Territorial Fight (1)

After completing her classes at the Magic Department's Orphin Hall, it had somehow become Eve's routine to go searching for Isaac's whereabouts.

Whenever she saw him, she couldn't help but think…

'This guy really doesn't do anything other than training…'

Isaac trained during every waking moment. No, really. Literally, all he did was train the entire day. He genuinely didn't do anything else.

Even among the highly ambitious students of the esteemed Märchen Academy, he stood out glaringly due to this excessive diligence.

While secretly tailing her younger brother, Eve frequently overheard conversations about him among the students.

It seemed as if her brother had gained quite a considerable reputation among the freshmen.

However, it was more on the negative side.

–'Hasn't Isaac been insane lately?'

–'How did he, who was barely a Grade E in the first semester, manage to wield a magic weapon already?'

–'His skills are beyond the standards of Class C. And that guy was at the bottom of Class D just last semester.'

–'Was he actually a genius all along? Like one of those prodigies that gain enlightenment and experience rapid growth?'

'Isaac was a Grade E…?'

She could never have imagined for this to be the case.

Grade E were people with mana lower than the average person.

The knowledge that Isaac was only at Grade E last semester caused a huge contradiction with Eve's memories.

The abilities Isaac demonstrated during the joint practical evaluation were, at the very least, on the level of Class B.

'How could someone like that only be a Grade E last semester…?'

From a Grade E, he progressed with an almost frightening growth speed to reach a mana grade of C+ in only one semester.

She was beyond bewildered as her brain jumbled while trying to process this new information.

'Not two years… but he became that strong in just half a year?'

Is that even possible?

It had taken Eve two years to wield the wooden staff she was currently holding. And even then, she struggled to handle it at times.

However, Isaac's staff seemed much harder to use than hers. As such, it probably required a significant level of mana control.

It was all but certain that he had reached a level where he could utilize magic weapons in merely half a year.

'Could he actually be a genius…?'

There was no way. Eve shook her head in disbelief.

Isaac was certainly not a genius. He was clearly a weakling born with naturally low mana.

As such, there was definitely some other explanation for this phenomenon. Something else had undoubtedly facilitated his rapid growth.

Eve was determined to uncover the nature of this existence and what exactly it entailed.

Dinnertime, Training Grounds.

Eve sat on the second-floor stands that surrounded the dome-shaped training ground.

She was there to see if Isaac would come today as well.

"Sir Tristan, you were truly impressive during class!"

Voices echoed from the stands nearby.

Suddenly, the chatter of her first year juniors caught Eve's attention.

"To think even the professor was astonished! It was truly a remarkable sight!"

"Hah! Of course, it is! Just that much is nothing to me, okay? It was such basic knowledge that it was positively yawn-inducing!"

"Ugh, I wish I could be in Class B with Sir Tristan. It's honestly such a shame that we can't witness your impressive demonstrations during our class…!"

Two male students and one female student were excessively praising a vain blond noble.

Eve wasn't particularly interested. Märchen Academy had always been filled with people overflowing with arrogance.

Even she was no different. Of course, in her case, it was just bullshit from a liar.

Shortly afterward, a man entered the first-floor training grounds where students were practicing.

'He's here!'

It was Isaac. Today, as well, he had Zhonya's staff slung over his back.

He began pouring mana into various magic circles and proceeded to engage in battles with demonic illusions.

Today, Eve intended to decipher the secret behind Isaac's newfound strength once and for all.

'I'm not here because I want to see Isaac. I just want to know how he became so powerful…"

That's right. She hadn't come to catch a glimpse of Isaac. Surely not.

"Sir Tristan, that guy…"

"Isn't that Isaac?"

The blond noble, Tristan Humphrey, leaned against the railing, turning to look at Isaac.

'He recognized him immediately, huh?"

Well, it was true that Isaac was infamous. Eve thought that it wasn't too big of a surprise that he knew who Isaac was.

However, when Tristan squinted over at Isaac, a deep frown covered his face.

His expression was a stark contrast to his usual arrogant smirks when bragging about his accomplishments.

"That commoner bastard… he dares to blatantly train in a place where I can see him. How audacious of him."

"Could I give a brief suggestion? How about using this fine chance to fuck up that commoner bastard that Sir Tristan hates?"

Eve's face shook a little.

"Looking at that magic weapon, it's all filler on the inside and only shiny on the outside. A bastard who was only Grade E being able to handle a magic weapon? Hah! What a joke."

"I'm disgusted just by looking at him, ugh."

"It makes more than enough sense that Sir Tristan hates him. He seems to have grown confident just because his skills improved a little. Look at him trying to boast with that worthless staff of his."

The students who were flattering Tristan aimed their fangs at Isaac. It seemed as if their goal was to give off a good impression on Tristan by insulting the person that he hated.

Eve began channeling mana into her wooden staff that had been leaning on her shoulder.

During her childhood…

Isaac had been so weak that the label of 'The Worst of the Worst' suited him. Because of this, he was often ignored and bullied by meaner kids.

Whenever that happened, Eve would always step forward and protect Isaac. After all, she was somewhat talented in magic unlike him.

–'Sis…'

–'It's okay now, Isaac. It's okay now.'

–'I was so scared…'

–'Just stay by my side. Sis will protect Isaac for the rest of your life, okay?'

The bastards who dared to lay a hand on her little brother made her heart burn with anger. She couldn't stand it.

After all, Isaac, her little brother, was very cute.

If it wasn't for her promise with Baron Ropenheim, Eve would have gladly preached to the world just how adorable and lovable Isaac truly was.

'These brats who don't even understand Intermediate Element Theory dare to say such things…'

Her rationality was cast aside.

If they dared to lay so much as a finger on Isaac, Eve was determined to make these juniors experience the full extent of her wrath, even if it led to disciplinary action.

Eve's furious gaze shifted towards Tristan's group.

And, at that moment, Tristan glanced at his subordinates and clicked his tongue.

"What nonsense are you spouting, you imbeciles?"

'Huh?'

For some reason… His reaction was different from what she had anticipated.

Tristan's dismissive words towards his lackeys left them bewildered and speechless.

"Fuck him up? How dare you blabber such nonsensical vulgarity in my presence?"

"S-sir Tristan…?"

"Engaging in such disgraceful behavior would imply that I think of myself as weaker than him. I am superior to that bastard in every facet and ability. Additionally, If there is no fair way to prove that I am superior to him, I refuse to even consider using underhanded tricks. Do not tarnish my reputation. Or else."

Tristan berated them with a voice evident of irritation.

"And as for that weapon, at the very least, it's a Tier 2 or 3 magic weapon. How can you not even recognize something as simple as that? Regardless of how arrogant that commoner may be, the skill needed to wield it is undeniable. Don't deny what's right in front of you."

"But, Sir Tristan…"

"Hah! My enthusiasm has waned. Join me in my training, you incompetent fools!"

"Ah, uh! Yes!"

The hell? What's wrong with him?

The sight of Tristan, who seemed to have a twisted yet sane mind, triggered a strong sense of unease in Eve.

Until just now, weren't they trying to torment Isaac…?

'He seems like an asshole but he appears unexpectedly sincere…'

Eve regained her composure. There was no need to get angry after all.

Like this, Tristan was brushing past his subordinates when suddenly…

Crash—-!

A deafening noise echoed from where Isaac was training, sending shockwaves to their ears.

Eve jolted, her lips parting in surprise. Tristan, too, halted in his tracks, while casting a cold, piercing gaze towards Isaac.

The atmosphere grew tense. The students stopped their training, as their attention diverted towards Isaac.

A tall, muscular figure stood facing him.

The atmosphere felt as if a fight could erupt at any moment.

Given the nature of the sound that echoed previously, it was apparent that it resulted from a boulder shattering against the force of a punch. As such, it was easy to search the surroundings and pinpoint where exactly it came from.

'V-verga?'

Eve sprang to her feet, her pupils trembling uncontrollably.

An elite member of the Black Tiger, a faction within the Four Constellations.

His dark green hair was slicked back, and a two-handed axe was slung over his shoulders.

It was a second year student from the Knight Department, well-known for his ferocity. It was Verga Rayphelt.

* * *

'This feels like the ultimate high.'

Thanks to Dorothy's healing, I felt invincible.

My condition was beyond exceptional as mana surged within me. It seemed that due to Dorothy untangling my mana circuit, the flow of my mana had vastly improved.

However, this recovery method placed a significant strain on my body.

From the second time onward, there was a chance that it would weaken my mana circuit, so I would not be able to rely on it again.

At the moment, I was running a marathon to eliminate the Evil God.

While it was true that I must defeat the Floating Island, it was not my ultimate goal.

Therefore, proper control of my health and condition was an absolute necessity.

I finally reached the training ground.

The elemental formations were partitioned by transparent barriers, and students were engrossed in their own training within their respective areas.

'Sweet. Good spot secured.'

Out of the elemental formations, there was a vacant space that looked perfect.

As I headed over, the surrounding students looked surprised. The reason was easy to deduce.

'That's because a sub-event is triggered here.'

This specific spot was associated with an event that provided EXP.

I should obviously collect as much EXP as possible, shouldn't I?

Ignoring the students' stares, I retrieved Zhonya's Staff and hummed while readying for battle.

Just like that, I started beating the ever-living hell out of the demonic illusions.

"…?"

As one wave of illusions was eliminated, I suddenly noticed a shadow looming over me. A man with a large build stood behind me.

When I turned around, I was met with a tower of dark green hair.

A double-handed axe was slung over his back. He was a physically fit student who was comparable to the human version of Marlog the Envious.

I recognized him from ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱.

An elite member of the Four Constellation's Black Tiger faction. He was the one I had been waiting for.

[Verga Rayphelt]

Lv: 94

Race: Human

Elements: Rock, Ice

Danger: Low

Psychology: [Resentful towards you for taking his training spot.]

"…Who do you think you are?"

His voice was accompanied by heavy beast-like breaths.

I remained silent and continued to gaze blankly at him as his fist swung, striking a nearby boulder.

Crash–!

The rock shattered with a resounding boom as it collapsed into smithereens.

The aftermath of the brief tempest mercilessly blew at my silver-blue hair.

'Ooooo…'

Dust and dirt flew into the air. It was the same scene as the event that I knew.

After seeing it in reality though, he certainly does pack a punch…

"Are those two going to fight?"

"He broke a boulder with his fist? Is that even possible?"

"Isn't that guy Verga? One of the elite members of Black Tiger…!"

"I honestly expected things to turn out this way… Should I have given him a heads-up? Will he be okay?"

Whispers from the students echoed around me.

"Nevermind, I'm not curious about that. I'm more interested in why a bastard like you is. Using. My. Spot."

Verga growled in a low voice.

A sub-event in ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ that unfolded during the second semester of the first year, 「Territorial Fight」.

Starting a week after the conclusion of the joint practical evaluation, if one trained in the spot that I was currently occupying during dinnertime, Verga Rayphelt appeared to claim it as his own.

Then, in the game, Ian Fairytale would counter with the argument that 'monopolizing a spot is unfair'.

As a result, Verga would challenge Ian to a duel, however, the rules of the duel were far from ordinary.

It was a display of masculinity where they took turns attacking each other. Whoever lost consciousness first was declared the loser.

Verga, as the senior, would grant Ian the initiative to attack because he was confident of his basic protection magic and his own resilience.

If Ian defeated Verga in a single hit, the player would win.

However, if he fails, Verga's following attack would crush him and Ian would wake up in the infirmary. This event could be repeated until the player finally won.

A victory would not only yield EXP, but would also pave the way for advantages in future events.

'So, the response I should give is…'

With a slightly cheeky expression, I replied nonchalantly.

"There's no reservation system for spots here. So, why should this exclusively be Senior's spot?"

"What…?"

"Senior, it's not right to monopolize a public training ground."

The surrounding students appeared horrified at my reply.

The shock was palpable as the sound of gasps reverberated throughout the training ground..

"Is he insane?"

"Did he lose brain cells? No, does he even have a brain in the first place?"

"Oh no, his opponent is an elite member of Black Tiger…!"

"Is he looking to die? Is this a new form of suicide?"

In retrospect, if I was in their shoes, I would also lose my mind if I saw a freshman like Isaac boldly provoking an elite member of Black Tiger.

"…Arrogant brat. Are you picking a fight?"

Verga's eyes glinted with murderous intent.

As for me, a faint smirk curled upon my lips.