Happy Evil Heartbreaker [Modern LitRPG]

However, don’t misunderstand her intentions. She wasn’t curious about the spectacle of a beauty stepping out of the bath. No, it was far simpler than that. For her, witnessing something aesthetically pleasing simply raised her happiness quotient.

She was, after all, just an ordinary, plain person who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Could there really be any sinister thoughts behind that?

"Sister Luciel, you're truly a paragon of positive energy," Xanthia praised with a wide grin. "Your time management skills are impeccable! Of course you can use my place. If you don't mind the trouble, you’re welcome to come over every week on your half-day off. I promise, the facilities at my place are far superior to the school’s public baths."

Luciel chuckled, though she couldn’t help but agree. “Well, if you insist. To be honest, the public baths at school aren’t great. Especially on Sundays, when they get overcrowded. And you know how girls are with their lengthy bathing rituals—it's torture waiting around.”

Thessaloniki First High School wasn’t a prestigious private institution, even though it was the top-rated, most historically renowned high school in the area. While it boasted impressive facilities like the grand auditorium, sports hall, swimming pool, lecture theatres, and football pitch, and was overall beautifully maintained, places like the cafeteria, dormitories, and public baths left much to be desired. The infrastructure of those areas always gave off an air of “patched up and neglected.”

Principal Herculano often used this as an excuse, claiming that such conditions instilled the values of "hard work and perseverance" in the students. It’s no wonder he wasn’t exactly loved by the student body; they’d often joke about “bringing down the Herculano's store.”

Wealthier students usually avoided boarding at school altogether. Take Dionysius, for example. His family could afford much better, yet he insisted on “embracing hardship,” while his parents enjoyed their extravagant lifestyles.

“Honestly, what’s there to feel awkward about?” Xanthia pressed cheerfully. “My flat isn’t far from the school—just two bus stops away. It’s really convenient. Besides, with how close we are, don’t be shy with me.”

Luciel , being the generous and straightforward person she was, wouldn’t typically indulge in such back-and-forth. She wasn’t the kind to tiptoe around favors, especially not with Xanthia. If it were anyone else, she might have hesitated, but with Xanthia, there was a genuine friendship that transcended formality. The two girls’ personalities simply clicked in ways that made such offers feel natural.

"Alright then, Li'l Xanthia. If you're so insistent, I won’t refuse. It’d be rude to say no at this point," Luciel finally agreed.

The truth was, if she could bathe in comfort and peace on her half-day off, away from the less-than-ideal conditions at school, why not? Xanthia’s kindness was noted, and Luciel certainly wouldn’t forget it.

For someone like Luciel, who normally loathed the idea of owing anyone favors, it was different with Xanthia. She was more than willing to accept her help. Moreover, Luciel had a strict sense of loyalty. Whenever she encountered something good, Xanthia would be the first person she thought of. And if Xanthia ever needed help, Luciel would be there without a second thought.

Now, in Class 1-3, it was well-known that Xanthia was under the protection of Luciel, the class’s “big sister.” Heaven help anyone who dared to bully Xanthia; Luciel would unleash her wrath in no uncertain terms.

With plans set, Xanthia promptly messaged Dematero to confirm their attendance at tomorrow’s dinner.

At that moment, Dematero was in his dormitory with Glen. They had just finished dinner and were preparing to head back to the classroom for evening study sessions.

“Xanthia agreed to the dinner!” Dematero exclaimed excitedly to Glen.

“Of course, she did. She’d probably still agree even if you invited her out alone without me, the so-called third wheel,” Glen said as he adjusted his glasses with a smile.

“Now, now, don't say that. You’re not a third wheel at all. I genuinely wanted to invite both of you. Don’t make it seem like I’m that kind of guy who abandons his mates,” Dematero replied with mock sternness.

In truth, Dematero held Glen in very high regard. He owed him more than words could express.

“To be honest, I can’t quite figure you out anymore. Is heartbreak truly such a transformative force?” Glen mused, shaking his head.

He had always been able to tell how deeply Dematero had once cared for Elena. But now, while the class gossiped about Dematero’s apparent "change of heart," Glen could see the truth. Dematero hadn’t "moved on" at all. In fact, he had “locked his heart away.”

Did Dematero genuinely adore Xanthia?

Glen doubted it. There was none of the usual tell-tale signs of youthful infatuation, no nervous energy or hopeful gestures towards romance. If anything, Dematero’s behaviour seemed almost detached.

What kind of love was that?

Glen suspected that Dematero’s heart had been broken so severely that his ability to love had withered away, leaving behind only a shell. And yet, contrary to what one might expect from someone in that state, Dematero wasn’t wallowing in misery. Quite the opposite, he seemed to be living with an almost manic purpose, cherishing every moment, and throwing himself into his studies and other endeavours with unparalleled enthusiasm.

It was strange. Dematero, once lackadaisical, now brought his English grammar notes back to the dormitory and spent his lunchtime lying on his bed, quietly reviewing vocabulary and grammatical rules. He even managed to squeeze in two new chapters of his web novel each night before falling asleep.

As if that weren’t enough, Dematero had become the model class representative for PE, shouting commands during morning exercises with unbridled vigour. Where on earth had he found all this motivation?

In the face of Dematero’s transformation, even Glen, once a steadfast "energy conservationist," had found himself infected by the urge to study harder. He couldn’t let Dematero surpass him, not after all this time, where he had jokingly referred to himself as Dematero’s “mentor.”

But what concerned Glen was Dematero's apparent disregard for others' feelings. Things might be good for now, but with that behavior and mindset, trouble would surely follow.

After all, social connections and reputation are very important. Glen already knew how narrow-minded Dematero could be, and after berating Elena—a good acquaintance he knew to some extent—with those harsh words, Glen's worry grew even more.

"For goodness sake..."

The upcoming mid-term exams had become the battleground for their unspoken rivalry. Both boys were now pushing themselves harder than ever.

In truth, Dematero was the more driven of the two. His last dip in performance had been drastic, and now he was intent on reversing the trend. Glen, though reluctant, couldn’t afford to let Dematero overtake him without a fight.

Their competitive energy didn’t go unnoticed by their dorm mates either. Some were inspired and began studying with renewed vigor, while others, like Felizidad, remained steadfast in their old ways. Felizidad, for instance, would continue playing his video games without a care in the world, indifferent to the silent struggle of the other boys in the room.