Sin and Virtue System



93 Crossroads: Love or Rift.

"I heard from Sir Robert that you assisted him in subjugating demons," Alice said with a sweet smile. "He's one of the high-ranking Demon Hunters in the Fluger Kingdom and he told me that you bravely fought alongside him." Although leaving the academy without notice was punishable, Alice said she would let it slide this time.

Kevin was surprised by Alice's behavior. She seemed like a concerned elder, a side of her he had never seen before.

"It was nice to meet you, Headmistress," Kevin said, bowing again as Alice concluded her visit. She talked about many things, avoiding the reason for his condition and the things Kevin had expected her to address.

"Sir Robert recognized your talent and, thanks to your help, he will soon join the academy as a teacher," Alice said as she walked towards the door. "Oh! Before I leave, there's something I must tell you," she said, stopping in the middle and turning back towards Kevin. "I have an offer for you."

Her sudden proposal took Kevin aback.

"You see, Kevin, there are many talented students in the Academy, even more so in the last few years. But no one has ever been recommended by a Demon Hunter, and I think this might be an opportunity for you."

Although Kevin's expression remained stoic, he listened intently as Alice spoke.

"Some powers hinder students' growth. External politics affect our race's progress. While High Elves are surpassing our mages, the dwarves are building technologies never seen before. In a competitive world like this, a talent like yours will stagnate if kept in the academy like a museum piece," Alice continued. Kevin's eyes widened as Alice took control of the conversation for the first time.

"No teacher in this academy can truly help you grow properly. Once you surpass the students, you won't have the motivation to grow further, and that's the hard reality of this world.

I am the Headmistress of this Academy, so taking students directly under me is unfair to the remaining. But it won't be a problem if I helped someone from the sidelines."

Alice then handed Kevin a piece of paper from her storage ring and said, "I trust my judgment and believe you have the potential to grow into a splendid man even so the best Demon Hunter out there. Your absence from the academy won't be noticed, and your student funds won't be affected. I hope for a prompt and positive response."

Kevin was speechless. He knew that nothing in the world was free. But Alice's kindness seemed to be otherworldly. He put the paper aside for now, still trying to process everything that had happened, including his recent confrontation with Michael.

As his thoughts were in turmoil, Amaya knocked on the door and walked in. Kevin's eyes met hers, and he sucked in a cold breath.

Unlike her usual attire, she wore a soft pink dress that hid her curves and covered every inch of her body.

"Amaya," he said softly. His voice cracked.

Amaya was a woman with brown hair and sapphire eyes. Her body held all the proportions perfectly and her beauty was considered top-notch. She momentarily stopped when she saw Kevin's state.

Amaya Fluger was Kevin's girlfriend and the third princess of the Fluger kingdom, also known as the number one flower of the Royal Academy. She held a basket of fruits in her hands, looking at Kevin with tears in her eyes, like a wife visiting her husband who has returned from war. Amaya visited Kevin every day after his return and even bunked classes to be by his side. She was worried sick for him and believed that if there was anything that could kill him, then this world was doomed because he was the strongest person she had ever witnessed. Not to mention, she loved Kevin dearly.

Mia never allowed her to see Kevin during her daily visits, except for one time when Amaya witnessed the severity of his injuries.

The sight of broken bones, oozing blood, and twisted limbs still haunts her to this date.

On the other hand, Kevin, in this situation where Michael wasn't helping and everything seemed to be piling up, Kevin wished for some warm words from his lover.

"Ar-are you okay, Kevin?" Amaya's voice shook as she lumped on the nearby chair while breathing heavily. 

"Does it still hurt?" After calming down a little, she asked. Kevin tried to get up from the bed, but his muscles were sore, and his bones were still healing. "Don't move… I'll help." With a pained smile, he had no option but to call Amaya closer. 

He used this opportunity and hugged her tightly. Her warmth spread in his arms. Amaya purred in his embrace, expressing how worried she was for him, and how important he was in her life. 

Kevin's importance in her life was irreplaceable. She couldn't afford to lose him.

"I'm here for you, Kevin. I'm not going anywhere." Amaya tightened her grip on Kevin.

Kevin's head was pressed between two soft and heavenly mounds.

As time passed, Amaya and Kevin slowly talked about everything that had happened. Kevin had kept Michael's existence a secret from Amaya. However, he told her every important detail and left only things about Michael. 

"You see Amaya, I am weak," Kevin said dejectedly. "W-what?!" Amaya was taken aback. If Kevin were to be considered a weak person, then what was she? A worm? 

"Not physical strength, but rather mentally," he clarified. "I mean, I lack the reason to hold my weapons; that was my weakness. I think I have a path to choose for the power I want."

"I don't understand," Amaya shook her head. 

"I've found a way to develop myself," he said, "by addressing my weakness of lacking a sense of purpose in wielding weapons and discovering a path towards obtaining the power I desire," Kevin explained. 

"Please talk clearly, or I'll suck you," Amaya said impatiently. 

"Haah. I think I need to leave the academy," Kevin said with a sigh. 

"Eh?" Amaya was surprised and stopped stroking Kevin's head. "The reason I entered the academy in the first place was to gain the techniques to kill demons, the reason for my strength. But as I continued to live in the academy, rather than gaining the methods to hunt demons, I got my head full of thoughts of rankings and all. I think I need to leave the academy and follow the path of a rogue hunter."

Amaya listened intently to Kevin's explanation, pondering over it for a while. She had always been aware that Kevin lacked the skills required for politics and administration. He was more of a brawler who preferred to use his strength to overcome obstacles. Therefore, she wasn't entirely surprised by his decision to leave the Academy, although she hadn't anticipated it happening so soon.

"Then what will you do first?" Amaya asked. "I have something on my mind," Kevin replied and pushed a piece of paper toward Amaya. "What is-?!!" Amaya's eyes popped out of her sockets. She looked at the paper and then again at Kevin. 

She found it hard to believe what was written on the paper. If any member of the Royal Family were to discover this, Kevin's life would be in danger.

"T-this?! Is this truly what I think this is?" Amaya asked impatiently. "Indeed. The map of Ancient Demon Rift," Kevin nodded without even looking at the paper. The moment Alice had given him the paper, a quest had appeared in Kevin's system.

[Quest: Crossroads]

[First Path: Academy and Love:

Stay in the Fluger Royal Academy and master the Gungnir Spear's Will.

Marry Amaya Fluger.

  Rewards: Gungnir Spear I, Love of Life, title: <The King of Fluger Kingdom>, 1000 Virtue Points.]

[Second Path: The Ancient Demon Rift and Thorns:

Leave the Academy and follow the path of a Rogue Hunter.

Conquer the Ancient Demon Rift.

Rewards: 5% Progression in <Michael Descends>, Jobclass: <Hero>.]

Both options were tempting and rewarding. While the first option offered Kevin an easy life with Amaya, his love, the other path, filled with thorns, offered him far greater rewards - rewards that he had been longing for.

"Kevin…" Amaya folded the paper and placed it safely aside. She asked him with a serious expression, "Are you sure you want to do this?" Tightening her fists and preparing her heart for his answer.

"I have, but…" Kevin held Amaya's hand. His hand was bigger, rougher, and his grip firmer than hers. "I want to know your opinion. What should I do?" he asked Amaya. To his surprise, she was shocked.

'Is this the effect of the love potion?' Amaya thought. For the first time since the day she had started dating Kevin, his eyes were truly filled with love, not artificially. Amaya's heart pounded in her chest as she held Kevin's cheek in her hand. He considered her opinion important. He asked her before making a decision. If it wasn't for him to consider her important, then what?

Amaya's heart tightened. If only she had the guts, she would have left the Academy alongside him. "You should go," she said. "Though I want to come with you… I'll only be a hindrance." Tears swelled in Amaya's eyes.

"You are not a hindrance, Amaya. You are my only family," Kevin answered. They both couldn't control their emotions and got closer. In the heat of the moment, the duo shared a passionate kiss.

When they calmed down, Amaya said with a sweet smile, "I believe in you. You will get through this, and I'll be right by your side." She promised to wait for him. And so, Kevin made his choice.

He swore to become the doom of the demon race, to annihilate the filth and disgust of this world.

Kevin Finnair was prepared for his first adventure.

(A/N: I am working on the characters' behaviors. Amaya's character isn't bad. Every person has their own pasts that affects their present choices and future actions. I hope you've noticed it. Though I still lack in expressing them properly, I guess it's working out for now.)