Drained of all her mana, Luce had no strength left.

Soon, her stamina reached its limit.

Her consciousness faded into the far distance.

* * *

[Guu, guuu, guuk…!]

As soon as I left the Midheaven Realm, I could feel how limited my body truly was.

With the last of my strength, I caught Luce as she fell from the altar. I hastily erased the traces of my magic with defrost, and knew that I would soon be unable to move.

I laid the unconscious Luce on the ground as the blue powder scattered. Then, I summoned Eden and had her lean against the altar.

I then ordered Eden to take me and run away. It was entirely possible.

Eden was able to grow in size by adding rocks to his body.

Eden, now a size that fitted his golem race, ran with me in his arms.

He urgently shouted at me with a thickened voice.

The side effects of the [Ice Sovereign] and the battle against the Thunderbird rendered my body unable to properly function. The pain was excruciating, it was as if I was struck by a hammer all over my body, tormenting me relentlessly.

However, I didn’t even have the strength to wriggle or cry out in pain.

“Eden… let me down… here…”

I didn’t know where I was. My vision had become blurry, and I couldn’t see anything.

I was sure we had come quite far. My senses told me that we were behind Carly Hall, at the bottom of the hill.

Perhaps just before entering the forest. It seemed like we were on the outskirts of the old M?rchen Academy grounds.

The area was filled with the vibrant scent of trees and grass. Fortunately, it seemed like we had arrived at an inconspicuous spot.

Eden laid me down on the grass. His voice was full of choking sobs. I couldn’t help but feel sorry.

When I could still see ahead, the last sight I had captured shimmered like a mirage.

Was it the beauty of the landscape? Perhaps it was because of the Thunderbird’s barrier being lifted and the disappearance of the Lightning Harpies. Or maybe it was the purple powder being engraved in the night sky like starlight.

As I drifted through the memories of that landscape, I desperately clung to my fading mind and reminded myself why I had fled.

The Great Witch of Heaven’s Wrath.

She had looked into my fate and given me an 8-star contract circle as a gift, saying it was what I needed most.

In other words, I wouldn’t die.

That’s why I had fled, trying not to be noticed by the subjugation party.

Suddenly, I recalled everything that had happened since I came to this world. I possessed Isaac, realized the protagonist’s skills were terrible, and diligently tried to prevent a bad ending during the first semester.

As I looked back on the past.

It seemed like a futile way to meet my end, dying like this.

An extra of ?Magic Knight of M?rchen?, Isaac.

I was not the protagonist of this world, Ian Fairytale was. All the hardships in this world existed to make him a hero.

What difference does that make?

No matter what, in my position, I was the protagonist.

Even if my life seemed bleak, unsuccessful, and full of failure, I firmly believed that I was the protagonist of my own story.

Even if Isaac was an extra when I played the game as Ian.

If I live in this reality as Isaac, then I am the protagonist.

Ian Fairytale. No matter what trials and tribulations came in ?Magic Knight of M?rchen?, he overcame them. So I, too, had been trying to overcome all the trials and tribulations that had come my way, following his example.

So, will I die meaninglessly? Will I give up so easily?

My specialty was gritting my teeth and relentlessly pursuing my goals. I would never give up.

“…”

Only the sound of air escaping from my lungs seeped through my lips.

I was running out of strength. Slowly, my eyes closed. The anticipation of being freed from this terrible agony once I closed my eyes welled up within me.

My head was spinning. Still, I would never extinguish my will to never give up.

In my hazy vision.

Slowly, a pitch-black darkness descended.

「Tree of Radiance (Plant Element, ★7)」

A gentle energy enveloped me. It felt as if new life was coursing through my body.

I opened my eyes. The sight of the barrier turning into a purple powder that illuminated the night sky caught my eye. My vision had returned.

I turned my head to look towards Carly Hall above the hill.

A gigantic tree, emitting a soft green glow, had casted a faint light over the old M?rchen Academy grounds. Countless fireflies spread out in all directions without any gaps.

The pain faded.

Slowly, I raised my upper body.

Eden sobbed, shrank back to his usual size, and snuggled into my arms.

[Kyu…! Kyuuu…!]

[Eden] Psychology: [Feeling happy and relieved that you’ve come back to life.]

The radiant tree stretched above Carly Hall.

I knew what that tree was. It was Kaya Astrean’s plant magic, the [Tree of Radiance], which appeared in the second year of ?Magic Knight of M?rchen?. It indiscriminately healed all living creatures within a certain radius.

‘Why is that already…?’

The soft green fireflies from the [Tree of Radiance] flew over and infused vitality into the plants around me.

In the midst of those fireflies, I could guess the situation and its developments.

?Magic Knight of M?rchen?, 「Act 3, Chapter 3, End Of Semester Evaluation」 immediately led to 「Act 3, Chapter 4, Thunderbird Subjugation」.

In other words, the variables that occurred during the end of semester evaluation carried over to the Thunderbird Subjugation.

What could have been a variable worth mentioning in this end of semester evaluation?

The most significant events would have been Luce’s inexplicable massacre, the great battle, and the gift I gave to Kaya.

Due to Luce, the top students’ search for Fell Cards was delayed. They must have had difficulty with mana perception, exploration, and card snatching because they were too focused on escaping from the monster, Luce.

Moreover, because of the large-scale battle, the second and third seats, as well as other A class students and the top B class students, had to remain at the exam site until the appearance of Vera the Summoner.

As a result, most of the honor students joined the subjugation party, in contrast to the game.

It was obvious that they would have helped Dorothy and Ian chip away at the Thunderbird’s HP. That must have been why the Thunderbird’s HP was reduced faster than I had expected.

If they hadn’t been there, I would have had to fight the Thunderbird with at least 30-40% more HP.

I wouldn’t have been able to avoid instant death if I lost that battle.

The same went for Kaya.

In the Thunderbird Subjugation of ?Magic Knight of M?rchen?, Kaya couldn’t join the subjugation party. She quickly passed the exam once her mana perception improved after she found her third Fell Card.

However, as Luce became a significant variable, Kaya ended up in the exam site until the appearance of Vera.

Kaya also participated in the Thunderbird Subjugation and would have felt a sense of anger as she watched the casualties accumulate. It was inevitable due to her personality.

She would have longed to be of help, instead of only relying on Dorothy.

The gift I gave her, the Armana Wand, was Kaya’s final weapon. It was impossible to obtain this weapon in the early parts of ?Magic Knight of M?rchen?. It was purely a matter of money. However, I managed to acquire it early.

As a result, the Armana Wand I gifted to Kaya would have significantly increased her sensitivity to plant mana.

Kaya’s desire would have been realized in the form of a tree that emitted a warm light.

‘It’s so beautiful, really…’

The [Tree of Radiance].

A spell that healed all living creatures within a certain radius. Its healing range was quite wide. It was considered one of the most powerful healing spells, as it could heal even fatal wounds in an instant.

Moreover, it was a plant spell. To use this element, one must receive the help of Sylphia, the Emerald Fairy, and completely react to plant mana. It would be difficult for an ordinary person, even if they tried for a hundred years.

A gentle green light enveloped the grounds of the old M?rchen Academy. As I unexpectedly regained my health, I felt an overwhelming sense of bewilderment.

The only thing I could do was laugh.

It felt as if that tree was the result of my journey throughout the first semester of my freshman year.

An emotion that I couldn’t put into words welled up inside of me.

I quietly gazed at the Tree of Radiance.

The combination of the purple powder slowly scattered by the disappearance of the Thunderbird’s barrier and the giant radiant tree that stood alone in silence was incredibly beautiful.

I couldn’t take my eyes off it for a while.

“…”

However, I couldn’t just be lost in admiration. I needed to take off my Magic Cloak of Disguise just in case.

“Hua!”

I took off my cloak and put it in my magic pouch. Although the Tree of Radiance fully healed my wounds, my strength hadn’t recovered. Just the act of taking off my cloak was quite difficult.

I thought I needed to bask in the light of the Tree of Radiance at least until my strength had recovered enough to return to the dormitory. It was like Isaac’s photosynthesis.

Eden came to my side and shook my arm. Such a cute little guy. I seated Eden on my lap and hugged him.

That was when it happened.

“President, what are you doing here?”

A familiar voice echoed in my ears. For some reason, I felt an inexplicable sensation rising in my chest.

When I turned my head towards the voice, I saw a female student wearing a witch’s hat. She looked at me with a questioning gaze, her hands resting on her knees.

Was it because I almost died for a moment?

I couldn’t help but smile as soon as I saw her welcoming face. I fought back against the tears that welled up and managed to fill my face with nothing but a smile.

I took a quick, deep breath to regain my composure.

I locked eyes with the beautiful female student with purple hair that was reflected in my vision.

“Senior, you’re late. Aren’t you coming to my rescue too late?”

I jokingly said to Dorothy Heartnova, and deliberately showed a tired expression.

“Seriously, a bunch of electric bird-like demonic creatures suddenly appeared… I barely escaped, you know.”

“Your expression seems a little too relaxed for that.”

“It’s because I’m looking at you, senior.”

“Nihihi, just like how my fan should be!”

Dorothy sat down next to me with a “Ucha” and hugged her knees.

Then, she stared at the Tree of Radiance, scattering its glorious jade-colored mana.

“Everything’s resolved. The giant electric chicken was healed by that tree magic and is no longer our enemy. All the lightning demonic creatures have disappeared. Your stalker friend is safe too. No one died.”

“I was wondering what was going on, but it seems like it was a pretty big deal…”

“Yeah, it was a huge deal~ I’m completely exhausted. Trying to protect people, doing this and that…”

Dorothy grumbled cheekily, then suddenly smiled and put her hand on her chest.

“So give me, your big sis, a chance to be comforted by our president~ Consider it an honor.”

Dorothy’s cheeky words were so cute that I inadvertently chuckled.

“You’ve worked hard, senior.”

“Oh yeah!”

“You’re really strong and cool, senior.”

“Uh-huh!”

“Although, you were too late to come and save me.”

“Uh, ah…”

Dorothy, with a flustered face, broke into a cold sweat.

“Well… It seems like our president had a hard time too.”

Dorothy sneakily glanced at me, and quickly changed the subject. I responded with a cheeky attitude, just like she had moments ago.

“Yes, I had to take the exams, and then run away from the sudden appearance of demonic creatures… It was just awful. I should’ve just gone straight to the dorms. Instead, I got into this mess because I wanted to tour the old building.”

As I felt more relaxed, a flood of lies gushed out of my mouth.

However, Dorothy’s eyes, which seemingly held the universe within them, revealed a meaningful expression. It was as if she knew something I didn’t.

Is it just my imagination?

[Dorothy Heartnova] Psychology: [★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆]

I still couldn’t read her mind with [Psychology]. So, I decided to give up on trying to read her thoughts.

“Yep, you’ve worked hard.”

Dorothy replied with a gentle smile and a soothing voice.

There was a moment of silence.

“Senior.”

“Yes, president?”

“I ran quite a lot today, and my body doesn’t want to move anymore. Could you help me get to the dorms?”

“Nihihi! Leave it to your big sis!”

Dorothy replied as she innocently laughed and placed her hand on her chest again.

In the first semester of my freshman year, I managed to prevent all the bad endings and survived.

I was more relieved than happy.

For a while, Dorothy and I decided to sit side by side and admire the Tree of Radiance.

It wasn’t something you saw every day, so we thought we might as well enjoy it while we still had the chance.

At that moment, I was grateful that you, the one I love, was by my side.

?Magic Knight of M?rchen? 「Act 3, Chapter 4, Thunderbird Subjugation」.

The curtain falls.