This World Needs a Hero

Chapter 22

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The temporary training ground that Yussi had newly prepared.

For the past few days, I’ve been diligently reviewing the previous lecture here.

It was worthwhile to push the kids to their limits.

There were many advantages to develop and many shortcomings to address.

It took quite some time just to organize the feedback.

“It’s not something that can be achieved just by scribbling with a pen.”

The growth of the kids, the candidates for future Hero, was one of the main reasons I came to Rosenstark.

I even researched their martial skills separately to provide more valuable feedback.

The various martial arts spread across the training ground were evidence of that effort.

“It’s a more challenging profession than I thought.”

A professor of Rosenstark.

It was a position that everyone desired.

With honor, money, and the satisfaction of simultaneously gaining respect, without standing on the dangerous battlefield, responsible for educating talented individuals who would take on the future of humanity.

However, as the benefits were tremendous, so were the demands.

Professors had to undergo a rigorous appointment process, and even after that, they had to endure constant evaluation.

The evaluation Yussi mentioned last time was a representative example.

“At the end of each quarter, professors in the bottom 30% of ratings undergo individual assessments. If they continue to rank in the lower tier consecutively, they will be dismissed.”

Conversely, professors who scored high were rewarded with expanded support funds, among other things.

It was a system that could be somewhat disadvantageous for me.

With high expectations, the scrutiny would be intense, and to meet those standards, I had to deliver lectures at a higher level.

Of course, even if I received low ratings, Yussi wouldn’t dismiss me.

However, as the Hero by name, low ratings could lead to unnecessary suspicion.

It might provide some ammunition for certain senior professors who hold me high in high regard.

[PR/N: Senior professors who have taught the Hero before do respect him as the Hero, knight, a warrior but they doubt his capabilities as a professor.]

To avoid that, I had to create lectures that were both interesting and informative.

“…It would be nice to hear the students’ opinions.”

Just checking the connectors discreetly wasn’t enough.

I didn’t have enough time to infiltrate among the students through polymorph either.

During the interview or before the start of classes, I could have used my resourcefulness, but now it was impossible.

“I could use a helping hand.”

With that thought in mind, I tidied up the training ground.

Despite that, the lecture was successful, and I felt somewhat relieved.

My overall understanding of the students’ abilities had increased significantly.

During the process, there were some modest additional earnings.

▼

[Activating ‘Iris of Laplace’]

[Implementing ‘Gerald Bryce’ as an ‘Avatar’]

Avatar creation in progress…

Evaluating the combat power and completeness of the Avatar…

▲

After sparring with Gerald, new comments about him were added to the Iris of Laplace.

Implementing Gerald as a training Avatar became possible.

Gerald was undoubtedly an outstanding spearman.

Virtual sparring with him not only enhanced the understanding of spear techniques but also greatly helped in honing my own skills.

It was a bit disappointing that implementing Avatars for other students was still impossible.

▼

[Unable to implement ‘Leciel Hiyashin’ as an ‘Avatar’]

More information is needed.

[Unable to implement ‘Cuculli Evans’ as an ‘Avatar’]

More information is needed.

[Unable to implement ‘Ban Dietrich’…]

…

▲

It seemed that simply observing the training wasn’t enough to gather the necessary information for Avatar implementation.

“I guess I should spar with the kids in rotation.”

… Especially Leciel.

Her sword flashed in my mind again.

In fact, half of the time spent in the training ground could be considered as recalling that sword.

Leciel was truly gifted.

It might sound cliché, but there was no other way to describe it.

Like breathing and walking since humans are born, swordsmanship seemed to be an instinctive realm for her.

“She exceeded my expectations for sure.”

Other promising students who received ‘high praise’ from the Iris of Laplace were equally impressive.

Cuculli fought with a unique savagery based on her wild instincts.

Luke, with rich practical experience and talent, was also remarkable.

Except for one, all were satisfying.

I recalled the face of a boy who acted timidly to the point that it belied his strong skills.

“Ban, the eldest son of the Dietrich family.”

Certainly, his skills were excellent.

However, the way he accumulated those skills was quite puzzling.

He habitually retreated at the crucial moment when he should land a decisive blow.

Excessive tension and anxiety transmitted even to me as an observer.

“Is he inherently fragile?”

It was a complete contrast to his father, who had faced countless battlefields with warriors.

“I’ll have to keep a close eye on him.”

With these thoughts in mind, I was leaving the training ground, holding the exit door handle when a strange sensation crept over me.

“…?”

The moonlight gently illuminating the shaking grass, the faint hum of insects, and the cool breeze carrying last year’s fallen leaves—everything in the surroundings seemed normal.

“But…?”

As I held the exit door, I slowly rolled my eyes.

“The atmosphere is strange.”

A cold wind sent shivers down my spine.

“Is someone there?”

A mysterious energy flowed through the air.

There was no mistaking it.

Since taking Awaken and activating the Hero’s Essence to withstand potential threats, I had been living with the Hero’s Essence active, especially when anticipating any pseudo-sightings.

Even at this late hour, as I was about to return alone to my lodging, this heightened state remained and I hadn’t let my guard down.

Between heightened senses, a faint presence registered.

I turned my head slowly toward the direction of the sensed presence.

“…!”

In the darkness, someone was glaring at me.

The moonlight revealed the outlines of the observer.

* * *

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In a brief moment of vigilance, I refrained from immediately rushing in and striking the individual’s forehead with the sword.

It was a cautious stance.

I slowly observed the approaching figure.

Though I could see her with my eyes, her presence was entirely imperceptible.

It was an incredibly discreet stealth technique, almost unbelievably elusive.

The hazy silhouette soon sharpened as if it were about to be grasped in my hand.

“It’s you.”

The clouds obscuring the moon dispersed with a timely gust of wind.

Beneath the pale moonlight, the girl’s petite face was revealed.

The features, shadowed deeply, resembled a wax doll.

▼

Would you like to retrieve information about the recorded character ‘Nyhill’?

▲

…Nyhill.

An exceptional student.

During the interview, a commoner girl received a favorable evaluation from the Iris of Laplace.

Her main weapons were a longsword and a buckler.

Various pieces of information about her flooded my mind at once.

I stood a certain distance away, gazing at her with lowered eyes.

‘This is astonishing.’

The first time I saw her, it felt strange.

Most commoners entering Rosenstark Academy were either from middle-tier academies or other educational institutions, individuals who had already showcased their talents.

‘But Nyhill didn’t belong to any of those categories.’

While talented individuals from the outskirts occasionally knocked on Rosenstark’s door, at that time, I didn’t think much about it and simply overlooked her.

‘At the time, she seemed too ordinary, without any outstanding features.’

But now, things are different.

‘Too ordinary, without any outstanding features.’

But now, looking at this intruder staring at me with emotionless eyes, how many could recall that ordinary girl from back then?

The face was the same, but the aura exuded was entirely different.

…Perhaps this is her true self.

“Nyhill.”

“Yes.”

Nyhill replied, standing before me.

The black attire, enveloping her petite figure, seemed to have been worn since the day she was born.

‘I plan to dispatch assistance for you, but since they need to infiltrate perfectly, it might take some time.’

Recalling the conversation I had with the Emperor at the beginning of the semester, I spoke.

“So, you were an agent of the Imperial Family.”

As if affirming, Nyhill slowly bowed her head.

Her jet-black hair flowed down her pale and dry cheek as if it had been there since birth.

“I will greet you. I am the third ghost of the Secret Department.”

Ghost.

I’ve heard that term before.

Loyal secret agents who greatly contributed to the ascension and maintenance of the current Emperor, Euphemia Cecilia.

‘Their known exploits are so inhuman and terrifying that they are problematic.’

Nyhill’s black eyes turned towards me again.

“Then, following the manual, I will first explain my capabilities.”

Like a blacksmith explaining the weapons on a stand, the girl began to describe her ‘capabilities.’

Stealth, disguise, throwing, swordsmanship, and even basic magic.

Nyhill claimed to possess most of these at an advanced level.

It was an expected part since these were abilities commonly required of agents.

However, her final words made me doubt my ears.

“And I have an ability called “Puppetry.”

“An ability? You have a supernatural ability?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Nyhill cautiously suggested, “I currently have a few puppets in operation. Would you like to see them?”

—

Puppetry, a superpower awakened only by an extremely small number of humans.

Those with this ability gain extraordinary powers that cannot be obtained through training.

Little is known about Puppetry, except for the speculation that its capabilities are related to the owner’s desires.

In a way, it resembled a kind of guardian spirit with similar characteristics.

For example, the current Emperor survived a gruesome war thanks to the Puppetry called ‘Ultimate Physique.’

‘To think that a mere agent possesses such power….’

She briefly explained her Puppetry, and it could be summarized as follows:

First, it is indistinguishable from a human at first glance.

Second, it autonomously judges and acts according to the rules set by the owner.

Third, it conveys all seen and heard information faithfully to the owner.

It was an incredibly convenient ability, almost too good to be true, but the term ‘Puppetry’ made it somewhat believable.

“I’ve encountered people with abilities three times now, counting this one.”

Following Euphemia, the face of a man came to mind.

I shook my head immediately.

Fortunately, I wouldn’t have business with that particular individual for a while.

Clunk, clunk!

The carriage passed by the stop in front of the professor’s quarters.

Despite the late hour, there were few people around.

Guards were patrolling, and duty maids were bustling about for various errands.

In the midst of it all, someone unexpected was present.

‘…Kasim?’

There was no mistaking it.

A tall figure with radiant blond hair, even in the darkness.

The sociable voice that permeated through the carriage window was not of a common kind.

‘Are you busy this weekend?’

It was directed at a walking maid.

‘…Working diligently, I see.’

Politely, I was about to turn my head when the unexpected happened.

“My apologies. It’s my doll.”

“What?”

“The maid in front of Professor Kasim Pierre.”

That’s what Nyhill said.

Surprised, I turned my gaze back out the window.

‘Hmm, it seems I need to check my schedule.’

Well-maintained black hair.

Elegantly folded eyelids and sparkling lips.

A well-groomed voice.

A person, and an exceptionally beautiful one at that.

“Is that maid supposed to be a doll?’”

I skeptically asked, and Nyhill flicked her fingers without saying a word.

Then, the maid did something that a properly composed maid would never do in front of a professor.

Thud!

A brief scream echoed from outside.

It was Kasim’s.

‘Wh-why the sudden confession?’

‘I’m sorry! Your forehead looked so pretty that I couldn’t resist. Oh, what should I do to make amends for this?’

‘Haha, I’ll accept Senetta’s weekend dinner as compensation.’

It was truly a pathetic conversation.

After staring at me for a moment, Nyhill spoke.

‘Doll 1, Senetta, the new maid in the professor’s building.’

The carriage sped up, distancing Senetta and Kasim.

Their laughter echoed, loud and joyous.

I realized why Nyhill showed the dolls without detailed explanations.

No matter how well she described them, conveying their incredible vitality would be challenging.

‘This is the ability I need right now.’

A long-term piece that can penetrate human society without causing discomfort.

For me, who is short-handed, it was the best move I could make.

”Shall we go see the next doll?’

I nodded.

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