“I do not wish to witness such pathetic ending to a tale of a hero.”

"The war, eh?" I muttered as I observed some of the battle between my classmates.

Shin has experienced up until now approximately 31 rounds in which the war was push forward, each time failing miserably, losing everything. The 726th round was originally going to be such a round, however, this time there was one factor that made a different. It was Eva Varon.

The war was needed to be push forward before she can gain her power, before the Demon King was aware of her and put her under a spell, thus, we can use that chance to take her as our allies. Her prophecy ability undoubtedly was a nuisance to Shin and I.

Though there is certainly some important event that would occur leading up to the war, I couldn't help but think of it. The only that can describe it was 'Chaos'. The entirety of the central human domain would be destroyed, demons would run rampant, and it would only become a dog eat dog world.

"Done already, womanizing scumbag?" I chuckled as I noticed Shin's figure materialized next to me.

"Yeah, Mia is frozen, Jun-seo is pissed right now cause a certain someone ran away, and Eliss was caught," he said.

"Open your telepathy communication."

"Right now?" Shin asked in which I responded with a nod.

[Eternal Mimicry - Telepathy]

[You, you currently may have the ability to go against the Demon King, correct?]

I was well aware of how powerful Shin currently is. In a fateful battle in the 725th round, Shin, alone, was fighting against demon king after his allies all have fallen, yet he was able to slowly but surely overwhelm the powerful demon. However, almost at the end of the battle, that was when that being, the Origin, descended.

[What if I do]

There was silent for a couple of moments before I broke it, [And you are going to start launching an attack after gaining Eva as your ally, did I hit the mark?]

[That's right. With that I would be able to rid the demon of the power of prophecy which was the only hinderance as of currently] he nodded

[You are being foolish, don't think you could take on everything by yourself and simply regress if you fail, I advise you abandon that plan and wait further in order to grow your power]

[Why wait and give that bastard the time to also grow his power, while he also slowly learns more about our existence?]

[It is because l need time to grow as well as your allies, we all need time. You do realize that demon is not the only hinderance in path to your purpose, correct? And you know what being would descend in the final battle, yes?]

I was confident about growing stronger. Leaving my Wildcard aside, my Skill [Wind Mimicry], the Dagger Art [Silent Wind], the combat experience and power left by the past Jin Shinpei was already a good baseline for me to start. Combining with my knowledge of Worthless Honor, it would only be a matter of time my power would soar to extreme height.

It was then I asked him a question, [Shin, do you wish to continue your cycle of regression?]

[…] he did not answer.

[I have no knowledge of my fate after the Absolute Reset, I may return back in time, I may lose my life, or I may simply disappear, I do not know, I am afraid to know. Therefore, my purpose also made me vow to end your cycle of regression. Do not harbor the fate of the world to yourself, allow me to carry such a burden with you.] I stood up, my eyes held a fierce conviction. [But still, whether you decide to drag your allies into the final battle or not, they would only face an inevitable death in the might of that being if you and I are not strong enough. Even if you succeed through the effort and sacrifice in this round, I assure you will look around you and realize you truly have lost everything]

[I desire to see you fulfilling your purpose yet I do not wish to witness such pathetic ending to a tale of a hero.]

Silent befall upon us once again as we stood there, motionless.

"Tch," Shin clicked his tongue. "What do you know? Don't go around deciding my fate, that arrogance of yours would only cost you your life. Just watch, I'll break this cycle once and for all." Then, he vanished.

Stubborn bastard. But still, he should understand my point by now if he has some braincells and rationality inside of him.

Swoosh-

Responding to the desperate cries of my instinct, I activated [Wind Mimicry].

It was then, 3 arrows flew at high speed through the large gap on my body created by my vanishing torso that became one with the wind.

"You bastard, you're not getting away this time," Jun-seo declared as his sword glowed into life.

[7 Swords of The Fallen Gods - Agonizing Patience]

"The way you guys are so desperate to chase after me, ah, such passion, it's turning me on," I yawned, still standing on the tree as I gaze at the two approaching figure.

"What is wrong with this guy."

"You both really just left me there, does our 'teaming up' mean nothing you?" Eliss questioned as she raised her bow.

But… you… refused?" I sent her a questioning look in response.

"Anyhow- oh… wait… what the hell is that?" I spoke in a low volume yet audible as I squinted my eyes and pointed towards something in the distance behind them.

Eliss and Jun-seo both turned their heads to look at the source of my attention. It was that moment I realized I utterly have bamboozled them and activated [Wind Mimicry] and [Silent Wind - Concealment], allowing me to dissipate with the wind, making my escape. But, of course, not without calling them a dumbass before my existence completely vanish from their sight.

"…"

"…"

"Did we just get…" Jun-seo muttered in disbelief.

"Please…" Eliss covered her face in embarrassment, "not another word, I am quite frankly speechless as well…"

—-

(Shin's pov)

[Shin, do you wish to continue your cycle of regression?]

[I desire to see you fulfilling your purpose yet I do not wish to witness such pathetic ending to tale of a hero.]

A hero? Don't make me laugh. I am just an empty husk. My actions, my ways of speaking, my facade, it was all for the sake of my own purpose. I have never saved a single soul from the goodness of my heart.

I have no reason to fight for anyone that can be consider selfless.

I am shouldering the fate of this world, I know that, however, if the reason for myself to carry such burden is not genuine, why call me a hero?

'Even back in the early rou-'

Ah, I see.

Those days of the 0th round, the 1st round, the 2nd, and so on. Each failure I believed I would lose everything as I returned to darkness' embrace, yet each time when the Absolute Resets occur I was just… happy?

I was just happy that I had another chance to embrace those dear to me once more. Another chance to protect them.

'That genuine feeling , I have lost them all haven't I? I had forgotten what it felt like.'

[You are a regressor, the only thing you can lose is yourself]

Thus, as his words echoed within my mind, it was when I began wonder if I was able to rid myself of those burden would I be able to find myself once again? Would I be able to return to peaceful darkness and relish death to the fullest?

[Allow me carry such a burden with you.]

"…"

The words continued desperately to reach out towards my soul. Distain? Hesitant? Desperation? I had no knowledge of what I felt towards those words. "Hmph, don't be ridiculous, it's too much for you to bear."

'A prophet that possess a weapon that can potentially kill the Origin…' Is that possible? My Eyes of Truth can discern all lies yet it never had waver in front of that man.

How mysterious.

I wonder if one day I am able to believe in him from the bottom of my heart.

"Hmm, quite the party we have here," I sighed as I slowly stood up mustering a smile. "How thoughtful, were you the one who threw this party for me, Mia?"

"It's just a temporary alliance that is necessary for us to win this game," Mia said as she raised her rapier.

"Oh really now."

"This is pathetic, over 100 against 1 man, I'm not joining." Jun-seo clicked his tongue and began to walk away.

"Jun-seo, you have no idea what he is capable of," Mia said in a low volume.

"Whatever. Eliss, you coming?"

"No, I have debt to settle with him." Eliss raised her bow and began cloaked her arrows with mana.

"Fine, I'll leave."

"How lively. I must admit, you overestimated me, this is quite unfair, I'm just a mere commoner who just happens gain first place in the entrance exam." I said in a flustered voice.

"Oh god, now he's starting to speak like that bastard," Mia muttered. "[The Great Surge - Limit Breaker]."

"Quite impatient, I see" I revealed a vicious smile that sent chills down my pursuers' spine. "Then try as you might."

—-

(Jin's Pov)

I continued run around the forest, escaping increasing amount of Chaser using my [Wind Mimicry] and [Silent Wind - Concealment]. I have heard quite a lot of people calling me a coward, and I have to admit, my action does resemble one. But, come on, why would I risk get caught them just to frozen them in place for a while.

'Do any of these guy have a single functioning brain?'

I checked to see that there only exactly a few minutes left before the game ends

If my memory is right, the only survivor left in the Runner's team in the novel was Shin, now including me.

'Shin should be now in quite the situation.'

It was then multiple explosions reverberate and different lights of all color began to dye the sky and forest.

"Well, there's that."

—-

"Haa… it seems my joy for battle has also been lost as well," Shin quietly sighed as he stabbed his spear into the ground and sat down, surrounded by hundreds of human, who seem to be frozen in place.

"And the only battles that can cause my adrenaline to rage is not a battle I should be enjoying. How boring."

Beep beep-

It was then, a mechanic beep resounded from everyone's battle uniform, and the color of their shirt reverted back to the default black.

Annoyed sighs and grunt were heard as the class was immediately unfrozen

"That's the end of the game I guess," Shin said as he nonchalantly stood up. "Now, let's get back to work, shall we?

—-

"Huu man, if I weren't able to catch a guy that is lower in rank than me, I would probably be quite embarrassed, eh? You agree partner? hahaha," I laughed as I pat Shin's back while I entered the changing room. "Oh wait, I wouldn't know how that it would feel like because I have the lowest rank in the class. hahaha"

"Hmm, why is the atmosphere feel so grave?" I spoke in an audible volume

"You bastard!"

"Oh fuck off, pussy"

"Don't give that bullshit!"

"You were only running away!"

[Eternal Mimicry - Telepathy]

[What the hell are you trying to do,] Shin looked at me with deadpan face

[Just for fun, nothing big]

I knew quite well how prideful these fools are, to attend in the prestigious academy it is natural they are quite privileged, by riling them continuously onward I will look disdainful in their eyes, fake rumors against me may spread, and I may slowly and surely become the class' outcast.

Originally I didn't meant to do this, however, now circumstances has changed and I would need another way to temporary avoid the other possible curiosity and attention that may diverge towards me. I am doing this by making myself known for my notoriety.

An arrogant, coward low rank. Insignificant and foolish. It would make it much more easier for people to brush away my insignificance if they thought of me as such.

Of course, it meant I would be quite the asshole. But, that would only be my pleasure.

The 'test' ended and we are to move to the Mana Theory class after we had change. The professor was practically reciting theories that I had read countless times over throughout the novel. Shin's knowledge of Mana Theory was undoubtedly worth more than his words. However, it was still quite interesting learning much more in depth about the mana concept.

"That will be all for today, you are all dismissed." The professor dismissed the class and began to pack away his belongings

I heaved a violent sigh. "Can someone explain what in the fuck are you guys doing here."

"Like we have a choice, asshole." Mia irritably said.

"We were lucky to have such a laid-back homeroom and combat teacher, yet it seems we would still have to stick to the seating plan in other classes." Eliss sighed.

"But still, this is bullshit!" Seriously, am I cursed or something?

"C'mon don't be so cold." Shin pat my shoulder.

"Speaking of cold I've been feeling the chills from a certain someone's gaze for a while now," I mentioned as I looked over my shoulder.

"Don't mind him, he's just being jealous again." Mia smirked. "So, are you guys joining any clubs? We have to register tomorrow afternoon at the club fair"

The Traveling Club incidence . The next somewhat major event. During one of Traveling Club activity, where Eliss and Shin was participating in, there was another demon, a vice general this time, sent assassinate the Princess of Alys.

'This girl really got some bad luck.' I inwardly sighed

"We were thinking of joining Traveling Club." Shin answered.

"Oh, what a coincident, me too." Eliss said.

"We?" My eye brow unconsciously raised up as I detect an ominous feeling.

"Yes, we." Shin repeated as he revealed a smile of devil's incarnation.

"Are you dumb?" I grabbed his collar and whispered in a low volume. "Do you want the possibility of another anomaly?"

[Eternal Mimicry - Telepathy]

[Of course not]

[The demon is a damned vice-general! You do know what that means, right?]

[His runes' connection to that bastard is definitely going to be much more powerful than that Arthraz.]

[Exactly, do you want my existence to be notice even further? What the hell are you suggesting?!]

[Well, you don't have to participate in the battle, but, that aside, I'm suggesting we could bust into an auction house there and get you a Mana Technique that I think may be perfect for you..]

"…"

"Hm? Are you guys all right?" Eliss asked, slightly concern.

"Ah, yes, as we were saying, me and my besto friendo here are going to join the Traveling Club, hehehahahaha," I couldn't help but burst into a crazed laugh, "Oh, I apologize for my indecent act… hehehe."

"This guy really have a few screws loose," Mia heaved a tired sigh. "I was thinking of joining the Hunting Club."

At her words, my eyes slightly widened.

Oh, right. I almost forgot about it. There was also the Hunting Club incidence…

"Oh there is a hunting club?" I asked, faking a surprise expression. "Hmm… yeah actually never mind, Shin, sorry but, I think I'll join the hunting club."

"What is this? You're creeping me out…" Mia said as she back away from me while covering specific parts of her body.

"Oh please, your delusion is one creeping me out," I sighed. "I just want to try and hunt some Mana Beast, my grandpa never allowed me to do so before."

"That's the only reason?" Mia asked, still skeptical.

"What do you have, a princess complex or something?" I scoffed. "Quit the delusion, Shin is not into that, you know?"

"Y-You! Argh forget it!" Mia shouted as stormed out of the class.

"Well, I guess I'll be going as well." Eliss gave a light chuckle and waved us goodbye before quickly following behind Mia.

"Sorry, I guess you'll have to grab that technique for me." I said

"What are you planning?" Shin asked turned his gaze towards me.

"You remember what the Demon Seed is, correct?" I questioned

The Demon Seed, it was exactly like it sounded. When implanted into a human's body, it would slowly sprout. After a specific amount of time, that human would transform into a demon. Hunting Club incident was not a known event of any source, even in the future as it occurred silently, however, during that event, Mia was implanted with a Demon Seed.

Shin was able heal her, yet, it did cause quite the trouble.

The time of when the seed was implanted into Mia was not known to Shin until the original 726th round, after gaining Eva as an ally, thus, he couldn't stop it, he could only heal it.

"How can I forget?"

"Well, I'll try prevent it from corrupting Mia's body." I stated. "But, I can't guarantee that would be able to help the other from being implanted with the seed as that may expose my existence."

"That is fine, the only one that truly matter most right now is Mia." Shin smiled as he stood up and exit the classroom.

"Ungrateful bastard, not even a thank you?" I chuckled.