The girl he once saved teamed up with another he had rescued. Together, they staged a grand prison break.

They erased the Heavenly Emperor’s existence, made the escape vanish without a trace, and let him live peacefully.

If such a girl existed, one would thank her deeply from the heart—even without loving her.

But Empty City didn’t think so. When he saw that person beside Night Zero, he felt an impulse to kill her. Only worry for Night Zero’s safety and the students’ lives held him back. He’d have acted long ago otherwise.

When did he start caring about others’ lives?

Empty City asked with a trace of self-mockery.

Five years ago, he’d been called a devil like the Apostles. Now, he felt the urge to protect others.

Perhaps he’d forgotten his former self—the gentle, kind one.

Walking the silent corridor, students’ pent-up hunger erupted after the speech ended. Like ravenous beasts, they charged toward the cafeteria, terrified of missing meals.

Yet Empty City declined Night Zero’s dinner invite. He went alone to the rooftop’s peak.

Why? Before leaving, he’d overheard Mira and her hero companions. Though VIPs, they wanted to relive high school—eating together on the roof. No one dared oppose Mira’s idea anyway.

Pushing the top door open, a breeze ruffled his messy black hair. Sudden sunlight made him squint slightly.

“Yo, isn’t this Brother Empty City?~~”

Her drawn-out tone dripped with mockery. Her cute, delighted voice contrasted sharply with her speech-time self.

“Achoo!!”

“Cough… Is this… Mira-chan?”

Celestial Wolf and the heroes eating froze in shock.

That foul-mouthed firebrand had a gentle side? Seriously?

As if hearing them, Mira turned and glared fiercely after smiling.

“Shut up if you want to live!” Her eyes screamed the threat.

Then she spun back, sweet smile restored.

Empty City saw every shift.

“Why’d you come here, Brother Empty City?”

“To eat. Just a habit.”

Empty City shrugged, pulling out his lunchbox.

“Really? Let’s eat together!” Mira chirped happily.

She eagerly introduced those present: former S Rank Hero Celestial Wolf; current S Rank Hero Marx Dell; current A-Class Heroes Mofei, Diala, and Fredeit.

That was all.

But these heroes rose in five years. None knew Empty City. None understood why Mira acted so familiar with a simple teacher. Marx Dell, head of the Marx family, stepped forward.

“You’re Teacher Kongcheng?”

“Hmm, Marx… a familiar name. Marxism?”

“Haha, Teacher’s so humorous.”

“A teacher must be funny—students won’t listen otherwise.”

Empty City spoke politely while sizing up the group.

“Ah, you’re Phil’s father? Walk with me. I need to discuss your son.”

Marx Dell’s face darkened with disappointment. The heavy air pressed on everyone. Teachers summoning parents meant trouble—had Phil finally crossed a line? Though powerful, Marx Dell never let his kids abuse privilege. He’d trained them to inherit the family and protect the world.

Yet… such a disobedient son!

With a cold, bitter snort, Marx Dell set down his food and followed.

Mira pouted, watching them leave.

….

On the rooftop, a short distance away:

“Teacher, if my son erred, ignore our family’s pride. Beat him hard for me!”

“Well, I don’t know your family’s status. But Phil’s fine. His talent’s high—he might surpass you with effort.”

“I see…”

Marx Dell fell silent. An S Rank Hero, he had sharp wit beyond brute strength.

Empty City’s words revealed much: he knew Mira yet was just a new teacher. The Marx name echoed across the Asia-Pacific region—he should know it. Was he showing off? His face said no. Then why?

One phrase gripped Marx Dell: *surpass you*.

How could this teacher judge his strength? Random guess? Or had he seen through him?

Empty City waved a hand before Marx Dell’s dazed face. “I called you for one question.”

“Ah! Go ahead, Teacher.”

“You stay home often?”

“Yes. Family duties. I oversee this city as Asia-Pacific head.”

“And your companions?”

Marx Dell brought them to tour the academy for Mira’s visit. But Empty City sought their whereabouts.

“Diala’s group? From headquarters. They crushed invading Apostles recently. On rare leave—visiting friends, maybe a mission. Details? Unknown. Irrelevant to you, Teacher.”

“True. Why ask, though?”

Marx Dell’s instincts flared. This teacher wasn’t ordinary. Like Phil hinted—a hidden figure? His dismissive gaze lingered on students below, not Marx Dell.

Empty City leaned on the railing, lazily watching pedestrians. Then he turned, meeting Marx Dell’s suspicious stare.

His voice faded on the breeze—but Marx Dell’s shock remained.