A Genius Boy Who Was Exiled From His Family Home for “Not Being Able To Use Magic” Becomes a Witch’s Apprentice and Masters All Magic in the Right Way. This Is How You Use Your Magic, You Know?

Chapter 188. Confrontation 3

“…Impressive.”

Hermes muttered as he witnessed Nina’s sword slash deeply cut through Archbishop Johann.

He probably isn’t dead. That archbishop knows too much to be killed, and considering what lies ahead, it’s better not to kill him now. Nina understands that as well.

But. There’s no doubt that he’s sustained injuries severe enough to render him unable to continue fighting and jeopardize his survival.

──In such a state, maintaining brainwashing is impossible.

“…What, is this?”

“What’s going on, what on earth…!?”

Voices like these could be heard across the battlefield.

They must be from the people controlled by the archbishop’s bloodline magic. Naturally, they are all high-ranking officers──people with significant influence over their troops, and the battlefield has suddenly plunged into temporary chaos.

…This situation was also anticipated.

Hence, Jurgen has been asked to handle it. The plan is to have the soldiers of Harvest territory sheathe their weapons and quickly spread a ceasefire proposal across the entire battlefield.

Explaining everything from scratch would be difficult here, so this is the best approach. Indeed, the battlefield, though still bewildered, is beginning to calm down and regain order.

After this, with both sides withdrawn, the Northern Alliance will be briefed on the events, and this northern rebellion will come to an end.

Hermes’ job is also done, and from here on out, he just needs to watch over things… or so he thought──

“Hermes!”

A desperate voice interrupted his thoughts. Looking over, Sara, who seemed to have regained consciousness, was running towards him.

She crouched beside him with a tearful expression.

“Such terrible injuries… I’m sorry, it’s my fault…”

“…Ah. No, it’s fine. If anything, I should apologize for various things…”

…That’s right. Although it was unavoidable for the strategy, Sara wasn’t informed about Nina’s release from brainwashing. Meaning, Sara genuinely tried to stop Nina and failed.

From our perspective──though it’s rude, her defeat was expected, and in fact, her earnest attempt to stop Nina helped deceive the archbishop, so we should even be grateful… but there’s no way she wouldn’t be troubled by it.

As Sara, her beauty twisted in sorrow, activated [Ars Paulina] with all her might to heal his wounds, Hermes pondered how to explain things to her. Yet, he resolved to properly explain the situation eventually.

“──Sorry, but that will have to wait.”

“…Huh?”

With that, he bowed his head to the confused Sara and stood up, having recovered enough to move.

It’s a bit tough, but it doesn’t matter. Because in the upcoming confrontation, remaining seated would undoubtedly be disrespectful. Why?

“…Impressive.”

At the end of Hermes’ gaze.

Lucius, the leader of the Northern Alliance Knights, stood silently, sword in hand, watching him.

…There were several questions.

Lucius is a reasonable man. So Hermes decided to ask them in order.

First, the reason Lucius is here.

For having sheathed his weapons… he arrived too quickly. Meaning, there’s only one conclusion.

“──You broke through Katia-sama, didn’t you? …How did you do it?”

There’s no other possibility.

And genuinely curious about how he achieved it in such a short time, Hermes asked. Lucius nodded, acknowledging the validity of the question.

“Yes, the renowned lady of Thracia… she was a formidable foe beyond imagination, living up to her reputation. Those spectral familiars are terrifying. They don’t let the caster get close easily, each one far surpassing ordinary monsters, and above all… no matter how many you cut down, new ones keep coming. Presumably, as long as the ‘connection’ exists, they can be summoned indefinitely.”

Indeed, that’s the most troublesome aspect of Katia’s role in ‘delaying’. The endless summoning of ghost soldiers is not something even Lucius can easily break through, so how──as Hermes tilted his head in confusion.

Lucius simply stated.

“──So, I severed that ‘connection’.”

“………………Huh?”

Even Hermes was momentarily stunned, tilting his head at the answer.

Seeing this, Lucius continued, realizing more explanation was needed.

“So, you see, the link between the lady and her spectral familiars, whether it’s a mental or magical thread… well, I saw something like that, so I just cut through it all.”

“…Wait, um, what?”

“Ah, don’t worry. It only temporarily prevents summoning, and since it neutralized her, I didn’t harm the lady at all.”

Prompted to look, Hermes saw Katia indeed unharmed, but without her ghost soldiers, sitting there with a mix of surprise and dissatisfaction.

While relieved she wasn’t hurt… but more importantly.

“Um, sorry, but I don’t quite understand… mental threads? Magical threads? I mean, they must exist, but… can you really cut them? How exactly? Did you imbue your strike with special magic, or, well, huh…?”

In a way, it’s rare.

Faced with such an unknown phenomenon, Hermes was flustered. Lucius tilted his head with a troubled expression.

“Hmm… even if you ask, I can’t explain more than this… well, anyway!”

Straightening up, he declared proudly.

“I saw something, felt I could cut it, so I did! That’s all, I don’t know anything beyond that, sorry!”

“…………Haha”

And seeing that… Hermes couldn’t help but laugh.

Surely, there’s no mistake in his words. He truly accomplished a feat beyond even his own understanding.

That──in terms of results, it’s similar to bloodline magic, but fundamentally different.

Not something granted without effort like bloodline magic, but the result of his relentless training, an immense amount of practice beyond description.

Grasping the optimal move through intuition before verbalizing it. A monster who has reached that realm.

“──”

Hermes shuddered.

Indeed, there are still many things in this world he doesn’t know.

And there are people who, without reasoning, leap ahead and grasp what he reaches through logic.

──This is what a true ‘genius’ is.

“…Someday, I’d like to analyze the principles behind that.”

With excitement towards the unknown and respect for the warrior before him, Hermes murmured.

Then, he moved on to the next question.

“Lord Lucius. The brainwashing, it’s already lifted, right?”

“…Yes.”

“Then”

The most crucial question for him now.

“Why. Are you still holding your sword?”

“…………”

Upon hearing the question, Lucius, who had been somewhat relaxed until now.

With a quiet──yet firm and dignified tone, continued.

“…Yes. I understand everything, that I was under the archbishop’s control, that the entire Northern Alliance was manipulated… and that this northern rebellion was caused by it.

We’ve caused you trouble, and it’s something we can’t fully atone for. Especially… I will apologize with all my soul to my sister Nina later. Whatever punishment I receive, I will accept it.”

“…”

“──But”

Aware of his own faults and responsibilities. Lucius continued.

“Knowing the circumstances, even I can understand. …Your goal is to bring the entire northern region under your control, even us, to gain strength against the First Prince, right?”

“…Yes”

Hearing Hermes’ response, Lucius raised his head again.

“Then──please accept my proposal. A duel.”

“!”

“The North values strength, even abilities like mine that defy the kingdom’s common sense can rise to the top if strong enough. …Conversely, those weaker cannot truly win hearts.”

With clear rationality and unwavering conviction, he wove his words.

“‘Taking responsibility for the northern rebellion and submitting’──yes, that would be sufficient. …But, my subordinates wouldn’t be convinced in their hearts. They couldn’t truly offer their swords.

I understand it’s a selfish request. …But, please allow us, not a haphazard defeat from the collapse of a twisted ruler, but a ritual to become proud losers after a fight. …Well, in short”

Here, Lucius paused, a fierce light in his eyes.

Pointing his sword, he declared in one breath.

“──If you truly wish to earn the Northern Alliance’s loyalty, first defeat me, the strongest in the Alliance.”

“──”

“Only then will your wishes be fulfilled. ──This is my selfishness.”

Truly, understanding.

Not a defeat in the current, incomprehensible state for the Northern Alliance.

But a duel as a ritual to ‘end’ the northern rebellion in the right form.

Without this, above all, his subordinates, the Northern Alliance, wouldn’t be convinced.

Representing their feelings, understanding his own selfishness.

Yet, Lucius desires an opportunity to demonstrate our strength to convince his subordinates. Declaring he will bear all responsibility for his selfishness.

“…”

…Before he knew it.

All attention on the battlefield was focused here. The Northern Alliance’s people were all watching Lucius.

Though the situation is incomprehensible to them… they must have realized. That the confrontation between Lucius and Hermes is the final climax of this northern rebellion.

To make them understand, to achieve that, the virtue, achievements, and strength──Lucius has undoubtedly accumulated over time.

That is Lucius von Frodite.

Truly standing above others, bearing their feelings.

──Once again, Hermes shuddered at his presence.

Lucius, softening his demeanor, added.

“…To add,”

“?”

“I’ve also been looking forward to a rematch with you. In that sense, it’s also ‘selfish’.──And, you too”

Then, with a somewhat mischievous. A youthful, yet fitting, rogue-like smile.

“──You want revenge on me. It’s written all over your face?”

“!”

“Then let’s do it with pride. You’ve prepared something, haven’t you? I’d love to see it!”

…And so, Hermes understood once more.

This young man, understanding both his subordinates’ feelings and even Hermes’ own.

As a form of apology. Unfazed by his own faults and sins──he prepared this stage.

“…Haha”

Again, a smile spilled over.

Because──it’s all true.

Until now, it wasn’t the time, but truly.

At the start of this northern rebellion, losing to Lucius without a chance was frustrating.

I always wanted a rematch.

As a backup in case the strategy against the archbishop failed… but in reality, there’s a magic developed with ‘against Lucius’ in mind, all of it.

…Finally, looking behind him.

There, his comrades were gathered. Katia, Sara, Jurgen, Albert… and a bit further, Nina too.

And lastly. Representing those who stand above, Liriana.

──I leave it to you, master.

With a quiet, full trust, she nodded.

“…Thank you.”

To them.

And above all… to Lucius. With heartfelt respect for the man Nina admires, a hero worthy of the Northern Alliance’s vessel, Hermes declared.

“──I accept, let’s have a rematch. …We, Lily-sama and the rest, will prove through victory that we are worthy of standing above you.”

“Magnificent. ──Ah, of course, I’ll go all out? If you can, give it your best.”

Simultaneously, both released their magical power.

The overwhelming pressure convinced everyone around of the fierce battle to come.

The final clash had begun.