I Have been Reincarnated As a Lazy, Arrogant Noble, but When I Destroyed The Scenario Through Effort, I Became The Most Powerful With Extraordinary Magical Power - 130

Chapter 130: Past Self

Despite only a short period since entering the school, Berk, or the Excitable Lad, had become quite well-known. It could be attributed not only to his strength but also to his frequent presence around me.

“You know, Berk seems like Weiss-senpai’s sidekick.”

“It’s pretty obvious.”

“He seems only interested in strong people.”

The juniors seem to understand, often discussing Berk as they pass by. While not exactly isolated, strong individuals in Noblesse are often less favored, especially in the early stages when expulsions are uncommon.

I’ve experienced something similar.

On the other hand, Meril, too, frequently follows Cynthia. I don’t know about the girls’ dorm, only the common areas, but it’s likely a similar situation.

“Weiss-senpai, what are you doing for summer vacation!?”

“Various things.”

“You’re so secretive! Ah, that mysterious aura is cool!”

Not a bad person, but there’s a difficulty in connecting with him. Well, maybe that adds to his charm? Well, who knows.

But there’s a somewhat sketchy vibe to him.

It’s like I’m looking at my past self.

“Weiss-senpai, want to go somewhere on the next break?”

“Declined.”

Well, it’s not like that.

◇

Heading to the cafeteria as usual, there was a crowd gathered. I thought it might be due to a new menu, but something seemed off.

Then, a familiar voice reached my ears.

“You, I’ll kill you!”

“Stop it, Berk!”

“But, Meril, this guy!”

“Just stop, please!”

Pushing through the crowd—or rather, causing people to move away upon seeing me—I saw Berk, seemingly having punched another junior, his right fist stained with blood.

Meril was shielding the fallen person.

Cynthia and the others were present, so I hurriedly approached.

“What happened?”

“Well…”

Reluctant to speak, Cynthia, Berk, shouts in frustration.

“This guy disrespected Weiss-senpai! Acting all high and mighty!”

Saying that, the junior looked frightened and glanced at me.

I see.

In the silent atmosphere, I—

Extended my hand, helping him stand.

“Be more careful next time.”

“Y-Yes.”

After that, as I glared at them, everyone dispersed.

I had anticipated this might happen someday, having experienced something similar myself.

Berk, due to his strength, tends to be uninterested in weaker individuals and even dislikes being approached. I had noticed that too.

Meril had warned him multiple times, but he remained indifferent.

The desire to eliminate the guy who spoke ill of me might be excessive due to excessive admiration.

“Sorry, I won’t let anyone speak ill of Weiss-senpai again. —Trash.”

His tone and atmosphere were quite similar to my past self.

No, my feelings haven’t changed even now.

I believe that weaklings, the lesser, can be eliminated.

However, in the past year, I’ve realized something.

That everyone has the potential for growth.

Cecil, Karta, Olin, Alan, Duke, Shari, Lillith, Tula, Cynthia, and Alan again.

There were many things even I, who knew the original work, couldn’t imagine.

But Berk—

“After school, come to City Area B, Berk.”

“Seriously!? Wow, looking forward to it!”

Honestly, seniors can be quite troublesome.

◇

In the late afternoon, after finishing classes, I headed to City Area B, where Berk was waiting. He was stretching and reaching out his arms.

As soon as he spotted me, he raised his voice with excitement.

“Weiss-senpai! Huh? Other senpais are matching outfits…?”

I had called Cecil, Shari, Karta, Olin to join. Not because I chose the girls, but based on my own criteria.

“Today’s opponent is her—no, there’s a guy too.”

“Huh… Is that so?”

As expected, Berk played dumb.

“Shari, I’m counting on you.”

“The debt for helping you is now paid. Well then, Berk-kun, go all out.”

“Huh? Umm…”

They were already in training attire. Shari’s magic wasn’t anything extraordinary.

But I knew. I knew her strength.

“Once you defeat everyone, Weiss-senpai will face you, right?”

“Yeah, even if I can take down one.”

Hearing my words, Berk seemed a bit dissatisfied.

The match began, and while keeping a distance, Berk dashed across the ground at an unbelievable speed. He seemed eager to defeat me.

“Sorry, no hard feelings!”

Taunting Shari while attacking—his sword hit her, turning into water upon impact.

In the next moment, Berk fell into a trap, entangled by countless threads. Trying to force his way out, the ground turned into mud, and he couldn’t muster any strength. At that moment, Shari, who had silently approached, placed her sword against Berk’s neck.

The match was over.

“Alright, it’s done.”

“…Isn’t this kind of unfair?”

“Is it?”

Berk seemed dissatisfied.

Next was Karta.

As the match started, Berk looked up at Karta, who was soaring high. Even with flight magic, he couldn’t reach her.

And finally, a magic-enhanced energy blast was unleashed.

Although the power had been reduced, there was no fainting due to leakage, but it was still a defeat.

“…Damn.”

“Next.”

Next was Olin.

Olin, who didn’t possess much magical power, had learned flying magic from Cecil. Since then, she had added a means of avoiding attacks while using flight magic.

Berk managed to corner her somehow, but it was a trap.

Pipin, the head of a squirrel, appeared from the side and headbutted Berk’s jaw, causing him to lose consciousness.

“Why me…”

“Finally, Cecil.”

Cecil’s magical power was extremely low. Anyone with the skill of Berk would understand that.

But Berk—couldn’t do anything.

He was overwhelmingly defeated by Cecil, who couldn’t even offer a single attack, with almost no attributes.

“Phew, I don’t really like this kind of thing.”

“Sorry, next time I’ll spend the whole day with you in Battle Universe.”

“I didn’t want to hurt my juniors too much…”

“Ah, sorry. Well, since the junior is sleeping, shall we have a girls’ gathering? Oh, Olin-san… no, never mind! Let’s go eat something sweet!”

“Yes!”

And then, they disappeared.

Hmm, isn’t Olin blending in too much?

Well, whatever…

And Berk woke up.

“…Losing like this.――Hey, Weiss-senpai?”

“Get ready. Grab your sword, or do you want to crawl into bed?”

Berk staggered to his feet and slowly raised his sword.

This guy is strong. He’s got considerable talent.

He won’t compare to me when I first enrolled.

He has trained since childhood, crushing many opponents.

But there’s something he doesn’t know.

――What I’ve learned.

After a brief exchange, I broke Berk’s sword.

“Still awesome…”

“Yeah… that’s right. But getting stronger isn’t just my own effort. The senpais you fought were all weak at first. Well, in a way, they might still be weaker than you. But they understand their own strengths. They don’t get arrogant; they keep honing their skills. Berk, you have talent. That’s a good thing. But don’t look down on others too much. I’m not saying to distinguish between enemies and allies. I’m saying don’t do things that hinder your own growth.”

I know the original story. That’s why I’m looking ahead, not just at the present, believing in it.

If I didn’t know anything, Karta would have been considered just a coward. I would have underestimated Olin, had no interaction with Cecil, and Shari would have died.

Berk is only seeing the present.

It felt frustratingly wasteful.

Just like Milch Sensei believed in my future, I wanted him to understand that.

After a silent contemplation, Berk started talking.

“…Uh, sorry. I was definitely getting carried away. I came to Noblesse because I wanted to beat senpai, but I also wanted to confirm that I’m the strongest.”

“You’re strong. But don’t drown in it. Don’t lose sight of your surroundings. Don’t think comparing is everything.”

Well, this applies to me too…

Then Berk stood up and bowed.

“I get it! I’m sorry. I’ll apologize to my classmates right away!”

“No, not right away—”

“I’m going!”

Unexpectedly, Berk disappeared leaving me behind. Well, it’s good that he can switch his mindset like that.

I should learn from him――.

“As you said. Truly a senpai.”

When I turned around in a hurry, it was Milch Sensei who called out from behind.

“…How long have you been watching?”

“I told you to stop outside of class. But preparing the training uniform is a sign of growth. More importantly, it’s deeply moving to see that you’ve grown so well.”

“I’ve always been an adult.”

Well, as a teacher, I’m pleased. But occasionally, you need to feel down. If you’re wearing a training uniform, let’s make it quick――grab your sword, and let’s fight with magic from today.”

“…Are you serious?”

I’ve never fought Milch Sensei with anything other than a pure sword until now.

It seems he finally acknowledged me.

Surprised, I inadvertently said something Berk might say.

“But don’t faint immediately. It’s boring.”

“I’ve also grown, so that won’t happen.”

Today, through Berk, I felt like I understood Milch Sensei’s feelings a little.

And the fact that it’s okay to expect something from someone.

――Jeez, as you get more involved, there’s a lot more to think about… but that’s not a bad thing.