The encounter of the next generation's hero
At the moment when he got stuck in the mucky ground, the attention of the two magical beasts instantly shifted toward Jin.
"Could we still have found a way for everyone to make it out alive?"
Recently, there had been multiple warnings about the appearance of formidable monsters emanating a mysterious dark mist in the nighttime forest. Jin had strongly opposed entering the forest at night, but as a member of the party without magical abilities, he couldn't really influence the group's decision. He had no choice but to go along, knowing that disagreeing with the party's approach could lead to being kicked out.
In the vast Vastela Forest, there were numerous beast trails created by large magical beasts and small monsters seeking refuge. Most of these trails led to caves that were too small for large magical beasts to enter. The magic-devouring snake and the magical boar were also nocturnal monsters who would retreat to their lairs with the arrival of daybreak. If they had taken refuge in some cave, they could have waited there until morning and returned home together.
Perhaps Jin's messages relayed through Carl were ignored because they needed to think and act quickly.
Ultimately, it seemed they had chosen to sacrifice Jin to survive...
"If only I could use magic, could I save people like everyone else?"
Jin had dreamed of becoming a powerful adventurer since he was young. He admired adventurers who traveled the world, vanquished magical beasts, and protected people's happiness, just like the heroes in stories. However, he couldn't use the most essential skill for adventurers, magic.
Nonetheless, he refused to give up on his dream. In lieu of magic, he honed his swordsmanship skills. But he knew that in a battle involving ranged magic, he would always be at a disadvantage.
To compensate for his lack of magic, he dedicated himself to acquiring knowledge. He carefully studied and memorized even the weakest magical beasts, which everyone else could easily defeat. He believed that, someday, he would be able to use magic and prepared as if it were certain.
However, even if he could cast magic through a magic stone, Jin lacked the most fundamental requirement: magic power. In a world where magic was everything, being unable to use magic was almost the same as being denied the right to live.
"I wanted to be a cool adventurer too..."
"BURAAAAAAAH!"
"KIISHAAAAAAH!"
Two magical beasts closed in from behind, and their spells were about to engulf Jin ――but a sudden intervention saved the day.
"Superior-grade Fire Attribute Magic - Empowered Black Flame Sword! We made it in time, Sir Reiss!" a voice declared.
In an instant, black flames appeared in the dark night, accompanied by a figure with long crimson hair, radiating immense magical power. These powerful black flames easily dispelled the magical attacks aimed at Jin.
Then, another voice spoke up, providing additional help.
"You had a close call there. I'll take care of the other magical boar. Superior-grade Wind and Fire Attribute Magic - Dragon's Breath!"
This figure had a golden ponytail and unleashed a fiery burst of light, illuminating the area. The heatwave consumed the approaching magical boar, successfully thwarting the assault.
Although Jin had no idea who these two individuals were, they stood there as if to protect him.
"I haven't seen strong monsters like them in a while; this is perfect. Minoru, let's see if we can take down that magical snake on your side before it uses superior-grade magic five times. You don't have to worry about Jin; I'll protect him."
"Yes, Sir Reiss."
"I wish someone would say they want to protect me too," the beautiful woman, who looked a bit envious, said while turning toward them. She enhanced her sword with magic and charged into battle against the formidable magical beasts that Ryuk's group had struggled against.
"Magical enhancements like these are typically only used by A-rank adventurers... How!?" Jin was amazed.
The blonde man with a ponytail, who was about to confront the enhanced magical boar, spoke gently to Jin, as if he had been listening to their entire conversation.
"It seems like they abandoned you just because you couldn't use magic. They couldn't see your true potential. Instead of magic, you've tirelessly trained your body and mind to their limits. You believe that your magic will blossom someday, and you've never given up on your training. That patience and perseverance are precisely the qualities that open the door to becoming a 'Hero.'"
Saying this, he poured an even greater amount of magic into his hand than the woman had earlier.
"It's a good thing that a Human like you is destined to become a 'Hero.'"
Jin Fritz, 16 years old.
The turning point in the life of the Hero who would one day make a name for himself worldwide began with his encounter with an Elf.
No comments:
Post a Comment