My sudden decision to drop out of the academy reverberated throughout the second year. Though I had already resolved to segregate my non-existing role in the academy arcs by returning from where I was, all the other students tired of my presence could think about was that there would be less garbage in Class Mu.
’I don’t care about what you all are thinking.’
Originally, the owner of this body was supposed to be dead.
I’m not confident that I would not meddle in the flow of the story just by staying in the academy as a bystander.
Knowing the auspicious development of the major characters through every arc ’heavily’ involving the Hero Academy, staying here as a variable was something that I could not risked.
My patience against insufferable characters wouldn’t let me to stay still—I’d rather slap them to awakening.
’More than that, there’s no way I would grow stronger properly amidst these geniuses.’
Being someone from the South Korean Army at such a young age, Kang Jiho had a deep understanding that growth rapidly advances through life-and-death experiences.
Considering what this world had to offer, especially the Abyss Lands? It’s basically the epitome of courting death.
"Is there something I can do to change your mind?" The voice of a man snapped me out of my thoughts.
Looking at this man with golden eyes, well-built build, and shoulder-length blonde hair, who was the Hero Academy Counselor, I nodded before saying,
"No sir. I appreciate the generous benefits I received as a student that’s being provided by the honorable institution, but I think this place isn’t just for me."
The man paused for a moment, subtly chuckling.
After deliberating superficially, the counselor opened his mouth to speak, "Is that so? I guess there’s no choice then. Alright. Let me quickly process your withdrawal."
While writing something on a white paper, I heard the counselor say, "What a pity. At least this nobody knows his place."
That I would not be the one to cut off your head in the future.
I remained silent, and after some time, my withdrawal from the Hero Academy was processed smoothly.
Just as I was about to leave the Hero Psychological Department, he remarked, prompting me to face him with a questioning gaze, "Hah. Your family was steadily rising throughout the nobility circle, and yet... Sigh, ambitions can only get you so far."
Turning my back from this son of a bitch, I smirked.
’Say whatever you want. I will rebuild the Eshu County from the shadows, and when it resurfaces, it won’t be ignored.’
That way, I would have the influence to meddle in the middle scenarios.
In this way, I would have the power to stand against those who were needed to die!
This was only the beginning... so that the True Hero wouldn’t be burdened to turn her back against the entire world.
"Why are you leaving?"
I faced the True Hero Candidate of the Astraea Hero Bloodline, who was waiting for me at the main gate of the academy.
’Perhaps I already committed a grave mistake.’
Recalling that seemingly ordinary night in the cafeteria, I gazed at her eyes with unfathomable emotions.
"I believe it’s the right thing to do. My family’s a mess, so I might as well oversee everything before moving forward.’ I answered vaguely.
In fact, I vividly remembered that the original Lugh of Eshu of the fallen noble family was quickly removed from the early Chapters of the story—too early that he befitted to be truly called a third-rate extra.
That being said, without significant descriptive background aside from being described as the pervert who tried to lay his hands on the Imperial Princess before committing suicide and the son from the fallen noble family, I was not aware of what happened or was currently happening at the Eshu County at this very moment.
Were Lugh’s parents already dead?
Did he have a sibling?
What caused the fall of the family?
"It’s unfortunate..."
My eyes remained on the protagonist of the story, my expression teetering toward confusion.
"Because you haven’t taught me yet how to make gimbap."
I chuckled at Alana’s words.
Looking at her figure, many thoughts surged in my mind.
’I could easily persuade her to leave the academy and walk the path with me. With my knowledge and plans, she could gain strength faster than what was stated in the original story... but...’
There were lurking enemies in the academy, waiting for the right moment and time to strike, that only she or Maya could get rid of. However, there’s one that even the latter would find troublesome, and they’re not exactly on good terms.
Considering some arcs, they wouldn’t always be together as well. With that said, if I asked Alana to assist me in developing a barely recoverable territory, many major characters would be in danger or even perish before reaching their full potential.
Making up my mind, I replied to her silliness, "Gimbap, huh? After the Commission Semester... you know where to find me. I’ll be waiting."
It was at that moment that Alana, who rarely showed an emotion through her face, had her eyes widened.
She was flustered, to say the least.
Before turning around with my tiny luggage, I patted her head softly.
She remained silent, unable to open her mouth as I began my pace to leave something that I should not have been a part of from the beginning.
I didn’t know what kind of expression she had at this moment, nor did I dare to glance behind to see.
All I could be certain of was that I stirred something within her the moment that mundane dinner transpired.
’Whether interacting with her that night was a grave mistake... or something that would lessen the possibility of this world’s ending even by less than a percent... Time will tell.’
"I-I... will do my best!"
Hearing her reluctance yet voice filled with resolve, I raised my one hand and waved a temporary farewell.
’That’s to be expected... for someone who reaches the skies.’
From her lofty abode within the Hero Academy, where she could see the sight below, specifically the main gate of the premises, Ravelle Au Regina, the heir of the Golden Crown Merchant Guild, gazed at two figures with an interested expression on her face.
Crossed arms, as her crimson hair fluttered gracefully, she mumbled after seeing the Hero Candidate rarely expressing fragile emotions, "What an interesting sight."