Era of Heroic Spirits: I Was Exposed by Alaya

The next noon.

On the large LCD television screen, a news report played:

[The United States condemns China's unwarranted activation of the Celestial Court defense system, demanding immediate restrictions!]

"Tch, who're they trying to fool?" Souma couldn't help rolling his eyes.

Any idiot could tell Qin Shi Huang would never waste the Celestial Court's vast magical energy reserves to attack some ordinary ship.

Clearly, it had been targeting the vessel sent to retrieve Hundred-Faced Hassan after kidnapping Illya for transport to America!

If it were truly civilian ships, the Council of Gods would have already exerted pressure.

Without a strong argument, they could only mutter quietly.

"Truly impressive!"

Roya browsed through the forum, unable to hold back her admiration.

Many people by the seaside had accidentally captured the moment the Celestial Court system erupted.

A dazzling pillar of light descended from the sky, an utterly awe-inspiring sight.

As she scrolled, she exclaimed in surprise, "Prime Minister Zhuge responded, saying they were testing the Celestial Court system, and any casualties were purely accidental, unrelated to us... As expected of the scheming Prime Minister!"

These wise men were truly one more cunning than the next, completely lying through their teeth, tricking people without a shred of remorse.

They'd sell you out and still make you count the money for them!

"You'll get used to it." Souma, however, was utterly unfazed.

In this Age of Heroic Spirits, China possessed Qin Shi Huang and over a hundred Heroic Spirits, making it the undisputed world leader.

Only the United States, with its numerous false gods, could stand against it.

But this balance wouldn't last much longer.

Souma estimated that once Alaya released the follow-up exposure videos about Qin Shi Huang, the United States would panic like a dog and try to hide in a corner.

Tsk, just thinking about it made him a little excited—

Wait, no, excited my ass!

Souma sighed softly.

This kind of exposure was like roasting him over an open flame.

If a bunch of Heroic Spirits came knocking, he'd have no choice but to grab the troublemaker and flee Earth.

Oh wait, he couldn't even do that.

The troublemaker couldn't leave this planet, and it was even harder for him to leave.

By then, if humanity went extinct, Alaya wouldn't survive either.

Still, it insisted on exposing him, risking mutual destruction with humanity.

Are you stupid?

Damn you, Alaya!

Souma got up from the couch. "Alright, stay home. I'm going out to buy some things."

Tonight was New Year's Eve, and most stores would be closing soon.

"Got it. Buy lots of snacks—Illya and Miyu are coming over later."

Roya, absorbed in her mobile game, replied without looking up.

"Understood."

Souma stepped out of his home.

Ever since Alaya repeatedly exposed those videos, his [existence] had gradually been restored, and more and more people began to surround him.

Back then, he had felt like a homeless stray dog, utterly alone.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have adopted that troublemaker human-shaped nuke just to ease his loneliness a little.

But expecting him to go back to a 996 (or worse, 007) work schedule? No way!

Isn't lazing around way better?

Nameless headed to the market to buy the last of the New Year's goods.

Candy from the east market, beef from the west, fruit from the south, seafood from the north.

The sprawling market was already familiar territory to him, and he haggled with vendors like a seasoned pro…

…

Meanwhile.

Roya, who had snuggled into the kotatsu and comfortably played mobile games, finally paused after clearing a level.

She stretched lazily, glanced at the clock on the wall, then looked down at herself and sighed. "Ugh, another year gone by in the blink of an eye. Can't you grow a little, huh?"

Damn it, absolutely no change at all.

It was like being tightly bound with ropes—two whole years passed without even a hint of growth!

And that shut-in otaku preferred them bigger.

So frustrating!

Fou, beside her, gave her a sidelong glance.

What a foolish human.

No matter how much papaya milk you drink, it won't help!

Your body is sealed with countless bindings comparable to the Chains of Heaven—how could there possibly be any change?

Roya gritted her teeth at the little creature. "Ugh, are you mocking me too?"

This kitten had a wicked heart.

She always felt like it was secretly insulting her!

Just as she was about to pounce and try to manhandle Fou again, the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Coming, coming!"

Roya hastily slipped on her slippers and ran to answer the door.

Could it be Illya and Miyu dropping by?

But dinner was still hours away.

Not that it mattered—three people could always play strip poker!

When Roya opened the door, however, she was met with an unfamiliar face.

"Uh… who are you?"

She studied the stranger curiously.

Tall, slender, with strikingly beautiful—

Wait, was this a man or a woman?

Just looking at them, there was an androgynous charm that could easily land them a career as an idol.

Not only that.

They also carried an air of authority, making Roya feel a little intimidated just standing there.

"I'm here to deliver a fox fur scarf."

The visitor flashed a dazzling, sunny smile.

Roya sighed inwardly—

Someone with such presence, delivering packages?

But that was none of her business.

She eyed the gift box in their hands. "Alright, you can just hand it to me."

Souma had mentioned buying her a fox scarf yesterday—she hadn't expected it to arrive so soon.

Talk about express delivery!

"Sorry, I need to personally deliver this to the head of the household," the stranger declined with a shake of their head.

"Uh…"

Roya grew even more puzzled.

Their home was practically penniless.

Even if Souma bought her a "fox scarf," it'd just be a cotton imitation—no way it was real fur.

She looked up at the stranger. "Sorry, he just went out shopping. You'll have to wait a bit."

As a little loli, she should be wary of strangers, but with security cameras installed, she could always hit the emergency alarm if things got sketchy.

In this extremely peaceful and safe city of Fuyuki, where public order was exceptionally good, there was absolutely nothing to worry about.

"Alright, I'll wait outside then."

The other party politely chose to stay outside.

"Ah, why don't you come inside and have a seat? Let me pour you some black tea to warm up."

Roya felt slightly embarrassed.

It was freezing outside in the middle of winter.

"Alright, then I'll trouble you."

The visitor changed into Souma's slippers and entered the warm house.

After waiting for a while.

Roya finally heard the sound of the door opening and hurried over, lowering her voice: "Souma, someone brought over that fox scarf you bought for me. Is it real fur?"

Only genuine fur would make someone go to such lengths!

"Ah, fox scarf?"

Souma was completely baffled.

He had just taken a stroll around the market, but the clothing store was closed—he hadn't bought anything at all.

What the hell?

Had the kid been scammed?

Souma quickly walked into the living room, only to see an unfamiliar figure exuding an all-too-familiar presence.

Upon seeing him enter the living room.

The person revealed a radiant smile and slightly moved their lips.

As a Savior who walked through human history, Souma could naturally read lips with ease.

What the other person mouthed was unmistakably—

"Finally meeting you, Nameless—no, Souma!"

***

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