Era of Heroic Spirits: I Was Exposed by Alaya

A faint trace of confusion flickered across the Dark Saint's breathtakingly beautiful face.

Though she was the head of state of France, she spoke flawless Mandarin—and with particular emphasis on the name "Souma."

Because...

That name, when spoken in Japanese, sounded identical to another name she knew all too well.

"Yes, I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the student representative. It's quite overwhelming, honestly."

Sweat beaded on Souma's forehead as he trembled slightly, as if unable to withstand the Emperor's imposing presence.

Seeing the boy's pitiful state, Jeanne d'Arc's golden eyes filled with disappointment. "I see."

You... really aren't him, after all.

That man had always been overwhelmingly dominant in her presence.

Feared by countless as the "Red Specter,"

He had stalked the battlefield, leaving carnage in his wake.

Under his protection, Jeanne had united the people of France, assembling an army that finally liberated Orléans.

Yet, she was betrayed by French nobles and handed over to the English.

To this day, she had never forgotten the hand he extended to her amidst the flames of the pyre.

But in the end, it had all been for nothing.

She had never seen him again after that...

Noticing the subtle shift in her expression, Souma finally allowed himself a small sigh of relief.

The Dark Saint was as gullible as ever—

So easy to fool!

Still, the fact that the once-illiterate country girl now spoke multiple languages fluently filled him with an odd sense of accomplishment.

Back then, he had personally tutored her through the night, teaching her word by word.

It hadn't been easy.

While others enjoyed the company of beauties while studying, he had painstakingly educated someone else.

The Dark Saint's gaze swept past him.

As Souma moved toward another group, he spotted the troublesome brat standing meekly behind King Arthur.

Her golden twin tails drooped lifelessly, her head hung low, her eyes clouded with conflict and confusion.

Huh? Since when was the brat this quiet? What happened?

Don't tell me she's being fought over by two Heroic Spirits as their daughter?

If that were the case, Souma would genuinely want to send it away.

He had clearly agreed to sacrifice everything for a peaceful, warm, everyday retirement life.

Yet, he ended up strapped with a ticking nuclear bomb—forced to exhaust all his power just to restrain this troublesome child.

As he pondered this, Artoria's saintly blue eyes fixed on him. "Souma, I've reviewed your personal records—a child who quietly helps others without seeking anything in return."

The immense presence before him was particularly striking.

"I only did what I should," Souma replied hastily, feigning humility.

His heart grew even more resigned.

Great. One after another, everyone was questioning his name.

He really shouldn't have been so lazy back then—half-hearted about changing it.

If he had just gone all the way and renamed himself [Outlaw Zhang San], none of this would have happened.

The problem was—

Who could've guessed that after sacrificing his own existence and vanishing from everyone's memories, Alaya would expose him through videos?

Damn you, Alaya!

"Quite commendable. You resemble that person a little," Artoria murmured, gazing at the young boy before her with a soft sigh. "Now, I'd appreciate it if you could show me around."

"Of course."

Souma felt the pressure mounting but had no choice but to nod quickly.

Sticking by her side the whole time? There was no telling what might slip.

Most crucially, that troublesome child was tagging along too.

Who knew if his identity would be exposed?!

Fine. He'd just have to make sure the brat wore her green hat—

No, wait, Hades's Cap of Invisibility.

As long as she kept it on, she could evade the Servants' notice!

Just then, Jeanne d'Arc approached with a faint smile. "Meeting like this must be fate. Let this child guide me as well."

No matter what this woman wanted—

He'd follow along.

Under her slightly disdainful gaze, Artoria nodded indifferently, as if it didn't matter at all. "Very well."

"..."

Souma remained silent.

Several Servants were to select guides from among the student representatives, responsible for hosting them during their three-day visit.

As an ordinary person, he stood out conspicuously among them.

At this moment, he suddenly felt like a top courtesan in a brothel, being picked by patrons.

Damn it!

The tour of Academy City began.

King Arthur and Jeanne d'Arc were under his guidance.

Meanwhile, Mordred, who was originally supposed to be led by Rin Tohsaka, had instead taken a liking to Roya.

The two seemed like long-lost sisters, leaving Souma utterly baffled.

One was the infamous Knight of Treachery, whose betrayal at Camlann doomed Britain.

The other was the world-ending brat he'd painstakingly kept in check—the very reason he couldn't enjoy the ordinary life he craved, having even brought Gilgamesh into his home.

Tch. These two were practically cut from the same cloth when it came to being troublesome.

Could it be that troublesome children were naturally drawn to each other?

Souma was deeply skeptical.

Otherwise, how else could he explain why they'd hit it off like sisters from the moment they met?

Well, given their backgrounds, they could technically be considered sisters!

The more Souma thought about it, the darker his future seemed.

This was bad.

Two already troublesome brats teaming up? That was a recipe for disaster squared.

From then on, Souma played the role of tour guide, smoothly reciting his pre-prepared script as he introduced the facilities and personnel of the academy.

The academy was divided into distinct districts, covering education from elementary school to university.

It was, in essence, a city built by and for students.

Here, one could see various props combining magecraft and technology everywhere.

Since the world underwent its transformation, an endless surge of magical energy emerged from the Great Source, allowing magi to cast spells without any need to conceal their identities.

My lord, the times have changed!

Two top-tier Heroic Spirits walking together across the campus was undoubtedly the most dazzling sight.

Though many had been notified in advance, they still couldn't resist pressing against the windows to snap photos from afar with their phones or even secretly watching through binoculars.

One was a dark saintess, brimming with arrogance and dominance.

The other was a flawless sovereign who commanded the hearts of the world.

The two Heroic Spirits possessed utterly contrasting auras, yet their combined presence while walking together created a charm greater than the sum of its parts—so breathtaking that countless onlookers were left utterly spellbound.

Everyone was practically itching to take Souma's place, to stand beside the two great Heroic Spirits.

But Souma, standing between them, felt as though he were caught between two raging flames.

These two were supposed to be lofty, peerless Heroic Spirits, yet they made no effort to hide their hostility.

He was certain that if his true identity were exposed, the two would immediately team up against him.

Instant annihilation!

Jeanne d'Arc walked forward with a faint smile. "Arthur, you led Britain out of Europe, and now its economy is in shambles. If you kneel and beg, I might let you return."

After the referendum to leave, countless Britainins had believed they were ushering in a new golden age of the empire.

Unfortunately, they were fools.

After their departure, every industry suffered massive repercussions—fuel, coal, food, and other daily necessities became uncertain.

King Arthur's approval ratings plummeted.

People, after all, must live.

A king who could not bring a prosperous future to Britain would naturally be scorned by the people.

"Unnecessary."

***

Hey readers!

Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.

🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹