Chapter 51 The True Protagonist 2

"Took you long enough." As I said that with a grin on my face, the people around me became more infuriated.

"Ehh, uhmm." Licia looked back and forth with worry and panic between me and the people around that undeniably guard.

"You bastard, are you a monster in child clothing to foul the young lady?!!!" The guy with the big build roared.

"Young lady, you should get away from that kid; he's tricking you."

"That kid can't be normal to get in here!!!"

They keep barking in sync while Licia remains beside me. I couldn't be more glad; she's not leaving me. I can't take any of these dudes; they are full-fledged knights and mages. They can make short work out of me.

Perhaps meeting Licia first was a stroke of luck, but thanks to it, I got to know the real protagonist. Our conversation earlier might also have played its part. For me to gain the trust of the original protagonist.

***

"Well, there's nothing really special about me... breaking the barrier." I leisurely rest my hands on my back while I sit on the green grass. "I'm used to breaking stuff, HAHA."

"Even so, that's commendable. It's an impenetrable barrier that our ancestors built in the past." Licia, who's sitting beside me, looks at me with glistering light in her eyes, as if she has discovered a new species.

Despite our smooth conversation, there's something that's been bugging me. I gaze directly into her eyes. "You're quite comfortable; I just broke inside your home, you know?"

"Hmm, that's true. But I never let my guard down." Her eyes show a hit of zealousness. Even in her current state, the courageous air of a hero was evident in her.

That was enough to make me flinch, though my lips curled in a hint of admiration rather than wearyness. I arrive at the right time; she's still bright like a star.

"Until a second ago." Licia broke into a mischievous smile. "Until a second ago, I never once let my guard down."

"Wait, do you mean... that armor?"

“Ohh, you noticed?” Licia crawled in haste, closing the distance between us. “That’s partial activation of my armor!”

“So that you can manifest your armor if needed.”

"Yeah, yeah!" With an awkward laugh, she tilted her head. "I just got the feeling I should remove it at that time. It's like I sense you wouldn't do anything that would harm me. The way you looked at me was unlike anyone, similar to my father but different."

Without a doubt, what I saw earlier is the signature unique magic of Armogran, magic armor. I'm not entirely sure what she sees in me, but I think that just saved my life.

Licia was supposed to be the strongest kid on this day; if she deployed her armor, I'm not certain of my victory.

"I'm really glad I met you as you are."

No particular reason, but those words just left my mouth. If we followed Alaric's plan and waited for Armogran's agreement, would her parents? No. Would Lucas even reveal the existence of his daughter?

That's unlikely; Licia was not revealed until her last breath. She died without anyone else knowing her. I still don't know the reason for that absurd twist. One thing is for sure: if I haven't done this, then the one that'll greet me would be Licia's shell.

Lucio, the one who will play the protagonist, Licia's counterpart.

Unbeknownst to me, my words earlier left a certain impression on Licia.

"Huh, uh….do you really think that?" Her moist, rounded eyes closely observe my face while fidgeting with her finger. "Do you perhaps know?"

Ahh…shit.

"Huh, you asked me to know you as Licia, so it sort of came out suddenly." A natural lie while I pretend to scratch my head.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Ah! Yeah, I forgot for a moment." She urgently pulled back, scratching her reddened cheek.

"You almost blew your cover again, my disciple~" My master, who's been keeping quiet, made a snide remark. Somehow she had a pout in her cheeks again.

I want to pop those cheeks...As soon as I think of that, my master's body twists in a different direction...

“.........................”

Sighing inwardly, I turn back to this innocent protagonist in front of me. I am a bit remorseful for lying to her, though the plot twist about her was a secret that shouldn't have been known.

A well-mannered goody-two-shoe hero. The personality will be introduced in the future, with the face forced on Licia. Even in the game, the protagonist was of a fixed male gender. In this world, aside from godlike beings, I'm the only outsider who knows about Licia.

"I'm Licia…I'm Licia, right? HEHEHE." She pointed at herself; her smile itself was like an untainted flower.

"Yeah, you're Licia…A very adorable lady from the Armogran family. Licia Armogran." Others might find her actions bizarre, but to me, that's the definition of cute.

"Uwahh! What a cute child!! My disciple, you must protect this child even if it kills you." Even my master was unable to hold back, yanking my body back and forth. Thankfully, Licia didn't notice anything.

“That’s my plan, but do I need to hear that from my own master?” I retorted in my head.

"So what? She's cute, and you're not….ohhh."

“The Fuc….”

"What I mean is that you're on the handsome side…I remember I have something to do." In a blink of an eye, she flew away.

Dumbfounded, I was left blinking my eyes indefinitely. Fortunately, there's a sweet little creature beside me.

“Carus!”

"Hmmm, yeah?" Having my name called, I responded right away.

"Carus, is Licia's friend right?"

"Mhmm, that's right~" Uweee, what the hell, is the true protagonist supposed to be this cute? Without turning back, I could sense my master was also peeking.

"Hehe, you're Licia's friend, my friend~"

Oh my gosh, I almost pulled out a phone and snapped a picture of her.

Yeah, I can't do that. Her existence ought to be hidden. The only sad part was the reality she needed to live with. Lucas was an overprotective father; there had to be a good reason for this.

If that is inevitable, I hope something changes this time. I'll never let an ending like that happen to her; at the very least, I'll not let her die alone.

"I finally got to meet you. The one and only will become my hero."

***

"We wouldn't ask twice; raise your hand and get away from the young lady!!!!"

The guy with the big build roared, followed by his comrades, pointing their guns' muzzles and the tips of their swords. Before I realized it, mages with staff in their hands were already around, prepared to fire magic at any time.

"Wait, he's not an enemy." Licia, step up in front of me to protect me.

"Young lady, don't get fooled by that kid; just him standing here was impossible!" The same guy responded to Licia before glaring at me.

If not for Licia, I don't know how long I can keep my composure. In reality, even with one of them, I stand no chance. Unlike the guys in the orphanage, these guys were skilled beyond comparison. After all, they meant to protect this place from any threat. Unfortunately, I'm that threat.

Should I contact Gramps?

"Everyone, let's all calm down for a moment."

The people around were split open, and a distinguishing figure arrived. A beautiful woman, her golden hair reaching her back, she had the same golden eyes as Licia. She shared a resemblance with Licia; without a doubt, she was Licia's mother.

Cecilia.

"Mother, please, you must listen to me! He didn't do anything!!" As soon as she saw her mother, Licia pleaded.

So this is her tone at home? I'm a bit amazed by the slight change in her demeanor. But, Licia, I did do something…I infiltrated your home…

Though the same buff guy intruded, bowing his head, "Please, Lady Cecilia, let us handle this; we'll handle that irksome monster."

"No, Greg, haven't you noticed none of the other defenses were activated, because it's only worked with someone with ill intention." Cecilia looked at me once, turning to her daughter, who had a hopeful look. Before a meaningful smile broke into her lips. "Aside from that, can you see Licia have her defense off? I bet she trusts this young man in front of us."

"Lower your weapons." Cecilia lightly waved her hand to command her underling.

All of them lower their weapons, though I can sense that they are on guard. Even the guy named Greg reluctantly lowered his big sword without saying a word.

"So young man, why don't you introduce yourself to us?" Cecilia walked towards us, putting her hand on her daughter's head; she fixed her eyes on me, full of interest. I sense she's a little wary, but keeps her composure.

"I'm Car….."

A thunderous sound cut through the air, causing us to stumble. The barrier, which was supposed to be indestructible, fell into pieces. A feat I would never dream to accomplish on this day. I want to slap the guy who called it indestructible.

The menacing atmosphere above us catches the eyes of every single individual in our surroundings. In the midst of falling pieces of a barrier, a figure was floating in the sky, illuminated with white gold light as if the sky had sent him. A man with silver hair and eyes was wearing partially complete armor with a golden sword in his hand.

"How can someone with the title of hero be this intimidating?" Master forced a weak smile on her face, consoling me. "My dear disciple, I think you used up all of your luck."

In front of this unraveled hero, I couldn't even retort back to Master. Lucas, the current hero of the Grandian empire, Licia's father. His radiating eyes looked down on me, enough to bring me down to my knee.

Without wasting a second, I pull out my phone from my pocket.

I don't know if he takes that as a challenge, but I sensed an unimaginable power coming from the sky. Lucas points his sword at me and positions himself. Before plunging down at a speed transcending sound, only leaving a trail of golden light behind...

I steeled myself, and at the same time, Cilestia materialized herself in front of me. At our current strength, we can't block an attack from one of the strongest beings in the world.

"Carus, watch out!!!" Licia screamed, reaching her hand for me.

Cecilia holds down Licia, protecting her from danger. "What?!!"

The golden light completely blocked my view, missing the change in Cecilia's expression.

It's Lucas with an ogre expression, as if he's not supposed to be the hot hero. "You fucking bastard, you dare to lay your hand on my daughter.“

He and his daughter's complex never ceases to amaze me, whether in novel or in reality.

"Don't worry, we'll be fine." I hold Cilestia, who's about to release everything, with my left hand close to my face.

"Lucas, you mustn't touch that boy! He's..."

Before the world turned white and mixed with gold, I think I heard Cecilia's voice. Though there's something for sure—mana mixed with divine power—I couldn't fathom such a thing as someone who eagerly retains the purity of his mana.

However, I can't deny it; it's powerful. I'm no match for it, no matter what. He's the guy who slayed the MC. He's a bastard who will kill a kid for his daughter.

The world of white and gold was created by the hero's attack. No one would imagine someone would be able to match it. Not until they witness this.

Just like that, eerie, strangely familiar powers emerge, causing disruption that is unmatched by anything. Seeing the distinguishing colors of those powers, I didn't miss the green-colored mana.

I let go of Cilestia, letting her float beside me. I calmly turned my eyes in front; the green land was nowhere to be seen. That's not the only thing everyone faces filled with horror.

As the pressure grew, Lucas was overpowered by it. From the sheer force of something that is beyond mortal. Enough to bring everyone to their knees, excluding me.

Lucas's body was filled with blood as his sword was grabbed by a giant, eerie black arm and tied with chains. As the final defense, a single flower with protruding vines stopped the tip of Lucas's sword from reaching me. The mana within those was familiar to me, though there's also unfamiliar colorless magic that helps and instantly disappears.

"These powers don't tell me..."

As Lucas realized it, everyone around panicked at the realization.

"This can't be."

"Impossible…"

"For a kid like that..."

I bring out my phone and put it on the highest volume. On the other side were the owners of chains.

[Hello everyone, this is Alaric.]