I WAS The Rank–1 Hero-Chapter 162: Act 1: In every universe, you always find me.

Shaaaaa—

The rain poured, hiding my tears. The flickering lamps above my head dimmed as the three photos got wet and crumbled in my hands.

Resting my back on the bench, I looked towards my hands.

The traces of blood can still be seen.

My words choked.

"What does she deserve to be treated like this?"

She always treated others with love and care. Why would anyone do that to her?

My vision blurred as the water gathered on my retina.

Was it tears or rain? I can't seem to distinguish.

Rubbing my eyes with my elbow, I once again recalled Albert's words.

"She was killed."

"Sniff…"

Whimpering, I unfolded the three photographs.

"Cristine Duskveil. Rina Starcrown. Rowan Silverrest."

These were the names Albert handed me. He called them "suspects."

Right now, my thoughts were clouded.

There was something deeper, an untamed rage burned within me.

"What should I do now?"

My voice was ragged, filled with sourness.

I was talking to myself.

"I need to find the killer…"

Albert did say that he tried to bring her justice, but… somehow all three got away with it.

"So, that means someone was backing them?"

Who could that be?

"Haahaa…" I chuckled.

It was funny, I was thinking about that.

Isn't it obvious?

The one who was supporting and the one who hid away all the reports regarding Elise's mission.

"The Hero Association."

I was whispering now.

That was the name who wouldn't leave my tail and fuck me over even in another world.

"What should I do?"

I don't know anything.

"Should I go punish all three noble houses?"

If I did that, then my parents in this world would suffer because of it.

"Maybe I can present all the evidence to the world."

As if they would let me do it.

I know them better, regardless of what timeline they were from. They would all behave the same.

"Cough… Cough…" I coughed. The cold was slowly rising up to my head.

Anna went to her room—her brother wouldn't let her be with me. As for Albert, there was no light in his eyes. He looked as if he'd given up.

"Can't blame him…"

Even a high-class noble house like Ashborn was having a hard time going against three noble houses.

It was just me now.

I am all alone in this world with no friends and no allies.

This situation made me wonder how grateful I was in my real world.

"I... want to go back," I whispered to myself, pleading—hoping someone, anyone, could make it come true.

"Anyone… Please."

I closed my eyes, the rain continued to fall on my cheeks.

At least the touch of rain on my skin made me feel a little less lonely.

Blending in the moment, I didn't even notice when the rain stopped. Not a single drop now fell on me.

But I can still hear the sound of it falling above my head.

I slowly opened my eyes and saw a black umbrella over my head.

"Are you alright?"

A tender voice reached out to me from the other side.

I was soft and familiar.

Lowering my gaze, I saw her figure. Her black suit and white shirt were soaked, clinging neatly to her curves.

My heart throbbed.

A surge of intense emotion flooded my mind. Relief washed over me, and a deep calm settled in.

She angled the umbrella to see my face, and I, in turn, saw hers.

With a worried expression, her crimson gaze swept me from head to toe, crimson hairs framed her pristine white face.

Without even thinking, I called her name.

"Ruby."

She blinked, amazed. Her gaze first turned to the rank written on my coat and then back to my face.

Narrowing her eyes, she snapped.

"It's Headmistress Ruby to you."

"..."

I just gaped.

"Which year are you from?" She asked simply.

My eyes sagged, and a smile appeared on my face.

"Year 1. Headmistress Ruby."

I positioned myself, ready to stand, but my feet slipped on the water, and I fell into her.

Splash—

"Ouch…!"

I hit my head on something.

As I slowly opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was her crimson gaze. They were just a finger's distance away from my own.

They were staring at me, stunned.

My body pressed against her soft figure, and I could feel her soft breath brushing against my lips.

"Haaah… haaah…"

Everything happened so quickly, I was left stunned.

In that moment, time felt like an eternity.

"Mhm…"

She let out a soft moan, and her face flushed bright pink.

The hair on my nape stood on its end.

I instantly pulled my face away from hers.

"S-Sorry." I hesitated.

She was just lying on the wet ground, her crimson hair scattered behind her head.

Lowering my gaze, I saw her soaked white shirt. Her chest rose and fell with each intense breath she took.

It was breathtaking.

In the midst of it all, I didn't seem to notice her glare.

"Would you please move?"

"Ah, yeah."

I instantly shot up from her in a single swift motion.

Taking a step back, I looked down at her.

Just as she was forcing herself up, I lowered myself and reached out a hand to her.

"..."

She looked at me, at my hands, and then at my face.

"Pfttt! Haahaahaa…"

Out to my surprise, she burst into laughter.

"You… Your face is beet red." She said.

I ignored her, no matter how embarrassing it seemed. I was used to her teasing.

I extended my hand again. "My hand hurts, you know?"

"Oh, thank you."

She gracefully took it with her slender fingers as I helped her to her feet.

Picking up the umbrella, I walked up to her and held it over us.

"You'll catch a cold." I said, averting my flushed face away from hers.

"Hmm… you know…" She asked, her voice brushing my hair, "I wanted to ask, have we met before?"

Of course.

How would she know?

This was, after all, her first time meeting me this closely.

I wanted to hold her. To rest my head on her shoulder. To hear her sweet voice in my ears… But, knowing that this was not her… It pains me.

It hadn't even been a day, and I already missed her.

No matter where she was, or whatever version she became… I just hoped she was okay.

I turned my head to her and simply answered.

"This was the first time I was meeting you."

She answered, clearly not expecting this response.

"Is that so? But you know… your eyes say otherwise."

Well, that's surprising.

Holding back my excitement, I whispered enough for her to hear.

"What can you see in my eyes?"

Her face softened.

"Pain. You look like you are in pain. And…"

"And?" I asked, whispering.

"And lonely."

"..."

How could I hold myself back? Just one glance, and she read me completely. How was I supposed not to miss her… to not want her here right now?

I truly pity this version of me—what did he do to lose everything I had, and which cruel god did he offend to deserve this life?

"I'm lonely..." I whispered.

In that moment, I recalled one of Ruby's words.

'No matter what obstacle you bumped into, just reach your hands to me. And then… I'll be your light in your dark void.'

Looking at her face, I implored.

"I'm stuck. Would you please help me?"

"Mhm," she nodded. "I will. No matter what void my student faces, I'll be the light in your darkness."

Sometimes, doesn't it feel good when things stay as they were meant to? When people can say exactly what they feel...

I love it when some things just don't change.

The rain lashed harder against us. Under the umbrella, I simply watched this version of her, feeling as if it truly was her.

"Where are you from?" She asked.

"Honeyford." I simply said.

"Hm... It's far from here," she thought for a moment. Then, as if a brilliant idea struck her, she added, "You're soaking. Why not come to my place? You can tell me your problems there."

Right now, she was the only support I could ask for. So, I nodded.

"Alright." I murmured.

"Perfect, now come stand under the umbrella."

She insisted, but I just pulled my body away from her.

"It's fine, I'm already soaked."

"That's not an excuse!" She scolded. "Hey—don't do that!"

She held my arm, pulling me under the umbrella.

"It—it's fine, really. I'm as good as wet!"

"Ah, Don't do that… Oh, I see. If that's the case, then—here!"

To my surprise, she let go of the umbrella.

"Hey, what are you doing?!" I scolded her back.

"Why, I want to get soaked too!" she grinned. Then, running to my side, she gestured, "Let's see who can reach my place first!"

And with that, she dashed ahead.

"Huh?! you'll fall! What kind of Headmistress does that?!"

"My kind~!" She called back, still running.

Seriously, she was too much.

A smile tugged at my lips as I ran after her.