Is this Hero for Real?

[Act 13] Demons

The tournament that would decide which Hero would become the owner of the one and only holy sword…

Most Heroes were more interested in the academy admission that was given as an additional prize, but the important part was that, for whatever reason it may be, everyone wanted something from the tournament.

Prince Alsus was explaining it to them back at the temple.

“Your mission is to subjugate the Demon King. how you will subjugate him is not important. The same goes for this tournament.”

He pointed to a map on the wall as he began to speak.

“We have released a number of orcs in the vast territory marked in red.”

“Orcs?!”

“The hell is an orc?”

“An orc?”

Only having dealt with gnolls until thay point, ‘orcs’ were an unknown enemy to the Heroes—just like the Great Demon King they would someday overthrow.

Prince Alsus continued after the Heroes calmed down from their chaos and concern.

“We’ve engraved an identification tag on the soles of their feet. All you have to do is either record or memorize the orcs you hunt and report it to the temple.”

“Do we hunt them ourselves?”

Prince Alsus answered politely, “The method is not important. You just have to gather the strong orcs’ identification tags. However, we do not accept repeated identification tags.”

“That’s simple.”

“I don’t feel good about this…”

Regardless of how the Heroes felt, the tournament was announced to start in five days.

After listening to Prince Alsus’s explanation, Yoo Bora turned to her only companion and asked, “Aria. have you ever been to that marked area on the map?”

“Yes. It's a vast plain notorious for having a lot of orcs. I’ll explain more when we’re alone,” the swordsgirl answered as if she was wary of the competitors around her.

Yoo Bora looked quite surprised.

“It’s a tournament for the Heroes, but you’re incredibly ambitious.”

“Of course I am! I wish for your victory! Although I wouldn’t want you to go to the Academy.”

“It will be hard to win.”

Yoo Bora looked over at the two major leagues with a bitter smile on her face

Choi Kangmin, Jang Miyeon…

Each representing the male and female Heroes, the two were already working on their operations in detail.

“Follow me if you’re going to give up the identification tags.”

“Then I guess this is it for me. Thanks for the good time.”

“Me too. I really want to go to the fantasy academy.”

“Let’s not steal each others’ identification tags.”

As the competition went into full swing, the leagues disbanded instantly.

They still made unspoken rules amongst themselves so that they wouldn’t steal each others’ tags or disrupt each others’ hunting.

Meaning that Yoo Bora, in neither league, was still at a disadvantage.

“It’s okay.”

“Is there a reason it’s okay?”

“Orcs live a nomadic life and avoid fights they think they’ll lose. If they stick with each other all day like that, it will be hard to spot an orc. After all, it’s a plain that doesn’t have a hiding spot.”

“I understand now.”

“And… yeah…”

“Is there something bothering you?”

“Yes. The orcs will target you specifically.”

“Is there a reason for that?”

“Yes. It’s because you’re strong.”

“Didn’t you say the orcs don’t attack the strong?”

“…”

“Aria?”

“It’s just… Urm… they want to leave strong offspring…”

“So you are saying I am an attractive female to the orcs.”

“Y-yes. That’s right, but the way you worded it is um... Anyways, you have to be careful because of that. Don’t get caught by them at all costs!”

“I’ll be careful.”

Right when the two girls were in the middle of constructing their own detailed plans like everyone else was doing…

Bang!

The tightly shut temple doors opened, and a familiar boy walked in.

“He’s…?”

“Huh? That’s Oh Hanwoo!”

“Why is he here?”

There were barely any looks of belittlement or laughter toward Oh Hanwoo anymore.

What was he now?

The new powerhouse that had fought the strongest hero in terms of pure combat, Choi Kangmin, to a draw!

The Heroes who trained and hunted with Choi Kangmin knew how unrivaled and strong he was.

The only one they could call his rival was Yoo Bora at best.

And so they could no longer ignore Oh Hanwoo when he reached the same level as Choi Kangmin.

“It’s been a while, guys. Oh! Has it only been a few days since we met at the village? I progress so fast that I don’t have a perception of time. Haha!”

“…”

“…”

[A certain male god greets everyone that it’s been a while.]

[A certain innocent goddess waves her hands in a big hello.]

[A certain immature god of dice magnanimously puts his arms over their shoulders.]

[A certain god of war looks extremely uncomfortable.]

[A certain god…]

While the gods were greeting each other and checking in with their friendships, Prince Alsus’s expression was stiff as he looked at the boy.

“Hierarch, why did you allow that rascal who’s no longer a Hero to break in?”

“That’s…”

The Hierarch, who had led the boy in, turned around.

Oh Hanwoo, getting a look that told him to explain, answered with confidence.

“I will also participate in the tournament!”

It was no request, but a declaration!

It was the vigor of the main character, the center of a fantasy world.

A contest without the main character?

No one cared about that, nor would that mean anything.

“You are not a Hero.”

“I’m deciding to return to being one. I have the ability, don’t I?”

* * *

* * *

“Ha!”

Hearing Oh Hanwoo’s claim, Choi Kang-min turned as if to hold back his anger.

Prince Alsus respond in a cold voice,

“There is no doubt that you are capable, as you came to a draw with Hero Choi Kang-min, but it’s impossible to forgive your character. Don’t you remember the ordeal with the fairy?

“Oh! How did you know?!”

Oh Hanwoo was astonished that Prince Alsus knew about his relationship with Celebless.

The prince let out an ‘I knew it!’ in his head as he continued to speak.

“Your reckless behavior has deteriorated the connection between humans and fairies and furthermore made a scratch on the Heroes’ honor.”

“It’s a misunderstanding! All I did was talk to her when she was shy! I swear I didn’t have any bad intentions!”

“Well, well, well…”

The prince could only laugh at Oh Hanwoo’s excuse.

It was a typical excuse young noblemen used when they made advances on pretty commoner girls they met on the streets.

It was a disappointing look for a Hero.

“I heard you got your face severely beaten…”

“Ah! If you know that as well, then I’m sure you’d understand. It’s that bastard of a bully’s character that’s the problem, not mine.”

Oh Hanwoo ground his teeth as he remebered that day.

The humiliation and despair of getting his face kicked around and having Sera, Luca, and Kana taken from him by a bastard bully…

Although he wanted to get his revenge and take back his slaves, that savage next to him was the problem.

But someday…

“From what I saw, there was no problem with his character.”

“That’s all a facade! He’s someone who only acts nice in front of powerful people like school teachers or you, Prince Alsus!”

“…Is that so?”

Gang Hansue didn’t have any problems with his character from what Prince Alsus had seen.

He was truly an average civilian, not very different from the palace servants who were frightened out of their wits after crossing a royal family member.

The two ladies accompanying him also spoke very positively.

But…

“I'll take responsibility for those matters!”

There was plenty of confidence in Oh Hanwoo’s expression as he cursed Gang Hansue.

After his persistent pursuit, he was told the beautiful fairy Celebless would be heading to the Academy.

His plan was to reunite with her at the Academy and get his revenge against the bully after getting a little stronger.

The first step was the ‘Academy Admission’ that was rewarded if he won the tournament.

“Hm…”

Prince Alsus looked over at the Saintess, who was watching the Heroes train from afar.

“…”

But she was turned to the window, lost in thought.

It meant she was leaving the matter in his hands.

She didn’t seem to care whether or not Oh Hanwoo came back.

“Did you return the money you got?”

“I spent it all on training.”

“It does not matter where you spent it. That money was given to you under the condition that you gave up your position as a Hero. It is not free. If you want to come back, return the money first.”

“Then I’ll get strong fast and pay you back as soon as possible.”

Prince Althus stopped himself from making a bitter remark at how the boy spoke of such a large sum of money as no big deal.

Instead, he stroked his recently broken sword and declared,

“Hero Oh Hanwoo. I will approve your comeback on condition.”

“Thank you.”

Hero Oh Hanwoo smiled with contentment.

He’d come back strong after getting looked down on by others.

It was truly an arc for the main character!

Now he could reach his goal once he got into the Academy and surprised the beautiful fairy Celebless.

“It’s a bit early to celebrate. Listen to the conditions first.”

“Spar with me.”

“Okay! What?”

“I want to see how determined you are to come back as a hero.”

“That’s…!”

[A certain evil god wishes you a good fight.]

[A certain immature god of dice heats up their popcorn.]

[A certain god of wind cackles.]

[A certain god…]

Anyways, with the addition of Hero Oh Hanwoo, the tournament was even more competitive!

***

The demon that Kogmos had spitefully spewed the prerequisites for at the slave market was considerably strong.

Maybe that was why…

As strong as she was, so was her pride—Diaroka was refusing to be my slave.

“Isn’t one party dying a bit too extreme?”

“Why not?”

“There’s a peaceful method where you just let me go. I swear on my honor I’ll pay you back the price for my body.”

“Is there any honor to a slave who attacked their owner?”

“I’ll admit I looked down on you for being a level 1 human, but it’s different now that I’m fighting you myself.”

“I don’t compromise.”

Death to a traitor!

[Outsider]

Betrayal may be nothing but a soft gust of wind for someone who couldn’t feel anything, but my opinions didn’t change.

“That’s a shame.”

The female demon gave up without looking back and got into a fighting stance with a determined face.

Just then…

“Miss Diaroka! I will help you! I will take him down and set you free!”

Drop!

The demon man vigorously declared betrayal as he stood next to the female.

What happened to your conscience or loyalty, you little shit?

“You?” Diaroka replied back in a cold tone.

“I know that I am weak, but as someone who knows his fighting tactics well, I can support you with magi—”

Stab!

The traitor flopped backward as I threw my blue dagger into his neck.

Plop.

“You said you know me well. Looks like you didn’t see that one coming, though,” I snickered.

Diaroka agreed as she turned away from me to press on Kogmos’s head with her feet.

“Isn’t this guy incredible? In a bad way. It’s hard to be this hateable.”

“Don’t hate him too much. He betrayed me for you.”

“Hmph! Men who betray trust are my most hated type.”

How fitting for a female that got betrayed by the man she’d loved.

“Didn’t you betray me as well?”

“That’s different. There’s no doubt I’m a slave, but I never swore to be your slave.”

“That logic totally works.”

“Right?”

“I’m being sarcastic.”

Fwp!

There was no telling who was first.

We simultaneously charged with full force.

Bang-!

Red and black auras violently clashed together.

The only thing that was different than before was that we didn’t mishandle how much strength we put in since we knew each other’s capabilities.

“…”

“…”

With extreme focus, I frequently checked Diaroka’s location and movement, not letting my guard down once.

Woooosh!

A sharp gust of wind from the force of our collision swept over us in all directions.

And then something ruptured.

rip-!

“What…?”

“Haha!”

As my red devoured the demon’s black aura, we were divided between sorrow and joy.

The difference between Diaroka and me:

She had already used up quite some energy recovering herself after a previous round with me.

Me, on the other hand?

[Outsider]

Thanks to my Blessing, I was as lively as ever.

I could stay in top condition without tiring out, even if we fought many more times after that, as long as I didn’t die.

“Agh…!”

Concluding she was falling behind, Diaroka acted quickly.

She straightened her slim waist like an arrow and barely avoided getting cut in two.

Her dodges were a beat faster that time because she didn’t look down on me as a level 1 human anymore.

Rip, riiip-

But my attacks were also a level stronger because I didn’t let my guard down.

After all, I wasn’t confident that I could hit the mark on that demon when she was as flexible and fast as a gymnast.

That was why I pushed forward with brute force from the start—and I ended up getting the results I wanted.

Or that’s what I had thought, anyway…

“Ha!”

I scoffed.

It seemed I’d excessively underestimated the vitality of a demon.

She looked awful, with white bones and pink tendons laid bare between her gashed flesh.

Her beauty that could turn heads was no longer anywhere to be found.

“…”

And yet, one move as light as a feather got her in front of me.

Then, flash!

Pitch-black wings sprung from her back.

It was entirely unexpected.

A gust of wind powerful enough to make it difficult to keep my eyes open buffeted me, and the demon’s feet started to distance themselves from the ground, ignoring the laws of gravity.

“…Wings?”

I was a little taken aback, but it wasn’t great enough to turn the tables around.

[Outsider]

[Fairy]

While she was flapping her wings, I focused all of my recharged strength on my right hand.

‘This all ends in one blow.’

Of course, the demon wasn’t going to just let that pass.

“Hiyap!”

With a motivated cry, Diaroka raised her long legs over her head like a crane.

Her next move was easily predictable.

Alias: the downward blow.

However, her weakened attacks were very slow. I could easily dodge something like tha…

“Huh?”

‘How white.’

Bam-!

Diaroka’s heel slammed into my head.