Chapter 142

Kick, kick….

Ah, seriously, I never would’ve imagined this.

Sheesh, my hands are all sweaty. If someone sees, they’ll think I’ve been soaking them in a basin. And this is just part of the sweat coming from one person.

Huh. The hero’s a loser, a coward, and a total mess. Whether it’s her nature or how she grew up, who knows, but the hero I saw in my past life was like that.

From birth, she was doomed to have a pitiful talent. Sure, even if it rots, it’s still mackerel—so she might be as good as the average genius on the continent—but compared to the Demon King, her power doesn’t even come close.

And with such a lack of ability, she should at least have an extraordinary mental fortitude, right? But the hero couldn’t even manage that. She surrendered to the Demon King.

That was the moment the indomitable hero became the craven hero.

And that’s not all. She envied Saintess Maria, her comrade and classmate, and betrayed her. I learned this in Tartarus, the lowest level of Babel Tower.

Yeah, the hero Frey is pathetic. And I don’t waste my attention on pathetic people.

If it were my past life, when I found out she stabbed Saintess Maria in the back and fell into corruption, I might’ve found it intriguing.

But now, not even that. My goal is rehabilitation, yet here’s a hero who degenerates instead. She really isn’t someone who suits me.

…Or so I thought.

“Arf arf, am I right?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Twitch—

“What? Am I correct?”

“I checked. It’s definite.”

Twitch—

“Why are you… hmm?”

“Don’t know. Figure it out. I’m starting to find it… interesting.”

Twitch—

If I keep teasing her, she’s gonna wet herself next. Our Miss Hero seems pretty shaken inside.

Should I address her as Frey von Siegfried?

Ever since I sent that message saying, “Hey, hero. Is that you?” Frey has fallen into a semi-panic state. From my diagonal backseat, I could see it all too clearly.

Her face somehow managed to stay its normal color, but her ears are bright red, like apples. I wouldn’t be surprised if biting them would make blood gush out like a fountain.

Crunch crunch—

After tearing out a page from the textbook, I scribbled some new words onto it.

The note that read, “Come around the building after class,” landed on Frey’s shoulder just like before. Of course, I threw it over Maria’s opposite shoulder, so pure-hearted Maria didn’t notice anything.

Frey, upon sensing the note, trembled violently as she opened it. To anyone watching, it looked like she was being threatened, and she certainly looked pitiful.

But I’m not stopping here.

There’s something unusual about Frey.

An “anomaly” often develops into a “variable.”

My life is no longer mine alone. I carry Maria on my shoulders, and I can’t live carelessly anymore.

Rustle—

After unfolding the paper and confirming the contents, Frey sighed. All I did was ask her to meet after class, but yeah, it’s still weird.

Even at Black Point, it was the same. Since coming to Eden Academy, I’ve had no conflicts with her. Still, Frey paid more attention to me than Aru.

Why? And why was the hero of the light hanging out at a shady place like Black Point?

It’s unlike the utterly useless hero I know.

Bow-wow-wow—

Right on cue, the bell signaling the end of class rang out. Real Eye Teacher told the students to thoroughly review and preview their lessons before leaving the classroom. Students chattered excitedly, enjoying their break after a boring lesson.

I didn’t stand up first. Frey glanced at me, then awkwardly rose. Her clothes were so soaked that her shirt turned translucent, revealing her white skin.

It could’ve been a suggestive scene, but Frey quickly grabbed her school jacket and put it on. The thick black jacket successfully covered her exposed areas.

“Miss Hero? Shall I escort you to the infirmary? While holy energy can heal wounds, I can’t do much for your current condition…”

“No, I’m fine…”

“B-but your fever is way too high!”

“…I’ll go outside and get some air. Don’t follow me. I need… a moment alone.”

Frey swatted away Maria’s hand reaching toward her forehead. It seemed like she intended to follow my instructions.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay? You look like you’re about to collapse!”

“Maria, prepare for the next class. I’m going for a walk.”

Just before staggering out of the classroom, Frey briefly turned around and locked eyes with me with a worried expression.

I smirked. Frey bit her lower lip. Definitely scared of me.

“Hmm, Mr. Evans, why is the hero acting like this?”

“Hm? You’ll have to ask her later. I’m also stepping out for a bit.”

“Me? Mr. Evans too?”

“Maria, talk to Aru. Can you at least be a conversation partner, Aru?”

“Arf? Conversation partner? Is it edible?”

“Sort of. Just don’t let Maria eat everything.”

It’s rude to leave Maria, who has no friends except me, alone. So, I left her with Aru, who also has no friends, and followed Frey out.

No tension? Nope. I already gauged Frey’s strength at Black Point.

She’s weak. Of course, she’s stronger than most peers, but compared to the historical “heroes,” she’s woefully inadequate.

A hero is the Supreme God’s sword against the Demon King, just as the Demon King is the Demon God’s blade.

Naturally, they’re strong—incredibly strong. At the peak of their growth, the Demon King’s power covers the sky, and the hero’s splits the sea.

So, are they the strongest beings on the continent? Not quite, but they’re almost there.

Except for this generation.

Something’s off. Did the chain of causality not just break but shatter?

The Demon King is too powerful.

He should be the Demon God’s blade, but even the Demon God isn’t a match for him.

It’s absurd to even measure his strength in terms of “power.” There’s nothing in existence that surpasses this Demon King.

Almost like… the Supreme God.

And conversely, the hero is too weak—not referring specifically to this generation’s hero, Frey.

Since the Demon King Canos was born 500 years ago, each successive hero has grown weaker.

Claire, the tragic hero who died by my hand; Seriel, the hero slain by the Dragon King; Frey, the indomitable hero…

They’ve been getting weaker. This is an observed truth. That’s why Canos decided to invade the continent.

400 years ago, 300 years ago, 200 years ago, 100 years ago… Canos refrained from invading the continent. The reason was simple: the heroes of those times were too weak, so he waited for the next one.

But now, Canos announces his invasion of the continent, concluding that no strong hero will ever emerge again.

Anyway, Canos invades the continent, and Frey immediately bows down and surrenders—a hero devoid of pride.

“Frey, do we know each other?”

Why does Frey’s gaze directed at me now…

Contain 8 parts fear, 1 part confusion, and 1 part firm resolve…

Why does ‘resolve’ exist here? Doesn’t suit someone so craven.

“Huh? Answer me, Frey. We can’t progress our conversation without it, right?”

Without a word, Frey obeyed exactly what I told her to do. Following a kidnapper’s orders isn’t easy, but she must’ve thought she had no choice.

Of course, she really doesn’t.

While following Frey, I exited the main building and moved to the back. No other students were around. Once we reached a secluded spot, I immediately grabbed Frey.

“Hmm, shall I lay down some ground rules first to pry open our Miss Hero’s mouth?”

“Kk…!”

I shoved Frey’s neck against the wall with my left forearm. She could’ve resisted and fought back, but she didn’t.

Does she lack the will to oppose me? That doesn’t seem right. The hatred in her glare and the force of her arms pushing against mine are evident.

Then why isn’t she attacking me? Does she realize it’d be futile?

“Hold it right there…! This is still inside the academy!”

“Inside the academy, no one dies, huh? For someone who frequents Black Point, you’re surprisingly naive. Cute though.”

“Crazy bastard…!”

“That’s a new one. Listen, Frey. Whatever insults you throw at me don’t matter much. But if you’re thinking of screaming, stop right there. I’ll kidnap you and lock you up with Aru for ten days without food.”

“…!”

Frey’s complexion turned pale. Her golden eyes narrowed.

She’s fought Aru before. In fact, she endured her killing intent and took a blow that knocked her unconscious. Naturally, the fear of Aru is etched into her bones.

Come to think of it, isn’t it strange? How did this girl endure Aru’s killing intent when she surrendered to the Demon King so easily?

“Don’t be too scared, Frey. If you behave, I won’t punish you. Think of this as… an interrogation.”

“Interrogation…?”

“Exactly, good answer. Now, first question coming up. Why were you at Black Point that day?”

“…”

My question met silence. Seems like she’s hiding something.

Fine. I’m a generous demon. I can wait patiently.

“For information…”

Frey answered quicker than expected. I was planning to teach her a lesson if she dragged it out, but this is wise.

“Information? Hmm, makes sense. Black Point is an information broker after all. Still, it’s kinda surprising. How does the continent’s hope, the hero, even know about a shady place like Black Point?”

“I’m not the hero. I’m ‘Frey.’ Being a hero is just my duty.”

“Whoa, that’s unexpected. True, if you were the hero, betrayal wouldn’t even be possible…”

“…”

Interesting. Quite flexible thinking, aren’t you?

In my past life, I didn’t care about the hero at all. There was no need to.

So I’m a little surprised now. Was the hero always like this? Someone who boldly spits out prickly answers despite knowing someone stronger?

That’s cute. Prickly, but cute.

“Alright, time for the important questions. Keep answering well, Frey.”

“…?”

“What kind of information were you ordering at Black Point?”

“…”

Asked smoothly. Like a kind teacher offering candy to a child.

Answered harshly.

“…I can’t tell you that.”

Punch!

The punishment is immediate.

“Kk!”

Frey’s waist bends in half, and a shrill moan escapes her lips.

Retrieving my fist buried deep in her abdomen, I whispered menacingly.

“Stalling is fine. But not answering isn’t allowed. Got it?”

“G-guh… Hic… Y-you crazy bastard…”

“Planning to refuse again? You know what happens next, right?”

I raised my fist until it was right in front of Frey’s eyes. Her face turned deathly pale.

Once at Black Point, and now again. She’s already allowed my fists twice. The fear must’ve seeped into her very cells.

“Ugh… G-gr…”

Just as a tear drop formed at the corner of Frey’s eyes…

“Students! What do you think you’re doing?”

Real Eye Teacher calls out from afar. I draped my arm over Frey’s shoulder, forcing her bent waist upright, and whispered quietly so the teacher wouldn’t hear.

“Hey, smile. We gotta pretend we’re buddies, right?”

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