Chapter 234.2

“But I, the Conflagration King, think differently.” (Eldmed)

Naya turned her questioning eyes toward him.

“Do you know this story, Bookworm? During the entrance exam of the Demon King Academy, there was a demon whose magic power measurement was deemed zero. He became the most unsuitable candidate in the history of the academy and was looked down upon by everyone.”

“That’s…”

“Yes, the Demon King of Tyranny Anos Voldigoad. Even he, with his immense magic power, was once judged to have no magic at all.” (Eldmed)

Naya thought for a moment, then cautiously voiced her reb.u.t.tal.

“…But that was because the magic measuring method was flawed, and they couldn’t measure Anos-sama’s power with the standards of that time, right…?” (Naya)

“Yes, yes, that’s exactly right, Bookworm Naya. So, isn’t it possible that the same applies to you?” (Eldmed)

“What do you mean by that…?” (Naya)

Eldmed grinned widely.

“It means the Demon King of Tyranny was wrong! You possess such a vast power that even the great Demon King himself couldn’t foresee your future.” (Eldmed)

Naya shook her head vigorously.

“Th-That’s too presumptuous…! It’s impossible!” (Naya)

She looked at me anxiously.

Ignoring her worries, Eldmed continued.

“Presumptuous? Impossible? Why? The Demon King would be pleased to see someone from this academy surpa.s.s him. Although, that man would strive to surpa.s.s anyone who has exceeded him!” (Eldmed)

Eldmed laughed gleefully.

“ is nothing more than one method of measurement. It’s merely one form of training. Perhaps even the Demon King of Tyranny couldn’t predict your future. Isn’t that wonderful?!” (Eldmed)

The Conflagration King spoke with eloquence and genuine delight.

“Is it that you have no potential, or is it that no one can see your future? I can’t tell. Not knowing, being uncertain, that itself is wonderful. It represents potentiality. Even if it’s only a sliver of hope. And this is exactly what makes my, the Conflagration King’s, heart flutter!” (Eldmed)

Eldmed spoke with enthusiasm and cheerfulness.

Encouraged by his words, a glimmer of determination appeared in Naya’s eyes.

Eldmed took off his top hat and pulled out a staff from it—a magic item known as the Staff of Knowledge.

“I’ll teach you how to use this. You’re too young to know your own limits. Save that talk for when you’re at least my age.” (Eldmed)

Naya wiped her eyes with her fingers, then picked up the Staff of Knowledge.

With her newfound resolve, she spoke.

“Yes. I look forward to working with you, Prof. Conflagration King.” (Naya)

Eldmed had always had a keen eye for spotting potential threats to me.

And so, I would leave her training in his capable hands.

“Hey, Anos.” (Sasha)

Sasha called out to me, standing beside Misha.

“For some reason, we’re the only ones who don’t have a double…” (Sasha)

It was the same for Lay, Misa, Eleonore, and Zeshia.

“Obviously. You guys have long surpa.s.sed the level of training that provides.” (Anos)

“Then what do we do?” (Sasha)

“I’ve got the perfect training partner for you.” (Anos)

I took out my Selection Pledge Jewel and infused it with magic.

A magic circle appeared inside it, layering upon itself rapidly.

“.” (Anos)

Accompanied by the light of the summon, a silver-haired girl, the Selection G.o.d Arcana, appeared on the spot. ?reew?b????l.c?m

“If you’re going in the Underground World, you must get used to fighting G.o.ds.” (Anos)

Sasha looked at me with a dejected expression.

“…I always think so, but your training sessions are much tougher than the actual fights…” (Sasha)

Misha nodded in agreement.

I grinned and spoke.

“Use . No matter how strong you are, you won’t be a match for Arcana as you are.” (Anos)

Arcana leisurely glanced around and then looked up at the sky.

“The training spot will be over there.” (Arcana)

It seems she intended to do it far away to avoid involving the other students.

The three of them flew into the sky and moved to a new location.

“Eleonore, Zeshia, train together for a while.” (Anos)

“Got it.” (Eleoonore)

“…Zeshia… will do her best…” (Zeshia)

The two of them ran into the depths of the Enchanted Forest.

“Now then. Lay, Misa…” (Anos)

The two of them turned towards me.

Shin appeared silently behind me.

“The love magic you used on the Royal Dragon was quite something.”

“Ah… Ahaha… I’d rather not remember that at all… I just want to crawl into a hole right now…” (Misa)

Misa looked down, her face bright red.

I heard the sound of someone gritting their teeth behind me.

“Is there something wrong with our love magic?” (Lay)

“I had a thought about it. That magic might be effective against all G.o.ds.” (Anos)

According to Arcana, love and kindness disrupted order.

If so, then love magic might be the bane of all G.o.ds.

“And so, I’ve been peering into the depths of love magic for a while now. The love between you guys can still grow. I intend to train you in that. The quickest way to do that is to have a real battle with love magic.” (Anos)

“I don’t mind fighting for real, but…” (Lay)

Saying that, Lay and Misa held hands to activate their love magic.

The light of gathered around them, rising skyward with force.

“Putting aside, I don’t think you can use love magic, Anos-sama, can you? I mean, because it requires combining love with love…” (Misa)

Lay and Misa had puzzled expressions on their faces.

Then, Shin stepped forward and quietly drew an iron sword from its sheath.

He handed it to me respectfully.

He knelt and bowed his head.

Solemnly, I pointed the sword at him and gently tapped his shoulder with the blade.

Suddenly, a vast light burst forth from both Shin and me, swelling upward with tremendous force.

“…Eh…? Is this… What…?!” ‘(Misa)

“No way… Anos, you’re just so…” (Lay)

As the two of them expressed their astonishment, I spoke.

“Did you think I couldn’t use without having a lover?” (Anos)

The two, who had been half-stunned, suddenly seemed to regain their composure, and the atmosphere grew tense.

“…I thought we could take it easy since this was a lesson, but it seems we can’t afford to lose this battle.” (Lay)

“…You’re right. We absolutely cannot lose…!” (Misa)

In a battle of love magic, the depth of your love determined the outcome.

If the love between these two lovers failed to measure up to Shin and me, the pain would be immeasurable.

This was precisely why love grew even stronger.

“My love knows no bounds. Come at me with everything you’ve got.” (Lay)

Lay and Misa looked at us with challenging expressions.

Meanwhile, Shin and I stood side by side, ready to face them with a calm and imposing demeanor.

“We will show you the various forms of love.” (Anos)