With the door broken, Chu Xueyue and his group took Karifa to a nearby inn. Next, they’d grind the main quest. Bringing a dead weight like her? That’d be suicidal. No—getting the quest NPC killed meant no reward. Their reason was simple: “We’ll take a shortcut through the forest. With you, we might not be faster than the main road. Your choice. But remember—your village’s plague won’t wait. Every minute saves lives. Decide wisely.”
Chu Xueyue, the designated villain, delivered this coldly. To him, she was just a quest NPC—no future contact mattered. As long as the quest wasn’t ruined, he didn’t care. Affection points? Albert alone could max those out.
“Lord Albert, are we heading to Kakasu Village next?” Mary asked.
*Ugh, obvious much?* Chu Xueyue thought. *We’re already in the forest—the monster zone. Way too late to ask now. Albert, roast her with that sharp tongue. If I could beat her, I’d totally do it.*
Sadly, Albert was too kind. He’d known Mary since his Hero days, though not closely. Thanks to Great Mage Haisa, they got along fine.
“Yes, this is the shortcut to Kakasu Village,” Albert said. “More monsters here, but with us two, you’re safe.” He pointed to himself and Mary.
*Us two?* Mary grumbled inwardly. *Shouldn’t it be you and that guy behind you? I’m a girl—you two should protect me!* Yet, warmth flooded her chest. Albert, her idol, seemed to acknowledge her strength. She dismissed Chu Xueyue as Albert’s servant—someone to be protected, not a protector.
“Got it! Leave it to me,” Mary declared. “Honestly, Lord Albert, while you were gone, I’ve skyrocketed in power. I just graduated top of my class—the youngest ever!” She boasted, oblivious to others.
She forgot: Albert was once an ordinary mercenary. His sister Muse attended the nation’s best academy only due to his Hero status; before that, she’d been in regular schools. Albert himself never studied—he earned everything through grit. Bragging like this? Naive or cruel?
Chu Xueyue seethed. Back in school, he’d been just an average student. Top students always triggered his insecurity. Hearing Mary’s bragging? He felt super pissed.
*Hmph, I could cross-dress and compete—who’d charm more guys? Besides, I’m closer to Albert now. But… losing to a girl at this? Pathetic.*
Albert opened his mouth to reply politely—then froze, staring ahead.
“Monsters?” Chu Xueyue knew that look.
Albert nodded. “Weak aura, but twenty-five of them. Tricky numbers.”
“Twenty-five,” Mary confirmed.
“Careful—they’re coming.” Albert dashed forward. His Battle Aura flared sky-blue, no longer empowered by Hero’s Power. He unleashed a Battle Aura Slash without hesitation.
The crescent energy slashed a slender tree in half. A pained wail echoed from behind it—a hidden monster struck.
Mary reacted instantly, showcasing her academy-top-student reflexes. She pushed off the ground, charging sideways. Her Battle Aura blazed blood-red, matching her hair. Sword tip down, she flicked it upward. A crimson line sliced the earth cleanly. A wet tearing sound followed—the monster died instantly, no cry left to mark its existence.
*Easy mode for them,* Chu Xueyue thought, sitting down. *For a low-level like me? Hellish. One monster’d kill me.* He’d collect XP passively. With Mary here, he couldn’t check gains via his Hero Bracelet. This world lacked party XP—only Heroes and their recognized companions could team up that way.
Watching live was thrilling. TV never felt this intense. Not fighting, just spectating? Pure bliss. Too bad no cola or popcorn. Something was missing.
“Whirlwind Slash!”
“Blazing Sun Slash!”
“Explosive Slash!”
Truly spectacular.
