Chapter 89: The True Protagonist Takes the Stage
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 89: The True Protagonist Takes the Stage
Don't panic.
Muen, don't panic.
Now is not the time to lose your cool.
Even if I’m currently being stared down by hundreds of eyes while dressed in this humiliating outfit, I’m still wearing the persona of a beautiful girl.
For the time being, they don't know I’m Muen Campbell.
It’s like how wearing a pair of panties over your head makes it easier to do perverted things—as long as the "beautiful girl" mask isn't stripped away, I am invincible!
"Ahhh! Beautiful lady, we’re coming to save you!"
But just as Muen was desperately trying to comfort himself, another wave of chaos erupted from below.
Aside from a certain Soaring Phoenix protagonist who had already forced her way into the dormitory building, many other students (the male ones) seemed to have been injected with adrenaline. They were frantically attacking the muscular, macho men blocking their path.
Some students who had already fled even turned back, lurking on the outskirts and casting spells while stealing glances at Muen. Their shy expressions made them look like adolescent boys trying to show off in front of a girl they liked.
At that moment, the elite members of the Student Council, clad in conspicuous red uniforms, entered the fray in silence from the darkness surrounding the dorms!
Unlike the chaotic mass of ordinary students, they were clearly better trained. They moved in small squads, supporting one another and driving into the chaotic battlefield like nails, targeting pre-identified weak points in the enemy's defense.
The bun-haired beauty stood on a temporary high platform, holding a magical megaphone. With a rare look of gravity, she began barking orders.
"Students below the third year, retreat to the perimeter! I repeat, retreat to the perimeter! This is no time for reckless bravado. Clear the way for your seniors to attack!"
"Martial arts majors, move to the front! Do not be afraid; you have the support of over a hundred healing mages and believers behind you!"
"Offensive mages, head to the opposite dormitory building! Take the high ground and provide fire support from safety!"
"Student Council Third Squad, the west entrance of the dorm has been cleared. Move in immediately!"
"The President has spoken! The enemy is nothing but insects. Do not fear! If we stand united, we will surely rescue the hostage!"
The arrival of the Student Council and the words of the bun-haired beauty acted as a shot of adrenaline for the students still in a state of confusion.
While an invasion of the Academy was unheard of to them, this was St. Maria Academy. Every single class here was about becoming stronger.
Once they regained their footing and organized a disciplined assault, how could those brawny macho men possibly hold them back? They were forced into a steady retreat under the relentless, storm-like offensive.
"This is great... at this rate, they’ll reach the top and save me in no time." Watching this, Muen couldn't help but shed tears of gratitude.
To save the beautiful and moving princess, the heroes had finally united and embarked on a quest to defeat the Demon King.
But when they finally defeat countless monsters, overcome every trial, and even slay the Demon King himself to stand before the beautiful princess, hungering for her reward...
The princess will hike up her skirt and pull out something even bigger than what the heroes are packing...
—The heroes would probably tie the princess and the Demon King together and burn them both at the stake.
Muen’s mind raced.
He knew that if he just sat here waiting for the main force to arrive, he definitely wouldn't be able to slip away.
When that time came, under the expectant gazes of countless people... once the potion wore off...
He would definitely die!
Both physically and socially!
Escape! I have to escape early.
But...
Muen glanced at the High Priest, who had been standing by his side the whole time.
At the very least, he needed someone to distract this guy.
"Take this! Heavenly Fire Greatsword!"
"Beautiful lady, I’m here!"
Right then, like rain during a long drought, a heavenly voice rang out.
The door leading to the rooftop was blasted open by a terrifying sword qi infused with flames and gale-force winds. The macho men guarding the entrance didn't even have time to react before they were sent flying by the howling shockwave.
Against a backdrop of fire and wind, our true Child of Destiny, Ariel Bugard, made her grand entrance, carrying a ruler-shaped greatsword that was larger than a person.
She was chewing on a toothpick she’d found somewhere. When her eyes landed on Muen, her lips crooked into her signature roguish smirk.
"Kept you waiting, didn't I, beautiful?"
Ariel brushed back her bangs and gave a flamboyant smile.
"I’m not too late, am I?"
"Fuck."
Muen’s lip twitched, and he couldn't help but shudder.
He took back his earlier relief. Even if this girl arrived right on time, it didn't feel like a good thing.
What was with that "dashing hero out to win a maiden's heart" act?
Was the Ariel in the original book this much of a womanizer, flirting with everyone she saw?
"Ari... Ariel, keep moving! The ones behind us are catching up!"
Behind Ariel, a panting Liya didn't even have time to rest before she frantically pushed Ariel forward. Behind them, over a dozen enraged macho men were charging up with bloodshot eyes.
"Tsk. Strange. Didn't I already knock them out?"
"It’s useless! They seem to have been corrupted by an Evil God. You can't deal with them like normal people anymore!"
"In that case, I’ll just take down the leader!"
Ariel spat out the toothpick with a ptui and swung her greatsword, charging directly at the High Priest, who was clearly different from the other muscle-bound goons.
"Oh?"
The High Priest, who had been staring out into the night, finally turned his head and offered a mocking smile.
"Do I look that easy to capture?"
"Anyone can talk big. We’ll see who’s the boss after we trade blows," Ariel shouted.
Fighting spirit erupted.
Sword light flickered.
Terrifying mana surged and intertwined, forming a blade of flame without the need for a single chant.
The blade expanded against the wind, looking like a massive scar cutting through the dark night.
Ariel leaped high into the air, light as a swallow.
But as she descended, she was like a mountain falling, wreathed in heavenly thunder!
"Ho, interesting."
The High Priest’s expression remained cold. He reached out, and a heavy saber shimmering with a chilling light appeared in his hand.
He gripped the saber. There were no flashy effects like Ariel’s, but when he took a single step forward, the entire dormitory building seemed to tremble.
The saber swung upward to meet Ariel’s flaming blade.
—Clang!
After a brief moment of deafening silence, a thunderous explosion erupted.
A scorching shockwave howled outward, and for a brief moment, it looked as if a miniature sun had risen in the night sky.
Many students still locked in combat instinctively stopped and looked toward the roof.
Muen, feeling the terrifying aftershocks of the clash from such a close distance, felt his breath hitch.
Ariel is already this strong?
You’re telling me this is a second-year student?
No, no, now isn't the time for that.
This is a god-given opportunity!
The moment the High Priest and Ariel were locked in a stalemate, Muen nimbly rolled across the ground and snatched up the item he had been eyeing...
That toothpick.
The toothpick danced nimbly between his fingers. A few breaths later, accompanied by the click of the cold shackles falling to the floor, Muen couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.
"Yes!"
Lockpicking LV8 is the goat.
Now he could finally break free. The sky was high for the bird to fly, the sea was wide for the fish to—
Wait.
Strange.
Even though he was off the railing, why did the surrounding gazes still feel... so burning?
Muen’s face stiffened as he looked up.
And then he saw them.
The dozen or so macho men—who had lost their targets because Ariel was fighting the High Priest and Liya had hidden somewhere—were all staring at him with dead-serious expressions.