[{"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-179":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},1027235,1339,"Chapter 179: Silverleaf Academy (XXVII)","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-179",179,"\u003Cp>\"Mhmn~, mhm~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As we walked along the academy's paths, Ella began to hum a little song. She was leading the way, since I wasn't quite sure where we were headed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just decided to go with the flow, however, there was just a single problem...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haaa...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced to my right, letting out a small sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella clung to my arm like a second skin—her cheek pressed lightly against my shoulder, her fingers wrapped tightly around mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her silver hair flowed behind her like a veil, and every so often, she giggled softly under her breath, giving me shivers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Esty~\" she whispered again, voice sweet as poisoned honey. \"I hope you'll love the cookies I made for you. I added so much of myself into them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because ahead, just past the old fountain—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We ran straight into them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hero's Party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Fuck...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I really am unlucky, aren't I?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They'd come out of the training field archway, swords strapped on, sparring gear half-undone, frozen in place the moment they saw us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella's grip on my arm instantly tightened as she lifted her head, her eyes flicking over the group, and almost immediately, her face turned to her usual cold demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Hello?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled, breaking the tension in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I guess it must have been a shock seeing Ella so close to me, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas was the first to recover, as his lips curled into a twitching smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea... may I ask why... is Ella holding your arm?\" he decided to go straight to the point, which made sense, considering that he likes her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"—We're dating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I could say anything, Ella interrupted me and said directly, in her cold tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And instantly, the group's expression changed completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was shocked, to say the least.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That's great!\" Maya jumped, clasping her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm!\" Iris nodded with a smile, \"I'm happy for both of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...Only those two had positive reactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I met Rose's eyes and saw her lowering her head, biting her lips. She was probably holding back tears, and that made my heart... ache a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon simply raised an eyebrow, not having any positive or negative reaction; if anything, he had expected something like this would happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Telmo...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, he didn't exactly say anything, but quickly, his breath became much more frantic and sharper than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fists clenched at his sides, trembling, the veins bulging across the backs of his hands. A low sound bubbled from his throat—half gasp, half growl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren't looking at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were burning through me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like he was trying to kill me with just his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...His obsession with Ella... is going to erupt...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ella…\" he muttered, voice shaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ella, you can't be serious.\" His voice cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not seriously with… him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella turned her head, meeting his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am,\" she said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\" He took a step forward, his voice rising, hands trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've known me for years—me! I was always there! Always helping you, looking out for you—I mean, he's—he's not even—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Telmo,\" I tried to step between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shoved my shoulder, just a little, but enough to make me tense up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You shut up!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This fucker...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, before I could punch him straight on the face, Ella finally moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't hit or yell at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She simply let go of my arm and stepped between us, slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, she looked up at him, her lips curling up into a twisted smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Telmo blushed at her smile...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for me, it only gives me shivers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Dammit... this really was a bad decision.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you raise your hand at Aestrea again… I will cut off your fingers one by one. Then I'll take your eyes. Then your tongue. Until you're nothing but a blind, screaming pile of regret that can't even speak my name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Telmo stared at her, jaw slack, confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like he didn't recognize the girl standing in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're seriously with him?\" he whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're really… happy with this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella didn't answer that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she tilted her head, just slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should go cool off,\" she said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Telmo let out a shaky breath, like he was about to say more, but stopped. He looked around at the rest of the group, but no one came to his defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned and stormed off, his boots crunching hard against the gravel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella turned back to me, like nothing had happened, and took my arm again. She didn't say anything, just rested her head lightly against my shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of the Hero's Party was still standing there, unsure whether to stay or leave. Awkward air hung between us like fog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rose wouldn't meet my eyes. Maya looked like she wanted to say something, but couldn't. Iris gave me a tiny, hesitant smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea,\" he started, voice calm but tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can we… talk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must have felt quite hurt, seeing his crush being stolen again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...But who am I to care about his feelings?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fucker just tried to kill me during the duel, and maybe...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe even if he knew that I could survive that attack... that's not something that should be released when there were countless students around us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'll get my revenge sooner or later on this fucker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his words, Ella didn't move, but her grip around my wrist subtly shifted. I gave her a small pat on the hand before turning to face him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sure?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas's jaw flexed, like he was chewing the inside of his cheek. \"Look. I'm not trying to start anything. Just… this came out of nowhere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It wasn't really planned.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I really didn't expect Ella to confess her feelings to me anytime soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That much is obvious,\" Leon muttered under his breath, arms crossed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas shot him a brief glance, then looked back at me. \"Ella… isn't exactly the type to jump into things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not that I have a say,\" he added, quieter. \"Just... surprised.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella finally lifted her head and spoke, voice calm but emotionless. \"I'm happy with Aestrea. Besides, I was the one who confessed to him. That should be enough of a reason, no?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya, always the peacekeeper, gave a nervous laugh. \"W-Well, as long as you're both happy, right? That's what matters!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah,\" Iris chimed in softly. \"I mean... It's quite sudden, but love kind of works like that sometimes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rose finally looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes met mine—and quickly looked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need to go,\" she murmured, and without waiting for permission, turned and walked off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of us just stood there, frozen in the awkwardness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Telmo'll be fine,\" Leon finally said. \"Give him a day or so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll talk to him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he looked at Ella—just for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like he wanted to say something to her, too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her gaze was distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway,\" he sighed, \"just don't go flaunting it around. People talk, and... Ella doesn't need that kind of rumours behind her back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was the one who chose to do this.\" Ella quickly intervened before I could say anything, her eyes practically glaring at Lucas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas flinched at her words, furrowing his eyebrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He's really quite dense, isn't he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is Ella's way of saying that 'I'm hers'....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded, then he turned and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others followed. Except for Maya, who gave Ella a quick hug—one Ella didn't return—and then jogged after the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they were gone, I exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella said nothing for a long moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Was it embarrassing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I blinked and looked down at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To be seen with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No? Why would it be?\" I replied directly, patting her head softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't seem convinced, but nuzzled into my hand nonetheless. And strangely, her eyes lingered on the space where Rose had stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...Did she notice that Rose liked me?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I hope she doesn't do anything too... yandere...ish.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good,\" she finally replied to my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, without warning, her entire demeanor shifted—like a light switch being flipped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cold, detached mask melted into the most radiant smile I'd seen all day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhmn~! Then let's go, Esty~!\" she chirped, her tone sugary sweet as she took my hand again with renewed energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The cookies are going to get cold, and I worked really hard on them just for you~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...We're not going back to the dorms?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nope~\" she said, already dragging me down the cobblestone path away from the academy gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have a room in the city~ It's prettier there. And quieter. And... no one will interrupt us~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't know how to respond to that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers laced tightly with mine, humming again as she walked just a little too fast, almost like she was afraid I'd change my mind and run off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which, frankly, was a reasonable fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all... she did say that she had put blood onto the cookies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're going to love it, I just know it,\" she said without looking at me. \"I baked three kinds, Esty! Chocolate chip, red velvet, and of course, the secret ingredient that is...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped talking, looking forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Please, don't say blood...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What's the secret ingredient?\" I asked cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her head, giving me a smile so wide it almost reached her ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Love~!\" she said sweetly, then added in a whisper, \"...and maybe just a little blood, but only a little, don't worry~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You already said that you added blood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She giggled, clearly amused by the stunned look on my face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Important things must be repeated twice. Besides, I was just joking...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I flinched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fufu~ you'll have to taste them and find out~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My stomach was beginning to regret its cravings already.\u003C\u002Fp>",1642,"2026-06-03T09:18:17.304Z","2026-06-03T09:18:22.612Z",1,"novelbin.me","27d18f21367e59790090e90fe9ed58b3bc3a9dd3b3a169a18e10e4b77283aa18","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-180","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-178",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]