Back Story Hunting Evaluation (2.5)

This takes place after the events of Part (2) and before Part (3) of the Hunting Evaluation.

Elt Island.

In the midst of the Hunting Evaluation, I was about halfway through after I defeated Rose Red Rivera

Before long, I found myself within the marshlands. Crossing it would be a daunting task due to the watery mire that formed a large lake.

I could build a bridge with ice or rock magic.

However, the marshlands were likely to harbor demonic illusions and enemy familiars. I could use elemental magic to get across somehow, but if these creatures were to ambush me mid-way through, Id be at a significant disadvantage.

I might be better off turning back.

I shifted my foot to the side, contemplating an alternative route.

And then it happened.

Puuuuuuuu!

Whoa!

Without warning, the swamp surged up!

Sailing through the air amidst the splattering mud was a reptilian magic beast, its size akin to that of two grown men combined. Cloaked in water mana, it was the swamp-dwelling crocodile familiar, Dove.

[Dove] Lv: 60

Race: Magic Beast

Elements: Water

Danger: Low

Psychology: [Wants to defeat you and earn praise from its master.]

It opened its mouth, baring its menacingly sharp teeth.

[Gahhhhh!]

Deploying a blue magic circle, the crocodile magic beast tried to leap toward me. Perhaps hidden within the swamp, it had gone unnoticed by Hilde.

I hastily clasped my fingers together and condensed ice mana. The magic circle of [Frost Explosion] conjured in front of my hands.

Cascade (Water Element, 3)

As the crocodile beast unleashed a large amount of water with its magic circle, I detonated the condensed ice mana toward him.

Frost Explosion (Ice Element, 5)

Kwaaaahhhh!!

The powerful shock from the explosion of frost engulfed both the crocodile and his [Cascade] spell.

In an instant, the spreading frost enveloped the crocodile magic beast, swallowing him and causing him to soar onto the trees.

Kuuuuu!

The elongated ice chunks that had frozen the crocodile familiar fell into the marshland and transformed into a robust bridge-like structure. The solid block of ice, condensed by mana, didnt crack in the slightest.

It was significantly longer compared to the one I had created during the first semester. Clearly, my mastery over [Frost Explosion] had greatly improved.

I resisted the urge to cross immediately. As I said before, if enemies swooped down on me while I was crossing the ice bridge, Id be doomed.

[Master, another magic beast is approaching.]

[Kyuuuuuu]

Drrrrrrrrrr

A magic beast covered in rock-like armor rolled toward me with a crouched posture. It was an armadillo familiar with a body that could easily measure around 2 meters when stretched out in its rolled form.

It must have heard the sound of magic being cast and the sound of ice chunks falling into the marshland.

[Arivori] Lv: 56

Race: Magic Beast

Elements: Rock

Danger: Low

Psychology: [Wants to defeat you and be petted by its master.] Ice Spear (Ice Element, 4)

Gently extending my arm upwards, I conjured an [Ice Spear] above my head.

I aimed it at Arivori, the armadillo familiar that was rolling towards me. The moment I was about to fire the [Ice Spear]

Thunderbolt (Lightning Element, 4)

Kwaaang!!

!

A bolt of purple lightning pierced through the gaps in the foliage and struck Arivori. The powerful thunderbolt paralyzed its entire body, and its rock armor was lightly shattered.

Arivori didnt have time to scream before it lost consciousness, its four legs sprawled out. Only its feet twitch intermittently.

Purple electricity began to crackle in the aftermath of the [Thunderbolt].

What is this, another?

[Master, something dangerous is coming!]

Upon Hildes urgent warning, I felt a sinking feeling spread through my chest.

Why, why? Whats going on again?!

[Kiaaaaaah!]

Suddenly, the familiar screech of a bird of prey echoed throughout the jungle.

Ugh!

Through the trees, a black bird enveloped in purple lightning swooped down and landed in front of Arivori, the armadillo familiar. Electric currents and gusts of wind spread in all directions.

Well, that certainly caught me off guard

Galia?

Before me stood a black grouse, Thunderbird Galia. He was smaller than usual

[Thunderbird Galia] Lv: (100)

Race: Magic Beast

Elements: Lightning

Danger: X

Psychology: [Delighted to see you.]

Isaac, I found you.

A rose-golden-haired female student was perched on Galias back. She was Luce Eltania, the first year top seat of the Magic Department.

Luce?

Galia hunched his head down to the ground, and Luce slid down his nape and onto the ground.

A gentle smile adorned her face.

Thank goodness I was scared when that [Thunderbolt] struck.

A sense of relief washed over me. If it was Luce, she would definitely be on my side.

Hey, how did you manage to find me? Thats amazing!

I intended to approach Luce with a smiling face and greet her, but I stopped abruptly.

Somehow, her condition seemed off.

Flushed cheeks. Breath so hot and ragged that it produced visible puffs of air. A seductive smile.

Almost as if she was excited.

A chill ran down my spine. It reminded me of the Luce from Extra Bad Ending N.13, The Birdcage, in Magic Knight of Mrchen.

[Luce Eltania] Lv: 151

Race: Human

Elements: Water, Lightning

Danger: ?

Psychology: [Wants to be with youWants to be with youWants to be with youWants to be with youWants to be with youWants to be with youWants to be with youWants to be with youWants to be with youWants to be with you]

A shiver ran down my spine, and I quickly closed Luces status window.

Whats this? Whats?

Whats with this sudden emotional outburst?

When I saw her at the academys dock, she wasnt any different from her usual self?

Ive been looking for you.

Luce steadied her breath and began to slowly approach me.

Whenever I saw someone use ice magic, Id go and check it out. I finally found you.

Only when we were closer could I make out a faint emerald-green powder faintly drift from Luces head.

Oh my god

How could I not recognize what that was?

It was a substance that oozed from those who had been struck by the spores of the Choro Mushroom.

From what I remembered, in Magic Knight of Mrchen, the choro mushroom was primarily found in the highlands.

When a creature approached, it released spores that amplified the emotions the person harbored.

For example, if you hate someone, you wouldnt be able to overcome the urge to harm them.

And if you harbor even a slight crush towards another, it could turn into passionate love.

I remember it being described in the community as becoming an easy woman.

After a certain period of time, those affected by the spores would fall into a forced slumber.

In the process of completely detoxifying the effect, the person would sleep as if they were dead. They would become completely defenseless and would lose all memories associated with the effects of the choro mushroom.

This meant that if you came across one, you had to run away as fast as possible.

How much of the spores did Luce inhale?

She had most likely inhaled a significant amount of the mushrooms spores.

For the record, the fumes wafting out were a natural part of the detoxification process and werent toxic.

Anyway,

As I pondered over what Luce had said, I inferred how she had ended up in this state.

She must have climbed to the highlands to find me. And with her keen eyesight, she must have searched for my whereabouts from the cliff.

Even if the forest was filled with trees, Luces vision was monstrous enough to track my movements through the gaps in the leaves.

During this time, the mushrooms clustered on the highlands would have begun releasing their spores, causing Luce to inhale a considerable amount of the spore.

Gradually, her emotions intensified, turning her into an easy woman.

Luce approached me as if she was about to embrace me and looked at me with a smile one would use for their lover.

I missed you, Isaac.

!

Her voice, as soft as moonlight, gently caressed my eardrums. Combined with her warm breath, it transformed into a bewitching melody that had the power to paralyze my senses.

A sensation of intense pleasure.

I froze like ice under its influence.

This place is dangerous. Ill protect you from getting hurt, so stay by my side, Isaac.

No amount of ASMR could beat the sound of Luces voice. It felt as if all my clothes had been stripped away and feathers were lightly caressing my entire bodyit was a shivering ecstasy.

No, snap out of it.

I barely managed to regain my composure and began to think.

If I had Luce, itd feel like Ive got an entire army on my side.

With Luce as an ally, the difficulty of Act 4, Chapter 2, Food Chainwould drastically drop. It would be a great advantage for me.

I had originally planned to recruit an ally at this point, as I knew Id be facing tougher enemies going forward.

However, I was afraid of Luces habits as an easy woman.

Perhaps due to the fact that I was lost in thought without offering her a response, Luces expression grew cold.

Do you do you dislike being around me?

Luce discreetly moved her right hand behind her back.

I dont know what shes reaching for, but a strong sense of unease is hitting me like a battering ram.

In a panic, I hastily summoned my inner actor, the seasoned Isaac. I put on my best acting face, flashed a natural smile, and reassured Luce.

I was just overwhelmed with joy for a moment. Why would I, hate being around you, does that even make sense?

Luce stared at me with seemingly emotionless eyes, unable to brush off her suspicion.

Thank you for coming, Luce. Youre my anchor.

As soon as I added a warm comment, Luces expression began to soften.

Brush-

Luce discreetly slid something into her skirts waistband. Though she muffled the sound as much as she could, I could still hear it distinctly from being so close.

I had a strong feeling that the easy woman Luce was a double-edged sword due to her strong inclination to keep people she cherished by her side and protect them.

She had been burdened by the guilt of being unable to protect the Great Witch of Heavens Wrath and Hansel, shaping her current self.

However, when wielded skillfully, a double-edged sword could cut through anything.

Isaac, where were you going?

To the center. I heard its a sweet spot, so I wanted to check it out. Can you take me there on the Thunderbird?

Luce nodded with a smile.

I tried to read Luces psychology again, out of habit, but quickly shut it down, feeling a shiver.

Well, thats enough of that.

Preventing a bad ending is my top priority.

I forced a smile and turned to walk with the double-edged easy woman.

And then it happened.

!

Luce suddenly embraced me.

What the heck!

I could feel the soft sensation and warmth of her chest against my own.

The smell of Luces erotic body odor and the faint grassy smell of the fumes from the choro mushroom detoxification assaulted my sense of smell.

I looked down at Luce in surprise.

Haah, haah

She struggled to cling to my clothes. Her breath was labored, as if she was suffering from a severe flu.

It seemed like the side effects of inhaling too many choro mushroom spores had kicked in.

Her earlier moans and blushing were partly due to her deteriorated physical state.

Isaac Im having a bit of trouble maintaining my balance Im sorry. I couldnt increase Galias size either Im sorry I couldnt give you a ride

What are you apologizing for? You should rest here for a bit.

Currently, it seemed impossible for Luce to increase Galias size with her current mana control. There wasnt enough space on Galia for both me and Luce to ride

Anyway, the fact that I was trying to rely on someone like her for help made me feel guilty.

I held onto Luces shoulders and guided her to sit against a nearby tree. Galia, even after being reduced to level 100 and shrunken, would be able to protect Luce, allowing me to leave her behind without concern.

And the side effects of the choro mushroom would disappear after a good nights sleep.

Shove.

But Luce pushed my arm away and shook her head.

Stay with me, Isaac I want to be with you. If I just catch my breath for a moment, Ill be fine again And if Im not, we can ride around on the Galia

Luce gently stroked my sleeve, the same area that had been charred by Roses magic earlier.

Ill protect you, Isaac So please come see me more often. Dont get hurt like this

Luce clasped my wrist with the same slender hand that had been stroking my sleeve.

If you get hurt It hurts me so much Her voice contained a hint of tears.

The effect of choro mushroom was to amplify the emotions harbored by the affected person.

Seeing Luce openly express her inner feelings as well as her vulnerability, I froze in place. I felt as if a heavy iron weight was being pressed down on my heart.

Is this a friend or a lover?

Hidden beneath Luces usual language and bland remarks, there was something that unexpectedly ambushed me to stop me in my tracks, as if it were trying to freeze time.

I sighed and gently let go of Luce, startling her. I turned my back and sat down, bending one knee and stretching my arms back.

Get on.

I said as I slightly turned my head.

Luce looked puzzled, her face showing that she didnt understand what I meant.

You said you were coming with me, right? Ill carry you.

How can my heart not melt from all the concern shes showing me?

If anything, I wanted Luce to stay by my side. After all, I couldnt hate her.

Plus, with her by my side, Galia could fight more comfortably.

Hehe.

Luce giggled playfully, and clung to my back without hesitation.

She wrapped her arms around my shoulders, and I grabbed onto her legs and stood up.

Its not uncomfortable, is it?

No, its fine. Isaac. You wont get tired, will you?

Dont worry, Im strong.

Luce smirked.

Galia, Im going to take a shortcut, so back me up.

[Leave it to me.]

Galias deep masculine voice echoed in my mind.

With that, I picked up Luce and set off. I trudged across the marshland, stepping over the icebergs I had created.

I knew that since we had Galia, we would be safe.

Isaac.

!

As soon as Luces voice rang in my ear, a shiver ran down my spine. Her tone was like a sweet and seductive tactical weapon.

What? I replied emotionlessly.

Your hands are quite lewd, Luce said with a faint smile.

She seemed to be referring to my hands that were supporting her legs.

Come to think of it, that was true. It had been so long since I had carried someone that I didnt realize I didnt need to grasp her thigh. Somehow, the sensation felt enchanting. It was making me blush.

I slid my arms further under her knees. Luce giggled at the sight, finding it amusing.

Thanks to Luce and Galia joining me, I didnt have to do much. They would take care of any demonic illusions or hostile familiars that might attack.

Thank goodness, really.

If I were alone, this would have been a challenging section where I could be eliminated at any moment.

Sniff. By the way, you dont smell like Isaac today?

Thats because I used an odor remover.

Thats a shame.

There might be enemies who could track me by scent.

I masked my body odor with an odor remover I had purchased at an unmanned shop.

But Isaac, theres something Im curious about

Yeah.

Can you give me some relationship advice today as well?

Luces voice started to fade as she began to doze off.

Relationship advice. Id been giving her nothing but stereotypical advice.

At first, when Luce first asked me to teach her how to be in a relationship, I was stumped, but now it didnt seem like a big deal. Humans are adaptable creatures, after all.

What is it? Tell me. I asked absentmindedly.

If I had a crush on someone, and they were carrying me what should I say?

I stopped in my tracks. I involuntarily froze.

My head started to spin at her words.

Am I supposed to interpret this as her confessing that she likes me? But that wouldnt make sense, right?

You you like Greung, dont you?

Ah.

I realized I had misspoken.

Maybe it was just because of the situation where I was carrying her that such a question came to mind.

Asking, You like Greung, dont you? here could easily be interpreted as, Are you confessing your feelings to me right now? There was plenty of room for that interpretation.

I didnt mean it that way

I misunderstood. Im sorry.

I moved on again.

Is there something Isaac needs to apologize for?

Luce buried her face in my shoulder. I could feel a feverish heat through the fabric.

Even if the side effects of the choro mushroom would improve with some sleep, I was deeply concerned about Luces condition right now.

I kept a close eye on Luce to make sure nothing was wrong with her.

Then, Isaac. I have a favor to ask Can you please tell me something?

What is it?

Kwagwang!

A demonic illusion popped out, but Galia killed it with a single thunderbolt.

I quickened my pace along that path.

Luce breathed heavily for a moment, then managed to calm herself and continued speaking.

Tell me that Isaac is Greung Please just say that

I expected it.

Sorry, but thats not going to work.

To be honest, I dont trust Luce. At least until I defeat the Evil God, I intend to keep her from obtaining as much confirmation as possible.

If she found out, it would increase the potential for a bad ending. It was already hard enough to get stronger and focus on killing demons.

So when I defeat the Evil God and no longer have to worry about preventing bad endings

At that moment, I will reveal everything.

Well, surely she wont resort to torture by demanding, Say youre Greung.

Huh? She actually didnt?

Youre so stubborn, seriously. Of course, Im not. For you to do all of this just means you must like me or something, right?

I intentionally used a casual tone to block Luces line of questioning.

From Luces perspective, she couldnt be fully certain unless she found definite proof that I was Greung.

This psychological distance was just right.

Luce wasnt in a position to freely pour out her emotions.

However, her next response was so unexpected, I found myself at a loss for words.

Maybe I do

Luce flashed a faint smile.

Her soft whisper resonated in my mind like a distant echo.

Luce?

After that, Luce didnt utter another word. I called her name repeatedly, but to no avail.

Her body went limp. Soft breaths followed one after another, gently seeping into my ear.

Are you asleep?

A bitter chuckle escaped my lips.

In the end, it seemed like Luces body had fallen into a state of forced slumber to detoxify the effects of the choro mushroom.

Beep

Luces bracelet signaled her elimination.

The exam bracelet continuously monitored the wearers physical condition and signaled elimination when they became incapacitated. Luces was no different.

I leaned Luce against a nearby tree. Galia, who had been providing support, settled down next to me.

Luce was sound asleep. Her head was tilted to the side, and her silky rose-gold hair dripped with rainwater.

When she wakes up, shell have lost her memory.

Galia, youve done well. The proctor will come to take her away soon. Youre eliminated along with your master, so just follow along.

[What are you going to do?]

Ill go where Im going. Thanks.

I stretched my stiff shoulders, which had become sore from carrying Luce.

Im off.

[I have something to tell you, though.]

Galia gazed at me with his eyes crackling with lightning.

[When do you plan to reveal your secret to this child?]

It was a natural question considering that Galia viewed Luce as if she were his own daughter.

By the way, thank you for keeping the secret. Ill reveal it when the time is right.

[Please dont be late. This child, she really likes you a lot, you know.]

[I also want to meet my grandchildren soon]

Im in a hurry, so Ill go. See you next time.

I quickened my pace as if running away, interrupting Galias unfiltered words.

As if to warn me to be careful, Galia spread one of his wings and waved at me. I waved my arm in return.

Cheer up.

I took a deep breath to compose myself. From now on, challenging moments awaited. I needed to avoid combat as much as possible to reach the center.

Lets do this. Ill prevent a bad ending, just like Ive done until now.

I pushed through the dense forest toward the center.

[Back Story Hunting Evaluation (2.5)] End.