[{"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-167":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},1027217,1339,"Chapter 167: Silverleaf Academy (15)","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-167",167,"\u003Cp>The air in the arena seemed to be still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea's voice wasn't loud, but it also didn't need to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas raised an eyebrow, his lips raising to a small smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was hoping you'd ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya immediately perked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"OHHHHH, this is what I signed up for!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris gave her a strange look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You said that about the hotel breakfast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because it slapped,\" Maya shot back, then turned toward Aestrea, bouncing on her heels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what are we doing? A one-on-one? A group match? A tournament?! No, wait, I know—duels until someone cries!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Violet stood quietly in her place, looking at Aestrea, and so did Rose; neither of them didn't necessarily want to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this really necessary? We're here as guests, not some kind of gladiators.\" Telmo scoffed, crossing his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Uh?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea raised an eyebrow at Telmo's words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was the first one to start a fight back at the Royal Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't mind,\" Leon said coolly, eyeing Aestrea with a detached air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it's to understand the strength of this place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah,\" Ethan nodded with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm totally in. It's been a while since I sparred against you, Aestrea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her light blue eyes locked with Aestrea's for a moment. She did not speak at all and only stared at him for a few seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, finally, she said softly,\" Not right now. Maybe later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That answer alone made Telmo twitch like he'd been slapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea didn't press her. He simply gave a small nod, then stepped down into the ring, his long coat trailing behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright then,\" he said, lifting his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A signal rune flickered into the air above the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From above, the crowd of Silverleaf students stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voices buzzed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, is that—?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea's gonna spar?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who's he fighting?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the academy staff activated the speaker rune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>«Sparring match initiated: Hero Party vs. Silverleaf's Students - Arena Exhibition.»\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas hopped down after Aestrea, cracking his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's see how strong you've gotten in this short of a time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea glanced sideways at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he took a few steps back, standing at the other edge of the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across from him, Lucas rolled his shoulders and pointed his sword forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackling black flames slithered to life across the blade, and lightning began to snake around his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demon Slaying Sword Art...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A burst of mana surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Corrupted Sword! (✦ Advanced-level Swordsmanship (B+) ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>FWOOOOOSH—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas launched forward. The air howled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blade swept from left to right in a brutal arc—black fire trailing behind like a hungry serpent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea's palm snapped upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword of translucent ice formed midair—just in time to intercept the slash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KRRSH—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ice shattered on impact, shards bursting out in every direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Aestrea was already moving. He pivoted low, the hem of his coat dragging. With his free hand, frost condensed in a snap—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Ice Series: Ice Fang! (✦ 2nd-Level Spell ✦)』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BAM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shard of sharpened ice blasted out like a bullet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas twisted mid-lunge, barely dodging as the spike whizzed past his face—grazing his cheek with a thin line of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His boots hit the ground, and lightning flared brighter on his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demon Slaying Sword Art—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Devastation Sword! (✦ Advanced-level Swordsmanship (A) ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swung vertically with crushing force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOOOM—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground cracked under the pressure. A column of black fire erupted from the blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea's form blurred—FWOOSH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sidestepped the strike, frost exploding beneath his feet as he zipped sideways with sudden speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Mixed Ice Series: Frost Step! (✦ 3rd-level Spell ✦)』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas spun, catching Aestrea's movement—and thrust his blade forward in a lunge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>SHNK—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea deflected with a second ice blade—just before it crumbled in his grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using the split-second opening, he raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Ice Series: Frost Spikes! (✦ 3rd-level Spell ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spikes of ice jutted up from the arena floor like a minefield, forcing Lucas into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he wasn't surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas twisted in midair—his sword flaring again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demon Slaying Sword Art…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Breaking the Sky! (✦ A+ level Swordsmanship ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KA-THOOM—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thunderous boom echoed across the arena as Lucas cleaved downward mid-flight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A line of raw destruction tore across the arena, shearing through ice and stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea planted his foot, raised both hands—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Ice Series: Ice Wall! (✦ 3rd-Level Spell ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thick sheet of ice erupted in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attack slammed into it like a meteor—shattering it instantly, but blunting the worst of the force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea slid back, heels grinding against the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frost coiled around his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled, mist fogging from his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new blade of ice materialized—jagged and wicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>FLASH—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He burst forward, low to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas was ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their swords clashed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANG!! CLANG!! SHIIINK!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flurry of rapid strikes. Aestrea slashed low—Lucas blocked. Lucas countered with an upward arc—Aestrea ducked and kicked out—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THUD!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boot to ribs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas skidded back, coughing once, flames hissing from his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both of them moved at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their powers ignited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demon Slaying Sword Art...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Piercing Sword! (✦ S-level Swordsmanship ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Mixed Ice Series: Frozen Mirage! (✦ 4th-level Spell ✦)』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>WHOOSH—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas thrust his sword forward—a line of black flame ripped across the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it hit nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea's image flickered—vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A boot slammed into Lucas' side from behind, launching him across the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd screamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas rolled, flipped mid-air, and landed in a crouch—panting, blood at the corner of his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wiped it with the back of his hand, eyes gleaming with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've gotten better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea raised an eyebrow at his words, one hand out, frost climbing up his arm like armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you've gotten louder than before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, from the stands above, the air was buzzing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just from the mana pressure, but from the stunned silence of Silverleaf students and the Hero's Party alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…He had the upper hand against Lucas. With an ice sword that keeps breaking....\" Violet murmured, feeling a little taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew that Aestrea was really strong, but she totally didn't expect that he would still have the upper hand against Lucas after he had gotten stronger in such a short period of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Lucas is the Hero, the one who's supposed to slay the Demon King and bring peace all over the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rose nodded silently beside her, fingers clenched tight around the railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris blinked twice, then leaned toward Maya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're seeing this, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya's grin was ear to ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn right I am! This is SICK!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is Lucas seriously going at full strength… just for fun?\" Ethan whispered, watching intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea... didn't even reveal his aura, much less, he's not using magic above the fourth-level... How high is the difference between us?\" he sighed inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella's blue eyes never left the field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers curled slightly around the edge of her sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...He's holding back, isn't he?\" she muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That time against the Archdemon... or against all six of us, he was definitely stronger; however, his control now seems even more proficient than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tch. That guy's enjoying this too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Show-off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next to him, Telmo crossed his arms, tightening his jaw in disgust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd of Silverleaf students was no quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or Senior is really stronger than the hero?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea's movements are ridiculous!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you see that Frozen Mirage just now?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Aestrea is so cool…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheers and gasps rippled across the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Down below, Lucas stood and rolled his shoulders again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mouth curled into a wider grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now this is more like it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his hand—and mana surged like a thunderstorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK-CRACK—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bolts of electricity spiraled around his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Lightning Bolt! (✦ 3rd-level Spell ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ZRAAAK—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lance of lightning shot forward like a laser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea raised his ice sword, stepping sideways with a twist—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bolt blasted into the ground beside him, scorching the tiles and sending debris flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas didn't pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Lightning Flash! (✦ 4th-level Spell ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His entire body lit up in a burst of white-blue light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>FWOOOOOSH—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea's eyes sharpened just in time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ZSHHH—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas reappeared above him mid-air, sword raised, lightning trailing behind him like a dragon's tail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came down fast—faster than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demon Slaying Sword Art…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Piercing Sword! (✦ S-level Swordsmanship ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thrust screamed downward with pinpoint force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea leapt backward, barely evading—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tip of Lucas' sword exploded on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crater formed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea landed on the other side, his boots skidding across the cracked arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Lucas didn't stop at all and continued with his attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Consecutive Lightning Strikes! (✦ 6th-level Spell ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ZRAK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ZRAK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ZRAK!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Multiple lightning bolts rained from the sky in a staggered pattern—each slamming down toward Aestrea's position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOM—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dust clouds rose from the impacts, electricity dancing across the stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rose gasped and took a step forward, her hands trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Violet held her back with a firm hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the smoke cleared—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACKLE—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dome of layered frost stood at the center of the destruction, steaming slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Shield Series: Winter's Barrier! (✦ 6th-level Spell ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within it, Aestrea knelt low, arm raised, ice blooming up his shoulder like a shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood slowly, the frost fading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…You're pretty loud.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas chuckled, stepping into view through the smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why don't you stop holding back? Or do I need to turn it up first?\" He raised his sword, steady and bold, the tip aimed straight at Aestrea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes held an unyielding determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea sighed at his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, he smiled lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes glowed sinisterly, turning into a crescent red moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's shift gears.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1651,"2026-06-03T09:18:17.304Z","2026-06-03T09:18:22.612Z",1,"novelbin.me","35ee70e0123c5fb5d27951907803e2f62b94268213bcadfc0e9535c504000566","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-245","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-166",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]