Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

"Are you okay?

" Valerie asked in concern as she saw Austin in a daze.

He has been like this since this morning—replying weakly, couldn't remain focused...

it was the sign of being sleep deprived.

Austin heaved a sigh and nodded, "Yeah...

just trained until late at night, and the adrenaline of the battle didn't let me sleep until dawn.

"Austin somehow slaughtered the Earth Dragon last night by using his skill, 'Berserk.

' He had to enhance his stats to go against that beast which was just too overwhelming for his injured self.

Although Austin had the upper hand when he switched to his Berserk mode, before that, it was a close battle.

Thankfully, Austin knows now that without any of his skills, he was at rank B.

"You should take it easy for now.

As you said, there are a few months left before the Demon Lord would arise.

" Valerie voiced in a whisper, not wanting others to hear those words.

She knew that the world was at risk, and one of the few beings who knows what the future has to offer, Austin had to shoulder a very difficult job.

However, if he continues with this pace, he won't be able to bring his best when it would matter the most.

In the past, Valerie might have boldly said something like, "I'll protect you.

" But after being defeated twice—each time by opponents with far more strength and experience—she realized just how wide the gap was.

There was still so much she didn't know, so much she had yet to master.

And now, instead of making promises, she chose to focus on growing strong enough to keep them.

Austin shook his head.

"Last night… it wasn't my strength that let me take on that monster.

It was my ego," he admitted, his voice low, filled with regret.

He glanced at Valerie.

"Is it wrong to hate backing off?

"What he didn't tell her was that he could've escaped the dungeon.

He had the chance to retreat, rethink, and return with a better plan.

But he stayed.

He fought.

Because Austin couldn't stand the thought of facing the same opponent twice.

He didn't tell her that he lost his left arm in that fight.

That the flames had scorched his entire left side.

Valerie stayed quiet for a moment, then softly asked, "Is there something you can't bear to lose, no matter what?

"Without thinking, Austin reached out and held her hand.

His eyes said everything he couldn't.

Valerie gave a small nod.

"Then promise me something.

If you ever feel like doing something reckless again… think of me.

Think about how I'd cry—how I might break if something happened to you.

"Austin's face paled.

"Val… don't say things like that.

"She smiled gently.

"It's not a threat.

Just a reminder.

You don't have to carry everything alone.

Backing off when you need to—it isn't cowardice.

It means you're strong enough to see the bigger picture.

Winning a fight doesn't matter if you lose yourself in the process.

"Austin quietly took in each of Valerie's words.

Then he gave a small nod.

"I understand.

I'll be more sensible about things from now on.

"Valerie's smile returned as she leaned her head gently on his shoulder.

"I'm glad.

"A few of Austin's classmates started filing into the room, greeting him one by one.

Most of them offered smiles and pats on the back, congratulating him for the recognition he'd received.

Moments later, the homeroom bell rang and the teacher stepped in, her voice calm but firm.

"Your academic assessments will begin in twenty-three days," she announced, looking over the room.

"Your physical examination will take place three days after your finals.

So from today onward, doubt-clearing sessions will be given priority.

Use your time after class wisely—study, train, and prepare yourselves.

"The students gave a mixed reaction—most of them were nervous since their performance on the final exams would decide which section they would achieve in the third year.

And some were quite hyped up since they naturally prefer challenges rather than mundane school life.

For example—Rudolph and Rudolph.

On the other hand, Valerie seemed nervous, but for a completely different reason as she hesitantly asked her fiancé, "Um...

will we continue to study together?

"Austin hummed in response, "You don't want to?

""I do!

" She hurriedly responded before her shy demeanor returned, and the girl asked, "Umm...

what about the rewards...

will I continue to get them?

"Austin grinned, so she was curious about 'that' huh?

Side-glancing at her with his lips stretched in a teasing smile, he asked, "You seem quite eager about rewards?

"Valerie's ears turned red as she stole her gaze away.

Austin leaned toward her and asked, "You won't get it unless you ask for it.

"The redness from her ears started to spread...

the girl could barely keep her composure.

The images of last night were flooding in her head as she closed her eyes and uttered,"I...

I want...

rewards ...

a lot of them....

" She finally said it—apologizing to her mother and tutors for breaching the etiquette she was taught about being a maiden.

She is so shameless!

Austin so wanted to squeeze her into a hug right now but considering there were people behind and in front of them, he held back his feelings for now.

All of a sudden, the doors of the classroom were parted a familiar man stepped inside.

The students instantly got up, on instinct, to greet the vice headmaster, but Harold ignored them and headed towards the teacher on the podium.

"Sir Harold?

" The lady asked.

Harold, in an inaudible tone, told the teacher something before she gave a firm nod and turned toward the class"Austin and Valerie, the Headmaster has summoned you.

"The duo were, naturally, startled to be called out.

Austin exchanged a look with Harold, and he could tell that the man, who usually remains calm and composed, was slightly anxious at the moment.

The duo didn't make the teachers wait for long and stepped out of their seats.

Rudolph was eager to ask what was the matter but the person in question was the most feared Professor on the campus.

So he refrained.

Following Harold Austin and Valerie stepped out of the classroom.

They were heading toward the Headmaster's office and before Austin could have asked 'What's the matter,' the Vice-Headmaster himself reported,"Two Council Officers had come to meet you....

it seems it's a national emergency.

"°°°°°°°°°°A/N:- Let them flirt in peace...

haah~such a cruel world.