The Untrusting Hero From Another World

Nine Months Since Summoning Day, Riptar, Age 200

"You idiots!!" Cassandra roared out, throwing Colagula into a wall, "You were specifically ordered to stay here and get used to your new abilities! Now we have to drag ourselves back here to scold you while Ritto works on something that can actually compete!"

"And where have you been? Last I checked, you were meant to be the Heroes! Yet you all vanish into the Bad Lands for weeks at a time!" I demanded to know, but was met with silence. Even worse, I could see anger, sorrow, and shame paint across each of their faces, "Well? We're waiting!"

"That's none of your concern," Jarred finally answered before looking at the others. "Still, Cass, go a bit easy, would you? We weren't exactly patient when we joined up."

"We had been fighting for the other side for a good while. We knew what we were doing."

"Don't worry, it won't happen again..." Kagan assured, poking his head out from the corner of the room. He had been hiding in the Shadows to avoid Cassandra's wrath.

"You're right. Because we're gonna make sure you know what you're doing this time," Riley spoke up, motioning for us to follow him. Aug was the first to follow, like the obedient dog that he is, with the rest of us following suit, if only to keep our heads. They led us into a massive training room, the likes of which none of us had seen. "You all got power crept. It's time to spike you all back up to where you can actually do something."

Meanwhile, Xandric, Age 116

This lab is incredible! I was never the type to get involved with science. I have always been a warrior, but this is so automated that even I can work it. That fact alone is incredible. Still, I needed to do some small amount of research. Luckily, Necroli had a massive library with a specific section on Darkness filled with books commissioned by him. But after yesterday, I need isolation, so I locked myself inside, with the King's permission, of course. There was just...one problem.

"Um, sir... A-Are you okay...?" Hellas asked, poking his head behind the mountain of books.

"Of course I am. What do you care?" I spat, my irritation made clear. I knew it was not exactly nice, but I certainly was not in control.

"Well, they did tell us to watch you,' Naga added, slinking into view as well.

"That doesn't mean you need to pester me every five seconds! I have this under control!"

"We are aware. We are just here in case something does go wrong," Ridrage assured, and I knew he was right, but I refused to admit it. Instead, I merely grumbled as I configured the device, "We weren't informed of what you're planning, though. Care to fill us in?" Seriously? They didn't even tell them that?

"I'm trying to make a cure for the Void. So long as that's a factor, Demons cannot reintegrate with the rest of society. That's why I'm feeding mine, so that I can test it on me," I explained. Some voids are small annoyances. At best, they'll make someone more of an annoyance to converse with. But in the worst cases, it could be theft, murder, or kidnapping. A demon can hold it in, but the longer they do, the worse it becomes

"I see. Well then, can we be of any assistance? Thundaga is taking the others on a 'double date' as they call it. But you have all other Goliaths at your disposal."

"What part of I have this under control don't you get?" I asked when, suddenly a small bat-like creature landed on my head, a mix of flesh and technology, much more crudely made than the others. Frankly, he was disgusting, but Ritto made him so I cannot fault him for that. He nuzzled me almost like a dog yearning for affection from its master. Much like the Hydra Goliath, which Makoto oh so affectionately named Hist, Gorgara isn't exactly on the same level of sentience as a humanoid race. It honestly makes it easier for me. I don't have to be annoyed by constant criticisms. Still, his affectionate nudging calmed me down enough to answer, "Very well. First, we must identify the issue. I need a sample of Darkness. All of you should be immune, as your bodies are no longer organic.

"On it, Princey," Naga answered and slithered away while I shivered at that damnable nickname. It was already bad enough whenever Cass used it in an attempt to set me up as a potential rebound. It just sounds wrong coming from a Gorgon. I would wait so long for it, but eventually, she came back with a fairly large vial for a being shrunk down to fit in our pockets."Here ya go! Now, how about a reward?"

"If by reward, you mean whatever Jaune did, no," I answered bluntly and took the vial. Taking a syringe, I then drew out some of my own blood to compare it. When that showed nothing abnormal, I checked everything else. It took at least ten hours for me to finally find the source. My eyes widened as I looked at the screen showing a scan of my brain, "Oh my..."

"Wh-What? What did you find?!" Hellas stuttered out, to which I pulled up a second screen I had been using as a reference point

"This is a standard Demi-Human brain, what I would likely be if my parents were not corrupted," I explained, showing it to them. It was borderline identical to a human brain, besides a more sensitive limbic system, causing them to feel emotions more strongly than others. I then pulled up the screen showing my brain, "And this is mine. The Hypothalamus is what essentially tells your brain what you need for your body to function. But whatever is going on with mine, it's creating a distortion of some sort, an illusion that makes me feel like I need to give in to my pride to survive. The Void isn't in our hearts. It is in our brains."

"That's great. The first step of any solution is identifying the problem," Ridrage said with all his draconic 'wisdom', which made me roll my eyes against my will.

"I'll need to do some further research, but if we can find a way to destroy abnormalities, we may be able to cure them!"

Meanwhile, Ritto, Age 856

What to do next? I groan as I think to myself of the next big scheme. It doesn't need to be anything world-ending, just enough to keep the Heroes busy until I'm ready to strike against Zeddral. While I sit at my desk, twiddling my thumbs, my head shoots up, like a message being sent directly to my brain, "Yes, what is it?"

"Lord Ritto... Heroes... In... Animari..."The Shadow explained. I dubbed them Hunter Shadows. Not only would they take control of sentient bodies to attack, but they were also linked to a hivemind I managed to form. They could reach out to any other Shadow as well as their one true Master, myself. I hum to myself and nod.

"Thank you for this valuable intel. I will send a General straight away. Do not expose yourself."

Meanwhile, Eliza, Age 15

Fireworks lit up the night sky, a favorite way to begin any party in Animari City. Today was quite different, though. Today was Liberation Day, the day my mother freed the Demi-Humans from slavery. I never got to see it as a kid, so when Makoto suggested a Double Date, I was all for it. We had just split off for a bit, giving us each a moment of privacy before we met up for dinner. "So, having fun?"

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"Animaria always knows how to throw a party," he admitted, and I could tell. He had crumbs all over his face from the many snack vendors. It really was cute, but I wasn't going to say that because I'm sure he'd either turn into a flustered mess or tease me right back. There's no real way to know. As we walked, we saw a simple ball game, with plushies of our old suits. With a grin, I dragged him toward it, much to his own confusion, "Let's get these!"

He tilted his head, finally noticing the Hero plushies, "Those?" I nodded my head energetically. Even though it hasn't been very long, now that we don't have those suits, they feel somewhat nostalgic. He grinned and paid the man before trying to knock the bottles. Safe to say it took a while and a lot of money, but he got it. "You owe me for this."

"I'm sure money is no object for us, Prince Jaune," I answered, smiling as I stuffed my face into the plush Heroes.

"Careful. We still need to work that out," he reminded, and I huffed. I know we cut off our deal since we started dating, but honestly, I'd still rather have him by my side, either as a King or just as someone I can count on when I want to get away from all the nonsense of royalty. As we continued, though, we saw something fall from the sky, smashing into the ground. Without words, we look at each other, nod our heads, and run to see what was going on.

Makoto, Age 15

I look on in shock at the crater while the Demi-Humans begin rushing for shelter past the Shadows. At the epicenter was Ryan, his face dug into the ground and a monster standing over him, a hulking behemoth of a man with long oily black hair, his grey skin scarred and covered in.... car parts and a single eye replaced with a headlight. Wait, I thought this world didn't have cars.

"Ber...ser...car..." The monster grumbled before rushing at me, swinging its massive axe made of car doors. Okay, this is ridiculous even for Ritto, "Ber!"

"Worlds Combine, Heroes Unite!" I hastily call out, transforming as I sidestep the attack. Still, it continued its assault until it was blasted back by a stream of fire. Looking behind me, Eliza and Jaune stood there before rushing to pull Ryan away from the fight. I don't know if that thing knew Ryan was the strongest or if it was just a coincidence, but either way, it's going to regret that.

Xandric, Age 116

After putting up all the books in the library that I had taken, it was time to get to work. I gathered up the Goliaths before stepping outside. Gogara grew to full size, and with that, I was off, "Um... Where are we going?"

"That's none of your business," I growled, knowing I'd have to apologize later. Hellas was from Animaria, so I knew he was just trying to help. According to Necroli's notes, there's a flower in the jungles of Animaria that, when ingested, seeks out malicious entities and destroys them. I don't know if Darkness infecting the brain is classified as a malicious entity, but I didn't have many other options. Still, I had to feed my pride in the meantime. Because when I get it, I need to test it on myself. So I can't accept help from someone who knows the area.

After almost an hour of flight, I finally arrived in Animaria. Smoke rose in the distance from Animari City. I really shouldn't concern myself with it. The others are there. I should focus on the ingredient I need. It'll save more Demons in the long run, but... Damn it, fine! I quickly change course, flying towards Animari City. Looking down, I'm glad I chose to do so. My teammates were all struggling but still fighting. The only exception was Ryan, who was on the ground. Climbing out of the cockpit, I leap down, sending a swarm of Shadow Soldiers to hold down the beast. "Makoto, what's the situation?!"

"Turns out this goofy thing is stronger than it looks. Also, why is it made of car parts?"

"Ritto... What are you scheming?" I thought aloud. After all, this seems so small. No Hell Heroes, no Warlords. Just a standard monster we would fight every week, "Regardless, he's tough even if he's not too strong." As I noted that, I easily dodged three consecutive strikes

"Ber-Ser-Car!"

"That's all he really says. Still, I'd like to preserve this one if we can," Eliza spoke up, causing all of us to look at her, "What? Felmi may wanna take a look at him!" I roll my eyes, but we'll do what we can.

"Souls Combine, Heroes Unite!" I call out, and the world around me changes like usual. This time, it took the form of a throne room. I find myself sitting on a throne with my Shadow Soldiers all bowing before me. One by one, they would run at me, forming the suit. Once the helmet was made, I kicked the throne back and stood up, "Demonic Rage Reborn: Black Mythic Hero!" Now fully transformed, I charge at him with my spear. The others follow suit with Jaune zipping around with ease, only being caught once, just to be saved by Eliza freezing his hand. It would continue to strike, repeating the same annoying phrase.

"Ber-Ser-Car! Ber-Ser-Car!"

"Good grief! Will you shut up?" A familiar, annoyed voice called out as multiple food stands were thrown at Bersercar. Looking up, a visibly angry Ryan stood over the crater, then turned to me, "Yo. You finish whatever you were doing."

"Not quite. You seemed to be having trouble, so I took a detour," I mocked, causing him to chuckle.

"He sucker punched me, smart ass. Now, what do you say we wrap this up?" He asked as Bersercar grew in size, "You got the goliaths?" I nodded and passed them to him. While I couldn't see it, I felt him grinning beneath his helmet as he repeated that foolish chant. In a matter of seconds, two massive machines were standing before us just before we were sucked into the cockpits, "Ultimate Weapon: Heroic Titan!"

"Secondary Machine: Mythic Titan?" Eliza and I exclaimed in confusion. We clearly were not expecting to pilot it. Eliza then began to pout, "Come on! I wanted to use my Titan."

"It's not ready yet. Be patient, my dear," Jaune said over coms, and without further words, we attacked. Mythic Titan's left arm quickly bound the beast with the gorgon's snakes before Eliza tried to fire the Hydra Canon, but he just collapsed, turning into a massive car, and drove away.

"He can do that?! Why hasn't he done that the whole fight?" Makoto called out

"He's pure instinct, and his instincts are telling him to run," I answered before seeing where he's driving for and rushing after it. Eliza gets ready to fire before I call out, "Stop!!"

"Huh? Why?"

"Don't ask questions! Just don't do it!" I insisted. Still, I had to think of another way. If it got to the jungle, who knows how many of those plants could be destroyed? I'll need a lot to cure every Demon. Suddenly, a thought did come to mind, "Ryan! Land in front!" I ordered, and without question, he did so. He flew over Bersercar and landed, planting his shield in the ground and enhancing it with magic. The monster slammed into it at top speed, completely wrecking it. It didn't explode, so I assume he was just unconscious, giving Eliza exactly what she wanted as he shrank down. While the others took time to pose, I jumped out, hurrying into the jungle. Luckily, we had stopped him just shy of reaching it. I searched and searched until finally, I found it. A small bundle of flowers lay on the jungle floor, pure white with blue veins going up its long green stem. I could feel the tears beneath my mask. I could finally do some good for my people. But first, I need to make sure it works.

One Hour Later

"Are we sure this is a good idea?" Eliza asked hesitantly as I put the plant in one of the many machines around King Necroli's lab. The Vampire King himself even made an appearance out of sheer curiosity, "What if it doesn't work? What if it makes it worse?"

"Would that risk stop you?" I asked with a snide expression that promptly silenced her. The machine crushed the plant until it was nothing but a powder that was then contained in a glass canister, ready to fire.

Ryan looked to the Vampire King, seeming nauseous at what he's about to say, "Since he's too moody to say it right now, thanks for letting him use your lab."

King Necroli merely nodded his head, "For many decades, we Vampires were treated with scorn and fear for our past misdeeds. I would not wish that same fate upon the Demons." For some reason, those words reassure me. Maybe we can reintegrate into the Island peacefully with the help of people like him. I entered a room similar to what Ritto had in his lab. It was air-tight with vents to let in different substances. The white powder shot out of these vents, the fumes filling my nostrils. There was no escaping it, and I had no desire to do so. I felt a wave of relief, like a hole in my heart was filled. Still, there was only one way to know for sure.

"What is that monitor showing? What does my brain look like?" I asked, my heart racing with anticipation as King Necroli approached. He looked dumbfounded before giving me a fanged grin.

"The abnormalities in the Hypothalamus are being destroyed. I'd go as far as to say you're cured." I felt a well of emotions swelling up. I did it. I found a way to end this war and reintegrate the Demons! I can take this to Father, and it will all end! I fell to the ground, letting the sobs I had held back earlier come through as the team all came in, embracing me.

"You did good, Xandric. Now let's get ready. Soon, we will end this war," Ryan said with clear conviction. Thank you. All four of you

Meanwhile, 'Xandric', Age ???

I leaned against the walls of the castle, resisting the urge to cry out in joy. My master created a link so we could share memories. I had to maintain composure to not blow my cover, but I couldn't help myself. "Congratulations, my Prince."

"Your Prince, huh?" I leapt back at the sound of the eavesdropper as Riley stepped out from the Shadows, "Relax. I was just gonna ask if you wanted to come eat with us. You don't have a problem with that, right, 'Prince Xandric'?"