The Spoon Villain Is Obsessed with the Hero Again Today

The Tomb Raider (1)

“I heard the management of the Mana Stone has been entrusted to Hanyul Military Academy.”

This was the Minister’s office of the Hero Management Department. Tae Seung-gun had come to see Choi Chang-hwan, the owner of this room.

It wasn’t unusual for guild leaders to frequent the Minister’s office. It was a common sight, one you’d often see.

Just yesterday, Park Won-hyuk had come to the Minister’s office bearing a set of red ginseng as a gift.

Of course, Choi Chang-hwan hadn’t accepted it. He couldn’t violate the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

“Are you sure this is alright? Leaving the Basago’s Mana Stone to languish in a place like an educational institution.”

Anyway.

The reason Tae Seung-gun had come to the Minister’s office in person was because of the Mana Stone’s location.

Currently, the Basago’s Mana Stone was being managed by Hanyul Military Academy. To be precise, it was enshrined in the Academic Exhibition Hall.

Tae Seung-gun didn’t like that fact.

“You came all the way here for something so trivial?”

For the record, it was Choi Chang-hwan, the man present here, who had decided to entrust the Mana Stone to Hanyul Military Academy.

The reason was simple. Students from Hanyul Military Academy had made significant contributions in the battle at the time. That’s why the Mana Stone was sent to the school.

You could think of it as a kind of medal.

“It’s not something so trivial. I believe you’re aware, Minister, of just how dangerous that Mana Stone is.”

If it were just a normal plaque or trophy, he wouldn’t have come in the first place.

It was, after all, a Mana Stone. The source of power possessed by a Class S magical beast, no less. That power hadn’t faded and was still active.

If an accident were to occur, it would result in irreparable damage.

“It’s not an item that should be placed in an exhibition hall. If someone were to appear and try to steal the Mana Stone…”

“That’s not something you need to worry about.”

But Choi Chang-hwan didn’t change his mind. It was already a decided matter. He couldn’t back down now.

“Understood. If Minister Choi speaks so, I shall not press further.”

Stubborn as ever, then and now. Tae Seung-geon turned on his heel at once.

No option for a meal together, now that they had met. They were never that kind of acquaintance, to begin with.

“Then, I’ll be going.”

“Hold on.”

Just as Tae Seung-geon was about to leave the Minister’s office. This time, it was Choi Chang-hwan who spoke, addressing Tae Seung-geon’s back.

“Since you offered me advice, let me offer a word to you as well.”

What was he about to say, all of a sudden? Tae Seung-geon remained still, facing the door, attentively listening.

Soon, Choi Chang-hwan spoke.

“Power is merely power, you see. If one becomes too engrossed in it, one may very well be consumed by it in return.”

“….”

“So, do not be greedy.”

*

The mana measurement continued. Following Instructor Kim Dong-hak’s instructions, the students stood before the machine in order.

And when it was Arna’s turn…

“2 meters 20 centimeters.”

Arna broke her own record once more. Effortlessly surpassing the 2 meters 14 centimeters she had set the previous semester.

—Ooh.

The trainees couldn’t help but marvel. There was a reason the media kept an eye on Arna. They were promoting Arna because she deserved it.

She was practically an idol.

“Excellent. You may return to your place.”

“Thank you.”

Arna’s steps seemed light as she returned to her seat.

She had flaunted her abilities in front of so many students. Of course, she couldn’t help but hold her head high.

“….”

But the truth is, I made all this possible. Or rather, it’s thanks to the quest rewards.

So many things have happened in the meantime. I’ve been tossed and turned, taking on quest after quest, just to raise Arna.

Anyone with a weaker mind would have quit long ago. In a world where it’s hard enough to take care of myself, I even have to care for someone else.

In that regard, I want to praise myself.

My mental fortitude is truly something.

“Heh heh, how was that? Surprised you, did I? I’m still growing, you know.”

Oblivious to such a thing, Arna puffed out her chest and snorted a breath.

Towards her chest, I spoke.

“Growing for certain. Those milkers of yours, I mean.”

“Eeeek…!”

Her joy fleeting as a dream, Arna’s face flushed crimson. And then, as always, she shouted at me.

“Always talking about milkers, milkers! Don’t you ever get tired of it!”

“Never. Every single time feels brand new.”

“At least consider the time and place, will you! What’s with ‘milkers’ in the middle of the lecture hall, honestly! What do you think the trainees will think!”

Well, it was more like Arna shouting only drew more attention.

And she even used the word ‘milkers’ herself. Digging her own grave, she was.

“Anyway, congrats. You set another record.”

“Don’t you try to change the subject so slyly!”

Not this time. Arna grabbed my collar.

“Today, I’m seeing this through to the end! I’ll slice that blathering mouth of yours off right here!”

“Really? Are you sure that’s okay? With so many eyes on us. Wouldn’t do for the hero who’s supposed to be everyone’s hope to become a tyrant who’s slicing off other people’s mouths.”

“I don’t care if I’m a hero or a tyrant, as long as I can get rid of you! I’ll gladly become a tyrant!”

Arna and I were having a shouting match in the middle of the lecture hall. A sight often seen by students of Hanyul Academy. It’s a common occurrence, after all.

—Arna is… fighting with a boy…?

But for the trainees, this situation was merely curious. Arna, who always showed only a perfect image, was now fuming at a male student.

Everyone could only stare with wide eyes.

“In that case, I suppose a word or two of last testament before I die would be alright.”

“Last testament…?”

“Yes. I will proclaim to the world the disgrace of Arna Kristinsdottir, who took my life. What she did in the changing room during the last final exam period, what’s in her closet right now, and finally, what she did inside the cave during the dispatch…”

“aaagh…! W-wait a minute…! Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden…!”

Even if she could bear the other things, that one thing, at least, should never be brought up. Especially not in front of people. Not even the Hanyul Academy students, who had seen countless fights between them.

This was a shameful past of the hero that could never be revealed to anyone.

“First, to everyone in this lecture hall…”

“Stop itttttt…!”

Arna hurriedly pulled a handkerchief out of her pocket. She shoved the handkerchief into my mouth, just like that.

“Ugh!”

“Another peep out of you, and I’ll shove it down your throat!”

A choking sensation. If things continued like this, I really might die.

I tapped Arna’s shoulder, signaling surrender.

“You think I’d fall for that? Just loosen my grip and you’ll be right back at it!”

“Uh, uhugh, ugh.”

“You sound like some animal! Can’t you even speak properly?”

All thanks to who, I wondered? Arna was the one clamping her hand over my mouth.

There was no way to speak in this situation.

“That’s enough, both of you.”

Instructor Kim Dong-hak intervened, stopping our squabble.

“Even if it’s the first day and we’re measuring mana, this is still lecture time. Are you allowed to cause a ruckus during class?”

“S-sorry…”

Arna seemed to finally realize we were in the middle of a lecture and quickly bowed her head.

Next, Kim Dong-hak’s gaze turned to me.

“Shin Yun-seong. Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“Ugh, uhugh.”

“First, spit out whatever’s in your mouth and then speak.”

“Ptooey.”

I spat the handkerchief from my mouth. Once dry, it was now soaked with saliva.

“Eugh…”

Arna grimaced, picking up the contaminated handkerchief.

I thought she’d head straight for the trash can. But she didn’t throw it away or anything.

“Sorry.”

Anyway.

Now that my pie hole was free, I bowed to Kim Dong-hak and apologized.

“We’ll continue measuring mana.”

No separate punishment or disciplinary action. Kim Dong-hak continued measuring the remaining students’ mana.

“Ugh…! What is this from the very first class…! So embarrassing…!”

Seated in her chair, Arna glared fiercely at me. But at least she wasn’t screaming like before.

Having received one warning already.

“You’re the one who fanned the flames. Boob-monster.”

“Eek…! I can’t really twist that mouth of his, can I…!”

Arna could only fume to herself in the current situation.

Look at that trembling fist of hers.

Oh, how delightful.

“2 meters 4 centimeters.”

—Ooh!

A roar of elation erupted throughout the lecture hall at that instant. A student exceeding 2 meters had appeared after Arna.

Who is it? There shouldn’t be many Awakened surpassing 2 meters in this school?

Kang Tae-hoon comes to mind, but that guy isn’t in this lecture hall at the moment.

Besides, Kang Tae-hoon is a freshman.

“A capable trainee has arrived.”

So, not a student of this school. A trainee from outside.

I wonder who it could be.

I made sure to see his face.

“Thank you.”

He was a male student with a rather slender build. And to match, his face was delicately pretty, almost girlish.

His age was roughly similar to ours. Even wearing the Hanyul Military Academy uniform, he didn’t look out of place at all.

“What’s your name?”

“Baek Seon-woo, sir.”

Baek Seon-woo.

I know of his existence.

Contrary to his appearance, his hands have a very bad habit.

A thief who mainly steals rare trophies or valuable artifacts that are hard to find on the market.

In other words, one of the professional tomb raiders.