This World Needs a Hero

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Chapter15

Several days passed like that.

With the start of the semester approaching, I found myself immersed in the laboratory all day after recovering.

All I could think about was the upcoming lectures.

‘…What kind of content should I prepare for the class?’

The conditions were demanding.

A lecture that would provide practical help to geniuses while concealing my own lack of expertise.

Designing such a lecture was far from easy.

Even the temporary assistant, Pia, was going through a tough time.

I watched her with sharp eyes as she worked on the documents.

Despite the tired look, her hands moved at an unwavering speed.

It was appreciable to see her silently assisting with the workload, despite the high intensity of tasks.

‘Come to think of it, we’ll be parting ways in a few days.’

The resumes of official assistant candidates had already arrived.

At least before the start of the semester, I had to select an official assistant.

I rummaged through neatly organized documents on one side of the desk.

‘Hmm, there doesn’t seem to be anyone who stands out.’

Choosing an assistant was an extremely crucial task.

In some ways, they would spend the longest time together.

They needed discernment and reliability, enough not to turn various happenings during support into gossip.

‘…It’s impossible to prepare and conduct the lectures alone.’

I had to choose someone somehow.

With a sigh, I looked at the pile of applications in front of me.

All the applicants were excellent individuals.

However, the criteria I considered important couldn’t be discerned on paper.

Maybe I would only know if I lived closely with them for a few days.

‘In that context, Pia seems suitable.’

Her personality is quiet and unassuming.

She’s not the type to unnecessarily shift words.

Her most important job skills were admirable.

I really liked her, but…

‘She already declined.’

It was a clean rejection, embarrassing enough to make further proposals.

I glanced at Pia discreetly.

‘What could be the reason for the rejection?’

I didn’t know the details, but I heard she was a graduate student.

The position of the Hero’s assistant, which should be the best option for a graduate student…

It was disappointing, but forcing someone who didn’t want it wasn’t an option.

As I reluctantly turned my gaze back to the candidate applications, Pia approached.

“Um… Professor?”

Pia, holding documents, came closer.

Her light gray hair was scattered in a messy manner.

“The Glendor Foundation has deposited a special activity fund. Should I proceed with ordering the items you mentioned before? There are many rare items, so we might need to act quickly.”

“Please go ahead.”

“Yes. I’ll organize separately any items that are sold out or need additional orders due to insufficient quantities, and I’ll pass them on to the successor.”

“Oh, thank you.”

She was indeed competent.

I rubbed my stiff neck.

Through one side of the laboratory window, I could see the Rosenstark sky where fireworks, or rather, tuition fees, were exploding.

It was already well into the evening.

‘It’s about time to make a move.’

I turned around and called Pia.

“Why aren’t you going to the party?”

Today was the day of a party for Rosenstark officials to promote camaraderie.

It was like a welcoming ceremony for the new semester.

Held at the grand and glamorous Phileas Hall, this party was a crucial event symbolizing the beginning of the semester.

It was a massive event held in a separate venue for students, professors, and even servants.

‘It’s practically a festival for the entire Rosenstark.’

Thanks to that, everyone I met since yesterday seemed excited.

However, Pia, with a peculiarly awkward expression, just waved her hand without

Enthusiasm.

“You’re here, Professor. How can I enjoy the party?”

“I, in general, don’t like noisy places.”

This was true.

Neither the Hero nor I were the party type.

“But I can’t stand seeing you stuck in the lab wrestling with paperwork during the peak time.”

“Huh? What is that…?”

“Go and enjoy the party. I’ll take care of the rest of the work.”

“Yes…?”

Pia’s expression became more puzzled.

Well, she didn’t seem to be the party type either.

But it didn’t matter.

For now, it was urgent to get her out of this lab.

I forcibly nudged Pia away.

“P-Professor?”

“It’s an order. If you don’t enjoy yourself now, when will you? Youth is shorter than you think.”

“An, an order…?”

Bang!

Pia’s dismayed face was visible through the closing door.

After some time, the sound of footsteps faded weakly.

“Well… it’s time to get ready.”

Today, even graduate students would attend the party, meaning most of my teaching assistant candidates would be there.

It was a perfect opportunity to secretly observe what kind of people they were.

“As for the outfit… something like this.”

Before launching the operation, I changed the appearance of the robe.

The luxurious material of the suit transformed into the ordinary uniform that servants usually wore.

Since a few days ago, I had been carefully examining the design and material, so there was no apparent difference.

The ‘shape-shifting’ magic seemed to work properly, even the name tag was attached.

“By now, it should be just right.”

About two hours had passed since the party started.

It was around the time when people’s guards would be down due to the effects of the intoxication.

Wooduk!

With a quiet bone-cracking sound, my body contorted.

It wasn’t as drastic a transformation as when turning into an animal.

I recalled the image I had stored in my mind and reconstructed my body accordingly.

The evolved polymorph worked in an instant and ended smoothly.

The view lowered dramatically.

Arms and legs like dry branches swayed on one side of the field of vision.

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I looked at myself in the mirror with a cloudy and dim gaze.

“Hehe.”

Living a wandering life for a long time, I met countless people.

Among them were those who wouldn’t stand out no matter where you went.

One of them was Buck, the pickpocket I had met in the back alley gambling den.

Unremarkable brown hair, short and unassuming features, a medium height, and a somewhat tanned complexion that blended into the average of the southern empire’s population.

It was a face you could encounter every ten seconds on the streets of the Southern Empire.

In the bustling party venue, his face was one you might forget before turning your head.

“Good, perfect.”

I carried the hidden laundry from one side of the lab and stepped out of the door.

Suddenly, I realized something.

“My steps…”

Unconsciously, I was walking with a stealthy movement, like someone who had spent a lifetime hiding.

Just like a thief.

“Indeed, the essence of different subjects can be replicated.”

Even Buck’s ability was much easier to copy than that of the Hero.

Perhaps because the “essence” was inherently unremarkable.

I could use his ability almost perfectly, having become Buck himself.

As an example, when I looked at a clothespin pinned to the laundry, I knew how to bend it in a way that would open a locked door, as if I had known it all along.

The knowledge of subtly picking pockets and skillfully cutting jewelry was also there.

“…It’s a completely new world.”

Although it was a hereditary ability I had possessed all my life, it now felt brand new.

It seemed like I would need to thoroughly examine it soon, perhaps by fully polymorphing.

“For now, let’s focus on the task at hand.”

I headed towards the ground floor where the entrance was located.

While I did encounter some of the building’s servants on occasion, none of them suspected the person carrying the Hero’s laundry.

The building had a large number of resident servants, and most of them were in a hurry to attend the party, their minds preoccupied.

Thud!

As I stepped out of the research building’s main gate and walked a considerable distance, the outdoor garden of the Phileas Hall, where the party was in full swing, came into view.

Lights flickered in the darkness, accompanied by laughter.

I proceeded toward that lively scene.

* * *

It wasn’t particularly difficult to hide in the open garden.

The external boundaries of Rosenstark were quite strict, but inside, where only those with verified status were present, the security was not overly strict.

“It’s not too crowded yet.”

In a secluded spot, I adjusted my appearance while surveying the surroundings.

I then picked up a tray from a nearby empty table and followed behind other servants.

A measured and inconspicuous walk, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

As expected, no one showed interest in an ordinary servant, and occasional glances quickly slipped away.

“It’s really spacious. Where are the candidates?”

Glancing around, I studied the layout of Phileas Hall.

The central garden was for undergraduate and graduate students, with the sides reserved for faculty and sponsors.

There was likely an area for servants at the back, but that wasn’t my destination today.

“Let’s head to the central garden for now.”

Since I didn’t see any assistant candidates, I decided to take a stroll among the students during the remaining time.

Carrying the tray with food and drinks, I made my way toward the undergraduate area.

Soon, I spotted groups of students gathered, chatting and laughing.

Among them, there was a conspicuous group—the successful candidates of the “Extreme” program.

‘Familiar faces.’

Already recognized among the new students, many were attempting to strike up a conversation with them.

I casually slipped into the midst.

“I’ll be happy to refill your drinks and provide more food.”

Thud!

Before the dishes even settled, my hands instinctively reached out to grab them.

A clattering sound followed.

“Wow, I never knew continental food could be this delicious. I should have tried it earlier.”

Long, pale hair swayed in front of me.

Between the locks peeked out a horn about the size of a finger.

The enthusiastic girl tearing into the meat wasn’t an imperial citizen.

No, to be precise, she wasn’t even human.

Her name was Cuculli Evans, a member of the Frost Dragon Clan—one of the most powerful dragon tribes.

She was also the daughter of the great tribal chief Dorempa, who unified the various tribes beyond the northern border.

‘The Iris of Laplace praised her ice magic and one-handed sword skills.’

As I recalled the comments she received, Cuculli, with her sharp fang-like teeth, voraciously tore into the meat again.

The sizable T-bone steak was devoured in seconds.

“Hmm, it looks like I might have to ask the chefs back to make a lot when I return.”

Cuculli swept her gaze around.

Despite her lively demeanor, there were no enthusiastic responses or laughter from the others.

Most found the dragons unfamiliar and distant, and it seemed unlikely they’d react differently.

But Cuculli didn’t seem to mind.

Her mischievous eyes were fixated on one spot.

“Hey, friend.”

“Huh, me?”

“Yeah, you.”

The brown-haired boy sitting across from her was startled, raising his head.

His gently curved eyes blinked in a docile manner.

“If you nibble on such delicious food, does it taste better? Eat up! Or should I feed you?”

“Uh, sorry. My stomach isn’t feeling well….”

“Oh? Just a moment.”

Cuculli grabbed the table and leaned her head toward the boy.

His ears turned as red as if they were on fire.

“Dark brown hair, brown eyes. Despite your big build, you look pretty gentle. You’re Ban Dietrich, right?”

“Uh, well… Do you know me?”

I was dumbfounded, almost dropping the dishes I was holding.

‘He doesn’t recognize his name?’

It was one of the most absurd questions I had heard recently.

Could there be any student who doesn’t know Ban Dietrich?

He was the successor of the swordsmanship family “Dietrich,” and the illegitimate son of “Felson Dietrich,” a member of the Dawn Knights.

Among the new students, he received praise second only to Leciell for his sword skills.

Cuculli laughed playfully.

“Let’s have a match, Ban.”

Splash.

Ban spat the drink in his mouth directly onto Cuculli’s face.

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