There Is No Place For Fakes [EN]: Chapter 152

“Why?”

“What is it?”

Kilian frowned even more deeply than usual.

“Why! Why are you trying to take the Hero’s seat?”

Perhaps because he had failed the first test, all his composure had vanished.

“You don’t necessarily need to become a Hero, do you? But I do.”

Kilian muttered with a desperate look.

“I’ve lived my whole life to become a Hero. I must become a Hero.”

“Kilian.”

“Since I was young, I’ve undergone harsh training and faced vicious monsters just for this…….”

It was understandable.

Since some time ago, the Hero began to be regarded as one of the best honors to bestow upon noble families.

Many nobles were eager to make their children, who showed talent in martial arts, into Heroes.

‘Kilian’s father, Count Escal, was one of those people.’

He must have forced his son to undergo harsh training from a young age for that purpose.

Most of those aiming to become Heroes suffered serious injuries or died, but that wouldn’t have mattered to someone like Count Escal.

‘After all, other children besides the heir to the family are not important.’

After huffing and puffing for a while, Kilian stiffened his face as he saw Philomell’s expression.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because I feel sorry for you.”

“Ha! Are you saying I won’t be able to become a Hero, my lifelong goal, because I was pushed back by a novice like you?”

“No, I’m saying you’ve wasted your life on an unwanted goal.”

He couldn’t hide his embarrassment and shouted.

“I want to be a Hero!”

Philomell tilted her head.

“Is that so? If that’s what you want, it’s none of my business.”

They weren’t close enough to share deep stories.

Philomell passed him and headed for the exit of the central garden.

“Just one thing.”

She left these words as a parting shot.

“I also spent half my life trying to be a good princess, but I didn’t really want to live that way.”

Before completely leaving the central garden, she glanced back.

Kilian remained still in the same spot as before, as if nailed to the ground.

* * *

The second test began.

News that Philomell had won the first test brought even more crowds today than yesterday.

The venue was packed with spectators, and the outside of the building was crowded with those who couldn’t get in.

If the first test examined the Hero’s martial prowess, the second is a place to test mental strength.

‘But…….’

Saying it’s mental strength is just a euphemism for ‘who can endure physical pain longer.’

That was evident in the prepared test methods.

Unlike martial prowess, mental strength is in the realm of the mind, so test methods suitable for this have been prepared in advance.

‘The candidates just choose the method they like from among them.’

But those test methods are all ridiculous.

The most moderate-looking method is fasting, but the shortest fasting record in history is a week.

Other methods include cultivating the mind and body by facing strong waterfall currents, and climbing mountains with rocks on your back.

In short, it’s crazy.

To be honest, Philomell had no confidence in winning against Kilian in such things, even if she were to be reborn.

‘Except for one thing.’

But Kilian would never choose that method, so Philomell had no choice but to pick it.

The facilitator asked Philomell.

“Have you decided what type of test you will take?”

She folded the scroll she had received from the priest in advance.

It contained the prescribed test methods.

“Yes, I have decided. I choose the thirteenth method.”

The priests wore troubled expressions at the mention of the thirteenth method.

Archbishop Milov explained the reason in a loud voice.

“Haha, it seems you didn’t listen to the explanation properly! The thirteenth method has been obsolete for a long time!”

Another priest next to Philomell added an explanation.

“The Archbishop is right. To carry out the thirteenth method, a certain item is needed…….”

The Archbishop insisted on interjecting.

“The problem is that the item is currently impossible to obtain! Really, if you’re complacent just because you won once…….”

Philomell cut him off.

“There is no turning back. I’ll go with the thirteenth method.”

“Didn’t you hear what I said?”

Milov became agitated and rambled on.

“The thirteenth method requires venom from the fangs of a Spotted Wyvern, but the Spotted Wyvern has been extinct for a long time…….”

“It’s not extinct.”

“Wh-what did you say?”

“I said the Spotted Wyvern is not extinct. Of course, I also have the venom from the Spotted Wyvern’s fangs.”

Philomell took out a small glass bottle from her bosom.

A transparent liquid sloshed inside the bottle.

The faces of Milov and the other priests were filled with astonishment.

“Th-that can’t be! They’ve been extinct for over ten years!”

Philomell answered Milov’s question with a relaxed smile.

“Actually, my biological father discovered the last remaining Spotted Wyvern and was protecting it.”

“The Master of the Magic Tower……?”

“Even if it’s a vicious monster, it’s a pity for an entire species to disappear.”

It’s a lie.

Le Guin just raised the Wyvern because he needed a cool ride.

However, Philomell cocked her chin with a confident attitude.

“If you don’t believe me, test the composition of this liquid.”

It was one of those days when she felt like seeing Kyukyu, who had returned to the Magic Tower first.

The analysis of the liquid in the glass bottle was completed quickly.

“It’s definitely venom from the fangs of a Spotted Wyvern!”

At the words of one of the priests, Milov frowned.

Kilian could lose in the thirteenth method, even if he didn’t in other test methods.

Kilian quietly spoke to him.

“Archbishop, don’t worry.”

The blue flames blazed in his eyes, which had been quiet as if a screw was loose until just now.

“……I will definitely win and become a Hero. Because that is my destiny.”

Philomell also had a brief conversation with her companions.

Lexion told his younger sister.

“Even if you lose this time, there’s a third test, so don’t overdo it.”

“I’m going to win, so it’s okay.”

“Oh, you’re confident! Yeah, yeah. Blow away that greasy-looking bastard in one shot!”

“……Kadin, this isn’t that kind of match.”

“You idiot! Don’t doze off and listen to the explanation properly!”

Listening to the words of the three brothers relieved all the tension.

* * *

Soon, the time came.

A priest carrying two glasses on a tray announced in a loud voice.

“The Poisonous Drink is ready!”

A drink made of poison. A truly straightforward name.

Philomell stared at the glass she received from the priest and thought.

This drink contained diluted venom from Kyukyu’s fangs.

Long ago, the Hero Balbad was bitten by a Spotted Wyvern, led the battle to victory, and returned to empty his glass without a care.

‘A test method created to commemorate that achievement.’

Even though it’s called a poisonous drink, there’s no need to worry about your life.

The venom from the Spotted Wyvern’s fangs is very unique and does not directly endanger life.

“Now, both candidates, please empty your glasses to the end.”

Philomell and Kilian each drank their own drinks.

‘Ugh, it’s bitter.’

Immediately after having that impression of the taste, the poisonous energy quickly arrived.

It’s dizzying.

A female priest next to Philomell supported her as she staggered.

“I will escort you to the designated room.”

Philomell gestured to those watching, meaning not to worry, and then followed her.

The room was a space prepared behind the platform. It was very dark and cramped.

Philomell was led by the priest to lie down on a makeshift bed.

The bedding smelled of new blankets.

Kilian would be lying down in the next room like her right now.

“Please stay here and come out when you regain consciousness.”

The priest said as she left the room.

“As you know, the first of you to come out will be the winner of this test.”

The one who is late or cannot wake up on their own becomes the loser.

Philomell closed her eyes.

A cool and hot energy was felt spreading throughout her body.

Her mind becomes hazy.

The real start of the second test.