Surviving as the Second Main Lead: Second Lead's POV

Instructor Harris could tell that Horas was suspicious of his intentions. But as always, Horas did not question him when the task had been given.

The teen left his office with an annoyed expression on his face but Instructor Harris was satisfied with how the interaction had gone. He had almost folded and told Horas everything.

“Principal Marbel, I gave Horas the instructions. He will be in the first-year dungeon all day today. But are you sure it is alright not to tell him about our prisoner escaping?”

Instructor Harris was worried about what would happen next. It was the second time someone had managed to break out of the Esper academy’s dungeon. And coincidently, this prisoner was connected with Horas as well.

After Reed Whinstone had managed to escape the Esper academy’s dungeons, they had tightened the security but could not find the reason for her escape.

But this time, it had been obvious why they had failed to keep the prisoner in.

The vein-like ability of their prisoner allowed her to break her body apart into pieces and control it remotely. So she had managed to break off a small piece of herself somewhere and unlocked her prison that way.

It was a big deal that someone had managed to break out already and that was why there was a minor emergency declared in the Esper’s academy.

“So, how likely is that our prisoner would go after Horas?”

Instructor Harris did not know why Principal Marbel was convinced that the escapee would go after Horas but he was not willing to question her and her methods.

Even if the prisoner were not going after Horas, instructor Harris would still do everything in his power to protect the teen. He had gotten attached to him after all.

“Well, it’s a secret why I think Horas is the most likely target. But I’m sure we will catch that villainess way before that so don’t worry.”

Principal Marbel’s confidence made Instructor Harris feel better about the situation. He was willing to trust her and her experience.

“Alright, I will keep the first years and Horas occupied for now.”

Instructor Harris cut the call once he was done making his report. He could not help but feel worried about what was going to happen next.

………………………….

“Alright, class. Get to your position now and we will start. Just tick your name as ‘present’ in front of the attendance column and you are free to choose your weapon.”

Instructor Harris’s voice rang loud and clear in the room. Many students snapped to attention as soon as he entered and took his position.

Horas watched him resume the class from his corner, not willing to come out and become an object to be looked at by the students.

There were many familiar faces in the first class which attracted Horas’s attention but he was mainly focused on the five that made up the protagonist’s party.

The first person Horas focused on was Howard Spencer, the protagonist of his book. Black hair and blue eyes made up a striking face. And as Horas had written, Howard did not hesitate to go for the traditional sword.

Following his lead, Emma went for a bow and Duke went for a dual sword and Regina went for the lance. It was all happening according to the original story.

‘Well, that concludes the main core for the protagonist party. But where is the ‘hidden’ character I wrote about?’

Originally, the protagonist’s party consisted of 4 people but there was a fifth main character in this class who joined the protagonists later on. And her name was Loris Hamelton. She ended up becoming quite an important character by the third volume.

And that was when Horas stopped writing that book.

Loris had been one of Horas’s favorite characters to write about since her attitude had been refreshing for him to write, That was why Horas was not interested in knowing more about her.

He looked around the room and noticed Loris keeping to herself. She looked like a shy nerd who could not look anyone in the face.

Many would think that she would pick a ranged weapon like a bow or something similar. But she was currently looking at greatswords of all things.

“Hey, can you even pick up that thing, Loris? Don’t try to act tough and go for something easier. How about this bow? Won’t it be easier for you to use?”

Horas watched in anticipation as Loris recoiled from the other student’s forceful ways. She looked like an innocent fairy caught up in a bullying case. Her fragile frame almost shook at the intense emotions he was feeling.

‘Ah, these people don’t know what kind of beast they are rattling up. If they are not careful, then they might end up in hell.’

After all, Loris had, what the general public called a split personality. And her other half was very violent.

Her current shaking was a sign that Loris was close to switching over and handing these rude people a piece of her mind. But she ended up controlling herself and was left alone.

Once the mischievous students realized that they won’t be able to rattle Loris. They left her alone to choose their weapon.

“You should be got for the greatsword if you want to. I think it will suit you well.”

Horas finally made his way out of the shadows once he was sure that Loris was alone. She would need some encouragement if she was to go for her signature weapon.

“I…I don’t think it would suit me. Maybe I should go for a bow after all.”

Horas wanted to sigh at the lack of confidence in Loris’s voice. Loris was a little too concerned with ‘blending in’ that she had to force herself to give up her interests.

Even if she knew she was suited for the greatsword, Loris would likely deny it for eternity.

“Hmm, if that’s what you want to do then I will not stop you. But coming to Esper’s academy and not picking the weapon you are suited for is a wasted opportunity. Don’t tell me I did not warn you.”

“Wait, what do you know-”

“If you want to talk to me then make your way to me. But of course, you won’t be able to if you do not give it your best.”

Just when Loris began to look alarmed, Horas decided to make his exit. He had alarmed Loris enough for her to snap.

“Come back here, you bastard. How dare you run away from me.”

Loris was lucky that no one was paying attention to her right now. Otherwise, her plan to ‘blend in’ would be all but over.

“See you later. Oh, and keep your temper in check if you don’t want to be found out.”

It had been an impulsive move for Horas to not only show himself but also talk about things he should not know about.

Just as Loris was about to come at him, instructor Harris came back as well. He clapped his hands and everyone turned toward him with their weapons selected.

“Alright, everyone. Now that you are all done with your weapon selection, it’s time I introduce you to the real test you will face - a dungeon.”

“For the first time, the first years will be allowed to enter the dungeon on their first day but it’s only because you are such a capable bunch. But make sure to exercise caution and call for help if you are in danger.”

“Alright.”

“Sure”

“You got it, boss,”

These students were far too excited to listen and Instructor Harris knew that as well. He hoped that this decision would not come back to bite them in the ass.

Horas watched as the dungeon door finally opened. The excitement finally died down and everyone walked into the Greenlands.

It was a beautiful landscape filled with people, vegetation, and monsters.

“Alright, you are free to move around and try your weapons out. But don’t go near monsters and don’t wander off. There are eves everywhere and you will be watched.”

Instructor Harris warned and many students groaned in disappointment.

Horas tried to ignore the dozen pair of eyes that were looking at him now that he was no longer hiding in a corner. They observed him with a questioning look which Horas was not comfortable with.

“Also, before I forget. This is Horas, your assistant instructor for his course. You can approach him if you have any questions or need help.”

The students looked even more curious but Horas needed to let them state their curiosity. But no one would likely approach him right now.

Horas took a seat on the hill a little further away from the group. He needed to observe them but remain distant enough to not be approachable.

Instructor Harris took a seat adjacent to him as well. They both watched in silence as students tried out their weapons. It seemed like this class would pass without incident.

“Someone, help. The m-monsters! They broke the fence.”

‘Why did I even think that nothing dangerous would happen? Of course, something would happen in the class that has the protagonist in it. I should just accept my fate at this point.’

Horas looked toward the field where the students were running around. A monster had managed to pass through the fence and was heading right toward Emma and Howard.