King Albert's Counter-Coup

Behind the curtains, I watched the guards advancing on Yukiko and Margarida. My plan was at its limit: if I waited a few more seconds, I would lose both prisoners to the king's control. I clenched my fists and decided it was time to act.

I closed my eyes and activated Teleport . The energy responded immediately—but dissipated like smoke in my hands. I tried again, harder. Nothing.

My heart raced.

— What…? — I wondered.

It was then that I realized. The air carried a strange weight, as if woven from invisible grids. A barrier. Not just a simple force field, but a complete ban on magic and abilities enveloping the entire city center.

— Damn Albert… — I muttered.

“He set this up,” I continued muttering.

If he couldn't escape by magic, he had two options: break the barrier, something unthinkable alone, or take the king himself hostage. I took a deep breath, my blood burning in my veins. The decision had already been made.

I pushed the curtain aside with my hands.

The world froze for a moment when I stepped onto the stage. Thousands of eyes fell on me at once. King Albert's eyes widened in fury; Ayano and Masahiko took a step back in surprise; Yukiko nearly fell to her knees, her face white with shock.

The twelve royal guards near the stage immediately raised their spears, forming a living barrier between me and the king.

It was then that Yukiko looked at me, her eyes widening even further. She had noticed. On the front of my shirt gleamed the same brooch she wore, only in a different color. Blue and red, two pieces of the same set.

I smiled, letting her see every detail of my expression. With a casual gesture, I deactivated the red brooch's power. The tension on her face betrayed the immediate relief… until my words struck her like an invisible blade.

“Don’t turn yours off,” I said with a cruel smile.

Panic returned to her face. She knew that if she took it off there, in front of everyone, she would be exposed in public in just her underwear. And Yukiko , the "saint," couldn't bear such humiliation.

The crowd roared, divided between shouts against me and insults against Yukiko and Margarida. King Albert stood, anger filling every gesture.

—So it's true… the Copy Hero survived, — said King Albert.

My smile widened even further.

—And now, your majesty… it's me you'll have to deal with. — I replied to him.

The roar of the crowd sounded like a sea about to swallow everything. The spears of the twelve guards formed a wall between me and Albert, but I didn't take a step back. Instead, I advanced slowly, my eyes fixed on the king seated on his makeshift throne.

— One false step… — I raised my voice so everyone could hear

Argarill line . — keep speaking

People fell silent for a moment, tension clinging to the air.

Albert didn't back away. On the contrary, he leaned forward, his gaze filled with fury.

"You dare threaten me in front of my people?" Albert asked .

I smiled, opening my arms as if introducing myself to the world.

— People? — I repeated ironically.

"They're not your people anymore, Albert. They listened to your daughter, they listened to your heroine. You and your cronies live on lies. I just ripped off the masks," I told him.

Ayano took a step forward, her hand already on her gun.

— Your Majesty, give the order. I can eliminate him now. — he said. Ayano .

Masahiko nodded, his eyes sparkling.

— He is nothing but an impostor, a traitor. — he said Masahiko .

I raised a finger, as if dictating the pace of the scene.

— Try… and you will see the king fall before you even touch me, — I said.

The crowd reacted with a loud roar. No one wanted to see royal blood stain the stage, not after so many revelations. The guards themselves hesitated, exchanging glances.

It was then that I turned my face to the people and raised my voice

"Albert is not a king. He's an executioner! He ordered the death of the Copy Hero, and today you see living proof that he failed. If he had killed me, I wouldn't be here!" I said, belittling the king.

Shock spread through the square like lightning. The direct accusation left King Albert stiff, with no immediate response.

I tilted my head with a cold smile.

—And now, your majesty… there are only two choices for you to make: tear down the barrier and let me out of here… or face the hatred of your people when I turn you into a hostage. — I told him.

The tension became unbearable. Yukiko trembled, Margarida's eyes widened, still under my control, and Ayano and Masahiko waited for the king's reaction.

Albert took a deep breath, sweat glistening on his forehead. Anger still burned in his eyes, but for the first time since I'd seen him… I realized he was cornered.

And I smiled.

Albert stood up suddenly, his face filled with fury. His voice echoed like thunder over the square.

"Guards! Kill him!" King Albert shouted furiously.

The twelve men immediately lined up, armed with spears, swords, and shields, and charged toward me like a wall of steel.

I felt the pressure of the barrier still weighing down on me, no abilities could be used. It was just me, two sharp swords, and the will to survive.

I leaped off the stage, blades crossing in the air, and the clash of battle began.

The first guard came at me with his spear, and I dodged underhand and cut the wooden shaft, using the momentum to knock down another with a kick. The second came with his shield raised, but I swung the blade at his leg, forcing him to the ground.

Swords clashed against shields, sparks flew through the air. With every movement, muscles burned, and cuts accumulated on my arms and shoulders. But the blood only reminded me that I was still alive.

Two guards advanced simultaneously, crossing spears. I rolled to the side, raised one of my swords, and cut a horizontal slash clear. Another tried to take me from behind, but I swung the blade back and knocked him down.

The fight seemed endless. Twelve trained warriors pitted against me. But one by one, they fell. Not dead, no need to waste energy on them all, but simply leave them incapacitated, wounded, unable to get up.

As the last one fell, my breathing was heavy, sweat was pouring down my face, and the cuts stung like fire. I placed my swords on the ground for a moment, then raised my head and stared at Albert.

I smiled.

"See, Albert? I don't need skills to defeat your guards, " I said, my voice hoarse but firm.

The king paled. Fear finally broke through his mask of authority.

" Masahiko ! Kill that worm!" he shouted in despair.

Masahiko strode forward confidently, straightening his posture like a gladiator about to receive applause.

—Finally. I've been waiting for this. — he said Masahiko smiling.

I raised my swords again, the smile still plastered on my face.

"It'll be a pleasure, Masahiko . After all... before you came to this world, you were nothing more than a bully who bullied otakus and nerds like me," I told him with a smile on my face.

His eyes narrowed, taken aback by my words. The crowd fell silent, feeling the weight of the confrontation that was about to begin.

And I smiled once more, thirstily.