WeTried Translations

Translator: Botanica

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ Academy’s Pure Love Dark Knight

Chapter 019

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Episode 19. Spirits represent human emotions.

Out in the overgrown field,

“One of the reasons spirits grow is a change in emotions.”

Maria tapped on a wooden blackboard.

“Then, can any student tell me the moment a spirit remains in its immature state?”

“It happens when there’s no trigger to acknowledge one’s emotions.”

“That’s correct, Licht!”

Something’s definitely off. Looking at this, my game knowledge still seems to hold true.

I bit my lower lip as I answered the professor’s question.

He’s so different from the Lupus I know. What on earth happened in the past to make him completely like another person?

He said, ‘I couldn’t protect someone before.’

As far as I knew, there was no grim backstory like that. Can I even consider this the same person?

In Nex’s case, there were some familiar aspects, but the Crown Prince only shared the part about obsessing over strong people.

Ah, no way. Why didn’t I think of that?

Did the Demon King do something?

Right, those guys were always entangled with the protagonist. Just look at Dennis or Ariel.

There might be things I don’t know about. After all, it’s one of the MacGuffins.

(TL Note:

MacGuffin is a plot device in fiction/object, goal, or event. that drives the characters' actions and propels the story forward, but is ultimately unimportant or irrelevant to the audience)

Then it makes sense, though.

A few hamster spirits popped out as the lecture continued.

“Since one’s emotions are often heavily influenced by others, powerful spirit users often have wide social circles.”

So that’s why Nex ended up with a harem. I jotted down the lecture content on one side of my notebook.

‘Love? I’m never doing that again. Those commoner bastards.’

The reason behind his playboy facade in <Knight Heart> came to mind.

Even up to the sequels, posts titled [231st Nex Main Wife Tournament.] were consistently uploaded to the community,

but he actually didn’t give affection to anyone. Looking at it this way, he’s somewhat likable. After all, it means he only had eyes for Chartiness.

‘I heard there were many beautiful characters, but he was famous enough that even I, who wasn’t interested, knew.’

As the story progresses, Asha Aureus forcefully confirms his marriage.

[Parent creating a harem to find someone to make their son’s spirit stronger vs. Popular guy who ignores everyone and isn’t interested]

Posts with titles like this were frequently seen, to the point that,

the reason the harem was created was not of his own volition.

In fact, all players knew he wasn’t a playboy. But I never expected to see the reason here.

Formally, the orca beastkin was the main wife, but there was no spark of love between them.

There were even scenes where, if one approached Nex, the orca beastkin would insult them as ‘dirty,’ and in <Black Heart>, the long black-haired woman (the main wife) also curses him.

“The reasons why spirits don’t appear vary from person to person. Therefore…”

For that kind of person to be flirting with the black-haired nun.

This vampire is clearly the main wife. When I return to reality, I’ll have something to post.

Lost in a pleased imagination, I couldn’t concentrate on what the professor was saying.

“Today, I’ve brought a special guest!”

While I was distracted, Maria wore a bright smile.

“From the Aureus family, famous among the Ten Greats for spirits, someone has come to give a demonstration!”

Someone appeared from among the trees.

“Hello, juniors!”

“It’s Senior Nex Aureus! He’s one year above all of you!”

“Professor Maria, thank you for accepting my sudden proposal.”

“Not at all, Nex. On the contrary, I thank you.”

The cunning purple fox.

“Hello, Junior Black Knight.”

“Greetings, Senior Nex.”

It was Nex Aureus.

***

“Actually, even I had a constitution that didn’t summon spirits until a few years ago.”

That’s true. In <Knight Heart>, he was indeed a spearman who didn’t often use spirits.

I was surprised at first when I saw him pull them out later as a trump card.

“There’s a famous saying from my family… my mother, that spirits are conceived from emotions.”

He was the one who only used his phoenix in moments of crisis.

In the lore book, it was written that his spirit awakened right before he entered the Academy.

“That means emotions should not be swayed by others.”

His hand was clenched.

Even in the original, he seemed to long for something while looking at the purple bird. He must still hold some lingering bitterness.

‘No way, did his connection with a woman named Char fail?’

I thought of the status window. No matter how I thought about it, there were too many couples that wouldn’t make any progress if I just stayed still.

This one wasn’t updated in real-time.

It might appear later, like with Kainel. Does it only show up once a route is confirmed?

“Then… is there any student who would like to see their spirit, even for a moment?”

“Me.”

“Oh, Junior Licht!”

I raised my hand. For now, I need to get as close as possible to ensure there are no hitches in the Grand Route strategy.

***

Nex, with the sparrow perched on his index finger, continued speaking to the students.

“Spirits merely sleep within everyone’s hearts.”

I stared intently at the purple phoenix.

“So, I’m thinking of using this one to awaken yours for a moment.”

“Chirp!”

The sparrow raised one wing above its forehead. Perhaps he’s trying to make it appear using this one.

As expected, it was spirit empathy.

A technique Nex developed on his own to avoid expulsion from his family. With this, can even I, who can’t use magic, command a spirit?

When I played, no matter how much I raised the Saintess’s affection, no spirit appeared from it.

It was even written in an in-game tip that spirits are conceived from emotions. It should work here.

Honestly, I wish it were a white wolf like her. To make it easier to find the Nameless Saintess.

“Chirp, chirp..!”

As I was deep in thought, the purple phoenix was continuously chirping, as if confused.

“..Huh? Why isn’t it working?”

“Is there some problem…?”

Now that I think about it, is it impossible for me?

“..Something’s strange.”

“I have very little mana, and my circuits are also twisted.”

“Ah..!”

Nex examined my body from various angles, groaning. It’s a constitution that even Dennis couldn’t fix. Should I give up?

“Hmm… This is real. It might be difficult, Junior.”

“Licht, are you alright?!”

“It’s just my constitution.”

Professor Maria looked at me with worried eyes. No matter how I think about it, her reaction is too exaggerated.

Just then, his purple eyes widened as if something had occurred to him.

“Ah, then this should work.”

Is there a way? Can I go down the Spirit Swordsman tree? My eyes lit up with the brief hope that appeared.

“It might hurt a little, but I might be able to use you, Junior, like a magic circle.”

What kind of crazy thing is that?

Isn’t that necromancy? Wasn’t using a person’s body like that only something black mages did?

..I like it. Let’s do it right away.

“Alright, it might be a bit painful and tiring. You don’t have any classes after this, right, Junior Licht?”

“I have one, but it should be fine, Senior Nex.”

“Then raise your hand if it hurts.”

Since there was no other way, I had no choice but to trust him. Affection points were important to me, but I needed at least one more sharp method to deal with the Demon King.

‘As I am now, it’s hard to protect the Saintess. Since I’m weak, I should use my head as much as possible.’

A purple magic circle unfolded behind my back.

In the game, there were four types of debuffs inflicted after receiving Nex’s spirit empathy.

Sleep, paralysis, fatigue, dizziness. Surely I wouldn’t get them here? It’ll probably be fine.

「Be reborn from the flames.」

Purple flames pierced my heart. Something like black smoke emerged, like a surge of emotion.

“Ugh.”

Damn RNG game.

The smoke meant a bust.

All four were inflicted. I thought there was a chance of not getting them. My thoughts began to be paralyzed by the pain.

I collapsed to the floor as if falling. It hurt so much I couldn’t even scream.

I had no strength in my body. It wasn’t described as that painful in the game, was it?

‘Is this because of my constitution?’

If the calculation is that even the same magic would be strained because I have little mana and twisted circuits, then it’s correct.

My vision spun. My stomach churned. It felt like a large spike had been pulled out.

“Woof!”

A black fur ball, burst out from the center of my chest.

“..Oh my, it’s a black wolf?”

“It’s not a Shadow Wolf… it’s a type I’ve never seen before.”

A wolf as black as if it had been covered in charcoal soot.

I held back my tears. It really hurt. It felt like a sword had been pulled from my heart.

A fluffy spirit like a round ball. Looking at it this way, something came to mind.

‘..This is a Pomeranian, isn’t it?’

Is it because of my real-world experience? A spirit that’s a mix of a Pomeranian and a wolf is fascinating.

“Pant, pant.”

It seemed to have a personality that liked people, as it continuously tried to lick my cheek as I lay collapsed.

“Keng?”

My faceguard was slightly lifted. Its tongue was small. Cute. In the end, it targeted my cheek.

“Junior Licht, are you alright?”

“Cough, cough. Gasp.”

Actually, I’m not alright. It hurts so much I can’t breathe.

Some game knowledge is inaccurate. It feels like I’ve learned not to trust it completely.

I pressed my hands on the floor and continuously tried to inhale air. The sensation in my face became numb. Blood wasn’t circulating.

“You’ll be fine if you sleep for a bit. Because it was forcefully pulled out.”

“I’m fine…”

Nex looked at me with a worried gaze. Save me, old man. I haven’t even derailed the Crown Prince route yet.

‘Please, lead me to our Saintess’s route. Mr. Harem Crusher.’

Swallowing these words internally, I tried not to lose consciousness.

“I hope everyone can awaken their spirits like this. Oh?”

“..Junior. Where’s that one going?”

The panting breaths and pitter-patter of a small beast.

Everyone’s gaze converged on one spot as the black Pomeranian crossed the grassy field.

“Why… that way…”

My spirit dashed like an arrow towards someone.

“Woof!”

“..Hello.”

You crazy bastard. Stop. Why are you going to the Crown Prince?!

More importantly, how did it jump so high? It was so tiny.

My spirit rushed into Mardol’s arms and continuously rubbed its head against his helmet.

‘Why is it there?’

I barely managed to lift my head and look forward. The pup proudly showed its excitement, even sticking out its tongue.

I’m the owner, but it felt like something was stolen.

“It’s fluffy.”

“Woof!”

Its tail wagged as if it had a motor, like it met its old owner. Why is it doing that? Should I have tried using a spirit in the game?

“..Cute.”

“Woof!”

He was staring intently at my spirit. A faint golden gleam was visible from his eyes.

“It’s really a puppy.”

“Pant.”

Mardol buried his face in my spirit. It’s a bit scary with the helmet still on.

Alright, let’s get up in this gap.

“It seems… the knight… likes… helmets…”

Seeing the pup already tightly embraced by the Glass Knight, I barely managed to try and recover the flag that was being confirmed.

“Because I… always wear it…”

It must be because of the incident where I was sheltered by him with an umbrella, or the lingering sense of debt from postponing teaching him swordsmanship after promising to.

And I spoke to him in a somewhat harsh tone yesterday.

‘Was it because I treated him too badly?’

Tomorrow, I’ll have to do swordsmanship training with Mardol.

This must be my karma.

My eyes closed. My vision went dark.

***

“L-Licht?!”

“Ah, Professor Maria. He’ll be fine. I was like that at first too.”

“If Nex says so, then that’s a relief…”

A few minutes after Phine hugged the spirit, Licht fell asleep. He probably doesn’t seem to have any health issues.

On the contrary, with the man asleep, the tension in his whole body seemed to release. This was almost better than him being angry yesterday.

The Black Knight’s helmet was pressed down deeply.

‘You overdid it, Licht.’

Her eyes were sharp enough to notice it. She could tell.

The wolf looked up at Phine. It seemed to be asking to be looked at.

“It’s smiling.”

“Woof!”

Its mouth was wide open in a smiling expression, showing that it wasn’t hostile towards her.

‘Does it like the scent of roses…?’

The Glass Knight thought, watching its black nose twitch slightly. Roses, the national flower of the Gransia Empire.

They were also Phine’s preferred bath additive.

‘Cute. Is it still a baby?’

Its nose was damp. Its paw pads had a little dirt. Its body was as tiny as a small puppy.

Soft. Cute. She buried her face in the puppy’s fur. Yet, there was no resistance.

Licht’s words, worrying about his spirit even as he fell asleep, came to mind.

‘Even though he spoke that way yesterday, he was a kind person after all.’

“Mang!”

“Stop, that tickles.”

The black wolf continuously tried to lick her face. Its tongue seemed tiny. Why would it do this to a stranger?

‘..Aha. It likes people?’

Spirits are born from emotions.

If Licht truly disliked her, this child wouldn’t follow her like this.

‘Even then, he must have spoken harshly out of concern for me.’

“Peculiar.”

“Pant, pant.”

The small puppy nestled snugly in her arms. Phine thought the spirit, with its ears folded back, looked like a seal.

“Chirp!”

A moment later, the purple-haired man approached her with the sparrow.

“Alright, Mr. Wolf. Just for a moment to talk…”

“Grrrrrr…”

“C-Calm down.”

Nex’s phoenix and Licht’s wolf were having a standoff. He was flustered, seeing the spirit emitting fierce killing intent.

“We can’t talk like this…”

“Chirp…”

“No, I know that. Chirpy.”

The fox-like man wore an expression that said this was not part of his calculations. The two confronted each other, their spirits close by.

“Woof! Woof! Grrrrrr…”

“I told you it’ll only be for a moment. My phoenix says it’s curious about you. Right?”

“Chirp, chi-irp.”

Nex seemed to be trying his best to talk to Licht’s spirit, which she was holding, but,

‘Oh…?’

It seemed it didn’t like everyone. Phine saw it bare its teeth and threaten Nex.

It seemed somewhat terrified. A look of fear, as if it had experienced something similar before.

As if it resembled herself, Phine’s tail stiffened inside her armor.

“Don’t.”

“..What was that, Mardol?”

“Stop it.”

The Princess glared at the Aureus family’s young master. Even in the Academy, there was an established hierarchy between them.

“Hmm… I’ll stop.”

“Chirp…chirp!”

Nex had to back down.

“Grrrr…”

Looking at it this way, it also seems to really be a wolf. Although its fur is long and fluffy, making it closer to a ball of cotton.

“M-Mardol? You weren’t bitten or anything, were you? Aren’t you too close?”

“Whine.”

“It’s fine. This child is.”

“..Alright. It seems what Char was worried about won’t happen.”

Nex and the sparrow looked at her with strange eyes and left, but she didn’t care.

Because this spirit seemed to be trying to protect her.

She recalled the Black Knight, who seemed stronger than anyone on the outside, but conversely, was weak and ran through the rain.

Clumsy and contradictory.

‘..They’re similar.’

The same color as that man.

Looking at the wolf’s brown eyes, almost black, she thought so.

Licht’s spirit, nestled in Phine’s arms, also yawned widely, perhaps tired from protecting the Glass Knight.

“So, so cute.”

Thus, the black Pomeranian made her arm its pillow and went to sleep as if with its owner.

‘Oh, if it’s like this, I can’t let it go…’

Its fur settled softly. Two black wolves, already departed for dreamland, were in the lecture hall.

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