The Strongest Villain, Who Had Secluded Himself Deep in the Mountains To Avoid the Destruction Flag, Is Forced Onto the Main Stage by the Heroine He Helped

The word ‘heretic’ is considered taboo in society.

Children born between humans and irrational, beastly creatures without self-awareness are not only disliked by the Church but also generally shunned. If found, they become targets for dispatch by the order of knights.

In the original storyline, it was briefly mentioned in some other story’s captions. Even if Alba were to hear about it, he would probably tilt his head in vague recollection.

However, Ireina, a character in the game and a resident of this world, is different in this case.

‘I never thought that Mina would be a heretic…’

While closing the distance, Ireina had a moment of thought.

‘I have never heard of such a heretic before either.’

Because the children born from creatures without self-awareness like irrational beasts are also devoid of self-awareness.

Even if they had it, their learning ability would be limited, and they wouldn’t even be able to hold a proper conversation.

However, Mina in front of her was different. She could hold a proper conversation and communicate effectively.

Furthermore, if she hadn’t revealed her monstrous form like this, she probably would have been treated as a human.

“You’re surprised, aren’t you?”

While sweeping her sharp blade sideways, Mina spoke.

“Heretics like me are rare. I can talk like this, and I can maintain a human form.”

“Ara, so is your current appearance your true form?”

Ireina intercepted the side swipe with her sword.

The force was heavy, and she had to brace herself to prevent being blown away. It didn’t seem like the strike came from a delicate girl.

“…You must have been lucky. Maybe my human side is on the surface, and this is the hidden side. It can’t be changed without intention, and the power won’t manifest either.”

Mina’s wings on her back began to tremble.

Ireina, feeling a sense of unease, jumped back from her position, and in that instant, Mina’s wings stabbed into the spot where she had been.

‘Whoa… That would’ve been quite a hit to take head on.’

Ireina wiped the sweat off her chin with the back of her hand.

In front of her, she saw a corridor made of asphalt gouged out. It wasn’t hard to imagine what would happen if it hit a human body.

Indeed, an existence inheriting the blood of magical beasts. The power of a single strike was beyond that of a human.

“…If you’re so strong, couldn’t you have managed everything without Alba’s help?”

“I can’t just transform into a magical beast in front of the public. If I did that, I’d probably have been killed on the spot.”

“That’s true.”

“…That’s why I’m grateful to Alba-kun. He extended a warm hand to someone like me.”

Slightly blushing, Mina swung her wings again.

“Still, I doubt I’ll ever get that kind of help again.”

The distance between them was on the verge of hitting or missing the window glass. Ireina ran and slid in to dodge.

‘Damn… calculating to avoid causing damage. At this rate, who knows when she’ll notice!’

Ireina’s objective wasn’t to defeat Mina — it was to buy time and get a teacher or a student to find them.

If they were found, Mina, who was taking precautions not to cause harm, would stop.

Furthermore, if her status as a heretic were revealed, she wouldn’t be able to stay at the academy. Worst case scenario, she could be expelled and with necessary forces involved she will be executed.

So she wanted to buy some time, and get someone to find them. Ireina didn’t want to engage in a fight recklessly.

If they could calm down and have a proper conversation, they could find a solution that wouldn’t sacrifice Sheria.

If Alba, her closest friend, were brought into the picture by Sheria, she would surely listen to him.

‘She’s probably just too heated at the moment. That’s why…’

Slipping into Mina’s guard, Ireina swung her sword at her thigh.

At that moment, Mina’s gaze shifted downward.

“…Don’t underestimate me, Ireina-san.”

At the exact same time.

—Thud!

A heavy kick landed in Ireina’s abdomen.

“Wha…?!”

“I saw right through your intentions. Do you think I’d stop just because someone spotted me?”

Ireina bounced along the straight corridor repeatedly.

The air leaked from her lungs, and as she inhaled heavily during her tumble, she could also taste the blood in her mouth.

‘Just how much force she put in that strike.’ Gasping for air, Ireina thought.

The heavy feeling was like she was run over by a carriage.

“Indeed, it might have been a sudden impulse, but my determination is not something shallow. I mean, to take actions that would hurt my beloved friends… I…”

Slowly, Mina walked forward.

“They picked up someone like me from the forest. Even though they know what it means to shelter a heretic. My mother treated me like how a real mother would. My little sister… She made crowns of flowers with a beaming smile on her face. She said it was a present for me.”

Mina sprinted down the hallway while saying those words.

Concealing her sharp claws by gripping them with her fist, she raised them high as she appeared before Ireina.

“So that’s why I have to help, even if I have to fall into a beastly state, even if I have to cast away everything for the sake of my precious family!!”

Ireina promptly aimed her sword at Mina’s neck in the midst of her powerful motion.

No matter how great the power was, if the movement was big, a vulnerability would emerge.

Her reflexive action was likely due to the experience she had gained as a knight, combined with her abundant talent.

However…

‘…At times like this, what would Alba do?’

Ireina stopped her sword just before it made contact.

Looking at Mina’s face, which was on the verge of breaking and seemed like it could snap at any moment… her eyes glistening with tears.

‘But I, a foolish and pathetic person, can’t fully embrace your decision.’

And that’s when Ireina’s consciousness faded on the spot.

Only the sensation of the cold ground briefly touched her entire body.

“…..”

Seeing Ireina lying on the ground, Mina reverted her monstrous form back to the familiar human one.