If it weren’t for this guy being unable to see Evelyn, just wait till I get back to deal with you.
The new Hero had no idea Chu Xueyue had already seen everything. He desperately fought the urge to laugh. *Woof woof woof*. Seriously, why was there dog food everywhere he went? Ambushed by love-bombing out of nowhere—the taste of isekai dog food wasn’t half bad. Gimme another pack.
“You really don’t need to get this worked up. I’m seriously not into guys,” the new Hero said firmly, choosing to ignore Evelyn’s muffled laughter behind him.
*I’ve seen it all too clearly. I’m done talking. If I keep watching this, I might actually cry. Picking on me for not having a girlfriend? I swear I’ll cry right here, dead serious.*
“I get it—you’re not into guys. So can you *please* stop shoving dog food in my face? I hadn’t even eaten yet, but you’ve stuffed me full with your love-bombing,” Chu Xueyue declared solemnly.
*If I’d brought any of my stuff here, I’d totally pose as your other woman. I’ve honed my acting skills through countless rehearsals. Don’t worry—I’d only make sure you two break up. Beyond that? No promises.*
“??? What are you even talking about? When did I ‘shove dog food’? How exactly am I doing that?”
*Oh, real smooth. Parading around with this stunning beauty, flirting right in front of me, then playing dumb? Picking on me for being alone? I know I don’t have a girlfriend, but this is brutal.*
Chu Xueyue had almost raised a finger to point and scold him—then froze halfway. If he moved too abruptly, the Hero Bracelet hidden in his sleeve might slip into view. The other guy was a Hero too; he’d recognize it instantly.
His half-raised finger, barely higher than his stomach, jabbed toward Evelyn behind the new Hero. His voice dripped with fury—and something else, a bitter, sour tang of resentment.
“Do I look blind to you? I don’t know about others, but this is the *commoners’ district*. If you two were strolling through the nobles’ quarter, sure, it’d make sense. But look at your clothes! They’re on a whole different level from ours. I’m not some clueless idiot—I spot mismatched outfits a mile away.”
The new Hero glanced down at his attire. Lost in the novelty of his first human metropolis—and dazzled by the academy’s open day—he’d forgotten how glaringly out of place they were. Like a black dot on white paper. No wonder Chu Xueyue noticed.
*Wait. Did he just say “two people”? Only I lifted my invisibility on him. When did Evelyn lift hers?*
The new Hero spun around, pointing at Evelyn. “You mean *her*? How can you see her?”
“Yeah, how *can* you see me? I never lifted my restriction on you. Why am I visible?” Evelyn chimed in from behind, chuckling darkly. To Chu Xueyue, it sounded unnerving.
“Huh?” Chu Xueyue was utterly lost. *I see you crystal clear! Do they think I’m blind to their PDA? That’s just hurtful. Do couples really zone out everyone around them?*
“You’re definitely using invisibility magic—or artifacts. Otherwise, why would people keep giving me weird looks for talking to thin air?”
Passerby 1: “Look, he’s muttering to himself again. Is he insane? He’s been at it for ages.”
Passerby 2: “Ignore him. Weirdos are everywhere. Don’t let him hear you.”
*Sorry, but you’re shouting loud enough for the whole street to hear. Whatever. NPCs exist to be background noise anyway.*
“…”
“…”
“No one else can see us. I only made myself visible to you. But Evelyn never lifted her restriction… yet you spotted her. You’re clearly no ordinary person,” the new Hero said gravely. *Anyone who pierces our invisibility must be a master.*
“Sir,” Evelyn stepped forward, her tone cautious, “your power level seems… quite ordinary. Yet only a handful have ever seen through my concealment. I’ve never heard of you. Are you a hidden master?”
*Your misunderstanding is next-level. I see you because my eyes work perfectly! Or maybe when this guy lifted his restriction, he accidentally included you? Also—my strength is genuinely trash. No need to sugarcoat it.*
“No, no—I’m just some guy who knows a bit of Battle Aura. Nothing to worry about,” Chu Xueyue waved dismissively.
“Then how did you see Evelyn *after* I made myself visible?” The new Hero’s eyes narrowed, skeptical. *As a Hero, I only meet legendary figures. Stop pretending—I see right through you.*
“Because I’m a chronic single!” Chu Xueyue blurted out without hesitation.
“What?”
“How is that relevant?”
They stared, baffled. How could being single reveal invisibility?
“Of course it’s relevant! After years as a veteran of anti-couple crusades, my single-dog instincts flare up the moment you flaunt your love in front of me. I can *feel* your presence,” Chu Xueyue declared proudly. Each word, however, stabbed his heart like a knife. *Why must you torture this poor dog? Enough. My heart can’t take it.*
The new Hero covered his face with a hand. “So… ‘chronic single’ is a thing in this world too?”
“What’s this ‘anti-couple crusade’? I’ve heard no talk of holy wars lately,” Evelyn frowned. *The Dark Lord hasn’t even begun his invasion. What crusade?*
Both Heroes froze. Hair-raising tension crackled between them.
*Shit! Slipped up with that term. How do I cover this?!*
*!!! I forgot Evelyn’s Demonfolk! She wouldn’t know human slang for “resisting couple PDA.” She only knows basic terms. How do I explain without exposing us?!*
Evelyn watched their faces pale, oblivious to the mental war raging behind their eyes.
