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Translator: Vine
Chapter Title: The Splendid Theater Club (4)
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Was this what it felt like?
Standing on stage, the view of the theater was incredibly unfamiliar.
A wide-open view, all eyes fixed on me, the varied expressions of the audience visible every time I turned my head.
It was… a feeling like a shiver ran up my spine just from standing there.
"Alright, what role should I give our top-ranked friend?"
Xenon, sitting in the front row below the stage, chuckled slyly, flipping through his notebook.
'He's really good at hiding it.'
I thought, looking at him with wonder.
I knew he could conceal his identity, but I never imagined even the Eye of Heavenly Insight wouldn't detect it.
'If it weren't for Lily...'
I might have just perceived Xenon as an acting fanatic on the verge of corruption and merely observed him.
The only reason I could deduce his true identity in that situation was earlier, when Lily and Xenon performed together.
-"A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-H!!!"
When Lily used her divine power, Xenon acted as if he was in agony, matching her.
'He definitely exposed it on purpose.'
This point puzzled me. Even though Xenon didn't need to, he deliberately drew out some of his hidden demonic energy and writhed in pain from the divine power.
As if, to put on a realistic performance, it didn't matter if his true identity was revealed.
Of course, that demonic energy vanished without a trace as soon as the performance ended.
'Well, does it matter?'
Various conjectures swirled in my mind, but the conclusion was singular.
Now that I know his identity, I must deal with him.
The question is whether to deal with him right here, or when we're alone.
"..."
The latter seems better.
Cleanup aside, if a fight broke out here, there's a very high chance innocent people would lose their lives because of him.
As I reached that conclusion, Xenon's voice began to drift over.
"This would be good. A knight fighting the Seven Deadly Sins. Can you do it?"
Xenon asked me, smiling faintly with a sly tone.
Looking at him now, his intentions have been quite blatant since earlier.
Every time a male student came out, he'd give them a role fighting beings like the Seven Deadly Sins or demons.
As if he wanted to recreate the situation that Greed, that girl, had faced.
'Greed, that girl, is looking for me.'
Now I'm certain. The reason Greed's plaything, which only appeared in the mid-game, was active so early was indeed because of me.
I destroyed Greed's avatar. But that girl, who was defeated by me, doesn't know who I am.
With her personality, she wouldn't be satisfied unless she repaid it twofold, but not knowing the identity of her target must have been incredibly frustrating for her.
That's why Greed's plaything started acting. To find out my identity, and to destroy me if the opportunity arose.
"Of course."
Answering thus, I subtly deceived the Balance and drew up my mana.
In fact, Greed starting to obsess over me was good news for me.
If she did that, I could dispose of that girl even sooner.
-*Shing.*
I drew my sword. The sharp blade drew the gaze of everyone looking at me.
"..."
I could feel Xenon's gaze, smiling on the surface but with eyes that had sharpened.
I looked at Xenon and murmured,
"Hey, you know what?"
At that, Xenon's lips began to curl into an insolent smirk.
Seeing that, I swung my sword.
-*Slish!*
A stark white line was drawn on the floor in front of Xenon, and floor fragments scattered everywhere with a chilling sound.
I saw Dalia and Damon, startled, falling backward, and the students focusing on me with surprised eyes.
"Next time,"
I didn't care. Standing on the deeply gouged floor, I sneered at Xenon.
"It'll be your main body."
Xenon, seemingly delighted by the situation, began to clap his hands, smiling broadly.
****
Tables lined up in a row,
Seniors and juniors gathered closely,
And cocktails and rum, which had somehow started appearing on the tables.
A full-fledged welcoming party for new club members was underway at the theater.
"Freshman, you rascal! You're the future of our drama club! If you have anyone you're interested in, just tell this unnie..."
Senior Dalia, her face flushed red, put her arm around my shoulder and said, reeking of alcohol.
Seeing how Dalia, who had been so out of it, could change like this, alcohol must truly be a panacea.
And Dalia wasn't the only one who was drunk.
"Seniorrr? Would it be alright if this new club member dared to pour you a drink?"
"Oh, sure! But what was your name again? No-woo-joo? Ugh. H-huh, huh."
"Here, water! It's Rose. A good junior who wants to learn acting from you, Senior, and assist you."
Had she realized early on that her acting skills would never land her a lead role?
Rose, with bright red cheeks, had been following Dalia, the club president, since earlier, trying to curry favor with her.
"Hehe."
Was it because she was drunk? Even while taking care of Dalia, Rose would subtly glance at me like this, showing a captivating smile.
A snicker escaped me as I watched her.
It felt like just yesterday she was walking around with parfait on her face. And now she's grown so much, with such subtle expressions and a seductive body...
'Am I drunk too?'
To clear my head, I slapped both my cheeks and then looked at the scattered empty seats.
-*Thump.*
Sage slammed his head onto the table exactly 20 seconds after touching alcohol and was dragged away by Pia and Joa.
-"Daisy, I'd like to talk."
Fran led Daisy outside with a solemn expression.
He probably wanted to discuss the next hero's party. Although the setting was different, this was the same situation as in the game.
I wasn't worried. Because Daisy had already made a contract with me.
-"Everyone, have a good time."
Lily rose early from her seat, using prayer as an excuse. She secretly handed me a note.
----
-Mr. Caramel would have noticed, and even if we said we were going to step in, you'd go first.
Well, we'll handle the cleanup, so do as you please.
P.S.
Please, don't make me have to smash Mr. Caramel's head with my mace.
----
Recalling the contents of the note, I turned my gaze towards Xenon.
Did he feel my gaze?
Xenon smiled faintly, stood up, and approached me.
"Gentlemen, may I borrow this friend for a moment?"
He asked the people near me.
"O-of course."
"Yes!"
Naturally, the drama club members, who nodded at the professor's words, began to focus on their own conversations, and Xenon whispered to me.
"Let's get some fresh air."
"Alright."
I readily accepted his invitation.
****
The place Xenon brought me to was a deserted open lot.
-*Hiss.*
I watched Xenon light the cigarette in his mouth with a puzzled expression, thinking.
What on earth was he thinking, calling me out here?
"You look like you don't understand."
As I tilted my head, Xenon began to speak in a calm tone.
"I understand. To be honest, I don't understand this situation either."
"..."
"You guys are quicker on the uptake than I thought. The Saintess, and you too. You understand what I'm saying right now, don't you?"
This time, I nodded. At the same time, I subtly deceived the Balance and layered acceleration and enhancement magic onto my body.
At that, Xenon's expression slowly began to harden.
"I have one request."
The moment he reacted, I was about to draw my sword and swing, but...
Unexpected words began to come from Xenon's mouth.
"A request?"
"Yes, to be precise, it's not a request from me, but from the kid I devoured."
"...?"
"Remember earlier? When I was acting with that Saintess girl, and demonic energy suddenly leaked out."
When I nodded, Xenon frowned as if he had a headache and continued.
"That was him too. This bastard, he's completely obsessed with acting. For the sake of showing those brats a realistic performance. Honestly, I don't get it. Why on earth would he do something like that?"
"..."
"Ah, damn it. Hey, you just say it. I'm sick of this. Just a moment."
While I was perplexed, Xenon muttered to himself and looked up at the sky.
His head began to tremble, and then Xenon's pupils rolled back.
How long did I watch that sight?
"My apologies."
Then, Xenon, his voice changed, began to speak, looking at me with poignant eyes.
"For having to greet our new club member in such a state today."
"...Professor Xenon?"
"Yes. Given the circumstances, I'll be direct. Please, grant me a little time."
"Time?"
At his serious words, I tilted my head and asked back.
"I understand your desire to settle things with the one who controls my body. It's no longer my body anyway, so do as you please with it. However,"
"However?"
"I'd prefer that the time and place have nothing to do with the drama club. I don't want our club members to get hurt or injured."
"..."
"So, could you please wait until today's gathering is over and all the members have returned home?"
In fact, this was also the situation I desired.
Because I, too, didn't want anyone to get hurt, or for a troublesome situation to arise from them witnessing me defeat Greed's plaything.
"I beg of you."
What could be so sorrowful? Suddenly, Xenon was shedding tears like chicken droppings.
Because his body was taken?
Or because he wouldn't be able to act anymore?
Whatever the reason, he earnestly pleaded with me.
To give him just a little more time.
Seeing that, I nodded and replied,
"You're really good at acting."
I almost fell for it.