After leaving the dormitory of the Hero Department, I wandered aimlessly, my footsteps echoing with each thud.
I had vowed to make them pay for humiliating me, but instead of feeling refreshed, regret washed over me.
It was lonely.
"Phew..."
I had struggled to survive.
Graduating with excellent grades from the Hero Department was a matter of life and death for me.
Even now, the odds seemed slim. So, I deliberately kept my distance from others and didn't open my heart to anyone.
I thought that would make me just a little lonely, but no one would get hurt.
It didn't happen that way.
Neike, Piel, Aisha, Jang Woohee, Andrew, Eshild, and the others—we shared our daily routines and, almost unwittingly, I found myself growing fond of them.
It's sad. Yes, what I'm feeling right now is disappointment.
Then, I heard a distant voice calling my name. It was Neike.
He came running from afar, trying to console me.
I sent him away.
"What a spineless brat."
I felt anger welling up.
Neike, the protagonist of the original story 'Kyren Zena Chronicles,' was constantly manipulated by others due to his lack of backbone. This often caused new players to abandon the game, dubbing him a 'sweet potato.'
Undoubtedly, he was a good person, but he lacked a distinct philosophy of his own. Perhaps I should call him a blank canvas, easily influenced by his surroundings—people, nations, and occupations.
Until he undergoes a profound realization and awakens two years later, he remains as vulnerable as he is now, a chick that hasn't matured into a chicken.
"Having said that..."
I realized how immature I was.
Regardless of the false accusations thrown at me, I had behaved like an impulsive teenager. If only I had maintained my composure, I might have come up with better ways to prove my innocence.
[···It wasn't you, right?]
[...You can still turn back now.]
Piel's words came to mind.
She must have had some doubts.
But she still caught the wrong person.
"...Sigh."
I kept sighing.
A reflection of the loneliness and isolation I feel, as if I am alone in this world without a single ally.
I never realized I had such an emotional side.
Approximately three and a half years left until graduation.
Since I cannot turn back time, I have resolved to accept my circumstances quietly.
But something has shifted within me.
"It's too long."
Just a little over a month since I arrived in this world, and my mindset has already been shaken to this extent.
As I walk aimlessly, lost in my thoughts, I spot Siena sitting on a bench.
"Theo!"
She runs towards me, eager to engage in conversation.
"Is the meeting over?"
"Yes," I respond wearily.
"Hehe, where shall we go now? Let's go together."
"..."
I muster the strength to give a half-hearted response, barely registering Siena's words, and continue my aimless walk.
How long have I been walking?
Eventually, I find myself standing in front of the training ground.
'Why did I... come here?'
Perhaps I hoped that intense movement would clear my mind.
Even in the modern world, when stress weighed me down, I found solace in physical activity.
Since I was already at the training ground, I decided to push my body to its limits.
I need to shake off these emotions quickly.
Creak-
I open the door to the training ground and step inside, with Siena following close behind.
"As expected, there's no one here at this time."
I make my way to the area designated for weight lifting.
There, I witness Noctar and his orc classmates competing against each other, lifting heavy barbells.
"Hua! Thirteen, fourteen... fifteen!"
Thud!
Noctar drops the barbell, heavily laden with weights, to the ground.
Then, his gaze meets mine, as I stand at the entrance.
"Hey, Theo. You're here. Did everything go well?"
"......Noctar."
"Yeah, what is it?"
Noctar glances briefly at Siena, who stands by my side.
"Hmm, it's still ongoing, huh."
"······."
In a way, Noctar is a prime example of a character whose fate has been altered because of me.
I wondered what he thought of me.
"I have something to say," I spoke up.
"What is it?"
I swallowed hard.
"I... I am the one responsible for the magic dungeon incident."
His reaction surprised me.
Noctar remained unfazed and simply said, "Really? Alright, tell me whenever you're ready."
"This is not a joke," I insisted, locking eyes with him.
Noctar's gaze remained steady, unaffected.
"Of course it isn't. Theo, you're not the type to jest. But I don't believe you would commit such an act with malicious intent."
Silence hung in the air.
"You must have your reasons, right?"
Noctar's response was prompt and unwavering.
There was no trace of doubt in his eyes.
As if it didn't matter to him.
I stood there, dumbfounded.
What is it about me that makes him place such unwavering faith in my character?
"Why do you hold such a high opinion of me? Is it because I helped you with the theoretical problems? Or because I taught you how to counter Andrew's techniques?"
In response, Noctar shrugged his shoulders.
"Do I really need a reason? Once I trust someone, I trust them to the end."
The orcs nodded in agreement, as if it were an undeniable truth.
A lump formed in my throat.
Have I ever been trusted unconditionally like this in my life?
"...It's just a joke, Noctar. I'm not a criminal. And... I can make jokes too."
I turned my head away as I spoke.
"Hehe," Siena chuckled softly, watching me.
"So, Theo, you're planning to catch the culprit behind the magic dungeon incident?"
Noctar cleared his throat.
"Yes, that's right. I already know who the culprit is, and it would be wise to capture them swiftly with a large group," I replied.
"Understood. Brothers, did you all hear that? Get your weapons ready," Noctar commanded, prompting the orcs to act swiftly.
They each grabbed a practice weapon from the stand.
Those with hand axes, double axes, and spears positioned themselves behind Noctar, prepared for action.
"...It might be dangerous. The culprit is a low-level but active hero. They also possess a high-level magic artifact capable of using various debuff magic," I warned sincerely.
Without a hint of doubt, they agreed to help, which surprised me somewhat.
"Well, we can just do what you taught us last time, right?" Noctar tapped his temple.
It was the method used to forcibly activate [Battle Instinct], [Blood Fury], and [Blessing of the War God] during the practical evaluation match against Andrew.
I gave a wry smile.
"Yes, that's right. Even against the debuff magic of a high-level magic artifact, we should be able to counter it once. But before I explain the plan—"
I rummaged in my pocket and retrieved the emergency communication crystal.
'If we can mobilize Amy, we should be able to capture the culprit with just these guys and me.'
As I gathered my thoughts, the orcs' eyes widened.
"What's this?"
"A gem?"
Ah, these country bumpkins.
"No, it's an emergency communication crystal. I'm going to use it to call for reinforcements," I explained, pulling the string attached to the communication crystal.
After about 30 seconds, Amy's voice came through the crystal.
—Did you summon me, young master?
The conversation was accompanied by some noise.
It was a low-quality product, and the distance was quite far.
"Yes, Amy. There's something you need to—"
My words were abruptly interrupted.
"Whoa! What on earth is this, Theo? Is it one of those contraptions those wizard guys make? Those rascals... I knew they were up to no good, inventing all sorts of stuff."
"So this is the culture shock they taught us about in class...? The world outside the desert is truly perilous."
"Amazing. Once you're done with it, lend it to me, Theo. I need to contact Jullmaran back in our hometown. If there's any troublemaker, I'll deal with them right away."
The orcs marveled and cackled endlessly.
-Young master? Is something going on?
Amy asked, sounding puzzled from the other side of the crystal.
"...Well, something is going on, but it's unrelated to the current commotion. Just come to the front of the Hero Department training ground."
-Understood, young master. Is there anything else you need?
I pondered Amy's question.
······Anything else I need.
"Bring a set of clothing that allows for easy movement. You should also change into something comfortable."
─Understood. I will depart immediately, Young Master. In case of an emergency, please contact me right away."
"Understood."
I pulled the string once more and ended the communication.
Siena, who had been silently observing, spoke up.
"Hehe, Theo. What should I do?"
"···You can stay where you are."
Am I losing my mind? What have I gotten myself into?
Siena's assistance is unnecessary.
With my orc companions and Amy, I can easily carry out the arrest.
Amy, with her traits of [Patience], [Stealth], and [Acrobat], is perfectly suited for infiltration.
Once she discovers the culprit's whereabouts, a swarm of orcs can swiftly apprehend them.
Siena displayed a polite smile.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"···So, you're saying you don't need me?"
"Yes."
"What? Did I mishear you?"
Siena narrowed her eyes, her gaze resembling that of a predator.
In a hurry, I amended my words.
"No, no, your help would be appreciated."
"I thought so."
"Yes, yes."
"Hehe."
Siena clung to my arm.
The orcs regarded me with what appeared to be pity, shaking their heads.
'Damn, this is my life now.'
It's not that I dislike Siena, but she can be a handful.
Well, it will take some time for Amy to arrive.
It would be best to inform them of precautions and such in advance.
'Siena and Amy will understand in an instant, but…'
These simple-minded orc friends won't.
"Listen up for a moment. I'll take this opportunity to explain the plan."
"Sounds good, isn't this exciting?"
"It reminds me of when I was ten and went to plunder a neighboring tribe. That's when I first soaked my axe in someone else's blood."
"···So, if you have any questions or doubts, speak up right away."
I began the briefing.
***
Bonus! Thank you Tomu and Royal!
Enjoy the chappy!
