7:15 PM.
Inside the auditorium.
"Please generously share your research findings to contribute to building a better continent. That's all."
The brief speech by the regional chief of the Kingdom's Hero Association has ended.
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
The people gathered in the auditorium gave a customary applause.
In this era, those who generously share their research are criticized.
The people inside the auditorium only think about trampling on their competitors and rising above.
That's what modern heroes are like.
'Why isn't he coming?'
Like everyone else, Mari, who was applauding, checked her wristwatch.
7:16 PM.
It's now time for the official academic seminar to start.
And there are 9 minutes left for Natasha to contact her.
'She hasn't found Theo yet.'
She would have contacted her already if she had found Theo.
'I should go look for him too.'
As Mari was thinking this, frowning,
"You don't seem to be in a good mood, Ms. Mari Jane?"
A man approached and spoke to Mari.
"Mind your own business, Mr. Johnson."
Mari looked at Johnson, her expression still stern.
Johnson chattered on.
"I just asked because you looked upset. Don't be like that. Isn't it too cold for colleagues?"
"Sounds like you're saying you weren't cold before. Hearing your voice doesn't make me feel any better either."
"Ha ha ha, then I should talk more... Haha, don't look at me like that. I'm just joking."
Johnson then looked at the people behind him.
Feeling Johnson's gaze, they reflexively laughed.
Johnson, looking satisfied, smiled and looked back at Mari.
"I've been eagerly looking forward to Ms. Mari Jane's research since the last meeting. Can I look forward to it today?"
"...You can look forward to it. Johnson, your research is going well, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. I've improved a lot since our last meeting."
Johnson grinned with pride.
'I can't stand him.'
Mari tried hard to maintain her composure.
Johnson, a peer from Elinia Academy, is a key figure among young noble-born heroes.
Even after the establishment of the academy, a professional hero training institution, Johnson believed that there was a class hierarchy in the continent and that there was a clear difference between commoners and nobles.
Thus, he received strong support from young noble-born heroes.
Naturally, his relationship with Mari, a leading figure among young commoner-born heroes, was strained.
They had been rivals since their student days, and they had recently competed for the position of the youngest professor at the Elinia Academy Hero Department.
The difference between Mari and Johnson was that he had formed a group called 'Johnson's Fam' to gather supporters.
"In any case, it seems we have nothing more to discuss. Johnson, it's almost your turn to present, so you should go prepare..."
"Oh, I have everything in my head; I'm good. Unlike someone presenting last, I had to prepare in advance because I'm presenting first. By the way, the association seems to be quite accommodating to you, Ms. Mari Jane. Maybe I should've been born a commoner too. Anyway, hang in there. Let's get going now."
With that, Johnson left with his group, laughing.
Mari gazed coldly at Johnson's retreating figure.
Understandably so, as Mari had never been granted any favors from the association.
Everything she achieved was solely through her own efforts.
'I need to find Theo quickly.'
It had been about 20 minutes since the seminar started.
The fact that Theo hadn't yet arrived meant something was wrong.
Theo's name was even added as a co-author for this research.
No matter how successfully she concludes her presentation, Johnson will undoubtedly find fault.
Additionally, Theo had made quite a name for himself during the Knight Department's 2v2 tournament just two days ago, attracting even more attention.
If he fails to join her on stage, it will certainly stir controversy.
'I should contact Natasha first.'
With that thought, Mari rose from her seat and left the auditorium.
Inside the guild building.
Natasha was carrying out Mari's orders.
'...Where could he have disappeared to?'
She searched places where he might likely be but found no sign of him.
She checked Theo's room and Amy's room, but they were empty.
Having done such search missions several times before, it took her less than 30 minutes.
He had disappeared as if into thin air.
"...This is strange."
The Theo that Natasha knew would never miss such an opportunity.
He was someone who, to an almost inhuman degree, ensured he gained from every situation.
'I should contact Professor Mari first.'
With that thought, Natasha reached into her pocket to pull out the communication crystal.
Buzz, buuzzz─
The communication crystal vibrated.
"Let's go."
"Alright."
After sending Amy away, Theo arrived in front of a room, led by Smith.
Before Smith opened the door, he looked at Theo with pleading eyes.
"I implore you... please show respect inside. It's my earnest request."
"Am I the only one you request this of?"
"...I'll open it now. Inside, the Duke is waiting."
With a creaking sound,
Smith hesitantly opened the door of the guest room.
The room was quite ordinary, not different from the one assigned to Theo.
It was a very plain and modest room for a legendary hero to occupy.
In the center of the room, a man sat on a chair, attentively reading a thin document.
It was Maximin de Chalon, Piel's father and the master of the Chalon dukedom, known as the 'Demon Hunter.'
"Greetings. Please, take a seat."
"Thank you."
Theo took a seat across from Maximin.
"I am Maximin de Chalon. Indeed, just by looking at you, I can tell you belong to the Waldeurk lineage."
Maximin extended his hand to Theo.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Theo Lyn Waldeurk, a first-year student at Elinia Academy's Hero Department."
Theo shook the offered hand.
'His presence is overwhelming up close.'
Even from a simple handshake, an overwhelming aura emanated from him.
Secretly activating [Observer's Eye], Theo scrutinized Maximin.
Like Theo, Maximin sported silvery hair.
Even in his 50s, his well-toned body was evident through his clothing.
A quiet charisma, perhaps?
In the game, legendary heroes are often described as possessing such a distinctive aura.
Maximin chuckled.
"Heh, don't stare so intently. What's there to see in an old man of 50?"
"Apologies. It's not often I get to meet a legendary hero face-to-face,"
Theo replied, averting his gaze.
'So, this is what it's like to be in the presence of a legendary hero.'
He tried not to make it obvious, but Maximin caught on to his intense scrutiny immediately.
'Let's get to the point.'
The goal is to leave a good impression on Maximin.
Maximin is known not to favor those who underestimate themselves.
He merely considers such people as pawns to be used and discarded.
However, he tends to care for those with potential.
'I need to be confident and assertive.'
Only then can he possibly borrow 'that thing' later.
Moreover, being a legendary hero and a duke, Maximin could provide considerable help.
"May I discuss the recent incident?"
Theo subtly glanced at Smith as he spoke.
Maximin gave a faint smile.
"I'm aware you'll be presenting at the seminar soon... If you're okay with it, go ahead."
"In that case, I'll explain."
Without delay, Theo began recounting the incident he had with Smith.
"Hmm, so that's how it is."
After listening to Theo's story in its entirety, Maximin, stroking his silver beard, responded.
"Yes, it seems our Chalon family's subordinates made a mistake."
"That they did."
"But—"
Maximin fixed a sharp gaze upon Theo.
His eyes held an intensity one would scarcely believe belonged to a retired hero.
"How about we overlook this once, considering it a situation Smith might have misunderstood?"
Maximin proposed in a gentle tone.
His words were a veiled suggestion, hinting that someone of his stature was being more than generous by even addressing the issue and that it would be best to amicably resolve it here.
"Smith insulted and deceived me."
But Theo didn't budge.
"If he didn't know, then he can be forgiven, but if he knew, then he should pay the price. Is that not the way of the nobility and the strong?"
"When the weak are mistreated and they endure, it's humiliation. But when the strong let it slide, it's called magnanimity. Show some magnanimity, young Theo."
Maximin stared at Theo intently.
By now, anyone else would have caught his drift.
However, Theo's face remained impassive, just as it was when they first met.
'What a spirited kid.'
Maximin had to stifle a smirk.
Naturally, there's no benefit in opposing someone like him.
Most would feel honored just to be in his presence and seek his favor.
Theo spoke,
"I'm not that magnanimous, I'm afraid. But if you insist, Lord Maximin, I'll compromise a bit."
"And what do you mean by 'compromise'?"
"I won't demand immediate compensation here. Just a promise will do."
"Ha! Hahaha."
Maximin let out a deep, rumbling chuckle.
"You are quite the character."
Maximin, eyeing the audacious young man before him, continued,
"What if I refuse?"
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