Chapter 1: - Possessed the Weakest

༺ Possessed the Weakest ༻

Dawn.

Roaring thunder.

The sound of rain clashing against the pavement echoed.

I settled down while being curled up in the open draped curtain.

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

I kept staring at the scene endlessly.

"Aahh."

Three days. It was already the third day.

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

Even worse, it was as a third-rate extra who had nothing to do with either the hero or any of the other main characters.

It truly was an obvious cliché.

I don't even know whether or not I'm in a stable period right now.

It was all too vague.

Being suddenly dropped back to the start of my student life, when I saw the piles of books stacked taller than my own height, I felt a sense of dread and hopelessness.

Perhaps this was a punishment.

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 the stat 100 cheat code, the only one that works in the game.

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

'That's probably why I transmigrated.'

Haha, that would be crazy.

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 the game.

And that today is 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 dormitory calendar, both of which have been mostly hidden behind the main gate.

When I first opened my eyes in the student dormitory.

I used the academy's own currency, which I received as a freshman benefit, to pay for my meals.

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

With how realistic it all 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'm 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❱ begins with a selection of three different difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, and Hard. You can 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 changes dramatically from the start.

Today was supposed to be a clear and sunny day from start to finish, as usual. It was a good day to mark the beginning of the main character, Ian Fairytale's, chaotic life at the academy.

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

However, if you were to select Hell difficulty instead, the game begins with heavy downpour and gloomy weather.

I still remember 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.

And it was in this difficulty that Ian is 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 make 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: 1st

Title: Freshman

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 Attributes] - 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 freshmen, from what I can 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 you would get during the Hell-difficulty version of the tutorial. However, it was too low.

Even if my willpower stat is high, it will only end up increasing my resistance to Illusion-type magic. It's not 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 goes for my skills. Considering that the worst grade is E, it's easy to guess just how garbage the level of my [Elemental Firepower] D-grade is, which is directly responsible for the power of my skills.

Just how did a trivial character such as this manage to make it into somewhere as prestigious as the Märchen Academy?

If I were to think back to how difficult the contents of this game were, it was an obvious conclusion to make 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 was if the world had a bad ending as a result of the death of the main character, Ian Fairytale, and I died along with everyone else.

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.

'It's lucky that the cheat is still valid...'

After thoroughly checking the status window for the past 3 days, I was able to confirm that the stat 100 cheat had been applied to me as is.

While it has no direct effect on my stats, it can be used to invest in my potential growth.

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

The main problem is that this 'Isaac' character not only had terrible specs but awful growth potential as well...

'... [Ice Generation].'

The ball of ice that had just been created mid-air with my mana was only the size of a soccer ball. It was the result created by squeezing out every ounce of mana I have 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 fell to the ground.

...Really, really weak.

Why didn't I create the ice using the liquids inside of another person's body in combat, you ask? Sadly enough, it was simply not possible. 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 force field' that all living beings have.

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

Knowing that, I now needed to make sure with my own two eyes before doing anything.

Is the main character, Ian Fairytale, capable enough to get through this hellish difficulty appropriately 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 is supposed to meet the main character today, just before the entrance ceremony begins.

In the future, the main character, Ian Fairytale, will end up facing countless enemies. It was a result of the special powers that Ian holds.

'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 is 8:00 AM. The sunlight was finally pouring through the cracks of the gradually receding dark clouds.

I immediately began heading into the 'Josena Forest' that 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 dormitory where the main character, Ian Fairytale, had stayed for a period of time while traveling to the Märchen Academy. Ian is supposed to leave the dormitory today, finally making his way towards the academy.

My destination was a glade that would appear midway through a forest trail lined with trees. It was the place where Ian was supposed to be while on 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 who he was.

Ian Fairytale. He was 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, your level will be automatically set to 30. The main character, who had been knocked out over there, 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 their 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 the Hell difficulty.

[Trevion the Evil] Lv: 80

Race: Demon

Elements: Darkness, Water

Danger: High

It was 'Trevion the Evil'.

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

Appearing right after starting the game, is the enemy who can see into the future, Trevion the Evil. He was level 80 on Hell difficulty.

On the other hand, Ian's level was a pitiful 30. In his current state, if Ian were to get a direct hit from just one light attack from Trevion, he'll immediately fall into a moribund state like right now, and if he were to get hit by a second attack, he'll die instantly.

As a result of the 'Hell' difficulty, the enemy level was extremely high. Even after defeating it, the amount of experience gained wasn't much more than the other difficulties.

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

It doesn'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 Astrean, the 'Second seat' of the 'Freshmen Class Magic Department', would make an appearance and subdue the enemy herself.

So in the end, the goal in this fight was to keep 'holding on'.

By the way...

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

Did you run out of stamina right away?

It can't be. Please no...

Of course, the 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 not...

Trevion slowly began to approach the currently knocked-out 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 darkness 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... do I die permanently?

...Ominous. I had no idea what to do to salvage this situation.

The only thing most likely to guarantee my safety is to clear this game.

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

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

However, in order to do that, you must first defeat the final boss, 'Nephid the Evil God'.

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

Let's hurry up and try to think of a solution. Now, the best way to solve this crisis is...?

'Oh, the Cheat.'

The 100 Stat Bonus cheat!

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. Heavenly Beings Combat Power (E): 0/100 [UP]

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

The 100 stat bonus cheat 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 improved from E-class to S-class!] [You have acquired the unique trait [Hunter]!] [vs. Demon Combat Power Highest Level. This gave you the unique trait 'Hunter'].

It was only natural to put everything into this particular potential in this situation. That's 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❱ are demons. Therefore, the more you invest in [vs. Demon Combat Power], the more specialized you become in boss battles.

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

As a result, I will be able to exert overwhelming strength when fighting against demons like 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.

1AI made

[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 a nickname. It was 'Hello-man'.

Trevion was a demon that can 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 will 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.

[The demon has been recognized as an enemy.] [The unique trait [Hunter] is activated!] [The level and stats are temporarily greatly enhanced!] [The skill tree temporarily becomes +10!] [Status] Name: Isaac

Lv: (120)

Gender: Male

Year: 1st

Title: Freshman

Mana: (30000) / (30000)- Mana Recovery Speed (B+)

- Stamina (A-)

- Strength (A)

- Intelligence (D)

- Willpower (S)

'Oh...'

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 feeling.

Trevion swung his arms, causing a strange mana mixed with darkness 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 blue light manifested itself in front of my outstretched right hand

Then, the cold magic exploded.

「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 made up of ice spread outwards in a motion akin to a fan all at once and overwhelmed the glade in an instant.

It easily swallowed up Trevion and then soared diagonally towards 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 to 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 character, Ian Fairytale, was barely outside the range of the ice block, so he had 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 white cold air was flowing out, 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...

On the other hand, the iceberg that had formed before my very eyes, with various thorns poking out in every direction, was on a different level entirely.

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 turned into a light blue-colored powder, and then started to be blown away by the breeze. I guess you could say it was 'freezing off'.

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 skill, [Frost Explosion] had occurred.

'Is it 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 still uttering the word.

[Hello... Hel...]

A powerless voice scattered in the wind.

As Trevion turned into ashen dust and faded away.

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