It's not like I need the Hero to like me in order to save the world. But isn't there usually a cliché where the bullies who pick on the Hero, die later on in the story?

This is really just a huge mess. I refuse to be the first arc's villain.

"Settle down, trainees! Who is responsible for making this ruckus!?"

It was obviously me... but who would volunteer themselves. Unfortunately, I don't see another way out of this. And I don't think this foul-mouthed personality is going to let me talk carefully.

"..Hic.. It was me. I-I'm sorry, I was being overly sensitive."

"Tsk. Darn new trainees. Behave yourselves from now on."

Oh, our dear naïve Hero, thanking you for saving my ass. You really are good natured. I promise to raise your stats as gently as I can. Despite being insulted for no reason, she still bowed her head to me and ran off. Feels like my heart got stabbed.

Such a gentle person. She will be easy.

"Line up in front of the orbs and say status! From there you can determine what class best suits you."

Huh. Judging by this, it seems I'm the only one who can see my stats without outside help.

As I'm walking to the orbs, a girl with a ponytail passes by me muttering, "Piece of shit.."

Ugh. That's another stab to the heart. Well, I can't say she's wrong.

----------------------------------------

After everyone had seen their status, instructors handed out wooden weapons.

Our little Hero went to the swords section. Of course, the main Hero must use a sword. Honestly, I'm not too confident in using a sword but I'm following her just because I want to have some common ground.

"Form pairs! We're beginning sparring right away!"

I kept my eye on her. I want to show that I had no ill intent. Just a dumb person with good intentions... yeah. Let's go with that setting. I mean... it's quite close to the truth. I do have good intentions.

Maybe because she had already been singled out, but she was getting ignored every time she went up to someone. Perfect. I'm making her my partner.

I'll have the most chances to grow her stats that way. The weakest are usually chosen last in physical education. And she seems the weakest so no one would pick her. Heh.

They have no clue that the timid girl with weak base stats is actually a strong ally who will carry you in the late game due to absurd stat growths.

After observing my own stats more carefully, I could see stats had a certain cap. It's probably the same for others. Geniuses would probably have a higher limit on their stats. Effort would never beat talent if talent worked hard.

But since she's the Hero, her stat limits probably can't be compared to anybody else. And my trait Villain scales with her growth.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Be glad, I, Claud Branford will be your partner. Even someone like you can grow strong if you're with me."

Alright, I sounded like a douche, but I think I got the point across. Judging by how no notifications were going off, she wasn't intimidated by that at least. She actually had quite the surprised expression.

Be happy. I'm gonna be your partner and help you train!

Am I getting the gist of it? Thinking nice things to say will get them twisted. So, I'll speak like how I usually do! The foul-mouthed personality doesn't take hold if I'm already speaking like an ass.

"Umm, o-okay. My name is Sophie."

Lucky... She doesn't seem to be mad. Normal people wouldn't have accepted me as a partner right after being berated in public. The kindness of a real Hero truly knows no bounds.

"If you've found your pairs. Head for the grounds!"

As we're walking, I'm thinking of the right words to say in order to prevent the foul-mouthed trait from activating.

"Branford?"

Mmm. Maybe I can ask for her stats? I can calculate them by halving mine, but it could help to start a conversation.

"B-Branford?"

But it's rude, isn't it? I imagine revealing your stats would be very taboo. Like talking about your salary in the workplace.

"Claud?"

"Hmm, yes?"

Oh. I was so distracted that I didn't say anything mean. Maybe this could help circumvent the foul-mouthed trait too.

"Umm why did you ask for me to be your partner? I-I thought you hated me..."

"I only hate your weakness, as we are in an academy to train soldiers. Personally, I have nothing against you."

Oh, hell yes. That's a cool line. Good going foul mouthed me! Show your nobility!

"Ah... t-thank-"

Wait. What in the world is she thanking me for? Did she just read my mind? Or maybe... she just misunderstood in a positive way for me. Y-yeah that's most likely.

".. except the fact that you stink. Take a bath."

-14/50 Bad deeds completed. Insult successful-

Come on! We were doing so well! This is why parents tell their kids to be careful of who they choose as friends. Otherwise, they might end up with friends like me.

"...Hic.. sorry.."

Damn. Have some backbone, Hero. You're going to deal with a lot more of this in the future from me until I can erase this personality trait.

"Do not show weakness, Sophie. It makes me feel sick."

-15/50 Bad deeds completed. Intimidate successful-

Okay. That's not fair. I meant to keep that to myself.

"Sophie, I'd like to know what your stats are."

"E-eh? I-I.."

"It would be useful to know what your weaknesses are so you may overcome them."

"Oh. You meant those stats."

Huh were there other stats I was not aware of. Besides this Willpower stat that reduces every time I try to block the foul-mouthed trait... maybe there are others.

She scooched over closer to tell me.

"Umm please don't be disappointed, they're all in the single digits..."

"Single digits hmm."

"W-wait please don't say that out loud."

"Why?"

"B-because it's showing my weakness..."

She really seemed to have taken my earlier words to heart. She's very impressionable. I hope I don't have a bad influence on her.

I've played a bunch of visual novels to notice. Now's the decisive time to use up my remaining Willpower to get bonus points from her.

"I apologize. Earlier I was not in a good mood and took it out on you. I assumed you were just a weak person. But you were mentally strong enough to accept my invite despite my discourtesy. I'm sorry."

-Current Willpower: 0/2-

"O-oh. T-thank you for choosing me again, Claud."

Ugh I feel actually mentally drained. Could Willpower be what mages and warriors use for their skills? But I definitely gained a bunch of points for her from that interaction. At least she knows I don't hate her.

I'm too tired. It's tiring to just look straight ahead.

-Maximum Willpower has increased to 4. Willpower has refreshed-

Sweet...

-Hero's Vitality has increased by 1. Your Vitality has increased by 2-

That feels better. We've been walking for quite a bit. It seems pure effort can help gain stats too. Maybe I won't have to bully her too much.

"Sophie, what are the higher limits on your stats? Which class do you think you're suited for?"

Wait, why are you turning away? Why are you turning red?

"I-I'm sorry.. Hic.. They're.."

Oh no... why is she crying.

".. single digit also."