I WAS The Rank–1 Hero

"Where can I find those?" I asked without even thinking.

Oops! I was lost in thought.

This is not greed, this is something else…

Smiling at my ridiculous question, she spoke.

"They are scattered in the mortal world. To find them, you have to follow your guts—and most probably, your luck…"

Breathing in the air, she continued.

"But hear this… you will never find them if you go searching for them. Instead… they have to find you."

They have to find me?

What does that exactly mean?

"Is that all you have to ask?" Nathalia said.

I had plenty I wanted to ask, but if I did it now, it might take forever to get her answers.

So, respecting both our time and positions, I said,

"That's plenty for today."

Nathalia's lips curled up slightly as she said,

"Very well then, Sir Paradox." She took the teacup once again to her lips and added,

"...Feel free to call me again."

"Kyu Kyu~" Lumi was hopping on the table, as if saying goodbye.

Standing up, I stretched my hand toward Nathalia.

"Alright, I'll have plenty to ask next time we meet."

She looked at my hand which was extended toward her.

Hmm? Does she not know about shaking hands?

But then, she reached out and gently held my fingers with her soft hand.

Looking up in my direction, she lowered her head to my hand.

What is she doing?

Then, without any warning, she placed her lips on the back of my hand and gently kissed it.

"...?!"

I reacted instantly.

"Wha—!"

"..Hm?" Nathalia gazed up at me again, this time looking confused.

"What happened?" she asked.

What happened? Seriously?!

Pulling my hand back, I replied,

"What was that for?!"

"What do you mean, Sir Paradox?" She tilted her head. "This was how we used to greet in my days."

"Ah…!"

Looks like I misunderstood.

I was even ready to say—

Sorry miss, I already have a girlfriend.

Now I felt embarrassed.

Hesitantly, I replied,

"N-No worries." Averting my eyes, I spoke softly, "I was just surprised. In our culture, shaking hands is how we greet each other."

"Oh my!" Nathalia bowed her head slightly. "I'm deeply sorry. Here…"

She stretched out her hand this time. I took it.

"We shall meet again," said Nathalia, as she clapped her hands.

My vision went blurry once again. But before I woke up from this dream world, Nathalia informed me,

"Be aware—Amadeous knows about Paradox's existence."

And then—

I opened my eyes.

The first thing I felt was a cold breeze coming from my balcony.

Standing up, I stretched my whole body. I saw the time on the clock stuck on the wall.

2 P.M. Exact.

It took me only fifteen minutes?

That's weird… I was sure Nathalia and I talked for more than an hour, not to mention the time I spent searching for her.

Staring at my right hand, where Ruby's ring sat—and where Nathalia had kissed me—I felt an instant guilt.

As an apology, I have to make it up to Ruby.

—Sigh.

'You did what?!' Sera voiced out in surprise.

Fuck!

Can't she give me a little bit of privacy?

Hesitantly, I explained everything Nathalia and I talked about.

…

'So, your prediction about the hidden remnants of the Gods was right.' She nodded several times.

I heaved a sigh of relief before taking a seat on my sofa.

But as I did, Sera interrupted me.

'So, what was that kiss thing you were thinking about earlier?'

This damn ghost!

'Rude!'

Ignoring her, I explained.

And after hearing me out, Sera just burst into laughter.

'Pfttt—Hahahahahaahaha!' She summoned her ghostly body in front of me as I sat there watching her laugh like crazy.

Tears could be seen in the corners of her eyes.

"Yeah. Yeah, laugh all you want," I clicked my tongue.

'It's true, back in those times, that was the way a royal blood would greet another.'

"Royal blood?" I was stunned to hear that.

Then, that means Nathalia has royal blood?

Sera answered.

'Of course she does.' She continued,

'She was, after all, one of the Ten Demon King's commanders.'

"Ah…!"

That makes sense. So all the commanders were of royal blood.

That's some brand-new information.

I hope they don't have more Authority Holders besides her and Lilith.

Taking the cup of coffee from my table, I turned on my wristband.

—Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

As it powered up, several notifications popped up on the holographic display.

"W-Wow…!" I exclaimed.

Most of them were from Anna, asking about my absence from today's class.

<Anna Ashborn>

[Hey, why aren't you here?]

[The class will start in 10 min, u know!]

[Oi..! Are you ignoring me?]

[The teacher is already here.]

[Missed call.]

[Missed call.]

[Fuck it! Are you fine?!]

[Answer, damn it!]

"..."

I'm doomed.

Another reason not to attend afternoon classes today.

Typing on the screen, I replied to her.

[Don't worry, I just have a little fever.]

The old classic excuse…

Believe me, it always works.

Setting the messages aside, I stood up, drank the remaining coffee, then put on a hoodie and jeans.

I decided to visit the market.

After everything, I deserved some rest.

'Some Rank-1 hero you are…' Sera commented.

I ignored her.

Turning around, I locked my door after stepping out.

Boarding the elevator, I pressed the ground floor button.

—Ding!

Soon after, the elevator stopped on the ground floor.

The hall of the Astral Tower was empty—not a single student in sight.

On my way to the exit, I passed Bob, the receptionist of the Astral Tower.

"Hello…" I greeted him.

But as usual, he didn't seem to notice me.

He was too busy playing music with his earplugs in.

How the hell did he get this job?!

Stepping outside the dorm building, I was greeted by a cold breeze and a cloudy sky.

"What a nice weather…"

I was planning to do a little strolling in Frostvile City today.