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Chapter 169: Academy Heroine's Right Diagonal Back Seat

Chapter 169



Yoon Si-woo pointed his sword at Eve, his respected mentor, who had now become an unwelcome guest. The look in her eyes was trembling, clearly showing the shock of having a blade aimed at her by the student she cherished more than anyone.


She looked deeply affected, and Yoon Si-woo gritted his teeth. 


He didn’t want to do this either.


If it were only his secret that had been exposed, he would never consider hurting her just to keep it hidden.


Harming others for his own benefit was against his values.


But this time, it wasn’t just about him—Scarlet was involved too.


Eve had witnessed a side of Scarlet that should never have been seen, and protecting her secret meant this was the most certain way.


With that thought, he stayed alert, focusing on Eve’s every move.


As a master of illusion magic, she was not someone to be underestimated, and if it came to a fight, it wouldn’t be an easy one.


However, thanks to his Holy Sword of Radiance, which could see through illusions, he held a slight advantage.


Resolving to strike the moment she tried to use her magic or showed any sign of escape, Yoon Si-woo tightened his grip on his sword just as Eve moved.


But she didn’t swing her weapon.


Instead, she raised her arms as if surrendering, showing her palms to him.


"…Calm down. I’m not here to fight. Can we talk, over there for a moment?" 


Eve spoke, her hands still raised.


Without giving a clear response, Yoon Si-woo watched her carefully. Perhaps she took his silence as permission because she moved down into the sewer through a gap in the ceiling.


If she had any intention of fighting, closing the distance against a swordsman like him would have been reckless. It was clear she wasn’t looking for a confrontation.


But still, wary of the possibility that she might try something against Scarlet, he stopped her before she could get too close, careful not to provoke her.


Eve nodded in understanding and looked past him toward the sleeping Scarlet, concern evident in her eyes as she asked.


“...Is Miss Evande’s body alright?”


“…Didn’t you say you saw everything?”


“…Yes, I did. I saw you reattaching her arms and legs.”


From her response, Yoon Si-woo realized she hadn’t seen as much as he initially feared.


She must have only witnessed what happened after the battle had ended.


For a moment, he had wondered if she’d been hiding and watching while Scarlet was being torn apart, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.


In any event, if she had been here from the beginning, her personality wouldn’t have allowed her to quietly stand by and watch Scarlet get hurt.


The reason he respected her so much in the first place was because he knew how sincerely she cared about her students.


Still, there were lingering doubts that wouldn’t leave his mind, so he remained on guard as he asked cautiously.


“…Just one question. Why were you watching us in hiding?”


“…Didn’t you both say it yourselves? That it was something no one else should see. I figured you’d be anxious if you knew I had seen it, so I stayed hidden.”


Her answer made Yoon Si-woo’s hand tremble on the sword.


“…So from the beginning, you had no intention of telling anyone?”


He asked, his hand shaking as he held the sword.


“…You wanted to keep it a secret because you knew it would cause trouble if others found out, right? I have no desire to create problems for you.”


Even though he knew she was telling the truth, he still found it hard to believe her words completely. Was this some kind of illness?


No, perhaps it was because he understood how heavy the secret he and Scarlet were carrying truly was.


To prevent public panic, ever since becoming a hero, he had often heard people on the streets implore him:


“Hero, please kill the evil witch who took our loved ones away.”


To them, witches were nothing more than targets for their hostility.


People lumped all witches together as enemies, ignoring their individuality.


And he couldn’t say he didn’t understand that mindset.


Before he knew Lucy’s true identity, he had thought the same way.


Witches were the ones who had created the monsters that took his parents from him.


So it made sense that people would think all witches were inherently evil.


That’s why, despite wanting to believe Eve, he couldn’t fully trust her words.


“…Even though you’ve seen us in connection with a witch? A witch, who is humanity’s enemy?”


Despite his brusque question, she answered calmly.


“But you’re not like that, are you?”


He couldn’t understand how she could speak with such conviction.


“How can you say that so confidently…?”


His confusion spilled out in his words.


And then she replied.


“Because I’m your teacher.”


She said, simply.


“I’ve seen it while teaching you. Both you and Miss Evande are kind-hearted kids. If your own teacher can’t trust you, then who will?”


Hearing her warm words, Yoon Si-woo felt the strength leave his grip on the sword.


The murderous intent he had forcibly mustered dissipated under her unwavering kindness.


Ah, it’s true.


There was no falsehood in her words.


Could it be that in this whole world, at least she alone could see us for who we truly are, without prejudice?


That thought brought him immense joy.


Yet at the same time, it left him deeply conflicted.


To Eve, both he and Scarlet were undoubtedly precious students.


But he knew that they weren’t the only students she held dear.


There was always the possibility that someday, Eve, who knew Scarlet’s secret, could become a significant threat. 


She was part of the Central Committee that governed the city, and Yoon Si-woo couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t use Scarlet’s secret for the greater good of others. 


He didn’t want to harm her.


But when it came to Scarlet…


He forced his grip tighter on his sword.


At that moment, while he was still grappling with his conflicted thoughts,


[...Si-woo, I don't think that’s necessary.]


Lucy’s voice resonated in his mind.


‘…But if it’s for Scarlet…’


[That’s precisely why I’m telling you not to worry. Have I ever given you advice that would put you at a disadvantage? It doesn’t seem like she’s in a position to spread the girl’s secret. So relax. Besides, you’re reaching your limit, aren’t you?]


Lucy’s words, filled with a strange certainty, made him hesitate for a moment before he let out a deep sigh and loosened his grip.


Indeed, as Lucy had said, he was nearing his limit.


As he mentally uttered the word ‘Seal,’ the pitch-black blade turned pure white again, and he felt the strength drain from his body.


Eve must have realized that his intent to harm her had faded because he sensed the tension leave her body.


Seeing this, guilt slowly bubbled up within him.


Filled with remorse for putting her through such a distressing experience, he bowed his head and apologized.


“…I’m sorry, Professor. The situation made me anxious…”


“…It’s alright. I understand how you feel, Si-woo. It’s not just about you—Miss Evande is involved as well, so it’s understandable that you’d lose your composure. Ah, youth.”


Her words, meant to lighten the tense atmosphere, made his face turn red.


…Why does everyone I meet seem to know?


Was I that obvious about it…?


While he blushed in embarrassment, Eve’s expression turned serious again, and she murmured.


“…More importantly, Si-woo, was it you who took down that witch?”


At her question, Yoon Si-woo glanced at the dismembered body sprawled on the ground.


A witch, huh?


It was probably best to be honest with her.


With that thought, he shook his head slightly and answered.


“To be precise, it wasn’t a witch. It seemed like a humanoid monster. It wasn’t at the upper level, but it was definitely stronger than mid-level.”


“…I see. So that’s what it was…”


Eve seemed lost in thought for a moment before she looked at him and spoke.


“…Si-woo, I’m sorry to ask this of you, but could you do me a favor in exchange for keeping quiet about what I saw today?”


“A favor…? Sure, if it makes things easier for you.”


“…Then, Si-woo.”


The look on her face was familiar, one he had seen before.


A mix of guilt and reluctance at placing a burden on him.


It was the same look she had when he declared his intention to become a hero.


With that expression, she spoke to him.


“…Si-woo, today, you defeated the witch that attacked the city. Do you understand what I’m saying?”


Of course, he understood the implication.


Naturally, he didn’t hesitate to nod.


At this point, shouldering one more burden was nothing to him.


---


Screams and roars.


The city was filled with the cries of citizens who hadn’t yet managed to evacuate, and the shouts of heroes battling the flying monsters in the sky.


Amid the chaos, no one noticed the boy standing on the rooftop of a building.


But then,


“A single ray of light to pierce through even the darkest of shadows.”


As a beam of light illuminated the sky, the city’s clamor faded as if it had all been a lie.


People, as if spellbound, looked up at the boy standing on the highest point, holding a radiant sword.


It was as though the right to speak in this city belonged to him alone.


Facing the now-silent city, the boy declared.


“Rest assured. The wicked witch that invaded the city has fallen by my hand.”


Surely, those who witnessed the scene thought:


Not just a hero—this world had just witnessed the birth of a champion.


---------------------


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Comments

  1. Si woo taking another burden like the chad he is. His back must have hurt

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    Replies
    1. For Scarlet, he would carry the whole world. My guy fell hard XD

      Delete
  2. I'm happy to see that Lucy trusts eve

    ReplyDelete
  3. Being regenerative sure gives more chances to be reckless, heh.

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    Replies
    1. Scarlet is going to be pissed if she finds out how Si-Woo got to her so quick kek

      "Treasure your own life, idiot!" - Scarlet

      I wonder what Scarlet's Regen cost. Probably stamina and dark magic? Hmmm

      Delete

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