[{"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-26":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},1027082,1339,"Chapter 26 The Academy's Competition (VIII)","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-26",26,"\u003Cp>\"Haah... the hotel's bed really is comfortable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I muttered, collapsing onto the soft mattress. The plush fabric embraced me as I rolled onto my side, the exhaustion of the day melting away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lumi's soft voice pulled me back from my drifting thoughts. She was lying beside me, her translucent form shimmering faintly in the dim light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her large, innocent eyes were fixed on mine, but I could see the fatigue behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had used her as a weapon earlier, and even though she always insisted she didn't mind, I knew it took a toll on her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here, have some sugar cubes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I said, holding out my palm to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"YAAY!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mood flipped instantly. Lumi practically launched herself at the sugar cubes, chomping down on them with audible enthusiasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked cute, like a squirrel munching on his food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah... thank god, it's one day per round, if not... we wouldn't have a chance of winning,\" I muttered to myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Academy's Competition takes three whole days since they've decided that after each phase, the students would need to rest to recharge their energies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I'm damn thankful for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slurp!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mhm..? What is this feeling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned to Lumi once again, and I felt a shiver running down my spine as I suddenly saw her body changing into a pink color, and her pupils turning into a vertical slit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master~~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice took on a sultry, unfamiliar tone, and before I could react, she reached out and grasped my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers were surprisingly firm as she brought my hand to her mouth, her tongue darting out to swirl around my fingertips, licking off the remnants of sugar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lumi, stop!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I called out to her, taking my hand out of her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But something was different... her tongue was different, it was...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Longer?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, she lunged forward, her sharp teeth grazing my finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Agh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sting shot through me as a few drops of blood welled up on my skin. Her unnaturally long tongue shot out, snatching the drops in one single movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was when I truly saw her tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a long tongue, very reminiscent of a snake's, having a split in the middle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't tell me...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gulped audibly, prompting her to look at me with curious, yet sharp eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the novel, there was a mention of an ancient creature called the: \"Gluttonous Slime\".\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This rare type of slime could absorb the racial traits of creatures it devoured and replicate their abilities—sometimes even their physical characteristics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Was Lumi... one of them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder she had been targeted by that insane scientist. Not to mention, that she must be the reason the morph weapon she became was considered a high-grade artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So... if the Holy Nation truly saw me with her, I could potentially become their target of elimination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>God damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My life is only getting more complicated with each passing second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now... how do I get you back to normal?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I muttered, rubbing my temples as she continued suckling my finger, her tongue savoring every drop of blood like it was the most exquisite treat in existence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment I spoke, she stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tongue withdrew slowly, and her vertical pupils met mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey... what are you doing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She crawled closer to me until her face was just a few centimeters away. Her tongue stuck out, and suddenly...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lick...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She licked my neck, causing my body to quiver unnaturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master... tasty~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice dripped with delight, and a shiver ran through my body as her tongue glided down my neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I uttered coldly, making her tongue retract back almost immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woah... this was more effective than I had thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if that wasn't enough, the pink hue faded, her snake-like traits disappearing as quickly as they had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In moments, she was back to her usual shimmering green form with her long cyan-tinted hair framing her small, innocent face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master?\" she called out, tilting her head in her usual manner, full of curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a long sigh of relief and reached out to pat her head. She leaned into my touch, her eyes closing as a contented hum escaped her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're too cute for your own good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, if this cute thing is a gluttonous smile...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's going to be a very, very big problem if someone finds out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaning my back against the bed, Lumi snuggled into my chest and let out a small giggle right next to my ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hope this peaceful atmosphere doesn't go away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, after waking up and finishing my daily routine, I rushed out to the arena. My classmates were probably already there waiting for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was already late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Gosh, I hate mornings...!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp clash of metal greeted me as I entered the arena. Two figures were sparring under the morning sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella and Lucas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing them locked in combat, I exhaled a sigh of relief. I wasn't late after all. But... something felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The usually bustling arena was strangely empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah... A-Aestrea...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella stammered, her voice faltering mid-swing as her eyes landed on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm? Oh, hey!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I greeted her with a casual smile and nodded toward Lucas, who lowered his weapon slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing here?\" Lucas asked, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was confused but decided to ask nonetheless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought the second phase was happening right now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas chuckled, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me guess—you're not good with mornings?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smirked faintly before explaining:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today's competition is postponed. It seems the Saintess had an issue and needed to take a day off to heal from some injuries.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh... no wonder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I muttered, stretching my arms until I heard a satisfying crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, thanks for letting me know. Guess I'll leave you two lovebirds alone,\" I teased with a sly grin, turning on my heel to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"W-wait! We're not lovebirds!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella shouted after me, her cheeks flushing a deep red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled at her reaction but didn't stop walking. Lucas remained silent, though I caught the subtle twitch of his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella's future is designed to be with Lucas, so in the future, she'll probably turn into his wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I teased her in Lavousier's Cafe... that shouldn't change their relationship, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it doesn't really matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If today is a free day, then I guess I'll take a trip around the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, something struck me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did Lucas say something about the Saintess having a problem?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, I turned back and then approached Lucas again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What... are you doing here again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas asked, exasperation creeping into his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just have a small question, I won't bother you too much. What exactly happened to the Saintess?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing my words, Lucas had a thoughtful expression as held his chin, but then, he finally seemed to have remembered something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think... it was something related to the attack of demon beasts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I froze entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demon beasts?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems that more and more demon beasts seem to be appearing around the capital, more precisely around the forest zone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And unfortunately... many people got injured because of that. Some people even...\" His voice trailed off, and his expression turned somber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...died.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I went blank upon hearing his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella called out to me, seemingly staring at my face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of expression was I making, I wondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... okay?\" She stepped closer, concern etched across her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But, my lips quickly curled into a smile as I replied to her with the same tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm fine. Just thinking about something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be going now...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I said leaving them alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His expression...\" Ella murmured softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas glanced at her, then nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He seemed a little bit off. As if something that shouldn't have happened... actually happened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella bit her lip, a flicker of unease crossing her features.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fuck...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My mind was a whirlwind as I stormed through the corridors, heading straight for the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRASH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I slammed my fist into a tree, splintering it in half. The crack echoed through the stillness, but it did nothing to calm the rage boiling inside me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gritted my teeth as I swung yet another punch at some other three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>WHY?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was warned by the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could prevent people from being dead!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And instead of investigating... damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shouldn't have gone to the academy competition when I knew that there was a fucking horde of demon beasts coming to attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"DAMN IT!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THRASH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another tree shattered, then another, as my fists tore through the forest. The gusts from my strikes toppled even those untouched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I bit down hard on my lip, tasting the faint metallic tang of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I should have investigated sooner. I should have taken the warnings seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't wait anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I growled through my gritted teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll leave a note for Vivian or something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furrowing my eyebrows, I went back to the hotel where I met Lumi and made her transform back into a sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, I walked to Vivian's hotel room and left a small note before leaving for the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The note talked about how I would probably only appear during the last phase of the competition if they indeed passed without me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with that, it was the weakness and fighting ways of every opponent that I had seen fighting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hope they can hold on without me and reach the last phase of the competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, if there's a chance of that horde of monsters appearing, I need to make sure they die before it's too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I told the Sword Circle or the Holy Nation, they probably wouldn't believe it. So, I'll need to make this my own way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was still wearing my Leader's Suit as I walked down the forest, and couldn't see my expression, sometimes I couldn't help but think...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this an expression by Aestrea or me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or both of us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew we had become a single entity, but still...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt strange, this rage coming deeply from my heart. I was never infuriated like this before, but why was I so mad?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon enough...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something reached my nostrils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disgusting smell of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>",1747,"2026-06-03T09:18:17.018Z","2026-06-03T09:18:22.334Z",1,"novelbin.me","3a1e2a91ed0d994a09a3913a4a33edd0ab64bea9326ce99ed046ecfe8958b2e3","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-27","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-25",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]