The Zashiki Warashi of Intellectual Village - Volume 3, Prologue

In a world where Heroes are the last line of defence against threats, 17 year-old Zane Skylark, was the most powerful of them all—a symbol of strength and justice. Known as the “Rank-1 Hero, [Hope].”[Hope's] every move was praised by the masses, and his victories were legendary.But during a mission, [Hope] is believed to have died, but only to survive due to an unknown skill—[Immortality].For 60 long days, Zane's lifeless body remains inactive, as the [Hero Association] declares him dead and appoints a new hero who can mimic Zane’s strength under his hero name [Hope].After resurrected.“What's... Happening?”“Didn't I... Die?..”“Immortality?”Zane finds himself in a confused situation.“After everything I did for them...”After finding [Hero Association] betrayal, he decided to distance himself from them.“It's been... almost 3 years. ”“Maybe I should return home.”He decided to return to his hometown, hoping to bury his past and lead a peaceful existence.But... can a hero truly abandon their destiny? Or will new challenges will force Zane to confront his past self and the responsibilities he has left behind?

Civilization is destroyed and records lost. Only Dudian survives in a cryogenic sleep. Three hundred years later, Dudian wakes up and must become Dean to survive. Who can he trust in this world overrun by monsters without and within?

“Heroes killed my parents. Now I wear the mask of one. Until I can bury them all.”At seven years old, Hernan Vale watched his parents — two powerful heroes — brutally executed in their own home by the very people they trusted most: the legendary super-team known as the Zodiac 13.They thought he was dead.They made sure the world blamed villains.They covered their tracks.But Hernan survived — and never forgot.Ten years later, under a false name, Hernan enters the prestigious Hero Academy, hailed as a prodigy. To the world, he’s a rising star. To his classmates, he’s charming, calm, unstoppable.But inside?He’s a weapon. Waiting. Smiling. Counting names.As he trains to become a licensed hero, fights real villains, and rises through the ranks, Hernan plays the long game — earning the trust of the Zodiac, learning their routines, studying their weaknesses. One by one, he’ll bring them down.And this time, he won’t hide in the closet.But the deeper he goes, the more blood he spills — the more he wonders if he’s becoming worse than the monsters he’s hunting.And when love, loyalty, and lies collide, Hernan may have to decide:Will he save the world like they think he will...or finish burning it down?

The main protagonist Chen He often meets crazy people in his life, and all these people have very deep prejudices against him. They often do weird things.

(1)

Once, Chen He polished off a bunch of hired killers (who seemed to be after him?), and eventually found the mastermind.

Chen He: You and I are complete strangers, so why are you doing this to me?

Mastermind: You’re gonna kill me after ten years! Of course I’ve got to make a preemptive strike.

Chen He: …

(2)

Chen He: Sir, we have had no bad blood between us, and I have not done anything to offend you. Why are you being so threatening?

Taoist priest: Hmph! In the future, you’ll be offending me to no end. Haven’t you been looking down on me all your life?

Chen He: …but I still have my entire life ahead of me!

(3)

Antagonist A: Chen He! Because of your master, I was rejected by XX Sect, and so I was forced to become a demonic cultivator!

Chen He: Who…who are you?

Antagonist B: My future lover’s meridians and good looks were ruined by you, and I’m definitely not gonna let you do it this time!

Chen He could not help but think: There is definitely something wrong with my life!

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