Carriage Driver – Interlude (1)

[Combat Skills] Elemental Series 1: Ice

– Elemental Firepower (B)

– Elemental Efficiency (B)

– Elemental Synergy (B-)

Elemental Series 2 (Locked)

I wasn't Ian Fairytale. That was something I had come to terms with recently.

Initially, I had tried to make plans based on my memories of playing ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱.

But as I grew more accustomed to being Isaac and following the flow of various scenarios, my mind gradually changed. The Trial of Frost was particularly decisive for my motivation.

'I need to be both selective and focused.'

I found myself in a position where I couldn't copy the strategies of Ian Fairytale.

To give an example, I didn't have Ian's talent in weapons. Ian had been honing his skills since childhood, allowing him to proficiently wield the various ultimate weapons of each element.

But as Isaac, I was inherently weak. The only thing I could really do was focus on magic and physical training, but even that was overwhelming me.

Realistically, I wouldn't have enough time to become sufficiently proficient before the Evil God's resurrection.

Therefore, I needed to specialize my talents in magic.

Additionally, I needed to allocate more effort towards strengthening my familiars to compensate for my lack of physical prowess.

In any case, I needed to come up with a plan that suited 'Isaac'.

'Can I do it today?'

In the lower-ranked dorm of Doris Hall, the morning sun was radiating through the window.

Seated on the bed, I extended my left arm in front of me.

It was the same daily routine I undertook to summon Hilde, only to fail everytime.

However, now that my [Elemental Efficiency] had improved from B- to B, I felt a glimmer of hope that I could succeed.

I began my attempt, imagining the 8-star familiar Frost Dragon Hilde in a compressed form.

Hwaaaaa─

Hilde's summoning circle reappeared on my left wrist, emitting a pale blue light.

As usual, that barrier-like obstruction was preventing Hilde from materializing.

I just needed a small opening. If I could create even the tiniest crack in the wall, I believed I would be able to somehow pull her out.

'Please work…!'

I imagined myself hitting the barrier with a hammer, pouring all my focus into creating a small opening for Hilde to slip through and emerge from.

And finally…

I felt like something was escaping, like a small hole in the concrete wall releasing air.

At that moment, I had a hunch that I had succeeded in summoning Hilde.

Woong─

From the summoning circle, a faint bluish orb emerged. It resembled a glowing firefly.

I soon realized that this was Hilde.

[Frost Dragon Hilde] Lv: (1)

Race: Magic Beast

Element: Ice

Danger: X

Psychology: [Relieved to finally be able to converse with you.]

I have finally, finally done it…!

I held up the orb with both hands, supporting Hilde. The spherical light was so weightless it reminded me of a dandelion seed.

"Can you hear me, Hilde?"

[…I hear you.]

Hilde's elegant voice rang through my head. It resembled the voice of a female in her late teens or early twenties.

[May I ask why you have called me?]

Hilde's questions had many different implications.

I took a deep breath to calm myself.

I had to convey what I wanted to say to Hilde, even if my words dealt a psychological blow to her.

"Before that, I have to tell you something."

Reaffirming my resolve, I spoke to Hilde with a serious expression.

"I'm not who you think I am."

[…?]

"You called me the Ice Sovereign. I'm just someone who is only strong against demons."

There was no point in speaking to Hilde about the system since she wouldn't understand.

As a result, I decided to just explain my abnormalities as a result of my [Hunter] trait.

"I'm sorry if I disappointed you. I'm not the person you want."

There was no such thing as the reincarnation of the Ice Sovereign. I was just Isaac, a weak and normal individual.

Hilde remained still, silently thinking. I couldn't see her facial expression due to her being an orb of light, but it was clear that she was deep in thought over my words.

I silently waited for her to speak.

[…You are the Ice Sovereign. That I am sure of.]

Soon after, Hilde firmly refuted my statement in a confident voice.

[You are a being who possesses the soul of the Ice Sovereign. Obviously, you are not the same Ice Sovereign of 1000 years ago. One cannot treat a reincarnated individual as being identical to their previous life.]

Hilde continued speaking in a clear, unwavering tone, fully convinced of my identity.

[No matter how many times you try to deny it, I can tell. Do not underestimate my eyes.]

"…I'm really not."

[You are.]

"I'm not."

[You are.]

"I'm really not."

[You are…]

"I'm no-"

[Holy fuck. If I say you're the Ice Sovereign, you are. Just shut up and listen.]

"…!"

I was taken aback by the sudden shift in her tone, reminiscent of a nagging grandmother.

Ah, fuck. I said it's not me.

[Also, does thou not know my name?]

"T-That's…"

I recalled the moment when I had called out to Hilde in the midst of the Trial of Frost.

At the time, I was struggling to adapt to the Frostscythe's chill which led to me making an irrational decision.

Where should I even begin to explain…? How bothersome.

While I was pondering my response, Hilde swiftly moved on to a different question.

[…That is enough. I have never heard of a trait that only strengthens one against demons. Are you normally this weak?]

"I am, but I wouldn't call myself weak-"

[In short, you are asking me to see you as your present self rather than the Ice Sovereign of a thousand years ago, correct?

Cutting me off, Hilde summarized the conversation.

It seemed that Hilde was determined to see me as the Ice Sovereign's reincarnation no matter what I said.

[I had that intention from the very beginning. Clearly, you are no longer the same as back then.]

Hilde continued on.

[Even if you were indeed not the Ice Sovereign in a previous life, I have assessed your worth and accepted you as my master of my own free will. Therefore, I hope you do not have any useless concerns.]

"…Is that so?"

I had come prepared to terminate my contract with Hilde, but it seemed she had no intention of doing something like that from the start.

For some reason, I felt a bit deflated.

Whilst pondering on what more to say, I eventually settled on a nod. Since it came to this, I would speak to Hilde as 'Isaac'.

I was happy with this outcome.

"My name is Isaac. Thank you for forming a contract with me."

[I as we- ahem. I would not mind you stroking me to your heart's content in the future if you are so grateful.]

It seemed that Hilde, as a magic beast, yearned for the touch of her master.

When I could properly summon her, I would pet her until she got sick of it.

...

After making enough to pay my tuition, I quit my job as a carriage driver. I also calculated a plan for my future expenses before I focused on training.

In the gym, I stripped off my shirt and lifted weights with the rest of the Knight Department who had remained over summer holiday.

At the training grounds, I practiced my magic using various elemental contraptions and improved my combat capabilities by fighting against illusionary beasts.

At the end of each exhausting day, I would return to my dorm and take a refreshing shower before sitting at my desk and reading.

Following an extensive study session, I would sleep like a rock.

As I went about my routine, time flew by, and students gradually began returning to the academy.

Four days before the end of summer vacation, an announcement I had been eagerly anticipating appeared at Orphin Hall's community board.

[Assignment of Dormitories for 1st years, 2nd semester: Magic Department]]

.

.

.

[Isaac – Briggs Hall]

.

.

.

I had been upgraded to Briggs Hall, which was considered one of four upper-level dorm at Märchen Academy. This was based off my grades during the first semester.

Finally, I would be escaping the cramped quarters of Doris Hall!

"Yes!"

Filled with happiness, I triumphantly clenched my fist. Some students walking through the hallway stared at me strangely, but I didn't care. I walked away from Orphin Hall with light steps.

Upon reaching Doris Hall, I began gathering my belongings. Considering the room reminded me of a one-room apartment in Seoul… it was definitely a bit cramped.

Regardless, it felt a bit empty.

"…"

This was my home from the day I had first transmigrated into ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱.

Feeling a rush of emotion, I bid Doris Hall farewell.

Be well.

I then headed to Briggs Hall, my new dorm. The building itself was significantly larger and more spacious in comparison.

I check the notice on the community board and went to go find my room.

The room was about twenty square meters in size, and there was even a refrigerator powered by an ice spell.

It felt so awesome I quickly forgot about the nostalgia associated with Doris Hall.

"Eden, put this over there."

[Kyuu!]

After stacking my belongings in a pile, I began organizing them individually with Eden.

[I apologize for being unable to help.]

"It's not like you can do anything."

Hilde was currently floating in the form of a small, glowing blue orb. The reason she didn't have a physical form was entirely my fault, so why was she the one apologizing?

After successfully unpacking and organizing my belongings, I wiped the sweat from my forehead.

Despite not having the ability to sweat, Eden mimicked my actions. I didn't know why he did it, but it was cute, so I paid no mind.

...

The shaded walkway was refreshing to traverse, but the humid summer air was repulsive.

However, as the second semester's first exams began, summer would turn to fall.

As summer vacation came to an end, the returning students filled the academy's streets with liveliness.

The sky was crystal clear without a single cloud in sight. At the academy's main square, the opening ceremony for the Magic Department was underway.

There were currently about 290 students in their first year within the Magic Department, 10 fewer than the previous semester. I could tell from the dorm assignment notice.

They probably failed, or perhaps dropped out willingly out of fear for their well-being, considering what had occurred during the previous semester.

A little while after the opening ceremony had completed, I heard a voice.

"Move to your provisional classrooms."

Fernando Frost, a male professor I hadn't seen in a while, was giving instructions to the students.

Now that the second-semester had begun, they would conduct a new assessment in order to remeasure the mana of the students in order to place them in an appropriate class.

I moved to the provisional class 2 of Orphin Hall, where students were already taking their seats.

The only people I recognized were Amy Holloway and Ciel Carnedas. I waved hello to Amy, and gazed briefly at Ciel.

Ciel was still clutching the pillow I had given to her during our end-of-semester evaluation. She seemed to really like it.

[Ciel Carnedas] Psychology: [Fond of you and wary of you.]

"…?"

What are these conflicting emotions?

Could it be because of something that occurred during our end-of-semester evaluation? For now, it seemed better to refrain from approaching Ciel. When I saw her, I could only remember being pushed around here and there.

I took a seat somewhere in the middle of the pack. Soon after, Professor Fernando entered the lecture hall. By now, Ian must have met the provisional professor of Class 4, Philip Meltron.

Professor Fernando paused in front of the podium and began his speech.

"I'm sure you all expected this."

"…"

"Similar to the previous semester, we will now evaluate your mana, the purpose being identical to last semester. After four days, we will reorganize the classes based on your level of ability. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your growth from your first semester and summer vacation."

As usual, Professor Fernando spoke in a straightforward manner.

In response, each of the students formed a wide range of expressions.

"Let's go to the training grounds."

Just like during the first mana evaluation, every first-year student of the Magic Department moved to the training grounds.

Professor Fernando's assistants began handing out mana meters that resembled grip strengtheners to the first-year students, who were standing in an orderly queue.

Marco, who was one of the professor's assistants, gave me a mana meter with a lifeless expression. Imagining just how little sleep he must have gotten over summer vacation made me pity him.

"Those with the five lowest numbers in each class, step forth."

With Professor Fernando's command, the mana evaluation began.

Naturally, the same individuals as last semester stood out.

"Ha! Will you be able to handle the dense, thick, limitless mana within this body?"

[Tristan Humphrey] Lv: 80

Race: Human

Elements: Wind

Danger:

X 

Psychology: [Wants to showcase his strength.]

Tristan Humphrey, Grade B mana.

[Mateo Jordana] Lv: 83

Race: Human

Elements: Rock

Danger: X

Psychology: [Feels that he has gotten slightly stronger.]

Mateo Jordana, Grade B mana.

[Kaya Astrean] Lv: 99

Race: Human

Elements: Wind, Ice, Plant

Danger: X

Psychology: [Pleased at the results of her extensive training over summer vacation.]

Kaya Astrean, Grade A- mana.

[Ciel Carnedas] Lv: 95

Race: Human

Elements: Fire, Water

Danger: X

Psychology: [Wants to sleep as soon as possible.]

Ciel Carnedas, Grade B+ mana.

[Ian Fairytale] Lv: 64

Race: Human

Elements: Light, Fire

Danger: X

Psychology: [Proud to have gotten slightly stronger.]

Ian Fairytale, Grade C mana.

"…"

[Luce Eltania] Lv: 151

Race: Human

Elements: Water, Lightning

Danger: X

Psychology: [Wants to be with you all day.]

As the results of Luce's mana evaluation appeared, Professor Fernando appeared astonished.

It was natural. Luce had already far surpassed all of the other first-year students by a wide margin.

"Luce Eltania… Your mana is immeasurable. You are at least Grade S or higher. We'll use a more precise mana meter in the future."

The students were shocked at Professor Frost's words, but Luce remained as emotionless as ever. It was fascinating to see her so lost in her own thoughts despite the turmoil around her.

One's mana being immeasurable meant they were at least S rank.

Luce, who had already amazed the students with her Grade A+ during the previous semester, had made a tremendous leap to Grade S in just one semester. For the other students, who weren't aware of her circumstances, it was quite a shocking development.

When measuring mana, there were additional grades from S rank onwards. This included S-, S, S+, SS… and so on, until SSS+ rank. Luce was now somewhere within that range.

For reference, Dorothy Heartnova was SSS- rank, Alice Carroll was SS+ rank, the Lightning Sovereign, Jaul Dragoniac was about SSS+ rank. However, they were still only listed as S rank in the status window.

Furthermore, when one's level reached 200, they were eligible to reach EX rank, allowing them to surpass their own limits.

For all these reasons, I was able to achieve level 200 and EX grade stats in [Fictional Hell], obtaining the 9-star passive skill [Ice Sovereign].

"Next."

It was now my turn.

Getting into a line with the other students, I held out the mana meter in front of me.

"Begin!"

With Professor Fernando's order, I began channeling mana into the device.

[Status] Name: Isaac

Lv: 68

Gender: Male

Year: 1st

Title: Freshman Who Has Adapted To Student Life

Mana: 5200/5200

– Mana Recovery Speed (C+)

Thanks to my increased stamina from [Physical Training Efficiency], I was able to push myself to train harder over the summer. As a result, my leveling speed increased substantially, and I managed to reached level 68.

I felt that controlling my mana was far easier than during my first semester. Although there were slight mana leaks, this much was acceptable.

With a beeping noise, the mana evaluation concluded. Professor Fernando grabbed the mana meters with his telekinesis magic and began reading them out one by one.

"Number 26, C-. Number 27, C. Number 28, C. Number 29, C-. Number 30… C+."

When Professor Fernando called my number, he hesitated briefly, signifying his surprise.

It was natural. He wouldn't have forgotten my Grade E classification during the previous semester.

But now, my grade was C+.

Memories of the past semester flashed through my mind.

Within the department, I was known for being the lowest of the low. I had Grade E mana, and was a commoner in Class D. I was at the bottom of the ladder in both magic and social status.

The cruel students of Märchen Academy had treated me like leftover meat scraps.

"Is it possible to go from Grade E… to Grade C+ in one semester?"

"Don't you think there's a mistake…? Like maybe the mana meter is faulty. I mean, Ian is special, but Isaac is just a normal kid."

"Don't you remember when he used a 5-star spell during the first semester? He probably put in a ridiculous amount of effort. He looks different too."

"Still, he had Grade E Mana and was in Class D…"

Perhaps because I had gone through such rapid growth, surpassing my previous image as an underachieving student with Grade E mana, the way the other students looked at me was beginning to change.