The Untrusting Hero From Another World

One Thousand and Fifteen Years Before Summoning Day, Zeddral, Age 15

"Stupid Slave! Can't you so much as mop the floor, right?!" Master berated me as I felt the whip against my back. I didn't know his actual name; I only knew that he was some human lord, and I hated him. If not for this damned collar, I would kill him without a second thought. Yet somehow, I was wrong for feeling this way? How? All I had to do was look outside and see how terrible these people we call 'master' were. They starved us, beat us, did unspeakable things so how was I wrong? He would continue to whip me as I mopped the floors of his palace, blood dripping behind me and forcing me to back up, enduring the lashings longer. Just when I felt like I was about to snap, collar be damned, the lashings stopped; I looked around to see a firm hand grabbing Master's wrist.

"I believe that's enough. There is no need for such cruelty." Looking at the human, he was young, about my age, with ear-length blonde hair and piercing emerald eyes. His clothes were fancy, like Master's, with fur and fineries to ensure he stayed warm while looking good. Master scoffed, trying to snatch his hand away.

"Release me, nephew! This is none of your..."

"You will remember who is next in line, uncle. I will be King. I decide what my concern is. Now, I demand you stop this instant." With a low growl, Master walked away, and the young man turned to me, "Are you okay?" he asked, to which I scoffed and turned away

"Why would I need help from a human? You know I could easily kill you right now with Master gone," I snarled, not even trying to face him. What would have typically been met with a near-deadly bolt of lightning was instead replied to with a laugh, "Huh? What's so funny? Did you not hear me?"

"Oh, I did, and you know what? I think I'll keep in touch. Can you tell me your name?" He asked with a smile so genuine. For a moment, even my hate was gone. With a scoff, I turn away once again despite him constantly trying to get up in my face with that foolish grin.

"Idiot. If you must know, the slaves call me Zeddral."

"I see. Well, Zeddral, I am Prince Thaddeus Oliver Matis, Prince of Zordonia. It's nice to meet you." Little did I know of how important that name would become. I would continue my work for the rest of the day until it was time for me to sleep. However, when I returned to our quarters, I saw the others gathered around. The sobs were quiet so that the guards wouldn't hear, but my enhanced hearing made it ring like rain beating down on a metal roof. I pushed myself through the crowd to see what happened and... I wish I didn't. There was a boy, no younger than eight, beaten bloody on the ground. His mother sat beside him, her clothes torn asunder as she sat quivering. Nobody dared touch her and risk a scream. These humans have done horrible things. We would be worked to death and beaten close to the same fate, but to kill someone so young. I clenched my fist as I kneeled down. A storm could be heard outside, but I paid it no mind, even as the ground beneath me began to shake.

"Dema... Who did this?" I demanded to know. I had no personal connection to Dema or her child. But I could not let this stand. I looked at her. At first, I thought she was too scared, but I could make out some indistinguishable noises. The bastard must have cut out her tongue so nobody would know. The solution was simple. I walked outside. My fellow slaves tried to stop me, but the shaking ground made it impossible for them to stand. The guards tried to stop me, but before I knew it, their heads were in my hands, and I was halfway across the courtyard. What is this power? Where did I get it? No. I've always had it. I just needed to let go, to let my desire to kill surpass all else. Now fully unleashed, I rushed through the palace. Any guard that attacked me would be burned, struck by lightning, impaled by ice, or simply ripped apart by my own hands. I bashed my way into Master's room, and for the first time, he looked scared. Good. His pleas were drowned out as everything went black. When I regained my sanity, I looked around to see the room in shambles. Books were strewn across the ground, windows were shattered, and I could barely make out the face of my former Master. It was sickening. But when I got over my vomiting, I felt no regrets.

"Do you feel better now?" A familiar voice asked. Turning to the ruined bed, I was met by the prince tied down in a spread eagle position, "You're quite good with ropes when you're feral you know?"

"I... did that?"

"I tried to stop you, but you weren't having it," he answered before easily breaking the bindings, "There was nothing I could do," he clearly lied, his smile never fading before asking me, "What will you do now?"

"I... don't know. What about the slaves?! Are they-?!"

"They're fine. I checked on them before I came here. You didn't leave a whole lot left to threaten them," He answered before approaching me and undoing the collar around my neck, "So much magic power while this thing was holding you back. You are a scary man, Zeddral. Just like I had heard." He slowly walked to the window while I stared in confusion, "My father wishes to make every race like your people slaves to humanity. But I want something else, a peaceful coexistence for all who call this island home. Will you help me?" The sun rose behind him as if a divine being were reaching his hand out to me... only for him to collapse. At blinding speeds, I quickly caught him, "Guess you did more damage than you thought, huh?" He asked, laughing through the pain. That bloody night was the start of an amazing friendship.

Six and a Half Months Since Summoning Day, Zeddral, Age 1129

"Again, you failed?!" I exclaimed in a rage, looking down at Leon from my throne. How many times have we failed? The only ones who have had any success were the Hell Heroes, yet they refused to kill them for goddess only knows what reason! I could feel the Void within me itching, begging to be set free. But I can't. I won't let Banshee's dream be brought down to mere mindless slaughter! I have been painstakingly careful to send a message with minimal casualties.

"Forgive me, Sire. My seal was almost destroyed by one hit from Hero Green. I shall not fail again."

"I would hope not. This job will be much easier for your diminishing skill," I spat, not even trying to hide my anger. He should be grateful I am not finishing the job myself. What I need now is a tether, something to reign in this heinous curse of mine. Regaining my composure, I calmly make a simple demand, "Bring my son home."

Meanwhile, Xandric, Age 116

"Um... What are we doing again?"

"Heroworld!" Kai called out, running ahead towards the massive theme park. Something about using the dead for profit did not sit right with me, but I'm glad he was happy. It was a nice change of pace from the awkward, scared silence that usually came towards me. Seeing that boy's smile made me quite happy.

"Okay, what shall we do in this Heroworld?"

"Just have fun. Play some games and eat. Hero White's been killing it, so I thought we could take a break to hang out. Also, get some pictures with Kai and the other heroes for me," Ryan said before walking off. Wait what? He's leaving me with the kid who clearly detests me? Well, very well then. I catch up to Kai, who immediately seems nervous.

"O-Oh... Hey, Mr. Xandric..." His voice was soft, almost fearful. I shook my head, passing him a cone of ice cream.

"Please, just call me Xandric."

Kai, Age 10

I nervously took the ice cream. What did he do? Poison it? Make it to where it'll explode inside me? Hesitantly, I took a lick only to be met with the sweet taste of strawberry ice cream. I waited a minute, but nothing happened, "Now, what would you like to do?" he asked, seeming so kind. I can't trust a demon, though, or else I'll end up like Mama and Papa. I would play the shooting games, earning me a plush Hero Red, "Do you like it?" he asked, but I simply ignored him. I could see his upset expression but couldn't care less. Why would you do this, Ryan?

Meanwhile, Ryan, Age 15

"Do you realize how bad of an idea this is?" Jaune asked, throwing the ball at the milk jars. Much to his frustration, he was missing every single strike. I couldn't help but chuckle as I took my shot.

"Maybe, but this is important." I knocked down the jugs with much more ease, only adding to his frustration, "You're aiming directly for the jugs, but the balls are weighted. Try aiming a little higher from where you want to hit." He took my suggestion and finally managed to get one

"Thanks! But still, you know Kai hates demons."

"That's exactly why I'm letting Xandric take care of him. I hated all cops indiscriminately, even the one that took me in. I don't want him blinded by hate like I was. The demons are our enemies, but if they're anything like Xandric, they genuinely believe they're doing what's right."

"When did you get so sentimental?"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Since you guys started pushing me to open up a bit. By the way..." I started before throwing the final ball, "I believe I win."

"Huh!? What the hell?! I demand a rematch!"

"Sorry! Good game, moving on!"

Xandric, Age 116

This child is more exhausting than the monsters. He ran from place to place, getting pictures with different actors dressed as Heroes of the past. Yet there was always distance. Eventually, I got him to sit down and enjoy this lovely food called funnel cake. He still didn't talk much, though, before uneasily asking, "Xandric. Do you feel bad?"

"Pardon?" I asked, looking to him. I didn't know what he meant, but when I saw him shaking, I didn't need to hear anymore. I sigh and lay back, my appetite suddenly lost, "I don't know how to answer that." Of course, I know how I feel, but how do I say that to a kid who's suffered for my people's actions?

"So you don't know if you feel bad for the people who got hurt? Or do you think playing Hero makes it all over?"

"What? No! I just-!"

"Just what?! What could you possibly think that made my parents dying okay?!" He exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone in the surrounding food stands. Tears began to go down his face before he ran away. I stood stunned, unsure of how to answer. Sadly, it gave him enough of a head start before I could bring myself after rush him.

Jaune, Age 15

"Oh god.." was all I could say before rushing to the trash can next to the entrance of the roller coaster. Whoever thought adding magic to those infernal devices to allow them to go faster without sacrificing safety, I wish the foulest punishment on you! And who thought of making it ever-changing? After getting the puke out of my system, I turned to Ryan, who was cheering like an excited child. It was quite odd to see someone normally so stoic having fun, "Hey, I just wanted to say... thanks for inviting me."

"Yeah, well I thought we could try being friends for once," He said with a shrug, "I'm surprised you weren't off with your girlfriend though!"

"She's not my girlfriend!"

"Really? Because she seems interested in you."

"And you can tell that how? Makoto was practically throwing signs your way and you didn't notice until she finally asked you out." I was getting a bit aggressive, I'll admit. My face was red but not with embarrassment. I turn away, grumbling "Besides, what interest would she have in a worthless human?"

"She doesn't have a thing for a worthless human. She likes you."

"Yeah? And what would you call me?" I asked as he dragged me along to get cotton candy. I suppose if I'm going to sulk, he at least wants to enjoy while I do. Ever since we came back, those dead bodies haven't left my mind. Despite this, he turned to me and offered a piece of cotton candy, "Can you not? I'm trying to be serious."

"So am I. So eat and shut up for a sec," he demanded with a glare that compelled me to comply, "The way I see it, whatever you think is wrong with you, Eliza either doesn't see it or can look past it. The issue isn't her liking a 'worthless human.' So find what makes you think that and improve. I mean, just look at me." What makes me think that? I already know

"You make it sound so easy."

"Because it is. At least in this world, free of any negative influences. Well... besides the demons, but we'll handle that."

"You know, you're quite nice when you're not playing the bad boy type."

"H-Hey, shut up! I'm just less tense around all this toku stuff. It has me in a good mood!" He argued, looking away and unintentionally provoking a laugh. Our debate was cut short as the sky opened up, and Shadows began dropping from the sky. People began running, and we knew what time it was. "Guess we need to put Guys Night on hold. Ready?"

"Ready!"

"World Combine, Heroes Unite!" we each called out and transformed. Without a second, though, we began cutting down the Shadows. It was just a standard horde with a handful of explosive types, but nothing we couldn't manage on our own. It was too easy. I turned to Ryan, who was punching and kicking through them faster than I could slash.

"Ryan! Something is wrong!"

"I can tell! Even worse, I can't get in contact with Xandric!" He added, tossing an exploding Shadow into the horde as he did so. In a panic, I tried to reach out over comms.

"Yellow to Black, do you copy? Yellow to Black, are you there!"

Meanwhile, Kai, Age 10

I had run off behind one of the stands. I didn't want to lash out at him. He's Mr. Ryan's friend. That's why I ignored him and ran away when it became too much to bear, pretending I wanted a picture with the heroes. Well... I did want that, too. But any time I saw him, all I could think of were those heartless monsters they created. The memories of Mama and Papa and my eye. It became too much. As I cried, though, I noticed a shadow looming over me, "Mr. Xandric... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to..." My voice was cut off as I saw the true figure. Fear struck me like a Goliath as I stared up at the man with lion-plated armor. I had seen him on the news before, General Leon.

"What did you say about Prince Xandric?" I went quiet, my heart pounding like it was trying to escape from this massive man in front of me. He then kneeled down, causing me to flinch. "I would never harm you, child. I merely need to know where the young Prince is so that I may bring him home."

"N-Not hurt a child?" I stuttered out. Suddenly, my fear was replaced by rage. Even if he somehow never did it himself, those monsters he leads have, and I have the proof! I bear it every day. With a growl, I leap up and begin to punch him over and over. My fists started to bleed, but I didn't care. Eventually, he threw me off, sending me sliding across the ground, almost into a large rock. Just when I was about to make impact though, I felt something soft, almost like a beanbag chair. Looking up, it was a blue shadowy being that then vanished.

"This is why you don't run off alone, Kai." Turning to my left in between the tents, there he was. Xandric approached in his Hero attire before turning to Leon.

"You want me? Here I am, General. Now speak"

"So authoritative. You're growing up so quick," the general said with a hint of pride before straightening up, "It's your father. He's getting worse. Soon enough, he may rampage." Rampage? What does he mean? Wait, will the Demon King come here?! I looked to Xandric, who seemed taken aback through his suit, before finally speaking up.

"I see. Well, I need to talk to you first."

"You know, good and well, there's no time," he insisted, grabbing his wrist, but Xandric quickly pushed him off, "You really want to do this? Have you ever beaten me in a fight?"

"No, but you haven't fought me in a while. I've gotten stronger. So if I win, I would like you to hear me out."

"Very well. A proper duel then," He answered, and after a brief stare-down, the two rushed each. I could barely make them out, only seeing flashes. Heroes were already faster than your average soldier, but I had never seen it before myself. They would rush right past me multiple times before one of them was sent flying through multiple stands.

"Kai, run! Get to Ryan and Jaune!"

"Don't argue, just- look out!" I turned around just in time to see a Shadow with an enlarged head. Not thinking anything of it, I attacked. I may not be able to help much, but I can at least hold them off while Xandric fights the general. But suddenly, it started to glow. Before I could react, a familiar man in black covered me before...

BOOM!!

My ears rang as I slowly opened my eyes. To my shock, I saw Xandric's destroyed suit. Even some of his skin was burnt, "Are you... okay?"

"Don't worry about me! What about you?" I argue as he collapses. It doesn't take a doctor to tell how bad he's hurt. He's hurt, and it's my fault! The entire kingdom could be in trouble, and it's my fault.

"You asked... if I felt bad. The truth is... I don't," He muttered, coughing up blood. What? Why is he saying this now, "You can't make everyone happy... So you need to choose something to fight for... I chose my people... You don't need to forgive me... But I would do it all again..."

Something to fight for, just like my parents chose to fight for me. I think I get it, "Are all demons like that? Just choosing who to fight for?"

"Who knows... But I like to think... Yes," he answered as he used the last of his energy to summon another of those creatures, this one being a woman with massive bat wings. Leon, who stood and watched our entire conversation when he could have easily just taken him, seemed particularly shocked.

"General..."

"Long time no see, Leon" The woman said before hitting him so hard his helmet rattled "You went way too hard on him! If I had more time, I'd tear that armor of yours apart and put it back together!"

"I-I'm sorry, ma'am! Your child has grown quite strong. It wasn't even me who did that."

"Oh, I know. Now listen, before I leave, you should know. Me and Xandric have been waiting for a chance to reach you. If there's anyone in the castle we can trust, it's you."

"Trust? Why does that matter?"

"Because the person who killed me is in the castle. Their intent was to trigger Zeddral's rage and start a war. I doubt they care if it ends or who wins."

"What? So this whole war is a setup? I cannot tolerate such bloodshed for a false cause. What would you have me do?"

"That is up to you. Like I said, we trust you..." The woman said before fading away. Suddenly, we heard voices, and the general vanished.

"Xandric!" Ryan called out and quickly took him from my arms, "What about you? Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah, don't worry about me! Save him!"

"We'll get one of the girls over here ASAP. Don't worry

One Day Later, Xandric, Age 116

I groan as I finally woke up. Looking around, it seemed we were back in my room in Mao Zhua. Why is it Ryan always gets the concerned teammates waiting for him when he wakes up, "At least this gives us time to talk."

"Indeed, at least before that boy comes back. He's been visiting you every day."

"I see. I suppose that means he's unharmed. Also, were the Shadows necessary if you just wanted me?"

"My apologies, Prince Xandric. I just needed to keep the Heroes away. But onto business before they arrive. Queen Banshee told me everything. What would you have me do?"

"I've been cooking up a new illusion spell. It copies my brain waves and essentially creates a duplicate of my personality. Combine that with an illusory body with one of my Shadow Soldiers as a base, and you have a perfect second me. Finally, I will add a seal and link it to yours to ensure that it can last without me. You will take this to calm my father. Then I want you to investigate everyone in the castle. I will continue to do my part here. Do you accept this task?" I asked, to which he simply bowed. Even now, his loyalty never wavers, "Thank you, Leon. Truly." I then began the process step by step, as I described. In five minutes, there was a perfect double beside me.

"We will find Mother's killer," my double said with a determination that matched my own before approaching Leon, "Let's be off. Take me to my father."

"At once, Your Highness," Leon said, giving me a thumbs up before they both vanished just in time for the door to be kicked open.

"You're okay!" Kai exclaimed, rushing to hug me while constantly apologizing

"Seems you guys had quite a fun time," Jaune said as he and Ryan leaned against opposite sides of the door frame.

"Indeed. But it's okay, Kai. I'd do it again in a heartbeat," I assured, gently patting the boy's head. He looked at me, smiling through his tears.

"I thought about what you said. I don't know if I can forgive you, but I want to move past it. Also, I want to protect the orphanage! Like you do for the demons!" That second part shocked me. He wants to fight? This wasn't some flying fancy, either. I could see the determination in his eyes. Ryan was about to protest, but I raised a hand to quiet him.

"Really? Well, you're much too young for that. But my Shadow Soldiers could use some training. They have been dead for up to a thousand years. How about a sparring session on occasion?" I suggested, to which he grinned and nodded at breakneck speeds. It would seem this world has yet another hero all its own. Or at least it will when he's old enough.