I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy

Chapter 44: Mystery (1)

Two days later, on Sunday.

In the dormitory of the Hero Department, a grand and spacious place reserved for only the top ten students in the grade rankings.

Inside Aisha's room, the same group that had gathered for the practical assessment after-party—Neike, Piel, Jang Woohee, Aisha, Andrew, and Eshild—had assembled.

Under Aisha's leadership, they often held meetings like this.

They had met two days ago, and they had met again yesterday.

Usually, these gatherings were filled with lightheartedness, with silly jokes and discussions about their daily lives.

But today, the atmosphere was serious and tense.

"They still haven't caught the person responsible for the dungeon incident. They couldn't even identify a suspect, so I assume it's still the same," Neike said, his face serious.

The topic at hand was no laughing matter.

Everyone listened intently to Neike's words, their expressions grave.

Neike continued speaking.

"They suspect it might be a student. Professor Rok asked me to investigate the freshmen on behalf of the class. He approached me on Thursday, but I decided to inform you all only now."

"···Well, I would have done the same. Anyone could be a suspect," Piel nodded.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Aisha spoke up.

"Most likely, everyone would have done the same as Neike. But... the reason you revealed this information is that you believe in this group and want our help with the investigation, right?"

"Exactly, Aisha. I apologize for not mentioning it earlier... I lacked the confidence," Neike bowed his head to the others and expressed his apology.

However, no one blamed Neike. They would have acted the same way if they were in his position.

Andrew adjusted his glasses and asked, "Do you have any potential suspects in mind?"

"Yes, among the freshmen, there are five individuals who have come under suspicion. I've received some information from the instructors and professors, and I've conducted a bit of personal investigation as well. Give me a moment."

Neike retrieved a small but thick notebook from his pocket.

It was filled with the names and information of the first-year students, along with their alibis.

Rustle.

The members carefully turned the pages of the notebook, reading attentively.

Click.

All attention was fixed on the notebook.

The sound of swallowing saliva and the flipping of pages resonated throughout the room.

Finally, when they reached the last page of the notebook,

"The most likely suspect is... him."

Piel's voice shattered the silence.

Without explicitly stating the name, everyone knew exactly whom Piel was referring to as 'him'.

Lately, he had caused a commotion not only in the Hero Department but throughout Elinia Academy.

A student who had suddenly exhibited remarkable traits, a human who formed strong relationships with orc students, someone who effortlessly defeated high-ranking students in practice duels, and demonstrated exceptional leadership during the magic dungeon incident.

He was a mysterious figure, shrouded in enigma, with seemingly limitless potential.

"Theo Lyn Waldeurk."

Monday morning arrived.

"Ugh."

I yawned and stretched, rousing myself from sleep.

'It was a fulfilling weekend.'

On Saturday, I engaged in mock training with magic dolls at the training field reserved for the Hero Department. Afterward, I sparred and trained physically with Noctar and my other orc classmates.

The training field for the Hero Department was closed on Sundays, so I practiced and received guidance from Irene in the general training field.

Having finished my usual preparations for school, I was about to leave and catch the carriage.

"Please take this, Young Master," Amy said, handing me a small crystal.

The crystal, about the size of a 500-won coin, had a grayish hue.

A familiar item.

'A communication crystal.'

This item, which came in pairs, served as a means of communication in this world.

Of course, it couldn't contact just anyone like modern telephones. It could only establish a connection with its paired crystal.

Moreover, it has limitations in terms of range and frequency of use.

Nevertheless, the ability to enable long-distance communication is a significant advantage in this world.

"What's this?" I feigned ignorance and asked.

"It's an emergency communication crystal, Young Master. I thought it would be beneficial for you to carry one, so I prepared it. The instructions are written here," Amy replied, handing me a neatly folded piece of paper.

There was no need to read it.

I was already familiar with its workings, and the instructions were straightforward.

"Ah, it's a product sold in the magic city to the north. I've heard of it. Amy, do you have the other one?"

"Yes, Young Master," Amy replied, retrieving the communication crystal from her pocket and showing it to me.

It was identical to the one she had given me.

"Hmm," I pondered, looking at Amy.

Her expression remained as impassive as ever.

'It's unsettling...'

Although it was most likely a low-grade item due to its gray appearance, it was still quite expensive.

'Where did Amy obtain it? From Equilibrium, perhaps?'

In any case, I should hold onto it for now.

It might prove useful.

Briefly, the thought crossed my mind that it could be enchanted with location-tracking magic, but I quickly dismissed the idea.

They wouldn't go through such trouble just to eliminate me.

To put it bluntly, all they needed to do was sneak into my room while I slept and repeatedly stab me. It was a simple task.

"Understood. Thank you for the item," I acknowledged before heading off to catch the school carriage.

Upon arriving at the classroom, I noticed that all the students were present, as expected.

'According to the main storyline, today should have been a day off.'

However, a few students were casting me peculiar glances, as if they were observing an unfamiliar creature.

'Why are they acting like this?'

Deciding not to dwell on it, I brushed off the thought.

While lost in my musings, Noctar, who had been glaring at me as if he could devour a textbook, approached.

"Hey, Theo. What did you do yesterday?"

"I trained with my fiancée."

"Ah, the purple-haired human woman we saw, right?"

"Yes."

"Heh heh, you're really hardworking. It's good to put in effort, but don't become too obsessed with training. A true warrior also has the duty to leave behind many descendants."

At his words, the orc classmates burst into laughter.

"Exactly, exactly! If I attended the same academy as my fiancée? Haha. It would be over, completely over. I would definitely have at least ten children before graduation."

"Tarkan, you innocent creature. Humans are different from orcs. Even if you start now, three is the limit."

"Really? Hmm, now that you mention it, I suddenly miss Jullmaran back home. I promised to stay inside the house with her day and night for three days when I return... I wonder if she's doing well? I hope she hasn't been snatched away by some other guy."

...What?

My face turned red.

"...Shut up, you orcs."

"Heh heh, Theo. You're old-fashioned in strange ways. Anyway, take this."

Noctar handed me a rustling envelope.

"...."

I knew exactly what it was without even touching it.

Clearly, it was a traditional orc tribe's elixir.

"It should be about time for you to run out, right? If you took it in the proper dosage, you should have run out last night."

"...You're correct. Thank you."

I placed the envelope in my bag.

Thus, I engaged in a conversation with Noctar and my orc classmates.

Before I realized it, it was 9:30 in the morning.

It was time for first period to start.

However,

"Everyone, attention."

Instead of Mari, who usually taught the first-period "Introduction to Hero Studies" lecture, Senior Professor Rok entered the classroom.

-...

His authoritative, booming voice silenced the students.

Rok scanned the students slowly before speaking.

"Today is a day off."

The situation called for cheers, but not a single student uttered a word.

It wasn't because we weren't happy. We were simply overwhelmed by Rok's presence.

"But that doesn't mean tomorrow is a day off. Attend school as usual tomorrow."

-...

The students remained silent.

Rok furrowed his brow.

"Respond."

-Understood!

The students responded enthusiastically, and Rok exited the classroom.

The room erupted in chatter once again.

"What's happening? Is it because of last week's incident? Theo, do you have any information?"

Noctar and the other orcs looked at me with puzzled expressions.

...Of course, I knew.

The culprit behind the magic dungeon incident last week had not yet been apprehended.

However, there was no need to disclose that information directly.

"No."

Naturally, I knew who the culprit was.

But if I were to reveal or capture the culprit myself, it could further complicate the already twisted storyline, which worried me.

Considering the number of incidents I've caused since possessing Theo, I don't expect the story to progress as it originally did.

However... It would be advantageous for me if the story followed the original plot as closely as possible.

'In any case, this is the true beginning.'

In a broader sense, the magic dungeon incident served as a precursor, indicating that the academy was starting to face danger.

Neike would handle it discreetly.

Noctar spoke up.

"Really? Well, since we're here, we should train before leaving. Theo, do you want to come with me?"

"Sure."

As I packed my belongings,

"Theo~!"

Siena approached me with a polite smile on her lips.

"...Why are you calling me?"

"Do I need a reason to call you? Hehe, what are you doing today?"

Siena clung to my right arm.

"..."

I needed to shake her off first.

Ignoring the soft sensation on my right arm, I addressed Noctar.

"Noctar, go ahead to the training ground. I'll join you later."

"Hehe, got it."

Noctar exited the classroom through the back door, gritting his teeth menacingly.

The orc classmates followed suit.

"Let's head to the training ground, brothers. Oh, and Theo."

"?"

Thumbs up.

Noctar gave me a thumbs-up before leaving the classroom.

The other orc classmates also flashed me thumbs up with sly smiles before following Noctar.

'Damn those orc bastards.'

Lately, they had been teasing me relentlessly.

With my face turning red, I tried to come up with a plan to get rid of Siena.

"Theo, can I talk to you for a moment?" Neike approached me.