Isn’t the wannabe Villain too cute?

Everything was resolved from the Capital. Austin received a written confirmation that he may dive into the Ancient Labyrinth built beneath the Eden Academy, under the close supervision of a Gramanian Court Official named Cordelia.

Inside a small meeting room where the hero's party generally gathers, could be seen several figures with varying expressions on their face.

From all of them, the ugliest expression was adorned by the olive shade-haired mage supporter, Sicily, as she saw the sight in front.

Lilia also didn't have a pleasant face when she saw her beloved in such an intimate space with another woman, but she somehow pulled herself together.

Saya and Austin stood at a different corner while chatting about various things. Well, it was Saya who mostly talked and told her Onii-sama about some of the things related to their past life and such.

These two were entirely unbothered by the reunion happening in the middle of the room.

The reunion of two childhood friends…

"Oh lord, you can't imagine how worried I was all this time, Kyo-chan. Thank God, you are safe and healthy."

The raven-haired girl whom Mikhail delegated to take along inside the Labyrinth, Cordelia, was currently hugging her childhood friend, Hero Kyouki.

And yes, she is one of the late-introduced heroines of the manga Austin used to read.

She's a person who the Royal Palace scouted at an early age due to the skill she carries, called Shadow Manipulation. The talent, as it seemed, was unique enough not to let Cordelia get mixed up in a town of commoners.

At the age of 10, before Kyouki was bestowed with his blessing from the Goddess of Light, Cordelia was taken to the Royal court, and unfortunately, she had to get separated from her best friend.

It was quite disheartening for the girl, but she had the ambition to become strong so she could protect Kyouki.

At times she heard Kyouki become a hero, she wanted to go and congratulate him, but the strict orders of the Upper Echelons restricted her from roaming outside.

What she has been doing for seven years is rigorous training and honing her skills so she can work as a battle tool for Gram and also be helpful to her childhood sweetheart.

Even though she was introduced more than half of the story had already progressed, she had a significant impact on the audience's perception.

Reason?

Cordelia is a yandere.

She doesn't only see Kyouki as a friend but even more than a husband. She worships him in a way.

In the manga, she had a great rivalry against the others, especially Luna, since Kyouki had all his attention converged on Luna most of the time.

Thanks to Venessa's interference in the matter, Luna was saved from being assassinated once. After that event, Kyouki slowly started realizing everyone's feelings, and they got their happy endings.

*BAM**

"E-Ehhhh? Onii-sama!? Nande?"

Austin suddenly slammed his head on the wall, which made a small crater at the place. The noise naturally brought everyone's attention to him as Austin spoke with a wry smile.

"I just needed to keep something out of my head."

The picture of Luna marrying Kyouki have popped up in his head twice until now and by no mean was he delighted from his shitty mind about it. He knew it was all a fictional thing to happen, but still, it annoyed him.

After assuring his worried sister that he was okay, Austin looked at the four with their gaze fixed on him. The most noticeable one was from Cordelia, who was glaring daggers at the person who ruined her reunion.

"It's nine right now. We have to depart in less than fourteen hours. Kyouki, I hope informing you beforehand would have been useful."

Without minding the intense stare, Austin asked the boy who would be this venture's fourth member. Since Kyouki has the ability to store Light Energy inside him and from what Saya told him, he has become more proficient with his sword; the hero becomes the prime subject to take inside the Abyss.

Austin might be confident in his skills, but what's not known could be dangerous even for the mightiest being. So he chose to be safe rather than to be sorry.

"Yes, I have been preparing what I need and will report strictly at 11 near the headmaster's office."

Austin nodded in satisfaction before he turned toward his sister.

"Saya. Get all the things I asked, along with the herbs and antidotes, and meet me at my dorm around eight in the morning."

With a resolute face, Saya nodded as she said, "Understood, Onii-sama."

Back to the front, Austin looked at the teenage girl who, by appearance, looked slightly older and stood just beside Kyouki.

"Cordelia-san. I hope you can bring yourself on time."

"Before that. Tell me one good reason why you are acting like a leader when we have a hero in the team?"

Austin had expected such a trivial thing to be raised. A hero is destined to lead people on the path of prosperity and *blah*blah*.

But it wasn't Austin who replied; rather, a heavy voice resonated profoundly in the room, sending shivers down the listener's spine.

"Keep your tone in check, girl, before I mute it forever. Again, if you dare to talk like that with my Onii-sama, I will help you feel a new sensation called dread, understood?"

Saya's voice contained no particular emotion, unlike the times she talks with her brother. Her violet eyes which never left Cordelia, held an intent that made the latter back away in an instant, with sweat accumulating on her forehead.

(A/N: - Remind me if I had mentioned Saya's eye before.)

Even Sicily and Lila were taken aback by such a shift in temperament. At this moment, they made a mental note about their behavior toward Austin.

Austin shook his head in helplessness before he patted the little sister of his, who worries a lot when it comes to him.

"There…there."

Saya pouted as her severe expression vanished in a second. She didn't like how her brother doesn't let her get angry at those who disrespects him, but by no means could she reject his pats.

After calming down the child, Austin looked back to the others as he spoke his concluding words.

"Okay then, guys. Sleep well for tonight since who knows how long we will be missing our beds. And yes, don't forget to farewell properly to your loved ones since inside the Labyrinth, no one knows what awaits us."

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A/N: -Drop a comment.