I Escaped the Exile Story Only To Find It Was a Regret Trope

53 – 11# Their Resolve (1)

My brother was nothing short of a hero to me.

From the time we lost our parents in childhood until now. We have protected each other, just the two of us. Even though we weren’t blood-related siblings.

In fact, the time spent with my brother was even longer than the time spent with my parents. That’s how suddenly our parents left us in an accident.

It was a very heartbreaking event, but surprisingly, I could endure it. Because my brother filled the void left by our parents. But a question arose.

If my brother filled my void.

Who would fill my brother’s void?

If I said I was okay. Would my brother be okay?

Unfortunately, when I first thought of that question. I was too young, too young. And as time passed, when I finally could think of the question.

Yuri almost lost her brother.

The only family left, so precious, now just one person. Only then could Yuri finally recall the question she had been desperately avoiding.

Because she remembered the feeling of loss from that time.

She never wanted to lose again. She had some confidence. The top student at the academy, a promising hero. That was her label.

But.

In actual combat, she was of no help at all. She was the only one who lost in the duel, and she was of no help in the fight with the sage or whatever.

When she first entered the academy.

The confidence that had been overflowing at that time was shattered into pieces. Am I really of any help to my brother? In the end, am I just being protected until now?

I must change.

Even if I can’t protect.

At least, I must be of help.

That was why Yuri pushed herself to the limit. Seolyeon, who was watching Yuri’s training, couldn’t help but be amazed inside. It was an incredible talent.

“Amazing, to think you’ve already reached the state of blooming.”

“Is it that great?”

“Yes, there are less than five people among the first years who can use blooming.”

It’s just that you’ve only met those who use blooming so far. In fact, the number of students who can properly use blooming within the academy was extremely rare.

And among them, it was even rarer to awaken blooming in the first year.

There was only one way it was possible, a combination of innate talent and bone-crushing effort. That was the case with Yuri.

“This is not enough.”

However, despite being in the extremely rare minority, Yuri was not satisfied. She could definitely feel that she had become stronger through blooming.

But.

This is not enough to be of help.

The monsters Yuri had seen so far had powers beyond imagination. Her brother Yushin, of course, Athena, the sage, even Mephisto.

And now, the newly joined woman named Veris.

She really, really didn’t want to admit it, didn’t like it, but Yuri had to acknowledge that power. So, she couldn’t be satisfied with this.

“Shall we take a break?”

“What? But this is not enough.”

“Rest is important too. Let’s take a moment to check while resting.”

“If you say so.”

Clicking her tongue in regret, Yuri obediently followed Seolyeon’s words. She was in a position to learn from her, so she couldn’t argue.

A short break.

Seolyeon and Yuri did not say a word to each other. Although she was receiving help, Seolyeon was also too awkward a person for Yuri to see as a woman.

But she didn’t show it.

Yuri understood her own situation. She was a half-wit who couldn’t become strong without bowing her head and learning from someone. That was the evaluation Yuri had given herself.

It might be considered excessively cold.

But she had to be ruthlessly cold. If she wanted to be of help in the upcoming battle. If she wanted to be of help to her brother, she had to be like this.

“Is refining yourself like that to be of help to your family?”

“Yes.”

“That’s admirable. But it’s not good to push yourself too hard.”

Seolyeon gave sincere advice. She too had no time to look around as she whipped herself, and that’s why she ended up like this.

She still thinks about it sometimes.

If she had been able to look around enough. Or if she had paid attention to her only younger brother, Hyunwoo, would things have turned out differently?

“You might miss something precious at an important moment.”

“…Is that so.”

“Well, since it’s coming from me, it might not resonate.”

“No, senior. It actually resonated deeply with me.”

It wasn’t an empty word but a fact. Yuri knew what had happened to Hyunwoo and what he was doing now. Because she had seen it herself.

Thanks to that, Yuri was able to reflect on herself.

There was no law that said she wouldn’t end up like Senior Seolyeon. A sharp sword must be aimed at the right target. If not, and it is swung recklessly,

People around, including oneself, will get hurt.

She wanted to be of help to her brother. That hasn’t changed. But if asked whether she was satisfied with just that, she would have to shake her head.

What she wanted was one thing.

To live happily with her brother.

Putting aside all the current wise men, Mephistos, and the fate of the world. She just wanted to live happily. Yes, that was Yuri’s wish.

“It seems you’ve finally realized what you’re fighting for.”

“Thanks to you. Really, thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. If it’s for a cherished junior, this is nothing.”

“Is that so.”

Yuri felt anew the greatness of Seolyeon’s character. Even though their first meeting wasn’t that great, she helped with everything with all her might.

Even giving advice like this.

She felt ashamed of herself for growling at their first meeting. If things continued like this, they might become friends. Just when she thought that.

“By the way, Yushin, do you have a lover or someone like that?”

“……”

A single sentence kicked Yuri’s positive evaluation of Seolyeon to the curb. Asking about her brother’s lover? Why? For what reason?

No, she could guess without even asking.

A face tinged with a blush, a stammering voice that didn’t suit the position of the head of the disciplinary committee. And above all, eyes mixed with embarrassment and hesitation.

Yuri’s eyes narrowed.

* * *

Yushin remained with Berth and Athena.

Because he belonged to Class S. There was no problem even if he didn’t attend the academy. Of course, if he skipped classes and fell behind, that would be the end of it.

And in fact, Yushin had no intention of skipping academy classes.

If only the two who were like cats and dogs weren’t stuck together. And even Berth insisted on following him to the academy? That was truly unbearable.

Yushin knew Berth’s personality all too well.

To avoid her causing unnecessary trouble, he chose not to attend the academy. Of course, he could simply sneak into the academy.

Unfortunately, such methods wouldn’t work on Berth.

Despite being a saint, she had a venomous streak like a viper. Once she set her mind on something, she would achieve it no matter what. That was Berth.

“How long are you going to keep glaring at each other?”

So he chose not to go to the academy. But alas, things turned out this way. The cat and dog were left glaring at each other.

He wouldn’t normally say anything.

But they had been glaring at each other for an hour. From Yushin’s perspective, watching from the side, it was unbearable. What was the problem?

“Why are you acting up again? We’re comrades, after all.”

“I’ve never had irresponsible and reckless comrades.”

“I don’t remember being friends with an old-fashioned demigod either.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake.”

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Yushin felt like he was going crazy. With a common enemy right in front of them, they were eager to kill each other. It was driving him mad.

It was true that they had all defeated the Demon King together.

But that didn’t mean they acknowledged each other as comrades. Athena had joined the party last, and then there was friction with Berth.

The Demon King’s subjugation was imminent. Knowing that defeating the Demon King would grant her freedom, Berth barely held back.

But now the situation was different.

Berth had already gained her freedom. Although the great evil Mephisto remained, Berth didn’t care if the world ended or not.

“I think it’s time to educate that old-fashioned demigod.”

“Are you challenging me? That’s the only thing you’ve said that I like.”

“Take it easy.”

In the end, it was Yushin who desperately tried to stop the two from getting up.