S&M (1)

The continent of 'Kyren Zena' is home to numerous races.

From humans, orcs, lizardmen, beastmen, elves, vampires, dwarves, fairies, dragons, celestials, demons, to ancients, the list is extensive.

However, the race that currently holds the most sway over the continent are 'humans'.

While dragons, celestials, demons, and ancients are individually formidable, their numbers are limited.

Furthermore, among humans, there are occasional occurrences of [God's Champions], individuals of such power that they can stand against these powerful beings alone.

Plus, humans possess exceptional intelligence.

They excel in acquiring knowledge.

Humans document their life's accomplishments and transfer this knowledge to future generations.

Due to this, humans grow stronger over time.

There was a time when a single vampire could decimate an entire kingdom, but now human kingdoms are well-versed in effective vampire countermeasures.

However, great demons, great celestials, and dragons are still considered as calamities on the continent.

Humans have struggled to maintain relations with other races.

The reason is straightforward.

The values and tendencies held by humans are drastically different from those of other races.

Take orcs for instance, they have lesser intelligence.

Their view of the world is narrow.

They are the kind of race that would forgo 1,000 gold in the future for 1 gold in the present.

Their nature is untamed and fierce.

So, while they display great strength in situations where brute force is the only requirement, they falter in more complex circumstances.

Humans are a race that persistently seeks supremacy.

In ancient times, humans were not a dominant race.

Their physical abilities were frail, and the mere arrival of a group of cockatrices often led to annihilation.

However, over time, the superior intellect of humans and their clear sense of purpose led to a significant divergence from other races.

After gaining a foundational level of awareness, humans leveraged their large population, remarkable intelligence, and organization to edge out other races, taking control of the majority of the continent.

Yet, human ambition didn't stop with asserting dominance over other races.

After gaining control of most of the continent, conflicts arose among humans themselves due to varying interests.

If only a fraction of the nations could unite, they could rule over the dense forests, barren deserts, and broad grasslands inhabited by other races.

However, the likelihood of such unity is slim.

These territories simply don't offer enough allure to set aside the interests of human leaders, even for a moment.

It's also rare for humans to form long-standing alliances with other races.

Though various races like orcs, lizardmen, beastmen, elves, and dwarfs are present at Elinia Academy, most of Neike's long-term acquaintances, are humans.

While Neike, with his kindness and naivety, has managed to form some connections with individuals from other races, other human students generally form teams exclusively with other humans.

This includes Ryuk, the first headmaster of Elinia Academy.

The members of his team from his active days were all humans.

"Well then, I should be off. We've got club meetings for the next couple of days... We'll schedule our next lesson separately, hehe."

"...Alright."

Unlike Aisha's radiant smile, my expression was rigid.

A wave of harsh reality had crashed over me.

'Damn this game. Why did I have to reincarnate as a third-rate villain extra?'

I grumbled before gathering myself again.

Haaah.

That doesn't mean I should stop trying.

After all, if I fail to become stronger, if I don't graduate from the academy with top grades, I will die.

The villain wants to live.

"Hey, what's with the gloomy look? You aren't thinking of going back on your words, are you, heir of the esteemed Waldeurk family? Give me a smile."

"...Yeah."

I manually lifted the corners of my mouth to form a smile.

The so-called Joker smile.

Aisha winced.

"Ugh... What's that? Anyway, see you tomorrow. Don't forget about the foodie club meeting. I have things to handle, so I'll be off. Oh, and don't forget you promised to teach me swordsmanship!"

With these parting words, Aisha exited the training grounds.

"..."

Sigh... My life.

Well, it wouldn't be bad for me if Aisha becomes stronger.

Perhaps I should grab some dinner.

I shared a meal in the cafeteria with Noctar and the orcs.

Noctar seemed in high spirits, patting his stomach while looking at me.

"Keuk, I ate well. Theo, let's change things up and train together today."

"That sounds good. However, I have some matters to attend to first. I'll join you afterward."

I need to meet with Rok.

Even though I've supplied him with all the necessary information, many unforeseen factors could crop up.

Since Rok wasn't around today, he's likely devising strategies to infiltrate 'Turning White.'

Known for his efficiency, he would have made strides of progress at this point.

I flashed a wink at Noctar.

Noctar nodded in acknowledgment.

"Keke, understood. Then I'll head to the training ground first with the guys, come when you're free."

"Alright."

"I'll lead the way. Let's move, brothers."

With Noctar rising from his seat, the orcs rose as well and left the cafeteria.

I directed my steps towards Rok's office.

Within the large office of Professor Rok.

About ten faculty members, fully armed, were awaiting orders.

A variety of weapons were at their disposal.

'Interesting, let's check.'

I glanced at their status windows.

Based on their stats and characteristics, each one seemed at least as good as a mid-low tier hero.

'Excellent.'

With this force, it was enough for pest control.

Rok, polishing his spear, glanced at me.

"Theo, you've arrived just in time. We're planning a hit into the northern forest where you captured their leader. Why not join us?"

"Understood. May I bring my team with me?"

"Certainly. There will be a private carriage waiting at the Hero Department's main gate."

"Understood. Let's meet at the main gate then."

After slightly bowing to Rok,

Creeeeak─

I exited Rok's office.

'Hmm.'

Given that Rok and his team are ready, it would be impolite to keep them waiting.

There's no time to gather Siena, Amy, and Jang Woohee... I'll have to bring Noctar alone.

After bringing Noctar from the training field, we headed together to the Hero Department's main gate.

There, a luxurious black carriage was parked.

'I get to ride a private carriage.'

In the original game, private carriages are considered luxury items.

They're not allocated to typical professors or faculty members.

Only a senior professor like Rok would be provided one.

Noctar and I boarded the carriage.

Its interior, decorated in shades of brown and black, exuded subtle luxury.

Rok, seated centrally amidst his team with an air of authority, announced,

"Let's move out."

"Understood, professor."

The private carriage even had a knight assigned to it.

And it was swift.

We reached the northern forest in a relatively short time.

Soon, we spotted Melon, still tied up where we'd left her.

"······Ah, uh, ah!"

Melon, upon seeing Noctar and me, recoiled in shock.

She appeared much more gaunt compared to when we left her the previous day.

We left her bound in this desolate, frigid spot to make interrogation easier.

'Did I take things too far?'

I hadn't anticipated her looking so drawn.

I surveyed Melon dispassionately.

Beneath her heavy cloak, her pallid skin was visible.

Here and there, ripped thin top and shorts covering barely half her thigh.

Her body was bound coarsely, like a slab of meat in a butcher shop.

Strap marks, clear against her white thighs, arms, and wrists, a testament to her binding.

Eyes underscored with deep dark circles, marred by trails of tears.

Chapped lips and sunken cheeks.

Clothing roughly torn and disarrayed.

And dried saliva was stuck at the corners of her mouth.

"P-Please s-save m-me...! N-no, r-rather k-kill me...! I'm scared. D-Don't hit me, s-stop it...! Uh, uh... The eyes that tore me apart... That demon... commanding that large orc as if it's a mere object..."

Melon shrieked in terror, frothing at the mouth, and then fell unconscious.

"..."

At this sight, everyone fell into silence.

They merely switched gazes between Melon and me, not expressing a word.

Eventually, Rok fixed his gaze upon me.

"...What exactly did you do?"

His eyes were filled with revulsion.

"..."

Damn it.