Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 204 - 203- Dance practice

Austin and Valerie went their separate ways, deciding to rest for tonight and meet tomorrow for classes.

There was only the homeroom tomorrow before the students would be allowed to return to their dorms.

Tomorrow, there will be visits of the juniors with their parents who might be enrolling here. Following that, there would be a ceremony to congratulate those who have performed well throughout the year.

These rewards actually help one to get better jobs once they graduate since the merit points are reflected in their final results.

Suddenly, Austin had a thought—if he had a normal life, what might he have done after graduation?

'With my skills and interest in hunting, being an adventurer or Council Officer might have been the best job.' Council might be a dangerous place for many considering it is the first pillar of defense for humanity, but a warrior's might is wasted if they continue to hesitate from entering the battlefield.

However, there was no point in thinking about it, considering Austin knows his future.

'Eight months...canonically, it would happen in eight months.' Around that time, all the generals would become active, attack the human realm, and prepare for the arrival of their liege.

'Before that, I need to restore my memories anyhow.' The fact is, Rhea never fought with the Demon Lord. Austin died before reaching the conclusion. So, until now, he was completely unaware of Astaroth's strengths and weaknesses(if there are any).

His last visit to the other realm told Austin that Astaroth was still too weak. However, Selner told him not to try to damage him at that moment...for some reason which she kept to herself.

'She is a woman with mysteries.' Heaving a sigh, he slid into the bathing pool.

The warm water engulfed his body, bringing out a sigh of relief.

The source of this c𝓸ntent is freewebnøvel.coɱ.

Due to continuous travel, his body was extremely fatigued. Not to talk about, his visit to the dungeon yesterday.

Now, he was left with only the main boss of the Third Dungeon.

'Hey, system, according to you, how many dungeons would it take me to reach A-rank?'

[Ding!]

[By the completion of the fifth dungeon, you will break through your current rank and reach the A-rank.]

Austin heaved a sigh, 'So two more challenges, huh?'

It was quite a tedious journey, to be honest. How many months has it been? Around four months ago, he started his journey from D-rank and now has reached nearly the A-rank.

He has fought several opponents higher in rank. Killed his bastard brother. He has slaughtered two S-ranks. He has made some friends. He made out with Valerie twenty-seven times. Went on thirty-six dates. Patching things up with Averis.

So many things happened.

'Haah....feels nostalgic.' After a brief pause, he asked the system, 'What exactly happened to you last time?'

[The system is still trying to find the source of the disturbance. For safety purposes, the latest reward has been sealed until the system doesn't ensure complete protection against another invasion.]

Austin frowned...what in the world could be attacking the system?

He has no knowledge of where the system comes from or whether there was a person working behind the screen to help him.

Out of curiosity, Austin asked, 'Tell me something, were you with my previous version too? The one who had all the Soul fragments?'

[Yes, host. I was with you then as well. However, you never utilized me since you deemed me useless...]

...Austin might be imagining things but he felt sorrow in those words.

Well, considering how strong he actually was, naturally, the challenges the System had in store must have bored him.

Austin warmly smiled as he said, "But you helped me a lot this time so thank you for that, system. Even after I gain my other fragments, I promise to always keep asking for your help."

[Thank you host ๑>ᴗ<๑!]

Austin chuckled as he pushed himself up and got out of the resting spot.

Wiping his body he wrapped the towel around his waist and entered his room.

Walking out, he wore loose-fitting trousers and was about to put on the shirt when,

*Knock*

Austin paused. Then smirked.

Thinking it might be Valerie and how fun it would be to see her reaction, he approached the door.

Shirtless.

Just before opening the door, he breathed against his palm to ensure his breath wasn't stinky.

Once he was done, he opened the door, with a sweet greeting on the tip of his tongue—but then,

"...why are you here?" He frowned, seeing three men standing there.

Ryan, Sheldon, and Rudolph.

"How rude. We came to check on you." Ryan complained with his arms crossed on his chest.

Austin heaved a sigh, before giving them some space, "Come in."

Rudolph entered the room and said, "Hope you have some snacks in your kitchen."

Ryan entered soon after, followed by Sheldon.

However, just as the silverhead was about to walk past him, he teasingly whispered, "Were you expecting someone else with that get-up?"

Austin was struck speechless hearing that, his eyes widened.

Sheldon mischievously stated, "As the vice president, I think I need to fulfill my duty and punish the one who doesn't follow rules."

Austin rolled his eyes and pushed the guy inside before closing the door.

Rudolph sat on the bed while Sheldon and Ryan took the chairs.

Austin stepped toward the kitchen to brew some tea for the others as Ryan began to speak,

"This beautiful girl in my class, the one I had a crush on for some time, approached me today."

"Heh~" Austin grinned, "Even you have a crush on people, huh?" Considering what a battle junkie the third year is, Austin thought he might not let his mind wander in different directions.

Ryan snickered, "You think only you can have a love life."

Austin chuckled at that reaction, before Rudolph asked, "So what did the girl say? Asked for a spar?"

"Man...you only think about fighting all the time, no?" Sheldon shook his head with a tired expression.

"I mean...I have only been approached with that reason in mind by those girls. So I thought his case might be the same?" The big guy replied as he took the cup which Austin offered.

"I also thought that it was a challenge to a battle. I already had thought of how I would be impressing her and all...but I was wrong. So...so wrong."

The guy's shoulders slumped as he informed them, "She didn't approach me for a battle...but a task much more difficult."

"To pretend to be her boyfriend or something?" Austin asked.

"Or maybe be her brother?" Sheldon teased.

Ryan shook his head, his eyes droopy, as he informed them, "She asked me to be her dance partner."

"...."

Everyone turned silent.

Was dancing that difficult?

"You all are nobles so it's not difficult for you. I come from a small family!" Ryan defended himself. He could literally see their thoughts on their faces.

Sheldon chuckled, "You never took any town girl to a date or something?"

Ryan heaved a sigh, "I never thought of dating someone until I reached the academy. But that's not the problem here."

"You want to learn how to dance?" Rudolph asked with his arms crossed.

He also has got himself a dance partner for tomorrow and the funny part, Rhea was behaving the same as Ryan when he asked to be his partner

Rhea also doesn't know how to dance.

"It's nothing difficult, truth be honest. Come here, I will guide you." Austin volunteered as he got up from the bed.

Ryan rested the cup on the table and got up.

He was about to move toward Austin but the blond noble crossed his arms in rejection, "You can't approach your partner like that. It's uncool."

Ryan stiffened... is there a way to approach your partner, too?

Regardless, he didn't question anything and nodded for him to continue.

Austin stood upright before he extended his left foot slightly, and his back leaned a little.

His left hand extended toward Ryan and his right hand behind his back.

With a graceful posture that made the other two also take notes, Austin asked, "May I have the pleasure to share the dance floor with the lovely lady?"

That grace...those words...."Now wonder you got your lover head over heels for you." Sheldon was impressed.

Ryan, on the other hand, offered his hand to Austin and they drew closer.

"Now, where will be your hand?" Austin asked.

"On your waist?" He asked hesitantly. He had never seen many couples dancing before, so he was unsure.

Austin heaved a sigh, "Just below your partner's shoulder blade."

Ryan nodded before he rested his hand at the spot, "Like this."

"Slightly up...yeah. Just keep it there." Austin rested his hand on Ryan's shoulder and told him, "Now move with the rhythm-"

*CRACK*

Everyone in the room froze.

An ominous sensation reached them.

The glass of the window cracked as someone, peeking from outside, lost control over her emotions.

Austin slowly turned his eyes—and looking at those hollow eyes of his fiancée, he felt a sense of panic rising.

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- It was an instinctive reaction, no misunderstanding. Thanks for reading.