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 119.2. Trust

However, Hermes already had an answer to her doubt.

“That’s not Clyde’s magic. He has an accomplice. Either they helped him personally… or he’s using some kind of magical tool. If, in addition to his own power, he’s wielding unknown magic, even Sara-sama could be caught off guard.”

No one argued; everyone understood that this wasn’t just possible—it was the most likely scenario.

“That man… I thought it was strange he wasn’t showing himself, but to think—!”

Katia bit her lip in frustration, realizing she hadn’t seen through his plan. But it wasn’t her fault. They had been on the back foot from the start, and anticipating his aim would have been extremely difficult. In fact, it was impressive that they figured it out so quickly.

For now, the situation was clear. The problem was…

—That they now had to split their forces to rescue Sara while the main monster force, incited by Clyde, closed in.

“……”

As long as the barrier held, it meant Sara was still alive.

But that was only for now. There was no guarantee it would remain that way, and if the barrier fell, the students wouldn’t be able to defend the entire academy. They would be wiped out.

Thus, rescuing Sara was a priority. However, Clyde had likely already left the barrier, surrounded by monsters, and wielding unknown magic. A half-hearted force would only be defeated. They’d need to send their strongest.

But if they did that, could the students hold off the monster army already closing in?

(…No.)

He was wrong. He was falling back into an old habit.

Perhaps due to his past experiences, he always tried to handle things on his own.

But that wasn’t the right way. What had he learned from Sara at this academy? Hadn’t Albert just scolded him earlier?

If he believed in them, he needed to have the courage to trust them as well.

With a deep breath, Hermes lifted his head, full of resolve.

“…I will go rescue Sara-sama.”

“Of course. You’re the only one who can precisely locate her and face unknown magic.”

“A small elite force is best suited for this. No objections.”

Katia and Albert nodded. But that meant—

“—In the meantime, I’ll leave the monsters to you all. These are undoubtedly stronger than the ones we’ve faced so far. And while our numbers have increased, I predict this will be a tough battle. However…”

“……”

“Still, I believe you all can handle it. I want to believe you can… May I rely on you?”

—How should one describe the B-class students’ reaction at that moment?

A mixture of surprise and confusion. A hint of doubt and lingering fear.

But… above all of that, a much stronger emotion emerged, overwhelming the rest.

“—Leave it to us.”

A feeling of joy and pride at being relied upon.

Representing that sentiment, Albert responded with deep emotion.

“You can count on us. And we’ll count on you to save Sara-sama.”

“Yes, without fail.”

With those words exchanged, Katia, watching from the side with admiration, spoke up.

“…Would it be alright if I take command? I don’t want to seem like an outsider intruding, but—”

“What are you saying? No one here would object to Katia-sama taking charge.”

Albert immediately agreed, and the B-class students nodded as well.

Though she was now in Class A, she had been their classmate. Everyone knew how, back then, she treated everyone fairly without jealousy toward Sara, and how competent and just she was.

Katia showed her gratitude with a glance, then turned to Hermes.

“That settles it. Don’t hold back on my account—go take down that idiot. …I promise, I won’t let anyone die here.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

He smiled and nodded. Then, for some reason, Katia extended her hand in a fist.

“Hm.”

“…Katia-sama?”

“When you fight, this is what you do, right? …I’ve been envious ever since I saw it during the tournament.”

He understood. She was talking about how, after the tournament, Sara, Albert, and Nina had exchanged fist bumps in acknowledgment of their efforts.

…Normally, it was something done after the battle.

But, well, why not? With a small smile, Hermes, slightly embarrassed, averted his gaze as he extended his fist toward her, lightly bumping it against hers.

With that small sound, their resolve and promises were exchanged.

No more words were needed. Hermes and Katia turned toward their respective battlefields and dashed off.

—And thus, the final stage of the defense battle began.