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“Ugh-”  

“Gaaah-”  

“Huff-”  

It might have been a bit too much.  

Aiden glanced around at the knights making barely human sounds, looking somewhat embarrassed.  

Some had limbs twisted grotesquely, ribs piercing lungs, or spines contorted.  

These injuries were beyond what even superhumans could endure.  

‘Wow…’  

Honestly, he was quite confident.  

After all, it wasn’t just anyone—he had received recognition from the Hero of the Dawn, the Continent’s Hero, who said he would “pull his own weight.”  

Even though his powers had weakened, if someone like that vouched for him, Aiden was confident he could continue the fight.  

But to this extent? Even Aiden couldn’t have imagined being this overwhelming.  

‘It’s like I was trained for this.’  

He could feel the meaning of the hero’s words—that he had ‘earned extra lives’ through death—very keenly.  

His body, knowing that not acting here would lead to unbearable pain, instinctively found the most efficient movements.  

When combined with Meyer’s skill, which analyzed the opponent’s techniques, it allowed Aiden to utterly crush his foes, almost mockingly.  

-System Message  

Combat actions have ended.  

Activation of ‘Skill: Analysis’ is now over.  

The bonus for analyzing opponents’ weaknesses has concluded.  

▶ The bonus for ‘Turo: One Sword, One Path’ has ended.  

The proficiency of less significant martial arts styles has increased.  

▶ Skills have not been copied. Points have accumulated.  

The ‘Point Store’ will open soon. Just a little more!  

‘Nothing was copied…’  

Thanks to the analysis skill, he could imitate the knights’ techniques and movements, but they didn’t manifest as another form of Turo.  

As always, since they were characters of lower importance in the main scenario, it made sense.  

Of course, he wasn’t particularly disappointed.  

He already had the far superior Turo of Noel, and the Point Store was about to open.  

‘I wonder what’s so good that it’s been hidden this whole time…’  

While thinking about that, Aiden scratched his cheek, only to hear a thunderous voice nearby.  

“Aiden!”  

It was Noel’s voice.  

It hadn’t even been a few minutes since Aiden requested backup, but Noel seemed to have already arrived.  

“Ah, Noel…”  

Just as Aiden was about to turn and greet her, his words were abruptly cut off.  

As soon as he saw Noel’s expression as she ran toward him, Aiden instinctively realized something.  

…She was angry.  

Very, very angry.  

Sure enough, the first thing Noel did upon reaching Aiden was to firmly grasp both his shoulders.  

The crushing pressure on his shoulders felt like being caught in an industrial vice.  

The intensity in Noel’s eyes was so fierce that Aiden could almost see flames burning within them.  

“What were you thinking, running off on your own without any backup!”  

Aiden’s body involuntarily shrank back at the resounding voice.  

“What would you have done if you got hurt! Worse than that, what if something terrible had happened!”  

“I had to stop them, or Katia’s side would’ve been in danger.”  

“Your chances of dying are much, much higher than theirs!”  

“Do you understand? You must never take such risks again! If needed, you should leave me or His Highness behind and think of escaping yourself!”  

….  

Noel’s expression was like a tiger ready to devour its prey, but every word she said was filled with genuine concern.  

And, unfortunately for such a person… No, precisely because of such a person…  

“No.”  

Even if the other person was angry, Aiden felt he had to say what needed to be said.  

With a clear voice, despite blinking in surprise, Aiden responded, “I can’t do that.”  

“What do you mean, you can’t—!”  

“If Noel was in that kind of situation, I would act the same way.”  

“……”

“What’s wrong with helping when Katia or you are in danger?”  

There’s a big difference between living a harmonious life and living like a coward.  

While Aiden wanted to live harmoniously, he certainly wasn’t a coward.  

Katia was his friend, and Noel, despite a rocky start, had consistently shown kindness toward him.  

They were people he considered his ‘kin.’  

If the people within his fence were threatened, he would charge headfirst to confront that threat.  

He had always lived this way, and he intended to continue doing so.  

Even if he was the only one aware of the impending dangers of the future, it was still absurd for one person aiming to save the world to carry such a burden alone.  

Whether or not it was truly possible, even Aiden didn’t know.  

He might fail miserably along the way, die, and the world could end.  

Still, his reason for shouldering it all, as always, was small but clear.  

“What’s the point of working so hard if I have to abandon everyone I care about and live alone?”  

Living alone in this world—what kind of value does that have? What joy or meaning does it bring?  

Aiden didn’t mind putting himself in a little danger. He didn’t mind taking some losses.  

As long as he could stick together with those he cared about, laughing and living harmoniously, that was enough for him.  

Anyone who threatened that idyllic vision, he would crush by any means necessary.  

Even though he found himself entangled with extraordinary people, gained remarkable abilities, and somehow ended up having to save the world…  

The trajectory of his life had never deviated from that path.  

A common man, dreaming of a peaceful life with his family and friends.  

And, someone ready to do whatever it took to protect that.  

As Aiden continued speaking, Noel’s grip gradually loosened.  

She eventually let go of Aiden’s shoulders, standing in silence for a long moment.  

And, as Noel’s silence grew, so did the paleness in Aiden’s face.  

‘I shouldn’t have talked back…!’  

Isn’t this the point right before an explosion?  

Did he just make things worse by arguing with an already angry person…?  

‘I should’ve been more gentle, even if I had to say it…’  

“You are truly a strange person, Aiden.”  

Her eyes…  

Looked as if she were about to cry.  

“Why are you only firm at times like this? When normally, you just want to live like an invisible man.”  

….  

Aiden blinked awkwardly.  

Wait.  

Why was the atmosphere like this?  

He expected to be scolded for talking back, but instead…  

‘Did I just trigger some kind of trauma?’  

Indeed, the atmosphere felt similar to when he once asked why she was called the Butcher.  

As if his words struck a nerve.  

As if she were seeing something in him that she didn’t want to recall.  

Eventually, Noel pulled her hat down low. It was a gesture she often made when she didn’t want her expression to be seen.  

“Let’s return to headquarters with His Highness. I’ll handle the situation here.”  

However, unlike before, this time she seemed determined not to even listen to any explanations.  

“Quite a man, that one,” Levant muttered with a wry smile as he was being handcuffed from behind.  

“You’ve snagged yourself a decent man, Noel. Seems like you’ve got an eye for people.”  

“Which makes it all the clearer why you’re keeping your distance from him.”  

“He may be a different gender, but he’s quite like Teresa, isn’t he?”  

“…Levant.”  

Noel paused for a moment before speaking.  

“What were you thinking, doing something like this?”  

“I don’t think we were ever the type to worry about each other.”  

“We were comrades during the Allied War.”  

“At least until Teresa died because of you.”  

…  

Levant’s voice slowly trailed off as Noel came to a stop.  

“Noel Astria Simus, listen well.”  

His tone wasn’t just one of accusation; it was mixed with regret and sorrow.  

“It should’ve been you who stayed until the end back then, not Teresa. It should’ve been her, not you, returning as the hero of the nation.”  

Noel didn’t respond, only continuing to restrain them as if this burden was one she had to bear.  

Watching her from his submissive position, Levant let out another dry laugh.  

“You’ve changed, Lionheart.”  

“What do you mean?”  

“You used to lose it at the mere mention of Teresa’s name. Now, you seem more composed.”  

Noel managed a bitter smile at Levant’s remark.  

Who knows?  

Until not too long ago, that was true.  

Why, though?  

“Married life must really be treating you well, huh?”  

…  

“It’s your honeymoon phase, after all. I hope he cheats on you.”  

Instead of replying, Noel struck the back of his neck, knocking him out cold.  

It was a ruthless blow.  

It had been a turbulent day.  

Upon returning to headquarters, Katia, deep in thought, immediately locked herself in her room, while Aiden collapsed face-first onto his bed after a long day.  

‘Those knights,’ Noel had said as she restrained them and handed them over to the prosecution, were being sent straight to trial.  

They would likely face severe punishment.  

While there was no concrete evidence to track down who orchestrated it, she had a hunch.  

-Skill Info  

Fate Weaver  

+Arden Brimstone Lionel  

–  

Malice: Level 1  

–  

You can imitate one skill.  

※ Cannot establish a ‘bond’ with the target. The skill’s effect will differ from the original!  

There was only one person who could possess such clear malice.  

The attack could only be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to trouble Aiden.  

‘If that’s the case…’  

With narrowed eyes, Aiden glared at the window before him.  

If the other side was going to openly act hostile, he wasn’t going to just sit back and take it.  

He needed to prepare countermeasures.  

But of course, there was something more urgent right now.  

-Quest Info  

Main Quest  

Act 1, <Crack in the Capital>  

Chapter 1 will commence soon!

The related event will proceed soon. (D-1)  

Sham Marriage  

– You have been chosen as Noel’s spouse.  

Maintain the contract with your partner until the end!  

–  The related event will soon take place. (D-1)  

“-Hmm.”  

Aiden’s eyes narrowed further as he looked at the window in front of him. They were so narrowed that wrinkles started to form around them.  

This is a world without the protagonist. Assuming everything will proceed according to the original flow is absurd.  

Surely, something unexpected will happen.  

In that case, it’s best to set up at least one ‘insurance.’  

Apart from conserving strength, there is at least one action that will be directly helpful in the upcoming event.  

“Hmph.”  

Exhaling through his nose, Aiden stepped out into the hallway.  

Most people, including the workaholic Noel, had already left for the day, but there was always someone who worked even later.  

Arriving at his destination, Aiden knocked on the office door.  

“Come in.”  

Upon hearing the tired voice, Aiden gently opened the door and stepped inside.  

Despite being overwhelmed with work, Stella was still typing away mechanically at the typewriter.  

“Aiden? What brings you here at this hour?”  

As they rarely had personal contact, Stella raised her eyebrows curiously.  

Indeed, the scene was rather unusual, especially considering what he was about to say to her.  

“Lady Stella.”  

“Yes, what is it?”  

“Would you like to go out with me?”  

Stella frowned and glanced out the window.  

It was well past dusk, in the pitch-black early morning hours.  

… No matter how you think about it, it’s a strange request to make to a woman at this time of night.  

“It seems quite late for going out…?”  

“It is, isn’t it?”  

“I’m glad you understand. If it’s urgent, you should report it to Lady Noel and request appropriate support.”  

“No, it has to be you.”  

“…..”

“I’d prefer if it were just the two of us.”  

Stella promptly spat out the coffee she had been drinking.

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