Villain Hides His True Color

Chapter 54

I looked at my newly assigned accommodation. The space was about 66 square meters.

From the entrance, a double-decker bed placed on each side of the wall, and four small desks placed side by side could be seen.

As could be guessed from the furniture, the institute’s accommodation consisted of one room for four people. However, I was the only one in this room now.

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The director of the institute had provided me with such a treatment after his phone call with Choi Bokhui.

I couldn’t believe the incident was resolved and I was also given this kind of service.

Hehe, it was indeed good to be a noble.

However, my noble life here was lacking a lot of interior quality in many ways.

My life, which had become accustomed to all kinds of luxury items after having lived with Choi Bokhui, could no longer tolerate these cheap furniture.

I’ll have to tidy up my room first.

< Twin Fire Eggs >

“Buldol, Alsun. Eat.”

I fed them all the useless furniture in the room.

Then, on top of the empty space, furniture I had brought from home were taken out and placed one by one.

All of them were collections of furniture cherished by Choi Bokhui, and were the works of artisans she had collected from all over the world.

Well, it was a big house anyway, so she won’t notice it for a while.

The desolate accommodation was instantly transformed into an antique noble mansion after all of the furniture was placed.

In addition, there was a large TV and game console on one wall, and the refrigerator was full of drinks and snacks.

Good.

Now it looked like a place where people would live. I guess it won’t be a problem to spend a year in a place like this now.

After finishing everything I had to do, I turned on my smartphone while burying myself in a soft sofa.

Various community sites were heated due to today’s event at the Hero Training Institute.

[Little hero Choi Noah saves the day again!]

[Choi Noah caught a villain on his first day of being admitted to the Hero Training Institute.]

[Information on the international crime syndicate, Eighth Layer Hell.]

[Oversuppression laws. Indiscriminate murder. Is it okay to leave it like this?]

.

.

.

There were mainly positive opinions, but some civic groups and certain media outlets were fiercely criticizing my actions.

But…

[ Reputation has increased. ]

[ Reputation has increased. ]

[ Reputation has increased. ]

.

.

.

In fact, for me, it didn’t matter much what others say.

Compared to the rising reputation, I could endure such ridiculous slander.

In any case, using reporters was effective for my reputation.

As I thought as such, the smartphone on my desk began to vibrate. The name Choi Bokhui was displayed on the screen.

“Hmm…”

For some reason, I felt that she would annoyingly nag me, but I couldn’t ignore it because I had some help today.

When I reluctantly pressed the call button, a deep sigh was heard instead of a normal greeting.

“Huu…I emphasized not to cause any trouble…but you caused such a serious accident as soon as you arrived.”

Choi Bokhui’s voice was weak and limp.

“Haha, it just happened like that.”

“You! This is no laughing matter! None whatsoever! Why do you always cause trouble wherever you go?!”

“I can’t just let the villain go when he’s right in front of me.”

“No! That’s what I’m saying! Haa….”

Well, actually, I was a little worried about this.

I had thought if I should kill him right there, or if I should wait and secretly kill him.

However, after thinking about it, I wondered if there was a need to be as self-conscious as before now that I already had a hero license.

And Choi Bokhui was behind me, so who could touch me?

“Reflect on yourself if you don’t know! I don’t know how many times I’ve said this! I’d rather have you bother my familiars at home…”

Choi Bokhui’s sermon began. I put it on speaker and turned on my game console.

“Why aren’t you talking?! Are you listening?!”

“I’m reflecting on myself.”

Perhaps because it was that time of the month but there was quite a lot of nagging today. Thanks to that, I was able to fully enjoy the games I had put off.

“…Anyway, it was a relief that I was able to resolve this, but be careful from now on. Can’t you please live a normal life like other children?”

“I’ll try.”

“Hu…I’m going to die at this rate.. And I have one more thing to tell you. You should keep this in mind.”

Choi Bokhui’s tone abruptly sank and became serious. The nuance was definitely different from usual.

Feeling something amiss, I put down my game console and asked.

“What is it?”

“Anyhow…You’d better take care of yourself for a while.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know what’s going on, but…When I checked your fortune, I found that there was someone after you. I don’t think you’ll have a problem, but I have a bad feeling this time.”

If nothing else, her ‘witch’ ability was as real as it gets. The prophecies she had made so far had a high hit rate, so in this regard I couldn’t easily ignore her words.

“I understand.”

“Huu…Okay. Eat well and go to bed early since it’s late. I’m hanging up now.”

“Yes. Hanging up.”

Choi Bokhui hung up right after. Then, I thought about what she had said for a while.

Who in the world was after me?

The first that came to mind was the perverted devil who had kidnapped me. But I didn’t think he would be able to move right now since he had been seriously injured.

Or now that I was a hero, were the villains after me?

I haven’t done anything to create grudges in the second round, so it was hard to guess.

***

[ Translator – Yasi ]

[ Proofreader – Karane ]

***

Soon, I heard a sudden knock on the door.

Knock, Knock–

“Hmm?”

Before I knew it, looking at the clock, it was approaching midnight.

Who could it be at this late hour?

I got up from the sofa and opened the door. Then, standing there was an unexpected figure.

“Nice to meet…you. Choi Noah.”

Pale skin like a corpse. I didn’t know why, but the gloomy mood gave me a bad feeling.

Examinee No. 00187, which had been looking at me ever since the Pyongyang branch. It was this very same guy.

In his hand was a box of packed chicken from the institute.

His name…was it Fernando?

He looked at the view of my room and stood for a moment in astonishment before speaking unintelligibly.

“Can…we go inside and talk…a moment?”

There was plenty of time to talk during the day.  Why would he come to me at this hour?

It could only be interpreted as an act of avoiding the eyes of others.

The warning that Choi Bokhui had given me suddenly came to mind.

Don’t tell me…was he a villain?

I immediately took out Red Velvet Curse from my inventory and asked.

“What are you up to?”

“I just want to be friends…there’s no need…wary.”

“Why?”

“Just…I just want to get to know you. You…want to get closer.”

“…”

There was no response from < Evil Instant Death >. Did he really come with pure goodwill as he said?

No, it couldn’t be.

“I see…Now I know what you’re up to.”

I finally understood the whole situation. The reason why he was so attentive to me all this time.

He was a pervert. And I don’t make friends with such people.

“You thought I didn’t know what you were up to?”

“Th-that’s…What? I just wanted to be friends…”

This despicable guy pretended to be perplexed. My annoyance soared when I realized this disgusting side of him.

“I’ve already figured out what you’re doing, so don’t ever try to fool me again.”

“Uh…Uh…”

He stood clumsily in front of the door, even though he had already been discovered.

Why was he so persistent?

Unfortunately, he wasn’t even a villain, and I thought it would be somewhat of a headache if I killed him.

I glared at him with all my might. I could see his arms and legs shaking.

“Tsk. Get lost!”

I clicked my tongue and closed the door.

Thud–!

I was sure he understood what I had meant with this.

Soon, the movements outside the door disappeared.

“That was very annoying.”

He reminded me of a bad memory I had long forgotten. I shook my head and hurried away the thoughts in my head.

I had never been to school, so I was looking forward to it.

But as expected, it didn’t seem to fit me very well. I couldn’t believe I had to live in the same place as him for a year.

Thinking as such,

Ding–!

[Challenge – Happy School Life]

Condition: Finish Hero Training Institute in top 10% of grades or better.

Time: 1 year.

Reward: Varies depending on graduation result.

[Challenge – Heartthrob King]

Condition: Receive favorability from the opposite gender.

Time: 1 year.

Reward: Varies depending on favorability.

[Challenge – Model Student (Repeatable)]

Condition: Receive top score in three evaluations (0/3).

Time: 1 year.

Reward: 1x Random Box (Low).

.

.

.

Suddenly, countless Challenges came to mind.

“…”

The rewards and conditions were different, but one thing in common was that they were all time-limited Challenges that could only be done at the institute.

“As expected, school is a very good place!”

I was starting to look forward to my life at the institute.

* * * * * * * * * *

Fernando stood for a while staring at the closed door.

I…Did I make a mistake?

His mind was foggy as usual and his thinking was slow, but even considering what was left of his common sense, Noah’s reaction was unusual.

Just in case, he had even asked Azazel for advice beforehand. He had thought this was a good enough strategy to build a friendship.

No way…did he notice?

That was the only reason he could think of. Otherwise, such a reaction didn’t make sense.

He recalled what Noah had said earlier.

[You thought I didn’t know what you were up to?]

[I’ve already figured out what you’re doing, so don’t ever try to fool me again.]

How on earth did he figure it out? It should have been completely hidden.

In fact, didn’t the physical tests during the hero exam show that his physical condition was generally the same as that of living people?

So…how?

On top of that, Noah didn’t take any action for some reason even though his identity was discovered.

Given that he had viciously slashed a villain in the morning, it wouldn’t have been strange if he had immediately swung his sword now.

Something…Does he have an ulterior motive?

He tried to think, but no answer came to his murky head.

However, he was certain of one thing. At this rate, he knew that he would fail this task.

Soon, the only memories that remained in his head came to mind. The face of his younger sister smiling brightly and his family who were brutally murdered.

Here…can’t stop…

Azazel had promised him. He would be able to have his revenge one day if he did what he was told.

But now he was stuck.

I need to contact Azazel…

With creaking steps, Fernando walked back to his accommodation.

* * * * * * * * * *

The trainees first morning at the institute. Many were already seen gathered at the training ground early in the morning following the broadcast.

Even though many of them couldn’t sleep last night because they were either tense or excited, their expressions were still full of vitality.

And among the trainees, Shirahui stood awkwardly with her forehead creased.

The humiliation…

She recalled yesterday’s appointment ceremony.

As the only child of an S-Rank hero, she had been doing her best to avoid tarnishing her father’s reputation.

However, yesterday’s appearance was very pathetic even for someone like her.

She felt as if everyone around her was looking at her and whispering.

I can’t believe I fainted…

She was simply scared and that had caused her to hyperventilate and faint.

And because it was already evening when she had opened her eyes in the infirmary, when she had visited her accommodation late, roommates who had already gotten to know each other were looking at her with awkward eyes.

It’s beneath you, Shirahui…so why…

What had made her even more frustrated was that her roommates were talking about Noah.

Because of the event yesterday, Noah had once again caught the public eye for himself.

No. 1 in real time search. There were articles from various community sites and even fan clubs.

As a commercial model, it should have been her in Noah’s position.

However, there was only one article on her.

And even such an article didn’t contain any substance. It was a gossip article written by a paparazzi media company just for the sake of getting clicks.

[Shirahui, daughter of Lightning Sword, fainted from fear of seeing a villain?]

When she clicked on the article, a zoomed in picture of her mouth covered in vomit was posted.

She had managed to control her boiling heart, but in the end she couldn’t sleep at all last night.

It’s all because of Choi Noah.

A child who had appeared out of the blue and had taken all the attention she deserved. She resented the boy.

Soon, Noah walked out with a half-asleep face. Dozens of people gathered around the yawning boy and formed a line.

“Noah! Do you want me to massage your scalp? I’m really good at it, hehe.”

The hospitality was as cordial as a high VIP. It resembled the eyes of the followers who usually looked at her father.

The group had already earned the nickname ‘Choi Noah Army’ at the institute.

I…I can’t believe I lost to such a child.

She glared at Noah and gnashed her teeth.

With such a narrow time left before the start of the assembly, everyone had finally arrived at the training ground.

However, there was no sign of the person who should have been here. The person who had gathered them here, the homeroom professor, had yet to appear.

As time went by and the moment the trainees were confused.

Suddenly, a message arrived on the smartwatch everyone was wearing.

[Gather to the top of Hwangnyeong Mountain.]

[First-come first-serve basis and preferential treatment for breakfast.]

[First to arrive will receive the top score.]

“What the hell is going on here?”

“Well…Isn’t Hwangnyeong Mountain the mountain behind the institute?”

When everyone was just looking at each other and trying to grasp the situation, there was one person who had kicked off and ran faster than anyone else…

Good, I’m definitely going to make my mark here.

Shirahui burst out mana she had been preparing in advance and shot forward.

In fact, she had already known about this new curriculum ahead of time.

It was thanks to a close aide next to her father who had secretly informed her.

And unlike her upright father, she didn’t think such behavior was wrong.

To save citizens by all means necessary. That was her justice.

Information warfare is also a hero’s skill.

She silently smiled and looked back.

Others were still staring blankly in place, not thinking of moving. It seemed they were slow to grasp the situation.

On top of that, Noah was yawning with a tired expression and there was no hint of him moving.

Great!

If it was speed, then it was the area she was most confident in.

Her hero rank had already been decided anyway, so she could only win the top grade at the institute.

She increased her speed by simultaneously using her ability and mana.

< Lightning >

Electricity surrounded her body as she dashed across the ground like lightning.

Good! Let’s get first place and make everyone forget what happened yesterday.

She was certain she would be able to beat everyone and take care of first place.

At that moment,

Boom–!

Suddenly a roar broke out from behind her back.

Quickly looking back, she saw debris soaring high as if a cannonball had exploded near the training ground.

H-huh?

And soon she saw a bright red trajectory climbing the mountain path. At the center of it was Noah.

Boom–! Bang–!

Explosive energy poured out and dust scattered in all directions each time he kicked off the ground.

It was violent and didn’t seem like any technique was being used at all. However, Noah was quickly closing the distance.

N-no! I can’t lose!

She ran with clenched teeth. But the sound from behind was getting louder and louder.

At last, Noah was running alongside her.

Their eyes met, and at that moment,

“?!”

Suddenly her stomach began to feel nauseous.

Just like how she had felt at the appointment ceremony yesterday. Contrary to her will, her body was feeling worse each second.

N-no!

Such a problem shouldn’t be happening now. She tried to control her throbbing stomach.

However, not only her inner self but also her ability began to disrupt.

P-please hold on.

She prayed earnestly. Fortunately, her body started feeling somewhat relieved.

First place is mine if I can hold on like this!

As she thought as such, Noah spoke with a kind smile.

“Noona, are you okay? You don’t look very well.”

When she saw his smile, the scenes from yesterday replayed in her mind.

The section of a cut neck, and the figure of a boy approaching with a bloody sword.

“Oof!”

The nausea that she had been holding came up at once. She quickly covered her mouth, but her legs got caught.

And then…

Boom–!

She eventually fell to the ground at a running speed.

The tangled mana ran wild in her body, and the electricity surrounding her body gradually dissipated.

And in her eyes, she could see Noah stopping and looking down at her.

Th-this can’t be…I-if I faint here again…

But her consciousness was gradually fading.

And in the end, she couldn’t continue her thoughts and fainted again.

* * * * * * * * * *

What was wrong with her?

I thought she was running pretty well at the C-Rank standard, but she suddenly fell on the ground.

It was the same at the appointment ceremony. She seemed to be someone who faint often. Did she have an illness?

In addition, even though I had shown as much kindness as I could, no message of my favorability increasing came to mind.

What should I do?

I looked down at her for a moment. I didn’t think she would wake up anytime soon.

Hmm…if I leave her here, it could be dangerous when others are running…

I picked her up and hung her on a tree that could clearly be seen.

Good. That should be a good way for others to see and help.

I had invested my precious time out of kindness, so I was sure my favorability will increase when she wakes up.

After finishing up, I ran along the mountain path with a little more speed.

The long winding scenery passed me by at a brisk pace.

Originally I was just going to kill time here, but…

As long as practically any action was rewarded, I didn’t intend to let anyone score higher than me.

I speed up a little more by using < Inner Heart >.

After running for a long time, I was finally able to reach the top of the mountain. Then, I heard a notification from my smartwatch.

Beep!

[Ranking: 1/398]

First place as I had expected. I still couldn’t see the presence of others.

Currently, the gap between me and other trainees was at a level where even the word competition was a joke, so it was a natural result that I had gotten first place.

Completing Challenges in this environment will simply be like shooting a fish in a barrel.

Ding–!

[ Challenge – Model Student (Repeatable) updated. ]

[ Receive top score in three evaluations (1/3). ]

Yes!

Where else could I find such a good farming spot? I felt like I was in a bonus stage.

Hehe…Looks like I’ll be able to synergize my skill set and items after a year.

As I thought as such, a clear voice came from behind me.

“As expected, I knew Mr. Noah would come in first.”

It was a familiar voice. I turned my head in the direction of the sound.

And when I saw the culprit, I had no choice but to frown.

“My name is Samaria, your homeroom professor who will be in charge of the batch of trainees this time. I look forward to your kind cooperation.”

A clergy uniform with close-fitting thighs. Eyes bent like a half-moon and an eye-catching smile.

Samaria, who I had met at the Pyongyang branch, looked at me with a strange smile.

No, why was she here?

A crazy woman had broken into my beautiful bonus stage.

“Shall we have a little chat?”

“…”

I had a hunch life won’t be easy here.

____