The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter
chapter-262

Ice crystals spread out.

The explosion of bright and powerful ice mana shattered the solid ice barrier of the Second Legion Commander, Karius, and engulfed him.

Isaac had only cast a [Frost Explosion] powerful enough to subdue Karius. The blow hit Karius’ stomach and he flew like a ball, crashing into the wall.

The ice chunks that formed instantly with the explosions soon turned into mana dust and dissolved into the air.

“Kugh!”

Karius let out a single scream.

I… didn’t let my guard down.

He had been hit despite being on guard.

Isaac’s movements were far beyond his expectations.

More than doubt, he was amazed.

Was it body-enhancing magic? No, if it were, he would have sensed it and reacted immediately. It was clearly the raw ability of the Ice Sovereign.

Moreover, Karius’ trusted defense had shattered like a glass window.

To be in this state after just one exchange. With such a gap in level, it was more awe-inspiring than damaging to his pride.

It felt like facing an unbreakable and insurmountable wall.

The cold that penetrated his bones greatly slowed his movements and caused intense pain. His consciousness was fading, but Karius tried to hold on.

Failing in a duel, especially after just one exchange, was unacceptable to him.

He raised his head and at that moment…

“You’re slow, even at getting up.”

“…!”

Isaac was already there in front of Karius.

He covered that distance already…?

Karius couldn’t understand it. It seemed as if Isaac was ignoring even the laws of physics.

“If it were a real battle, you’d already be dead.”

Kwaaak!!

With an emotionless remark, Isaac kicked Karius in the head. It was powerful and sharp.

The sound of bones breaking. With a short gust of wind, Karius’ body was blown away.

Karius then rolled on the ground before finally sprawling unconscious.

“...Duel over. The Lord wins.”

The duel ended.

It wasn’t even a contest.

The First Legion Commander Dorhan and Third Legion Commander Isabel broke out in a cold sweat. Knowing Karius’ strength, this absurdly brief duel felt extremely dramatic.

Fourth Legion Commander Erich narrowed her eyes and gave a meaningful smile.

“How is this even possible…?”

Isabel lamented.

All she saw of Isaac’s movement was a step forward. It was almost like teleportation.

It would have been impressive enough if it was teleportation magic.

But it wasn’t, which made it even more astonishing and fascinating.

As the Ice Sovereign, Isaac not only excelled in ice magic but also had immense physical strength. The recent exchange surpassed perfection.

How could he fight so elegantly? Where did such overwhelming strength come from?

He was truly a powerhouse worthy of the title “Ice Sovereign”. Reflecting on Isaac’s heroic tale and the duel just now, Isabel felt even more moved.

A smile crept up on her face.

***“Heal him.”

I instructed Dorhan, who was looking at Karius with a shocked expression, gesturing towards Karius.

“Understood. Heal him now.”

“Yes!”

Dorhan relayed my command to the attendants who were on standby.

The attendants approached Karius and used healing magic.

“Anyone else?”

I looked around at the remaining Legion Commanders. It was better to settle everything in one go.

Soon, the Third Legion Commander Isabel’s eyes sparkled as she quickly ran towards me.

“Masteeeer!”

“Huh?”

Isabel knelt on one knee before. There was overwhelming power even in her subservience.

Isabel looked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

What’s with her?

“That was an absolutely perfect match! You are truly someone worthy of my service! I could not be more honored to serve you, my Lord!”

She was incredibly excited.

“Calm down…”

“Third Legion Commander Isabel is captivated by your strength, my Lord! I swear here and now to devote my life to serving you!”

Isabel Silverwolf. Although she was the most reckless and muscle-brained among the four Legion Commanders, she was also the most reliable.

It seemed she was deeply moved by my display of power against Karius, with the Shadow Step that Gerald taught me and the delicate [Frost Explosion].

Given that even ordinary people would be amazed by such skills, it must have been even more astonishing to Isabel, who was well-versed in combat.

This feels good.

I wanted to take care of her first.

It might seem petty, but I was only human. Naturally, I would be more inclined toward those who showed favor to me from the start.

As I patted Isabel’s shoulder, she seemed overjoyed, as if even physical contact was an honor.

The other Legion Commanders also looked at me with surprised expressions.

Having proven that I could easily subdue a Legion Commander, they felt not just respect but also a sense of helplessness.

“Erich.”

“Yes.”

At my call, Fourth Legion Commander Erich responded with an innocent smile.

“You sided with Karius earlier, didn’t you? If you have any complaints, let’s settle them right here.”

“You exceeded my expectations. It was so perfect that I don’t have any complaints anymowe.”

Despite her slurred speech due to the alcohol, Erich was sincere.

“Is that so?”

These people were my subordinates, and it was our first meeting. It wasn’t wrong for them to be cautious until they saw my abilities firsthand.

Now, there was no need to expend unnecessary energy.

“Good to hear.”

I put my glasses back on.

“We’re done here. You’re dismissed.”

I left the dueling ground.

I heard the clatter of clothes and armor behind me. It was the sound of the Legion Commanders saluting me.

***“Your Majesty!”

“You must be the Grand Regent.”

“Yes! I am Richard Matthews, the 23rd Grand Regent!”

“Oh, I see…”

In the reception room, I met the boisterous Grand Regent. He was a middle-aged man with graying hair and a beard. He had noticeable dark circles under his eyes.

I sat in a chair while the Grand Regent Richard Matthews knelt on one knee before me.

Among the attendants, Alice Carroll and the humanoid Frost Dragon watched us from a distance.

“Hilde, what’s a Grand Regent?”

[In my memory, it’s a position that acts on behalf of the Ice Sovereign. They can carry out the duties of the Ice Sovereign to a limited extent. My previous master established it.]

“I see.”

I overheard Alice and Hilde’s conversation. Hilde had remarkably remembered things from a thousand years ago.

The Grand Regent’s role was similar to that of a Prime Minister in my past life’s country.

“Hicc, it’s an incredible honor to serve the Ice Sovereign while I’m still alive…! I never imagined I would experience such glory in my lifetime!”

The Grand Regent Richard Matthews looked like he was about to shed tears of joy.

Isn’t he being too fake?

He’s just happy he can slack off now.

It seemed his joy stemmed from finally being relieved of his duties. Well, it wasn’t exactly wrong, considering the tasks he performed were ones I should take over.

Perhaps, the original Ice Sovereign created the position of Grand Regent with the intention of offloading responsibilities.

Still, it’s very human.

I found it endearing. It showed that he had worked diligently and responsibly, despite also enjoying the taste of power.

Given his reputation for ethical conduct, he was even more likable. According to my [Psychological Insight], he seemed to have no ill intentions.

“You’re aware that I plan to return to the Empire and come back later, correct?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Not at all. My role is to support this country and wait until His Majesty fulfills his purpose.”

Grand Regent Richard showed no sign of displeasure, only regret.

He seemed genuinely pleased, knowing he only had to endure for another year. His positive attitude was a relief.

“The coronation is tomorrow, so rest well until then. I will serve you with my life, Your Majesty.”

That wasn’t necessary. It felt burdensome.

“Uh… Thanks, Richard.”

“No need to thank me, Your Majesty! By the way… if it’s not too bold to ask, may I ask you something?”

“You may. What is it?”

Richard glanced at Alice and Hilde, then cautiously asked.

“Which of the esteemed guests you brought with you will be the main consort…?”

He was asking about Dorothy, Alice, and Hilde.

Dorothy wasn’t here because she was meditating and refining her fairy magic somewhere with a good view.

In any case, all three were my guests. The palace would treat them equally well.

But knowing who the main consort would be would allow for national-level consideration. It was a reasonable question.

Alice’s hair stood on end. I noticed her shoulders briefly shaking. She was obviously on edge.

On the other hand, Hilde, being a familiar and hence not a contender, remained expressionless.