"Truly worthy of being the Hero, your magical talent has reached such heights. I've never seen a human shatter a crystal ball like you," said a sweet, seductive voice.

"Really? I knew it! To match my Hero title in this world, I must master magic. But with the crystal ball broken, how will we measure my talent?" the man calling himself the Hero asked the alluring beauty before him.

"No help for it. Your talent, Hero, has surpassed human limits. Humans couldn't unlock your full potential—but we Demonfolk can. Those human thieves stole our lands and our magic to fight us."

"Don't worry. Once I level up enough, I'll lead you to reclaim your rightful territory," the self-proclaimed Hero declared.

This Hero was summoned after Albert took Chu Xueyue from the Demon King's Castle prison. The Dark Lord shifted tactics: instead of imprisonment, he recruited the Hero as a Demonfolk asset.

It was simple. Freshly summoned and clueless, the Hero fell for the Dark Lord's mimicry of human victimhood. Then came the beauty trap—a strategy that never fails on humans. Evelyn, the succubus under the Dark Lord, used her charms to win him over, convincing him he was the Demonfolk's Hero.

He believed he fought for the Demonfolk, pushed to the brink by humans. The Dark Lord summoned him to save them.

Essentially, it swapped "humans" with "Demonfolk" in the usual story. Crucially, he was summoned on Demonfolk soil—and he believed it.

If humans knew the Dark Lord had successfully recruited a Hero, their reaction would be priceless.

With experience from summoning Chu Xueyue, the Dark Lord refined his approach. This time, the Hero Bracelet and Hero Interface worked flawlessly—skills unlocked instantly, with a built-in translator for this world's script. Chu Xueyue would've screamed about being jinxed if he knew.

"Sorry to interrupt your cozy moment," a rough voice cut in from behind. "Congratulations, Hero—your magic is formidable. But training waits. Today focuses on combat. Even with your Battle Aura broken through to level one, your skills need work. Magic lessons will be arranged later."

"Okarfu, you're here," they turned to see a minotaur approaching. He was the demon instructor for the new Hero's Battle Aura and martial arts.

In every way, the new Hero outshone Chu Xueyue: stronger, handsomer, taller, living better—with Evelyn by his side. He surpassed the homebody Chu Xueyue countless times over. A true canonical Hero.

Chu Xueyue had only just sensed Battle Aura within him, while the new Hero had already broken through level one—and shattered crystal balls with magic. No comparison.

"Alright, I'll head over now. Evelyn, I'm off to train," the new Hero waved goodbye. "Okarfu, let's go."

After a short walk, the minotaur Okarfu leaned in mysteriously. "Hero, did you know? Evelyn has the best magic here. She'll likely be your instructor."

"Really?"

"The Dark Lord will arrange it. She's closest to you now. And for you, Hero, she might offer... special guidance."

"What kind?"

"Hero, aren't you being deliberately obtuse?"

Laughter only men understand followed.

Meanwhile, at Albert's house.

"Mr. Jack, sorry—I live at school and can't assess your magic." *Your talent is too low; teaching you wastes time.*

Chu Xueyue didn't mind. He knew Albert's sister was swamped with her mage studies.

"No problem. I know you're busy. I just wanted to check if I'm suited for magic."

"Well, Mr. Jack and Brother, I'm off. I have a date with Moberd at four for shopping."

*So much for being busy—just a boyfriend date. But that's normal.*

"Muse, hurry—don't be late," Albert said.

"Brother, remember: when dating a girl, her lateness is never her fault," Muse replied with a coquettish pout.

After Muse left, Albert turned to Chu Xueyue. "Xueyue, if you want magic lessons, I can hire a tutor. Beginner mages—mostly students—teach at the Mercenary Guild. I can post a task there."

"No need. I'll learn at school. I haven't even mastered this world's script yet. No rush." Chu Xueyue blurted the refusal instantly.

He regretted it immediately. *Crap! Why not ask for a female student? She could teach magic and the script—perfect! Am I an idiot? Definitely. Too late to backtrack now... too embarrassing.*

"Alright, self-studying works. Beginner spellbooks are sold at magic shops. I'll call you around four for Battle Aura and martial arts training. I need groceries for dinner first."

"Okay, be careful," Chu Xueyue forced a smile, seeing Albert out. The door shut—he slapped his face. "I'm such an idiot. My cute tutor vanished. Those manga fantasies are all lies."