The Persistent Protagonist
"They're really pouring out like crazy."
Passing up scoops like this would be pretty stupid, huh.
As expected, the articles were flooding in this time too. I'd spent the previous day resting up and leisurely browsing through all the reactions. The hot topic, especially, was the police's incompetence. After all their bold claims about catching me for sure this time, another failure had turned public opinion ice-cold—which was only natural, I suppose.
Of course, the nation wasn't planning to just sit back and watch either. They were talking about forming a dedicated task force specifically for capturing the phantom thief instead of relying on regular police. Get careless, and I might really be in trouble.
Anyway, now that I'd finished absorbing all the gems, it was time to resume phantom thief activities. But first, there was some homework I had to take care of.
"And with this, the presentation materials are all set."
"Ugh, that was tough."
Academy lunchtime. Our fantasy quartet had gathered in the library to compile our group project presentation. We'd synthesized various interviews and official press releases into neat presentation slides. Just as we'd planned from the start, it stayed neutral and objective, sticking to the facts without bias.
"Kinda wish we'd included more on the art gallery."
"We only had two days. And no new phantom thief sightings since then."
"We went to the scene the day before yesterday—should've dug up something."
The two who weren't me or Sharon—Yulia and Rachel—had apparently headed to the art gallery full of high hopes. But the crowds were too thick, so they hadn't been able to do much and came back empty-handed.
"That's 'cause you two didn't come along, you traitors."
Rachel sprawled across the desk, grumbling. If anything, she looked like the one slacking off the most right now. She'd suggested the art gallery trip just because it sounded fun, after all.
"The presentation's in just a few days, so unless something big comes up, let's go with this."
"Yeah, yeah. You'll be presenting anyway, group leader. You'll do great."
"Yep! I'll give it my all!"
Despite Rachel's snark, Yulia didn't back down—in fact, she fired right back. No matter how you sliced it, those two just had killer chemistry.
"And thanks, Sharon, for helping organize the materials."
"……."
"Sharon?"
"Ah, yeah."
Sharon, lost in thought, gave a vague reply after a beat. I watched her closely. For some reason, she'd been like this since morning. Was she wrestling with some heavy worries?
I have a pretty good idea what's up.
Really?
Mm. She's undoubtedly thinking of her beloved.
…….
Of course. I'd been an idiot for expecting a serious answer from the Goddess.
I sighed inwardly as Yulia, tidying up the materials, tossed out a new topic.
"So, what do we think Raven will do next?"
"What do you mean, 'what'?"
"From his pattern so far, he's either returned the items or given the money to someone else. What do you think he'll do this time?"
Her gaze landed right on me, which felt a tad burdensome. Yulia couldn't possibly suspect my identity, but even as coincidence, it was a little eerie. Still, I couldn't afford to overreact to every little thing like that. It'd just invite suspicion.
I answered as casually as possible, playing it cool.
"Who knows. Maybe he just does whatever strikes his fancy?"
"Hm… I think there's some kind of rule."
Rachel chimed in, picking at her ear with a bored look.
"Sells it if it's worth money, leaves it if not?"
"Nah, that necklace from the museum was super expensive."
Then Sharon, who'd been quiet till now, spoke up.
"Depends on the owner's character."
"…Huh?"
"Returns it if the owner's good. Sells it if bad, gives to good people."
Rachel snorted in disbelief.
"That's hilarious. Who decides good or bad? He a judge now?"
"Raven's call."
"You really think so…? What about you, Kro?"
What did I think? My heart skipped a beat. Had they already pieced it all together? And not as a guess, but with total conviction in her tone.
Only about five heists so far. The first couple were back when he was still a nobody, name unknown. To nail my ironclad principle from just five cases? Straight-up terrifying.
"Isn't it too soon to be sure…? Haha."
"Right? Though Sharon's got a point."
Thankfully, Sharon didn't push harder or nitpick my response. She just shot me a quick glance before zoning out again.
Phew. That was close… Gotta be even more careful from now on.
Lunchtime was winding down, so we headed back to class. Come to think of it, we'd been hanging out as a group way more lately. At first, I dreaded the group project, but looking back, it wasn't half bad. Sure, everyone had strong personalities, but maybe that's why we meshed so well without major issues.
In short, a fine harem.
Not even close.
Being the sole guy didn't change the fact that none of the girls showed any romantic interest in me. Rachel was too busy teasing me. Sharon was too aloof—we could barely hold a proper conversation. Even Yulia, the closest thing to a friend, was just her naturally kind self being nice; nothing special there.
Fine by me. Romance wasn't high on my list anyway. Phantom thief work took priority. Plus, dating major original characters wasn't as straightforward as it sounded. Even in this perfectly realized reality, their comic-book origins killed the immersion.
All in all, I was pretty content with life right now. Academy student by day, chilling with friends; phantom thief by night, gathering power for the Goddess.
"You're back. Got a sec?"
If only for these curveballs.
Back in class, Layered suddenly cornered me for a one-on-one. The handsome guy with his bright brown hair swept up—Layered, protagonist of the original comic that formed this world's backbone. In grandiose terms, the center of the universe, with every plotline revolving around him.
"What's up?"
No upside to beefing with the protagonist. No need to force friendship and meddle in the original story, but no reason to make an enemy either.
"Spar with me next period. Cool?"
"…Hm."
Too late for that. Why was he so fixated? Last sparring session, he'd accused me of going easy—for no good reason—and hounded me relentlessly. I'd thought he'd dropped it since things quieted down, but nope. He'd been biding his time, sharpening his grudge.
"No need to hold back this time. I'll go all out too."
With that, he brushed past me into the hall.
I'd never held back to begin with. What was his deal?
"Ooh, our resident loner's got fans?"
Rachel openly mocked me, poking my side.
"…Yulia. You're friends with him, right? Talk him down."
I pleaded, but Yulia gave an awkward smile, hesitating.
"Uh… sorry. He won't listen to me."
"Whatever. Don't hold back this time—crush him."
"Like that's happening. I never held back anyway?"
How was I supposed to beat that cheater? My Illusion Magic had zero combat utility to start with.
They both had busted unique magics, so they could afford to chill and watch the show.
Your abilities are plenty strong. Have some pride.
Yeah, I know. Super useful for phantom thieving.
But thieving and fighting were different beasts. Bluntly put, how do you win a sword fight with card tricks?
I see solid odds.
For real?
Of course. You just absorbed power and got stronger, didn't you?
True, but outside nighttime, the Goddess's power was limited. I'd have to rely solely on Kro Morris's skills. Could I even win?
Trust in this Goddess.
…But winning's a problem too.
Lose, and he'd whine about me holding back again. Win, and I'd draw everyone's eyes. One slip, and my Raven identity's exposed. Damned if I do, damned if I don't.
Ah, maybe just ditch early?
The lunch bell rang right then. No early escape for me—I dragged my feet to the sparring room.