How did I turn my victim into a phoenix-like hero?

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...Sirocco had the illusion that a released hound had killed its prey and was returning to ask for a reward from its master.

"Do you want to fight Sirocco? Let me revive you."

"Wait a minute, let's rest for a bit."

Sirocco considered his next course of action.

Now that his level is about right, Cass has honed his skills to the limit at this level.

Go to the next floor to obtain the protagonist's exclusive weapon and acquire a powerful piece of equipment.

But this meant meeting that woman from the Fallen Order, someone who had left a deep psychological scar on Sirocco, so he was somewhat reluctant...

Just as Sirocco was drawing circles in the water with his hand, Cass suddenly spoke:

"Speaking of which, Sirocco... why are you so good to me?"

"what?"

Perhaps it was just a whim.

Perhaps it's because I quickly leveled up to Lv10 these past few days.

There's no need to fear the monsters on the first level; it's the afterglow of becoming stronger.

"What do you mean by 'I'm so good to you'? It's as if I only dote on you?"

“That’s not what I meant…”

Cass smiled wryly, rubbing his damp blue hair, trying to remain calm:

"...I only met you on the first day of school. Before that, I had no idea you existed, and Brid had never mentioned that you were her childhood playmate."

The first time we met you were talking to me about... uh... the Despair Dark World Line?

If the meaning is unclear... I really didn't understand what you were saying at the time...

But everything that happened later... proved that what you said was true.

Defeat Cliff, level up quickly, and you'll always lend a helping hand whenever I'm in trouble.

Why are you willing to go to such lengths for me?

"They've provided so much help to me, an ordinary explorer who's just another face in the crowd and has nothing special about him..."

Cass turned his face away, pretending to admire the tall and magnificent tree.

Little did he know that Sirocco was thinking: What is this kid pretending to be, a Versailles? Ordinary? Then what am I, a leech?

"Why are you starting to do all these weird new things, just like Bridgman...?"

“Bride?... Um, Sirocco, I'm just curious.”

Cass didn't want to embarrass Sirocco.

Having grown up surrounded by admirers and receiving an elite education, Cass was somewhat aware of this.

Sirocco approached him for some purpose.

This person knew he was the next heir to the Benor Corporation.

for money?

For power?

Each time, he truly risked his life to help himself.

It doesn't look like acting. If someone could act this convincingly, Hollywood would owe Hearrock at least three Oscars.

Is it really just for...?

That reason, for Cass—

Katya's heart pounded.

However, Sirocco answered quickly:

"Because we are friends."

"...Huh? A friend?"

This answer left Cass stunned for a long time.

“I’ve heard Brid mention you. You’re helpful, friendly, responsible, and your attitude towards others doesn’t change because of differences in ability.”

Cass, I admire you. I want to be friends with such upright people, with people who have a kind and righteous heart. I think no reason is needed.

"Oh, is that so? Hahaha... a friend... a friend too, that's great."

Cass scratched his cheek sheepishly.

Upon confirming this answer, a bittersweet feeling welled up inside me.

But that's okay.

What kind of expression will Sirocco have if I tell him my true identity later?

Can we still be friends?

Will he face up to and accept the real me?

Cass was caught in a dilemma.

Little did he know that Sirocco was pinching his own thigh hard with his right hand.

Because he said a line that didn't fit his usual serious style, Shinobu's face turned purple and was covered in black lines.

Sirocco quickly changed the subject to divert attention:

"How are things going with Cass, Corcy, and Brid?"

"Huh? Hmm."

Cass snapped out of his daze and, following Sirocco's lead, changed the subject:

"She's in good shape. Bridal's talent allows her to brake within 50 meters. As you said, practicing in the Slime Cave in Area B is a good option. The space is large, and the slime's softness and elasticity will ensure Bridal doesn't get hurt. However..."

Cass was very uncomfortable and looked guilty.

"What is the problem?"

"I don't like lying."

“Where is this lying? Didn’t I tell you, if they ask how you know, just say the teacher taught you, just don’t mention my name.”

"I know! But... this was all your idea, Sirocco! You're the one who should be thanking me! Can't I just say it was you who taught me?"

"No."

Hilock spoke with righteous indignation.

So far, things seem to be going smoothly.

I can't join Cass's team in person, and I can't let Bridgley fall for me too (?).

Although I don't want to do it, I can also take care of Norius while solving this task.

The determination to kill the minotaur outweighed the psychological trauma he had suffered before.

Sirocco adjusted his breathing and extended an invitation:

"Cass, are you free around the weekend of the 20th?"

"Yes, I do... I'm usually home on weekends, and there's hardly anyone there... Would you like to come over to my place?"

"Do not want to."

Sirocco answered instantly, freezing Cass's expression.

"We'll be going out for those two days, and we'll be staying out overnight."

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Cass's face instantly turned red.

"Why are you blushing? I said we're going to spend two nights in the dungeon, not a camping trip. What are you imagining?"

"No! Two nights, right? It's okay, I'll arrange the time for the day."

Anyway, I'm home on the weekend, and I have no one to talk to.

Sirocco overheard Cass's whispered words and interpreted them as: Cass is really free as a young master, able to play around as he pleases.

"Then let's meet at McDonald's in the Dicheng Business District at 12 noon on the 21st, the place where you wore that weird suit last time."

"I don't need to call him a weirdo... Where are you going to grind monsters? Sirocco, you said so, I'll definitely go with you."

"No need to fight monsters this time."

Sirocco grinned mischievously.

"Let's go to the second floor and get your exclusive weapon."

"Wait, did I hear that right? The second floor? The recommended security level there is Lv15."

"Yes, it's the second floor."

"Sirocco, any monster there is stronger than Cliff, are you kidding me?"