The Villain Purchased the Heroine

Once again, I felt it.

Vargan's fiancée and the villainess.

Erica, who led the goddess's followers infiltrating the Academia.

"Schugenharz! Are you getting tired now?!"

She is remarkable.

Especially the combination of ice and warp magic is incredibly powerful.

Full body relocation varies greatly depending on distance and whether the current line of sight is secured.

Thus, using a warp move to relocate the whole body in a typical combat situation is quite tricky.

Although the distance is short, it's not a situation where the line of sight is visible, and calculating the coordinates in an instant is difficult, which takes time to move.

But.

Kwaddeudeuk!

Another ice spike rises from the ground.

Delicately spread ice plates and dozens of ice spears floating in the air.

The ice chunks are embedded everywhere, creating the illusion of stepping into a glass house at an amusement park.

Every time one rises nearby, I'm using elemental magic to smash it, but the number of new spikes appearing exceeds my efforts.

Moreover, Erica isn't just standing still watching; as time passes, it seems like a favorable stage is being built for her.

⎯Zing.

The tremor of mana.

This time, Erica is aiming for my back.

I hastily twisted my body, grabbed her outstretched wrist, and yanked her down to the ground.

I was using her kinetic energy against her.

Thus, Erica sinks into the earth.

⎯Zing.

Warping again.

⎯Chajajak!

As she vanished, the ice spears circling in the air charged from all directions.

Like a swarm of wasps attacking an intruder.

They are shooting with the intent to kill.

Jjeojjeojeok⎯!

The spears that miss their targets don't just bury themselves in the ground—they create new ice pillars, granting visibility to Erica.

Each movement carried meaning.

The combination of ice and warp.

Erica's extraordinary intellect and abilities that make this possible.

"Excellent. Excellent, Erica!"

Those words came from the heart.

She is a tremendous asset. An indispensable talent.

I knew this fact, but every time I witnessed her exceptional technique and astonishing calculating ability.

Despite the chilling temperature that felt like it was freezing my spine.

Pure admiration surged within me.

Continuing the battle, I observed and analyzed Erica closely.

It was the same feeling I had when I first witnessed Alicia's talent.

While Erica may not possess the sheer insane talent of Alicia, she has different usability and a distinct uniqueness. There are countless things that need to be accomplished using that ability, making her an irreplaceable presence.

There's no doubt it has unique uses and distinct characteristics. With that ability, there are so many tasks ahead of me, and it's an indispensable presence.

Surely it will play a big role in the story later on!

I gather the countless thoughts swirling in my mind into a single sentence.

I will summarize.

Erica, she is

"Useful."

Crash⎯!

With the sound of shattering glass, the ice wall crumbles.

To be precise, I broke it.

I didn't shatter it using elemental magic.

Just pure strength.

Aura and muscle power.

"Even though you're a magician without accessories or a staff, you chose such a weapon? That's ridiculous."

Erica scoffed as she pointed at the weapon I was holding.

Accessories and staffs.

Yeah, generally speaking, a magician would wear rings or bracelets to move mana quickly and enhance their power.

But for me, who's possessed, those are totally inappropriate. Unless it's a relic, it would just be a hindrance during this growth period.

With a flick⎯ snap.

I spun the small weapon I was holding in the air.

Just like playing with a toy.

I didn't forget to smile as always.

"Well, isn't it nice to carry around?"

"I've never seen or heard of a magician using a mace before."

"Common sense always aligns with prejudice, you know."

Mace.

In simple terms, a steel club.

It's a blunt weapon similar to those used by palace guards during the Joseon Dynasty. Its short length makes it easy to hide, and though simple, it packs a considerable punch.

Despite its cute (?) appearance, it's a weapon often used for assassination.

Just hitting someone with it could kill, but with aura added, it's obvious that it could obliterate almost anything.

"The reason I hadn't pulled this out was that there was a chance I could wound you, even just by a little."

"So, what you're saying is… since it seems like we'll lose otherwise, you're pulling it out? What a useless consideration."

"Yeah, you're right. If things keep going this way, you'll escape faster than planned, so I'm reluctantly pulling it out. Erica, please forgive this fiancé who might harm you."

"Seeing you still flapping your gums, it seems you've used enough mana to lose your grip on reality. Your head must be spinning, huh?"

The air freezes.

Erica prepares to unleash another assault.

I also infuse aura into my mace to counterattack. Fire effectively melts ice, but since the goal here is to crush, wind is a better option.

"I won't deny that I've spent quite a bit of mana. However, fiancée, the one who seems to lack comprehension of the situation is you."

"Nonsense."

"No, it's not nonsense. Think about it. It's already been a while since we started this battle. Yet… there are still only the two of us here."

"...."

"From your reaction, it seems you weren't completely oblivious to that. The more anxious you feel, the more you've tried to immerse yourself in battle to forget it."

I smirked.

Looking at her, more of a lion or tiger than a fierce bird. No, by size and appearance, she's more like a cat.

"Erica, wake up. No matter how long we wait, reinforcements won't come."

"Reinforcements won't come."

And soon, realizing the whole situation late, you would start preparing to warp away to escape.

"Alright, let's begin the second round."

*

Central base near Class 1.

All troops, including Alicia, joined the ruckus of the battlefield.

As soon as Alicia arrived, she assessed the situation. The number of the Allied Forces from Classes 4 and 5 had significantly decreased. Although there were casualties in Class 1 as well, it was a favorable turn of events.

The group of Leon from Class 3 had come to help.

Just as her master had said.

In that case, Alicia just had to act as he instructed.

"Ooooh! Is that Class 1 coming in?"

A man came sprinting in like an arrow.

He had definitely been engaged in combat with the enemies in the distance, creating a storm along the way.

Whap.

He placed his hands on Alicia's shoulders.

"Hm! You look well-trained! A beautifully refined flow of mana! I am Ocel Banteol, Leon. I was holding back those villains while you were away."

"Ah, yes… I've heard about that. Thank you so much."

"No need to bow your head! I simply couldn't stand by and watch evil deeds! As a hero, it was my rightful duty! Hahahaha!!"

Alicia felt a piercing pain in her eardrums. He was just laughing, yet somehow it sounded so threatening.

Maybe she could use this in combat. Though she hadn't heard of anything like this from her Young Master, perhaps there were techniques that utilized such laughter…

Having been influenced by Vargan, Alicia meticulously observed him. While she maintained a consistent attitude of gratitude, her inner thoughts told a different story.

"From what I can see, it seems I don't need to be here any longer!"

Stretching his neck out to check the ones who had followed behind Alicia, Leon muttered.

With his arms crossed, he exuded confidence and exhilarating emotion as if saying, 'I managed to protect the weak! Today, I've taken another step toward becoming a true hero!'

"Yes, thank you once again. Without you, Leon, Class 1 would have already returned to the airship."

"You're quite the sage! It is indeed a virtue of a hero to express gratitude and respect! Thanks to you, I've learned something!"

Laughing heartily once more, Leon turned around, placing both hands on his hips. His broad back seemed to expand even more.

"Well then, I'll take my leave. If we meet again on the battlefield soon, let's have a splendid showdown that shakes the very heavens and earth!"

"I'll do my best to meet your expectations. Ah, Leon, just a moment, you've got some dust on your clothes…"

"Hmm, thank you!"

⎯Bang!

"The King of Class 3, Ocel Banteol Leon, has died. The King of Class 3 is dead. All remaining members of Class 3 will automatically be eliminated. Once more…"

"…Huh?"

As the announcement echoed, the once chaotic battlefield fell eerily silent, all gazes turned toward Leon and Alicia.

Leon looked at Alicia with a confused expression, his brows knitted in perplexity.

Alicia showed a gentle kindness comparable to that of a Saint, along with an innocent smile that seemed oblivious to the world.

Had it not been for her last words, even those who witnessed the unfolding situation would fail to recognize the deed she had just committed.

I won't be able to do it.

"Thank you? No, we should be the ones thanking you."

*

X happened.

Leader of Class 3.

Bell was tearing his hair out in deep despair.

They were ready to charge into the Class 1 base, which had partially collapsed during the battle with Arterion, surveying the overall situation.

But what kind of ridiculous nonsense was this?

Leon and his group, who had promised to quickly scout the Intermediate Base, were instead helping Class 1.

When Leon shouted over the comms, "A true hero does not turn a blind eye to injustice!" Bell wanted nothing more than to cut off his own ears.

Ah, right.

Leon was originally that kind of person. It wasn't that he hadn't anticipated this. But this just shouldn't be happening. Why did you become the 'king'?!

At the very start of the Class Battle.

Leon had come to Bell, who was wrestling with who to appoint as king.

⎯Bell, I will be the king!

⎯No, really, it's fine.

⎯Trust me!

⎯No, seriously, it's really fine?

Bell, well aware of what it meant to entrust the kingship to Leon, resisted desperately.

But.

⎯Bell!

⎯Ah, you startled me. Why are you suddenly yelling like that?

⎯I have a shield! And strong stamina and an unwavering will!

⎯…So what?

⎯If I defend my back with Aura, there's no chance of getting knocked out!

⎯....

He was foolish… no, he was a fool and an unpredictable character, but Leon's physical abilities and Aura were attractive gems he didn't want to let go of.

Few could pass through his Aura. Even if they were ambushed, there was a high chance they could deal with it through animal-like instincts and reflexes.

⎯Bell!

⎯Ugh, seriously. It's bad for my heart. Could you please speak a little softer?

⎯Attach someone who can handle communication-enabled Familiars around me. And move me through contact.

⎯Do you even know what that means right now?

He certainly said.

⎯Of course, I will move as you direct. So trust me and make me the king!

His boisterous shout still lingered in Bell's ears like an echo.

And that aftertaste wasn't fading away, was it?

A true hero doesn't turn a blind eye to injustice?!

He instinctively suppressed his urge to disagree and managed to believe it, only for it to end up like this?

"Leon—!! You bastard!!"

Bell screamed so loudly it felt like he was about to lose his voice. It was unimaginable for a commoner like him to insult a count, but this time, even his fellow Classmates seemed to empathize with his feelings, nodding or looking at him with pitying eyes.

Huff huff.

Yelling with all his might, he was out of breath.

"Ha, haha. Hahahaha!"

Bell started laughing like a crazy person and collapsed to the floor.

All the plans he had laid out went to waste.

In front of everyone during the Class Battle. In such an important moment. Everything he spent days preparing for had ended so futilely without him seeing a thing.

Extreme emptiness and powerlessness welled up in Bell's eyes and fell down his cheeks, hitting the soil below.