Starting today, I've committed to training Nia during our free periods after school for the next month. There's a very specific reason for that thirty-day window.
(If I remember correctly, Nia's physical conditioning needs to be complete for her showdown with Zoeva in exactly one month...)
In my own way, I was trying to be considerate of her circumstances. Nia and I moved from the chemistry prep room to a secluded corner of the campus. Redrick Academy's¹ grounds are absurdly vast; if you tuck yourself away in the far reaches of the yard, you're almost entirely shielded from prying eyes.
"Now then, I'm sure you're aware, but the true strength of your Primordial Flame² is its overwhelming firepower," I said. "To push that to its limit, you're going to spend the first week working yourself to the bone to expand your mana capacity."
In this world, concepts like 'leveling up' or 'skill points' don't exist. Instead, everything is governed by 'proficiency.' Through specific training, this proficiency increases, and your stats rise accordingly. Phrased like that, it sounds like a benevolent world where hard work always pays off, but that's far from the truth.
Naturally, everyone has a different growth ceiling. To put it bluntly, it's all about talent and aptitude. If someone without a shred of talent for swordsmanship swings a blade a hundred times, you take those one hundred swings and multiply them by a talent modifier of 0.01, resulting in a measly stat increase of one. In short, they barely grow at all. If the training doesn't align with a person's innate gifts, effort is just a waste of time.
(In the original story, Nia was a glass cannon—a heavy hitter specialized in magic attacks.)
Focusing on expanding her mana capacity, the very source of that magical output, was logically sound.
"Hollow, we only have a month," Nia said, sounding skeptical. "Can mana capacity really increase that much in such a short time?"
"Normally, it's impossible," I replied. "However, the 'special training' I've devised can boost your capacity in just one week."
I winced inwardly. I sounded like a late-night infomercial for a total scam.
"Wait, just one week?!" Nia exclaimed. Her eyes began to sparkle like a child's as she leaned in close. "That's incredible! What kind of training is it? Please, you have to teach me!"
(Good grief, she's a total pushover...)
If she were back in modern-day Japan, she'd be the prime target for every doorstep swindler in the country. It was almost painful to watch. Shaking off the thought, I pulled out a small potion I always kept on hand.
"The method is simple," I explained. "First, you will release your mana at full throttle until you hit your absolute limit. Once you're empty, drink this potion to recover, then start over. Repeat the process indefinitely."
"That sounds... well, wouldn't that be agonizing?" Nia asked. Her face turned a sickly shade of pale.
To be honest? Yeah, it's hell. It's the exact same method I used to grind my own mana levels. I've experimented with countless routines, but this is undeniably the most efficient way to force growth.
"It is grueling, yes," I said, narrowing my eyes. "But tell me—is your lifelong ambition really that cheap?"
Nia flinched, a look of sudden realization crossing her face before her gaze hardened with resolve.
"I'll do it," Nia said. "I don't care how much it hurts. If it makes me stronger, I'll do whatever it takes!"
"Good. Then begin," I commanded.
"Right!" Nia shouted.
She gave a spirited reply and immediately began venting her mana at full power. While she was occupied, I didn't plan on just idling around. I had a mountain of my own work to get through.
(Alright, first I'll pull 'this' out, suspend it with mana... and... there. Perfect.)
Five minutes later, Nia called out to me.
"Hey, Hollow? Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?" I asked.
"That... giant thing spinning over my head," Nia said, gesturing upward. "What is the point of that exactly?"
A massive turbine was suspended above Nia, letting out a low, rhythmic thrum-thrum as it rotated. Her magic affinity was Fire. By releasing such a massive quantity of mana, she was effectively cloaked in a localized heatwave. That heat warmed the surrounding air, creating a powerful updraft that caught the turbine's blades.
"It's an adjustment for thermal power generation³," I said.
"Ther-mal... what?" Nia asked.
"Don't worry about it," I replied. "Just some shop talk."
While lightning existed as a natural phenomenon in this world, the concept of 'electricity' as a source of energy was non-existent.
(In the original world of Ronzolkia, the presence of mana and mana crystals meant civilization took a completely different technological path than Earth...)
Mana was incredibly versatile. You could pump it into your limbs to increase physical strength, channel it into objects to harden them, or infuse it into liquids to manipulate them. It was the ultimate multi-purpose energy. However, having lived in Japan, I knew just how revolutionary electricity could be.
(Just between us, I'm dreaming of turning Void Town⁴ into a second Tokyo.)
Okay, I wasn't entirely serious. You can't just build a metropolis of that scale on a whim; I understood that much. But a man needs a goal. Aim high, as they say.
(For now, it looks like fire magic can drive a turbine just fine. I'll just toss the 'thermal power' project to Glard Glanz like I usually do.)
Glard Glanz, the boss of the Thief Brigade and one of the original members of Void Town, was a brilliant man, largely due to his background with the Ministry of Magic. If I handed him a rough concept based on my Japanese knowledge, he was great at hammering it into a functional reality.
(If I could focus more on urban development, Void Town would grow even faster, but...)
Unfortunately, the expansion of Void Town was just a side-quest. I had to focus my energy on clearing the 'Main Story.' If I failed the primary objective because I was too busy playing City Sims, it wouldn't even be funny.
(I have to handle the things only I can do—like utilizing my knowledge of Japan—and delegate everything else to the experts.)
A one-man show eventually hits a wall. Proper division of labor is essential. Since the thermal power experiment seemed to require a lot of fire, I'd have to go for another night stroll through the city soon to 'recruit'—or rather, kidnap—a few more fire-aligned criminals.
(Beyond that... yeah. I'm still worried about the protagonist.)
By taking Nia under my wing, I'd successfully severed her connection with Allen. That was a huge win, but there was a catch.
(While I'm stuck looking after Nia, Allen is essentially a free agent.)
According to the main plot, there shouldn't be any major events during this period. There were a few minor sub-events, but nothing significant. There was nothing 'essential' that would lead to a massive power-up for the hero. So, it should be fine. The 'Turn the Hero into a Background Mob' plan was proceeding as intended... probably.
(...No, I can't help it. I'm still worried.)
When I was focused, I was fine, but the moment my mind wandered, the anxiety came rushing back. Is Allen okay? Is he getting dragged into some weird trouble again? He hasn't had some sudden awakening while I wasn't looking, has he? The thoughts wouldn't stop, and I was starting to feel incredibly restless.
(It's annoying when he's stalking me, but it's terrifying when he's totally out of sight.)
The protagonist is a truly persistent headache.
(Alright, I've made up my mind.)
For this next month, I'm putting a tail on Allen.
(Dia is way too busy, and the rest of the Five Hells are all swamped with their own tasks. Olvin-san is out, Fiona-san has her school duties, and I can't exactly let the people from Void Town walk around in broad daylight.)
It was a difficult puzzle.
(I need someone tight-lipped, responsible, capable of high-level surveillance, and willing to listen to my requests... Ah.)
I found the perfect candidate. No time like the present. I activated <Call> and established a telepathic link.
(Sugar? It's me, Void.)
Sugar was a special operative for The Void, a beautiful girl with striking blue hair and sharp, almond-shaped eyes. We'd worked together once before, and we'd hit it off quite well.
"V-V-V-Void-sama?!" Sugar cried.
She sounded completely caught off guard. Her <Communication> was set to broadcast, and I could hear the ambient noise of her surroundings leaking through the telepathic waves.
"A direct <Call> from Void-sama himself...!" one voice whispered.
"Sugar-sama, what on earth is going on?!" another demanded.
"Ugh, I'm so jealous...!" a third added.
There was too much static and chatter to make out everything, but she was clearly with the rest of the crew from The Void.
(Sorry for the sudden call. Do you have a moment?)
(Of course! Nothing takes priority over you, Void-sama!)
(Right... thanks.)
The members of The Void were all a bit intense. Even among them, Dia was an outlier—a true 'super-heavyweight' in the obsession department.
(Actually, I have a favor to ask, Sugar.)
(Please, tell me! I'll do whatever you ask!)
(I need you to monitor a certain individual for the next month.)
(Understood! I won't fail you!)
(Thanks, I appreciate it. I'll give you the details after tomorrow's scheduled report. Talk soon.)
(Yes! I look forward to it!)
Just as I was about to sever the link, more voices flooded through.
"Sugar-sama, that's not fair! You're hogging him all to yourself!"
"Wipe that smug look off your face! It's annoying, stop it right now!"
"Dammit... we need to step up our game too..."
"A telepathic message... I'm so jealous I could die..."
A flurry of high-energy chatter washed over me, though I'm fairly certain none of it was intended for my ears.
(The Void was an accidental creation... but I'm glad I built it.)
I despise toxic work environments, so I've always wanted The Void to be an ethical organization. I'd made that much clear to Dia. And I didn't just mean the benefits; I meant the stuff that doesn't show up on a ledger—the camaraderie and the openness.
From what I could see, The Void had become a remarkably healthy workplace.
(Every member was once tormented by their Defiled Crests⁵ and cast out by society. Seeing those girls, with their dark pasts, actually having fun together... it makes me genuinely happy.)
I was busy weighing my future plans, plotting against the protagonist, and drifting through my own reflections when the atmosphere changed.
"Haah... haah... haah...!"
Nia's breathing had grown ragged.
(Hmm. Is she at her limit already...?)
Barely ten seconds later, having exhausted every drop of her mana, she lost consciousness while still standing. Her strength vanished as if her strings had been cut, and she began to slump toward the ground.
"Whoops."
I closed the distance in a single stride, catching her gently before her head could hit the dirt.
(It's been, what, ten minutes since she started releasing her mana?⁶ Hmm. That's a little underwhelming...)
For context, my personal record is twelve hours and thirty minutes. And I didn't even run out of mana; I only stopped because I got hungry and was, frankly, bored. It was more of a "personal best" than a true limit.
(Still, give the heroine credit-she's got heart.)
Nia had fainted from acute mana depletion. Normally, the mind has a "stopper"-a rational instinct that prevents a person from purging enough energy to actually pass out. But she had blown right past it.
To fulfill her deepest vow, to save the lives she carried, she had leaped beyond her own boundaries. That unshakable core was, without a doubt, Nia's greatest virtue.
(Let's see here...)
I stared down at her chest, which was damp with perspiration.
(Oh, that's promising.)
After just one session of total exhaustion, Nia's mana capacity had already ticked upward. Just as I'd calculated, this "starvation training" was a perfect fit for her.
(Though even then, she's miles away from ever reaching the Great Elder⁷...)
As I idly processed that thought, Nia began to stir.
"Nn... ugh..."
She was coming to surprisingly fast.
"Morning, sleepyhead," I said.
"Huh...? What did I... wait-!? Eek!"
For some reason, her face flushed a vivid scarlet. She gave my chest a frantic shove and scrambled backward to put a safe distance between us.
"W-Why are you so close!?" Nia demanded.
"Why are you acting so flustered?" I asked.
"I-I mean... I'm... you know... I'm all sweaty and..."
She pressed her hands to her chest, her eyes darting nervously from side to side.
"Sweat? Oh, don't let it bother you. You don't have a pungent odor. If anything, it's almost sugary."
I stated the objective facts with total composure.
"--!"
This time, Nia's face went past red and straight to crimson.
"You are the absolute worst! You might be strong, but you seriously need to learn some basic tact!"
"What are you talking about? Despite appearances, I consider myself quite the gentle-"
"-A gentleman doesn't talk about a girl's body odor!" Nia interrupted.
"Oh. Is that... how it works...?"
"Yes!"
I thought I had been perfectly chivalrous in my reassurance, but I had apparently missed the mark. The female heart is a labyrinth.
"Anyway, that's one session down. How do you feel?"
"How do I feel? I feel like death. And I don't feel 'stronger' at all," Nia replied.
Well, she'd only gained about a 3% increase. A person doesn't usually notice the change until it hits the 10% threshold.
"Here, take this potion. Drink up and rest. Once your mana is halfway back, we're starting over from the beginning," I said.
"Ugh, fine."
Nia popped the cap and downed the potion in one go.
"Now, you'll be bored while you recover. Let's use this downtime for mana manipulation drills."
"W-Wait, isn't a break supposed to be for... resting?"
"Don't be absurd. If you rested, it would be an actual break. If you really want to get stronger, you train through the rest periods, too."
"Ugh... you ogre... you demon... you Hollow...!"
"My name is not a slur," I replied.
* * *
For the next week, I stayed by Nia's side, pushing her.
"Hey! Don't use my practice fire to roast sweet potatoes!"
"What's the harm? It's not like the fire is going to wear out. Here, this one's done," I said.
"...It's actually really good."
We ate roasted potatoes together.
"You know, I haven't hit my head once since I started fainting. I wonder why...?" Nia asked.
"Don't worry about it. I catch you every time."
"...You are definitely saying that just to mess with me, aren't you?"
"Saying what?"
Our conversations continued to drift past one another.
"Hey, Hollow... why do you know so much about everything?"
"No prying allowed," I said.
"...Stingy."
And just like that, the week vanished.
"Alright, let's see how much progress you've actually made. Ready?"
"Yeah."
Nia gave a sharp nod and closed her eyes. She focused her consciousness-and then unleashed her mana in a single, explosive burst.
"HAA!"
In an instant, a localized firestorm erupted. Brilliant, searing flames flickered into life as an overwhelming surge of mana cascaded from her.
"Ho. Look at you. You're like a different person," I said.
"This is... incredible. Is this really... my power!?"
In a mere seven days, Nia's mana capacity had skyrocketed to more than double its original volume.
(Before this, no matter how hard I worked, I felt stuck. I couldn't grow at all... It kills me to admit it, but Hollow is amazing! If I keep following his lead, I might actually stand a chance against Zoeva...!)
She looked genuinely happy. I'll admit, the look of despair on her face has its own particular charm... but personally, I think a smile like that suits her much better.
"Hehe. At this rate, I might even be able to take you on, Hollow!"
"Haha. That's a funny joke."
I laughed warmly-and then I released the tiniest sliver of the mana I usually keep locked away.
In that heartbeat, a repulsive, suffocating pressure roared forth. A pitch-black darkness, like sentient sludge, began to swallow the schoolyard. It was a terrifyingly malevolent force-the physical manifestation of the original Hollow's putrid inner soul.
(...No. It's impossible. I could never beat him. He's... he's just too far away...)
Seeing my mana, Nia's face drained of all color. Her spirit broke, and she collapsed into the dirt.
Poking fun is one thing, but I didn't want to cause permanent psychological damage, so I snapped the lid shut on my power.
"Anyway, enough small talk. Let's get to the next lesson," I said.
"...Yes, sir."
Summary:
Hollow begins a grueling month-long training regimen with Nia to prepare her for her upcoming clash with Zoeva. While managing her growth, he delegates urban planning tasks to his subordinates in Void Town and begins to worry about the protagonist Allen's unsupervised movements. To mitigate this risk, he recruits Sugar from his secret organization 'The Void' to monitor Allen's activities.
Hollow initiates a brutal 'starvation training' regime for Nia, pushing her to the point of collapse to expand her mana capacity. Over a week, the two develop a bickering but effective dynamic, resulting in Nia doubling her power. However, the chapter ends on a chilling note when Hollow reveals a mere fragment of his true, malevolent mana, crushing Nia's newfound confidence and reminding her of the astronomical gap between them.
Trivia:
- The mention of 'Original Knowledge' confirms Hollow is a reincarnator who plans to use Earth-based concepts like thermal power to gain a strategic advantage.
- Hollow's anxiety regarding Allen suggests the 'Protagonist's' luck or destiny is a tangible force he is trying to suppress.
- The devotion of 'The Void' members hints at a powerful, albeit obsessive, military force under Hollow's direct command.
- Hollow's record of 12.5 hours suggests his mana pool is not just large, but potentially infinite or fundamentally different from normal humans.
- The description of Hollow's mana as 'sentient sludge' and 'putrid' hints that his presence in this world might be inherently corruptive or tied to a 'Villain' role he is trying to navigate.
- Nia's ability to bypass the mental 'stopper' suggests she possesses a rare 'Protagonist' trait of self-destruction for the sake of others.
- The mention of 'The Great Elder' establishes a high-tier power benchmark that even the current Hollow acknowledges
Character Insight:
Nia's trust in Hollow has grown to the point of blind obedience, despite her initial skepticism about his 'scam-like' training methods. Meanwhile, Hollow's relationship with his organization 'The Void' is shown to be one of genuine care; he views himself as a fair employer ('White Organization') rather than a typical villainous overlord.
The dynamic shifts from a standard teacher-student relationship to one of complex dependency. Nia begins to respect Hollow's efficiency ('Hollow is amazing!'), but Hollow deliberately maintains an emotional distance and power imbalance. The moment he catches her as she faints shows a glimmer of 'gentlemanly' care, which he immediately ruins with his tactless comments about her scent.
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The magic system is based on 'Proficiency' rather than a hard level-up system, and growth is heavily gated by individual 'talent modifiers.' The concept of the 'Defiled Crest' is introduced as a source of social persecution, which Hollow is leveraging to build his own loyal faction.
The world utilizes a 'stopper' mechanism in the brain to prevent mana exhaustion death. Mana capacity can be increased through 'full depletion' cycles, similar to muscle hypertrophy. Potions exist to accelerate recovery, allowing for high-intensity training loops.
TL Notes:
The term 'White Organization' (ホワイトな組織) is a direct play on the Japanese corporate term 'White Company,' used to describe ethical workplaces. This highlights the protagonist's modern Japanese background.
The term 'Great Elder' (Daiou) was translated to emphasize status rather than just age. Hollow's shift from 'Boku' (narrative) to 'Ore' (dialogue) highlights his dual nature as an observer and an actor.
TL Notes:
1 ↩ Redrick Academy: The prestigious educational institution where the main story takes place.
2 ↩ Primordial Flame: A high-tier fire magic attribute possessed by Nia.
3 ↩ Thermal Power Generation: A modern Earth concept introduced by Hollow to convert magic heat into mechanical energy.
4 ↩ Void Town: The secret base of operations being developed by Hollow's organization.
5 ↩ Defiled Crest: A mark or status that leads to social exclusion in this world's society.
6 ↩ Mana: The spiritual energy used to fuel magical abilities. Excess discharge leads to syncope or death.
7 ↩ Great Elder (Daiou): A title denoting a pinnacle existence in the world's power hierarchy.
Notes:
• Nia - A determined girl described as a 'heroine' with a strong inner core. She has a signature fire-based mana. She is training under Hollow to defeat Zoeva and save lives she feels responsible for. She has short-tempered and embarrassed reactions to Hollow's bluntness. A girl with the Primordial Flame magic factor. Described as having a sparkle in her eyes and being easily influenced. She is training to prepare for a fight against Zoeva. The heroine of the original story. She was seen sparring and shaking hands with Allen Fortis at the riverbank. Born into the Ainsworth house. Jewel-like baby girl. Five years old during the primary events. Possesses the Origin Class Innate Magic 'Primordial Flame'. Has blue/jewel-like eyes and a small frame. Later described as looking like a 'tattered doll' after being disciplined. A girl under ten years old belonging to the Four Great Noble Houses. She has spent years in rigorous training to atone for a sin and kill Zoeva. Possesses overwhelming physical and magical strength for her age. A heroine from one of the Four Great Noble Houses. She has long hair and is described as having soft skin and a sweet scent. She is desperate to defeat the Great Elder of her family to inherit the headship and seeks Hollow's training. The protagonist of this chapter. A noble girl with a high-minded spirit. She possesses the Primordial Flame. She has white hair and soft features, currently a student at Redrick Academy.
• Zoeva - A key figure in Nia's life, he oversees her training and took her to the tournament—though she intends to kill him eventually. Current head of the Ainsworth family, known as 'The Great Patriarch.' Over 300 years old, he stopped aging via Origin Class Innate Magic 'Original Ice.' Towering over 2 meters with lean, steel-like muscles, long white hair, a wrinkled face, and hawk-like sharp eyes. The Great Elder or Patriarch of the Ainsworth family—a legendary mage obsessed with fusing Primordial Flame and Primordial Ice.
• Hollow - A calculative and immensely powerful individual with a 'villainous' mana signature. He is currently training Nia. He views his own overwhelming power with a detached, analytical perspective and has a social disconnect regarding 'tact'. The protagonist, a reincarnated individual with original knowledge of Japan. Operates as 'Void', the leader of a secret organization. Focused on avoiding a 'Ruin End' by neutralizing the protagonist Allen. A vile aristocrat and universal genius. He has crimson eyes and a pointlessly perfect face. Known for his slothful pride and overwhelming magical power. A villainous noble and reincarnated individual with meta-knowledge of the world. He possesses the unique magic and is currently a student at Redrick Academy. He maintains a cold, haughty exterior to play his role while internally managing complex plans to avoid his 'ruin end'. The eldest son of Lord Heisenberg, part of the Four Great Noble Houses. A prodigy described as the incarnation of sloth and arrogance. He is highly skilled in 'breaking humans' and psychological torture. The protagonist who has reincarnated as a Vile Aristocrat. Currently Rank One at Redrick Academy. Possesses the Innate Magic Refraction and the unique skill Slothful Pride. He is working on a Protagonist Mob-ification Plan to avoid his ruinous end.
• Glard - 50-year-old leader of the thief brigade. Former employee of the Ministry of Magic who was framed for a crime. Smokes thick cigars. The boss of the Thief Brigade. A man of mettle and pride who initially resists Hollow's manipulation before succumbing to hunger to save his men.
• Allen - The protagonist of the original story. A student at Redrick Academy who has unexpectedly become attached to Hollow. He possesses the Innate Magic and is noted for his innocent, friendly demeanor. The original story's protagonist. A descendant of the Six Legendary Heroes, specifically the 'Brave'. Possesses the Origin Class magic Zero Counter. Currently sorted as a White-Vest rank. A Preparatory student known as a White-Vest. He is diligent, kind-hearted, and possesses surprising physical strength. He is an outlier in the Special Advanced Class.
• Fiona - An 18‑year‑old Arbiter of the Ministry of Magic, 160 cm, slender, black‑ponytail, mauve eyes, snow‑white skin, wearing a white jacket, black shirt and miniskirt. She is a classmate and mental‑link partner of Hollow, respecting him while speaking casually; former private tutor and now teacher at Redrick Academy, ex‑Ministry member, legend‑class mage. Loyal to Hollow’s family, owes him 60 million Gordo and obeys his whims.
• Olvin - Tall and composed, with a refined gravelly voice, he serves as Hallow’s swordsmanship instructor and loyal knight of the Heisenberg family, reporting on territorial security while showing deep respect for Hallow’s status. As a servant at the Heisenberg estate, he escorts Hollow to his exam.
• Dia - Half‑elf descendant of the Hero who bore the Crest of Impurity, she sports ethereal silver hair, slender limbs and clear eyes. As First Seat of the Void and Hollow’s most loyal subordinate—No. 2 of the organization—she manages its practical affairs, speaking formally in public but casually with Hollow.
• Sugar - A frontline combatant for the organization 'Void'. Characterized by blue medium-length hair and sharp, almond-shaped eyes. She carries the blood of a Hero and hosts the Demon King's Factor. Highly devoted to Hollow/Void.