[{"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-57":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},1027610,1339,"Chapter 57 The Moonlight Swordsman (XXIII)","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-57",57,"\u003Cp>\"Well, maybe you're even stronger than me...\" I added, my voice trailing off as my eyes stayed fixed on the sword in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the holy sword, and from its looks, it was pulsating with power. Even with my special mana constitution, I wasn't entirely confident I could match that kind of strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not against a weapon like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially because of what was hidden inside of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't fully see it, but I knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm sure that the Excalibur has some kind of sword spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, as the bond between sword and user increases, their power will increase exponentially, just like Lumi and I.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But still… even with Excalibur in his hands…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But... it still isn't enough to beat me...\" I added faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THRUM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pulse of silver mana exploded outward from me, rippling through the space like a shockwave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force slammed into Lucas and the others like a tidal wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes widened as he staggered back, barely managing to keep his footing by stabbing the tip of his sword into the ground for support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella, Maya, Iris, and Rose were flung backward, landing hard several feet away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas gritted his teeth, steadying himself, but Telmo… well, I'd made sure he wouldn't be going anywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still crumpled on the ground, gasping for air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted him to feel every bit of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had to pay for his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calmly, I began to walk toward him, my hand moving to unsheathe the sword at my waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a flick of mana, I lifted my hand, forcing his arm to stretch out as if held by invisible chains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Don't you fucking dare talk about her ever again,\" I spoke in the coldest tone I could ever mutter, there was even a hint of killing intent in my voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My grip on the hilt tightened as I raised my sword, ready to strike—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blow never landed. Lucas appeared in front of him, blocking my attack at the last possible moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword quivered under the force of my strike, his arms trembling as sparks flew from the collision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Agh… dammit!\" he cursed, gritting his teeth as he pushed against me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I frowned, my eyes narrowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was stronger than I'd expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a bit stronger than I thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that so?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I poured more power into my blade, the silver energy surrounding me intensifying as it pulsed in waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas responded in kind, coating Excalibur in black mana as he grunted and pushed harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"HAAA!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a strong force, he was able to push me back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the time seemed to slow down as I noticed three shadows around me, trying to attack me or keep me in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with my speed, I could dodge one—maybe even two—but the third strike would land no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwip!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, instead of holding my ground, I did the unexpected—I threw my sword straight at Lucas, marking it with a special talisman that Alaine had given me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It allowed me to conjure [Wind Steps] once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas easily dodged my sword, and just as he approached me, I was already surrounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ella's blade rested coldly against the back of my neck. Rose stood to my left, her weapon poised on the front side of my neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya's fists, glowing with blue energy, hovered inches from my stomach while Iris stood behind me, her staff brimming with magic aimed at my spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they attack at the same time, I'd suffer a lot of injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop Aestrea... you cannot win a battle against all of us together,\" Ella spoke in a cold tone, looking at me with hesitant eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are you so hesitant about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it because you're attacking me, the man that you like?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fucking hell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you were going to be like this, you could have simply stood aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And what's that face for Rose?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why are you biting your lip?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you and your group didn't bother the things I was doing, this wouldn't have happened a lot. There was a small amount of silence during this time...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And someone needed to break it, so, shaking my head, a grin slowly spreading across my face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah... you guys really are too naive...\" I said, almost pitying them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if I was alone, I could still win...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a step forward, and they tensed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But who said I'm alone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>FWOOP!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under my eyes, a sudden gust of wind exploded outward as the talisman I'd planted on my sword activated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their weapons were ripped from their hands, flying into the air as I vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaine had finally arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time they turned, I'd already reappeared beside my sword, snatching it from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the smoke cleared, everyone was looking at Alaine who had arrived at my side in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I mean, who wouldn't?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She's still a high S-rank awakened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the way they froze made me smirk. They knew they couldn't take both of us on, and the look on their faces was almost pitiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were very cautious of her, and at their expressions, I only sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, now there's another reason for me not to join your group at the festival,\" I said before turning around and walking away from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaine also followed behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't glance back once, but I could feel her mana subtly spread around us, watching their movements like a hawk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they tried anything, she'd know before I even had to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Master, do you want me to kill them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking for a while, Alaine asked me in a neutral tone. I turned and looked at her, seeing her determined eyes to follow my every order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of luck do I have to have such a loyal servant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But well...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...No need. At least...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I still needed Lucas to kill the demon king.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Demon King was affected by normal blows instead of the Holy Sword, I wouldn't mind being the one to kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after the Demon King there's that damned Demon God that I got spoiled off in one of the reviews.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gosh, if it weren't for those reviews and comments, I wouldn't know much about what to do to get stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for now, I'll take a look at him for now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if he does not pass my requirements...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'll kill Lucas myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaine promptly nodded her head at my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But still, this is a bit troublesome...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shook my right shoulder lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact from Lucas's strength had dealt me quite the damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He has grown quite strong after getting that damned holy sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, I guess... it's my time to get a power-up no?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced at my phone slightly...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems that I was going to be busy for those three days before the festival.\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>\"Master… do you really have to go alone?\" Alaine asked hesitantly, her hands carefully adjusting Aestrea's equipment as she spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was soft, but the concern in it was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, I do,\" Aestrea replied with a small nod. \"If a high S-rank came along with me, we'd draw too much attention. I'd turn into a target the second I step foot in that place\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was dressed in dark clothing from head to toe, a long black jacket trailing down to his legs. Two swords rested securely at his waist, their blades hidden beneath dark sheaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside his jacket, tucked into one of the inner pockets, a sleek white gun was hidden away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And finally, on his right hand, the mask that he had worn during the masked auction he attended with Christina stood quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be going now...\" Aestrea spoke to Alaine softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...W-wait a second!\" Alaine called out suddenly, stepping toward him with hurried steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm?\" Aestrea raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity appearing across his face as he paused to wait for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she reached him, she tiptoed up and leaned closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without warning, she pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Good luck,\" she whispered, her lips curling into a warm, genuine smile as her eyes closed briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before she could pull away—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something soft brushed against her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaine's eyes snapped open in surprise, just in time to feel a firm hand rest on her waist, pulling her closer, while another hand gently cupped her cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her breath caught in her throat as she realized what was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cheeks turned a deep red as her heart raced. Slowly, her sparkling green eyes locked with his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment, she noticed it—Aestrea's usual crimson-red eyes had finally returned, glowing faintly with their intense hue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haaa...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their lips parted, and Alaine let out a soft gasp, her gaze still locked on his. Aestrea looked at her sparkling green eyes for a moment before smiling softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be back soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaine also smiled at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be waiting...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air stirred around her as Aestrea leaped out of the dorm room window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gust of wind made her hair sway, and she instinctively stepped forward, leaning on the windowsill to watch him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes followed his figure as he moved quickly across the academy grounds, his dark coat fluttering behind him as he headed toward the central district.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump, thump, thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart started beating real fast, as she let out a shaky sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be waiting for you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With one last glance out the window, Alaine slowly closed it. She turned toward Aestrea's bed, hesitating for a moment before walking over to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The faint scent of him still lingered on the sheets, and she couldn't help but breathe it in as she sank onto the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hands instinctively reached for his pillow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pulled it close, hugging it tightly to her chest, her face partially buried in its softness. Her nose twitched as she caught his familiar scent, and a small smile crept onto her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll miss you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sighed deeply, resting her cheek against the pillow as her fingers clung to the fabric. Even though he'd just left, she was already missing his presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Aestrea reached the central district, he turned to the right, entering a dark alley. It was narrow and quiet, with flickering lights barely lighting the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whole place felt dangerous, but that didn't bother him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cautiously looked at his surroundings and continued walking, feeling multiple gazes from the people in the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people in the alley didn't look nice at all. Most of them had scars on their faces, crooked grins, or just an overall rough and mean appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some looked like they had been through a lot of fights—and probably caused plenty too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Aestrea just ignored them, while still keeping an eye on his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't know if one of them would attack him or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking for a while, he stopped in front of a huge man who looked like a wall made of muscle. The guy's arms were crossed, and his face was completely blank, but the size of him alone was intimidating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea recognized him right away. He was the same man from the auction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without saying anything, Aestrea handed the man a letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man took it and stared at him like he was sizing him up. Then, he pressed his finger to his right ear, where a small communication device was tucked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, he stepped aside and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can go in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea didn't say a word. He walked past him, heading further down the alley until he reached a door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of knocking, he pushed it open without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, a familiar face greeted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Longing on an ornate sofa, twirling a glass of red wine on her hand, while still having the same annoying smug smile on her face, she turned her intense gaze towards him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yara Devereux.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The underground queen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, well,\" she said with a teasing tone, taking a sip of her wine. \"You're back already? Did you miss me so much that you couldn't stay away?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea ignored her words, and instead spoke:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need something from you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yara raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. \"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't ask what he wanted, instead, her lips curled into a playful smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what do you plan to offer me in return?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, Aestrea's lips twisted into a cold smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be your challenger in the Death Tournament.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yara's playful expression shifted into something sharper. She stood up, her eyes glinting with excitement as she set her wineglass down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, that's interesting,\" she said with a wide grin as she stepped closer to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now we're talking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2144,"2026-06-03T09:18:17.303Z","2026-06-03T09:18:22.612Z",1,"novelbin.me","5eb20a92a068df45450fce96f9d85cf7eca15f87e95ca8c6243094ae7cd867d7","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-58","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-56",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]