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The Academy's Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter

Nanashi_21
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Synopsis
I possessed the weakest character in my favorite game's Hell Mode. I want to survive, but the way the main character is being controlled is atrocious. It can't be helped. I have to stop the bad ending myself.
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Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: Transmigrated into the Weakest

Dawn.

Roaring thunder.

The sound of rain clashing against the pavement echoed.

I settled down, curling myself into a ball inside an open draped curtain.

Raindrops slid down the translucent veil, seeming to become one with the curtain as they froze.

I kept staring at the scene endlessly.

"Haa."

Three days. Three days had passed.

No matter how much I thought about it, I had somehow transmigrated into the game ❰Magical Knight of Märchen❱, a game which I had been playing for the past 7 years.

Even worse, I had transmigrated into a third-rate extra who had nothing to do with either the protagonist or any of the other main characters.

It truly was an obvious cliché.

I didn't even know whether or not I was in a stable period as of now.

It was all too vague.

I was suddenly dropped back to the start of my student life when I saw piles of books stacked higher than my own head. I felt a sense of dread and hopelessness.

Perhaps this was a punishment of sorts.

I had wanted to re-experience the story after ignoring it for a long time. Not wanting to bother with grinding, I went ahead and tried to leisurely start a new game after applying a cheat code that gave an additional 100 stat points, the only one that worked in the game.

Being a hard-core veteran, I definitely shouldn't have done that…

That's probably why I transmigrated.

Haha, no. That's crazy talk.

I'm really starting to think of all sorts of things.

However, it was an undeniable fact that I have transmigrated into ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱.

After living in this world for the past three days, I was able to confirm that this was the Märchen Academy that I had seen in-game.

And today was the day of the entrance ceremony, the event that marked the beginning of the game for the player.

I found out the time and place for the ceremony thanks to the date being posted on the entrance ceremony banner and the dorm calendar, both of which have been mostly hidden behind the main gate.

When I first opened my eyes in the student dorm.

I used the academy's currency, which I received as a first-year benefit, to pay for my meals.

Other than that, I did nothing but wander around in silence day after day.

With how realistic everything felt, I had no choice but to accept this absurd reality…

In addition, I had gained the ability to use magic by manipulating mana with my senses. This [Ice Curtain] I was using as an umbrella was proof of that.

Well… it's not exactly a funny situation I've found myself in.

As I was lost in my own thoughts while absentmindedly listening to the sound of rain, I suddenly realized something terrible.

This is… it's Hell-level difficulty, isn't it?

❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ began with a selection of three different difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, and Hard. The player could choose the "Extreme" difficulty after beating the game once, and the infamous "Hell" difficulty after beating the game a second time.

The game's atmosphere in "Hell" difficulty changed dramatically from the start.

Today was supposed to be a clear and sunny day from start to finish. It was supposed to be a day that marked the beginning of the main protagonist, Ian Fairytale's, chaotic life at the academy.

The refreshing music playing in the background and the bright atmosphere of that time were still etched in my memory to this day.

However, if one were to select Hell difficulty instead, the game began with a heavy downpour and gloomy weather.

I still recalled just how gloomy the beginning of the "Hell" difficulty was, with the opening cutscenes being void of any kind of background music and only the sound of rain remaining. It was almost as if it was foreshadowing the difficult road ahead.

It was in this difficulty that Ian was forced to fight an enemy before the entrance ceremony even began.

Even though I got transmigrated…

Hell difficulty, as its name would suggest, boasted an insane difficulty level.

It was natural for the enemies' level to randomly increase or for their pattern to become more complex, and with the story itself being changed as well, enemies that had never appeared in any of the previous difficulty settings made an appearance every now and then.

It was a challenge that only the most hardcore of veterans could overcome.

But I…

When I tried to check the Status Window, a translucent window suddenly materialized in front of me. It was an interface that I had seen often in fantasy games.

[Status]

Name: Isaac

Lv: 20

Gender: Male

Year: 1

Title: First-year

Mana: 280 / 300

– Mana Recovery Speed (D-)

– Stamina (D-)

– Strength (D)

– Intelligence (D)

– Willpower (B)

Potential ❰❰Details❱❱

[Combat Skills]

Elemental Series 1: Ice

– Elemental Firepower (D-)

– Elemental Efficiency (D)

– Elemental Synergy (C)

Elemental Series 2 (Locked)

[Owned Skills]

Active

– (★1) Ice Generation (D)

– (★2) Ice Curtain(C)

– (★1) Cold Divergence (C)

– (★1) Basic Protection Magic (E)

Passive

– None

Skill Tree ❰❰Details❱❱

[Unique Traits]

– None

Even for a third-rate extra, these were disastrous stats.

First and foremost, my level was at a measly 20. The average level of a first-year, from what I could recall, was around 40 at this time. Other than a few exceptions, the present students should all be in this category.

In this game, Level 20 was the level that one would get during the Hell-difficulty version of the tutorial. However, this was still too low.

Even if my willpower stat was high, it would only end up increasing my resistance to Illusion-type magic. It wasn't a stat that would be of much help in combat.

What kind of life did this guy lead to not even be at the basic level?

The same went for my skills. Considering that the worst rank was E, it was easy to guess just how garbage the level of my [Elemental Firepower] was at rank D, which was directly responsible for the power of my skills.

How did a character as trivial as this manage to make it into a place as prestigious as the Märchen Academy?

If I were to think back to how difficult the contents of this game were, it was obvious to conclude that I had passed the overwhelming entrance exam with my theoretical skills, rather than my practical skills.

If that was the case, then what was I supposed to do now? No matter how hard I tried to recall this body's memories, my head remained blank.

Rather than the past, I now had to worry about my plans for the future.

I still didn't know if I would ever be able to return to my own world later on, or if I would have to live here for the rest of my life.

The worst case scenario would be for a bad ending to occur due to the main character, Ian Fairytale, dying, thus plunging the world into an early demise.

So, under the assumption that I can't return to my own world, what would be the safest countermeasure to take?

Of course, it would be to clear this game.

Luckily for me, the cheat code is still valid…

After thoroughly checking the Status Window for the past 3 days, I was able to confirm that the cheat code for an additional 100 stat points stat had been applied to my transmigration.

While it had no direct effect on my current stats, it could be used to invest in my potential growth.

Therefore, it was difficult to expect dramatic effects right away.

The main problem was that this "Isaac" character not only had terrible specs but awful growth potential as well…

… [Ice Generation].

The soccer ball-sized ball of ice that had just been created in mid-air was the result of me squeezing out every ounce of mana I had in order to make a single block of ice.

「Ice Generation (Ice Element, ★1)」

Once I finally released the mana holding the ice-sphere in place, the physics-defying mass could no longer resist the force of gravity and immediately plummeted to the ground.

…Really, really weak.

Why don't I just create the ice using the liquids inside of another person's body in combat, you ask?

Unfortunately, it was simply impossible. This game had a setting where it was impossible to generate any form of magic within another person's body because of an inherent "mana field" that all living beings have.

To put it simply, my only power was the ability to drop ice cubes.

With this knowledge in mind, I now needed to confirm something with my own eyes before I started planning my next move.

Is the protagonist, Ian Fairytale, capable enough to get through this Hell difficulty on his own?

***

❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ had a new boss fight at the start of the game exclusive to the hell difficulty, "Trevion the Evil".

He was supposed to meet the main protagonist today, just before the entrance ceremony began.

In the future, the main protagonist, Ian Fairytale, would end up facing countless enemies. It was a result of the special powers that Ian held.

The rain has stopped.

The time has come.

I took a glance over at the clock tower placed in the center of the academy.

Right now, the time was 8:00 AM. The sunlight was finally pouring through the cracks of the gradually receding dark clouds.

I immediately began heading into "Josena Forest" which was located just outside the academy's main gate, while reliving my past memories of playing the game to find my way.

After climbing up the hill, I would be able to find a small dorm where the main protagonist, Ian Fairytale, had stayed for a period of time while traveling to Märchen Academy. Ian was supposed to leave the dorm today, finally making his way towards the academy.

My destination was a glade that would appear midway through a forest trail lined with trees. Ian would use this very trail to make his way to the academy.

It's here…!

I stopped in my tracks the moment I reached my destination.

A black-haired man could be seen leaning against a tree, his head facing downwards.

He was dressed similarly to me, and a stream of blood leaked down his chin.

Seeing his oh-so-familiar face, I was immediately able to recognize his identity.

Ian Fairytale. The main protagonist of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱.

[Ian Fairytale]

Lv: 30

Race: Human

Elements: Light

Danger: X

An information window suddenly materialized and identified the black-haired man before me as Ian Fairytale, confirming my suspicions.

After having completed the tutorial in Hell-difficulty, the player's level would automatically be set to 30. The main character, who had fainted, seemed to have already finished the tutorial.

And standing before the fainted protagonist was a dark-skinned man.

The limbs of the dark-skinned man were eerily limp. His hands, both of which appeared nearly bent in opposite directions, were twisted.

Pure white, curly hair. The infamous first boss that had driven countless players into the depths of despair right from the start of Hell-difficulty.

[Trevion the Evil]

Lv: 80

Race: Demon

Elements: Dark, Water

Danger: High

It was "Trevion the Evil".

Level 80… It's Hell-difficulty for sure.

Appearing right after starting the game was a prelude to the vicissitudes that would plague the future, Trevion the Evil. He was level 80 in Hell-difficulty.

On the other hand, Ian's level was a pitiful 30. In his current state, if Ian were to receive a direct hit from just one of Trevion's attacks, even the light ones, he'd immediately fall into a near death state like right now, and if he were to get hit by a second attack, he'd die on impact.

As a result of "Hell" difficulty, the enemy level was extremely high. However, even after defeating the enemy, the amount of EXP gained wasn't much more than the other difficulties.

The development team's gloomy intention for players to not even consider beginning Hell-difficulty without already having a high level of control seemed excessive.

It didn't make sense when coming from a plot standpoint for the current Ian to be able to defeat Trevion.

Eventually, in the middle of the fight, Kaya Astrea, the "second seat" of the "first-year's Magic Department", would make an appearance and subdue the enemy herself.

So in the end, the goal in this fight was to "survive".

Also…

Just what are you doing at a time like this, Ian?

Did you run out of stamina already?

It can't be. Say it ain't so…

Of course, Hell-difficulty requires an amount of control only attainable after training until you feel like dying from the very beginning, but even so, this is…

Trevion slowly began to approach the currently fainted Ian. Black orbs of water floated in the palm of each of his hands. It was a type of magic that combined the two elements of dark and water.

…And so, from the first day of the entrance ceremony, this world was already on the verge of a bad ending.

What would happen to me if I were to die here?

What will happen to me when there is a bad ending? Would I be sent back to reality, or… would I die permanently?

…Ominous.

I had no idea how I could salvage this situation.

The only thing that could guarantee my safety was to clear this game.

At the end of the story, it was said that Ian became a magic knight and went on to win countless wars.

Furthermore, since Märchen Academy was the most prestigious academy on the continent, one could easily live in this world with just one of their diplomas.

However, in order for that to even happen, the player must first defeat the final boss, "Nephid the Evil God".

Naturally, this game couldn't be completed without the help of that fainted bastard with the so-called title of the main protagonist.

I need to think of a solution. Now, the best way to solve this crisis is…?

Oh, right, the cheat code.

100 stat points right off the bat!

I quickly opened the Status Window and clicked on the Potential ❰❰Details❱❱ section.

[Potential]

Stat Points: 100

◈ Growth Rate

– Physical Training Efficiency (D+): 16/100 [UP]

– Magic Training Efficiency (D-): 10/100 [UP]

– Learning Efficiency (D): 12/100 [UP]

◈ Elemental Resistance

– Fire Resistance (E): 0/100 [UP]

– Water Resistance (D): 6/100 [UP]

– Ice Resistance (C-): 24/100 [UP]

– Lightning Resistance (C): 29/100 [UP]

– Rock Resistance (E): 2/100 [UP]

– Wind Resistance (D): 13/100 [UP]

– Neutral Magic Resistance (D): 8/100 [UP]

◈ vs. Race Combat Power

– vs. Human Combat Power (E): 4/100 [UP]

– vs. Other Races Combat Power (E): 1/100 [UP]

– vs. Celestial Combat Power (E): 0/100 [UP]

– vs. Demon Combat Power (E): 0/100 [UP]

The cheat code that had given me an additional 100 stat points I had entered a while back was successfully applied without any problems.

The [UP] button was active for each potential because there were stat points available.

The potential that already had points allocated by default seemed to be innate to Isaac himself.

Anyway, ignoring everything else, I immediately poured all of my stat points into [vs. Demon Combat Power].

Trringgggg-♪

[Potential [vs. Demon Combat Power] has been upgraded from E to S!]

[You have acquired the unique trait [Hunter]!]

[You have achieved MAX potential in [vs. Demon Combat Power]. The unique trait [Hunter] has been given.]

It was only natural to put everything into this particular potential in this situation. That was because of its effect of temporarily increasing stats when dealing with demons.

As a matter of fact, nearly all of the official villains in ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ were demons. Therefore, the more one invested in [vs. Demon Combat Power], the more specialized they became in boss battles.

And [Hunter] was a unique trait that was only obtainable after fully maxing out [vs. Demon Combat Power]. It was a trait that vastly enhanced the effectiveness of [vs. Demon Combat Power].

As a result, I would be able to exert overwhelming strength when fighting against demons such as Trevion from now on.

Finally prepared, I headed into the open space.

Then, as Trevion approached Ian, he finally noticed my presence and directed his gaze toward me.

"…"

[…]

Dark purple eyes. A human-esque face. An elongated body that looked as if it had been stretched out. The moment he spotted me, he grinned wide enough to tear apart the corners of his lips. Frankly speaking, it was a bizarre appearance.

[Hello?]

Trevion's head twitched as he greeted me with a squeaky voice.

It was because of this particular trait that many players had given him the nickname "Hello-man".

Trevion was a demon that could only say, "Hello."

[Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello Hello?]

He swayed back and forth and suddenly approached me with frightening speed!

Without any time to hesitate, I stretched out my right hand towards Trevion. It was a traditional stance for using magic.

What kind of effect would it have? Fear and anticipation intertwined as they swirled within me.

Then, suddenly, my heart started beating strongly, as if it was gripped by a vise.

My blood boiled, and the surrounding flow of mana grew intense.

[A demon has been recognized as an enemy.]

[The unique trait [Hunter] has activated!]

[For a limited-time, your level and stats have been greatly enhanced!]

[For a limited-time, your skill tree has been increased by +10!]

[Status]

Name: Isaac

Lv: (120)

Gender: Male

Year: 1

Title: First-year

Mana: (30000 / 30000)

– Mana Recovery Speed (B+)

– Stamina (A-)

– Strength (A)

– Intelligence (D)

– Willpower (S)

Oh…

My levels and abilities… rose sharply.

Unlike before, it felt as if I had an unlimited amount of energy at my disposal.

I willfully surrendered myself to that sensation.

Trevion swung his arms, causing a strange mana mixed with dark and water to begin spiraling in my direction.

At that moment, I released the cold air that had been flowing throughout my body with my right hand.

A geometric pattern composed of a bright pale blue light manifested itself in front of my outstretched hand.

Then, the cold magic exploded outward.

—————— 「Frost Explosion (Ice Element, ★5)」

Baaaaaang——-!!

"Woah!"

As if exploding from a cannon, a ball of ice burst straight out of my hand and proceeded to devour Trevion's magic!

The vast mana spread outwards in a motion akin to a fan, overwhelming the glade in an instant.

It easily swallowed up Trevion and soared diagonally toward the sky as if it were bouncing off the ground.

A huge block of ice formed in no time, looking like an incredibly magnificent sculpture.

With the cold air blowing around it, that block of ice gave the illusion of having been transported from the North or South Pole.

Trevion stood trapped in the block of ice with a painful expression as if he had been frozen in time.

Fortunately, the main protagonist, Ian Fairytale, was barely outside the range of the ice block, so he ended up suffering no damage from my attack. It was probably because the ice ball had flown into the sky before it reached him.

I heaved a deep sigh of relief, my breath visible in the cold air.

From the palm of my right hand, where the magic had come from just now, pure frigidity flowed, similar to smoke leaking from a pistol's muzzle after firing a bullet.

Just a few moments ago, I was only able to make a block of ice the size of a soccer ball…

And now, the iceberg that had formed before my very eyes, with various thorns poking out in every direction, was on an entirely different level.

So this was the result of upgrading [vs. Demon Combat Power] to its maximum level.

I vaguely sensed that it was possible to get rid of my magic's aftermath by releasing the mana holding it together. As if I had simply pressed a button on a remote control, I naturally released the mana flowing through the massive ice block.

As one would expect, the sharp and huge chunk of ice began cracking apart.

Craaack—

It broke down with an explosion of ice, suddenly turning into a pale blue powder, and then started to be blown away by the breeze. I guess one could say it was, "Freezing off again".

No longer frozen in ice, Trevion collapsed while covered in blood. His wounds were formed from the countless ice shards aggressively flung at him when the spell, [Frost Explosion] had fired.

Is he fine…?

It wouldn't be an issue even if I had to fight any further. I thought I could win with ease.

After a period of intense silence, Trevion collapsed on the ground while uttering nothing but a single word.

[Hello… Hel…]

A powerless voice scattered in the wind.

As Trevion turned into ashen dust and faded away.