Master and Disciple

I’ve never once thought of myself as the "strongest."

I’ve had my fair share of desperate struggles in the past, and I’ve faced down a literal army of formidable foes. Even so, I have my pride. I’ve built up a power second to none, and I’ve continued to hone my craft without ever letting conceit stall my progress.

I’ve carried the honor of an S-class Adventurer and survived countless bloody battlefields as a Knight Captain. I’m sure Darius feels the same way. As do Chloe and Coco, who are standing here with me.

Mentoring students turned out to be far more enjoyable than I’d ever expected.

Maybe it’s because it felt like I was finally fulfilling your dream, Novel.

But even among the students, there is one who is truly special.

Weiss Fansent.

He had a certain spark from the moment we first met. Very few people are truly capable of putting in the right kind of effort, after all. Still, everyone has their limits. Accumulating experience is the only real way to get stronger. As his master, I never neglected my own daily training because I wanted to remain a wall for him to climb.

But at the same time, I felt a sense of pity. Mana capacity only increases through years of grueling, daily training. I lectured him on that until I was blue in the face. I honestly thought that by the time Weiss finally reached maturity, I’d already be a washed-up old woman.

But right now? I can’t even hide my shock.

How in the world did Weiss get this—this strong?

"Malice!"

"At your command!"

Far from simply restoring the demon he’s subjugated to her complete form, he’s actually pouring even more of his own power into her. This is insane.

Darius’s greatsword doesn’t just slice through flesh; it shatters bone. Chloe’s whip moves in ways that defy the laws of physics, making it almost impossible to track, let alone defend against. And Coco? Her defense is an absolute wall that stops everything in its tracks.

And yet, Weiss was outclassing every single one of them.

"Dammit, Weiss! You’re way too freaking strong!"

I can't blame Darius for cursing. Every single one of his attacks is being effortlessly evaded, and Weiss just keeps landing precise, punishing blows in return. If Coco weren’t back there purely focused on defense, Darius would have been turned into a red smear by now.

It’s all a feat made possible by the way he’s reinforcing his body with the power he gained from the Blessing of Healing and Impulse of Destruction. I remember the first time he showed off that technique. It was absolutely absurd magic.

The stronger the enemy, the stronger he becomes.

I see. Did he already realize it back then? Exactly what was necessary to win against an opponent stronger than himself?

"Weiss, you never stop surprising me, do you?"

Weiss evades every single one of my serious strikes. He doesn’t even break a sweat while keeping a perfect eye on Darius and Chloe’s attacks at the same time.

And of course, he’s not alone. That woman, Malice—she’s a true Demon Race through and through. With those bizarre movements and that reaction speed, she’s already soared past the level of a mere student at Nobless Academy.

Before I knew it, I was smiling.

I still have mountains of things to teach you, Weiss. There are still so many areas where you’re lacking.

But I can’t stop the laugh bubbling up in my chest.

You’ve surpassed me.

I’m not just talking about raw combat ability. You’ve exceeded my wildest imagination.

God, I really do love you.

But Weiss... even so, I am still your master. You might think you know the "me" from our training sessions, but from here on out... I’m going to show you the real me.