“The Hero…”
A Hero, a courageous individual. Often confused with “heroes,” but fundamentally different.
Heroes are not called that from the start; they become heroes when their continued battles are recognized by others.
But “Heroes” are different. They don’t need to kill enemies. They can be weak. They just need to stand at the forefront of the people, giving courage to those who follow.
However, the definition of that word changed after a certain point.
“The Holy Church, huh?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Aria and Dolton turned back at my murmur, and the Princess quietly affirmed.
“They said it was a request from the Holy Church, but why the Holy Church?”
When Aria continued to ask the Princess, she pressed her brow as if she had a headache, whether about the Hero or the Holy Church, and explained.
“First of all, as a premise, it is said that the reason that existence began to be called ‘Hero’ is because the Holy Church defined it as such.”
Historically, when events that threatened humanity occurred, there were beings who prevented and repelled them.
Beings who secretly saved the world… People worshipped them as messengers of God.
It was when the “Evil Lord” appeared that this “existence,” whose identity was unknown, became known to the world.
Although that existence has not been confirmed on this Searth Continent, there has been a transcendent being called “Evil Lord” in the history of this world.
For example, a high-ranking demon surpassing a Greater Demon.
For example, a high-ranking Undead created by a Magician performing a ritual himself.
For example, a dark Evil Dragon harboring a grudge against humans…
People called these natural disaster-level existences that transcended even national frameworks “Evil Lords,” and the Evil Lords, with their power, commanded many Monsters and destroyed several countries.
In that despair, a young man defeated a giant Monster that was tormenting the people, giving them a ray of hope and “courage.”
As if guided by the courage of that young man, powerful heroes gathered, and the young man, together with his companions, finally defeated the Evil Lord.
A Hero is an existence that gives hope and courage to people.
However, by the Holy Church defining it as “Hero” instead of “hero,” the way a “Hero” should be changed.
“At that time, a young man who gained the power of the Spirits defeated the Evil Lord in the face of the world’s crisis. The Holy Church has defined the existence that should have given courage to people, the existence empowered by the Spirits, as ‘Hero.'”
“Is that… the Divine Protection (Gift)?”
When Aria voiced her question, the Princess, who had finished speaking, shook her head slightly.
“I don’t know the details, but I heard it’s different from the Divine Protection (Gift) of the Dungeon. When a crisis visits this world, they are chosen by the Spirits…”
One day, suddenly, they are given power by Spirits with power equal to God and become a Hero.
The Holy Church’s intention was to define it as a Hero, and by supporting the Hero even now, that existence becomes a member of the Holy Church, and with that achievement and fame, the Holy Church is gathering believers and donations, right?
…How ridiculous. Both the Hero and the Holy Church are outrageous. I’m not surprised that the Holy Church has been doing such things for a long time, but the Hero’s existence itself feels like cheating.
“Then, the fact that the Hero came all the way to this continent means that a disaster equivalent to a world crisis has appeared?”
“That’s right.”
“Hmm…”
When Aria noticed that fact and put it into words, the Princess and Dolton raised their eyes.
“Why are you looking at me?”
How rude of them. I’ve only tried to kill tens of thousands of people living in the Royal Capital, at most. I’m not Evil Lord material.
“Anyway,”
The Princess cleared her throat softly and refocused her eyes on Aria.
“Aria… Do you know why the Hero is asking you to join their party?”
“…The Spirit’s Blessing.”
Not just anyone can be a Hero’s companion.
Just as the Holy Church defined those who received the Divine Protection (Gift) of the Spirits in response to the world’s crisis as “Heroes,” unless they are the “heroes” who were the companions of the first Hero defined, they are not recognized as Hero’s companions.
Honestly, I think it’s ridiculous. If the Hero is truly powerful, they should have thousands or even tens of thousands of people to assist them, without creating a framework called “companions.”
However, for people who care about appearances, that’s not possible.
I only know it from literature and forbidden books, but “Evil Lords” certainly existed.
Their strength is… at least Rank 8.
To deal with a threat of that level, even if ordinary soldiers and knights have combat power, they can shave off some of the Evil Lord’s health, but they can’t deliver the final blow. Even that shaving is only enough to inflict a scratch at the cost of one soldier’s life.
They sacrifice thousands to shave off the Evil Lord’s stamina, create an opening, and deliver the final blow with the Hero’s preserved power.
But unless it’s a “real Evil Lord” that actually destroys several countries, the bereaved families and believers of the victims won’t be convinced.
That’s why the Hero’s companions are limited to “hero-class.”
“Hero… The Holy Church seems to recognize Aria, who received the Spirit’s Blessing and saved the nation, as ‘hero-class.'”
As the Princess says, Aria now fits into the “hero-class” framework defined by the Holy Church.
Originally, a general of an army, someone who has been active and praised, or someone who has been active like a Hero should be called a “hero,” but this has also been distorted by the Holy Church.
Now, those who are recognized by the nation for their achievements in the “hero-class” defined by the Holy Church are called heroes.
Hero-class refers to those who have gained combat-related abilities among those who have received the Spirit’s Blessing or Divine Protection (Gift).
Even if they receive the Divine Protection (Gift) or Blessing of the Dungeon, the Princess, who erased one of her magic attributes to heal her body, and Dandole’s daughter, who foresees the future, are out of range.
I was amused by the temple boy who was contracted with a demon due to the Spirit’s mischief, and the fallen royalty who ended up raising Worms all over his body, but since they can’t control it themselves, they are out of the question from the beginning.
…Ah, I see.
That’s why the Princess told me to come too.
When I looked at the Princess at that possibility that I suddenly realized, she returned a gaze that held a firm will as a queen, even while harboring a sense of guilt as a person.
She is convinced that even if Aria doesn’t notice, I will.
Among those who are known to have received combat-related blessings, only Aria and “I” are the two.
I’m supposed to be dead, but I don’t know how things will turn out if it’s known that I’m alive.
I don’t know if the Hero really has the power of legends.
However, when the Hero’s wishes are incompatible with the nation’s, and above all, “Aria’s” wishes, in the worst case, she wants me to “deal” with the Hero even at the cost of my life.
At least, the Princess’s eyes looking at me were saying that.
“Fufu…”
Aria looked at me suspiciously as I let out a faint chuckle.
It’s fine, Princess… no, Elena. That’s what I want too.
I like the eyes of people who have made up their minds.
As you and I wish, I’ll somehow (・・・・) take care of the Hero without Aria knowing.
Are you really not an Evil Lord!?
Next time, departure… I wonder if we can get there?