"If I'm not mistaken, the glitch in your Hero Interface probably stems from the Hero Summoning ritual?" Albert voiced his thoughts. After all, the only plausible explanation was a malfunction in the Hero Summoning Magic Circle.

Similarly, Chu Xueyue had pinpointed the issue: "Do you think it's this Magic Circle beneath me? It was stolen from your side, right? Maybe you botched the details during the theft. Even if I was summoned successfully to your world, the ritual was incomplete?"

"Since this is the first time the Dark Lord has ever summoned a Hero, I'm not entirely sure. Plus, I'm no mage—this should wait until we're back and let actual mages handle it," Albert said with a troubled frown. As a purely physical Hero, being grilled about magic felt like a death sentence.

"Forget mages. I think we're stuck here for life. The only way out is probably after we die and our corpses get dragged off to feed monsters," Chu Xueyue replied, his voice dripping with despair.

He'd hoped the Hero Interface would reveal an escape route, but it was a false hope. Worse, his interface was broken. Where did those kaomoji even come from? Did this other world use them too? ( ˙ε . )?

The initial fear of imprisonment had faded. It wasn't that he was overly optimistic (or thick-headed); alone, he'd be terrified. But Albert had arrived earlier, and his company made the days bearable. Finally, Mom, your child won't carry on the Chu family line.

"Hey! Spacing out again? Did you hear a word I said?" Albert shouted from the opposite cell.

Chu Xueyue jolted back to reality—he'd zoned out. What had Albert just said?

"Sorry, my mind wandered. What did you say?" Chu Xueyue asked sheepishly.

Albert didn't blame him. First day in another world, no grand palace or princess—just a cramped cell, the Dark Lord as his jailer, and a busted Hero Bracelet. Anyone would crack. Time for good news.

"Hmm." Albert lifted his head deliberately. Chu Xueyue finally noticed his appearance: caked in grime, filthy enough to pass for a coal miner. In a way, he still was one.

"I wasn't joking. I truly have a way out."

"Like I'd believe that. Don't think confidence sells lies. If you had a real escape, why are you still here?" Chu Xueyue shot back with a mocking sneer, making Albert itch to punch this new Hero.

"Fine. I won't take you with me," Albert retorted with a "believe it or not" shrug. His soot-streaked face hid any expression change.

"Then walk out first and prove it!"

"Well..."

"If you can't, stop showing off."

"...

"Hmph. Speechless? I won't touch you anyway—I'm trapped too."

...

Albert silently pulled out his Hero Bracelet and flashed what he imagined was a triumphant grin. "Don't forget—I'm a Hero too. Hero Skills aren't yours alone; I have my own."

Chu Xueyue recalled his own locked Hero Skill. If all such skills had conditions, Albert's delay made sense.

"Lord Albert, my mistake earlier. Please forgive me—you're far too generous to hold grudges." Chu Xueyue bowed his head instantly. Freedom outweighed pride.

"What? Didn't catch that," Albert said.

*This bastard's doing it on purpose. Wait till I'm free—I'll wreck him.* But Chu Xueyue forced a sickly sweet smile. "Lord Albert, forgive me. I know I erred. After we escape, I'll follow you faithfully."

"Alright, alright. I'm not petty. Small things don't bother me," Albert replied with a smile.

Though it was painfully fake.

"I knew Lord Albert's heart is vast—nothing like mine," Chu Xueyue gushed, matching the nauseating grin.

"So, Lord Albert, what's your Hero Skill? Show me now!" Chu Xueyue pressed eagerly.

"Your wish is received. Leave the rest to me," Albert declared abruptly.

"What?" Chu Xueyue blinked. His inner otaku cringed—saying that without shame meant this guy had skin thicker than castle walls.

"Nothing. Uttering that phrase activates my Hero Skill," Albert explained.

"It's called 'Hope of Humanity.' Activation requires humans nearby. After imprisonment, only monsters surrounded me—any humans died too fast for contact. My skill stayed locked."

"So what does it do? Teleportation to escape?" Chu Xueyue asked.

"Impossible. The name says it all. With humans near, I gain strength. Simple. No extras." Albert stood up—he'd been seated—and Chu Xueyue gauged him at nearly 180 cm.

Chains clanked and rattled as he rose.

"Know these chains' effect? They seal my innate power, leaving only human-level strength. But one exception..."

"The power I draw from you—I can unleash it."

Crack. Crack. Then a sharp clang—the handcuffs snapped off Albert's wrists.