The hero of the next generation, arrives at the destined place
Two swift years had passed since the formation of the adventurer party 'Hopeful Travelers Raglirge,' propelling them to an unexpected Rank A status. The party found themselves inundated with requests, with even Lord Garius Garlanda of Kukule Fortress extending direct invitations.
For their latest assignment, the party ventured into the Vastela Forest. This locale held special significance for Jin, marking the place where he, once known as 'Crosenar,' had completed his final mission.
"I owe my life to Master Reese here," Jin reminisced, leading the party, accompanied by Vritra soaring beside him.
Yet, the expressions of those following were less sanguine. The desolation of the land, marred by miasma, hinted at the presence of aggressive magical beasts.
"This doesn't seem like a place where wild creatures can live anymore. It might be harsh for an elf with low miasma resistance," Raidon commented, observing the duo trailing behind.
Offering reassurance, Lahab had prepared water infused with purifying magical power for the party. Anastasia, Lahab's second disciple, chimed in, "Lady Lahab will protect you under the name of her second disciple. Every ten minutes or so, we can perform body purification with a combination of her water magic and my healing magic."
"Alright, that should be fine," Jin nodded.
However, the party's concerns were short-lived. Deeper into the forest, a denser miasma vortex emerged. Numerous magical entities, each a concentration of power, stirred busily, and then...
"Guuuaaaaah! Grraaahhh! Vaaaahhh!"
Various formidable magical beasts, concealed in different directions, simultaneously attacked the party.
"...Three entities," Jin assessed calmly, his sword resonating with magic.
Contrary to popular belief, Jin's proficiency in magic had begun to manifest about a year ago.
Vritra, now a fire magic user with a revived magic circuit.
Raidon, diligently practicing earth attribute magic.
Lahab, skillfully employing advanced-level wind magic alongside her healing magic.
And Anastasia, Lahab's second disciple, showcasing mastery in water magic.
In a stroke of chance, a quartet of magic users, each representing one of the four elements, emerged. Jin, seemingly set apart from them, began to wield a magic unlike any of the elemental powers.
Magical beasts touched by Jin's magic vanished instantly. Areas tainted by miasma, upon encountering Jin's magic, transformed into pure, refreshing air. In a world teetering on chaos and miasma, Jin's magic became an unexpected beacon of hope.
A year later, Jin's magic gained a moniker inspired by the legendary tale of a hero who supposedly defeated a Demon Lord: "The Heroic Tale of the Magic Misfit"
Infusing magical power into his blade, a skill he developed with Reese, Jin swung the radiant weapon. Magical beasts touched by it were instantly purified and ceased to exist. With a single stroke, even S-rank magical beasts were effortlessly dealt with by Jin.
Without pause, a wolf-like magical beast lunged toward Jin. However, new magical signatures appeared behind it.
"I can't let you have all the fun. Earth attribute magic: Grastoth, the Great Spear of the Earth!"
The earth rose, and a massive spear collided with the front of the towering magical beast.
"I'll keep you pinned right there! Sturdy Earth, Griffin!"
The imprisoned magical beast within the earth-made prison became immobilized. While powerful magical beasts could be annihilated by Hero Jin's magic, Raidon's magic had its limits, and without apparent urgency, he called out to Jin forging ahead through the front path.
"Jin, I'll cover the rear. Even without that magic, I can handle immobilizing with my own. I'll leave the purification of the miasma and the herd of magical beasts in the front to you. The epicenter should be... over there, right?"
Saying this, Raidon pointed to the only area in the forest untouched by miasma contamination—a unique and sacred zone.
Aside from this area, where vegetation decayed and magical beasts lurked, the rest of the forest seemed to be devoid of life. It looked like an ordinary wooden house, yet it felt as if it were enclosed by an unseen barrier.
"It seems to be surrounded by an invisible barrier," Anastasia muttered, catching Lahab's attention.
"What a surprise. Isn't that Yggdrasil?"
"Yggdrasil?"
"In our elven homeland, there's a sanctuary guarded by elves where neither miasma nor humans can approach. The ancient tree known as Yggdrasil creates that situation. It's our protective deity. I've never heard of it extending branches into the human world; you continue to surprise me, Reese."
Lahab's expression, as she disclosed this information, seemed somewhat pleased. Jin, advancing confidently with his magical sword, seemed convinced of something.
"Master Reese told me, 'When the time for the decisive battle comes, make sure to stop by here. When the moment arrives, no matter where you are, it will undoubtedly be of use to you.' Now is undoubtedly that time. I'll do anything to protect everyone's smiles!"
At that moment, an unexpected figure appeared.
"I see. So, this is the place. I set it up thinking it was related to the hero, but to actually catch the hero himself... what a delightful miscalculation."
Suddenly, a black void materialized in an empty space. With the sound of footsteps echoing assertively, a person appeared before the invisible barrier of Yggdrasil.
"Huh!?"
Vritra, flying beside Jin, shuddered.
An overflowing miasma turned into an aura, enveloping the figure. A pair of horns extending left and right were ominously dark, suggesting the highest-ranking demon.
"Oh, to think that you've become a hero's lapdog. What a pleasant surprise."
"Vritra. It's okay."
"This is not good at all... I never imagined he'd make an appearance on the frontline like this. He's a monster! He's a freak!"
The eerie smile on the demon's face greeted the hero's party against the backdrop of the Yggdrasil barrier.
"Nice to meet you, Hero and company. Let me erase you before your power is fully unleashed. I am Uva Karma, the acting head of the Demon Lord's army. But don't worry; you'll be dead soon. It's okay not to remember, but it's fine if you do."
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