I WAS The Rank–1 Hero

—Chop. Chop. Cling.

What's happening inside?

It's been thirty minutes since Ruby went into my kitchen.

Hearing the sounds of pans rattling and occasional clinking made me think she was overdoing herself.

She doesn't need to make any fancy dishes. No matter what she creates, I'll gladly eat it.

Honestly, I'm not even that hungry for the food—just for this moment.

Sitting on the sofa in my room, I stared at the ceiling and let my thoughts wander.

So much happened this evening.

Some of it left me worried… while the rest, well—it just made my day.

"Gods, huh…" I murmured to myself.

Rank-5 Gluttony.

She possesses a unique skill <Analytic>, it was a terrifying ability that allows her to process information in thousands of different ways until she reaches a definite conclusion.

Almost like someone with higher intelligence.

Gracefully placing my chin on my fingers, I let the thoughts flow.

If someone like her comes to a conclusion about the existence of gods… then…

No matter how hard I tried to connect the dots, I couldn't find anything in that teleportation report that pointed toward gods.

So, how did she…?

Maybe I'm missing out on a critical detail.

Or…

Maybe Gluttony was already aware of their existence from the start.

"Hmmm."

The latter theory was what bugged me the most.

If she already knew about them, then she must've had additional pieces of evidence.

Other incidents, clues, rumors… maybe even ancient texts or hidden knowledge we weren't allowed to access yet?

I tried to confirm my theory with Sera.

Sera… have the gods left behind any kind of remains? Any trace of their existence?

Her answer came quickly, and it was straightforward.

'If you're asking about physical evidence… then yes. There are remains.'

As I thought.

If gods truly walked among mortals millions of years ago, they wouldn't just vanish without a trace.

Their presence—something, anything—should've been left behind.

That must've been how Gluttony concluded their existence.

She must have more than just the teleportation report.

I was about to ask Sera where those remains might be—what they looked like—but her next response dulled the spark in my chest.

'I don't know what kind of remains you seek, nor do I know where they are located either, I just know that they exist. I'm just a soul who was imprisoned for more than a millinia in that underground city…'

She paused for a moment, then continued.

'I'm someone now trapped inside you. If you want detailed answers, it's better to ask someone more knowledgeable than me.'

"..."

Right.

I keep forgetting that Sera just escaped from that place—her prison, her former home which she once ruled, but now it got reduced to a ashes.

I couldn't bring myself to push her for more answers.

But deep inside… I want to know.

If I can find those remnants, anything related to divinity, I might be able to gain the knowledge I seek.

But who should I ask…?

Sera, sensing my silence, gently reminded me.

'Don't forget about your contract with Nathalia.'

"Ah!"

The realization struck me like a jolt of lightning.

I lifted my sleeve and traced my fingers over the tattoo on my wrist, the mark of our contract.

Nathalia had told me that if I ever wanted to contact her, I just had to pulse my Essence into it.

I'll try it tonight.

I made a mental note of it.

And just then, a soft click echoed through my room.

—Click.

The sound of the kitchen door sliding open drew my eyes instantly.

I turned my head—and saw her.

Ruby walked out, holding a tray with both hands, steam rising gently from the plates.

She took each step with care, her pink apron draped over her dress, swaying softly with her movements.

For a moment—

I swear—

My heart just… stopped working.

I don't know how to put it.

There was a strange warmth radiating from her, a glow that lit up the whole room.

Like the quiet warmth of a maiden I never thought I'd ever have.

The tray clinked softly as she placed it on the tiny table at the corner of the room.

The Astral Tower rooms may be built for practicality—a small kitchen, a miniature dining corner, and a one-person table—but tonight, with her moving around that space, it felt like the coziest place I've ever seen.

She began plating the food, her hands careful, movements thoughtful.

Then, she turned toward me.

With a soft smile, she tilted her head slightly and gestured for me to come.

"The dinner is ready," she said.

The sweetness in her voice—

I gulped.

Because right at that moment, I pictured something insanely idiotic.

Wearing apron, cheeks flustered, and hair tied loosely to the side.

Damn it.

Control yourself.

Just seeing her once got me forgotten all my worries.

I got up from my sofa and slowly walked over near the table, my eyes were locked on her the entire time.

Hesitantly, I sat down first.

She arranged a plate, and a bowl in front of me, just as she leaned forward, her scent once again lingered around my nose.

Without me noticing, my eyes landed on her exposed nape, sweat was dripping from her face, as I instinctively averted my eyes.

I was genuinely controlling myself.

What is wrong with me?!

But, there's a fact that there was something so peaceful in her expression.

No traces of tears, no tension in her brows.

Just… softness.

From time to time she was glancing towards my face, as she poured a soup in my bowl.

I inwardly chuckled.

After finishing, she took her seat across from me.

This table was cramped, our knees brushed under the table.

"...!"

"...!"

But neither of us moved.

Changing the awkwardness, I picked up the spoon.

But then, I noticed all the dishes.

A ham steak, rice, potato soup, and my favourite apple pie…

I looked up at her, and said.

"Y-you made all this?"

Nodding, she replied.

"Mhm, you told me before you like simple food… so, I cooked only this much."

"But, that was three years ago?"

I remembered telling her about my preferences, and all my favourite food before, but that was seriously three years ago…

She remembered it.

It was enough to made my heart flutter once again.

This fluttering feeling, and those knees brushing with each other…

I was rather enjoying this.

Snapping me out of my thoughts, Ruby questioned me.

"Do you like it?"

Her voice was soft, but the way she looked at me—those expectant eyes, that slight pout on her lips—made me answer almost immediately.

"This is great! I wish I could eat this every day."

"Huuu…!" Ruby let out a strange sound at my comment.

Huh?

I tilted my head slightly, confused.

Then I noticed—Ruby was covering her face with both hands. The corner of her ears had turned completely red, and she was peeking through the gaps of her fingers.

Did I say something weird? I wondered.

Sera's voice echoed calmly in my head,

'How bold of you.'

But… I just said—

Then it hit me.

Oh.

Now I get it.

'I wish I could eat this every day.' That sounded like a marriage proposal.

A freaking marriage proposal.

I'd landed a critical hit on her.

A full combo without even realizing.

Now, her whole face was red. Steam could've replaced the soup if I stared too long.

Awkwardly, pretending as if I hadn't just indirectly proposed, I said,

"Let's eat first."

Still covering her face, she nodded like a shy little kitten.

Taking the first bite of the ham steak, my taste buds exploded with flavor.

It was insanely good.

Even better than my dad's cooking.

Holy crap—Dad's got a serious competitor.

Wait… does that mean I'll have to introduce her to my family one day?

That mental image hit me like a brick.

Ruby, the Rank-7 Hero.

The headmistress of the most prestigious academy.

At our dinner table.

Dad would faint.

Mom and my little sister? Probably drop their forks in disbelief.

Still…

Someday, I'll have to do it, right?

And when that day comes… I'll have to tell them everything.

The truth I've been hiding.

My former Rank-1 status.

The Hero Association.

And most importantly—her.

I was scared.

There were so many things I hadn't told them.

And not just them.

There were things I hadn't told Ruby, either.

"Heh." I chuckled to myself, trying to ease the knot in my chest.

Ruby glanced at me with a curious smile tugging her lips.

"What happened?" she asked, her tone sweet and gentle.

I looked at her, pausing for a second, then asked,

"Ruby, can I ask you something?"

She wasn't expecting it. Her eyes blinked once before she nodded slowly.

"Yes. Ask me anything."

My gaze locked with hers. Crimson eyes shimmering, fixed on me like I was the only thing that mattered.

"Do you trust me?" I asked softly.

The question made her eyes widen.

She looked stunned for a heartbeat… then something melted across her expression.

It was—Warmth.Clarity.Conviction.

"You're the only one I'm willing to share my everything with," she said, her voice as soft as her gaze.

For a second, I went completely still.

My eyes widened as I looked at her.

Her entire face was bathed in gentle light.

She looked so… pure.

It was agelic.

'My everything…'

I wasn't even surprised.

She didn't hesitate at all.

Taking a slow breath, I spoke again, my voice low and calm.

"I'm entangled in a mess involving the greatest power this world has ever witnessed…"

She didn't flinch.

Her ears perked slightly.

And her lips stayed sealed.

She listened.

If she trusted me that deeply…

Then it was only fair that she knew just a little of what I am carrying.

A/N: Sorry this chapter turned out super long.