Vol. 4 Ch. 80

Even a battle-hardened veteran would not have anticipated Noa’s daring tactic to change her attack trajectory so unexpectedly.

Perhaps it was because no opponent Leon had faced before possessed the same brilliance and boldness as his eldest daughter. Or perhaps he had become too engrossed in this "teaching match" with her, leading to a rare lapse in his focus.

Regardless, Noa’s maneuver was undeniably effective.

Had she been facing someone of her own level—or even slightly higher—they likely wouldn’t have been able to react in time to counter this move.

“It worked…” Noa thought as her lightning-infused strike closed in on the black armor’s waist.

But just as she allowed herself a sliver of triumph, a surge of blue lightning erupted from the armor.

The energy crackled and shimmered across the surface, forming a protective barrier that deflected her lightning attack before it could make contact.

The rebound sent Noa stumbling backward, her arms tingling from the impact. She struggled to steady herself, looking up to see the fading glow of the lightning shield on her father’s armor.

---

“Of course Dad had more tricks up his sleeve,” Noa muttered to herself, pursing her lips in irritation.

“Why didn’t he teach me this one?”

Her competitive side flared up, and she mentally resolved, *You didn’t teach me this before, but once we’re home, you’ll be begging me to learn it!*

From the stands, Vice Principal Wilson adjusted his monocle, a hint of surprise flickering across his face.

“9527 is using lightning magic?”

“It’s not that surprising,” Principal Olette replied. “While rarer than fire magic, lightning magic isn’t entirely unheard of. Decades ago, we specifically recruited instructors with unique elemental affinities to train students like Noa.”

Olette raised an eyebrow as she continued to observe 9527. After a pause, she murmured,

“Yes, what an interesting coincidence.”

---

Leon turned to face Noa fully, watching her labored breaths and the flickering, unstable light of her remaining magic.

She had been so close to landing a decisive blow, but Leon could tell her mana reserves were nearly depleted.

*Thunder Wolf Breakthrough* was an exceptionally mana-intensive spell. Coupled with her creative but costly tactics, like using its recoil to reposition, she was now running on fumes.

“It’s about time to wrap this up,” Leon thought.

“Agreed,” another instructor added. “Noa has already demonstrated exceptional skill in combat, tactics, and adaptability. Let’s call it—”

“Wait,” a voice interrupted.

It was Noa’s homeroom teacher, Lydia. She raised her hand, signaling the others to hold off, her gaze fixed on Noa.

“She doesn’t want this to end yet.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s obvious her strength and mana are almost gone. She’s done enough.”

“For most students, yes. But for Noa, this is only average,” Lydia said, her tone firm. Memories of their two years together flashed through her mind as she watched Noa prepare for another attempt.

“This is a rare chance for her to give it her all in a safe environment. Let her try once more.”

---

The scoring instructors exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.

They, too, were curious about what Noa might pull off in her final moments, even as her energy waned.

---

Leon, however, had different thoughts.

*We can’t drag this out any longer. What if she overexerts herself?*

But he also knew he couldn’t end this hastily—not when it was clear Noa wasn’t done yet.

*She’d have already dismissed her spell if she felt satisfied,* he realized.

And so, Leon decided to give their battle the conclusion it deserved—a perfect, memorable finish.

Raising his left hand, he summoned crackling arcs of electricity to his palm. The explosive sound of *Thousand Birds* echoed through the training hall, filling the air with an electrifying hum.

---

“That… that technique…” one instructor stammered.

“Why does it feel so familiar?” another asked nervously.

“Big guy, weren’t we supposed to act like regular black-armored instructors? What are you doing?”

“Why do you think I took a job as an assistant teacher at this academy?”

“Why?”

“Because on the frontlines, I kept running into lightning magic users like this!”

The instructors couldn’t help but recall less-than-pleasant memories of past battles, though they quickly dismissed the idea that this 9527 could be *that* infamous lightning-user.

---

Noa, seeing her father suddenly become serious, felt a brief flicker of surprise before steeling herself.

“Alright, Dad. Don’t hold back too much this time,” she said, channeling the last of her mana into her *Thunder Spear.*

Just then, a familiar voice echoed in her mind.

“Hey, kiddo. Need some help taking down your old man? I’m happy to oblige.”

Noa’s eyes widened. “Ancestor? You’re awake?!”

“I couldn’t miss such a filial display, could I? Watching this is worth waking up for. I’ll go back to sleep afterward.”

“You’re as unreliable as ever.”

“Say what you will. With my help, you’ll win this.”

“Let’s see then!”

---

Back in the arena, Noa steadied herself, her mana reigniting as she prepared her final attack.

“This is it,” she thought. “My last chance to see how far I can push myself against him.”

Leon noticed the shift in her stance and smiled beneath his helmet.

*Good. She’s taking this seriously.*

The room seemed to hold its breath as father and daughter locked eyes. Without a word, they both launched forward simultaneously, their lightning-clad forms colliding in the center of the arena.

The clash sent shockwaves rippling outward, scattering debris and lighting up the hall with dazzling arcs of electricity. The deafening crack of thunder echoed like a primal roar.

In the stands, the instructors watched in awe.

“Lydia, your student… she’s extraordinary.”

“When she advances to the Young Dragon Division, I want her in my class,” one instructor declared.

“Why should she go to you? Lydia, convince her to join my class instead.”

“You? With your fire magic? You’re not even compatible with her element!”

---

Amid the chaos of lightning and sound, Noa and Leon were locked in a stalemate. Her left hand clutched her right wrist, steadying the *Thunder Spear* as it pressed against her father’s *Thousand Birds.*

Through the clash, Noa felt a subtle shift—her father was easing up on his strength.

She realized, *If this continues, Dad will be the first to yield.*

Even in a trial, he would never risk hurting her.

But Noa didn’t want him to lose like this. Despite her exhaustion, she respected his competitiveness and wanted to end the match on her own terms.

“Thank you,” she whispered amidst the crackling chaos.

Leon heard her clearly, though he didn’t quite understand why she was thanking him.

---

Realizing it was time to end things, Leon gradually lessened the power behind his *Thousand Birds* before dismissing it entirely.

He had planned to step back and avoid any residual strikes from Noa’s attack, but to his surprise, she withdrew her attack simultaneously, retreating to create space between them.

“Mutual disengagement? Well, aren’t they in sync,” one instructor remarked.

“Lydia, now can we call it?”

“Yes, I think that’s enough,” Lydia agreed.

The lead instructor stood and announced to the arena:

“The final match of the Saint Sis Academy black-armored combat simulation, Noa Melkvey versus 9527, is complete!”

_____________________

TL NOTE

: Please don't skimp on the stars and likes for the translation - I'd really like to see how far Leon goes and how far we can increase the number of chapters. Thanks~!