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Chapter 10: Wicked Thoughts (2)

No matter how frustrated Loseweisse felt, she couldn’t throw a tantrum like a common shrew. As the Holy Maiden, she had to maintain a facade of composure, enduring the whispers and snickers, pretending that his rejection didn’t sting.

Everything had gone wrong since Qin Chu’s arrival. She had subtly, yet deliberately, tried to seduce him, and he had even been captivated by her beauty, blushing in her presence.

Why, then, had he chosen Angelica?

Was it truly just a maid fetish? She could wear a maid outfit too, if that’s what he wanted!

A terrifying thought crossed her mind: Could Qin Chu know something about her, something that made him recoil from her touch?

She quickly dismissed the idea. Impossible.

He was newly summoned, clueless about the intricacies of their world. How could he possibly know her secrets?

She must be overthinking things. Perhaps he truly was just a hopeless maid fanatic.

Meanwhile, the banquet droned on.

Qin Chu, forced to pretend he was meeting these people for the first time, struggled to maintain his facade of polite interest. The endless formalities, the intricate rules of etiquette, were exhausting.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the event drew to a close.

As per tradition, the guests lined up to bid farewell to the guest of honor, shaking his hand and offering their congratulations.

Tonight, that honor belonged to Qin Chu.

He felt like a robot, his smile stiff and mechanical, his hand numb from countless handshakes.

One nobleman, a handsome young man with a roguish grin, even went so far as to tickle his palm with his finger, winking suggestively.

Qin Chu shuddered, goosebumps erupting across his skin.

So, even this world had its share of flamboyant flirts.

Angelica trailed behind him, her gaze fixed solely on him, oblivious to the other guests.

He could feel her eyes on him, her gratitude palpable. But gratitude wasn’t enough.

His experiences had hardened him, stripping away any illusions of altruism. He had saved countless lives in his previous life, only to be betrayed and murdered by the very people he had protected.

He needed Angelica to be completely dependent on him, her body and soul bound to his. Only then would he truly feel secure.

Unfortunately, he didn’t possess any mind control abilities, no psychic powers to manipulate her thoughts or erase her memories.

“Hey, Shaye,” he muttered under his breath. “Can you teach me some mind control magic?”

Shaye, as usual, materialized on his shoulder, her silver hair cascading down his back, her beautiful face contorted in a grimace. “I might be the most powerful Witch in existence,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. “But even I have my limits.”

“However, there is an Ability that can achieve what you desire: The Arrogant Witch’s ‘Arrogant Domination.’ It allows you to control the minds of others. Quite powerful, indeed. But unfortunately, you’re nothing but an insignificant ant compared to her.”

“Another Witch?” Qin Chu asked, his brow furrowing. “How many of you are there?”

“Thirteen, currently,” Shaye replied. “The Dark Witch, the Spatial Witch, the Curse Witch, the Vengeance Witch, the Lightning Witch, the Storm Witch, the Flame Witch, the Frost Witch, the Arrogant Witch, the Envy Witch, the Gluttony Witch, the Sloth Witch… and the Daughter of Death.”

“Not all of us are allied with the Demons, you know.”

“These Witches are dangerous, especially the Daughter of Death. Even at my peak, I wouldn’t underestimate her. Be careful if you ever encounter them.”

“And whatever you do, don’t let them find out that I’m residing within you, my powers depleted. You’ll become a target for every Witch in existence.”

“We’re not exactly a harmonious bunch, you see. The Soul Witch was killed by the Daughter of Death. The Ocean Witch was devoured by the Gluttony Witch. The Earth Witch was eliminated by the Spatial Witch…”

Quite a ruthless bunch, Qin Chu thought, his mind reeling from the sheer brutality of their inter-Witch conflicts.

“I dealt with the Time Witch and the Lust Witch myself,” Shaye continued, her voice taking on a smug tone. “Absorbed their Abilities, too. The Rage Witch and the Greed Witch also met their demise at my hands, but unfortunately, their Abilities dissipated before I could claim them.”

“And now, you’ve inherited them.”

Well, that explained a few things. She was even more ruthless than he had initially thought. Four Witches down, nine to go.

He was thankful that the Demons weren’t a unified force, that the Witches were constantly vying for power. If they had banded together, even at his peak, he wouldn’t have stood a chance.

Despite Shaye’s warnings, he filed the information away for future use. If he ever got his hands on “Arrogant Domination,” he would use it on Loseweisse, turning her into…

The thought made him smile.

“By the way,” he asked, changing the subject. “Is resurrection truly possible? The Hero Squad… they killed me to resurrect the First Hero, Jie Luo. They claimed my blood could unlock the gateway to his return. Is that… even remotely possible?”

“Of course,” Shaye replied without hesitation. “As long as his soul hasn’t completely dissipated, as long as they can gather his scattered soul fragments and reassemble them, there’s a chance they can bring him back.”

“I was there when he challenged the Eternal Monarch, Nagath. He wasn’t as strong as you, but his soul was remarkably resilient. Though shattered, it didn’t completely vanish. His soul fragments are scattered across the land.”

Her words sent a chill down his spine. He had never met Jie Luo, but he already considered him an enemy. After all, it was Jie Luo’s resurrection that had led to his demise.

“What if… what if I could find his soul fragments?” he asked, a wicked smile spreading across his lips. “Could I use them to blackmail Loseweisse, Ekaterina… the others?”

To hold the soul of their beloved Hero hostage, to watch them squirm as they obeyed his every command… the thought was intoxicating.

“Tsk, tsk,” Shaye said, her voice laced with amusement. “You’re even more devious than I thought. You truly are a vile, despicable creature. Are you sure you’re not a Demon in disguise?”

“Disappointed to inform you that I’m one hundred percent human.”

“Well, your mind is certainly twisted enough. I like it.” She paused, her smile widening. “I know where one of Jie Luo’s soul fragments is located. Whether you can retrieve it or not… well, that depends on your skills.”

“Arrogant Domination,” Jie Luo’s soul fragment… Qin Chu’s eyes narrowed. He would need both of those if his plan was to succeed.

He could, of course, focus on regaining his strength, on crushing his enemies with brute force. But that would be too easy, too quick. He wanted them to suffer. He wanted to savor their despair.

Lost in his dark musings, he continued to greet the guests, his smile never faltering.

As one nobleman departed, another, a shifty-eyed man with a hunched back, approached him.

“Goddess be praised, Hero,” the man said, bowing low. “I am Count Egbert Donald. If you have the time, I would be honored to host you at my estate. My wife and daughter would be delighted to make your acquaintance.”

Qin Chu smiled, extending his hand. The count’s hand was cold, unnervingly so, like the touch of a corpse.

He dismissed the strange sensation, attributing it to fatigue.

But Shaye, who had been silently observing the exchange, suddenly sat up, her slender legs dangling over Qin Chu’s chest. As always, she was invisible to everyone else in the room.

She didn’t seem to care that her bare thighs were practically brushing against his face.

Her crimson eyes narrowed as she stared at Count Donald.

“Be careful, Hero,” she whispered, her voice laced with urgency. “That man… he’s a Demon!”

Chapter 9: I Have a Maid Fetish 

Loseweisse hadn’t intended to go this far. She loathed Qin Chu, but his rejection, his choice of Angelica over her, had ignited a competitive fire within her. She would win him back, she would prove that she was the most desirable woman in the Heavenly Continent!

She glanced at Angelica, the maid’s face pale and lifeless, her golden eyes devoid of hope.

A surge of sadistic satisfaction coursed through Loseweisse. This was even more exhilarating than her usual torments, her carefully orchestrated humiliations.

Qin Chu, watching her performance, felt a thrill of his own, a dark, vengeful pleasure.

In his previous life, he had worshipped her, showering her with affection, only to be met with lukewarm indifference and, ultimately, a brutal betrayal.

This time, he would be the one in control. He would break her, strip her of everything she held dear.

He pushed down the urge to laugh, his expression shifting to one of concern as he turned to Angelica, his gaze making her tremble.

Please, don’t look at me like that, she thought, her slender shoulders shaking, her face a mask of barely suppressed anguish.

“Is this true?” Qin Chu asked after a moment, his voice carefully neutral.

Loseweisse nodded eagerly. “If you have any doubts, Hero, you can ask His Holiness himself.”

Pope Augustus, his expression grave, confirmed her story. “It’s true, Hero. During the Holy Maiden selection process, there were four candidates. Loseweisse and Angelica were the most promising, the clear favorites.”

“But Angelica, consumed by ambition, resorted to dark magic, cursing her rivals. Two of them died. Loseweisse only survived because we discovered the curse in time.”

Angelica wanted to scream. Was she an idiot? To curse all three rivals and leave herself unscathed? It was practically an invitation for suspicion, a blatant confession of guilt.

If she had truly wanted to eliminate her competition, she would have cursed herself and two others, pointing the finger at Loseweisse.

But she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor. She knew that any protest, any attempt to defend herself, would be futile. No one would believe her.

The Hero, having learned of her wickedness, would surely recoil in disgust, just like everyone else. Who would willingly associate with such a vile creature?

A wave of despair washed over her, leaving her feeling empty and defeated.

“Hero,” Pope Augustus continued, his voice dripping with feigned concern. “Angelica is a sinner, a lowly maid. She is unworthy of you. This union would bring shame upon your name.”

“I urge you to reconsider. Choose a woman of suitable status and character.” He paused, his gaze shifting to Loseweisse. “Lady Loseweisse is the Holy Maiden, a woman of noble birth and impeccable virtue. She is a perfect match for you. And if she were to be by your side, we would all rest assured, knowing that you are in good hands.”

Loseweisse, a paragon of virtue?

Qin Chu had already experienced her “kindness” firsthand.

All eyes were on him, the tension in the room palpable. Though the final decision hadn’t been made, it was clear to everyone that Loseweisse had already won.

No one in their right mind would choose Angelica, not after learning of her treacherous past.

Loseweisse straightened her back, her eyes shining with triumph, her hand pressed to her heart as if overwhelmed by the depth of her affection for the Hero.

If Qin Chu hadn’t already known her true nature, he might have been fooled by her performance.

After a moment of contemplation, he turned to face her.

This is it, Loseweisse thought, her cheeks flushing with anticipation. She glanced at Angelica, a smug smile playing on her lips. The pathetic maid was no match for her. Despite the unexpected detour, the Hero had chosen her, proving once again that she was the most desirable woman in the land.

She couldn’t refuse his proposal now. She would accept his love, but postpone any talk of marriage or intimacy.

“Loseweisse…” Qin Chu began, his voice soft and hesitant.

“Yes, my love?” she replied, her voice a breathy whisper.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his gaze shifting to Angelica. “But I think I prefer her.”

“Yes, I accept… wait…” Loseweisse’s carefully rehearsed response died on her lips.

She lifted her head, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Qin Chu was looking at Angelica, his hand once again clasped around the maid’s. “Beautiful lady,” he said, his voice firm and resolute. “For the third time, will you marry me?”

The room erupted in gasps and murmurs.

The gazes directed at Loseweisse were now filled with a mixture of pity and amusement.

“Wow, she got dumped. That’s gotta hurt.”

“The Holy Maiden, outdone by a maid. Who would have thought?”

“That little minx! She’s been hogging Jie Luo for years, blocking every attempt I made to… I mean… to get to know him better. Serves her right.”

The men might be oblivious, but the noblewomen, seasoned veterans of the social battlefield, saw right through Loseweisse’s charade. The Holy Maiden had practically thrown herself at the Hero, abandoning all pretense of decorum, only to be rejected.

How pathetic.

Loseweisse trembled, her humiliation amplified by the weight of countless judging eyes.

The whispers, the stifled laughter, felt like a thousand tiny daggers piercing her heart.

Her hatred for Qin Chu, for Angelica, for everyone in that room, burned with a white-hot intensity.

He had chosen a maid over her! He had humiliated her, rejected her, not once, but twice!

She would have her revenge. She would make him pay for this transgression.

Pope Augustus, his plans crumbling around him, frowned. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. He had hoped to use Loseweisse to control the Hero, to secure the Church’s position of power.

Angelica, stripped of her status, branded a heretic, would be much harder to manipulate.

“Hero,” he began, his voice laced with disapproval. “Perhaps you should…”

Emperor Wadsworth, however, cut him off, his booming laughter filling the room. “The Hero has made his choice!” he declared, clapping Qin Chu on the back once again. “And I, Wadsworth, approve of this union! Though I must confess, I was hoping you might choose my daughter… hahaha!” He turned to Pope Augustus, his smile widening. “You can’t force love, old friend. Lady Loseweisse is a fine woman, but we must respect the Hero’s decision.”

Though they presented a united front, the three leaders were engaged in a constant power struggle, each vying for control of the Hero.

Neither the Emperor’s daughters nor the nuns from the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess could compete with Loseweisse’s allure. The previous Hero, Jie Luo, had been utterly smitten with her, his infatuation bolstering the Holy See’s influence.

Qin Chu’s choice of Angelica, though unexpected, was a victory for both the Emperor and the High Priestess.

They wouldn’t allow Pope Augustus to interfere.

“Angelica might be a sinner,” Saint Monique chimed in, her voice sweet and deceptively innocent. “But I’m sure the Hero can guide her back to the path of righteousness. It’s a beautiful story, a testament to the power of redemption. Why would we stand in the way of such a noble endeavor?” She paused, her gaze shifting to Angelica. “But of course, the final decision rests with the lady herself.”

Qin Chu turned to Angelica, his smile warm and reassuring, waiting for her answer.

Angelica trembled, her heart pounding in her chest. He had chosen her, despite knowing her past, despite the rumors, the accusations. A warmth, unfamiliar and comforting, spread through her body.

She had yearned for freedom, for escape from Loseweisse’s clutches. But now, faced with this unexpected opportunity, she hesitated. Was she worthy of such happiness?

“I… I…” she stammered, her voice barely audible. “I’m not worthy of you, Hero.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I’m a sinner.”

“I don’t care.”

“I’m just a lowly maid.”

“Excellent!” Qin Chu exclaimed, his eyes shining with genuine excitement. “I have a maid fetish.”

The room gasped.

The Hero, bold and unconventional, had just declared his unusual preference for all to hear.

Well, that explained it, the noblewomen thought, their minds already racing, picturing themselves in frilly maid outfits.

Angelica’s emerald green hair swayed as she trembled, her golden eyes brimming with tears. After a moment, she took a deep breath, lifting her chin, a radiant smile blooming on her face.

“Thank you, Hero, for your… kindness. But… I can’t… I’m not worthy of your love. You deserve someone better, someone… pure.” She paused, her gaze meeting his. “But… if you’ll have me… I would be honored to serve you as your personal maid. For the rest of my life.”

A personal maid, huh?

Not bad.

The word “personal” was the key here.

Emperor Wadsworth, his booming laughter filling the room, congratulated Qin Chu on securing such a… devoted companion. The other nobles followed suit, offering their blessings and well wishes.

Only Loseweisse remained silent, her slender frame trembling with barely suppressed rage as she watched Qin Chu and Angelica from the shadows.

Her golden eyes, usually so bright and cheerful, had darkened, taking on a reddish hue.

This was supposed to be her moment, her triumph. But Angelica, that wretched creature, had stolen her glory.

She wanted them dead. All of them.

Chapter 8: She’s a Bad Woman 

A heavy silence descended upon the banquet hall, the air thick with disbelief and confusion.

Tastes, as they say, are subjective.

Some might be drawn to Loseweisse’s ethereal beauty, others to the regal elegance of a princess…

Some might prefer the charms of an older woman…

While others might harbor a penchant for the more… petite variety.

There were even those whose tastes leaned towards the more mature charms of Saint Monique, the High Priestess of the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess.

But to choose an unremarkable, lowborn maid? Was the Hero’s mind addled?

Angelica, though possessing a certain comeliness, was clearly an unsuitable match for the Hero.

Even Emperor Wadsworth, Pope Augustus, and Saint Monique were speechless, unsure how to react to this unexpected turn of events.

For Loseweisse, who had already prepared her carefully crafted rejection, this public humiliation was a slap in the face.

Her cheeks burned with shame, her fingers digging into her palms as she struggled to contain her rage.

She didn’t love Qin Chu. In fact, she found him repulsive. The thought of marrying him was abhorrent.

The mere act of sharing a carriage with him, of breathing the same air, had been a trial. She had prepared a flawless excuse, a delicate blend of duty and deferment, to let him down gently.

But while she might reject him, she would not tolerate being rejected by him.

Her beautiful features twisted in a grimace, her eyes blazing with fury.

The silence stretched on for an agonizingly long moment before the room erupted in a cacophony of whispers and gasps.

The noblewomen, huddled together, exchanged confused glances, their eyes darting between Qin Chu, Angelica, and Loseweisse.

Wasn’t the Holy Maiden supposed to be the Hero’s destined lover? Why would he choose a maid?

Could it be that Loseweisse wasn’t the true Holy Maiden after all? Perhaps Angelica was the chosen one?

Though no one dared to voice their suspicions aloud, the seeds of doubt had been sown, waiting to take root and blossom into full-blown scandal.

The whispers, like a swarm of venomous insects, buzzed around Loseweisse, each word a stinging barb aimed at her carefully constructed image.

Her initial disgust for Qin Chu morphed into a burning hatred, a venomous desire for revenge.

Natia’s expression was a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and perhaps, a touch of envy.

Angelica, overwhelmed by the sudden attention, blushed furiously. The weight of countless gazes, filled with curiosity and speculation, made her skin crawl. She hadn’t felt this self-conscious in years.

Qin Chu’s hand, warm and reassuring, enveloped hers, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. A strange tingling sensation spread through her limbs, leaving her weak and breathless.

The Touch of Lust, working its insidious magic, stirred a deep longing within her.

Her lips parted, her eyes glazing over as her body betrayed her, reacting in ways she couldn’t control.

Qin Chu smiled, his voice a soothing balm to her troubled soul. “My beautiful lady,” he said, his gaze never leaving hers. “Will you marry me?”

Angelica swallowed, her throat dry. As Qin Chu had anticipated, she wasn’t a fool.

The initial shock quickly gave way to a cold, calculating assessment of the situation. This was her chance, her opportunity to escape Loseweisse’s clutches.

Even if he was only attracted to her physically, it didn’t matter. As long as she could break free from her tormentor, anything was worth the risk.

She had endured years of abuse, her body and spirit pushed to the brink of collapse. She was drowning, and Qin Chu’s proposal was a lifeline, a chance at a new beginning.

She took a deep breath, summoning all her courage. “I…” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “I accept.”

“No!” a shrill voice cut through the air, silencing the room.

It was Loseweisse.

Her beautiful face was contorted in a mask of rage, her cheeks flushed, her eyes wide and wild.

Hatred burned in their depths.

Qin Chu turned to face her, his eyes narrowing, a sly smile playing on his lips. “And why not, Holy Maiden?” he asked, his voice deceptively calm.

“My proposal to Lady Angelica is none of your concern, is it?”

Loseweisse swallowed, her face paling.

Her outburst had been impulsive, a knee-jerk reaction to Angelica’s impending acceptance. She hadn’t thought it through, hadn’t prepared a suitable excuse.

But she was quick-witted, her mind already racing, searching for a way to regain control of the situation.

“Please, Hero,” she said, her voice regaining its usual composure. “Don’t misunderstand.”

“You are free to choose any woman you desire,” she continued, her gaze sweeping across the room, taking in the hopeful faces of the assembled noblewomen and nuns. “Even though the prophecy states that we are destined to be together, your happiness is my priority. If you choose another… I will offer you my blessing.”

“But Angelica… she is different. She was once a Holy Maiden candidate, but she… she used dark magic to curse her rivals. She is a dangerous woman.”

She stepped closer to Qin Chu, placing a hand on his arm, her touch light yet possessive. Her eyes, wide and pleading, met his.

“She might have served me faithfully for the past three years, but I fear her true nature hasn’t changed. If you make her your wife, she might try to harm you.”

“And that,” she added, her voice dropping to a whisper, her gaze searching his, “would break my heart.”

No man, she thought, could resist her now.

Even Jie Luo, despite his initial rejection, had been drawn to her, his heart softening under her charm.

This… this imposter would be no different.

She had already won.

Chapter 7: Beautiful Lady, Marry Me! 

Perhaps, once the Hero learned of her past, of the rumors that swirled around her like a toxic cloud, he would recoil in disgust, branding her a heretic, just like everyone else.

But for now, Angelica basked in the warmth of his unexpected kindness, her heart filled with a gratitude she hadn’t felt in years.

Logically, there were holes in Qin Chu’s little charade. Angelica’s attire alone should have been a dead giveaway. No Holy Maiden would dress as a maid.

But Angelica, overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions—gratitude, relief, a flicker of something akin to hope—was in no state to think rationally.

Qin Chu felt a pang of sympathy for her. She was a victim, caught in Loseweisse’s web of lies and manipulation.

In his previous life, he had kept his distance from her, believing the rumors, treating her with the same suspicion and disdain as everyone else. Angelica, broken by years of abuse and isolation, had eventually succumbed to despair, transforming into a monstrous aberration. He had been forced to kill her, his heart heavy with regret.

Even in her final moments, she had warned him about Loseweisse, her dying words a plea for him to be careful.

He hadn’t listened. He had been blind, trusting, a fool in love.

Angelica hated Loseweisse. She hated the Church for condemning her without a fair trial.

And as a former Holy Maiden candidate, she possessed considerable power.

She was the perfect ally, a weapon to be wielded against his enemies.

He gently wiped away her tears, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. “Please, don’t cry,” he said, his voice soft and reassuring. “People might think I’m bullying you.”

His awkward attempt at comfort made her laugh, the sound catching in her throat, a mixture of amusement and relief. The Hero was kind, she realized. If this was bullying, then what had she endured all these years?

Despite their brief encounter, she felt a connection with him, a sense of kinship she hadn’t experienced in years.

But she knew her place. She was a fallen woman, a pariah. She couldn’t allow herself to entertain foolish hopes.

“Please, Hero,” she said, stepping back, her voice regaining its usual formality. “Don’t be so kind to me. If Lady Loseweisse sees this, she’ll be furious. After all, according to the prophecy, she is your destined lover.”

Qin Chu snorted inwardly. Loseweisse might be the Holy Maiden, but he was the second Hero. If he failed to defeat the Demon Beasts, there would likely be a third, a fourth… were they all supposed to be her lovers? Preposterous.

The prophecy was nothing but a convenient tool, a weapon wielded by those in power to control and manipulate.

He kept his thoughts to himself, however, his expression carefully neutral. “Is that so?” he said, feigning surprise. “But I don’t care for Lady Loseweisse. I find you… much more appealing.”

Angelica’s face flushed crimson, her carefully erected emotional barriers crumbling under his unexpected praise.

She shot him a shy glance, her heart pounding in her chest. “You’re teasing me, Hero,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “Now, please, allow me to help you change. We can’t keep those important people waiting.”

She couldn’t allow herself to be swayed by his words. They were from different worlds, their paths destined to diverge.

Qin Chu, sensing her discomfort, dropped the subject, focusing instead on the task at hand.

Under Angelica’s guidance, he donned a tailored, albeit somewhat restrictive, knight’s uniform.

He had worn similar attire in his previous life, but his perspective had shifted dramatically.

The banquet hall was a symphony of light and sound, the air thick with the scent of roasted meats, exotic spices, and expensive perfumes. Tables laden with delicacies lined the walls, their contents destined to be devoured or discarded, a testament to the obscene wealth and extravagance of the city’s elite.

A string quartet played a soothing melody as Qin Chu navigated the throng of nobles and clergymen, his every smile, every word, a carefully calculated performance.

The Hero was a valuable asset, a powerful symbol to be exploited. Everyone wanted to be in his good graces, hoping to curry favor and secure their position in the post-war world.

Loseweisse, ever the opportunist, remained glued to his side, introducing him to various dignitaries, her touch lingering a little too long, her laughter a little too bright. They might not be lovers, not yet, but she was determined to create that impression, to solidify her position as the woman behind the Hero.

Qin Chu, observing their fawning smiles and empty platitudes, felt a surge of disgust. He would never forget their gleeful expressions as they condemned him to death, their eyes alight with a perverse satisfaction.

He would make them pay, every single one of them.

After several rounds of drinks, the three most powerful figures in the Heavenly Continent—Emperor Wadsworth of the Auville Empire, a towering, bear-like man who, despite the festive occasion, remained clad in his military uniform; Pope Augustus of the Holy See, a frail, elderly man who exuded an aura of quiet authority; and Saint Monique, the High Priestess of the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess, a woman whose regal bearing and serene smile masked a shrewd mind and an iron will—gathered around Qin Chu.

Having lived through this charade once before, Qin Chu knew exactly what they wanted.

“Hero,” Emperor Wadsworth began, his voice booming across the hall. “Tomorrow, we would like you to address the people of the capital. The Demon Beasts have been particularly aggressive lately. Our soldiers are dying, our people are terrified. Your presence, your words… they will inspire hope.”

Qin Chu took a sip of his wine, savoring the rich, fruity flavor. “Your Majesty,” he said, his voice carefully neutral. “I believe I haven’t agreed to fight your… Demon Beasts, have I?”

The Emperor, the Pope, and the High Priestess exchanged startled glances.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

Fighting Demon Beasts was the Hero’s duty, wasn’t it?

Why else would they go through the trouble of summoning him?

His personal feelings were irrelevant.

He was the Hero, and they needed him to fight.

“Hero,” Emperor Wadsworth said, his voice laced with suspicion. “What do you mean?”

Qin Chu shrugged, his expression nonchalant. “These Demon Beasts… they sound rather dangerous. What’s in it for me? Why should I risk my life for you?”

Ah, so that was it. He wanted compensation.

The three leaders exchanged relieved glances. This was easily remedied. Money, women… they had plenty to offer, as long as he didn’t threaten their power.

“You needn’t worry about such trivial matters, Hero,” Emperor Wadsworth boomed, his voice regaining its usual confidence. “You will enjoy the highest privileges in the land. Your monthly stipend will be ten thousand Mana. And if you desire anything else… anything at all… just ask. The Auville Empire is vast and prosperous. We can fulfill your every wish.”

Qin Chu blushed, his gaze dropping to the floor. “Well, Your Majesty… it’s not about the money. I’m not… particularly fond of material possessions.” He coughed, his cheeks reddening further. “The thing is… well… you see…”

“I’m twenty-three years old,” he continued, his voice dropping to a sheepish mumble. “And I’m… still single. Fighting those Demon Beasts… it’s a dangerous job. I wouldn’t want to die without… well… you know… experiencing the joys of… matrimony. In my homeland, there’s a saying: ‘There are three ways to be unfilial, and the worst is to have no heir.’ I’m sure you understand my predicament.”

His meaning was clear. He wanted a wife.

Emperor Wadsworth and Pope Augustus chuckled, exchanging knowing glances. So, the Hero wasn’t motivated by money. He was driven by something far more primal.

Perfectly understandable, they thought.

Saint Monique, however, blushed, her lips curving into a disapproving frown.

The entire hall had fallen silent, all eyes fixed on the Hero and the three leaders. Qin Chu’s words, spoken loud enough for everyone to hear, had sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd.

In this world, where marriages were often arranged for political gain or social advancement, the Hero’s request wasn’t considered outlandish.

All eyes turned to Loseweisse.

Surely, he was going to propose to her, wasn’t he?

Who else could it be? She was beautiful, graceful, pure, and kind. Even other women couldn’t help but admire her.

And as the Holy Maiden, her status was impeccable.

They had been inseparable all evening, their interactions radiating warmth and intimacy. And the prophecy itself had declared them destined lovers.

They were the perfect couple, a match made in heaven. The unmarried noblewomen in the crowd couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. To be the Hero’s wife… it was a dream come true.

Loseweisse, initially stunned, blushed furiously.

Inwardly, however, she seethed.

The nerve of this creature! Proposing to her in front of all these people!

How dare he?

She would never marry him! Her body, her heart, belonged to Jie Luo. No other man, not even the Hero, could claim her.

Was he trying to pressure her into accepting, hoping to use the weight of public opinion to force her hand?

Emperor Wadsworth laughed, clapping Qin Chu on the shoulder. The Emperor, a powerful warrior whose strength rivaled that of the Sages, had misjudged his own strength. Despite his attempt to restrain himself, the blow sent a jolt of pain through Qin Chu’s body.

Easy there, old man, he thought, wincing. One more slap like that and I’ll be seeing stars.

“Hahaha! So, the Hero is a man of passion!” the Emperor boomed, his laughter echoing through the hall. “I like that! Very well! I grant you permission to choose any woman in this room. We have princesses, noblewomen, even my own beloved daughter is present. There are also nuns from the Church, if that is your preference. Choose whomever your heart desires, and I will arrange the marriage. I doubt any woman would refuse the Hero’s proposal.”

He projected an image of boisterous generosity, a ruler who cared for his people, who indulged his champion’s whims.

In reality, he was a cunning manipulator, his every word, every gesture, calculated to advance his own agenda.

His casual mention of his daughter was a subtle attempt to steer Qin Chu in her direction, hoping to bind the Hero to the royal family, ensuring his loyalty and strengthening his own grip on power.

The unmarried noblewomen in the crowd straightened their backs, their eyes sparkling with hope, their carefully chosen attire suddenly seeming inadequate. Some even dared to adjust their bodices, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage, hoping to catch the Hero’s eye.

Their fathers, meanwhile, cursed their luck, lamenting their decision to leave their daughters at home. Even a slim chance was better than no chance at all.

As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, Qin Chu made his way towards Loseweisse.

Natia frowned, her expression unreadable.

Angelica sighed, her heart sinking. So, it was to be the Holy Maiden after all.

Loseweisse’s blush deepened, her fingers twisting the hem of her dress. She had already prepared her response, a delicate balance of gratitude and deferment. She would express her honor, but explain that her duty to the people, her unwavering commitment to eradicating the Demon Beast threat, prevented her from accepting his proposal at this time.

Once peace was restored, she would reconsider.

And in the meantime, she would devise a plan to eliminate him. She would never allow him to touch her, to sully her purity.

Her lips curved into a smile, a perfect blend of shyness and anticipation.

He was getting closer, his hand outstretched.

She reached out to meet his, her carefully rehearsed words forming on her lips.

But then, he sidestepped her, his hand brushing past hers, his eyes locking onto the maid standing behind her.

“Beautiful lady,” he said, his voice ringing out across the hall, his gaze fixed on Angelica. “Marry me.”

Angelica froze, her mind reeling, her body unable to process this sudden turn of events.

Loseweisse, her hand still outstretched, her smile frozen on her face, felt the blood drain from her face.

A wave of fury, of pure, unadulterated rage, washed over her, making her tremble.

He… he hadn’t chosen her?

How dare he!

Chapter 6: You Are the True Holy Maiden (2)

This woman’s acting was worthy of a standing ovation.

The most cunning schemers on Earth paled in comparison to Loseweisse’s masterful manipulation. She could outwit the most cunning characters in those palace dramas, surviving till the very last episode.

In his previous life, he had been utterly smitten, completely taken in by her act.

What a fool he had been, thinking her contrived sweetness and carefully crafted vulnerability endearing.

Now, he saw through her facade, her every word, every gesture, a calculated move in her game of power.

Instead of showering her with empty promises, vowing to restore peace to the land, he merely offered a curt, “I’ll do what I can.”

Huh?

Loseweisse, peeking at him through her fingers, was taken aback by his lukewarm response.

She noticed the faint blush on his cheeks as he stared out the carriage window. Ah, she thought, he must be overcome with shyness, unable to even look at her directly.

The carriage rolled on, entering the heart of the city. The stench that had permeated the slums dissipated, replaced by the scent of expensive perfumes and freshly baked bread. The cobblestone streets gave way to smooth, paved roads, the carriage gliding effortlessly towards its destination.

The garbage bins lining the streets overflowed with barely expired food, deemed unfit for consumption by the city’s wealthy elite. Their refined palates craved only the freshest, most exotic delicacies.

Of course, these discarded morsels were off-limits to the city’s less fortunate inhabitants. Heaven forbid those filthy, ragged orphans should sully the pristine streets of the noble district.

Rumor had it that the Emperor, in his infinite wisdom, had ordered the construction of a wall, separating the impoverished masses from the opulence of the noble district.

Naturally, the wall was built with the sweat and toil of the very people it was meant to contain, their meager earnings funding its construction.

The mansions lining the streets were ostentatious displays of wealth and extravagance, their windows glowing with warm light despite the late hour. Groups of nobles, their voices loud with laughter and drunken revelry, strolled along the sidewalks, their servants trailing behind them.

A single wall, separating paradise from hell.

The carriage finally came to a stop before a palatial estate, its grandeur surpassing even the most lavish mansions in the district. Moonlight glinted off its glazed tile roof, the magical lamps illuminating its entrance with a soft, ethereal glow.

“We’ve arrived, Hero,” Loseweisse announced, gently placing her hand on his arm. “The banquet will be held inside.”

“But first,” she added, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “allow me to escort you to the changing rooms.”

Though she hadn’t explicitly stated it, her meaning was clear. His casual attire, while comfortable, would be considered unforgivably gauche by the standards of the noble court.

Qin Chu couldn’t help but scoff inwardly. These pampered fools clung to their precious etiquette even as their world crumbled around them.

“I apologize, Hero,” Loseweisse said, her voice filled with regret. “I have some urgent matters to attend to. I’m afraid I can’t accompany you personally. I’ll send someone else shortly.”

Qin Chu simply nodded, his expression unreadable.

As soon as she was out of earshot, he stretched, his shoulders slumping with relief. “Finally,” he muttered. “That was exhausting. Now, let the real fun begin.”

“What do you have in mind?” Shaye asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

“It’s simple,” Qin Chu replied, a sly smile spreading across his lips. “We’ve lost our powers, at least for now. Our priority is to gather allies, people who share our interests, people who have their own reasons to despise the Church, the nobles… and perhaps, even the Holy Maiden herself.”

“We need to ensure our survival, and that means playing the game, at least for now.”

“I know exactly who’s coming next,” he continued, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “And I have a plan. I think you’ll like it.”

Meanwhile, back in her chambers, Loseweisse slammed her teacup against the wall, the delicate porcelain shattering into a thousand pieces.

Angelica, her emerald green hair contrasting sharply with her black and white maid uniform, flinched, her eyes wide with fear as she watched her mistress pace back and forth, her movements agitated, her expression thunderous.

Loseweisse rushed to the washbasin, scrubbing her hands furiously, as if trying to erase the very memory of his touch.

The mere thought of sharing a carriage with that… that creature filled her with a visceral disgust. Breathing the same air, enduring his presence for even a few minutes, had been excruciating.

She felt tainted, defiled.

And those few stolen touches, his rough hands brushing against hers… the memory sent shivers down her spine.

She scrubbed at her chest with a damp cloth, her skin reddening under her touch.

It was his fault, she thought, her mind rebelling against the unwelcome surge of desire that coursed through her veins. She was pure, untouched, her heart belonging only to Jie Luo.

“That filthy animal!” she hissed, her voice laced with venom. “How dare he look at me like that!”

“He touched me!” she wailed, her voice cracking with a mixture of anger and something akin to… longing? “Jie Luo never even touched me!”

“Bastard! Scum! I wish he was dead!”

She stomped her foot, her carefully constructed composure shattering under the weight of her emotions.

She didn’t care that Angelica witnessed her outburst. The maid wouldn’t dare breathe a word of this to anyone. No one would believe her anyway.

Angelica, a former Holy Maiden candidate, had once been Loseweisse’s fiercest rival.

But that was before Loseweisse had orchestrated her downfall. Angelica, falsely accused of using dark magic to curse Loseweisse, had been branded a heretic, sentenced to burn at the stake.

It was Loseweisse, the newly appointed Holy Maiden, who had intervened, pleading for mercy, offering Angelica a chance at redemption.

She had personally taken Angelica under her wing, offering her a position as her handmaiden, a testament to her boundless compassion and forgiveness.

The public had eaten it up, praising her for her kindness and generosity.

Only Angelica and Loseweisse knew the truth.

The curse had never existed. It had all been a carefully orchestrated charade, designed to eliminate a rival and bolster Loseweisse’s public image.

Angelica wasn’t a handmaiden. She was a prisoner, a constant reminder of Loseweisse’s triumph, a plaything to be used and discarded at her whim.

Angelica knew that anything she said, anything she did, would be twisted, manipulated. No one would believe her. She had learned to keep her head down, her mouth shut.

But Loseweisse’s rage, her uncharacteristic loss of control, gave her pause.

After a while, Loseweisse seemed to regain her composure. She stared at her reflection, her beautiful features twisted in a grimace. “No,” she muttered, shaking her head. “This won’t do.”

She tossed the broken hairbrush aside, her delicate fingers smoothing the frown lines on her forehead. Slowly, carefully, she rearranged her features, her lips curving into a serene smile.

“Angelica,” she said, her voice regaining its usual melodic tone. “Attend to the Hero in the changing rooms. I believe this task is best suited to your… talents.”

“And Angelica,” she added, her smile widening, revealing a hint of something cold and calculating in her eyes. “If the Hero should… require anything… don’t resist. We wouldn’t want to offend him, now would we?”

“This one… he’s not quite as… gentlemanly as dear Jie Luo. I believe he might have… overstepped his boundaries with Lady Natia earlier.”

Loseweisse’s talents extended far beyond acting and deception. She was also a keen observer. Though she hadn’t spoken to Natia directly, hadn’t even mentioned the incident to Qin Chu, she had noticed the subtle shift in the Sage’s demeanor, the lingering flush on her cheeks.

And now it was time to put Angelica to good use.

The girl might be a fool, but she was still quite attractive. After all, only the most beautiful were chosen as Holy Maiden candidates.

Angelica trembled, her gaze fixed on the floor. “Yes, Mistress,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

She had no choice but to obey.

Her heart pounding in her chest, she made her way to the changing rooms, her hand hovering over the doorknob for a moment before she finally knocked.

“Enter.”

She pushed the door open, her black leather boots clicking softly against the polished wooden floor.

Qin Chu, his back to her, turned around. “Ah, Holy Maiden,” he said, his voice warm and welcoming. “You’re here.”

Angelica’s breath hitched in her throat. He was just an ordinary man, his features unremarkable, his build average at best.

But his eyes… his eyes held a strange intensity, as if they could see right through her.

She forced a smile, her lips trembling slightly. “You flatter me, Hero,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I’m just a humble servant. Please, allow me to assist you with your attire.”

Qin Chu tilted his head, his expression a mixture of confusion and something else… something that made her uneasy.

“But… aren’t you the Holy Maiden?” he asked, his voice laced with genuine surprise.

Angelica’s eyes widened. “No, Hero,” she stammered, shaking her head vehemently. “You misunderstand. Lady Loseweisse is the Holy Maiden.”

Qin Chu frowned, as if deep in thought. “Is that so?” he mused.

“Lady Loseweisse is beautiful, of course,” he continued, his gaze fixed on her, making her skin crawl. “And she seems so… pure. But… there’s something… off about her. As if she’s hiding her true self behind a mask. I don’t trust her.”

“You, on the other hand…” He paused, his eyes searching hers. “You seem… genuine. Pure. You… you’re more of a true Holy Maiden than she could ever be.”

His words were like a balm to her wounded soul.

For three long years, she had endured humiliation and abuse, branded a traitor, a heretic. The beautiful clothes, the outward displays of respect, did little to hide the scars, both physical and emotional, that Loseweisse had inflicted upon her.

But now, for the first time, she felt seen, heard, understood.

Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision.

Chapter 5: How to Take Revenge?

Hatred…

Loseweisse.

The woman he had loved most, and the one who had hurt him most deeply.

He had almost forgotten. During his first summoning, she had been the one to greet him, her angelic visage illuminated by the moonlight, as she invited him to a celebratory feast in the city below.

Even now, her beauty was undeniable.

He remembered the way his heart had skipped a beat when he first laid eyes on her.

“Calm down,” Shaye hissed, her voice a warning whisper in his ear. “Don’t do anything rash. If you lose control now, it’s over.”

She understood his rage. To come face to face with the architect of his demise, the woman who had betrayed him so completely… it was enough to drive anyone mad.

But he had to maintain his composure.

He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, his nails digging into his palms. He took a deep breath, clinging to his sanity, the Forced Calm Ability a much-needed anchor in the storm of emotions threatening to drown him.

Shaye was right. He was in no condition to confront her, not yet.

“Thanks,” he muttered, his voice tight.

“Don’t thank me,” Shaye huffed. “I’m only doing this for myself. I refuse to be dragged down with you.”

He took another deep breath, forcing himself to relax. When he finally met Loseweisse’s gaze, his expression was carefully neutral, though a faint flush lingered on his cheeks, a lingering trace of his anger.

Loseweisse, for her part, seemed unsettled by his intense gaze, the raw emotion in his eyes momentarily shattering her carefully constructed facade.

“Apologies,” Qin Chu said, his voice soft, almost shy. “I was… admiring the view.”

The fear that had momentarily gripped her heart dissipated. So, he had been staring because he was captivated by her beauty. How predictable.

Disgusting creature, she thought, barely able to contain her disdain. He had probably never seen a woman as beautiful as her in his life.

A surge of smug satisfaction coursed through her, followed by a bittersweet pang of longing as she thought of Jie Luo. He, too, had been captivated by her beauty, his reaction a mixture of awe and reverence. This man’s response, however, filled her with nothing but disgust.

There could be only one true Hero, and that was Jie Luo. This imposter was nothing but a pale imitation.

Natia, observing their exchange, frowned. A strange sense of unease settled in her stomach.

Loseweisse, a masterful actress, hid her true feelings behind a mask of polite interest. She even managed a delicate blush, her eyes widening slightly as she listened to Qin Chu’s description of his two Super-tier Abilities.

Inwardly, however, she seethed. This wretched creature possessed even greater potential than Jie Luo? Unforgivable.

Qin Chu played along, his hatred for her warring with a grudging admiration for her manipulative skills.

She had perfected the art of appearing innocent and approachable, her carefully calibrated touches and lingering glances hinting at a deeper affection.

But the moment someone attempted to cross that invisible line, she would retreat behind a wall of carefully constructed logic and reason.

And she played her role flawlessly.

She had rejected the Hero’s advances, yet she was always by his side, presenting herself as his devoted companion, basking in his reflected glory.

Wherever the Hero went, Loseweisse was sure to follow, subtly inserting herself into the narrative, ensuring that the people associated his triumphs with her presence.

In his previous life, she had leveraged this carefully crafted image to cement her position as the true power behind the throne. As the Hero’s confidante and the Holy Maiden of the Holy See, her influence had grown exponentially, surpassing even that of the Pope himself. She had become the de facto ruler of the Heavenly Continent, her word law.

Zimmerman, noticing Natia’s troubled expression, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t mind him,” he murmured. “He didn’t mean anything by it.”

Natia shook her head, her gaze fixed on the ground. “It’s alright, Master. I understand what’s truly important.”

Zimmerman smiled, pride swelling in his chest. His apprentice had finally come into her own.

“Master Zimmerman,” Qin Chu’s voice rang out, interrupting their conversation. “I was wondering… is there any way for me to return to my own world?”

“Of course,” Zimmerman replied without hesitation. “Once the threat of the Demon Beasts has been dealt with, we will gladly send you back.”

“That’s… that’s wonderful news,” Qin Chu said, his voice filled with relief.

It was a lie, of course.

Once summoned to this world, there was no going back. After defeating the Eternal Monarch and sealing Shaye Nigulas for the first time, he had confronted Zimmerman, only to be met with a cold, hard truth.

The old Sage had lied.

Their procession continued down the mountain path, the carriages rattling along the uneven terrain.

Loseweisse, ever the opportunist, had claimed the seat beside Qin Chu, solidifying her position as his closest companion.

The clatter of hooves against cobblestones filled the air as they approached their destination.

A towering city, its walls stretching towards the heavens, materialized before them. Constructed from massive blocks of granite, it was a testament to human ingenuity and a symbol of enduring strength. Even the fiercest Demon Beasts would find it difficult to breach its defenses.

This was the Holy City, the seat of power and the heart of the Heavenly Continent.

For now, however, it served as the capital of the Auville Empire.

As they passed through the city gates, a foul stench, a mixture of decay and despair, assaulted Qin Chu’s senses. Despite the late hour, a lone street sweeper, her back bent with age, her clothes ragged and filthy, toiled away, her broom sweeping away the refuse that littered the cobblestone streets.

Her face was a mask of apathy, her movements mechanical. She couldn’t afford to miss a single scrap of trash. Her supervisor, a cruel man with a whip and a heart of stone, would dock her pay for even the slightest infraction.

She spotted a discarded piece of cloth, a flicker of hope momentarily brightening her dull eyes. Perhaps she could salvage it, make something for her children.

Qin Chu recognized the fabric. It was from a pet’s collar, discarded by some wealthy noble who couldn’t be bothered to dispose of it properly.

Along the sides of the street, huddled beneath threadbare blankets, lay the city’s homeless population, their bodies little more than skin and bones, their eyes reflecting a lifetime of hardship and neglect.

A young girl, her emaciated frame swallowed by an overflowing garbage bin, rummaged through the refuse, her desperate search for sustenance a poignant reminder of the city’s stark inequalities.

She emerged triumphant, a gnawed chicken bone clutched tightly in her hand. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of hunger and anticipation. But her moment of joy was short-lived. A group of older children descended upon her, snatching the prize from her grasp, leaving her standing there, tears streaming down her face.

After a moment, she buried herself once more in the filth, her small body racked with sobs. She knew that if she didn’t find something to eat soon, she would die.

Qin Chu’s hand twitched, but he forced himself to remain still.

He remembered this girl. In his previous life, her plight had moved him. He had stopped the carriage, ignoring Loseweisse’s protests, and pressed a hundred Mana into her hand, hoping it would be enough to buy her a decent meal.

He hadn’t understood then that a hundred Mana was a small fortune to someone living on the streets. The other children had robbed her, beating her mercilessly and breaking her legs. She had spent the rest of her short life confined to a makeshift wheelchair, begging for scraps.

Loseweisse sighed, her expression a picture of empathy. “The number of orphans has tripled since the war began,” she said, her voice heavy with sadness. “Even the Church can’t keep up.”

“Why?” Qin Chu asked, his voice deceptively calm.

“Their parents… they died fighting the Demon Beasts,” Loseweisse replied, her voice barely a whisper.

Lies.

The street sweeper toiled away because the nobles, the true rulers of the empire, were too greedy to hire more workers.

The orphans’ parents might be dead, but according to imperial law, their families were entitled to a generous pension.

Yet, judging by their appearance, these children had never seen a single copper piece of that money.

Their inheritance, their parents’ life savings, had likely been seized by corrupt officials.

Loseweisse reached for his hand, her touch sending a jolt of electricity up his arm.

Her eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, met his, her expression a potent mixture of vulnerability and adoration.

She was a master manipulator, using her beauty and carefully crafted persona to disarm and control those around her.

“Please, Hero,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “You must save us.”

This time, Qin Chu didn’t offer an immediate, heartfelt promise. Instead, he frowned, his expression a mask of doubt. “I want to help,” he said slowly. “But what if I’m not strong enough?”

“Don’t you dare doubt yourself, Hero,” Loseweisse chided, her voice firm despite the tremor in her voice. “The gods have spoken! You are the Heavenly Continent’s champion, our only hope! Our fate rests in your hands!”

“You seem to put a lot of faith in these… divine pronouncements.”

“Of course! The word of the gods is law!” She blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink.

She lowered her gaze, then peeked up at him through her lashes, her expression a mixture of shyness and something else… something that made Qin Chu’s blood run cold.

“What is it?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Did the gods say something else?”

He would play along, for now. He wanted to hear this.

Loseweisse hesitated, her blush deepening. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely a whisper. “The prophecy… it also said… that the Hero… and I… are destined to be… lovers.”

She covered her face with her hands, her entire body radiating embarrassment.

You lying, manipulative bitch, Qin Chu thought, his blood turning to ice.

Just how was he going to make her pay?

Chapter 4: The Most Hated Person

The title of Sage, bestowed upon those who had reached the pinnacle of magical mastery, came with no restrictions on marriage or relationships. Natia, with her petite yet curvaceous figure and captivating beauty, naturally attracted a slew of admirers.

However, her heart belonged to magic. She harbored no interest in romantic entanglements. Rumors even circulated that she was incapable of physical intimacy, some going so far as to claim she preferred the company of women. It was this disinterest, they said, that fueled her icy demeanor towards her suitors.

Those who dared to press their luck were met with explosive results, quite literally.

Yet, here she was, flushed and breathless, her eyes clouded with an unfamiliar emotion. Something was definitely amiss.

“Why don’t you check your status panel?” Shaye Nigulas’s voice chimed in, a hint of amusement in her tone.

The status panel was a unique feature of this world, a metaphysical interface that displayed an individual’s attributes, abilities, skills, and magic. Unless explicitly shared, its contents remained private, a convenient feature for maintaining a degree of personal privacy.

Qin Chu mentally summoned his panel. A translucent screen, akin to a computer display, materialized before his eyes, showcasing his current stats in meticulous detail:

Level: 1

Class: Hero

Strength: 6

Stamina: 6

Agility: 6

Mana: 6

Defense: 6

Charm: 6 (Average: 5, Max: 10, Can be increased through special means)

Skills: None!

Magic: None!

His initial stats upon his first summoning had been identical.

However, the next few lines were… different.

Abilities:

Greed: Super-tier Ability. You crave power, hungering to possess all that you desire. Ability: Devourer—You can absorb the strength and abilities of others, making them your own.

Rage: Super-tier Ability. You are fueled by anger, your fury a weapon in its own right. Ability: Rage Explosion—When your rage peaks, you gain a temporary, but significant, boost to all attributes.

Forced Calm: High-tier Ability. You remain calm and collected under pressure, your mind shielded from emotional turmoil. Always active, can be manually disabled.

Lust: Special Ability. Super-tier Ability. Details hidden. Ability: Touch of Lust—Effect can be toggled on/off.

In this world, power manifested in three primary forms: Level, representing raw physical and magical potential; Skills and Magic, encompassing combat techniques and spells; and Abilities, unique traits that could grant a wide range of benefits.

Some Abilities were utterly useless. Qin Chu had once encountered a man whose only Ability was an uncanny knack for distinguishing between sugar and salt. Utterly useless in a fight.

Others, however, could be devastatingly powerful.

He vividly remembered his Abilities from his first summoning: Justice’s Companion and Heaven Rewards Diligence, both Super-tier Abilities.

Not only had the number of his Abilities increased to four, but their very nature had changed.

He could understand Rage. It was a natural consequence of his experiences.

But Greed? Where had that come from?

And Forced Calm? That explained why he had managed to regain control at the last moment, despite being consumed by rage just seconds earlier.

But the most troubling Ability of all was Lust.

Qin Chu didn’t consider himself a libertine. He had spent the past seven years of his life training and fighting, his every waking moment dedicated to honing his skills and fulfilling his duties as the Hero.

His power had attracted its fair share of attention, both political and personal. He had received countless offers, some more tempting than others, but he had rebuffed them all. Loseweisse was the only woman who had ever captured his heart. And now, here he was, dead before his time, still a virgin.

The thought filled him with a strange mix of sadness and resentment.

“That particular Ability is a gift from yours truly,” Shaye’s voice purred in his mind.

“Why are you helping me?” he asked, suspicion tinging his voice.

“You think I wanted this?” Shaye snapped, her usual playful demeanor vanishing. Her silver hair swirled around her, her beautiful face contorted in a grimace.

“After you died, the Heavenly Chains shattered, freeing me from my prison. But thanks to you, dear Hero, I’m a shadow of my former self.”

She punctuated her words with a frustrated stomp of her foot.

“You and your underhanded tactics! Binding our lives together! And an unequal contract at that!” she fumed.

“You die, I’m free. I die, you’re free. But if you die before your time…” She trailed off, her voice laced with barely suppressed rage.

“This Witch refuses to die because of your incompetence!” she roared. “So, with the last vestiges of my power, I activated the Super-tier magic, Death Knell, sacrificing a million souls to turn back time. To this very moment, seven years ago, when you first arrived.”

“And now look at me!” she wailed. “Not only have I not recovered my full strength, but I’m worse off than before! I can’t even maintain a physical form! I’m stuck here, tethered to you, forced to share my power with you!”

“This is all your fault!” she screeched. “You owe me!”

So that’s how it was. The Heavenly Chains, meant to bind her, had inadvertently given him a second chance.

And this time, he would make them pay.

Their mental conversation, imperceptible to the Sages, continued as Natia’s blush deepened.

The other Sages, too afraid to intervene, watched with bated breath, praying that Natia wouldn’t snap and unleash her fury on their newly summoned Hero.

An awkward silence descended upon the mountaintop.

Finally, Qin Chu feigned a startled expression, taking a step back from Natia. “My apologies,” he mumbled. “I must have drifted off…”

Natia gasped, her eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and something akin to… longing?

The moment his fingers had touched her lips, her temper had flared. She had been ready to blast him off the mountaintop.

But then… something had happened. Something she couldn’t explain.

In truth, the effects of Touch of Lust were subtle, working on a subconscious level to stir up desire and longing. Natia’s extreme reaction was likely due to a combination of factors: the unexpected contact, her complete lack of experience with men, and perhaps, a touch of latent curiosity.

The other Sages, relieved that she hadn’t erupted, wiped the sweat from their brows. The Hero lived to fight another day.

They were all too aware of the power disparity between them. In his current state, the Hero was weaker than a goblin, as helpless as a slime. Had Natia unleashed her full power, he wouldn’t have stood a chance.

Zimmerman, the eldest and wisest of the Sages, took a deep breath and stepped forward. “Welcome to the Heavenly Continent, Hero,” he said, his voice raspy with age. “I am Zimmerman, leader of the Thirteen Sages. We summoned you here in our hour of need. Please, you must help us. Our world is being ravaged by Demon Beasts, on the brink of utter destruction.”

It was time for Qin Chu to put on a show.

He schooled his features into an expression of polite confusion. “My good sir,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “I believe you’re mistaken. I’ve never heard of this ‘Heavenly Continent.’ I’m from Earth. Perhaps you’re referring to another world? It seems you’ve quite the sense of humor.”

Zimmerman was unfazed by his reaction. This was to be expected. The First Hero, Jie Luo, had reacted in a similar manner, refusing to believe he had been transported to another world.

But Zimmerman had an ace up his sleeve. He pointed towards the sky. “Look closely, Hero…”

Qin Chu followed his gaze. Two moons hung in the night sky, one bright and full, the other a pale, waning crescent. His carefully crafted facade crumbled. His jaw slackened, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Two moons…” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “I… I’m really in another world…”

He mentally patted himself on the back. His acting deserved an award.

Zimmerman smiled inwardly. Jie Luo, too, had finally accepted his fate after witnessing the twin moons.

However, this new Hero seemed to be adjusting rather quickly. He was already deep in thought, his mind working overtime to process this new reality.

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Chu spoke again. “Master Zimmerman,” he began, his voice hesitant. “You mentioned something about fighting Demon Beasts?” He paused, his expression turning grave. “While I appreciate your… efforts in bringing me here, I’m afraid I must decline. I can’t possibly fight these… Demon Beasts. I’m just an ordinary man.”

“Please, don’t say that,” Zimmerman pleaded. “As the Hero, you have been blessed by the gods with extraordinary power. Try accessing your status panel. Show us your Abilities.”

Qin Chu feigned surprise at the appearance of the translucent screen, fumbling for a moment before finally revealing his (doctored) status panel to the Sages.

Even Natia, her curiosity piqued, leaned in for a closer look.

Of course, he had no intention of revealing his true Abilities. Shaye had cloaked his panel, replacing his current Abilities with those he had possessed upon his first arrival.

Though her power was a fraction of what it once was, her illusions were still beyond Zimmerman’s ability to detect.

The old Sage’s eyes widened as he scanned the displayed information, his lips moving silently as he read the Ability descriptions. “Justice’s Companion… Heaven Rewards Diligence…”

“Two… two Super-tier Abilities…”

Justice’s Companion: The more lives you save, the stronger you become. As long as you walk the path of righteousness, your power will know no bounds.

Heaven Rewards Diligence: Hard work and dedication are rewarded with strength and wisdom. The more you train, the more you learn, the greater your power becomes.

These two Abilities were practically tailor-made for a Hero.

Tears welled up in Zimmerman’s ancient eyes. Two Super-tier Abilities! Even the legendary Jie Luo had possessed only one.

This new Hero… he was something special.

“There’s hope…” Zimmerman choked out, his voice thick with emotion. “There’s hope for the Heavenly Continent…”

The other Sages erupted in cheers, their usual composure forgotten in the face of this incredible news.

Even Natia couldn’t help but steal another glance at Qin Chu, her heart skipping a beat. Perhaps this Hero, despite his earlier transgression, wasn’t so bad after all.

If only they knew that beneath the facade of Justice’s Companion lurked the sinister presence of Greed, Rage, and Lust…

“Masters, has the summoning been successful?” a voice called out from the path leading up the mountain.

Qin Chu’s blood ran cold.

The Forced Calm Ability activated, suppressing the surge of rage that threatened to consume him.

He turned, his movements stiff and mechanical, his gaze falling upon a young woman in a white dress, bathed in the pale moonlight.

The wind tugged at her skirt, revealing a glimpse of her slender legs, their skin as smooth and flawless as polished jade.

Her delicate features were as beautiful as he remembered, her expression a picture of innocence and purity.

Compared to her older self, she seemed younger, more naive.

This was the person Qin Chu hated most in the world.

Loseweisse…

We meet again.

Chapter 3: Let This World Fall 

Qin Chu’s outburst, a classic curse from his world, hung in the air.

“Save your sister…” he muttered under his breath, his anger simmering.

The surrounding Sages gasped, their frail bodies trembling. Such vulgarity! Was this truly a Hero? Perhaps they had summoned a Demon King by mistake?

Their shock was understandable. But Qin Chu couldn’t bring himself to care. He had been ripped from his world, thrust into this strange land on the brink of destruction. He felt like a protagonist in a poorly written novel, burdened with the weight of their expectations.

Initially, he felt no real connection to this world. But then, he had saved a young boy from a pack of Demon Beasts. The boy’s trembling gratitude, the look of awe in his eyes, sparked something within him.

Helping others, he realized, was a surprisingly fulfilling experience.

He had shared boisterous meals and drunken laughter with the Hero Squad, their camaraderie forging a bond he hadn’t expected. He trusted them with his life, knowing they would always have his back.

And then there was Loseweisse. His feelings for her, a confusing mix of adoration and insecurity, were unlike anything he had ever experienced. He preened like a peacock, eager to impress her, yet trembled like a frightened mouse, terrified of doing something wrong, of shattering the image she had of him.

For the first time in his life, Qin Chu understood the true meaning of anxiety.

He had poured his heart and soul into saving this world, risking his life countless times, his body a tapestry of scars.

To minimize casualties, he had faced the Eternal Monarch alone, pushing himself to the brink of death. With one final, desperate blow, he had cleaved the earth, forcing millions of Demon Beasts to retreat into the abyss.

And what was his reward?

Betrayal.

The woman he loved had never reciprocated his feelings. His closest comrades had seen him as nothing more than a weapon, a tool to be used and discarded.

The royals, the nobles, the Church—they all saw him as a threat to their power.

The people he had bled for treated his blood as a magical elixir, a cure-all for their petty ailments.

The very people he had saved with his own two hands had cheered for his death, their faces contorted with glee as his body was torn asunder.

The soldiers celebrated his demise, their pockets lined with blood money.

In the end, he had nothing left.

The depth of his former love was now matched only by the intensity of his hatred.

“Save them?” he spat, his voice dripping with venom. “It’s your fault I’m even here! You and your stupid summoning ritual!”

If he had the chance to do it all again, he would watch the world burn. He would relish in their suffering. He wanted to rip Natia’s beautiful face to shreds.

And for a fleeting moment, he almost did.

His hand shot out, aiming for her delicate features, driven by a primal urge to inflict pain.

Natia, caught off guard by his sudden outburst and the unexpected contact, froze. Her eyes widened, her lips parting slightly as she struggled to comprehend the situation.

Qin Chu’s fingers brushed against her lips.

The surrounding Sages gasped, their faces paling.

They knew of Natia’s fiery temper, her fierce pride. Though she usually presented a calm, collected facade, any unwanted advances from the opposite sex were met with swift and brutal retribution.

Summoning a Hero was no easy feat. Losing one, even one as volatile as this, would have dire consequences. The Heavenly Continent wouldn’t be able to perform another summoning for at least three years. They would be at the mercy of the Demon Beasts.

No, considering their current state, they might not even last that long.

They silently pleaded with Natia to restrain herself, to ignore the transgression.

Perhaps their prayers were answered, or perhaps Qin Chu’s actions were so out of left field that Natia was momentarily stunned into inaction. But whatever the reason, she remained frozen in place, her wide eyes locked on his.

Just as Qin Chu prepared to follow through with his threat, a searing pain lanced through his mind.

The rage, the madness that had clouded his judgment, receded like a receding tide.

The hatred remained, a smoldering ember in his chest, but his rational mind reasserted itself.

Something wasn’t right.

If this was truly a dying dream, a final hurrah of his fading consciousness, it felt far too real.

The moonlight cast long shadows across the platform. He could feel the chill mountain air against his skin, hear the rustling of leaves in the wind.

The chirping of crickets, the distant hoot of an owl—all of it felt undeniably real.

He could even smell the crisp night air.

This level of sensory detail, the sheer vividness of it all—it couldn’t be a mere figment of his imagination.

Which meant…

“So, you’ve finally come to your senses… This was the moment you first arrived in the Heavenly Continent,” a familiar voice whispered, not in his ear, but directly into his mind.

A lock of silver hair brushed against his cheek.

Qin Chu’s blood ran cold. He whirled around.

A beautiful woman leaned against his shoulder, her silver hair dancing in the wind, her crimson eyes gleaming with an unsettling light. Her features were breathtaking, her figure the very definition of perfection.

It was none other than Shaye Nigulas, the Dark Witch.

His eyes narrowed, but before his fear could morph into panic, a strange calmness washed over him.

The most powerful, most alluring Witch in existence was casually draped over his shoulder, her cherry-red lips close to his ear. Yet, her voice echoed only in the confines of his mind.

He glanced at the Sages. They were still watching him, their faces etched with worry, seemingly oblivious to her presence. They would never react this way if they could see her.

Which meant they couldn’t.

“Indeed. My existence is… peculiar at the moment. They can’t perceive me,” Shaye Nigulas confirmed, as if reading his thoughts. “Now then, how about we make a deal? Let’s corrupt this world together.”

Corrupt? Now that was an idea he could get behind.

While he yearned to unleash his rage, to bathe in the blood of his enemies, he knew it was an impossible feat in his current state. But perhaps there were other ways to make them pay.

Killing them outright would be too merciful. He would make them suffer. He would make them understand true despair.

He would make this world hurt.

His gaze fell upon Natia.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. Her chest rose and fell with each rapid breath, her petite frame radiating an alluring vulnerability.

Her reaction… it was most intriguing.

Chapter 2: Hero, Please Save This World!

Qin Chu was dead!

His body lay in pieces, his soul shattered into countless fragments, drifting to every corner of the Heavenly Continent. Yet, his fractured consciousness, not yet fully dispersed, remained aware of the unfolding events.

In the Holy City, people rejoiced.

Within the grand palace, nobles reveled, their glasses clinking in celebration of their unshakeable authority.

The city’s soldiers hunted down the few remaining souls who dared utter a kind word about the fallen Hero. A young woman in a wheelchair, her body wracked with sobs, was mercilessly impaled, left to die a gruesome death.

…

A fragment of Qin Chu’s soul drifted to the Supreme Council Hall.

His dismembered corpse lay before Loseweisse, her beautiful eyes alight with a crazed glee. The loathsome creature was finally gone! What could bring greater joy?

“Hero?” she spat. “You? You’ve basked in the glory of that title for long enough. There is only one true Hero, and no one can replace him.”

They drained his remains of every last drop of blood, leaving behind a withered husk.

Even in death, his body exuded an aura of formidable power.

They couldn’t erase the memory of this young man, who had single-handedly stormed the Demon Beasts’ lair, torn apart the Eternal Monarch Nagath, and returned bathed in blood.

His swordsmanship, unparalleled, had carved a line in the earth that millions of Demon Beasts dared not cross, forcing them to retreat into the abyss.

What a hero he had been.

The sight of his wide, unseeing eyes, forever frozen in an expression of rage and hatred, sent chills down their spines.

“Seal his torso and limbs at the Edge of the Sky, the Tip of the Sea, the Cloud Summit, the Heart of the Lake, and the Root of the Tree,” Loseweisse finally declared, her voice as cold as ice.

The Edge of the Sky and the Tip of the Sea marked the eastern and westernmost points of the Heavenly Continent. The Cloud Summit, the highest peak in the land, housed the headquarters of the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess. The Heart of the Lake lay at the center of the Boundary Lake, upon which the Holy See stood. And the Tree, of course, referred to the Tree of Life.

“As for his head…”

“Seal it beneath the Holy City.”

“Let his skull endure the weight of our feet, the scorn of the masses, for all eternity. Let him never rise again…”

Only then, perhaps, would she find true peace.

…

Another fragment of Qin Chu’s soul drifted through the bustling streets.

He watched as the auction house distributed flyers, announcing the day’s main attraction: a single drop of the Hero’s blood.

The flyer boasted a ludicrous list of benefits: Consume a piece of bread smeared with the Hero’s blood, and enjoy robust health, immunity to all diseases and poisons, and a longer lifespan. The most outrageous claim? It could enhance beauty and virility.

…

Another fragment found itself at the Sealing Grounds.

A crackling bonfire illuminated the faces of the celebrating soldiers, their rough hands clasped together as they danced around the flames.

For the guards stationed at the Sealing Grounds, this was a day for revelry.

The Hero was dead. And their salaries? Increased.

They knew of the Hero’s valor, his unmatched strength on the battlefield.

But that was in the past, during the war.

Now, with the Demon Beasts banished and peace restored, the Hero was irrelevant.

“Hahaha, that bastard’s finally gone… Never liked him anyway.”

“Yeah, like he was the only one who fought the Demon Beasts. We’ve all seen our share of battles. Why did he get all the glory? As if we didn’t do anything.”

“I heard that guy was raking in a hundred million in benefits every year! We barely make a hundred Mana! All ten thousand of us combined wouldn’t even amount to a tenth of what he received.”

“He stopped the Eternal Calamity? Please, wasn’t that his duty? He was the Hero; it was his job! Why else would we summon him?”

“Fine, he got special treatment during the Eternal Calamity. But the war’s over! He was still clinging to that pedestal, the shameless leech.”

“And the media! All they did was sing his praises. No one even acknowledged our sacrifices, our hard work.”

“Besides, who’s to say we couldn’t have defeated the Eternal Calamity without him?”

“Bah! Our Heavenly Continent is blessed with its own heroes! We could have handled the Eternal Calamity ourselves. We didn’t need some foreign dog from another world…”

Money, as always, proved to be the most persuasive force.

Not a single soul in the entire camp spoke up for the Hero, not one remembered the blood he had shed for their world.

As their boisterous celebration reached a fever pitch, no one noticed the telltale cracks spreading across the Heavenly Chains, holding the monstrous form of the Dark Witch, resembling a colossal serpent, at bay.

Qin Chu knew his lifespan, no matter how powerful he became, wouldn’t exceed a century. The Witch, however, possessed a near-eternal existence. Fearing she might wreak havoc after his death, he had poured half of his life force into the Heavenly Chains, binding her and tethering his own existence to hers. When he perished, she wouldn’t be far behind.

Bathed in the pale moonlight, the Witch emerged from her prison.

Her silver hair flowed behind her like a banner in the wind. Her face, as flawless as polished jade, held a captivating beauty. But her crimson eyes, gleaming with an otherworldly light, betrayed her true nature.

Her curves, both alluring and dangerous, were accentuated by her elegant black gown, its dark fabric whispering in the wind.

What a bewitching beauty!

The most powerful Witch was also the most alluring, a cruel, mocking smile playing on her lips, her scarlet eyes burning like embers in the night.

“Disgusting little maggots…” she hissed.

“Let the judgment bell… toll!”

She lazily stretched her slender arms, her silver hair whipping around her as a wave of dark red energy emanated from her body, swirling towards the sky.

Below, the ten thousand soldiers continued their revelry, oblivious to the impending doom.

The moon vanished behind a veil of dark clouds as a colossal clock, its face glowing with a sinister crimson light, materialized in the sky. Its long hand ticked slowly, ominously.

Tick… Tock… Tick…

Each sound, crisp and clear, seemed to claw at their very souls.

Finally, as the hand reached its zenith…

GONG!

The judgment bell tolled!

A dark wind swept across the land.

It began at the edge of the camp, a gentle breeze ruffling their hair.

The celebrating soldiers froze mid-movement, their expressions—frozen in grotesque smiles—devoid of fear or even comprehension.

And then…

They collapsed, one after another, their hearts stilled, their bodies falling like wheat before a scythe.

Row after row after row…

Silent death on one side, oblivious revelry on the other.

The unfortunate souls, blind to the demise of their comrades, continued their grotesque dance, their laughter echoing through the night.

It was impossible to tell how much time had passed before a bleary-eyed soldier finally noticed the unsettling stillness in the distance.

“Hey, what’s going on over there? Why’s everyone lying down?”

Another soldier, noticing the ever-growing swathe of fallen comrades, shrugged dismissively. “Probably passed out drunk.”

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, grabbed his bottle, and stumbled towards the fallen men. “Get up, you lazy bastards! Let’s…”

His words died in his throat as an unseen force slammed into him. His face contorted in a silent scream, his body stiffening as he pitched forward.

The first soldier, finally registering the gravity of the situation, watched in horror as more and more of his comrades collapsed around him. His gaze fell upon the swirling black and red mist, and the alcohol evaporated from his system in an instant. “De…”

“Demon… Demon Witch! She’s free!”

His terrified shriek pierced the night as he flung his bottle aside and scrambled to his feet, fleeing for his life.

His cry jolted the others awake, and the horrifying truth dawned on them. Panic seized the camp as they witnessed the gruesome fate of their comrades, their faces draining of all color. None dared to help the fallen, choosing instead to save themselves.

The joyous celebration descended into chaos, a desperate scramble for survival.

They ran as if their lives depended on it, which they did.

Forgotten bottles of liquor lay shattered on the ground, abandoned skewers of meat scattered amidst the fleeing soldiers.

They trampled over each other in their haste, a tangled mass of panicked bodies. Those unfortunate enough to trip were instantly buried under a sea of thrashing limbs.

The silent, relentless reaper cut through their ranks, a far more terrifying sight than any blood-soaked battlefield. At least in the heat of battle, they knew what they were facing. But here, death was an invisible, unknowable force.

The black and red mist, the unmistakable mark of the Dark Witch, filled them with primal terror. The horrifying rumors, the whispers of millions devoured by her magic, all came rushing back.

Wails of despair, screams of terror, and the chattering of teeth filled the air.

But no matter how fast they ran, they couldn’t outrun the creeping mist. It snaked towards them, a harbinger of their inevitable demise.

Some, their minds shattered by fear, simply froze in place, their faces ashen masks of terror as they awaited the sweet embrace of oblivion.

“Run! The Witch is here!”

“Get out of my way!”

“How did she escape? I thought the seal was unbreakable!”

“Mommy, I don’t want to die! Someone, please help me!”

“Who can stop her?”

“The Hero! Where’s the Hero? Someone save us!”

Ah, yes. The Hero.

He was dead.

Qin Chu’s fragmented soul watched the unfolding carnage, a silent, unseen observer. Had he possessed a physical form, his laughter would have echoed across the land.

The blood mist continued to spread, its reach growing with every passing moment.

The Witch, her life force dwindling, her form growing translucent, coughed up a mouthful of blood, her face paler than death.

She swayed, her gaze lifting towards the sky, as if she could sense his lingering presence.

Raising her staff, she plunged it into the ground.

The swirling blood mist around her contracted, forming a colossal vortex. An irresistible force emanated from its depths, drawing Qin Chu’s scattered soul fragments from every corner of the Heavenly Continent.

And then, darkness swallowed him whole.

But before his consciousness faded entirely, he heard Shaye Nigulas’s voice, faint and ethereal, echoing through the void.

“A sacrifice of a million souls…”

…

Time lost all meaning as Qin Chu drifted in a sea of nothingness.

Who am I? Where am I? What happened?

He found himself on a barren mountaintop, bathed in the cold light of the moon. The wind howled around him, whipping his nonexistent hair.

He was disoriented, confused.

“Success! We’ve summoned another Hero!”

The familiar voice grated on his nerves. He realized he was standing on an elevated platform, surrounded by twelve elderly men, their frail bodies half-buried in ornate sarcophagi, and a beautiful woman in her early thirties.

The Thirteen Sages?

Observing his bewildered expression, the woman, Natia, the youngest of the Sages, stepped forward and took his hands in hers. Her large, watery eyes gazed up at him, pleading. “Hero, please, you must save our world!”

Qin Chu’s eyes widened. He wrenched his hands away from her grasp and roared, “Save? Save your own damn self!”

Chapter 1: A Hero? You?

“Dear, it’s time for your medicine!”

A pure white dress adorned her angelic figure, her beauty enough to topple nations. Loseweisse, the Holy Maiden of the Holy See!

Crouching by Qin Chu’s bedside, she held a bowl of inky black concoction. The injuries inflicted by the Dark Witch, Shaye Nigulas, were so severe that even the Holy See’s most potent healing spells proved ineffective. After a month of consuming various potions, his condition showed no signs of improvement.

Perhaps, he would never recover.

As if sensing his despair, a faint blush crept onto Loseweisse’s fair face. “Let me feed you.”

“Our Hero must recover soon. This world needs its Hero!”

She brought the bowl to his lips, took a small sip, then, to Qin Chu’s astonishment, leaned down. A wave of fragrance washed over him as her cherry lips pressed against his. A warmth spread through his chest, a sensation both foreign and exhilarating.

Sip by sip, he drank the bitter medicine, which now tasted strangely sweet.

Such a pure and shy girl, yet she dared to be so bold, to do something so out of character, all for the sake of his recovery.

A fire ignited within Qin Chu’s heart. He yearned to seize this moment and confess his feelings to Loseweisse. He had developed a fondness for her during the war and had even expressed his affections. Back then, Loseweisse had only blushed, caressing his face as she gently rejected him. Now was not the time for such matters, she had said, not while the war raged. They could revisit this once peace was restored.

Though rejected, Qin Chu sensed that Loseweisse harbored feelings for him too. Now that the war had ended and peace prevailed, surely she wouldn’t refuse him this time?

But as the words reached his lips, he hesitated.

Was he, in his current state, worthy of Loseweisse? His incurable injuries, even if they didn’t claim his life, would likely confine him to this bed forever. He would be nothing but a burden.

He abandoned his intention to confess, a gentle smile gracing his lips. As long as Loseweisse found happiness, nothing else mattered.

But at that moment, Loseweisse abruptly pulled away, her previously gentle expression contorting with disgust.

She vigorously wiped her lips with a handkerchief, her slender neck convulsing as if she might retch at any moment.

“Ugh, disgusting!”

This icy demeanor, a stark contrast to her prior warmth, could this truly be the same person?

The door creaked open, and two figures entered: Ekaterina, the Crimson Valkyrie, and a short, elderly man, both members of the Hero Squad.

Their eyes settled on Qin Chu.

They had once shared drinks and laughter, but now their gazes held mockery and arrogance.

Were they being manipulated by some force? Why were they looking at him with such disdain?

Qin Chu tried to speak, but found himself robbed of his voice, unable to utter a single sound. An invisible weight, millions of tons heavy, pressed down on him, stealing his breath.

“Loseweisse, you’ve worked hard,” Ekaterina said, her voice a soothing balm. “Kissing someone you don’t love must be quite the ordeal.”

Loseweisse meticulously wiped her mouth with the handkerchief before flinging it away. “It’s nothing. All of this is for Master Jie Luo.”

Jie Luo? The First Hero?

Understanding dawned in Qin Chu’s eyes.

Looking down at the astonished man lying in bed, Loseweisse sneered, “You seem surprised? Compared to Master Jie Luo, you’re nothing but a pig. But be glad, at least you’re a useful pig. Your blood will open the door to Master Jie Luo’s resurrection.”

“Consider it your final act of service to this world.”

Couldn’t this man comprehend the situation? Or was he simply refusing to accept reality?

Did he truly believe she had fallen for him?

Ten years ago, when hordes of Demon Beasts had overrun the Heavenly Continent, overwhelming humanity’s defenses and painting the land red with blood, the Thirteen Sages had summoned the First Hero. What a charismatic man he was! Loseweisse had fallen head over heels for him at first sight, her love absolute and unwavering.

Countless times, she had yearned to offer her purity, meant for the divine, to him. But Jie Luo always insisted there was no rush. They would marry after the war.

And then, Jie Luo died.

Qin Chu became the Second Hero, with Loseweisse and the others remaining as members of the Hero Squad.

However, they had never truly accepted him. In their hearts, only one person deserved the title of Hero: Jie Luo. They loathed Qin Chu for daring to assume the mantle, feeling it was nothing short of sacrilege.

If it weren’t for the Heavenly Continent’s reliance on the Hero’s power, they wouldn’t even bother with pretenses.

Every moment spent with Qin Chu was agony, forcing smiles upon their faces to maintain the facade of camaraderie. It was torture.

They longed to spit in his face, to scream, “A Hero? You?”

Qin Chu’s victory over the Eternal Monarch, his sealing of the Dark Witch, and his banishment of the Demon Beasts back into the abyss had earned him unparalleled fame among humanity. This only fueled Loseweisse’s rage. Jie Luo was the one true Hero; this imposter didn’t deserve a shred of the glory.

Fortunately, Loseweisse knew how to resurrect their beloved Hero. The blood of a successor could unlock the gateway to his return. Had it not been for their need for Qin Chu to combat the remaining Demon Beasts, she wouldn’t have allowed him to live this long.

When she contacted the other members of the Hero Squad, none hesitated, none objected. They would join forces to eliminate this wretch who had stolen the glory rightfully belonging to Jie Luo.

Those in power were also reluctant to tolerate anyone above them. As long as the Hero lived, their authority remained precarious.

Now, with peace restored and the Demon Beasts driven back into the abyss, the Heavenly Continent no longer needed a Hero. There was no need to antagonize those who held true power for the sake of an insignificant pawn.

They orchestrated the release of the Dark Witch, Shaye Nigulas, from her prison, even providing her with a rage-inducing elixir, hoping she would eliminate Qin Chu for them.

But Qin Chu was too powerful. He sealed Shaye Nigulas once more, returning gravely injured.

Every day, they administered a potent poison disguised as medicine, a concoction designed to slowly break down his iron-like muscles and skin, rendering any healing magic useless.

The pathetic fool never suspected a thing, believing his deteriorating condition to be a consequence of his battle with the Dark Witch.

And now, the time for harvest had arrived.

“Master Lex, how are the preparations on your end?” Loseweisse inquired coldly.

The short, elderly man stroked his beard, a sinister smile playing on his lips. “Rest assured, Lady Loseweisse.”

“My preparations began the moment the Hero set off to subdue Shaye Nigulas. My CBB excels in this field. They are masters of weaving tales.”

“I doubt the Hero is even aware that his reputation has been utterly destroyed while he lay injured.”

“A public trial. There won’t be any issues.”

Indeed, a public trial.

While they could easily kill him here and blame it on Shaye Nigulas, claiming he succumbed to his injuries from their battle, such a death would only solidify his status as a savior, forever remembered as a hero who gave his life for humanity.

They couldn’t allow this vile creature to steal the adoration that rightfully belonged to Jie Luo.

They wouldn’t simply kill him; they would break him, utterly and irrevocably, ensuring his name would be forever etched in infamy.

…

“Extra! Extra! The Supreme Council has issued an announcement: The Dark Witch, Shaye Nigulas, was released by Qin Chu himself! After extensive investigation, it has been confirmed that with the restoration of peace after the Eternal Calamity, the Hero, feeling his own importance waning, unleashed the Witch to prove his worth.”

“Ugh, how disgusting! He sacrificed fifty thousand lives for his own selfish desires! Fifty thousand souls! Doesn’t his conscience haunt him?”

“I refuse to believe Hero-sama would do such a thing…”

“There’s photographic and video evidence! What more do you need? Are you on his payroll? Because I could use some extra cash.”

“You’d stoop so low as to defend him for money? Aren’t you afraid of your ancestors spinning in their graves?”

“You’d be nothing but Demon Beast dung without the Hero!”

“Hah! What ‘Hero’? He’s just an over-glorified relic of the past. I bet if I was born back then, this outsider wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar. Besides, are the Demon Beasts even that strong? We’ve encountered them recently, and the Guardian Alliance handled them with ease. It seems the Demon Beasts are nothing special. I could take them on myself.”

“I think this old geezer just got too big for his britches. He’s been acting like some kind of savior all this time. But he wasn’t the only one who fought the Demon Beasts. It’s obvious that now that there’s peace, he can’t handle his dwindling relevance. Wasn’t there an incident recently where he beat someone into a coma for not recognizing him?”

“And what about the time he went on a drunken rampage in a bar and killed several people?”

“And let’s not forget the incident where he slaughtered an entire family after a failed marriage proposal… There’s irrefutable evidence for all of this!”

“If one person accuses you, it could be slander. But when a hundred people point their fingers at you, then you’re the problem.”

“Damn those foreign dogs from another world! We should never have summoned a Hero in the first place.”

Repetition is a powerful tool. A lie repeated a hundred times becomes the truth.

On one hand, they downplayed the threat of the Demon Beasts, diminishing their fear and, consequently, the Hero’s importance. On the other hand, they amplified the achievements of the other Hero Squad members, diluting the credit that rightfully belonged to Qin Chu.

Fueled by those who stood to gain from his downfall, the Hero’s reputation plummeted in a matter of days.

When Qin Chu finally opened his eyes again, he found himself suspended in mid-air, face up.

Two silver chains bound his arms, stretching upwards to disappear into the heavens. The Heavenly Cage Shackles, the Holy See’s most formidable restraint, completely sealed his magical power.

Two earthen-yellow chains coiled around his legs, burrowing into the ground. The Earth Mother’s Embrace, nullifying his Battle Qi.

A razor-sharp, golden sword hovered above his neck.

The Sword of Damocles, said to be capable of severing anything.

Add to that the poison coursing through his veins, weakening his flesh and bone, and the picture became abundantly clear.

Tsk, Loseweisse and her cohorts had planned this meticulously.

The public trial grounds teemed with a boisterous crowd, eager to witness the spectacle.

From his vantage point atop the execution platform, Qin Chu spotted countless familiar faces: former comrades, members of the imperial family, high-ranking nobles, high priests of the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess and the Holy See…

Loseweisse stood at the forefront, her cheeks flushed.

“Qin Chu, you stand accused of premeditated murder, responsible for the deaths of fifty-three thousand, six hundred and thirty-two innocent souls. The evidence is irrefutable. Do you have anything to say in your defense?” Loseweisse’s voice, cold and sharp, echoed from above.

Qin Chu parted his lips, but no sound emerged. His voice box had been rendered useless by the poison.

“It seems you have nothing to say. Although it pains us to do this to you, our former comrade, the Hero who once saved the Heavenly Continent, your crimes are too heinous, your sins too grave. Only your death can appease the righteous fury of the people!”

“Kill him…”

“Kill him…”

“Kill him…”

The surrounding crowd erupted in a deafening roar, their faces twisted with bloodlust, eyes blazing with fanaticism.

Their voices merged into a monstrous wave, shaking the very foundations of the execution grounds.

Their contorted features radiated a perverse glee, bathed in the crimson hues of the setting sun.

Perhaps a few discerning individuals within the throng recognized the Hero’s inconvenient presence to those in power, saw through the fabricated evidence.

They might not have truly believed he deserved death.

But what could be more exhilarating than witnessing the downfall of someone once so untouchable, someone who stood as a symbol of hope?

Peace had returned, the Demon Beasts were vanquished, and the Heavenly Continent no longer required a Hero. Why risk offending those who held the reins of power for someone who no longer mattered?

Gazing upon their twisted faces, listening to their thunderous cries for his blood, Qin Chu couldn’t help but wonder: were these truly the people he had fought tooth and nail to protect?

He could even recognize some of them. Hadn’t he saved them from the clutches of Demon Beasts with his own two hands?

What had transpired to twist them into such grotesque caricatures of their former selves?

Rotten eggs, decaying vegetables, and leftover scraps rained down upon him.

Loseweisse reveled in his humiliation, her heart alight with wicked satisfaction. This was the fate she had envisioned for him: utter ruin, his name forever synonymous with treachery and disgrace.

“Execute him!”

As the order reverberated through the air, the four chains snapped taut, and the Sword of Damocles plunged from the heavens.

A sickening squelch echoed as the Hero’s body was ripped asunder, his head, torso, and limbs sent flying, painting the sky crimson.

In that final moment, as his body was torn apart, Qin Chu recalled the words the most powerful Dark Witch, Shaye Nigulas, had uttered to him as he sealed her away:

“You will witness betrayal with your own two eyes…”

“You will taste despair with your very soul…”

“You will know rage… You will know despair… You will know madness…”