Increase Talent: Become More Stronger!

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That's right. Eric still truly loves Alicia.

If it weren't for Ash, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from aiming for Alicia's heart.

Unfortunately, Eric also knew he could never win Alicia's heart.

From the very beginning, Alicia's love belonged to none other than Ash.

If he dared to propose to Alicia, could he even keep his head?

After all, the fact that Alicia's strength surpasses Eric's is undeniable.

It's entirely possible that Alicia could defeat Eric in just a few strikes.

But who knows? Eric is one of the humans blessed with talent at the Black Stage.

Even if he isn't as gifted as Ash or the others, he knows he's not weak compared to the average person.

'Eris... Eris... You've caused trouble for me... I guess it's time to end this. I hope you're lucky... Wait for my retaliation!'

Eric... he is the most disgusting man.

He reminded me of my father—one of the upper-class noble leaders.

If I hadn't been included among the Hero's companions, I doubt I would've been able to approach them.

But now? I'm truly grateful to see Alicia helping me become one of the Hero's companions.

With this, I know it's a step toward my future.

Unfortunately, Daphne doesn't know whether she can escape her destiny.

If it weren't for her family, she would never have decided to side with the Hero.

Originally, Daphne's only goal was to distance herself from her family.

But she also knows it's impossible to escape their watchful eyes.

In the end, the fact remains—being a leader of the Tristan family is no different from holding the power of a king.

As Daphne's eyes lingered on the glass on the table, she didn't know why he felt uneasy.

But Daphne suspected something might have been added to Eric's drink.

And sure enough, her suspicion was right.

The moment Daphne inhaled the scent of the drink near her desk, she realized something.

Eric's drink had been spiked—with sleeping pills.

"This guy... What is he thinking?! Does he seriously plan to bring down a Hero? What a cunning fox!" Daphne cursed under her breath, unable to stop herself from hurling insults at Eric.

If Eric hadn't intended to harm Ash, Daphne wouldn't have been this angry.

Unfortunately, Eric had already left the academy canteen.

Because of that, Daphne didn't know what to do next.

As Daphne fell into thought, he couldn't help but notice me.

That's right—I had just entered the canteen to buy food.

But who would've thought I'd be greeted by one of Ash's harem?

"Hey, can we talk?"

"Uh... are you...?"

"Oh, I'm one of the Hero's companions. You can call me Daphne. I've heard about your reputation, Prince Noah. I didn't expect you to be even stronger than I imagined," Daphne said, unable to resist praising me.

From Daphne's perspective, she thought I was just an ordinary person like Ash.

But now? She saw me as no different from the son of a high-ranking noble.

If I hadn't been appointed as a prince, there's no way Daphne would treat me with such respect.

I could see Daphne lowering his head slightly.

She had no choice but to be polite to me.

"Raise your head. We're in public. And you said you wanted to talk? Then speak."

After replying, I walked toward the chair where Daphne had been sitting.

Daphne didn't hesitate to follow.

Now, Daphne intended to discuss a serious problem.

"What do you think about Eric? I mean, the Hero's companion. Do you think he's a good person?"

"Huh... Eric. He's nothing but trouble. I was disappointed to see the Hero recruit him. If they don't get rid of him soon, I fear the others will leave."

Unconsciously, Daphne's expression changed.

Just like I thought...

He's right. Eric is a burden to our party.

If Ash decided to remove Eric, wouldn't it spare them from future problems?

But sadly, Daphne knew Ash wouldn't be able to cast Eric aside.

From the start, Eric and Ash were childhood friends.

"I understand. So that's what you think of him. You've changed my perspective."

"What do you want? Why are you even talking about this? I don't have time for pointless chatter. Get to the point."

"Alright. Do you want to know my real reason? I want to ask about Eris. Do you like her?"

For a moment, I froze.

Deep down, I never expected Daphne to ask me directly whether I loved Eris.

But I had no intention of dodging the question.

Instead, I took a deep breath.

"If I said yes, would you be angry?"

Her expression didn't change at all.

Was she judging me? I think so.

Maybe I was right—Daphne approached me to test me.

Looking at Daphne's face, she kept smiling sweetly.

"You are a true man... I'm jealous of Eris. You're different from Ash. You understand a woman's feelings. Ash has no sense of love. I've seen that since I joined him."

Miss Daphne... am I making the right choice?

Honestly, I never intended to confess my feelings.

But after being trapped in the past within the Demon Realm, I changed completely.

I truly love the women around me. They're like precious gems.

If I hadn't trained for almost third years, I wouldn't be able to stay calm.

That's right... I've now accepted who I am.

Liliana, Eris, Aisha—each of them is a treasure to me.

"Alright, Mr. Noah. Will you work with me? Let's stop Eric. He intends to harm Eris. We have to save her."

"What? Does Eric want to hurt Eris? If that's true, this is serious! Why didn't you tell me sooner?! Ck. We need to stop Eric right now!"

"Understood."

Step... Step... Step...

As Daphne and I left the academy canteen, we immediately started searching for Eric.

In my heart, I could only hope Eris hadn't been hurt.

If she had, I don't think I could bear the pain.

...

Inside the women's restroom, Eris had just finished washing her hands.

She wondered whether she should go meet Alicia.

But deep inside her heart, she couldn't forget how she hugged my shoulders.

Her face turned red, and just then, she heard a woman scream.

"No! Help me! Don't come any closer! Someone, please!!!"

Someone was calling for help?

She didn't hesitate!

In a flash, Eris ran toward the source of the scream.

There was visible anxiety on her face.

For some reason, Eris felt that something was wrong.

As she neared the source of the cry, she saw Eric.

And from the condition of the girl beside him, she knew something was wrong.

"Eric! What are you doing?! Why are you hurting a student?! Have you forgotten the academy rules?!"

"Ah~. So you finally showed up. Poor Eris. Just seeing you stirs up my hatred."

"Let her go! You bastard!"

Without delay, Eris charged at Eric.

Just as her sword was about to strike his face, her attack was halted.

"Is that all you've got? Don't joke with me! Do you think you're strong? I'm stronger than you!"

In an instant, Eric's appearance began to change.

His clothes were engulfed in dark energy.

Even his hair was fully tainted by a demonic aura.

"This aura... how is this possible? Eric... did you make a contract with one of the Demon Races?!"

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