[{"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-306":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},1027112,1339,"Chapter 306: Karma (XXIV) [Goodbyes]","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-306",306,"\u003Cp>Scribble...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hummed thoughtfully as I scribbled a book with an ink pen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This should be enough,\" I nodded, before leaning back in my chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wrote down everything I had seen in the battles earlier. Each strike, each habit, each strength and weakness... it all belonged here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This way, they could analyze their own weakness and improve them since I won’t be here to teach them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I didn’t want them to completely rely on this book since the stronger they get, the easier they’re going to find their own weaknesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I figured that giving a small help wouldn’t hurt much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now... I should meet up with James and Derek since I’m going to the Divine Realm,\" I stretched my arms above my head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, as I stood up, the space around me twisted before I reappeared right in front of the Silverleaf Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take me long to find both of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yo! Aestrea, you’re finally here, man!\" Derek instantly wrapped an arm around my neck, and so did James with a sly grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You son of a bich, you really got a damn palace?!\" James grinned intensely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm,\" I nodded slighly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seriously?! When the hell are you inviting us over?!\" James leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shook my head with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In a few years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You damned bastard...\" James groaned, though the grin never left his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smiling, I pushed their arms aside, but just as I did, Derek suddenly tightened his grip around my neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh no, no, no. You’re not running off just like that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I could even reply, James hooked his arm on the other side of me, dragging me along with the same sly grin he always wore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"C’mon, you ass. It’s your last night here before you fly off to god-land or whatever the hell you’re calling it,\" James said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Divine Realm,\" I corrected with a sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, yeah, fancy words,\" Derek waved me off. \"Point is, you’re drinking with us. Tonight. No excuses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t even drink that much—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both of them shouted at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too bad!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clicked my tongue, but they didn’t let go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James already had me locked on one side, Derek on the other, dragging me down the crowded streets like I was some poor criminal being taken to jail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take long before we reached a noisy bar tucked between two shops, the sign above it glowing faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughter and loud voices spilled out as soon as Derek shoved the door open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here we go!\" he grinned, practically throwing me into the first empty booth he found. James slammed himself down across from me, already flagging down the barmaid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three mugs of the strongest stuff you’ve got!\" James shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That fast?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hell yeah. You think we’re wasting time sipping tea tonight?!\" Derek laughed, sliding into the seat beside me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaned back, letting out a small chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two really don’t change.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mugs came faster than I expected. Big, heavy, filled to the brim with frothing drink. James was the first to grab his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cheers to our bastard big brother Aestrea, who’s about to leave us behind!\" he laughed, lifting it high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cheers!\" Derek echoed, smacking his mug against James’s. Then both of them turned their eyes on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sighed, grabbed mine, and lifted it halfway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cheers...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of mugs clashing echoed loudly before the three of us drank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The liquid burned all the way down. It was quite strong, indeed... it seems that it was a leverage for awakeners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bam!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both James and Derek slammed their mug down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s what I’m talking about!\" he shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James wiped his mouth with his sleeve and leaned closer. \"So... Divine Realm, huh? What’s it like? Gold everywhere? Holy light? Angels feeding you grapes all day?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not even close,\" I shook my head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes locked on me as I leaned forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But actually... I’m entering the Academy of Gods there. That’s what it really is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Derek nearly choked on his drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, what?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James slammed his mug on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hold up. Academy? As in... classrooms? Books? Tests? You, a goddamn student again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pretty much,\" I admitted, resting my chin on one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s not a normal academy though. It’s for ascended gods. People who stepped past the mortal wall. The ones who are strong enough to be called divine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Derek blinked at me, his usual grin slowly fading. \"So... you’re telling me... you’re going to school with actual gods?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The table went quiet for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn. And here I thought our academy days back in Silverleaf were rough. You’re really moving up, huh?\" James whistled low, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave a small smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you can call it that. Every student there will be strong. Some older than time itself. They’ll crush me if I don’t keep my guard up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. Even in god school you’re picking fights.\" Derek finally let out a laugh, though it was a little forced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Picking fights, huh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only they knew that I’m the enemy of every single god in there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know what? I can picture it. You standing in some giant hall, surrounded by shining gods and monsters in human skin, and you’re just sitting there, looking as calm as ever.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Probably,\" I muttered, taking another sip of my drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truth was, I didn’t know what to expect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Realm was still dangerous ground, even for me. But I wasn’t about to tell them that. They already looked like they were struggling with this goodbye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Derek finally slammed his mug down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, then that means one thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\" I asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We party harder tonight. Because who knows when the hell we’ll see you again. You’ll be too busy training with gods, while me and James rot here drinking cheap beer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey!\" James snapped, though he laughed after. \"We’re not rotting. We’ll be legends here too, just you wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Legends of getting drunk every weekend, maybe,\" Derek teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two of them started bickering as usual, and I couldn’t help but smile. Even in moments like this, when we were close to parting, they never changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James suddenly leaned toward me again, more serious this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But, Aestrea... don’t forget about us, alright? I know you’ll be meeting gods, goddesses, whatever else they’ve got up there... but don’t you dare forget the two bastards who had your back since day one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at him, then at Derek. Both of them were waiting for an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I won’t,\" I said simply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Derek grinned, clinking his mug against mine again. \"Good. Because if you do, I’ll drag your ass back down here even if I have to wrestle a god myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’d pay to see that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’d die before you touched the front gate.\" I chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Worth it,\" Derek shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of us raised our mugs one more time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a while, we just sat there, drinking and talking about nothing and everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The time we fought together, the times we almost died, the stupid mistakes that somehow turned into victories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every memory came alive again in their voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At some point, Derek leaned back and stared at me seriously for once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Y’know... it’s gonna be weird without you around, man.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James’s grin faded too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rubbed the back of his neck. \"Yeah... you’re always the one keeping us in check. Without you, it’s just... me and this idiot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey!\" Derek snapped, but his smile returned quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at both of them, the faint warmth of the drink spreading through me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You’ll be fine. Both of you. You’re stronger than you think.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James tapped his mug against mine again, softer this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Still doesn’t make it easier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Derek raised his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let’s make this night count.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three mugs clashed once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For hours, the bar around us faded away. It was just us, three idiots sitting at a table, making noise like always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for the rest of that night, we laughed louder than anyone else in the bar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The morning sun was bright, too bright. It made the stone of Silverleaf Academy glow like gold, and the courtyard was already full of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood at the center, surrounded by faces I had come to know... faces that looked at me with smiles, tears, or both.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big brother! Don’t forget us, okay?!\" one of the younger students shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, come back soon!\" another added, voice cracking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled faintly, raising a hand to wave at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. You’re all my family too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, students stepped forward. Some gave me clumsy bows, some grabbed my hands tightly, and some just cried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ruffled their hair, hugged them, or whispered small advice, the same way I always had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt strange... I had fought monsters, gods, even fate itself, yet saying goodbye to these kids was harder than any battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I turned, my wives were waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vivian stood proud, her voidflame aura burning faintly around her body, but her eyes betrayed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were wet, shimmering, even as she forced a smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t go around picking fights with gods just because you get bored, alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you don’t come back, I’ll drag you through space myself. And you know I’ll do it.\" Yara leaned on her spear, lips curved into a small smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zeva, that battle-mad woman, actually looked... calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’d better return stronger than you already are. Otherwise, I’ll never forgive you.\" She crossed her arms and muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mia’s eyes were red, her hands clutching her dress. She didn’t say anything; she just buried her face against my chest for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stroked her hair softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Maria hugged from behind, stuffing her head into my shoulder. I held her head with my other hand, stroking it softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaine looked down, trying to hold their composure, but I could feel the wind shift faintly as if they were crying without letting tears fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I approached her, and then softly caressed her long ears, causing her cheek to flush slighly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take care of the girls, alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaine nodded at me calmly, although her lips were twitching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruli and Leaf, my little twin assassins, stood side by side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t forget the promise, you’ll come back to take care of us again!\" Ruli puffed her cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaf nodded quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And... eat with us again too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chaerin was next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My adopted daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was trembling, biting her lip hard to hold back tears, but the moment I knelt down, she broke. She threw her arms around me, hugging me with all her strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Papa... please come back... please...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My throat tightened, but I hugged her back, kissing the top of her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, Chaerin. I’ll always come back to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then... Lumi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master... do you really have to go?\" She pressed herself against my hand, glowing faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled, patting her soft form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately... Eat well while I’m gone, alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning around, I suddenly felt a figure throwing herself into my arms...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isabella...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hugged me tighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled lightly, patting her back softly before whispering to her ear:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry, I’ll be back to marry you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes shimmered at my words, a faint smile gracing her lips before she reluctantly let go of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Violet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised an eyebrow in surprise as I spotted her in front of the twin brothers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea, I heard that you’re going... to the Divine Realm?\" Violet asked me with a nervous smile, to which I nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see...,\" she nodded, lowering her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She suddenly hugged me, before whispering in my ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I love you, Aestrea... I didn’t dare to say it before because I didn’t know if these were my true feelings...\" Her eyes teared up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But after you’ve saved my mom, I instantly realized what those feelings were, so...\" Her hand reached out to my cheek, caressing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I-I... wanted to say my proper goodbyes...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tears fell from her eyes, wetting the ground beneath us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, I lifted my thumb and wiped her tears with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry about it,\" I said, still trying to wipe her tears away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I get back, I’ll give you a proper response... just wait for me.\" I smiled lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Violet’s face brightened at my words as she nodded firmly, tears still swelling up in her eyes. Then, she walked away, reaching her mother, who waved at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I also waved back with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Now that was unexpected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, James and Derek stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, man... I didn’t think this would be so hard. We joked all night, but... now it feels real.\" James scratched his head, trying to laugh, but his voice cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Derek forced a grin, his hand gripping my shoulder tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You better not get all high and mighty up there. Remember, you’re our idiot Aestrea first, and a god second.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I met their eyes, then pulled both of them into a rough hug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two... don’t change, alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not a chance,\" James muttered, his voice muffled against me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn right,\" Derek added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I finally pulled back, everyone was watching me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So many eyes, so many feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All of you... Thank you for standing by me, for trusting me... and also, for making me have such a great academy life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard was silent for a moment, then it filled with cheers, claps, cries, and voices calling my name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised my hand one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then... the space around me twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their faces blurred, fading into light as I stepped onto the crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last thing I heard before everything disappeared:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come back safe, Aestrea!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then... here I was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Demon Kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lilith,\" I called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost immediately, a swirling purple portal appeared, with Lilith coming out with a charming smile, still wearing the same revealing outfit as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master~, you finally called me~\" she purred into my ear, interlacing her fingers with mine as her long, heart-shaped tail curled around my arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm~!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...Let’s go meet the Demon King, that is.\u003C\u002Fp>",2401,"2026-06-03T09:18:17.304Z","2026-06-03T09:18:22.613Z",1,"novelbin.me","c37d713720128181fe603bd8264e301d81b748772bf91fdb7831feb69584bfd1","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-307","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-305",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]