The Heroines All Want to Kill Me

"Master, what on earth drives you to the back alley?" Kanika queried, her voice laced with a blend of curiosity and concern. Her eyes, wide and inquisitive, scanned my face as if trying to decipher the hidden motives behind my decision.

"…I have something to purchase," I replied, my tone a touch subdued. I was acutely conscious that my mental state had veered off - course. The weight of the world - saving mission, the ceaseless manipulation of the "System," and the intricate web of circumstances were taking a toll on my psyche. Before returning to the dormitory, I had fully intended to make a detour to a psychological counseling center or a treatment facility. I yearned for some solace, a way to untangle the chaos within my mind.

However, ever since I perused Serena's letter, a curious transformation had occurred. My previously lethargic and tormented mind seemed to have been jolted into clarity. The words in that letter had struck me like a thunderbolt, piercing through the fog of my confusion. It was as if the shockwaves of its contents had recalibrated my mental faculties, rendering me more alert and focused. Perhaps I ought to embrace this "shock therapy" more frequently, I mused inwardly.

In light of my improved mental acuity, I opted to postpone my visit to the counseling center. Instead, I redirected the carriage towards the alley that had long intrigued me. Now, donning a concealing cloak, I walked side - by - side with Kanika towards the entrance of the alley adjacent to the bustling marketplace. The air was thick with the cacophony of vendors hawking their wares, the exuberant laughter of children, and the general commotion of a vibrant market day.

"Master, do you surmise that Miss Serena has unearthed the truth?" Kanika's voice interrupted my reverie. Her eyes, brimming with worry, locked onto mine. The truth she alluded to was the complex and perilous mission we were embarked upon, the secrets of the "System," and the looming threat of the Demon King.

"Hmm... Since no punishment window materialized, I don't believe that to be the case," I responded, furrowing my brow in contemplation. The "punishment window" was a terrifying reminder of the "System's" omnipotent authority. Any deviation from its rules, any inadvertent revelation of its secrets, could trigger dire consequences.

"But then, how on earth did Miss Serena become privy to the 'Korean language'?" Kanika pressed, her curiosity piqued. The fact that Serena was aware of the Korean language was an enigma, a small yet significant detail that disrupted our meticulously laid - out plans.

"... Sigh," I exhaled a deep sigh, unconsciously mimicking Serena's habitual mannerism. Gazing at Kanika's fretful countenance, I felt a twinge of guilt. She had been unwaveringly loyal to me, and yet I was dragging her into this treacherous and bewildering world. "Recently, there have been an overwhelming number of variables. It feels as though everything is veering further and further from the script," I lamented, my voice tinged with exasperation.

"…Script?" Kanika echoed, her head tilted in confusion. The concept of the "script" was foreign to her, but it was the linchpin of our mission.

"Precisely, the 'script.' It's the sole avenue to salvage this world," I elucidated, my tone solemn. The "script" was a predefined sequence of events and actions that, according to the "System," was the only route to a felicitous ending for the world. It was a blueprint devised by some inscrutable, transcendent entities, perhaps the inept Sun God or the all - powerful "System" itself.

Upon hearing this, Kanika's expression froze, her features contorting into a mask of shock and disbelief. The weight of my words seemed to bear down on her like a crushing burden. "The only way… Is that truly so?" she murmured, her eyes searching mine for a glimmer of hope, an alternative path.

"Indeed. Whether it's that incompetent Sun God or the overbearing System, this script is the sole means they've preordained to lead the world to a happy ending," I affirmed, my voice calm yet resolute. I had long since reconciled myself to the "script," despite the great pain and suffering it entailed.

"..." After I concluded, Kanika came to an abrupt halt. She swiveled to face me, her eyes boring into mine with an intensity that was almost palpable. "…Is there truly no other way?" she implored, her voice quivering with a mixture of disbelief and hope.

"What?" I was taken aback by her query. It was a question I had posed to myself innumerable times, yet I always arrived at the same disheartening answer.

"Do you really have to be so ruthlessly manipulated by this so - called 'System' and endure all this anguish?" Kanika's voice trembled with emotion. She took a step closer, her eyes brimming with concern. "Although I haven't perused the prophecy book and don't fully fathom the situation, there must be another way, right?" she pleaded, her tone beseeching.

"Another way…" I repeated her words, my mind wandering to the countless alternative scenarios I had conjured. But in the end, they all culminated in the same tragic denouement.

"Also, Master, you place far too much reliance on the 'System.' If this persists, something calamitous is bound to befall us sooner or later," Kanika cautioned, her voice firm. She had witnessed firsthand the pernicious effects of my dependence on the "System," the way it sapped my energy and spirit.

"There's no alternative," I interjected, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of my lips. I began to expound, "There are indeed other paths we could tread. But if I deviate from this 'route,' everything will culminate in tragedy."

"…For instance?" Kanika prompted, her eyes fixed on me, eager for an answer.

"If I eschew this 'route,' among the potential endings, a relatively more felicitous one would be to survive with one of the'main heroines' in a ravaged world and eke out a meager existence," I elucidated, my voice heavy with the weight of the possible futures. "Of course, there are other permutations, but in most cases, it's a similar tragic outcome. Thus, I truly have no other recourse," I concluded, my shoulders slumping in resignation.

Hearing this, Kanika was momentarily rendered speechless. She stared at me for a protracted moment, her eyes awash with a mélange of pity and understanding. Then, she intoned in a low voice, "Even so… The 'System' circumscribes your actions far too stringently. And it seems to harbor malicious intent. So, I beseech you, don't place too much trust in it…"

"…In the 1000th year following the Demon King's disappearance, his successor will engulf this world," I recited the familiar prophecy, my voice barely above a whisper. These words had haunted me for an eternity, a constant reminder of the impending cataclysm.

"To halt that successor, a valiant hero endowed with power like mine is requisite," I continued. Kanika listened intently, her eyes riveted on me. After a moment of pregnant silence, she recited the next line of the poem, her face suddenly alight with realization.

"Could it be that the'same power' alludes to…?" she ventured, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Precisely, it's the 'System,'" I affirmed. "Of course, she didn't traverse the same 'false - villain path' as me. But that lady also harnessed the 'System,'" I appended, casting my gaze upwards at the glaring sun overhead. The sun's rays seemed to mock me, a symbol of the unyielding power that dictated our fates. "And in the end, it was with the aid of that system that she vanquished the Demon King," I concluded, my voice freighted with a mixture of awe and resentment.

Kanika regarded me with pity in her eyes. Then, mirroring my actions, she turned her gaze towards the sun and murmured softly, "... The sun today is particularly odious."

"Indeed," I concurred, sighing. We stood there for a spell, lost in our ruminations, until we were jolted back to reality by irate voices from behind, urging us to clear the way. With another sigh, we resumed our journey.

'... Should I truly hew to the System?' From that moment onwards, although I refrained from betraying my thoughts in front of Kanika, my doubts about the System began to burgeon. Why did this ostensibly convenient system, capable of resolving all quandaries, thrive on my malevolence? Why were nearly all the abilities it proffered conducive to the perpetration of evil deeds? These questions swirled in my mind like a tempest, but I strove to suppress them. Just as I had been indecisive about the prophecy book previously, I was teetering on the precipice of a mental breakdown. If I delved deeper into these fundamental issues, I feared I would crumble under the weight of it all. So, I resolved to defer judgment for the time being.

"Hey...!" I was ambling absent - mindedly on the marketplace street, my thoughts a million miles away, when suddenly, a plaintive voice pierced through my reverie.

"Please, please spare some food…"

"I haven't eaten in three days…"

"Please have mercy and help me…"

I snapped back to the present and surveyed my surroundings. Several bedraggled children had encircled Kanika and me, their eyes brimming with desperation and a glimmer of hope. Their clothes were tattered and threadbare, their faces gaunt and emaciated from hunger.

"…Kanika, hand me the money bag," I entreated, my heart wrenching at the sight of these pitiable children. I extended my hand, ready to offer them a glimmer of relief.

"But what if word gets out that you're performing acts of kindness? That could spell disaster," Kanika cautioned, her eyes clouded with worry. She was right. In this world, where my every move was under the watchful eye of the "System," even a simple act of charity could have unforeseen ramifications. Although I now donned a white robe instead of the black one I once wore, people's true natures were inscrutable.

"You're right. Then, you distribute the coins on my behalf," I acquiesced, reluctantly withdrawing my hand. I couldn't turn a blind eye to the starving children, yet I also couldn't afford to expose myself.

Kanika nodded and commenced distributing the gold coins among the children. I watched as their faces lit up with joy, their eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you, big sister!!" they exclaimed in unison, their voices ringing with exuberance.

As I observed the children, I noticed something that sent a pang of sadness through my heart. "... The children who received gold coins previously are among them," I muttered to myself. Many of the children I had rescued from the succubus Kun in the past had once again fallen into the ranks of the beggars, still struggling to survive. I couldn't help but sigh deeply and clutch my forehead in dismay.

After a moment of reflection, I smiled and waved to the children as they skipped away, their laughter echoing in the air. Then, I swiveled to Kanika and declared, "Kanika, I can no longer contain myself."

".....?" Kanika cocked her head, looking perplexed. "What do you mean, Master?" she inquired.

"I'm determined to engage in charity work," I announced, my voice resolute. The sight of the children had struck a chord deep within me, and I knew I had to take action to alleviate their suffering.

"What!?" Kanika's eyes widened in shock. Her expression transformed in an instant from confusion to utter disbelief. "Master, have you truly considered the implications?" she implored, her voice laced with concern.

"…Master, I implore you to think this through once more," Kanika pleaded as we made our way deeper into the alley. We were endeavoring to keep our voices down, but her urgency was palpable. "Your life force and lifespan will be depleted. I beg you, wait until all is said and done, and then you can pursue charity work…" she beseeched, her eyes brimming with worry.

"I'm acutely aware of my lifespan," I retorted, my voice calm yet unwavering. I delved into my pocket and retrieved an object, proffering it to Kanika.

"What is this?" Kanika queried, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"My remaining lifespan," I stated simply. Kanika's eyes dilated in horror as she grasped the significance of what I held. It was a lifespan meter, a cruel and unforgiving reminder of the finite time I had left.

".....!!!" Kanika gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. She stared at the meter in disbelief, then lifted her gaze to meet mine, her eyes awash with a mixture of pity and shock.

"As a result of my victory over Irina in the assessment, I was bestowed this lifespan meter as a reward. How cruel, isn't it?" I remarked, a bitter smile playing on my lips. The "reward" was a double - edged sword, a reminder of my triumph but also of the steep price I would have to pay.

"Master..." Kanika's voice quavered as she reached out and clasped my hand. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her grip on my hand was vice - like. "It's unjust," she murmured.

I scratched my head and reassured her, "It's all right. As long as I'm alive when I face the Demon King, that's all that matters." I averted my gaze, unable to bear the pity in her eyes. I returned the meter to my pocket and declared, "In any case, I'm well - aware of the importance of lifespan."

"Then... all the more reason to exercise caution," Kanika insisted, her voice heavy with concern. "If you embark on charity work now, it could hasten the depletion of your lifespan."

"So, I intend to establish one covertly and anonymously," I declared, my voice resolute.

"…Establish what?" Kanika inquired, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"An orphanage," I replied, a smile spreading across my face. The idea of founding an orphanage had been germinating in my mind for some time, and now, seeing the children on the streets, I was more resolute than ever to turn it into a reality.

"....." Kanika regarded me for a protracted moment, her eyes filled with a blend of surprise and admiration. Then, she retrieved a fountain pen from her pocket and gently tapped her temple, a habitual gesture when deep in thought. "But if we draw on the financial resources of the Starlight family, it will inevitably come to light," she pointed out.

"I'll utilize my personal assets," I asserted confidently. "I possess more than sufficient funds to build and sustain an orphanage."

"Your personal assets, Master?" Kanika exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment. "I knew you were affluent, but maintaining an orphanage is a colossal financial undertaking."

"…Here," I said, producing a list from my pocket and presenting it to Kanika. Her eyes bulged as she perused the list, which itemized my extensive personal wealth.

"Where on earth did you amass so much wealth?" Kanika queried, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"I didn't accumulate it. It was my father who amassed these savings," I elucidated. "He always believed in lending a helping hand to those in need, and now, I wish to utilize his legacy to make a difference."

"... Ah," Kanika murmured, nodding in comprehension. She fell silent for a moment, then looked up at me and vowed, "I'll do everything in my power to assist you in building the orphanage. We'll make it the preeminent one in the empire."

"Excellent. And bear in mind, there should be no connection between the Starlight family and me. This is my personal endeavor," I emphasized, my voice firm.

"Understood," Kanika replied, nodding solemnly. She promptly retrieved her notebook and began jotting down ideas for the orphanage.

I watched as the children in the distance dwindled into tiny specks on the horizon. '…By the way, how is that little one faring?' I mused, my thoughts drifting to a particular child I had encountered in the past.

.....

"Sigh... Tsk, what a maddening woman…" Meanwhile, the Tower Master, who had somehow managed to return to the Rising Sun Empire from the Western Continent within a single day, was striding down the street, muttering under his breath. He was a figure of great power and influence in the magical realm, but today, he was clearly in a foul temper.

"On the last letter she penned before losing her memory, she actually demanded that I cast a mental restoration spell… Does she think that's a spell any novice can wield? Even the emperor has to wait in line for a year to receive such a boon… Sigh, truly…" The Tower Master grumbled, his brows knitted in annoyance. Serena's request had placed him in a precarious position. The mental restoration spell was a rare and potent magic, not to be trifled with.

After railing against Serena's audacity for a while, the Tower Master's expression softened, and he tilted his head skyward, emitting a melancholy sigh. "Alas... At my age, I still have to endure this... If it weren't for that wretched woman holding something over me…" he muttered, his voice heavy with resignation.

"Buy bread!!" A jubilant voice interrupted his musings. The Tower Master looked up and beheld a young girl standing in front of a bakery, proffering a tray of freshly baked bread. The enticing aroma of the bread wafted towards him, permeating the air.

"…Hm?" The Tower Master wrinkled his nose. "What bread or not, at my age, digestion is already a challenge…" he muttered, his mood still sour. He was on the verge of striding past the bakery when the girl suddenly stepped in his path.

"Hey, come on! Just take a bite!" a little girl coaxed, thrusting a piece of bread towards the Tower Master. Her face was lit up with a radiant smile, and her eyes sparkled with pure innocence, making her look extremely endearing.

"... Little one, I'm awfully busy right now. Please step aside," the Tower Master muttered impatiently. His brows were furrowed, and his tone clearly showed his annoyance at the interruption.

"Busy? You're really busy?" the girl asked, tilting her head to one side, her expression full of curiosity.

"Yeah, extremely busy," the Tower Master replied curtly.

"... Well, I don't know what it is, but do you need any help?" the girl offered, her eyes shining brightly with eagerness to assist.

Looking at the little girl with such bright - eyed enthusiasm, the Tower Master couldn't help but be charmed by her cuteness. He let out a soft chuckle and then took the bread she offered. "Well, this is something a Tower Master like me should do, I suppose," he said, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"The Tower Master?" the girl exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.

After taking a bite of the bread, the Tower Master began to tell his story in a weary voice. "That's right. A magical power fluctuation powerful enough to shake the world has been detected around here. The entire Magic Tower is in an uproar, so the Tower Master himself has to step in."

"Really? Is that true?" the girl asked, her voice filled with wonder.

"Yeah. So, you just keep selling your bread. I don't need the help of a little kid who can't even use magic," the Tower Master said. After finishing his words, he handed the half - eaten bread back to the girl, took out a gold coin from his pocket, and stuffed it into her hand, muttering impatiently, "Alas... Although it's quite delicious, I still can't digest it well. It seems I have to develop a digestion spell."

"I... I'm also a magician!!" the girl cried out eagerly.

"…What?" The Tower Master was just about to leave after this little encounter, having done what he thought was a kind deed. But upon hearing the girl's exclamation, he couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Hey, you can't lie, you know. I don't sense a bit of magic power from you. What magic are you talking about?"

"Look! I can use magic!" the girl shouted.

".....!" At that moment, a brilliant light suddenly burst forth from the girl's body. The Tower Master was left dumbstruck, his eyes wide open in disbelief as he stared at her.

- Bang!!

"... Huh?" In an instant, he disappeared from where he stood.

"... Tower Master?" the girl called out, looking around in confusion.

- Plop!!

"Ah!!" The girl was startled when, moments later, the Tower Master reappeared. His eyes were wide with excitement as he rushed towards her, causing her to drop the bread basket in her hands.

"Could it be that the huge magic power I felt just now... was all from you?" the Tower Master asked in astonishment.

"... Um, what's going on?" the girl asked, still in a daze.

"Little one, what's your name?" the Tower Master asked, his voice filled with a new - found excitement. He gently took the girl's hand, looking at her expectantly.

"... My name is Greina!" the girl replied brightly, a big smile on her face.

"Great! From now on, you're my disciple," the Tower Master declared.

"... Ah?" Greina looked completely bewildered. She tilted her head to the side, a puzzled expression on her face as she tried to process what the Tower Master had just said. At the same time, the lucky ring on the ring finger of her left hand, which she had always cherished, sparkled brightly under the light radiating from her body.

.....

"... Phew, I feel like I can keep going."

"Master, you've had a long day today," Kanika said softly as we returned to the dormitory after a long shopping spree in the back alley. Unbeknownst to us, the evening sky had already been painted with a beautiful array of colors by the setting sun. I lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, when I suddenly noticed that Kanika was looking at me with a tense expression.

"…Finally, it's time for the 'Commoner Dormitory Attack Incident'," Kanika said.

I was just about to ask her what was wrong, but as soon as I heard her words, I immediately understood the reason behind her worried look.

"Yeah, it's almost here," I replied, a sense of foreboding creeping over me.

"I've gathered all the information about the students who launched the attack last time. Just give the order, and I can subdue them right away," Kanika said, her tone confident.

"It's useless," I said, shaking my head.

"...What?" Kanika looked at me in confusion.

I shook my head again, interrupting her, and at the same time, I pulled up the notification that had popped up in the system window.

[You have successfully completed the hidden route!]

[Content: Victory in the duel with Irina!]

[Reward: Lifespan Meter]

[Change Point: The mastermind of the 'Commoner Dormitory Attack Incident' has been randomly changed]

"Because I defeated Irina, the plot has changed," I explained.

The original 'Commoner Dormitory Attack Incident' was triggered when Irina overwhelmingly defeated a high - ranking noble in the practical assessment. That high - ranking noble, who became a laughingstock among the commoners after the humiliating defeat, was filled with hatred. He, along with his accomplices, committed the crazy act of setting fire to the commoner dormitory. Thanks to the active efforts of Pelosh, Irina, and Kanika, no lives were lost. However, a large number of people were still injured. Moreover, many commoner students who had long been suppressed finally erupted in rebellion. Just like that, the commotion that started with the commoner students spread like wildfire, eventually engulfing the entire empire in chaos and turmoil. Of course, the Demon King, who had been pulling the strings behind the scenes, officially revealed his true identity to the world from that moment on.

In other words, the 'Commoner Dormitory Attack Incident' was not only the beginning of the empire's downfall but also the Demon King's first public appearance. Such an important event should have been prevented at all costs. But because I defeated Irina, the situation had become much more complicated.

Originally, the way to deal with this event was that I would first be thoroughly defeated by Irina, become a down - and - out high - ranking noble, and then, together with some insignificant nobles, try to set fire to the dormitory. As a result, we would be discovered. However, from the moment I defeated Irina, the 'attacker' became a randomly triggered event. Due to this unexpected change, it was impossible to predict who would attack the commoner dormitory, for what reason, and in what way.

"... Then, things are really tricky, aren't they?" Kanika asked, her face filled with worry after listening to my explanation.

"Yeah... Kanika, you live in the noble dormitory as my attendant, and Irina is in a state of magic power depletion. Although Pelosh can fight with all her might, it's still a bit worrying to rely only on her," I said, my brows furrowed in concern. So many things had happened recently that I was at a loss for a proper solution. I could only hold my head in my hands and start racking my brains for countermeasures.

"How about I patrol around the commoner dormitory all the time?" Kanika suggested tentatively.

"No, it's too dangerous," I said firmly.

"... What?" Kanika looked at me, a bit surprised.

Just as I was deep in thought, Kanika asked carefully. I shook my head repeatedly in response. Seeing this, a look of panic flashed across Kanika's face, and a faint light radiated from her body. "Master, if it was a few days ago, I might not have been able to do it. But now, I'm more than capable of dealing with most of the students in the academy," she said with confidence.

"But if you use black magic, the aura of black magic will be left behind. When the investigation team comes, things will become very troublesome. We might be able to smooth over other matters with the power and bribes of the Starlight family, but it's not that easy to cover up an event involving black magic," I explained.

"I mean, I won't use black magic. I'll use ordinary magic. Those noble students... To be honest, I could deal with them with my eyes closed," Kanika insisted.

"... You say that because you don't fully understand the situation," I said with a sigh.

"What?" Kanika looked at me, a bit confused.

I sighed again and said to Kanika, "This incident... might be our first major obstacle."

Hearing this, Kanika looked puzzled. I slowly stood up and continued, "Most random events... have the Demon King's interference."

Kanika bit her lip tightly upon hearing this. Then, with a determined look on her face, she said, "... In that case, it seems I have to step in."

"Alas, let's think about this later," I said. I wanted to dissuade Kanika, but I was so exhausted that I decided to postpone the conversation. I closed my eyes and asked in a low voice, "By the way, is there any new report? If not, I want to take a little nap."

"... There is one," Kanika replied.

"Really...? Then tell me," I said, my voice already sounding a bit drowsy.

And so, I listened to Kanika's words in a daze and gradually drifted off to sleep.

"... The royal family has sent a ball invitation," Kanika said.

"A ball invitation?" I exclaimed, my eyes snapping open. I was completely taken aback by her words.

"Yes. It is said that Miss Klana's fiancé will be decided at the ball," Kanika continued.

"... This is really exasperating," I muttered.

"... Ah?" Kanika looked at me, not quite understanding my reaction.

This was because the event that was supposed to happen much later had suddenly been brought forward. It was truly unbelievable.

.....

"... I'll ask you again. Who are you?"

"I am..."

Meanwhile, not far from Frey's dormitory.

"... a loyal servant of the Demon King," Isabelle murmured, a hazy smile on her face. Unbeknownst to her, the curse on her body had been lifted.

"Very well. Then, as the Demon King's confidant, I'll tell you your first task," a crow sitting by the window said in a human voice, sending chills down Isabelle's spine.

"Attack the commoner dormitory," the crow commanded.

Hearing this, Isabelle smiled. The setting sun's afterglow gently bathed her in a warm light, creating an eerie and beautiful scene as she prepared to carry out the Demon King's bidding.