I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy

oking around, I was still inside the carriage. 

Unlike before I fell asleep, it was now filled with students.

And I saw Aisha, awkwardly gazing out the window.

“…”

Peering outside, I estimated it would take about ten more minutes to arrive.

'It's not the right time to doze off again.'

I just stared blankly out the window with bleary eyes.

***

Theo and Aisha reached the Tactical Strategies Club meeting place.

Fortunately, they were not late.

The club members noticed that Theo appeared more lethargic than usual. 

His usual powerful aura was subdued.

“I'm glad we're not late.”

As Theo took his seat, the other club members exchanged knowing glances.

'He must be truly upset.'

'It was practically a public execution.
Piel went too far, regardless of her disdain for Theo.'

'But the way he kept getting up…it was impressive.'

They seemed to understand and didn't disturb Theo. 

Even Andrew offered a sympathetic gaze.

***

I went straight back to the dormitory after finishing the club activities.

I skipped dinner. 

I didn't even possess the energy to chew and swallow food.

'Ah, this is absurd.'

I used it for only 10 seconds, and my body ended up in this condition?

Will I genuinely be unable to get up tomorrow?

“You returned early today, young master.”

Amy bowed her head with a seemingly happy expression. 

I weakly nodded in acknowledgment.

“Go ahead and get some rest.”

“…Huh? It's not even 8 o'clock yet…”

“I'll go to bed first.”

I didn't even have the energy to speak. 

Leaving behind Amy, who seemed to have something to say, I waved my hand and entered my room.

I wanted to lie down immediately, but I couldn't go to bed without washing my dirty body first. 

My Twisted Noble's Dignity would never let me hear the end of it. 

I had to wash up quickly.

Gathering my strength, I headed to the bathroom. 

After swiftly rinsing my body, I lay down on the bed.

“Haah.”

Once I lay down, sleep didn't come easily. 

My duel with Piel came to mind.

'The difference in our level was too great.'

Even in my Overlord state, I couldn't even graze her clothes.

I wasn't angry or felt it was unfair. 

The gap between us was simply overwhelming.

'Our stats should have been similar for that moment.'

The difference lay in our traits, skills, and speed.

The original game was oddly realistic in some ways.

For example, there's an unrealistic setting like traits and awakenings, but at the same time, there's a very realistic setting where speed and technique are more important than strength in sword fights.

Thanks to the [Observer's Eye], I wouldn't fall for the same technique twice, but Piel was a [Weapon Master] and a [Sword Master].

With these traits, she had achieved a level where she could create her own swordsmanship.

If Piel's swordsmanship were a giant, mine would be a minuscule creature perched on the giant's shoulder.

But I couldn't give up. 

All I could do was try.

I'll do my best to mimic her. 

To analyze her. 

I need to land at least one hit on her this semester to feel satisfied.

'Since I can't do anything about the traits for now…
I should focus on honing my skills and speed.'

As I pondered that, I recalled Irene's words about visiting at least once a week. 

It hadn't sounded like a joke.

“Huu.”

…I should visit the knight department tomorrow.

Irene should be able to provide a solution.

***

The next day, Tuesday.

A lecture in the Knight Department's classroom was well underway.

“…For this reason, when facing an opponent wearing full plate armor, you should aim for the joints that the armor doesn't cover.
That's why you should always carry a dagger.”

Despite being an honor student, Mina found it difficult to concentrate on the class.

This was due to Irene, who had applied makeup for two consecutive days since enrolling at the academy – something she had never done before.

“…”

Mina kept glancing at Irene, who wore makeup that did not suit her at all.

Irene had fair, firm, and well-toned skin.

Light makeup would have been more fitting, as if she had barely applied any.

·····But it appeared she had used so much powder on her face that the color of her face and neck were mismatched, and her lips were a vivid crimson, as if bitten by a mouse.

'Her usual appearance is much prettier.'

Mina wasn't the only one who thought so; her peers also stole glances at Irene, their expressions filled with confusion.

Even Jacob, who had confessed his feelings to Irene during the first semester and been rejected, looked appalled.

·····Mina resolved to tell Irene the next day:

Don't ever wear makeup like that again.