Chapter 189 – Begin Counter Attack II

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Amidst the ferocious battle, Ilis sensed the change.

(Her movements have improved again)

Vice-captain Noelle was desperate to protect them.

There was something amazing about the Captain’s strength. However, the Vice-captain had something as well, as if she was determined to keep up with him.

“Ilis! The 5 o’clock direction! Move out of the way!”

The sharp commands flew.

She managed to dodge the attack that she hadn’t noticed.

The shocking degree of spatial awareness.

Also, in order to support the Vice-captain, the 3rd in command was working desperately. She was fighting for someone other than herself. Ilis could not understand it at all.

(It is surely more efficient to use that energy for yourself.)

Working hard for someone else will not get you much in return. Sometimes, you get nothing at all.

And when you get nothing, you will feel that you are worth nothing.

‘Ilis! Help me with my homework!’

‘Thank you. You really helped me again.’

‘Friends? No, no. I would never be friends with someone like that. I just use her because it’s convenient. You know, I feel bad for her because she’s such a loner.’

The bitter memories of her school years returned.

She had always been alone. Only magic was her friend.

Still, being looked down on angered her, and so she worked hard.

And when ridiculed about studying so much, she studied fashion as well.

As she was already smart, she became more knowledgeable about it than anyone. And could end up being more fashionable than those who mocked her.

Of course, that made them hate her even more. And they ignored her and called her arrogant.

That was fine.

She had no time to spend with those talentless fools.

They didn’t want to put in the work, and so they gathered together and talked ill of others in order to feel better.

They were no different from the boys, who had been mean to her, only to suddenly act different once her appearance changed.

She didn’t need any of those people.

(I shall be alone until the day I die. And I am at peace with that.)

However, her seniors in the Royal Magicians Order were desperately trying to protect her.

(They really are fools. It is just a waste of energy…)

Unlike her, they probably lacked basic knowledge of things outside of magic.

No matter how much they tried, she would not change her way of thinking. People did not change, and there was no point in trying…

‘More than anything, I want you to have a happy life, Ilis.’

‘You work harder than anyone, and so I think you should be happy.’

‘Don’t say this to anyone else, but I am quite fond of you. And so I have hopes that you can be a more gentle person, who helps those who are weaker.’

Something soft shifted in her heart.

It was puzzling and warm.

A side of her that she did not know of.

Ilis closed her eyes for a moment and thought.

(I hate owing a debt. So I suppose I could lend out my help for a moment)

◇　　◇　　◇

Captain Luke and Vice-captain Noelle fought desperately.

Misha supported them.

And when Ilis joined in, the impact it had on the other recruits was great.

The selfish one who never asked anything of the others. The one who seemed to have little humanity.

Who did not work well with others or ever think about offering a hand.

But now she was at the front and fighting, in spite of the greater risk.

Even Miles could hardly believe it.

Humans were ugly, foolish creatures.

He had learned this more than anyone during his first job. The amount of abuse he received just to pass the time.

So many things were unfair that he wanted to cry.

Everyone only cared about themselves, and did not hesitate to hurt anyone who was in their way.

‘Are you really going to sell a substandard product?’
‘We have always done things this way.’

‘You are writing false test results…that is illegal.’
‘It doesn’t matter if you do not get caught. So shut up.’

‘We cannot do it with these materials. The durability will be insufficient without certified materials.’
‘It’s your job to figure it out. So do it.’

‘Work is not as easy as you are thinking.’

‘Do you realize how much you stick out?’

‘You talk a lot, in spite of doing little.’

During the days of insults and violence, his heart died.
And then he was able to do things that were wrong as well. He had to in order to survive.

No one was going to protect him.

That was how the world was. You had to be strong.

And so Miles had disliked his short superior.

She had been in the same kind of environment as him. But she still loved magic with all her being.

It made him feel pathetic.

As if he was being rejected.

His childish rebellion had made him stick out in the Royal Magicians Order as well.

But he was fine with that.

Once he was fired, he would get some other work that was unrelated to magic.

And yet…

‘I support your way of thinking. You do not have to change your stance.’

‘Listen to your heart and do what you want. But you don’t have to do everything the same way as now either. Sometimes, you can remember what was important to you as a student.’

‘No matter what you choose, I will support you. I will be watching and hoping.’

She had not abandoned him. She had looked him in the eyes and spoke with honesty.

And even now, she was fighting desperately to protect them.

Someone was shouting deep in his heart.

(…This is wrong. You cannot do nothing after they have done so much.)

He wiped his eyes. Yes, he could not hold back now.

Or he would not be able to forgive himself.

Yes, he hated himself. For being weak, untalented, spineless and hopeless.

But there were things that even he could not do.

(It could all end here. But I will help them, since they have given their all…!)

Next Chapter

Expelled From a Black Magic Item Craftsman Guild I Was Picked up as a Royal Magician