Chapter 244: Birth


    <b> Birth </b>


    Hmm


    ring at the Demon King, res eyes narrowed like a bowstring.


    Heh.


    Ruby discreetly covered her lips with her hand andughed at re.


    Eek


    Her sly and simultaneously menacing demeanor made re involuntarily clench her fist.


    What are you talking about?


    Ruby, casting a condescending look at re, inquired with an innocent face.


    Eh.


    Soon, everyones attention turned to re, including high-ranking officials, Imperial Family members, church representatives, and even the gaze of the Imperial Princess and Young Duchess Serena.


    This was an entirely new and overwhelming situation for a modest girl ustomed to poverty in the back alleys.


    <i>Thump, thump.</i>


    Uhh


    res heart raced as an unknown fear slowly enveloped her. Always indifferent to life, the sudden attention felt like a piercing de.


    Its just as I said!


    Yet, giving up was not an option. She was determined to achieve greatness to safeguard the Hero.


    To achieve this greatness, she aimed to start by helping others. She couldnt stand by and do nothing.


    If she faltered now, she feared that the ring the Hero gave her would be tainted a ring that gleamed in sunlight by day and starlight by night.


    What do you mean?


    Egh


    Regardless of her strong determination, there were uncontroble factors, such as the Fake Hero Ruby, who watched her with a chilling expression.


    What?


    Even though she clearly had a spine-chilling expression, those nearby appeared strangely unaffected.


    <b><i>Shes not ordinary</i></b>


    So far, re had been secretly looking into Rubys identity while hiding her own. She didnt know much about Rubys true self or capabilities.


    re only knew that Ruby was the Heros adversary. Ruby sometimes detected res stealth abilities, surpassing even what her mentor could perceive.


    Gulp.


    Now, she could unmistakably sense Rubys abilities, even though the demon had only revealed it slightly.


    Rubys aura, targeting re alone, could easily overwhelm a girl her age.


    Frey hasnt done anything wrong!


    ..


    Still, re shouted with narrowed eyes.


    To Frey, she was just a girl with a Mental Strength of 6, a bit braver than others her age.


    Yet, her fervent desire to aid the Hero and her determination to stop his enemies shielded her mind.


    <b> Can you handle it?</b>


    ..!


    But Ruby wasnt ready to let re off easily.


    <b> Step back before it bes irreversible.</b>


    Like Irina, Ruby manipted even thews of magic to project her message into res mind.


    <b> Quickly</b>


    The one at fault is Ruby over there!


    Nevertheless, re gathered her courage and shouted.


    Ruby attacked Frey I saw it with my own eyes!


    A momentary hush fell around them.


    I guarantee it. It was definitely her


    In the dead silence, re prepared to continue, fists clenched.


    HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!


    Hehe! Hehehe


    Hehehehehe


    Laughter burst from all directions, causing her to pause and look bewildered.


    That lecherous brat almost got assaulted?


    Kid, know when to joke.


    It would have been better if that happened I wonder how scared Ruby must have been.


    People dismissed her words entirely.


    Oh dear how unfortunate


    ncing at the crowd, Ruby shifted her gaze to re.


    It seems another pitiful child has fallen for Frey


    She murmured with a sad face.


    I might have been brainwashed like that just a moment ago


    Although she murmured, her voice was clear enough to everyone.


    But, but!


    Do you have any evidence?


    ..


    Expressions of those observing re turned cold or sorry.


    Take her away.


    Standing next to the Hero, Vener pointed at re and signaled the other knights with a cold voice.


    Anyone who dares toy a finger on my disciple will be considered an enemy of the Magic Tower.


    ..!


    At that moment, the Tower Master, who had been quietly observing, stood up.


    If you want to fight with this old woman, try it.


    She looked frail enough to make others think that a mere touch was enough to make her copse. However, no one dared to approach her, thanks to her earlier transcendent battle with one-armed Dmir Khan.


    Hmm


    As things settled, the Tower Master addressed her fidgety disciple.


    Even though its bted, Ill offer you some guidance.


    Master


    For now, youll stay in the Imperial Pce. In the meantime, Ill look into the Heros qualifications and the truth. Lets conclude this discussion.


    She moved discreetly and murmured.


    Ugh why must my disciples be like this


    Um, excuse me


    Remember this.


    As re attempted to speak again, the Tower Master turned and said with an unexpectedly serious tone.


    Once a perception forms, it seldom changes without a decisive event.


    This holds true for magic and the human heart alike.


    No one paid further attention to re.


    People assumed that a kid, captivated by Freys beauty, had stirred a momentary disturbance.


    Attention shifted to the Tower Master, who intervened to prevent the situation from escting.


    Still, remember


    The Tower Master gazed down at the disheartened re.


    Avoid actions youll regret.


    With a gentle expression and voice, she whispered to re.


    I already did.


    With those words, the Tower Master moved ahead, leaving her second disciple in bewilderment.


    Following that, a prolonged silence lingered.


    Then Now that things have settled, lets discuss the mastermind behind the incident.


    It was na, carefully watching the unfolding events, who spoke up.


    I point to the Church as the mastermind behind this incident.


    .!!!


    The prelude to arge-scale sh emerged between nas faction, now in control of the Imperial Family, and the Church.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Silence fell amid the heated exchange between na and the bishops, with circumstances nearly escting into a military confrontation.


    Sigh.


    Beside the remains of the once-secret building, now reduced to debris, re sat with one arm on her chin, legs crossed, sighing.


    Suddenly they want me to join the Hero Party?


    re wanted to return to her ce in the Magic Tower, but she waited quietly in a temporary tent because a high-ranking official had contacted her.


    Why join the Hero Party without the Hero?


    re knew Ruby wasnt the actual Hero; she considered it a waste of time. So, she intended to reject the offer as soon as the official arrived.


    <i>Whish</i>


    I wont join that party, as the Hero is


    Just as the tent p opened and someone entered, re spoke with crossed arms.


    Hello?


    Gasp!


    Instead of an official, Ruby entered the tent.


    Up close You look even cuter than I thought.


    re stared at Ruby, who mocked her with a disdainful gaze. She tried to stand up hastily.


    <i>Rustle!</i>


    Stay seated.


    Ruby gestured, sealing the entrance with an unknown power, making re grimace.


    Ill be direct.


    reposed herself and sat down as the Demon King softly addressed her.


    Join me.


    I refuse.


    Hmm.


    Upon res immediate rejection, Ruby disyed an annoyed expression.


    Im not really into women Cant help it, I guess.


    A cracking sound rang out.


    <i>Whoosh</i>


    This isnt a request, kid.


    !


    In an instant, Ruby revealed her true form as the Demon King to re.


    So You were the first to uncover my true identity, werent you?


    Uh


    I had a feeling when you asionally red at me in the orphanage I never thought such a cute little child would figure out my identity


    Rubys tail gently brushed against res cheek.


    Who are you


    Who am I?


    Shortly after, the Demon King grabbed res waist, her expression turning menacing.


    I am


    She was about to murmur something in a chilling, low tone into res ear.


    Hero.


    ..!


    Veners voice interrupted her from the tents entrance.


    As we suspected Frey is still alive.


    Is that so?


    Shortly after, she responded to Veners words using her human voice.


    Thats why weve dispatched pursuit squads across the empire. If Freys alive, its just a matter of time before hes caught.


    Is that so? Thank you for your efforts.


    Yes, Hero. Have a good night.


    With that, Ruby concluded that conversation.


    The Heros adversary


    Returning her gaze to re, she whispered in a chilling tone.


    Is not someone a mere child can contend with.


    Ugh


    Her overpowering presence was too much for the young re to handle.


    Either join me or stay silent and live peacefully.


    .


    With re silent, Ruby brought her face close.


    But its odd. Why isnt the special system working for you?


    Ugh


    She tilted her head, murmuring to herself.


    Usually, once someone discovers my true identity, they cant speak so casually about it


    Eeek!!


    re, free from Rubys tail, red and suddenly swung her arm.


    <i>sh!!!</i>


    A sharp sound resonated within the tent.


    Hmm


    Despite being afraid of the Demon King, re had just pped her vigorously.


    <i> Boom!</i>


    Swiftly, she pushed re down and began to choke her.


    You attacked me?


    Ugh


    You were nning this from the beginning foolish child.


    The Demon King, peering down at re as she disyed a pained expression, started to tighten her grip with a sinister smile.


    And if you refuse to be my subordinate


    Uh


    You have no choice but to die.


    As her vision slowly blurred, Ruby whispered in a delighted tone.


    <i>Snap!</i>


    In that instant, a faint sound of a finger flick echoed.


    What did you do?


    However, the Demon King observed re, who was distressed, and tilted her head.


    Used some magic, did you?


    You think a kids magic will work on me?


    Though not magic, it was true that res ability did not affect the Demon King.


    She could shatter anything into pieces except living beings.


    Hmm?


    Her magic proved ineffective against the Demon King.


    You die


    One of the horns on her head had shattered.


    Aaaaaaaah!!!


    The Demon King screamed, experiencing an intense pain she had never felt before.


    You, you vermin!


    But she was still the Demon King.


    How dare how dare you!


    Ruby clutched her bleeding horn, which had already begun to regenerate. She conjured a grotesque spear with one eye closed as blood streamed down her face.


    Dieeeee!!!


    With all her might, she attempted to thrust the spear into the nearly unconscious re.


    <i>Whooosh!</i>


    A transparent wall materialized between them.


    Helper System


    [Automatic Defense System Activated]


    Simultaneously, an opaque system window appeared before re.


    Warning


    [As the Demon King, under no circumstances can you attack the operator of the Helper System.]


    The Demon King, pressed against the transparent wall, was no exception.


    A cold silence lingered between the two, separated by the wall.


    .!


    Ruby was the first to break the silence.


    Damn it.


    <i>Swooosh</i>


    Gritting her teeth, she fiercely struck the barrier with her spear.


    Youll regret what you did today


    Looking down at re, who wore a tense expression, she whispered arrogantly.


    Dear child.


    Soon after, she vanished, clutching her regenerating right horn.


    I will never regret


    re remembered her mentors words even in such chaos and murmured.


    <i>Swish!</i>


    Soldiers, led by someone, burst into the tent, and re quickly shifted her attention.


    Its, its the demons!


    Its an ambush!! An ambush!!!


    We need backup!!


    Having witnessed Rubys sudden appearance just before she vanished, the soldiers mistook it as an ambush by the demon army and began shouting.


    However, nas response differed.


    Excuse me.


    Pr, Princess!


    Ignoring her soldiers preparing forbat, she approached re, who was lying on the floor.


    That, that was Ruby. Ruby is actually!


    I know.


    Huh?


    Ignoring nas status, re clutched onto nas hem. na looked at her with a gentle smile.


    Shall we be friends?


    Hearing those words, re suddenly recognized the person before her and stood there in shock.


    I appreciate your words today.


    Huh?


    That person proposed to me, you see.


    Trying to calm her nerves, na blushed.


    Anyway, I want to repay you. Any wishes?


    She asked, hoping to befriend a potential ally.


    To perhaps be friends with a valuable ally, she presented the question.


    The academy.


    Huh?


    After staring at na for a while, re finally spoke.


    I cant give you the academy


    Please help me get into the academy.


    ..?


    My mentor and the dean dont get along, and Im underage. I cant be admitted.


    With a nervous feeling, she revealed her wish.


    So, please let me join as a freshman next year.


    Um if thats the case


    Considering res request, na silently calcted in her mind.


    Because I have to help the Hero.


    Hearing res words, na paused, momentarily stunned.


    Youre helping the Hero?


    re stared back with a determined look in her eyes.


    I owe a debt that I need to settle.


    The conclusion of the Inauguration Ceremony didnt herald the arrival of a Hero but rather the birth of an ally who would change the course of events.<hr>


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