I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy [On Hold]

Chapter 43: See You on Friday (2)

"Try this, Theo. It's from a famous dessert shop."

"I'm not thirsty."

"...But it's really delicious."

Mari, looking a bit sullen, took a sip of her mint chocolate latte and picked up a piece of chocolate to eat.

"..."

"Eating sweets helps clear the mind, you know. You should try it too. I got this as a special gift from the shop owner I know. Even if customers are willing to pay any amount, they only sell a limited quantity."

Of course, I can understand that, but this isn't the right time.

My appetite has vanished.

"I'm fine, thank you."

"Alright..."

After Mari's weak reply, silence filled the faculty room. It was so quiet.

'I'm sorry, but...'

I know it's impolite to keep rejecting someone's goodwill. But if it's not right, it's not right.

I reminded myself of my original goal.

'I came here to help with Mari's research and to repay her for the debt I owe her.'

Breaking the long silence, I spoke up.

"Anyway, I was wondering if you were too busy to have me visit."

"Well, I'm not that busy yet. Do I look busy?"

"You're dressed as if you're going to a formal event today."

I refrain from making potentially rude comments, like it seems she put a lot of effort into her makeup.

I believe that it's good to have some boundaries even with people you consider on your side.

Mari shrugged her shoulders.

"It's not a particularly formal event, just a gathering at the Hero Association. People argue noisily about who's right and who's wrong. Ah, just thinking about it gives me a headache. Should I just not go?"

"No, if it's an association gathering, you should attend. You must be busy, so let's get straight to the point. Tell me how far your research has progressed."

******

"Oh, so this is how it works... I just need to apply it like this, right, Theo?"

Mari's eyes widened as she looked at me.

"Yes, you understand quickly, Mari. As I said earlier, unless the leader of the group is at the highest level, this method is guaranteed to work. After most of the monsters are wiped out this way, only a small number of people need to be sent in to complete the mission."

"Ah, I see..."

Mari nodded repeatedly.

'She's not the youngest professor in the Hero Department for nothing.'

Mari was smarter than I thought. I was prepared to explain for two hours, but she understood most of what I said in less than thirty minutes.

"Wow... I never thought about it like this. Why didn't I come up with this idea?"

Her light green eyes were filled with admiration as she looked at me.

"Maybe it's because you've been researching alone all this time. It seems like you couldn't share your findings with other professors."

"...That's true."

"Since you seem to understand up to this point, I'll talk about the situation after the small group is sent in."