Side Story – First Experience (3)

Not long after, Teo and I arrived at one of the many back alley entrances.

‘As expected, nothing’s changed here.’

The nearly lightless interior exuded a sinister atmosphere. Scattered trash and large rats rummaging through it.

Exactly the kind of place that invites trouble.

Though the war had long ended, unhealed scars remained. This led to many criminals running rampant in the city’s dark corners.

In this day and age, entering back alleys unprepared was practically shouting “Please rob me!”

‘I hope we encounter suitable opponents.’

Holding this expectation, I was about to enter when Teo grabbed my arm from behind.

“Huh?”

“N-noona? You’re not thinking what I think you are, right?”

“Correct. Back alleys are full of perfect opponents for you. No legal issues even if you beat them up.”

“But facing them with just a wooden sword…”

Looking down at the trembling grip on my arm, I saw Teo’s hand shaking finely.

Seems he’s still scared of organization members.

This reaction was somewhat expected. During his back alley days, organization members were objects of terror.

He needed courage instilled first.

“Teo, listen carefully.”

I placed hands on both his shoulders and met his eyes.

“Overcoming your fears is crucial. You know I can’t protect you forever, right?”

“…I know.”

I’m aware how dependent Teo is on me, how he fears separation. He probably sees me as family.

Of course, I’ve grown quite fond of him over these months.

Seeing Teo’s slumped shoulders tugged at my heartstrings.

But ultimately, our relationship was just a fleeting connection.

“My goal was always to make you strong enough to handle back alley organizations. Just as you requested before following me.”

“Then… once I’m strong enough… will you leave?”

“Yes. I’ve found things I want to do too.”

“Things you want to do…?”

“Nothing grand. Just traveling.”

After that day, I’d been drowning in emptiness and depression, but there remained many unresolved matters left unfinished as the Hero.

I planned to address them methodically while tracking remaining demon remnants.

Along the way, I might form new bonds like Teo or find new purposes.

And… if needed, I might indulge in some pleasure too.

‘This body’s occasional heat might be from pent-up desires…’

Though I suppress it with Teo around, this lewd body’s nature makes desire accumulation inevitable.

“Teo, being with you helped me realize what I must do. I’d love to take you on my journey… but sadly, that’s impossible.”

“…Can I really manage alone?”

Did I overprotect him into weakness?

Frustrated, I roughly tousled his hair.

“Hey now. I said I’ll leave after you become strong.”

“Urk…”

“You’ve grown so much these months and received my training. Truthfully, you’re already strong – just lacking experience. So have confidence. Would I really bring you here to die?”

“…No.”

“Understood? Then lead the way.”

Teo gulped and slowly stepped forward.

‘Whew… That should do it.’

Just as I thought he’d gained confidence-

Teo’s footsteps halted again.

“Noona, what if we meet people who recognize me…?”

“Sigh… Delusions of grandeur. Why would they remember you?”

The organization managed countless orphans. They probably gave up searching after a few days when Teo disappeared.

“Hmm…”

Teo’s resistance was becoming tedious.

If he keeps resisting, I’ll have to throw him in.

“Teo, do you want me to drag you in? I’d rather not.”

“I-I’ll go!”

Finally, Teo hurried into the alley.

As predicted, sacrificial lambs for Teo appeared quickly.

“Hey, you.”

A tattooed man swaggered to block our path.

Teo instinctively stepped back, fear evident.

“Urk…”

“Where you running? Stay put.”

Immediately, a muscular man appeared behind us, surrounding us.

“Don’t know why a pretty pair like you came to our turf…”

The tattooed man threateningly brandished his sword.

“But we don’t let prey escape. Hand over everything you’ve got.”

“Wh-what do we do?”

“Wait a moment.”

I quickly assessed their level.

Tattooed guy and muscle guy.

Barely any mana detectable, wielding crude swords.

‘Bottom-tier organization members.’

Honestly disappointing, but decent first opponents for Teo.

I patted Teo’s stiff back.

-Thud.

“Wh-why?”

“You know why.”

“You’re joking, right? Two armed opponents alone is…”

“You’ve trained hard and sparred with me countless times. Now show your skills in real combat.”

“All I remember from sparring is getting beaten…”

“Don’t worry. They’re much slower and weaker than me. You’ll see their moves clearly.”

“Sigh… I’ll try.”

Finally accepting reality, Teo drew his wooden sword.

“Huh? You wanna fight us?”

“Hahaha! What’s with the toy? Showing off for your girl?”

The surrounding members burst into laughter at Teo’s wooden sword.

Not even a real blade – just wood.

They found his defiance absurd.

Though they should be grateful it wasn’t steel.

“I don’t want to fight. Please leave now.”

Though trembling slightly, Teo raised his sword.

“Wow. He’s serious.”

“Let’s finish quick. Hey Tyler! You attack front. I’ll take back.”

“Got it. We’ve got work today.”

After exchanging words, they surrounded Teo front and back.

‘I should step back now.’

While they focused on Teo, I quietly retreated to observe.

Surrounded in tight space – difficult even with skill difference.

I looked forward to how cleanly Teo would handle this. After all, he’s my first disciple.

**

The organization members attacked first.

“Here! Losing an arm!”

“Hyaa!”

Blades assaulted Teo from both sides.

Failure to respond meant immediate defeat.

Trembling but calm, Teo watched the attacks.

-Thud!

Teo moved instantly, deflecting the tattooed man’s blade and closing in.

“Wh-what?!”

Caught off guard, the tattooed man took a wooden sword strike to the gut.

-Thump!

“Guhk!”

He collapsed clutching his stomach.

“You bastard!”

The muscular man swung at Teo’s back-

“…So slow.”

Teo now stood beside him, looking bored.

“H-how?!”

A light tap made him drop his sword.

“Ghk…”

“Agh…”

One clutching his gut, the other his hand – both trembling on the ground.

Instant resolution – exactly as expected.

I approached the dazed Teo and patted his head in praise.

“Well done, Teo.”

“I… I’m stronger than I thought. Saw all their moves.”

“Naturally. Who do you think trained you?”

Unbeknownst to Teo, he was already strong enough to easily handle city thugs.

His combat talent shone in speed and movement using mana.

His only weakness was stamina – I’d even considered teaching assassination techniques.

“…I realize now how monstrous you are, Noona.”

“Calling your caretaker and teacher a monster? Rude.”

Monster… Though demons often called me that.

“Fuck!”

The tattooed man suddenly cursed and fled.

“T-take me too!”

The muscular man tried escaping-

-Thump!

“Gah!”

A head strike from Teo’s sword knocked him out.

“Noona, one got away. Is that okay?”

“Doesn’t matter. They were just test dummies anyway.”

“What about this one?”

Teo poked the unconscious man with his sword.

Though planning to hand him to guards, I wondered Teo’s thoughts.

“What do you want to do?”

“Honestly… killing him seems best.”

“…Unexpected.”

Didn’t expect him to suggest killing. Deep resentment toward the organization?

“I thought you’d say to take him to the guards.”

“Organization members often get released quickly. Seeing how freely they wield blades, he’s clearly committed countless robberies and murders. Killing him here prevents more victims.”

“It’s justifiable self-defense, so no major issue. But think carefully about killing.”

I placed my hand over Teo’s gripping the sword.

“Never killed before?”

“…No.”

“I didn’t train you to kill indiscriminately. I want your strength to help people.”

“I remember. You always said not to abuse power.”

“Good. But life will bring countless fights, and situations requiring killing.”

The world is cruel. Especially chaotic post-war.

If Teo becomes twisted into a vicious criminal from hardship, that’d be disastrous. Hence this education.

“Carefully consider each time. Whether it truly helps the world. You hurt people pickpocketing – shouldn’t you atone?”

“…You’re right.”

Teo fell silent, pondering my words.

Then-the escaped tattooed man’s voice echoed nearby.

“Over here!”

-Clomp clomp clomp.

Led by him, six more members appeared.

“What’s this?”

I sensed writhing mana within the newcomers. One had 4-Star level mana.

Likely the squad leader.

‘Multiple opponents freely using mana.’

Too dangerous for Teo now.

“Teo.”

“Yes?”

“Training ends here. Go home first.”

“Wh-what about you?”

“I’ll handle them. Don’t want trouble chasing us.”

“But still…”

“Teo, you know how strong I am.”

Still doubting me?

Though I never said I’m the former Hero, Teo must sense my superhuman strength from living together.

“Don’t worry needlessly. I appreciate the concern, but you’d just be in my way.”

“…Still, be careful.”

“Hehe, of course. Prepare dinner.”

“Yes. I’ll make something delicious.”

Nodding vigorously, Teo turned and left quickly.

Only after Teo vanished did I turn to the organization members.

They warily kept distance, not underestimating me after their comrade’s defeat.

“All here? Bit few in numbers.”

“Is this bitch crazy?”

“Stay calm. Her attitude suggests she’s no ordinary woman. Use the items.”

“Yes sir!”

At the leader’s command, a subordinate immediately threw something.

-Whoosh.

I casually caught the projectile.

A spherical object. No magical energy detected-

-Bang!

“Cough! Cough!”

…It exploded.

Purple gas enveloped me, skin tingling slightly. Whole body felt numb.

‘Paralytic poison. Quite potent.’

Back alley trash using such things?

Useless regardless.

-Hum.

Lightly circulating mana expelled the poison.

To affect me, they’d need gallons of basilisk venom down my throat.

“Surely that’s not all?”

“Sh-she took that head-on…”

“Wasn’t that monster-grade paralytic?”

Members panicked seeing me unharmed.

“B-boss, we messed with the wrong person!”

“I know! Just throw everything!”

“”Y-yes sir!””

Under orders, subordinates began hurling spheres wildly.

“Sigh…”

Should’ve fled after seeing results. Meaningless persistence.

Never expected learning capabilities from such trash anyway.

I walked toward them through the barrage. Better to instill terror this way.

-Bang! Bang! Bang!

Useless anyway-

“Hngk…?”