I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy

nation.” I slowly backed away.
We were too close.
'I can't embarass myself anymore.' If I make another mistake, I'd rather bite my tongue and die.
With that thought in mind, I spoke.
“I will explain the next part.”

***

After finishing the discussion with Theo, Mari headed to the association's branch office in the kingdom's capital.
Though she had casually mentioned it to Theo earlier, today's gathering was quite an important event.
Mari, a hero of commoner origin, was in her late twenties, but she had already distinguished herself in the association where numerous heroes were affiliated.
As a result, she had received a lot of pushback from the noble-born heroes.
'Those fools who can only rely on their family names.' However, Mari's mood was cheerful, thanks to the explanation Theo had practically hammered into her head.
'I can't believe he's the same kid from last semester.
How could he come up with such an idea?' When she first heard Theo's explanation, she felt as if she had been hit in the head with a hammer.
He had suggested something that even the well-established heroes in the association hadn't thought of.
With this, she would be able to deal a significant blow to the noble-born heroes who endlessly tried to suppress her.
“Hehehe~.” Humming a happy tune, Mari boarded the academy-bound carriage.
'On another note, he's unexpectedly cute in some ways.' Mari recalled Theo's appearance in the faculty office.
He kept glancing at her body.
He probably thought she hadn't noticed, but he couldn't evade her intuition.
He would suddenly stop while explaining things well, and when she approached him, he would hurriedly back away.
'A cute child deserves a reward.' Mari giggled.

***

After having lunch, I headed to the training ground.
Since club meetings were canceled yesterday and today, there was nothing else to do.
'Having done plenty of mock training and duels in the morning…' I decided to go to the gym.
Squeak- I promptly pushed the entrance door open.
There were about ten people in the gym.
All of them familiar faces: Neike, Piel, Eshild, Max, Aisha…
even the mage, Andrew, was there.
'Obviously, stalking her.
What kind of gym workout would a germaphobe mage do?'

***

Everyone, except for Piel and Aisha, welcomed me.
“Nice to see you all.” I'm in a good mood.
It's quite a sight to see the students who used to look at me with subtle eyes now greeting me enthusiastically.
People really should make an effort.
After stretching my body, I headed towards the center, where the lower body training equipment was located.
“Oh, you're here…
I mean, you came, Theo.” Aisha greeted me with a slightly annoyed tone.
Why is she acting like this all of a sudden? It doesn't suit her.
“Aisha, is something wrong?” “No, nothing's wrong?” It seems like there's a big issue, but I decided not to pry.
“Alright, got it.” She was just fine two days ago.
What changed her mind? It's also strange to see someone I've never seen in the gym before.
With that thought in mind, I turned my gaze to Andrew.
“…” Andrew, who had caught my eye, approached me.
“I heard from Aisha that you skillfully led the two teams.” “You didn't hear that from me, Andrew.” Aisha immediately corrected him.
After Andrew managed his expression, he spoke again.
“We had a deep conversation with our club regulars about the magic dungeon incident.
Aisha was quite surprised.
I guess there was things I didn't know about—” “There wasn't anything like that.
And I wasn't that surprised.” “Eshild praised you a lot.” “That's true.” “…” Andrew hesitated and closed his mouth.
Ah, they say a boy in love becomes a fool.
What a pure heart.
He's a germaphobe, so he can't even touch exercise equipment others have used.
“Uh, uh, I, I can do, I can do it!” My prediction was accurate.
Andrew was still hesitating, debating whether or not to grab the barbell.
He kept glancing at Aisha.
…Is he trying to show off his masculinity? He should just stick to his magic.
It's hard to watch.
I'll just help him.
During the magic dungeon incident, Noctar, who had been on the same team as Andrew, told me how he went above himself to protect everyone.
“Andrew.” “···Are you going to mock me?” “Take this.” I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket and threw it to Andrew.
Of course, it was an excessively fashioned item for a simple handkerchief, tailored to Theo's taste.
Andrew looked at me with a puzzled expression, and I immediately provided an answer.
“It's unused.
Wrap it around your hand and use it.
You don't have to return it.” “······Alright.” Andrew turned his head, muttered, “I lost again,” and tightly wrapped the handkerchief around his hand.
'Why is he like this?' Anyway, I should focus on my own training.