Although Albert was unreliable, he wouldn’t betray himself now. Protected by Albert’s Battle Aura film, the stench couldn’t reach his body, and even breathing felt clean. This skill was handy. Still, walking through the sewer felt weird.
“We’re here,” Albert said, pointing to a manhole cover above. This must be near the Magic Academy.
“Yeah, let’s get out fast. I won’t stay here another minute.”
With Albert’s help, they surfaced quickly.
“So huge—is this the Magic Academy?” Chu Xueyue stared at the gate. His old school was nothing compared to this. Even the entrance dwarfed everything he’d known.
“First time here?”
“Obviously. You know that.”
“Same for me. Back home, all our schools combined couldn’t match this. Comparing them feels like losing.”
“Naturally. Seeing this place, basically—wait, who are you?!”
Chu Xueyue finally realized Albert was ahead. The voice behind him wasn’t Albert’s.
He turned. A man stood there in outrageously fancy clothes, clashing sharply with the plain outfits around. Seriously, this was the slums—someone like him shouldn’t be here. And don’t think I missed your maid behind you; even veiled, she was stunning.
No one seemed to notice them. Either they were insanely strong or had a magical item. Otherwise, the crowd would’ve spotted them instantly.
Why would nobles—or worse—be here? Not his problem. Maybe they just had weird hobbies.
“You mistook me for someone else,” the man said smoothly. “Easy to lose friends here. Mind if I help you find yours?”
“No thanks. My friend’s right ahead.” Chu Xueyue refused bluntly. He’d hesitate for a normal person, but this guy and his maid screamed trouble. Getting involved would mean chaos.
“I see. Stick with your friend then. I’m new here too; I’ll explore the academy.” The man didn’t seem bothered.
“But can I know your name? I feel we’ll meet again. You draw me strangely, like—”
“Hold it!!” Chu Xueyue cut him off. “Sorry, I’m not gay. Zero interest in guys. You might be, but we’re incompatible. We won’t meet again. With your looks and style, plenty of gay guys will adore you. Go find them. Goodbye—no, never again!”
Chu Xueyue spun around and bolted toward Albert, covering his butt. He activated his Battle Aura to escape faster. No time to conserve it—if that gay guy caught him, it’d be a disaster.
The man turned to his maid. “Evelyn, did I say something wrong? I just wanted to be friends. Why call me gay? Is everyone like this here?”
“Pfft!” Evelyn covered her mouth behind her veil, giggling. “My Hero, saying that to a guy? No wonder he ran. If it were a girl, she’d be thrilled. I’d punch you first.”
“Must be the Hero Bracelet’s translation glitch.” He tapped the black bracelet on his wrist, forcing an excuse.
“If you say so,” Evelyn smirked. “Though I’ve never heard of it malfunctioning. To avoid awkwardness, let’s go. Your invisibility item works too well. If I hadn’t revealed us, he wouldn’t have seen me—and seeing me, he wouldn’t have said that. Let’s explore. I’ve only trained in the Demon King’s Castle before; this is my first time in the human world.”
“As you wish, my Hero.” Evelyn glanced toward where Chu Xueyue fled. That guy felt oddly familiar.
“Jack, what’s wrong?” Albert saw Chu Xueyue rush over, Battle Aura flaring. “Trouble? Need help?”
Chu Xueyue scanned the area, relieved the stranger wasn’t following. He took a deep breath. “Met a troublesome person. Not safe to talk here. Later, back home. Probably just a tourist; nothing serious.”
“Okay.” Albert frowned. Their time together taught him Chu Xueyue had met someone important—but since he didn’t ask for help, it wasn’t Albert’s fight.
Damn! That guy was the Hero! Only Heroes have that bracelet. Less than half a month here, and counting Albert, that’s three Heroes already? When did Heroes become so common?
