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

Chapter 90: Smells Like Teen Spirit (3)

Of all things, I ended up on the same team as Piel.

My head hurts.

Quickly, I enhance [Twisted Noble's Dignity] using the [Amplification Orb].

'...Piel, Andrew, me, Travis, Monica.'

We don't have a highly skilled tank like Max, but the team lineup isn't bad.

We're the only group in the class boasting two top-ranked students - Piel and Andrew.

Naturally, the Hero Department isn't stupid, so they've paired us with three students from the bottom rung.

A team composed of two top and three bottom-ranked students.

'Not bad.'

Given the right circumstances, I can perform at the level of an average student.

Moreover, I've teamed up with Travis several times before.

And Monica, who's more of a passive aide than a warrior, should be easy to manage.

Andrew may have a strong ego, but we interact regularly at club meetings, and he owes me one.

I should have no trouble controlling Andrew.

'The real challenge is Piel.'

She's a wild card at the moment.

Predicting her moves is next to impossible.

In the original game, Piel harbored a sense of inferiority towards Neike but was a character with a strong sense of fair competition.

But now, I have no idea.

Furthermore, I've been increasingly mindful of Piel.

That graceful sword dance of hers...

The stunning image of Piel that my enhanced [Observer's Eye] caught still lingers.

'...I can't help it.'

Anyway, the die has been cast.

There's no way to change a team that's already been decided.

All I can do is aim to come first in this practical evaluation as well.

Rok declared,

"We leave immediately. Meet at the Hero Department's front gate at once."

With that, he left the classroom.

The students filed out after him.

'Let's hope for a smooth ride.'

Sigh...

With a heavy sigh, I joined the students.

------

Aboard a carriage en-route to Fosspatil Pass, the site of the Hero Department's 8th week practical evaluation 'Dungeon Exploration.'

"How long will it take to get there? I can't tell where we are because all I see around are trees."

"Well, next week is the mid-term exam period, right? So it should end this Friday or Saturday... I guess it could take about a day at most?"

The students gathered in their teams and chatted.

From the start, Piel, who hadn't spoken a word, sat as far away from me as possible.

Travis, seated beside me, chimed in.

"We're lucky. Not just Piel but Andrew, and even Theo! I'm counting on you all again! I'll do my best!"

Travis smiled warmly and chuckled.