A Genius Boy Who Was Exiled From His Family Home for “Not Being Able To Use Magic” Becomes a Witch’s Apprentice and Masters All Magic in the Right Way. This Is How You Use Your Magic, You Know?

Chapter 113.2. The Abyss Of Darkness

“Such a thing…”

Thus, Katia, who had joined the battle a beat too late, first grits her teeth.

The expression on her face is not one of doubt but of understanding.

This is because she had been informed in advance by Hermes about the true nature of Clyde’s magic. Additionally, she knew the characteristics of that type of magic as far as his knowledge extended.

In other words—she was already convinced that Clyde was the one causing this phenomenon.

For now, the goal is to be set aside; it’s probably not anything good anyway. The black wall covering the school is also something to be cautious of, but since there is no direct damage at this moment, it should be pushed aside for now.

What should be prioritized right now is the swarm of these monsters.

…Because it is clearly abnormal. The movements that had cornered Count Geist earlier were particularly striking.

Minimizing damage through advanced formation changes.

Skillful herding of fleeing prey to specific spots.

Coordination that creates high combat results by gathering monsters of the same type and working together.

And so on—this swarm is using sophisticated tactics as if performed by humans.

Moreover, she had roughly deduced the mechanism behind it.

Hermes had previously described the characteristics of Clyde’s magic… the ‘controlling monsters’ type of magic.

[This type of magic has two features. The first is that there are certain conditions before you can control monsters. The second is that you can apply specific enhancements to the controlled targets. The specifics depend on the magic, but—a simple example would be the increase in basic abilities such as magical power and physical strength.]

Let’s set aside the first point. The issue is the second one.

The ability to apply specific enhancements to controlled monsters. Coupled with Clyde’s past crimes and the current phenomena, the nature of these enhancements becomes clearer.

The incidents were due to Clyde’s subconscious magic activation. Despite this, the monsters were able to carry out a perfect crime undetected by others, even if there was a preconceived notion that ‘humans did it.’

And now, the monsters are using advanced tactics. This is beyond what could be managed by mere instructions from Clyde. It’s hard to believe that Clyde could give such advanced orders.

Therefore, the answer is one.

“The additional effect is—enhancement of the monsters’ ‘intelligence’. Of all things—!”

The implications are immense.

The previous monster hordes, such as those from stampedes, were not like this. Each acted on its own. The only exception is when led by a powerful master, but even then, the coordination was not remarkable.

But this. Each individual monster has advanced intelligence, shares it, and uses tactics to corner us.

This is no longer a mere swarm. It is akin to an army.

In other words, we are now facing not only a large number but also an entity that manipulates efficient coordination and tactics, effectively using the monsters’ lives to chase us. In other words—

—we must face the great army of monsters.

This is the true value of Clyde’s bloodline magic, [Einherjar].

The level of threat surpasses any previous estimates with ease.

Additionally, the staggering volume of forces covering the entire academy.

It’s unnaturally large. It’s possible that he received some support from collaborators lurking in his shadow, but… regardless, it’s still a threat in front of us.

“…This is bad.”

And, analyzing the current situation, Katia grits her teeth.

For the moment, Sara is already using [Theur Gy] to protect the entire school and prevent monster intrusion.

However, that consumes a lot of magical power. Given the size needed to cover the entire school, even Sara wouldn’t be able to maintain it for long. It’s also doubtful if it can withstand the current monster assault.

In other words, it’s necessary to stabilize the front line during that time. Katia has already dispatched ghost soldiers to the limit, but—with this opponent, they will eventually learn and adapt, and somewhere will be breached. She has no room for strategy now.

If they can endure a bit longer, the situation may change, but right now it’s too—

“We don’t have enough hands…!”

Given this, unfortunately, she must ask for help at this moment. With this in mind, Katia speaks to Count Geist, who had assisted her earlier and is still behind her.

“…Professor, I need your help. There’s no need to advance like before. From a place where my magical support is strong, reduce the enemies for sure—”

But.

The response from Count Geist was shockingly unexpected.

“It’s… impossible…!”

“—What?”

“Th-that’s not the monsters I know! I didn’t expect to be cornered so overwhelmingly! It’s impossible, if we fight now, we’ll be killed for sure!”

His expression conveyed fear, despair—and frustration.

…Just like with Aster.

Those who have continuously won only with what they were born with are too fragile in the face of adversity and setbacks.

(But, even so, for a teacher to give up here—!)

Whether he knows Katia’s inner turmoil or not, Geist continues… still, with an unbelievable remark.

“Wh-what are you doing! This isn’t the time to be talking, look, the monsters are coming!”

“Eh?”

“You’re the daughter of a duke, aren’t you! In times like this, your duty to protect the country is stronger than ours! That’s why you’ve been given such excellent magic! So hurry—protect us!”

“──”

…To think that it’s coming from someone who should be protected. Using a minor difference in rank to shift the responsibility, exploiting what usually would be a point of arrogance.

Really, to the end.

A dark feeling rises from within Katia. Acting on impulse, she tries to throw it at the rotting human before her—

“Bloodline Magic—[Aiolus]!”

A powerful wind, even strong enough to blow away her own frustration, swept through.

That wind then turned into a massive tornado, attacking the monster army and blowing everything away.

The number of monsters defeated was few, but the time gained by creating this distance is significant.

And, from behind her, a male student appears with a look of astonishment.

“Lady Katia. Seeing the dire situation, I took the liberty of assisting, is that alright?”

“…Albert.”

She calls the name of a former classmate who has changed the most since she came to Class A. Albert nods and turns his gaze behind him.

“I’m not alone. …Miss Sara told me, and I brought a few more.”

As he said, several Class B students appear behind Albert.

What they have in common is the determination in their eyes. Understanding the desperate situation and the formidable enemies, yet their resolve remains unshaken.

“To be honest, I have no idea what’s happening… but there’s no doubt it’s a crisis for the academy. Thanks to Miss Sara’s efforts, they have some leeway. …Our magic may be inferior to Class A’s, but use it well.”

“…That’s a great help. Just fighting alongside is—no, that’s rude of me.”

For a moment, she almost asked why they weren’t giving up here, but she judged that would be insulting and swallowed the question.

After all, it’s natural. They are different from others. They know what it means to lose and how to rise again.

And above all— they have been trained by ‘him.’ They are unlikely to falter or self-destruct in such adversity.

Therefore, she rephrases.

“You’re really reliable. More than the Class A students.”

Her former classmates, who show joy at the sincere praise, quickly move to specific instructions.

“Anyway, I need you to reduce the number of monsters. Focus on those attacking Sara’s barrier, but don’t overextend. Otherwise, you’ll be surrounded and swallowed just like the professors earlier. Prioritize maintaining the front line and buying time.”

“Understood. But… what will we do with the time?”

“Isn’t it obvious? —We’re waiting for El.”

It might be a puzzling strategy for Class B students who don’t know Hermes’s abilities, but there’s no time to explain. So, she succinctly tells only Albert, who she knows understands.

“…This is undoubtedly an emergency. That child should understand that she can’t hold back her power. And if El goes all out—she’ll handle such obstacles alone.”

Albert is momentarily taken aback by the unwavering trust, but soon recovers and nods in agreement.

“Indeed. Rather, the fact that she hasn’t arrived here yet means—”

“She must be fighting somewhere else. So let’s first wait until that’s dealt with. Trust that and hold out—no, let’s rather take control of this situation ourselves without relying on El. I believe you can do it.”

“Yeah. I’ll give a brief talk to the Class B students.”

Exchanging nods of understanding, they send off the Class B squad led by Albert.

…Truly, they have become reliable.

The dark feelings that had previously gripped her heart were completely washed away.

With that momentum—she makes her vow.

“—Now then. It seems that wasn’t enough to make you learn, Clyde. …The price for your foolishness will be paid in full.”

With calm anger, yet not misjudging the situation.

Together with her dependable classmates, she begins her battle.