Chu Xueyue’s body had fully recovered days ago. There was no denying the absurd regenerative power of the Hero State—even with his hand mangled like that, he’d bounced back within days. Of course, this world’s magic deserved some credit too. Combined, they made him good as new in no time.

To avoid exposing his secret, Chu Xueyue—still disguised as Lulu—had already left the city before the gender-swap penalty lifted. Only after reverting to his true form did he return to Albert’s home. Naturally, he’d double- and triple-checked for trackers or pursuers before slipping out of the city.

Chu Xueyue lunged forward. His blade flashed, slicing through the last goblin’s neck. Moments later, a geyser of blood splattered over him, painting him green again.

*Seriously?* he thought, wiping gore from his face with his sleeve. *Pointy ears, yet goblins look this ugly. And this blood reeks. Gotta shower first thing back home.*

He crouched to harvest materials from the corpse. *This world really isn’t a game,* he grumbled inwardly. *Why can’t loot just drop automatically? Having to gut every monster myself is such a hassle.*

Albert approached from behind, watching Chu Xueyue clumsily butcher the goblin. He gave a mental nod of approval. "Xueyue," he praised, "your resilience is impressive. You were just an ordinary guy not long ago. Now you’re not only killing creatures but dissecting them too. When I started, I was sick for days after my first kill. You? Not even a flinch."

Chu Xueyue paused, tilting his head slightly. "I’m not sure why," he admitted. "Maybe it’s the Hero buff? You became an adventurer before becoming a Hero—just a normal person back then. But I arrived here as a Hero from day one. I noticed this during our last fight too."

"You didn’t kill anyone last time. How’d you notice?" Albert asked, though he had his suspicions. With the mission over and time to kill, chatting beat silence.

Chu Xueyue turned back to the corpse, his back to Albert. "The civilians who died. All those... human pancakes. Half-eaten limbs. Bodies crawling with only torsos left. First time seeing that stuff—I should’ve puked. Sworn off meat for weeks. But back then? No reaction at all. Probably the Hero State numbing me."

"Fair point," Albert said. "Anyway, it’s getting late. Wrap up that corpse so we can turn in the quest. Don’t forget—you’re treating me tonight."

"Relax," Chu Xueyue waved a hand. "Though this quest barely paid anything. Don’t expect a fancy meal—I can’t afford it."

"Got it."

Albert’s head snapped toward the trees. Chu Xueyue, focused on his goblin, didn’t notice.

"Someone’s there!"

"What?" Chu Xueyue whirled around. Saw nothing. "Where?"

"A distress call. I’ll check it out." Albert bolted into the woods without waiting, vanishing from sight.

"Hey—ugh, fine." Chu Xueyue lowered his raised hand. *Hero buff really is something. I heard nothing. But if Albert says he did... his senses don’t lie.* He resumed butchering. Chasing after Albert was pointless—he’d never keep up. By the time he arrived, Albert would’ve already rescued whoever it was.

*Where is he?* After finishing the corpse, Chu Xueyue waited. No Albert. Even a fight should’ve ended by now. He pulled out his Communication Card. "Albert? You good?"

"Perfect timing. I’m back." Albert’s voice came not from the card—but from right ahead.

Chu Xueyue looked up. Albert stood unharmed, no injuries. And now Chu Xueyue understood the delay.

*Seriously?!* Chu Xueyue’s inner scream echoed. *Albert, you bastard—you’re totally the protagonist! Why do I always miss these golden opportunities?!*

Simple reason: Albert cradled a young maiden in his arms. Her torn clothes clung to dirt-streaked skin, wounds visible beneath the grime. Even unconscious, her fingers gripped his shirt like she’d been running for her life. And yes—her chest was... generously curved, spilling from her ruined top. Chu Xueyue, well-versed in *educational materials*, merely glanced twice before forcing his eyes away.

"So," he said flatly, "what happened? Where’d you ‘find’ her? Even without the state she’s in, I can guess the cliché backstory."

"No idea," Albert replied. "She was already unconscious when I arrived. A few monsters were closing in—I took them down and carried her back."

*If she weren’t completely unharmed—and if timing didn’t rule it out—you’d be a different man right now,* Chu Xueyue thought dryly. *We used to read doujin together! What happened to you? No wonder you’re single.*

"Albert," he pressed, smirking, "you didn’t... *do* anything? A girl like this in your arms? I recall your collection favors the well-endowed."

Albert flushed. "I’m not that kind of guy! Taking advantage of someone vulnerable? Never!"

*Good man,* Chu Xueyue mused. *I’ll award you a friendship card on behalf of all maidens.*