The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter

When the Evil God Nephid flapped her wings, blackish crimson flames obliterated everything they touched as they rained down like a deluge of meteors, like the relentless snowfall of midwinter.

Chararararak!!

The intense cold wielded by Isaac, the 6-star ice magic [Frost Wave], swiftly repelled Nephid’s fiery rain.

As seen during the Trial of Frost, the Evil God could distort space-time and wield world-ending magic with just a single stretch of her arm. No openings could be allowed.

Isaac leaped toward the Evil God, and at that moment, ice mana spread around them, creating a new space.

Srrrrrrrr!!!

A mysterious barrier of pale blue light spread outward, attempting to trap the Evil God and the disc of crimson light. However, the blackish crimson flames unleashed by the Evil God thwarted the barrier’s expansion, preventing it from enclosing the disc.

Thus, the barrier only trapped Isaac and the Evil God, rising into the sky while gradually widening its radius.

It was Isaac’s domain, [Realm of the Eternal Glacial Palace].

Half of the [Realm of the Eternal Glacial Palace] was instantly engulfed in crimson flames.

The space itself wasn’t burned away. It was clear that the Evil God had also unfolded her own domain to counter Isaac.

An astronomical amount of mana competed for dominance. The frost and heat clashed relentlessly, unleashing fierce storms and causing turbulent waves in the sea.

The two supreme beings began their battle by colliding their domains against each other.

“First round, the Ice Sovereign has successfully trapped the Evil God!”

The Evil God, Isaac’s greatest variable, was ultimately dragged into a single dueling ground.

“It’s our turn.”

The Imperial Guard, Jacule Calix, infused his sword with mana.

“It’s coming.”

A thunderous roar, Kuuuuuuu, echoed from the disc positioned in the sky.

Suddenly, from the sky undulating with chilling, blood-red mana, something began to slowly reveal itself.

A crimson eye that filled the sky.

When that overwhelmingly majestic eye came into view, the Subjugation Force collectively gasped for breath.

“Angra Mainyu has appeared…!”

Angra Mainyu, the minion of the Evil God.

One of the most dangerous entities Isaac mentioned during the strategy meeting.

It was impossible to fathom just how far away it truly was.

Its sheer size was beyond estimation.

How could something like that ever be defeated? The faces of the Subjugation Force were painted with shock.

In quick succession, blackish crimson flames cascaded down like a waterfall from the Evil God’s disc.

The flames took the shape of a massive dragon.

Mana beyond imagination spread across the area, so intense it seemed to crush the skin of the Subjugation Force.

“The Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka has appeared!”

The Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka.

With each powerful beat of the black fire dragon’s wings, blackish crimson flames poured down like a torrential rainstorm, setting the academy buildings ablaze one after another.

Isaac had warned beforehand that any part touched by those flames had to be severed immediately.

The flames would ultimately consume their body if they didn’t.

[Kihahahaha!!]

Next, figures composed entirely of blackish crimson flames began to burst forth from the disc.

Their chilling laughter echoed far and wide, spreading in all directions.

“What a crazy sight.”

Michelle, the girl in the red cape, lightly tapped her shoulder with the hand axes clenched in both hands, letting out a hollow laugh.

There was no retreat.

If they couldn’t stop those fire demons, it would all be over.

“Let’s go,” the Wind Sovereign, Erin Campbell, spoke calmly.

Now was the time.

The vanguard of the Evil God’s Subjugation Force shouted at the top of their lungs, “”Everyone!! FIRE AT WILL!!!””

Kwaaahhh!!!

Kwagagagagang!!!

Toward the army of black flame figures pouring from the disc, the magic circles of the wizard legion, aligned in perfect formation in midair, unleashed a synchronized barrage of high-level spells. Among their targets was none other than the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka.

Dozens of mana cannons, masterpieces of the Magic Towers, simultaneously fired, while the Elemental Kings unleashed their formidable elemental magic.

Legendary magic beasts like Thunderbird Galia and the Nine-Tailed Fox Mae also poured out powerful elemental attacks.

“Ian!!”

At the shout of the Imperial Knight, Ian Fairytale raised his Luminous Sword skyward.

The Divine Power imbued in the blade emitted an intense light.

“Haaahp!!” Ian shouted a fierce battle cry as he brandished the Luminous Sword, Divine Power surging forth and transforming into a radiant bird that soared toward the disc.

The 5-star light spell, [Apostle of Light].

With a resounding chaeng, an iridescent light source erupted, and a flood of radiance, along with countless elemental spells, engulfed the disc.

Kwaaaaaaang!!!!

A fierce explosion.

A deafening roar and shockwaves swept across the island and sea, threatening to rupture eardrums.

Fwoooosh!!!

[Kaaaah!!]

Defying all those attacks, the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka soared into the sky, roaring with an eerie cry that scraped against the eardrums of all who heard it.

The Apocalypse Dragon radiated powerful flames from its entire body.

The Elemental Kings simultaneously deployed defensive spells to protect the Subjugation Force, but they barely managed to withstand the shockwaves caused by the Apocalypse Dragon.

Their defensive spells shattered, and they fell to the ground, narrowly avoiding the subsequent superheated firestorm.

However, it wasn’t without results. The rain of fire that poured down with each flap of the dragon’s wings had significantly weakened.

— If Azhi Dahāka can no longer rain fire, that’s proof it has been damaged.

This was something Isaac had mentioned during the strategy meeting.

The recent joint attack had undoubtedly inflicted a decisive blow.

[Kihahahaha!]

Although a considerable number of the black flames were eliminated, the few that survived managed to reach the ground safely.

The disc continued to release the black flames incessantly, as if a faucet had been turned on.

As the thunderous noise subsided, the laughter of the black flames once again sent chills through the Subjugation Force.

The Elemental Kings ascended into the air once more, shrouded in elemental mana.

The Fire Sovereign, Andersen Versando, shouted, “Do not stop attacking!!”

As the Subjugation Force unleashed a series of large-scale attacks, the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka began gathering a mass of blackish crimson flames in its mouth.

At the same time, Angra Mainyu’s crimson eyes suddenly turned pitch black.

An attack that was catastrophe itself was coming.

Fwoooosh!!!!

From Angra Mainyu’s eyes, massive streams of flame shot out like meteors, crossing vast distances at supersonic speed.

A terrifyingly fast storm of flames, clearly distinguishable even from the ground.

The flames of destruction that would engulf the entire area filled the Subjugation Force’s field of vision.

Facing the onslaught of heat, at that moment, Archwizard Charlotte shouted, “Deploy Aegis!!”

A thick barrier, built with enormous resources from around the world, enveloped the island and the land bridge.

A sacred barrier of blue light infused with Ian’s Divine Power.

A masterpiece brought to life by the exalted magic towers, which boasted supreme prestige, fully encapsulating the essence of barrier magic.

The strongest barrier in the world, unparalleled in its sturdiness.

During the strategy meeting, it had been named Aegis.

— When Angra Mainyu’s eyes turn black, that’s the signal for an attack. From then on, flames will pour out to engulf the island and sea. The Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka will likely do the same. Activate Aegis at that moment.

That was Isaac’s directive.

In ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, it was a one-hit kill pattern, but Ian could somehow block it by deploying the barrier of light.

…However, that was true only when Ian was as strong as he was in the game.

For everyone to survive, there was no other option.

Finally, Angra Mainyu’s flames reached the island and the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka. unleashed its mass of annihilating flames.

Fwoooosh!!!!

Kwaaaang!!!!

A massive scale of flames, spreading beyond the island to the surrounding sea, poured down like a waterfall.

The flames slowly gnawed at the barrier. Cracks appeared in the barrier, but fortunately, Aegis held until the flames subsided.

However, the firestorm evaporated the surrounding sea with ease.

“This can’t be…”

The Subjugation Force was horrified. In an instant, the outskirts of the island had turned into barren cliffs, and the surrounding sea became desolate land, a sight that filled them with unspeakable dread.

The sea rushed back in with terrifying force to fill the void, and the ensuing tsunami was blocked by the Aegis barrier.

The remnants of the black flames that had narrowly survived and entered the barrier were slaughtered by the Elemental Kings, while the unceasing stream of black flames continued to be repelled by the barrier.

Kwagak!!

However, the falling black flames concentrated their attacks on a weakened point of Aegis, eventually managing to create a breach.

Angra Mainyu’s eyes turned crimson once again.

According to the information Isaac provided, Angra Mainyu’s next attack was expected to be cast within a certain time interval.

[Deactivate Aegis!]

The battered Aegis began to dissipate.

The wizards bustled around the large-scale facilities equipped on the outskirts.

“Hurry and reverse calculate it, convert it into mana, and use it to reinforce the second Aegis! We’re out of time! Quickly!”

Elena Woodline, the headmistress of Märchen Academy, conveyed her voice to all the wizards on the outskirts through countless messengers.

A total of three Aegis barriers had been prepared.

The damaged Aegis was repurposed as reinforcement material for the next Aegis, an ultimate defense brought to life through astronomical funding from around the world and the expertise of esteemed high-ranking wizards.

Even that required time. The process had to be completed before Angra Mainyu unleashed its next flames of annihilation.

Meanwhile, the crimson disc of light ceaselessly poured out black flame entities.

— As long as the Evil God exists, the black flames will keep emerging. Their numbers will decrease as the Evil God tires. Focus on eliminating as many entities as possible when they pour out. This will lessen the burden on the ground.

The Subjugation Force recalled Isaac’s instructions.

Charrarang!!

Suddenly, a colorful magic circle unfolded in midair, and a radiant explosion of starlight engulfed the black flames, serenely shattering them as if singing of destruction

Dorothy Heartnova. Beneath her witch’s hat, pulled low over her face, her shadowed eyes glimmered with fierce resolve.

She flew through the air, mercilessly casting her starlight magic.

Kwaggagagagang!!

Dozens of massive lightning strikes extended like chains, rushing toward the black flames.

Luce Eltania, aboard the Thunderbird, stretched out her left arm toward them. The mana stone from the Ring of the Abyssal Queen on her ring finger radiated a dazzling light.

The black flames unleashed blackish crimson fire magic indiscriminately, forcing Luce and Dorothy, who were riding the Thunderbird, to retreat.

Taking advantage of the gap, the giant killer whale magic beast, White Thunder Whale - Bello, rose into the air and fired a lightning-charged water cannon.

The wave of lightning swept through the black flames, and seizing the opportunity, reddish-purple flames targeted the demons.

Fwoooosh!!

The power of nightmare.

The flames were unleashed by the Nightmare Dragon Jabberwock.

On the black dragon sat Alice Carroll, a woman with light gold hair, partially clad in mana armor and wielding the Vorpal Sword.

The Paladins of the Heart Kingdom and Trump soldiers on winged horses followed Alice and the Nightmare Dragon.

[Meow!!]

The Phantom Cat Cheshire enlarged its body, glaring at the black flames with sharp eyes and a chilling smile.

When the Phantom Cat swung its sharp claws, numerous mana blades extended outward, slicing the black flames indiscriminately.

Even so, some black flames managed to evade and land on the ground.

The Subjugation Force charged at them. Knights engaged the black flames, dodging their fire magic, while the wizard legion intercepted from the rear with spells.

When blackish crimson flames pierced through the gaps in their armor, the knights fought on, cutting away the burning parts of their flesh.

Kaya Astrea focused on healing the knights’ wounds from the rear with plant magic.

In the skies, the Elemental Kings were engaged in a fierce struggle against the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka.

“Angra Mainyu’s second attack is coming! Deploy Aegis!!” Archwizard Charlotte shouted as Angra Mainyu’s eyes turned black once more.

The blue light of the Aegis barrier unfolded over the island, and Angra Mainyu’s blackish crimson flames once again engulfed the barrier and the surrounding sea.

Angra Mainyu’s eyes returned to their crimson color.

[Deactivate Aegis! We must hunt down Angra Mainyu and Azhi Dahāka, no matter what, before their power runs out!!]

Aarchwizard Charlotte’s voice resonated in the minds of the wizard legion.

The wizard legion racked their brains furiously, calculating and recalculating high-level spells over and over again.

— Azhi Dahāka and Angra Mainyu show their true power when cornered. That’s when you need to use [Expelled from Paradise]. It’s the only way to win. Especially with Azhi Dahāka, its intelligence is remarkable. Once it learns how to move its body, it won’t fall for the same attack twice. So, even if [Expelled from Paradise] deals significant damage, it will adapt afterward. You must wait for the perfect moment to end it in a single blow.

According to Isaac’s instructions, they needed to corner the Apocalypse Dragon first.

— Angra Mainyu will remain stationary in the outer skies. While it can unleash massive attacks, it is burdened by the drawback of being unable to dodge. As a massive blob of an eye, it’s particularly vulnerable to attacks. Therefore, approaching it is critical. However, anyone who attempts to get close will be burned to nothingness. Ian is the only one who can do it, however, he must first envelop himself in Divine Power and approach Angra Mainyu.

From that point on, facing Angra Mainyu was to be Ian’s solo task.

Ian infused the Luminous Sword with Divine Power, ready to use the 8-star power of light, [Expelled from Paradise], at any moment.

With Ian’s current capabilities, he could use [Expelled from Paradise] only twice.

In other words, it had to be saved for moments where victory was assured.

“…What’s this?”

“New dark mana detected! A new source of dark mana has been detected!”

It was in the midst of the fierce battle.

The Elemental Kings, Archwizard Charlotte, and those with keen mana perception all felt a chilling mana emanating from the direction of the land bridge.

The mana detection devices set up by the wizard legion had also been signaling for some time.

“What? Is something coming from behind?”

“It seems so,” Noah Bartin, who had been standing beside Ian with his sword drawn, answered.

Gradually, a demon took shape in midair.

A grotesque female demon enveloped in blackish crimson mana.

She sat on a grotesque chair made of numerous entwined black arms, observing the war from above.

A black light illuminated the demon, surrounding her like a majestic halo.

[Hello, everyone. This looks fun.]

Mephisto the Contractor.

Her true and original form.

The demon’s voice echoed in the minds of the Subjugation Force.

Those who spotted Mephisto showed deep wariness.

“That’s…”

“Mephisto the Contractor. If the Ice Sovereign’s words are correct, it must be that demon.”

The Imperial Knights glared at Mephisto as they exchanged words.

[Have you all been well?]

Kwagagagagang!!!

The Subjugation Force’s elemental magic struck Mephisto, but she casually deployed a barrier of darkness to block all the attacks.

[Hehe, how impatient you all are. Rejoice, everyone, I’ve brought you a gift, haven’t I?]

The familiars of the Imperial Wizards, who were observing outside the academy, looked toward the land bridge and reported the situation to the Subjugation Force through messengers.

[Reporting! Something is coming this way! Dead humans… no, corpses!]

“What?”

The sinister mana wasn’t just Mephisto’s.

[Reinforcements from the demon side…! Estimated to be at least 500 or more!]

All the humans bound by Mephisto’s contracts, stripped of their bodies and souls, were flying in while shrouded in dark mana.

Their numbers were too overwhelming to count.

The wizard legion broke into a cold sweat upon hearing the report.

“That damn demon…!”

[But wouldn’t it be unfair to give a gift only to all of you?]

“What?”

[The truth is, I hold quite the grudge against the Ice Sovereign.]

Mephisto sneered as she watched the fierce clash between [Realm of the Eternal Glacial Palace] and the Evil God’s domain.

[Ice Sovereign, the people you hold dear at the academy I’ve sent them the same gift! I do hope they enjoy it!]

Mephisto’s mocking, laughter-filled voice echoed in the minds of the Subjugation Force.

The Subjugation Force was horrified.

Märchen Academy’s second campus.

Another of Mephisto’s zombie armies was heading there as well.