The Villain Purchased the Heroine

Liam let out a long sigh.

Currently, he was occupying the Intermediate Base located in the middle of Class 1 and Class 3 along with Emily, Serena, and four other students.

It would take 10 minutes to occupy, and there were still about 7 minutes left.

Liam and his team were able to find the Intermediate Base in a significantly shorter time compared to other classes.

The Intermediate Base wasn't exactly hidden in nature, but the size of the stage background made it less easy to spot.

However, since it was one of the places that left a strong impression on him while reading a novel, he had a rough idea of its location and specific terrain.

Although he didn't have any pictures or illustrations, it did consume more time than he expected, but it was still fast enough.

"It's good that we found the Intermediate Base easily, but…"

Liam thought about Vargan, who completely ignored his words.

If Vargan wasn't going to assign Alicia, he wished he would at least add more personnel, but Vargan set the total number of the defense squad at 7.

From Liam's memory, the vanguard among the Allied Forces of Class 4 and Class 5 consisted of a total of 11 members. They were simply outnumbered, but more than that, it was a problem that the Villainess Erica was leading the charge.

Based on the developments, the reconnaissance squads of Class 3 and Class 2 would also be looking for opportunities. Even with the buffs from the base, it was uncertain whether they could successfully hold out.

If Liam's thoughts were correct, Vargan, as a reincarnator, couldn't possibly not know this information, yet he didn't allocate more troops.

That said, it was also absurd in context to tell Vargan about this fact and demand reinforcements.

If he wasn't a reincarnator, there would be no way to prove it, and even if it were the truth, he couldn't explain how he acquired the information.

Moreover, Vargan wasn't someone who would listen just because he barged in.

"Liam… you look really down."

"Oh, Emily… it's just a lot of things."

Liam awkwardly smiled, and Emily was able to read his expression. Emily brought forth the honest feelings she had been experiencing recently.

"These days, it seems like you're worrying a lot."

"Me?"

"Yeah. Is your Academia life tough?"

"...."

Liam hesitated for a moment before glancing up at her. He didn't forget to wear a slightly playful face.

"Are you trying to cheer me up right now?"

Emily stared at Liam for a while before tilting her head towards the sky and lightly tapping the wall with her foot. She hid her hands behind her back as if trying to look casual.

"Well, since I received support when I first came to the Academia."

Shyly hiding her embarrassment, Emily smiled brightly.

From Liam's perspective, she looked the most beautiful when she laughed without a care, just like now.

"Thanks."

"Anytime!"

While Emily's unique encouragement didn't come with any special magic, it was strangely true that his worries had lessened.

"I guess I haven't adapted to the changed environment yet."

"I guess I still haven't adjusted to the changed environment."

"You were so happy when you first came here."

"Yeah, right."

Liam admitted that he had been frequently lost in thought lately. The stress of the changed developments was partly to blame, but he had also developed a bad habit of mulling over trivial matters alone.

Watching Liam, Emily wondered what she could say to lift his spirits and finally spoke up.

"This is just a bit of whining. Honestly, I've been struggling too."

"Really?"

"It's not a heavy story, so take it lightly. Most of it is sorted out now."

Liam had an inkling of what she meant and decided to listen quietly to Emily's follow-up. She continued after shaking her head.

"Um… You know how my talent tends to fall short compared to the other students at the Academia? Ah, don't bother with compliments. I've painfully realized I have no talent."

"..."

"In our village, I was considered a promising genius. The world is indeed vast, right?"

Emily's self-deprecating words were accompanied by a gentle smile. She didn't blame or torment herself over her innate abilities.

"Especially, the Entrance Ceremony was the worst. When I found out I was grouped with that top student who gave the worst speech, I could've cried from sheer dislike."

"I think you actually teared up."

"Can you please forget that embarrassing past, Liam…?"

Emily brushed off Liam's mischievous teasing lightly.

"Anyway, I ended up in the same group as that noble young man, and I even joined the Research Society he founded. I've been receiving all kinds of treatment and complaints, and I'm still suffering. But as I kept at it, it became bearable."

"..."

"I feel like I'm gaining something. Like, I'm making some sort of progress?"

"Is it dealing with not-human beings?"

"Something like that?"

While sharing a laugh with Liam, Emily soon stopped giggling and added.

"Though… there's that. He annoyingly has a good eye."

"A good eye?"

"Like he sees people well. How should I put it? He understands their affinities well. Something like that."

"Oh…."

The information about Emily in the novel he had read was extremely limited. She only appeared occasionally as a supporting character, and he didn't know her specialties or interests.

If Liam had no original memories, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he knew nothing about Emily.

According to Liam's hypothesis, if Vargan was the reincarnator, it should have the same information, yet he felt different. Was his hypothesis wrong?

Liam could check Emily's status, but he chose not to and instead asked directly. He wanted to hear the answer from her own mouth.

"…Have you gotten stronger?"

"No, not really."

Emily's answer was cheerful and unexpected.

"But, I think I've grasped some things."

Liam gazed at her intently.

Emily's expressions were varied. This time, her smile was different from before.

It was more cheerful and bright.

Yes, just like the old days.

'Huh…?'

Suddenly, a familiar image buried in his memory overlapped with hers.

The Emily from his original memories, carefree and cheerful, who swung her sword simply out of love for swordsmanship, not competition.

Her smile shining in the glowing red sunset.

A precious memory.

…Whose memory is this?

"Liam…?"

Concerned, Emily looked at Liam, and at that moment, her gaze shifted to Serena, who was tugging at her sleeve.

Slowly, Liam regained his composure and faced Serena.

There wasn't any time for Liam to recall his memories.

It wasn't.

Perhaps sensing a small but subtle change, Serena reacted.

"Serena, did you sense something?"

"..."

She silently nodded. After exchanging glances with Liam, Serena swiftly leaped to a higher position to observe the approaching figures in the distance.

Serena was an archer. Born with and honing her exceptional senses to scout enemies.

Moreover, according to the stats Liam had seen, Serena far surpassed the average of new students at the Academia. Among the current members, she was the one who could most quickly identify the number and identity of enemies.

"How many?"

Crouching down to enhance her sight, Serena indicated a certain number with her fingers. The gesture had a specific meaning.

「20」

""…!!""

Additionally, Serena informed them that these individuals were the allied forces from Class 4 and Class 5 using her fingers.

Liam had expected 11.

But the reality was 20.

Each class consisted of 25 students, with 5 in each team. Essentially, it was as if all the members from one team in a class were approaching.

"There are way too many. And they're coming this fast!"

It was hard to believe that such a large number had come in a straight line from the safe zone. The forests and swamps were filled with monsters and traps, making it highly risky to traverse.

From Liam's knowledge,

his Class 1 was at the western edge.

Classes 4 and 5 were at the eastern edge, quite far apart.

Even if they had come without leaving the safe zone, those potential heroes surpassed ordinary humans, so it wasn't an impossible speed. But considering the capital and the time, the information he had known was incorrect.

The future had changed due to Vargan's luck.

They were charging in without hesitation.

Now even Liam's senses had picked it up.

Some were riding familiars. They showed no intention of hiding their forces. Rather, they approached with the fierce momentum of an eagle spreading its wings, ready to confront.

Serena hastily drew her bow and nocked an arrow, while the others moved quickly into their respective positions.

Liam also swiftly pulled out his sword, ready to face them. A surprise attack was out of the question.

Surely, someone with exceptional detection skills would be lurking nearby.

They were not the only ones aware of the opponents.

"Serena, who do you think the vanguard leader is?"

"7th place in the entrance exam. Belial Troa Bantlo."

This was the first time Serena spoke.

Her voice was soft and small.

"So things have really changed."

If it were the scenario Liam knew, Erica should have been leading the allied forces. However, the current vanguard leader of the allied faction was Bantlo, the strongest archer among the first years.

He was a close friend of Erica and the co-commander of Class 4.

"I think we need all our strength."

Liam swallowed dryly.

"I can't believe they'd come in such numbers. There's no way I wouldn't be nervous… What about you, Liam?"

"I'm trembling… but."

Crackle⎯!

A blue electric current sparked from Liam's hand gripping the sword. With a stiff smile, he replied to Emily.

"I haven't been sitting idle all this time, either."

⎯Shine.

The flag at the intermediate base lit up, signaling the occupation.

*

Boom⎯⎯!!

A massive tremor shook the entire base. Screams and shouts echoed everywhere.

⎯Gyaaaah!

⎯It's an invasion! They're invading!!

⎯Where? Where are they coming from?!

⎯Lord Vargan, orders! The enemy has breached!

⎯You fool, Lord Vargan is busy! We will hold them off!

There were five enemies.

The ambush point was the North Gate.

Class 2. Arterion led a small elite team and stormed into Class 1's base.

"Ah, Arterion… how can that prince be here already?! Lord Vargan, what should we do?!"

"Oh, Arterion… How could that Prince already…! Vargan, what should I do?!"

"Finn. Stay calm and head to the back door. There's a man waiting there who is a loyal servant of Arterion."

"What do you mean…?"

"I'm leaving that fellow to you. I expect excellent results. Don't disappoint me."

"Y-yes!! Understood, Vargan!"

Finn, seemingly forgetting his fear, cheered at the words of expectation and dashed out with determination.

Truly, he's such a simple-minded guy.

I like that he's easy to handle, but it's also a bit sad in a way.

"Breaking through the unsafe zone and bringing back four more, huh? I have to admit, he's powerful, Arterion."

Prince Arterion of the Ocel Kingdom was a character whose personal combat abilities surpassed even the original Vargan, a former protagonist.

I expected his arrival, but he was quicker than I thought. Indeed, does he want to avenge himself at the Entrance Ceremony that much?

Boom!

Was it an earthquake or did a bulldozer crash? The entire base shook. When a guy who can actually think enters combat mode, he charges in like a madman.

Could it be that the blood of the someday-to-be-called Sword Saint is boiling?

In the original story, the fight between Arterion and Vargan occurred outside the Class 2 base. It seems the video magic worked perfectly.

I stood still in the large space reminiscent of the King's Audience Room, waiting for him. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to sit on the throne in front of the Prince, after all.

Soon after.

Kwang—!

A massive door made of thick iron literally shattered as a man stepped through.

Smoke billowed up, but he strode forward, unveiling his appearance completely.

In contrast to the violent and grand entrance, he had an intelligent and handsome face. His golden hair shone brilliantly. He walked with an astonishingly elegant demeanor.

Without a doubt, the original protagonist and the perfected form of the protagonist.

Ocell Bui Arterion.

"Thank you for coming a long way, Prince."

I stepped back slightly and bowed my head. But it seemed he wasn't pleased.

The bluish aura surrounding the sword he held was thick.

It felt like he could slice my neck at any moment.

"Wouldn't it be better to have a cup of tea instead? Our servant has become quite skilled at making it recently—"

"Enough with the farce."

"…"

What a disappointment. I truly wanted him to try my improved tea. Based on his words, it seems enjoying a relaxed cup of tea is out of the question.

Swoosh—

As Arterion raised his sword, the sound of air being sliced by a sharp and sturdy aura echoed.

He had no intention of waiting.

He immediately—

Swoosh!

The space folded as Arterion's sword lunged forward with terrifying speed.

Witnessing it with my own eyes felt like it defied the laws of physics; it was an overwhelming pressure and power.

However.

"Excellent reaction speed. Alicia."

"…!"

Clang—!

The bluish aura clashed with an equally intense aura. It wasn't just the sound of metal hitting metal; it was a cacophony of auras colliding.

The Prince seemed quite surprised. His previously monochrome expression changed.

Alicia, who stood facing him, had a glimmer in her eyes as well. There was a charged tension as neither side yielded.

"Respectable Prince, I apologize for being just a mere Duke, but…"

I spoke while watching the fight from behind.

Putting sincere feelings into every word regarding the great Prince.

"Please allow my servant to shine on this stage."