The hero, awakens
"And here's the other reason you won't be challenging us,"
With a snap of his fingers, Uva created a distortion in the space next to him.
"The hero's sword you're looking for is this, right?"
It contained a holy power so potent that even Uva hesitated to possess it. Throughout history, heroes had wielded a sacred sword to vanquish demons and bring peace to the world—the sword they sought to fully unleash the hero's power, the Ascalon.
"700 years ago, our former Demon Lord met his demise with this short sword. It's not a product of hero magic or anything, but it possesses holy power itself. Thanks to this, you all have your expectations. Destruction magic, Galdaros' hammer of annihilation."
Unaware of what they were seeking, Uva easily shattered the sword into pieces using his magical power.
"Now, you should understand that there's no chance for you to win. Why don't we peacefully make a deal?"
Uva, who had been smiling so casually, had transformed from the earlier tense situation.
—When did he start longing to become such a cool adventurer?
I guess it all started when my mom used to read me those tales of adventurers.
Maybe it was when, by sheer luck, I took down that magical wolf, Hound Wolf, that showed up in the village, and people praised me.
Or it could've been during my time in the adventurer party 'Crosenar,' where I found myself doing all sorts of odd jobs.
Then again, it might've been when I saw an elf effortlessly defeating enemies with incredible strength, reigniting my passion—.
"Is that world a place where even elves, who aren't immune to miasma, can live peacefully?"
"Elves? Well, you guys don't need to bother about those 'sub-humans' as humans like to call them."
"...In that case, I can't give you an answer. If Reese's homeland is overtaken, I won't ever forgive myself."
"Whether this is the world's plan or not, whether it's my own or not, I don't care. I am who I am, striving for what I want, fighting with all of you for it. So—!"
—Listen closely, Jin.
The time has come to fulfill the promise with Reese.
—For a while, this sword will be your protector. But if you ever face the biggest battle of your life, believe in me and pour all your magical power into it. It will undoubtedly become a source of strength for you.
"Master Reese, this is the biggest battle of my life, isn't it...!"
Over these five years, Jin's hero magic steadily grew in strength.
Yet, he never found armor strong enough to withstand hero magic. The training sword Reese gave him had become his steadfast companion.
"Hero magic, maximum firepower magical power enhancement..!"
Pouring all his magical power, the sword began making cracking sounds, surpassing the acceptable magical power limit by far.
Every bit of magical power in his body was channeled into the sword.
The sword, with hero magic accumulated to the brink of explosion—.
*Clannckkk!*
With a sound, the blade unceremoniously blew off from the hilt.
The blown fragments were enveloped in light, reassembling into a different sword once again.
Uva couldn't believe his eyes witnessing the spectacle.
"A pseudo-holy sword...!?"
"If it's this... I can do it! Master Reese, lend me your strength!!!"
Jin, swaying due to insufficient magic, only aimed to exceed his previous limits in this unique opportunity to face Uva one-on-one.
"Such absurdity is intolerable! Creating a pseudo-holy sword—a deed only possible for the gods!"
Raising the pseudo-holy sword high, Jin, though swaying due to insufficient magic, smiled.
"Oh yes. To me, that person is indeed a divine being."
—A flash.
In a final effort, Jin's sword, which had been utterly ineffective against Uva's before, cleaved Uva's sword in two.
"What...!?"
For the first time, panic appeared on Uva's face.
But it was already too late.
The holy power coursing through Jin's body intensified, purifying even the surrounding miasma.
The holy power gathered at the hilt of the sword, becoming one with Jin's body.
The name of the sword, unfamiliar in any legend, surfaced in Jin's mind.
Nevertheless, Jin Fritz, believing in his master, infused magical power into his words and uttered the name of the holy sword.
"Roar, holy sword Levatein!"
"A pseudo-hero like you, how dare you—!!!"
Uva unleashed the strongest dark magic he had, aiming it at Jin.
However, the named holy sword shone brightly.
It absorbed and obliterated all of Uva's accumulated destruction magic and the warped sword enchanted with miasma.
*Swooosh—!!*
In the midst of the clash, the light vanished from Uva's horns.
Jin's final, desperate strike had undoubtedly reached Uva.
"For someone like me to hinder the Demon King's army... it shouldn't be forgiven..."
The aura of miasma dissipated, and with a heavy thud, Uva fell.
The holy power, a natural enemy to demons, had pierced through his entire being.
There was no chance of revival.
"Haah, haah...!"
His body felt drained of strength.
The excessive miasma inhalation and depleted magic left him unable to move as he wanted.
"Master Reese, with this, have I finally become a cool adventurer...?"
He, lacking the ability to use magic, had ultimately defeated the pinnacle of the Demon King's army.
Without Reese, he would have long succumbed to exhaustion.
For a moment, he leaned against the radiant Yggdrasil ancient tree, thoroughly exhausted.
However, this wasn't the end.
From outside the miasma-shrouded space, the chaotic battle was still apparent.
He needed to convey this victory to the 'Hopeful Travelers Raglirge,' and the defenders of Kukule Fortress and join the fray.
Now armed with the power of a hero, it was time to repay everyone.
With such determination, he tried to lift the heavy sword—when it happened.
A thud.
Contrary to his will, his body tumbled to the ground.
"Why now...? At a time like this?"
Just when it was about to begin.
Just when he had finally gained the full power of the hero and a holy sword lay before him.
His body lay motionless on the ground, defying his intentions.
At that moment.
"Hehe... The air has cleared so much. I imagine our brethren found it challenging to live in such conditions. 700 years. Truly, it has been a long time."
Suddenly, from behind where Uva had fallen, an eerie, substantial voice spoke.
It wasn't Uva's magic. In fact, Uva's magic felt lukewarm compared to this.
All the miasma lingering around was drawn toward this presence.
An amount even Uva couldn't absorb entirely.
"Ah, Uva is dead, huh. Well, this is... quite commendable. To die in a mutual strike with the hero is quite an achievement. Bringing me back, even in an imperfect state, is a meritorious service spanning countless ages."
At this worst possible timing, the "Demon King" had revived in this world. It takes no time to understand everyrthing. His figure had become obscure, nearly impossible to discern.
... Simultaneously, the meaning of it all dawned on him.
"...become a cool adventurer..."
The odds of winning were non-existent.
His strength had completely drained away.
Yet, one more time—
"At this rate, I won't be able to face Master Reese..."
Crawling on the ground, he tightly clutched the sword.
In the background, an abnormal surge of magic was taking place.
"I'll avenge my comrade Uva Karma. Brace yourself. Doomsday magic, Abyssal Death Wind Vyaeln."
The creature's words carried magical power. The overwhelming mass, infused with magic capable of devouring even the air, left no room for escape, not even against the holy power.
Prepared for the end, he shut his eyes. It was at that moment.
"You've done well. Thanks to you, all the surrounding enemies have been wiped out. Doomsday magic counters doomsday magic. The first strike to Demon King, Black Hole!"
A familiar voice.
Nonchalant and carefree, emitting an aura that didn't betray any hint of danger.
Amidst the swirling miasma and magic, a pleasant breeze appeared gracefully.
Countless times before, in the midst of the miasma, the calm yet immensely powerful magic—now, it was here.
"I'm glad a human like you became a hero. I'll leave the rest to—no."
The strongest Elf in history materialized before him, extending a hand without any hesitation, just like that time.
"—Just a little more. Can you stand?"
The first time they met, he could only be protected.
But now—
"...Yes!"
In the company of the mentor he respected most, confronting the world.
That alone was enough to strip away any fear.
Jin Fritz, 20 years old.
After a journey spanning five years, today he emerged from the next Hero to a "Hero."
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