The next morning, after breakfast, the two prepared to head to the magic academy. As usual, Chu Xueyue hadn’t memorized its name—but since the city had only one, everyone would know.

"Hurry up!" Chu Xueyue said excitedly. "If we wait, crowds will make it hard to get in."

Albert sighed. "What’s the rush? The academy won’t vanish. Open day lasts days, and though our tickets are one-time, we can try tomorrow if today’s packed." He quickened his pace to match Chu Xueyue’s.

Chu Xueyue shot him a "you just don’t get it" look and pointed. "As a transmigrator, certain tropes are mandatory. Know what they are?"

Albert thought, then shook his head. "Your harem? The ‘golden finger’ cheat? Or academy life now?"

Chu Xueyue froze, dumbfounded. How did this local know transmigrator lore?

He grabbed Albert’s shoulders tightly. "Spill it—you’re a transmigrator too! How else? Ruining my grand Otherworldly Hero flex plan!"

Albert lightly shrugged him off. Strength gaps couldn’t be bridged in days.

"I’m from this world," Albert said flatly. "Not an Otherworldly Hero like you. And your flex plan? Impossible. No strength, no flex. I know your type: enter the academy, flaunt your ‘Hero’ title to attract girls, wait for some clown to provoke you, boost their affection, then accidentally build a harem. Every Hero biography writes it that way. Of course I know."

Chu Xueyue stumbled back two steps. So logical. So accurate. No rebuttal came.

*Did all my predecessors do this?* he thought. *Standard novel plot, but boring if everyone copies it. Modern trends favor low-key former Heroes—like Albert. Ordinary daily, but stronger than current Heroes in crises. Then they slip away quietly, leaving fame behind.*

He stepped closer, examining Albert.

*Albert fits the protagonist template perfectly: sister, house, orphaned parents, hidden rich-and-handsome status. Carefree life. Overpowered. Former Dragon Slayer Hero, now living low-key. Exactly this season’s novel outline.*

*And he got magic academy tickets so strangely. Next plot beat: he’ll see a noble clown harassing a commoner girl, intervene, and—*

"Xueyue? You okay?" Albert waved a hand before his frozen face.

"Just zoning out," Chu Xueyue snapped back. *I’m the transmigrator—he shouldn’t steal my tropes. Even a clown has years of training and bodyguards. I’ve been here two weeks, a shut-in otaku who hated exercise. No way I’d win.*

He glanced at his wrist, hidden by sleeve. *Unless my Hero Bracelet works a miracle, I’d die first.*

"Carriage here yet, Albert?" he asked. *Cliché plots won’t find me. Better not dwell.*

"No carriage needed," Albert said mysteriously. "I know a direct route. Even my sister doesn’t know this secret."

*Why tell me if your sister can’t know? Is it some men-only passage?*

"Follow me." Albert gestured.

Curious and buzzing, Chu Xueyue trailed him. *What secret hides from family?*

They stopped at a sewer entrance.

"I’ll admit it’s a shortcut," Chu Xueyue said dryly. "But how do we avoid repelling everyone with stench? We’re entering a magic academy—not a trash heap. Stink like this, and we’ll be banned. Do this, and I’m cutting ties. Sister included."

Albert grinned confidently. "Watch." He coated himself in Battle Aura, forming a shimmering membrane.

Chu Xueyue’s stomach dropped.

"Flow Battle Aura like this," Albert explained. "It blocks odors from clinging."

*Easy for you. My Battle Aura can’t even externalize—forget membranes.*

Chu Xueyue threw a punch. Instant regret. *I’d just hurt myself.*

Albert caught it, laughing. "Relax. I’ll wrap you in a membrane too."

Chu Xueyue yanked his fist back with a huff. "Remove it mid-way, and I tell your sister."

"Heh. Won’t happen."

For no reason, Albert’s words made Chu Xueyue shudder.