[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy":3,"chapter-the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-166":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Strongest Student of the Weakest Academy",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1027216,1339,"Chapter 166: Silverleaf Academy (14)","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-166",166,"\u003Cp>\"So, this is Silverleaf Academy...\" Lucas muttered, stepping out of the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, after spending the night in a hotel arranged by the Silverleaf Academy's headmistress, they stood once again in front of the gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, they couldn't get a clear view because the carriage was designed for protection, with windows made of a soft metal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is where Aestrea studies, huh...\" Violet murmured, her eyes scanning the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her arms were crossed, posture straight, as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It does seem... quite small. Compared to ours,\" she added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah! 'Small' is a generous word,\" Maya said with a grin, bouncing slightly on her heels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our academy's a literal city. This feels more like a noble's countryside mansion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well...\" Iris chimed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Each academy has a very different approach to magical education. More traditional. Less... showy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still, it's hard to believe Aestrea's here of all places,\" Violet murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe he just wanted peace and quiet,\" Ethan shrugged, slinging his travel bag over his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I mean, if I could pick a school without daily explosions, I'd go too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You say that like we don't have explosion drills,\" Maya teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's because we do,\" Ethan's face twitched, replying to Maya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which is the problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, wait...\" Prince Leon glanced around, brushing his blond hair from his eyes. \"Who's supposed to meet us again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The headmistress. She said to wait here. She'll give us a tour and explain the temporary accommodations.\" Ella answered smoothly, ever poised in her royal-blue travel coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And probably assess us,\" Violet added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew what she meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were a special group—the Hero's party, a royal princess and prince, nobles, and rising stars from the Empire's Royal Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they were here just because of a dungeon, things shouldn't be taken lightly, especially when there are other races involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...She's late,\" Telmo muttered, adjusting his sleeves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood just behind Ella, like always, silently carrying an extra bag she could very well have held herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's probably busy,\" Ella said calmly, not even sparing him a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She shouldn't be,\" Telmo huffed. \"We're guests of honor. At least someone should've been here already. A student rep, or a senior... not just make us stand around like—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya poked his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Relax, Duke-to-be. You'll wrinkle your tie.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not a tie. It's a cravat. And it symbolizes—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half the group said at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas exhaled, a small smirk appearing at his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, the tension eased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he looked up at the academy walls again, this time more thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Doesn't matter how small it looks,\" he murmured. \"If Aestrea's here, then this place must hold something special.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others quieted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Iris gave him a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or maybe... he just found something worth staying for.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas didn't respond right away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he looked past the gate again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand brushed the Excalibur at his waist, just lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...We'll find out soon enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group's chatter was just starting to fade when the main gate gave a slow, mechanical groan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANK.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The iron doors parted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the soft morning mist that rolled down the cobbled path, a figure stepped into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black uniform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silver accents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crisp jacket was half-unbuttoned, flapping slightly in the breeze. His silver, layered hair framed a calm face, eyes a glowing crimson that looked sharp as a sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You've got to be kidding me,\" Telmo muttered under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea walked with one hand in his pocket, the other holding a student badge, spinning it idly on his finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Welcome to Silverleaf,\" he said plainly, his tone dry but somehow... magnetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group fell quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella's breath caught for half a second—but she quickly hid it, folding her arms and averting her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Violet blinked, posture stiffening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said nothing, but her gaze lingered on Aestrea's jawline longer than necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whoa…\" Maya whispered under her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He got more handsome, right? Like, am I crazy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Perhaps,\" Iris murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He does look better... in a more... dangerous way. How did he change in such a short time?\" Iris couldn't help but wonder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rose, who had been trailing behind the others like a ghost, tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, cheeks flushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tried to meet Aestrea's gaze—but the moment their eyes brushed, she panicked and looked away, pretending to study a crack in the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Ethan stepped forward with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Took you long enough, bro!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea gave him a small smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Blame the headmistress. She dumped the tour duty on me last minute.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, you're giving us the tour?\" Lucas raised an eyebrow, stepping up. \"I thought we'd at least get a faculty member.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Change of plans.\" Aestrea flipped the badge once more before stuffing it into his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guess they figured you'd want a familiar face.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tch!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon made a soft sound of disapproval and looked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Telmo didn't even try to hide his scowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph. Should've known they'd send a student. Guess this academy really is as underfunded as it looks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea barely glanced at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're free to leave, Little Duke's Heir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That simple sentence nearly knocked the air from Telmo's lungs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella, to her credit, showed no reaction—but her eyes sparkled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So,\" Aestrea continued, turning smoothly to lead the group, \"this way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't wait for confirmation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hero's party followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea walked a few steps ahead, hands in his pockets, his tone clipped and casual as he explained the grounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the main courtyard. Upperclassmen usually hang around here between lectures.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"North wing is for magic courses. The south wing is physical combat training, which, of course, includes weaponship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's a small forest behind the dorms—don't go there at night unless you want to wake up in a mana drain trap.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Lucas kept pace beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You've changed in quite a short time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea didn't look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Things happened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think we'll fight again?\" Lucas cracked a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mayhaps.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them, Ella walked just off to the side, her expression calm—but her eyes turned toward Aestrea more times than she'd admit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Maya bumped into her by accident and nearly brushed against Aestrea, Ella clicked her tongue, stepped forward, and deliberately inserted herself between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oops,\" Maya blinked. \"Did I...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're in my way,\" Ella replied coolly, not even turning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Rose kept a healthy three steps behind everyone, occasionally scribbling into a small leather notebook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn't writing much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just pretending as her eyes kept darting to Aestrea's back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She liked his voice when he explained things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when he sounded tired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when he sounded tired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He sounds like he doesn't want to be doing this,\" Iris whispered beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…I like that about him.\" Rose nodded faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the back of the group, Violet continued with her arms crossed. She watched Aestrea carefully—studying his pace, his tone, his body language.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't look nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't trying to impress anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was just... being himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which made her cheeks heat up for no reason she could explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that annoyed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Aestrea led the group deeper into the campus, the Hero's party began to see what made Silverleaf unique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't grandeur like their own sprawling royal academy, no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silverleaf was very practical, and most importantly... it was alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very much alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The buildings were sleek with reinforced mana stone, the walkways clean and clearly warded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magic-enhanced foliage swayed in the breeze. Students practiced freely in open courtyards and hovered above training circles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But more than anything else…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Aestrea they kept noticing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Aestrea!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fourth-year girl in a battle skirt waved enthusiastically as she passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea gave her a small nod and a polite smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Train hard, Delta.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Aestrea, good morning!\" Two first-years squeaked as they jogged by, holding magic theory books to their chests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Morning. Don't be late for Ms. Lenne's class. She's a nightmare when pissed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even gave them a wink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girls giggled all the way down the path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...He's popular,\" Maya muttered, raising her eyebrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Violet remained the same as she saw this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn't the same for the other two girls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella's fingers constantly twitched as a girl talked with Aestrea and Rose's face had turned quite blank, and she had stopped pretending to write.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are they all blushing?\" Iris whispered under her breath, arms crossed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because that guy's got the 'I'll destroy kingdoms for you' energy,\" Maya replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or the 'accidentally breaks your heart while saving your life' vibe,\" Rose mumbled, eyes locked on Aestrea again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Telmo scowled harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan just grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's always been like that, even in our academy, the girls kinda melted around him, and some even approached him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you never mentioned this why?\" Lucas glared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was quite obvious, no?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they passed through a wide archway, the ambient hum of magic pulsed beneath their feet—runes etched into the stone activating gently as they stepped through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned, pointing at the large coliseum ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Main Arena,\" he announced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We hold official duels, exams, and public matches here. It's also where clubs compete for points and rankings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gates were open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And inside… the clash of steel echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure leapt across the field, blade glowing with aether.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd of students seated in the upper stands roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\" Ethan leaned forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's a match going on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea squinted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like a duel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas stepped up beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can we watch?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea glanced back at them, then shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sure. You wanted to see what Silverleaf students were made of, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Absolutely,\" Violet answered almost immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also want to see what kind of magic they use,\" Iris added, half-curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's see the strength of this school.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ohhh! I love a good brawl!\" Maya grinned widely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm already bored,\" Telmo groaned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They must be weaklings to attend this shitty academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then feel free to go sit outside,\" Aestrea replied flatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Telmo didn't move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They climbed the inner stairs, heading to the viewing seats overlooking the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the dueling ring, two students were already mid-battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A boy with flame-kissed boots dashed across the platform, kicking off a mana wall mid-air. His opponent, a girl covered in green mana, twirled her axe-staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're fast,\" Lucas muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look again,\" Aestrea said calmly. \"That girl's controlling the arena's wind flow. Subtle. See how his movements shift every time he leaps?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...He's losing balance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's manipulating his rhythm,\" Violet observed, her interest sharpening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Impressive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's rare for a student to fight midair using field enchantments like that,\" Iris added, brows raised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Aestrea's crimson eyes turned to the girl's footwork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That's Maria from Class 3-C. Wind-type user. Currently ranked ninth in the school.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya whistled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ninth? The ninth can do that? What about the top five?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea gave a small smile, hearing them praise Maria, before shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not exactly sure, after all, there are now a couple of new students that completely threw the balance in our academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he took a step forward, turning towards them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So... since you're all here, does anyone want to have a small spar?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His red eyes glowed dangerously.\u003C\u002Fp>",1879,"2026-06-03T09:18:17.304Z","2026-06-03T09:18:22.612Z",1,"novelbin.me","756b2dbeb82c41c38b3fd74b36df1cc9f0051cc9126d1ed2f7411ef656358b99","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-167","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-244",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]