I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy

Chapter 53: Poker Face (4)

In the game 'Kyren Zena Chronicles,' there are numerous beings with power beyond measure, such as demons, demon kings, and ancient dragons, capable of bringing destruction to the continent.

Among them, the most well-known entity is the demon.

The Archdemon, a demon among demons, is the term used to refer to a demon with power second only to the Demon King in the demon realm.

As the title suggests, archdemons are incredibly powerful.

Only a select few top-tier heroes in the mortal realm can face an archdemon.

However, this is only true in the mortal realm.

There are barely any beings in the demon realm that can challenge an archdemon.

If one had to choose, it would be the ancient dragons with their vast age.

The Demon King hasn't shown himself for hundreds of years.

As a result, in the mortal realm─the continent of Kyren Zena─archdemons have become the embodiment of fear.

This overwhelming fear often turns them into objects of worship.

In most countries, demon worship is a major crime.

If discovered, not only the worshipper but their entire family will be exterminated.

Despite such severe punishment, it's impossible to stop everyone from engaging in demon worship.

Many people, including dark wizards and those who are desperate, end up worshiping demons.

Naturally, urban legends about contracts with archdemons are widespread.

And occasionally, these legends turn out to be true.

There was a case where a 70-year-old man single-handedly faced the empire's royal knights.

A 10-year-old human child assassinated a high-ranking hero.

A low-ranking bureaucrat manipulated an entire kingdom using an archdemon's charm.

In this way, those who form contracts with archdemons gain unnatural strength.

Their actions sometimes put the entire continent at risk.

For over a century, no archdemon contractors have appeared in the modern world.

To be precise, they are eliminated as soon as they appear, when their power is weakest.

As archdemons gradually consume a contractor's personality, changes become apparent in their character and appearance.

The most reliable way to identify a contractor is to examine their naked body.

A mark of the corresponding demon appears somewhere on the contractor's body.

After leaving Neike's room, I went to meet Rok.

He was struggling with paperwork, as post-incident handling was not easy.

"···So, you want me to announce that the first-year investigation team, not your team, apprehended the culprit behind the magic dungeon incident?"

"Yes, please. There might be witnesses, so I'd appreciate it if you could keep a close eye on those who were close by."

I responded calmly.

Before overpowering Francis, I had sent Amy to scout the area, but there was nothing out of the ordinary.

There would likely be no witnesses.

"Well, alright. Most of the staff are out anyway, so there can't be more than a handful of witnesses."

Rok said that and added with a meaningful smile,

"Even so, the culprit was caught in less than half a day. As the representative of the investigation team, I'd like to offer some kind of reward. Tell me what you want, and I'll try to accommodate within reason."

"Hmm."

I thought for a moment.

"What do you want?"

Rok narrowed his eyes.

I quickly racked my brain.

'What should I ask for?'

However, considering Rok's personality, I shouldn't ask for anything too big.

Moreover, I shouldn't ask for anything too conspicuous.

For example, asking for a vacation would be out of the question.

He would grant it, but it would only count as attendance and not help my grades.

It would also have a negative impact on my reputation.

More importantly, taking a vacation during the semester at Elinia Academy is very rare.

It would stand out too much.

'Then, it's this.'

I opened my mouth.

"During the next practical evaluation, 'Artifact Exploration', please let my team be the first to enter the dungeon."

"Hmm······."

Rok pondered for a moment.

I looked at him with a neutral expression.

'He's just pretending to think.'

This should be more than enough for him to grant.

The Hero Department's lectures are divided into a total of 16 weeks per semester.

This week is a break, but it's the 6th week.

Next week, the 7th week, is the Artifact Exploration.

The task is simple: just enter the dungeon assigned by the instructor and bring out the artifact marker they placed inside······.

But of course, an incident will occur.

It's important to note that there's special treasure hidden inside the dungeon.

It's not a hidden piece, but a treasure set within the story.

It didn't help much when clearing the current route—Spearmaster—so many users didn't even care.

However, it's quite useful for Neike, the overpowered character and protagonist, and for me.

Why wouldn't I take it if it's of no use to Neike, the Spearmaster?

'On top of that, I've obtained the high-level magic artifact [Amplification Orb] from Francis······.'

If I use it with the artifact inside the dungeon, it'll become a great power.

Rok finished contemplating and nodded.

"Alright. During the next practical evaluation, Theo, I'll make sure your team has priority to enter the dungeon first."

As I expected, Rok granted my request.

"Thank you."

I nodded gratefully, in a good mood.

***

After finishing my conversation with Rok, I immediately returned to the dormitory.

I had thought that the huge orc meal I had earlier for lunch would keep me full for days, but I was mistaken.

I was already hungry again.

'Has my constitution changed?'

Anyway, I should ask Amy for something to eat.

Hearing my footsteps, Amy was already waiting for me.

Sigh, I told her not to wait, but I've half given up on that.

Amy bowed her head as she saw me.

"You've arrived, young master. You've had a tough day today."

"You had the hardest time, Amy. If it weren't for you, things would have been much more troublesome."

"You're too kind, young master."

A faint smile appeared on Amy's lips.

"Anyway, did you take Siena back safely?"

"Yes, young master. After laying her down in bed, I left once she fell asleep. Oh, and also-"

Amy paused for a moment.

"What is it?"

"I have something to give you, young master. Please wait just a moment."

Amy entered her room and soon returned with a small wooden box the size of a notebook.

She handed it to me.

"Please accept this, young master."

I took the wooden box from Amy and opened the lid.

Inside were ten small, colorful glass bottles.

● Lesser Spirit Repellent [Grade: Rare] : Upon use, blocks the approach of all lesser spirits for 24 hours. [View Details]

Lesser Spirit Repellent.

Of course, I was familiar with this item.

It's quite rare.

The maker of this item is in Equilibrium.

'She noticed the spirit attached to me.'

It appears Amy had talked to Equilibrium about my recent situation.

Pretending not to know, I asked.

"What's this?"

"It's a medicinal tonic made by my family. I prepared it, thinking it might help with your safety, young master."

"I see."

Was it a white lie with good intentions?

Amy's family, the 'Watsons,' were wiped out when she was young.

There was a hint of sadness in Amy's eyes.

"Thank you, I'll make sure to use it. Oh, and please prepare some food. I'm hungry."

"Understood, young master. I'll prepare it right away."

Amy went downstairs.

"..."

Once I was in my room, I sprayed the Lesser Spirit Repellent on my clothes.

Of course, I could take it orally, but it felt repulsive.

Soon, a faint scent rose from my clothes, somewhat similar to perfume.

"Ugh."

If I had eaten it, I would have definitely thrown up.

Anyway, thank you.

Though it's for repelling lesser spirits, it should block most of the spirits Siena uses.

She wouldn't summon intermediate-level or higher spirits just to stalk me, after all.

***

In the spacious room of the Hero Department's exclusive dormitory, Piel stood by the open window, gazing outside.

Whenever she felt frustrated, she had a habit of staring out the window for a long time.

'I never expected the culprit to be caught in just half a day.'

Piel was well aware that the four - Neike, Andrew, Eshild, and Aisha - had apologized to Theo.

The criminal, who had not left any clues even after a thorough investigation by the faculty, was caught so quickly.

'How did he catch them so quickly?'

This only deepened her suspicion of Theo.

He was too out of place.

Even the legendary heroes that one would only hear about in fairy tales were not at this level.

'Of course, I can apologize. I can even bow my head.'

However, Piel decided not to do so.

But, he had already left a significant mark in a corner of her heart.

'I must verify it for sure.'

Piel firmly resolved herself.

'I have to see the contract with the Great Demon... the mark.'

If he really did make a contract with the Great Demon, she would save him, even if it meant dirtying her own hands, before the world scorned him.

Academy expulsion?

Disgrace after becoming a hero?

Those would be painful but trivial matters for his sake.

That was the only way she could repay him, the one who had given her an epiphany.

Of course, she hoped it wasn't true, but considering his transformation, the possibility was quite high.

'I'll make sure it never happens again... Demons like that should never come into this world.'

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