I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy
chapter-244

Over two hundred years ago, numerous demons descended upon the Middle Realms, turning the continent into a living hell.

Most nations and hero teams of the continent united to combat them, but were severely outmatched.

It was then that Ryuk's team, displaying unbelievable strength, barely managed to send these demons back to hell.

"Our journey ends here. Let's take a break,"

Declared Odius, the team's brain and second-in-command.

He left these words behind and vanished without a trace, entrusting his beloved cat, Pipi, to Luna.

Ryuk, the team leader, also disappeared shortly after establishing the current Elinia Academy, forcibly placing Luna in the position of principal.

Luna faithfully performed her duties as the principal for about 10 years, waiting for their return.

However, even after 10, 20, 30 years passed, there was no sign of them returning.

'They said it was just a 'short' break.'

Even for a fairy who lived a thousand years, enduring such a lengthy period was mentally taxing.

Holding onto her sanity was all she could manage.

Thus, around 50 years after becoming the principal, Luna shifted her focus from her duties to searching for the two.

Whenever she heard any news remotely related to Ryuk or Odius, she pursued it personally.

But she never found them.

Not even a trace of the two was found.

And then, today happened.

"Ah~ Of course, if you introduce me to other spirit friends, maybe I'll remember~?"

Today, she heard a credible testimony about Odius's whereabouts since that day.

It could be another wild goose chase, but Luna couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity.

"Alright, you big-eared! Come outside with me!"

Luna said to Siena, who was smiling triumphantly.

"Why outside~? Just call them here."

"They don’t get along well. If they see each other, they’ll definitely start fighting!"

The six major spirits didn't get along well.

Some would fight upon seeing each other.

Water and fire were like that, as were wind and earth, light and darkness.

Although they would come if she called, like when she summoned them in front of Ford Company, they would surely bicker.

"Luna. This place will be where you oversee work. Can you handle it well, even if I'm gone for a while?"

The principal's office, filled with memories of Ryuk, couldn’t be turned into a disaster zone.

After Luna and Siena left the principal’s office.

"Oh, ohhh... This approach is also possible. Indeed, Odius is the greatest genius in human history."

Sonya, wearing round glasses, was deeply focused in reading an ancient document.

The title of the book she was currently absorbed in was [On the Construction of External Mana Engines].

It was about a method of constructing power engines that allowed mages to use mana from an external source instead of their own during spellcasting.

The concept had once been a buzz, but it faded away due to its impracticality.

The main reason was the need for a large power engine, weighing tens to hundreds of kilograms, to use high-output magic, in addition to the high costs of production and maintenance.

Putting aside the cost aspect, the convenience was severely lacking.

However, the author of the book Sonya was currently reading was none other than Odius Hannibal, lending the content high credibility.

Odius was not only the first and last archmage of humanity but also a genius who excelled in various fields beyond magic, like alchemy, architecture, and science.

It was known that he left behind numerous writings during his lifetime, but for some reason, less than ten of his works remain today.

Rustle-rustle—

Sonya flipped through the pages of the book, oblivious to the passing time.

Finally, after completing her first reading of [On the Construction of External Mana Engines], she mused.

"This is worth a try. I think I know how to do it."

Odius was the greatest intellect in human history, but Sonya was also a genius.

In her mind, she had already begun to conceive a 'practical' method to construct a power engine.

The first prototype she planned to create would weigh less than 3 kg and be capable of using 5th circle high-output magic at least three times.

She decided to disregard the enormous mana stone costs for maintenance.

If the above conditions were met, there would be plenty of wealthy individuals across the continent willing to pay for this device.

"Umm..."

But there was a significant problem.

She lacked suitable personnel to help test the product.

She needed someone with the least amount of mana possible.

The ideal candidate for this project would be someone with absolutely no mana.

'Even a country innkeeper who has never seen magic in their life has mana... Where can I find someone with none?'

As Sonya frowned in thought,

"Ah."

Among the messy pile of documents on the principal's bookshelf, one caught her eye.

[Elinia Academy Freshman Year Records - Integrated Transfer Edition]

The record book contained various academic details of each student, including personal information, academic status, and attendance.

What Sonya focused on was that the record book also included the results of the students' stat and trait assessments.

Gulp—

She swallowed and looked around before reaching for the record book.

"Hoo."

After completing my training for the day, I opened my information window for the first time in a while.

[Name: Theo Lyn Waldeurk]

Gender: Male

Age: 16

Race: Human

Affiliation: Elinia Academy Hero Department / Waldeurk Marquisate

Strength 9

Stamina 9

Mana 0

Tenacity 7

Traits

-Descendant of the Hero (Passive effect / Bloodline Ability) [View Details]

-Twisted Noble's Dignity (Passive effect) [View Details]

-Magic Nullification (Use Effect) [View Details]

-Observer's Eye (Passive effect) [View Details]

-Weapon Expert (Passive effect) [View Details]

-Sword Expert (Passive effect) [View Details]

'Not bad.'

When I possessed this body, the strength and stamina were at 7, but they had since risen to 9.

Considering Irene, the top student of the Knight Department, had a score of 10 until recently, it's safe to say I've achieved remarkable growth in a short period.

More importantly, my tenacity has unexpectedly reached 7.

'When I first possessed this body, it was only 2...'

Despite the aftereffects of [Overload], my explosive growth seems to be the result of constantly pushing myself.

This should be about average for a first-year student in the Hero Department.

'...But there’s nothing I can do about the mana.'

My mana remains stubbornly at 0.

'Sigh.'

It can't be helped, after all.

Mana is largely innate.

I guess I'm destined only to use low-circle magic stored in [Magic Cartridge].

It's a pity.

When I played the original game, my forte was utilizing magic.

On the route of a mage, I always held the world record for speedruns.

While ordinary players were barely getting used to 5th or 6th circle magic, I was efficiently using 7th to 9th circle spells.

Anyway...

'If I go now, I'll be just in time.'

After glancing at my wristwatch, I changed into the academy uniform.

It's time to meet Isabella.

I'm not nervous at all.

Isabella, who can't use [Mind Reading], is an easy opponent, like eating cake.

10 minutes later, inside the student council room.

Isabella and Theo sat across a long table, their faces unreadable, engaged in conversation.

“So you're saying...”

Isabella furrowed her brow elegantly as she continued.

"You want to borrow the remaining two parts of [Mercy of Renimid] for a year, in exchange for keeping quiet about this matter?"

"That's correct."

Theo briefly glanced at the sword and shield on the desk.

Isabella spoke again.

“Don't you think that's asking for too much?”

“Not at all. Besides resolving this case, Isabella stands to gain a lot.”

"Gain? For me?"

Isabella crossed her legs and arms, her face showing disdain, as if challenging him to explain.

It's a gesture acquired from dealing with countless people, meant to intimidate.

However, Theo, unfazed, responded confidently.

"My team will become rookies prominently covered by most major media outlets on the continent within two months. Naturally, not just me, but my aides will also gain fame. At that time, I will make sure to mention every favor Isabella has granted me."

Isabella easily grasped the hidden meaning in his words.

He was proposing a mutually beneficial relationship.

'Making the public see me as his benefactor...'

Of course, this would be greatly advantageous for her.

To maintain her position as the First Saintess, more than anything, capability was crucial.

Despite not participating in any religious events throughout the continent, Isabella maintained her position as the First Saintess, largely due to her ability to read people's minds.

Among various abilities, the foremost is the foresight to recognize talent.

"..."

Isabella gazed intently at Theo.

Despite Theo being a rising star in the industry, his statement was quite audacious.

Yet, he remained calm, even appearing serene, as if the realization of his words into reality was a given.

"Ha."

A chuckle escaped Isabella's lips before she even realized it.

'This sly kid...'

Isabella smiled, lifting one corner of her mouth.

"Alright. I'll trust you. Take them."

"Thank you."

Theo collected the sword and shield from Isabella's desk.

He bowed slightly to her and promptly said his goodbyes.

"Then, I will take my leave. I'll see you again."

"Yes. But, um, well..."

"Do you have anything else to say?"

Isabella pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Renimid whispered to me. You, your servant seems to miss her sister a lot. How about giving her some time off?"

"…!"

Theo's eyes widened in surprise.

Isabella's eyes also widened, and she stared intensely at Theo.

'Did this guy ever show such an expression before?'