The profession of Hero Butler... was met with both praise and criticism due to its mixed bag of practitioners. Hardliners called it a den of corruption where ordinary people climbed the social ladder to enjoy hero privileges. Others held profound respect for those who silently dedicated their youth, emotions, and even lives to the role.
For Mirror October, however, being a Hero Butler was neither noble nor base—just like the teeming masses, or like the intricate logic of human nature he was sketching in his notebook. To outsiders, he appeared deeply focused on the lecture, not doodling absentmindedly. Even if his thoughts wandered, he felt it would disrespect Lan Xinyi on stage, who taught with unwavering seriousness.
*To earn respect, you must first give it. Equivalent exchange.*
In truth, Lan Xinyi’s amateurish gaze kept drifting toward Mirror October seated at the edge. This A-rank Winter Empress found his impression growing deeper, that uncanny sense of familiarity resurfacing with every encounter. *They’re completely different people…*
*Yet…*
*Yet, so alike.*
This frail-looking youth radiated an almost supernatural indifference—aware of the world’s cruelty yet untouched by it. While the other "him," who once saved the entire world at the cost of his life, had guarded it until his last breath with unyielding will.
*Their beliefs were polar opposites! Why did she sense a resemblance?*
The ascetic-looking youth by the sunlit window rested his chin on one hand, crimson eyes tracking the projector slides. His pale lips pressed into a thin line; he seemed so slender a gust of wind might knock him over. For the first time, Lan Xinyi’s attention faltered on stage. *They’re nothing alike…*
The spacious classroom held few students. Butler Academy’s lax discipline contrasted sharply with Hero Academy’s strict requirements. Even for the dean’s lecture, attendance was optional. Most preferred crashing theory classes at Hero Academy instead of "wasting time" here.
*(Though only theory classes—practical sessions on Superhero abilities or combating the Dire Calamity were strictly off-limits to ordinary students.)*
*Why was Mirror October wasting time here?*
*Foolish! Laughable!*
Calling it "wasted time" for lacking immediate use—such short-sightedness doomed one to mediocrity! Lan Xinyi’s lecture on recent Superhero milestones and Dire Calamity classifications was an undeniable treasure. The Jigsaw Sect’s internal database held similar archives.
Clearly, she’d obtained this data from the Superhero Administration under her personal authority.
Yet few recognized its value—a bitter irony. Relying solely on looks might be an easy path to becoming a butler, but without knowledge, one remained merely a plaything.
Mirror October’s pale lips curled into a faintly mocking smile as he scanned the sparse classroom. A dozen students at most—daydreaming, scrolling phones, or napping. The projector slides advanced as he meticulously took notes, cross-referencing them with his own knowledge.
All good learning must end.
The dismissal bell rang just as the final slide flashed "Thank You." Mirror October set down his pen reluctantly. *Fascinating.* He closed his eyes, solemnly organizing the new insights. *The Superhero Administration’s research has grown remarkably thorough…*
Even with his innate advantages, he had to concede to the nation’s combined resources and computational power. *"Flawed, but finally on the right path. Asking not ‘why’ but ‘how’—that’s the way forward."*
"*Asking not ‘why’ but ‘how’?* An exquisite insight!" Lan Xinyi’s voice, warm with approval, startled him. Her expressive eyes held genuine surprise. His words echoed the exact philosophy championed by top Superheroes—and the Central Bureau’s current focus.
"Hard work pays off, teacher."
"Flatterer. Come here—I’ll reward you with tea." Lan Xinyi’s smile deepened, though it was playful; sharing a cup would imply an intimacy she didn’t intend.
"October, you seem deeply interested in theory." She glanced at his notebook, filled to the margins. Her fondness for him grew—teaching such a diligent, well-mannered student was deeply satisfying.
"Mm. It interests me. After all, I’m just a bookish weakling who must arm himself with knowledge. HAHA." Mirror October lied smoothly. Admitting his fascination with Superheroes would brand him a suspect.
Sunlight draped over him like a saintly shroud as he packed his things.
"Farewell, Teacher Lan. I’ve got another class to crash."
Hero Academy wasn’t close. Missing this twenty-minute window meant no seat. Wasting free time was a sin Mirror October refused to commit.
"Off you go, you little rascal," Lan Xinyi teased. Her address had evolved from "classmate" to "October" to this affectionate nickname—a mark of trust.
"Oh, teacher…"
"What now, you rascal?"
Mirror October, who’d been several steps away, suddenly closed the distance. His crimson eyes, deep as aged wine, held hers. Lan Xinyi’s pulse quickened inexplicably; before him, she felt not like the Winter Empress, but an ordinary girl.
"W-Why lean so close?"
"Your top button came undone, teacher. Mind the wardrobe malfunction."
With impeccable manners, he averted his gaze and left. Lan Xinyi clutched her blouse, silently cursing his boldness—but the flutter in her chest refused to fade.
