[{"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-175":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},1027231,1339,"Chapter 175: Silverleaf Academy (XXIII)","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-175",175,"\u003Cp>The walk to the lake wasn't long, but it was quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella walked beside me, keeping her hands clasped in front of her like she was holding something fragile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes would peek at me every so often, only to dart away the moment I looked back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't speak much, but she didn't exactly need to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The breeze was gentle, the path lined with soft grass and wildflowers, and up ahead, sunlight glinted off the calm, silver-blue surface of the lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trees surrounded it like a natural curtain, hiding the world away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just like Ella had mentioned, it was very quiet, with us two being the only ones here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's strange to know that she's only been here for a few hours and has already found a place like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even I knew about this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When we reached the edge, Ella stopped, her gaze drifting to the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's beautiful,\" she said softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've seen prettier,\" I replied, glancing at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She caught that—and blushed again, lips twitching into a helpless little smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're... annoying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's the first time a princess has said that to me,\" I said, feigning a sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Truly, my pride is shattered.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't have any pride,\" she mumbled, crouching near the lake's edge and touching the water gently with her fingertips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ripples spread outward, tiny waves dancing across the surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you come to places like this often?\" I asked, crouching beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not really...\" she murmured, eyes still on the water. \"I just felt like exploring a little. I like quiet places.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave a small nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They suit you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She blinked and looked at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You think so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You get loud when you're flustered, sure,\" I said with a grin, \"but when you're like this? It's… quite calming indeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella looked down quickly, trying to hide her face behind her hand. Her other hand stayed in the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You keep saying things like that…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like you're trying to make me fall for you more,\" she whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaned in slightly, resting one arm on my bent knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if I am?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slowly turned her face toward me, cheeks burning bright pink. Her lips parted, as if searching for something to say… but nothing came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she gently flicked a bit of water at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Tease.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let the water hit me, and didn't even bother to blink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, Princess,\" I said, smirking. \"You'll need to do better than that if you're trying to start a war.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She splashed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, I reached out and caught her wrist mid-motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gasped, eyes wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, our faces were close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too damn close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet… she didn't pull away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Careful,\" I whispered, gaze locking with hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I might win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, she just stared at me. Her lips quivered slightly, like she was on the edge of saying something—anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then she looked down, her voice as soft as the breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wouldn't mind losing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words lingered between us, delicate and quiet and far too sincere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let go of her wrist gently, like I was releasing something precious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You're not what I expected,\" I said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head, smiling faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what did you expect?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...A lot colder\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She giggled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you're not what I expected either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought you were arrogant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And cold.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And reckless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Definitely true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned her chin on her knees, staring out at the water again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But also... kind. When it matters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at her a moment longer, then settled back onto the grass beside her with a small sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't let that ruin your impression of me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella smiled to herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We sat by the lake a bit longer, discussing everything that crossed our minds. The kind of chatter that made time pass too fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like... a weekend during the school season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it didn't stay peaceful for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because someone got bold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oops~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella's soft voice came right before the cold splash hit my chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water soaked into my academy uniform, darkening the fabric. I blinked slowly at her as she giggled, trying and failing to look innocent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You did that on purpose.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did I?\" she said, standing up with a grin far too proud for someone so small and cute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're dangerous, Princess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you're all wet, Moonlight Swordsman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was about to retaliate—just a little splash of revenge—but before I could move, she stepped forward suddenly, grabbed both my wrists with surprising firmness, and—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uhh? Wait, where are we goi—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To fix this, of course!\" she said brightly, bringing me to my feet with strength that betrayed her gentle-looking figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not letting you walk around looking like that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes sparkled mischievously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And before I could even protest, she dragged me away from the lake, her hand gripping mine like it was the most natural thing in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To where?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll see~!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You really don't act like a Princess sometimes, you know that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She only giggled more as we walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather—she walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was being pulled like a reluctant pet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, the tall trees opened into cobblestone paths, and the signs of the Silverleaf Academy began to peek into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Students occasionally glanced our way, some even whispering as they noticed our joined hands and my dripping clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, as I noticed the familiar path... I sighed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...We're going to the mall, aren't we?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She threw a cheeky grin over her shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bingo~! I'm buying you new clothes. Something cooler... or less... soaked.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I could dry them with magic, you know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But where's the fun in that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your definition of fun is suspicious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's rich coming from you, Mister Moonlight Swordsman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Touché.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She dragged me around for a few minutes until we reached the mall, where she immediately dragged me to a boutique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here!\" she chirped, spinning toward me. \"Go inside. Pick something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're paying?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course I am. I splashed you, didn't I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you admit it now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella winked at me with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only because it was worth it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sighed, running a hand through my wet hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stepped inside, the soft chime of the bell above the door announcing our entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boutique was... pink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lace, ruffles, silky shirts, and fitted jackets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dammit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hate shopping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella accompanied me, and as soon as the attendants saw her, they bowed with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Princess Ella,\" one of them said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back so soon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must have come here with Rose and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need something for him,\" she said with a proud grin, pointing right at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The staff turned, then looked at each other with very interested smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ohhh~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Couple style?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Matching outfits?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...No,\" I said quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ella was already flipping through racks of sleek jackets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm...\" she murmured. \"You'd look good in black... but also this dark crimson…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then her eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Or maybe this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She held up something... dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slim, open-collar shirt that clung tight at the waist and arms, with silver threading along the edges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Absolutely not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'd look like a walking invitation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her grin turned sly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pinched the bridge of my nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You're impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you're shy,\" she teased, stepping close. \"But you won't reject it, will you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took the shirt from her fingers, eyes narrowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll try it on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She clasped her hands with a pleased sparkle in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're the best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stepped into the changing room and took out my wet shirt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wait a second...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suddenly halted as I looked at the mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why does it feel like our roles have suddenly reversed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was the one teasing her, and now she's teasing me...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can't let that continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that in mind, a faint smile appeared on my lips as I changed my clothes, and then, a few minutes later, I stepped out of the changing room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the moment Ella saw me—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her breath caught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You…\" she whispered. \"...You look...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Like bait?\" I offered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like trouble,\" she muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cheeks turned faintly pink again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep it. I'm buying it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaned against the wall, smirking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Trying to dress me up like your fantasy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked away, pretending to admire a pair of gloves on the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Maybe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stepped a little closer, lowering my voice just enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Should I pick something for you next?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes darted up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You wouldn't dare.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'd dare,\" I said, picking a soft lavender scarf from the display. I walked up behind her and gently wrapped it around her neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks good on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face was red again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adorably so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...D-Don't flirt so openly in public,\" she mumbled, trying to tug the scarf off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not? You already dragged me here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hands froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You're not mad about that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So… you're having fun?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I paused, looking at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, I smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yeah. I guess I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled very widely at my words, her face flushing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grabbing my wrist, Ella practically dragged me to the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll take this,\" she declared, pointing to the shirt I was wearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cashier looked at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then back to Ella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then smiled like she knew exactly what was going on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Lucky,\" she murmured under her breath while leaning the scanning tool closer to me to scan the shirt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, while Ella paid for the shirt, my eyes drifted to a display near the register.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sleek pair of dark gloves caught my attention. Matte black, with silver lining on the seams and a faint glow where the palms met the fingers—just barely visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mana-Conductive Gloves – Allows smoother mana flow and enhances elemental spell weaving precision.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Mhm...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That could come in handy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially with some of the spell combos I've been working on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I picked them up and turned them over in my hand, flexing the fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A good fit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much?\" I asked the cashier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, those? Limited edition. Only a few were enchanted properly. But for you…\" She gave me a small grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Special discount.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wrap it up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella tilted her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gloves?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're useful,\" I said, already sliding them on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The material clung comfortably, the magic coursing softly against my fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clenched my fists once, then twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And they look good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hummed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It suits you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Narcissistic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also know that I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fair enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1762,"2026-06-03T09:18:17.304Z","2026-06-03T09:18:22.612Z",1,"novelbin.me","836f6cc5844ac7b5c0168a5d583466307e57ba9a2d37106434a9347546aa596a","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-176","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-174",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]