The Survival of the Third-rate Villain

With the Brave Hearts being my reality now, my survival greatly depends on the main characters.

'Especially on the protagonist—Leon.'

So to survive...

'I should go and side with them and make sure the story progresses properly.'

That's why I decided it would be better to be a support character working behind the scenes.

I've thought long and hard about this before.

If I want a scholarship from the academy, then I ought to do something amazing...

'Something that will make the academy think I'm worthy of such support.'

Either I get stronger or invent something incredible...

But the thing is, if I do that, my presence and name will become much more significant in the academy.

And so will my role in the game's story...

'There will be a possibility that I'll regain a role and be forced to participate in the game scenarios again.'

So if that's going to happen anyway...

"I should be on the main characters' side, at least."

I don't want to be a third-rate villain anymore.

'I don't want to fight the main characters!'

And while I'm on the good side, I plan to take care of any unexpected variables that might alter the game scenarios.

But to be able to do that...

"I need to be stronger first."

-Meep!

Pyro agreed with me, showing his full support. He was resting on top of my right shoulder.

"Thanks."

I said, patting his head.

And after that...

Tap- tap- tap—

I headed to my first class.

*****

"Today, we'll be having an activity outside."

Professor Jacqueline announced as soon as the class started.

"Line up in front of the room."

She instructed.

"..."

And we all silently complied. We didn't want to get nagged at, after all.

We lined up outside the classroom, and once that was all done...

We left the Xapham Hall with Professor Jacqueline guiding us.

...

...

After a few minutes of walking, we reached the deeper part of the northern forest.

'It's my first time in this part,'

I thought, looking around.

The trees were bigger and the grass around were taller.

This part of the forest was much denser than where the old man and I usually hunt.

As I was curiously looking around...

"Today, you are tasked to collect ingredients used for alchemy."

Professor Jacqueline announced the goal of our activity today.

"In this part of the forest, monsters can appear, so be careful."

She then added a warning.

"Oh no..."

"Is this safe...?"

"I hope so..."

Her words sparked up worried mumblings from the students, they're scared about their safety.

Hearing their concerns...

"I'll be grouping you into pairs. It'll be much safer that way."

Professor Jacqueline said that.

"Phew..."

"Then I guess it's fine."

The danger is still there, but the idea of not roaming alone in this forest calmed the students down.

"Anyway, you'll be graded by the rarity and quality of the ingredients you collect."

Professor Jacqueline then explained.

And after that...

"I'll start grouping you now."

Our outdoor activity started.

*****

My name is Sofia Vergara, a 1st-year student from C-Class, Magic Course.

For my main lessons, I took Cultivating Magic and Alchemy.

Today, in my Alchemy class, our professor led us to the deeper parts of the northern forest and tasked us to collect ingredients used for alchemy as part of an activity.

I wasn't confident roaming around this part of the forest alone...

But when Professor Jacqueline said we'd be paired up.

'Phew...'

I felt relieved.

I have low combat ability, after all.

I don't think I can even win a fight against anyone in this academy.

'Main reason why I'm in C-Class.'

I smiled in relief.

Though...

"Sofia, your partner is Raye,"

That smile of mine quickly faded when I heard the name of my partner.

...

...

Fwip- fwip—

Currently, I'm crouching, plucking herbs that are infused with mana.

They are basic alchemy ingredients with earth essence and strong healing properties.

"..."

I'm doing this as quietly as possible...

Why?

Because of someone, of course!

Looking behind me, I could see Raye busy doing something on his own.

'Ugh, please don't kill me.'

I prayed in my head, looking at him.

I'd heard rumors about him—nasty ones!

And because of it, being alone with him is making me nervous. I don't feel any safer at all!

'Ugh, maybe being alone would've been better...'

I thought.

But after a few seconds...

"No."

I shook my head.

'I don't need to worry. I'm sure Lycus will help me if I'm in trouble!'

I said in my head.

Lycus, my childhood friend, is strong.

He's also a first-year, but he's in A-Class, Combat Course.

'And every time that I'm in trouble, he comes rushing to help me.'

Having him as a friend is really reassuring.

'So I know he will save me from Raye if he tries anything funny!'

Thinking about that, I calmed down a little...

Though, just then...

"Sofia."

Raye called out to me.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice he was now standing in front of me!

"Wha?!?!"

I exclaimed in panic as I stood up and took a defensive stance!

"..."

Raye just stared at me in silence.

And after a few seconds...

"Ugh."

His face slowly cringed.

'Ah, his eyes are judging me! He thinks I'm a weirdo!'

I was embarrassed.

Moving on, Raye shook his head...

"Here."

Then he handed me something.

"Huh?"

I was confused.

Still, I hesitantly reached out and took it from him.

And when I looked at what it was...

"?!"

My eyes widened.

It was herbal roots with a high mana concentration!

"These are hard to find... How did you get them?"

I asked, looking back up at Raye.@@novelbin@@

And at my question, he simply pointed to his right shoulder.

"Hmm?"

I noticed a blurry red orb perched there.

Squinting my eyes and focusing...

-Meep!

It became clear.

And I saw a small red slime sitting on Raye's shoulder!

"Waaah, cute!"

I blurted out without thinking.

"It's a spirit. His name is Pyro, and he helped me find those roots."

Raye then explained.

Hearing his words...

"..."

I regained my composure and nodded my head in response.

"Well then, I'll continue my search."

Raye said, returning to his task.

-Meep!

Pyro followed suit.

And looking at them two...

"..."

I was speechless.

'A spirit, huh.'

I thought.

It is said that spirits reflect their contractor's personality.

Watching Raye interact with the slime...

"I guess he might not be that bad."

I murmured that to myself.

I felt myself growing less wary of Raye.

Then looking back down at the herbal roots he had collected...

'These are high-quality, collected gently and properly.'

I became impressed.