Just now, Hades and Hades stepped into the depths of the Bronze Fortress's prison.

This also means that the battle has been tacitly approved by Hades.

After her victory, Erica walked out unhurriedly, carrying the scythe gleaming on her back.

It's like showing off your spoils.

"Even though it's human, this is amazing."

This thought arose involuntarily in the minds of the departed souls.

This is understandable, given that the human hero was able to defeat even Lord Hades.

Defeating a Grim Reaper might seem like a given.

Suddenly, a look of confusion appeared on Erica's face as she regained control of her body.

The transfer of control over her body came too hastily, and she hasn't been able to fully adapt yet.

Suddenly, she realized that she was surrounded by the worship of these dead souls.

Erica, somewhat dazed, was momentarily at a loss for what to do.

She was already used to this feeling.

Before this, she had clearly entered the Bronze Castle under the worship of these dead souls.

But Erica was aware of her own strength at that time.

The reason they were able to pass the Hell Trial was entirely due to Professor Victor's help.

Therefore, she always felt that she couldn't bear the title of "human hero" at that time.

But now it's completely different; she has genuinely defeated Thanatos.

Feeling the worship of the dead around her, Erica couldn't help but feel that it all seemed somewhat surreal.

After all, in the underworld, the dead instinctively worship more powerful warriors.

Now, Erica can finally accept the worship of these undead soldiers without any guilt.

Just as she was basking in this sense of triumph and pride, Viktor's calm voice suddenly rang in her heart:

Do you enjoy their worship?

Erica was stunned upon hearing this.

She instinctively didn't want to admit it.

After all, Erica didn't want Victor to think that she had become a little arrogant after a fierce battle.

But it would be a lie for Erica to say that she felt no joy in the face of such adoration.

So when Victor asked the question, Erica could only nod cautiously.

But she couldn't help wondering if the professor would start to dislike her because of this.

Wouldn't that make people think she's too vain?

Soon, Victor's calm yet somewhat relieved voice resonated in Erica's heart, easing her worries:

"Your current honor is the result of countless failures and tireless efforts."

"Since you haven't done anything wrong, why can't you proudly show off?"

Erica was stunned by these words; she had never heard such certainty before.

In her memory, whenever she achieved something at school as a child and expected her father's praise, he would always calmly say:

"Although this result is good, don't be complacent because of one success."

Even if you are happy inside, you should remain reserved.

"You are a child from an aristocratic family, and you should strive for higher standards."

This long-term education has made Erica accustomed to reflecting on whether she could have done better after achieving success.

Because she couldn't get her father's approval and praise.

Victor, who could know Erica's thoughts through possession, naturally understood Erica's worries.

Why does Erica always crave recognition from others?

Because the Duke of Reeves's educational methods were highly problematic.

This also reveals how much Erica, who has been suppressed for a long time, craves simple praise and recognition.

For this simple recognition, she would even go to great lengths and spare no effort.

The battle with Thanatos just now was a manifestation of this mentality.

At first, Victor thought Erica would not be able to endure the extreme pain.

It now seems that she will constantly seek to compensate for her inner sense of satisfaction through victories.

Perhaps Erica is more suited to his training methods than anyone else.

Victor's voice continued to echo in Erica's heart:

"It feels wonderful to earn the admiration of others through your own strength."

Hearing this, Erica slowly came to her senses.

She looked around, her gaze settling on the undead soldiers.

She could see the intense admiration and respect in their eyes.

Recalling the countless failures and efforts I experienced when facing death, the sense of victory in my heart suddenly became extremely precious.

Erica nodded gently, finally no longer suppressing her joy, and smiled openly and innocently.

This feeling is truly wonderful.

She reached out and gently touched her chest, feeling her heart pounding fiercely and powerfully.

Erica's body trembled slightly with excitement, and she murmured softly:

"Really, I'm very happy."

This was something she, as a noblewoman, could never experience under the suffocating environment of the empire and her father's strict standards.

Now, Erica finally understands why Victor was hated by those nobles.

Because Victor never concealed himself according to aristocratic standards or engaged in hypocritical communication with others.

His power is so pure that it needs no disguise.

Therefore, he was not a nobleman.

He was an anomaly among the nobility. A true challenger.

"Acknowledge your vanity, because honor is earned through your own efforts."

At that moment, Erica felt as if she and Professor Victor were of one mind.

She seemed to understand what she had been pursuing all along.

Gently stroking her own burning, pounding heart, Erica spoke softly:

"professor……"

As the soft words were spoken, the gentle, warm breeze that was rising around them seemed to freeze.

The surrounding silence seemed to await Erica's next words:

"I think I like you even more now."