[{"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-389":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},1027330,1339,"Chapter 389: The Beginning Of The End [LI]","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-389",389,"\u003Cp>The next day arrived far faster than most expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From early morning, the academy was already restless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>News spread like wildfire through the halls, classrooms, and training grounds. Whispers followed every step, and students gathered in clusters, speaking in low but excited voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you hear?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea finally registered himself in the ranking boards!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No way...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time noon approached, the main arena was filled to the brim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Students packed the stands, professors stood near the central platform, and several high-rankers watched from above with unreadable expressions. Even those who rarely showed interest in student affairs had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of it all stood a large crystal board, used to announce ranked duels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A professor stepped forward, holding a scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face was extremely stiff for some reason...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huff...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Attention,\" he announced, his voice amplified across the arena. \"The first-ranked duel of the day will now be announced.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd quieted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced down at the scroll again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Gulp\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And strangely, swallowed his saliva audibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murmurs rippled through the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Ranked challenger,\" the professor continued slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name alone caused a wave of noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The guy who crushed Indrath!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn’t Indrath still unconscious?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The professor raised his hand, trying to maintain order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The number of issued challenges...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused lightly as his lips pressed together tightly, as if unsure of what to say when clearly the scroll was right in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Exceeds three hundred.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a single second, the arena went completely silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"WHAT?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"THREE HUNDRED?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that a joke?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is he insane?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stands exploded into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can’t be serious! Three hundred challenges in one day?!\" A student near the front stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not confidence, that’s madness!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does he think this is some kind of slaughterhouse?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even some professors exchanged uneasy glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that even allowed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is... technically.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A senior student crossed his arms, frowning. \"Even if he’s strong, this is too much. Ranked duels aren’t exactly sparring matches. They’re real fights where one can even get crippled!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After killing one of the strongest gods in the academy, maybe he thinks the rest are nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s exactly why this feels exaggerated. Even monsters get tired!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the edge of the arena, Kael stared at the board with wide eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Three hundred,\" he muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew he’d go crazy, but this is on another level.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s really testing his limits...\" Tyrian stood beside him, not knowing whether to laugh or simply cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think he can actually pull it off?\" Kael glanced at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tyrian didn’t answer right away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Perhaps, after all... It’s Aestrea who’s doing this craziness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center platform, Aestrea stood calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noise around him didn’t seem to exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahem!\" The professor cleared his throat again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Due to the unusually high number of challenges, the duels will be conducted in continuous sequence. Medical teams are on standby. Defensive barriers are at maximum.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated, then added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Challenged students may forfeit at any time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That last sentence caused another wave of laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like that’ll help!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who would even step up against him?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would forfeit instantly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crystal board flashed, and the first name appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rank: Lowest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opponent: Karl #19987.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young god stepped onto the platform, visibly shaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Aestrea, swallowed hard, and raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I-I... I forfeit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The board flashed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another student stepped forward, and the moment he looked at Aestrea...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I-I forfeit!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd grew louder with each result.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this even a fight anymore?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is clearly bullying!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, this is history!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, someone didn’t forfeit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tall figure stepped onto the platform, lightning crackling around his body. Blue sparks danced along his arms, and a sharp aura spread outward as divine energy surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A God of Lightning...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murmurs rose from the stands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s ranked pretty high among the lower ranks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least someone has the guts to fight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lightning god lifted his hand, electricity gathering rapidly. The air snapped and hissed as power condensed into a long, glowing spear of lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won’t back down,\" he said through clenched teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t think I’ll surrender just because of your reputation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barrier fully formed, and immediately, the duel began!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lightning god roared and hurled the spear forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ZZZAAAK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear tore through the space, aimed straight at Aestrea’s chest, its speed fast enough to leave countless afterimages behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea didn’t step away from the place he was standing; he simply raised his right hand, and extended his index finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lightning spear struck his fingertip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BAAAM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deafening shockwave exploded outward, causing the arena’s floor to crack and the barrier to start trembling violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lightning shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The god’s eyes widened in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, an invisible force slammed into his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRASH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was sent flying across the platform, crashing into the barrier before falling to the ground, smoke rising from his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duel ended in a single move...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence swallowed the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What... just happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He blocked it with a finger...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crystal board flashed, updating the rankings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea slowly lowered his hand without changing expression before muttering in an almost annoyed tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, no one moved; however, the board flashed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another opponent stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This one hesitated but did not forfeit. Divine energy flared around him as he charged, shouting as he unleashed his attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duel lasted less than a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>SMACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea’s open palm struck the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The challenger was sent flying off the platform, crashing into the barrier and sliding down unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The board updated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some challengers surrendered the moment they faced him. Others tried their luck, gritting their teeth and attacking with everything they had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None lasted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A punch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A palm strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each fight ended the same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd stopped counting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ranks fell one after another, and the numbers dropped so quickly that the crystal board struggled to keep up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whispers turned into shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This isn’t normal!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s not slowing down at all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does he even get tired?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of fights became hundreds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, the board flashed and stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Rank: 500]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden silence fell over the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The professor overseeing the duels stepped forward, his throat dry. He glanced at Aestrea, then at the board, then back at Aestrea again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You have completed all the challenges available to you today,\" he said carefully. \"According to the rules, you may stop here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others looked disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to continue.\" Aestrea looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The professor blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Continue?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to challenge the 200th-ranked student.\" Aestrea nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For half a second, no one reacted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the arena exploded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is he insane?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s already fought hundreds!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He should be completely drained by now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s a massive jump!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even some professors stood up in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The professor hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You understand that once you reach this point, you are allowed to directly challenge the top two hundred only after defeating the five-hundredth-ranked student?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" Aestrea replied calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The professor studied him closely, searching for any sign of fatigue. There was none, so after letting out a sigh, he finally nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd roared again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, we will take a fifteen-minute break,\" the professor added, raising his hand,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Groans echoed through the stands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We need time to formally summon the 200th-ranked student and prepare a much bigger arena.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s fine,\" Aestrea nodded lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barrier lowered, and Aestrea stepped off the platform as the crowd continued buzzing behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael and Tyrian were already waiting near the edge of the arena, pacing slightly with their eyes fixed on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he approached, both froze mid-step, exchanging a brief glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bro.\" Kael tilted his head, squinting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea stopped in front of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aren’t you tired or something?\" Kael stepped closer, poking him lightly on the shoulder, then pulling back as if testing his strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve fought hundreds of people already. You should be drained... your energy, your stamina, even your aura should show it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tyrian’s arms folded, his brows furrowed, and he leaned in slightly, studying Aestrea like a scientist observing an anomaly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah! At least some heavy breathing, or sweating, or... I don’t know... dramatic collapse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael blinked at him, then took a slow step back, pretending to measure him from head to toe. He poked Aestrea’s shoulder again, harder this time, spinning him around slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh. Not even a scratch. No hair out of place. Nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you hiding something? Some secret fatigue? Or did you actually just... not tired?\" Tyrian leaned closer, hands behind his back, tilting his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea raised an eyebrow, looking at them flatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I told you. I’m fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael stared at him for two seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\" Then nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay.\" Tyrian nodded too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea blinked at their actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That was fast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re our bestie. If you say you’re fine, you’re fine.\" Kael shrugged his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Simple logic.\" Tyrian also nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Plus, you’ve done way crazier stuff than this. Fighting a few hundred gods is like a warm-up for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your standards are broken.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you’re the reason why.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stood there for a moment, listening to the distant noise of the crowd and the sound of workers preparing the larger arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So... after the break, you’re really going for the 200th rank?\" Kael leaned closer again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" Aestrea replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s the gate to the Heaven’s List.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Man... just imagine their faces if you win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let them watch... because as soon as I reach them...\" Aestrea looked back toward the arena, his crimson eyes glowing intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll give them the defeat of their life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s the spirit!\" Kael grinned widely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just don’t collapse after,\" Tyrian sighed with a small smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won’t.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1643,"2026-06-03T09:18:17.304Z","2026-06-03T09:18:22.613Z",1,"novelbin.me","9f697fa8792a6c5367fc0832a399e0955222b0cf59bad4960a0407d2c4ccaeb6","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-486","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-485",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]