v-rustl

#660 The True Challenge to Becoming a Witch

Added 2023-04-03 12:23:36 +0000 UTC

“Sis Puffer and Master Lampeyeeeeee?!”

“They’re fighting against us, tooooooo?!”

Puffer, the Witch of the Bitter Cold.

Lampeye, the Witch of Hellfire.

Two witches who once lived on the farm have returned as mothers!

Why?

To discipline their proteges, that’s why!

“What’re we going to doooooo?! With three of the current witches on their side, we don’t stand a chanceeeeee!”

“We thought we could take down one of them with the four of us, but... Ah!”

As if Discus suddenly remembers something...

She quickly throws magic potions around the area.

The tinted liquid turns into droplets and dissipates in the air.

Then, there was a loud cracking sound like ice shattering.

“Kukuku...you’ve improved...!”

Puffer laughs impishly as she watches what’s happening.

I wish they’d explain things as they go.

“I had a feeling you’d do it, Sis Puffer. A preemptive attack even before the signal starts—you set up misty freezing magic potions around the area, chilling the surroundings to the extreme. Then, you mow the frozen and immobile enemy.”

“Yet, you noticed it and neutralized it with your own potion...Impressive. Do you remember? This is the same tactic I used when we first met you guys.”

Puffer chuckles delightfully and also somewhat tenderly.

“Back then, you guys fell into my trap without realizing it and were utterly defeated. But now, you noticed and responded accordingly, still standing in front of us. I’m happy to see you have grown.”

“If we hadn’t cleared that, all that we’ve learned here would’ve been pointless.”

“Right. Of course, the real observation of your improvement is only about to start. I’m sure we taught you all sorts of things.”

Discus and the rest of the girls’ expressions tense up in response to Puffer’s words, which are neither provocation nor encouragement.

“Everyone, prepare yourselves!” she exhorts to her groupmates. “Sure, we may not win against our seniors right now. But they’re only three, while we’re four! We still have the advantage of numbers! If we fight one-on-one, we might win in the end!”

How can their resolve be so brave but tragic?

“Now’s the time to repay them for their guidance! If we show disappointing results here, we will tarnish their efforts! We must resist with all our might to show that their lessons were not in vain!”

“Uoooooooh!!!”

“Let’s do thissssssssssss!!!”

The young mermaids are fired up.

Their senior witches smile happily in response, and...

“Those fry sure are showing some grit. This must be what it feels like to nurture someone. I think I understand how Zoth Syra felt when she disciplined me to the bone...!”

“You two are alike in some ways as teacher and student. Even though I organized this event, you’ve somehow made yourself the lead.”

“She’s the Mermaid Queen now, so please allow her to take the lead, Princess Platy. The girls’ loyalty should be dedicated to the Mermaid Kingdom.”

They chatter like so.

However, they can’t keep the idle talk forever; that’s why...

“Uoryaaaaaa! A fight to the deathhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”

“We’ll smash them and scatter! Come what mayyyyyyyy!!!”

The mermaid girls charge forward.

This battle is the perfect opportunity to show their growth.

* * *

“Haa, you’re having a tough time with your baby’s colic, too, huh?”

“I heard it was difficult, but I didn’t anticipate how bad it actually was... However, Lord Saint seems to take it all in stride with your second child. I envy you.”

“Even though Your Majesty is busy with your kingly duties, you still make time to care for your child alongside the Queen. Your Majesty truly is a great example and role model for the future of the Mermaid Kingdom!”

While I chat with Arowana and Hendra about our dad life, the witches’ battle is becoming extremely fierce.

Magic potions are creating sweltering flames, ice, snow, and lightning, producing a hellish spectacle.

I had just seen the real Hell the other day, though.

But we aren’t the only ones watching...

Occasional onlookers from the involved parties would come and go.

“Hohoho, they’re really going at it.”

For example, Garra Rufa, the Witch of the Plague and a farm resident, has come to watch.

“Aren’t you going to join their battle? You’ve also taught those girls to some extent, right...?”

Don’t you want to confirm their growth with your own hands?

“Battles aren’t exactly my forte, Lord Saint. I have no desire to solve everything with violence like those three do.”

“I see...!”

“Besides, I notice their growth through their daily work. If only they would stop their occasional chants of lunacy...!”

Garra Rufa is moved to tears.

In addition, young mermaid girls who also studied at the farm with Discus’s group seem interested in their battle and are watching.

“They’re incredible...! Despite being overpowered, they’re still holding their ground against Princess Platy’s team...!”

“It’s frustrating to admit, but... Only those girls have the power and determination to resist the witches...!”

“If it were me, I would have given up after just one exchange of blows...!”

Perhaps because they’re attending a prestigious school, they still have some pride, but they can’t help but acknowledge their own shortcomings and the accomplishments of others.

Undeterred by the reality shown to them, they will continue to move forward.

And then, Angel speaks again.

“Yessssssssss! Focus all your attacks on my sister! Aim for her eyes! Her eyeesss!!!”

She has been cheering and supporting them the whole time.

“...Don’t you feel frustrated? All the girls who started learning at the same time as you are being recognized, but you’re not allowed to join them.”

“What are you talking about? I’m a royal family member of the Mermaid Kingdom,” replies Angel in sheer disbelief, like she’s talking to an idiot. “It’s the royalty’s duty to discover talented individuals and use them wisely. Even if I myself am incompetent, it’s fine if those girls work hard to protect me.”

“I-Is that so...!”

I think to myself.

If Platy is like Cao Cao, then Angel must be Liu Bei...!

* * *

After a fierce battle that lasted for three hours...

“W-We lost...!”

Discus, the last of the four girls, was defeated, and at that moment, the senior witch team’s victory was decided.

Platy, Puffer, and Lampeye are all standing complacently.

The Six Witches, known as the most vicious and evil group in the mermaid realm, has shown its true worth.

“Wow, I didn’t expect them to put up a fight for this long. Lately, I’ve been neglecting exercise because of my duties as the queen.”

“I had initially thought you would be the first to drop out on our side, but you managed to endure until the very end. I would like to commend you for your perseverance.”

“What was that, retainer?”

“With all due respect, I am the beloved wife of your retainer.”

They’re still full of energy, exchanging light-hearted sarcastic remarks.

Discus and her group had grown stronger, but they still couldn’t surpass their seniors.

“Well, it was an obvious result. We were serious, after all. No matter how many times you try to fight us, we will win every time.”

Platy speaks on behalf of everyone, but she seems more exhausted than expected after that long-drawn battle.

“Maybe we should’ve done this after Norito was weaned. I panicked a little ‘cause these girls managed to hold out for so long.”

“You’re right. Our kids always want to be breastfed ten times a day.”

“It was also time for me to feed my daughter, so I used an incendiary potion to wrap things up quickly.”

Puffer and Lampeye, also new moms, agreed with Platy.

“But, it’s admirable how you persevered and showed your spirit against us! We’ll recognize you as witches!!!”

“HUH?!”

The girls lying flat on the ground abruptly get up at the unexpected declaration that they passed.

“Why?! But we lost!”

“I never said passing depended on your victory. From what we witnessed, you all possessed the ability to defeat any mediocre potion compounder. That’s why we’ll give you the recognition you deserve!”

They will be recognized as witches?!

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!”

The little mermaids cheer with joy.

They’re no longer just posers who admired witches; they themselves are one.

“As a congratulatory gift, I will give you the witch titles I came up with! I’ve already told you before, but let me repeat...Discus!”

“Yes!”

“From now on, you shall be officially known as the Witch of Refrigeration!”

“Yes! Thank you very much!”

Haven’t I heard that name before...?!

“Veiltail, you will be the Witch of Flame Control!”

“Yes!”

“Heckelii is the Witch of Fermenting!”