Drama(1)

The next morning, Hades could be seen climbing a steep mountain trail.

His upper body was bare, sweat clinging to his scar-covered skin. His chest rose and fell heavily with each breath as he carefully took each step, the thick rope around his shoulders tugging against him.

A massive log rested on his back, pressing down with relentless weight. His legs felt heavier with every stride, yet he didn't stop.

He couldn't.

The system had ordered it.

[Distance traveled: 9892 / 10000]

He had to complete twenty thousand steps while carrying at least a hundred kilograms. And because he chose to walk uphill, the system only counted half the distance.

That's why he chose this harder, shorter path.

"Haah… haah…" His breathing was ragged. His vision blurred slightly from exhaustion.

It had been a while since he trained like this. He hadn't fully recovered yet, and the strain was starting to show.

But at last—

"It's done!"

DHAK

He loosened the rope, letting the heavy log crash onto the ground with a thud.

"Need some water?" came a familiar voice.

Perched on a rock nearby was the silver-haired woman.

Hades glanced at her—and noticed she wasn't looking at his face.

Her gaze was… lower. Focused. Unwavering.

That expression…

"Sorry, is this bothering you?" he asked, thinking she was staring at his scars.

"No, not at all. Scars are like medals for warriors, aren't they?" she replied, eyes still locked in place. "Don't hide them. Show them off."

Hades gave a small, wry smile. "If you say so."

He took a seat on a stone across from her and asked, "So, what's the plan for today?"

Finally, Rinne looked up at his face and replied, "Nothing much. Breakfast first, then some boring classes… and after that, the real fun starts."

"The raid assignment?"

She nodded with a grin. "Yup. Revenge tastes best when it's served hot."

Hades blinked. "Strange. I've always heard it's best served cold."

He paused for a moment before asking, "But Rinne… Cedric didn't really do anything to you, apart from lying about your grandmother's health. So why go this far?"

Taking a stand against the Crown Prince wasn't something to take lightly. Rinne had power—her ties to the church made her nearly untouchable—but if she was caught scheming against Cedric, her image could be shattered. The King might even exile her.

Rinne didn't hesitate.

"It's because of you, Hades. Didn't I tell you? I want to be useful to the man I admire—the one I fell for."

Hades scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I know you're not the kind of person who falls for someone just because they helped you once… so why me?"

Even after Hades thought about it for a long time, there wasn't anything common between them that attracted Rinne towards him. Yes, they had a few moments in the past that could be regarded as moving. But Hades hardly believes those few moments were enough for Rinne to betray her friend to help him.

While he wasn't looking, a soft smile extended her lips.

She shook her head and told him, "I will tell you...one day. But for now, you should go and rest. After all, you need to be refreshed to enjoy the evening drama."

Hades wryly smiled...somehow, she seemed more eager than him to see Cedric getting humiliated.

...

After that Hades and Rinne went their ways. They are not meeting or talking in the academy for the time being. Rinne suggested it. So that she could be around Cedric and find out if he is conspiring against something again.

Hades had no problem. He was content with the fact alone that he had someone to talk to. Even if they are talking in secrecy.

He reached his room and soon entered the bathroom.

Resting inside the bathing pool, he thought about his situation.

His father never paid the school fees. Hades managed that all on his own. 

He used to get paid by the school for being in the Alpha Team. Adding the amount he earned from hunting, he was easily able to afford a good living. 

But now that he is no longer in a team..."It's gonna be tough." He sighed as he leaned against the ledge.

His eyes were closed. 

The bathroom was silent. 

Not a single movement.

But then, suddenly Hades pulled the bath pool plug, infused mana into it, and threw it at the window.

*CRACK*

"GUH!"

Just as he thought, there was someone outside his window.

He got up, wrapped a towel, and approached the broken window.

"Ran away..." He looked down. There was no trace of anyone there. 

'Cedric...or someone else?' Regardless of who was behind it, Hades now has to keep an eye on his surroundings. 

If he and Rinne are found together, carelessly approaching Cedric might turn out to be dangerous.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Add my book to the library.