https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-258-The-Genius-Boy-s-Duel-with-the-Girl/12943852/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-260-The-Kidnapped-Girl-by-the-Diabros-Cult/12943854/
Chapter 259: Yecheng: I'm Not the Protagonist, Seriously!
Chapter 259: Yecheng: I'm Not the Protagonist, Seriously!
"No, that last match doesn't count. Let's do it again!"
Although the duel ended in a draw, for the competitive Kreaya, this outcome was obviously unacceptable.
In Kreaya's eyes, being two years older than Yecheng gave her an advantage. Still, the result was a draw, which essentially meant she lost.
"Kreaya, stop this nonsense! It's your birthday today. Do you want to make a fool of yourself in front of all these guests?"
As Yecheng's side was still feeling a headache over Kreaya's unreasonable tantrum, Baron Kageno finally spoke up sternly.
Joking aside, Baron Kageno would never agree to let Kreaya fight Yecheng again.
Although his initial goal wasn't achieved, at least he had maintained the Kageno Family's dignity and verified Kreaya's genius status.
While another child, the son of Omega, also gained fame this time, leaving Baron Kageno with a bit of resentment, it's undeniable that this was the best outcome under the circumstances.
If they continued to challenge Yecheng, it would be considered intentional targeting after the initial misunderstanding. Baron Omega might have a good temper, but he's not made of clay.
Moreover, Kreaya's mana was exhausted. Without mana enhancement, how could she possibly defeat Yecheng in another match?
She would likely lose even more miserably. Therefore, Baron Kageno believed this result was the best, and he couldn't let Kreaya continue her reckless behavior.
"He's hiding his true strength... That guy, could he also be a Shadow Power Seeker like me?"
After witnessing the draw between Yecheng and Kreaya, neither Kreaya nor Baron Kageno noticed anything unusual. However, Sheid, who was watching from the sidelines, realized something was amiss and immediately understood that Yecheng was concealing his abilities.
Initially, Yecheng's ordinary aura had surprised Sheid. But what amazed him even more was how Yecheng managed to control the outcome as a draw and conceal his abilities from those around him.
Having strength alone wasn't surprising. After all, the world was vast, and being a world with magic, it far surpassed the scope of Sheid's previous life. Thus, the existence of powerful individuals was within Sheid's initial expectations.
However, the fact that Yecheng not only possessed exceptional strength and talent but also concealed his abilities caught Sheid's attention.
The fact that someone with such strength would also hide their abilities made Sheid think of himself, a fellow "Shadow Power Seeker" who also concealed his strength... or rather, someone who fit the "Shadow Power Seeker" trope.
In that instant, Sheid even thought that Yecheng might be this world's so-called "protagonist."
In various light novels and stories, there are often protagonists akin to "heroes," who are not only good-looking but also incredibly powerful.
From what Sheid had seen so far, Yecheng possessed all these qualities.
However, in Sheid's opinion, while Yecheng could be a "hero," his qualities didn't align with that of a "Shadow Power Seeker."
Setting aside other aspects, to be a power hidden in the shadows, one must first have an ordinary face and a slacker-like demeanor.
But in Yecheng's case... his face clearly didn't meet the "ordinary" standard, and the fact that he would spar with his family's "genius" sister in public also didn't make him a slacker.
As for why Sheid believed that Yecheng was the protagonist while he wasn't, the reason was simple.
As a formidable power dwelling in the shadows and hunting the darkness, his role was more akin to that of an antagonist boss.
Yecheng, possessing the template of a "Hero," would likely become his rival in the future!
The thought of this excited Sheid, and even in his late-stage chuunibyou, he imagined himself in the scenario, wondering what kind of sparks would fly if he had been the one sparring with Yecheng just now.
However, despite Sheid's fantasies, it was clear that he wasn't the protagonist of today's banquet, so he could only indulge in his daydreams on the sidelines.
After Kraya's birthday banquet concluded, Gaius left, citing pressing official duties, but Medis and Yecheng were invited to stay at the Kageno residence as guests.
Medis and the Baroness Kageno, Sheid's mother, were good friends.
Thus, after the banquet, the Baroness invited Medis to stay for a couple of days.
Medis initially wanted to decline, but when she thought about her son, Yecheng, and how he would likely spend his time at home reading books if they returned, she remembered the initial reason she brought him to the banquet and agreed to the Baroness's invitation.
The Kageno family had two children, both the same age as Yecheng, and through various signs, Medis believed that Yecheng had a keen interest in Kraya Kageno.
After all, her husband had secretly told her that Yecheng could have won during the sparring match with Kraya but chose to hold back, resulting in a draw.
Medis didn't think much of Yecheng's consideration; in her motherly imagination, this was a sign of young love blossoming.
If Yecheng had feelings for the girl, Kraya, then as his mother, she couldn't hold him back!
And so, Medis and Yecheng stayed as guests at the Kageno residence.
Yecheng found his mother's misunderstanding quite vexing, but he couldn't say anything, so he let it be.
Originally, if they had followed Medis's wishes and stayed at the Kageno residence for a few days, the matter would have been settled. Yecheng was also interested in Sheid Kageno, the young boy who concealed his strength, and wanted to take this opportunity to observe him.
Just as Sheid suspected Yecheng of being the protagonist of this world, Yecheng also suspected Sheid of being a planar child from another world.
After all, it was rare for an eight-year-old with such strength to also know how to conceal his abilities, indicating a maturity beyond his years.
Having read many manga and novels, Yecheng knew that in a world with a fantasy and magic setting, it wasn't uncommon for the protagonist to be a transgressor from another world.
However, just as Yecheng planned to secretly observe Sheid and confirm his suspicions, he encountered a certain obstacle.
He was being watched by another troublesome individual, and her name was Kraya Kageno!
Indeed, it was the genius girl of the Kageno family, favored and admired by all.
Ever since the sparring match where Kraya tied with Yecheng, she seemed to have taken a keen interest in the matter, constantly pestering Yecheng about it.
(End of Chapter)
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