Long ago, there was an era when numerous races lived in their respective territories.
In those days, humans could freely travel to any land inhabited by friendly races.
But now, such times are merely a part of the past, recorded in old documents.
For the past few hundred years, the lands of many races and the worlds that existed there have been destroyed by the purifying divine objects, due to the appearance of witches.
Now, the world is filled with demonic energy and the demons born from it, making it impossible for humans to move freely outside the barriers set up to block the demonic energy.
However, humans have developed magical tools to suppress and purify demonic energy in certain areas, and have continuously ventured into dangerous regions beyond the barriers, taking risks.
To cultivate land for growing food necessary for human survival.
To find resources needed for a more comfortable life.
And the ones who have been responsible for dealing with the powerful demons that invade from the demon-infested external regions at the forefront of the border areas and the exploration of new lands are the units known as 'Astrape.'
Given that they undertake the most dangerous missions in the most dangerous places, only the most elite heroes can join this unit, and this is where the newly appointed hero, Yun Siwoo, was assigned.
*
If you were to ask the people of this era who the strongest hero is, they would give different answers.
Some would say that the fastest hero, Leon Lionel, known as the one who leaves sound behind, is the strongest because speed is power.
Others would argue that Martina Ivanova, the greatest elemental mage of this era, is naturally the strongest, as they don't know how powerful her magic is.
And if we don't limit it to individuals, some would say that the Elouise couple, who have a perfect balance of offense and defense, are the strongest heroes. It was truly remarkable that they could withstand attacks from high-level demons for hours without any damage.
And now, most of the people who are always named among the top five strongest heroes are gathered to discuss a proposal from higher-ups.
Leon Lionel, the captain of Astrape's 2nd Squad, frowned as he held the documents on the table and muttered.
"Yun Siwoo. He entered the Academy as a first-year student, graduated early, and was appointed a hero for his feat of slaying a demon that controlled people, and now he's joining Astrape right away..."
As one of the captains of Astrape, welcoming new members is always a good thing, but this time it was different.
Even if he did graduate early, he's still a first-year student.
Moreover, there are rumors that he was specially selected as a hero to quell the citizens' discontent.
The light sword attack he demonstrated in the video was indeed impressive, but it's hard to judge whether it was just for show without seeing it in person.
Is this student really the right talent for this unit?
With some doubts in his mind, he couldn't help but frown when he read the cautionary note in the documents.
"Since the citizens are enthusiastic about him, do not let him be in danger at any cost."
How can they say such nonsense when they're putting him in a unit where demons can attack at any time and place?
Astrape's heroes are always prepared to face death.
Just as he frowned, one of the people gathered around the round table for the meeting snorted.
"Ha, what a mess."
It was Martina Ivanova, the captain of Astrape's 4th Squad, who was reading the documents with her legs on the table in a slanted posture.
She couldn't help but swear.
Being called to a meeting in the middle of a busy schedule was already annoying, and seeing such absurd demands made her even more frustrated.
Martina threw the documents behind her and complained.
"The higher-ups must be crazy. Even if it's for propaganda, I don't like the idea of forcing such a young kid into Astrape, and what? Don't let him be in danger at any cost? Are you telling us to protect him while our own people die? No, I absolutely refuse. I will never take on the responsibility of looking after an unverified kid."
"Hmm, if you say he's unverified, does that mean you don't trust Mr. Eve, who graduated him?"
At that moment, Natalia Elouise, the captain of the 3rd Squad, who was sitting opposite Martina, spoke in a calm tone, as if trying to calm her down.
Martina, who had received teachings from Eve during her time at Aegis Academy and respected him, shuddered at Natalia's comment and exclaimed.
"No, that's not it, but it's just too risky to take on such a kid! Anyway, are you guys going to take him? If so, I'm fine with it."
Martina asked with a smile, thinking she had passed the responsibility to someone else.
Natalia, twirling her hair with her fingers, replied calmly.
"Umm, I don't want to. We don't want to create unnecessary work for ourselves."
"Then what? I'm already annoyed to death, why are you picking a fight?"
"Just, I wanted to tease you since it's been a while?"
"Wow, are you really crazy?"
Martina muttered in disbelief.
Natalia looked at her with a pleased expression and said.
"By the way, I heard the new recruit is the same age as our daughter. How time flies. Martina, you're still a spinster, you know."
"......Cut it out."
"Oh, I'm just stating the facts. Don't get so angry. If you keep getting angry like that, you'll never find a partner."
"......Fine. I'll make your husband a widower today."
The two, who had been rivals since their school days.
One had married her soulmate, despite a speeding violation, and already had a child in the Academy, while the other had never been in a proper relationship.
Martina, whose most sensitive point had been touched, blushed with anger and emitted a deep orange magic power, the same color as her hair.
Natalia, watching her, also released water droplets with a blue tint, the same color as her hair, into the air.
If the two, known as the greatest heroes, were to clash, the surrounding area would be destroyed. The situation was tense.
Leon, who had been observing the situation, sighed and muttered.
"......Both of you, if you're going to talk about marriage, do it somewhere else without me."
Although they wouldn't stop just because he told them to, the moment Leon said that, the murderous aura that had filled the room disappeared.
Natalia and Martina, looking guilty, bowed their heads and looked at Leon.
Even if they were rivals, they weren't the kind of people to argue about such things in front of someone who had lost his wife a few years ago and was now a widower.
"......I'm sorry. I got carried away seeing Martina after a long time......"
"......I'm sorry for bringing up painful memories."
Leon, gesturing for them to stand up, said.
"......It's fine. Anyway, since none of you seem to want the new recruit, let's draw lots. We all have our own situations, after all."
"......Can't we just pass him to the 1st Squad?"
"We can't put more burden on the old man. I told him to take a break, but he's still giving up his vacation to fight demons. Let's handle it among ourselves."
The two nodded quietly at Leon's words.
After preparing the lots, they drew them together, and the results were mixed.
"Aah! I already have so much on my plate, why are you doing this to me!"
"Martina, accept your fate. Who doesn't have a lot on their plate these days?"
"You, just shut up......"
Martina, who had drawn the lot, whether it was a win or a loss, was frustrated.
Just as she was muttering in frustration, the person who had caused everyone's troubles, Yun Siwoo, hesitantly opened the meeting room door and entered.
Martina, seeing the white-haired boy enter the meeting room, asked.
"......Are you Yun Siwoo?"
"Yes. I'm joining Astrape from today."
"......You're quite handsome."
He looked a bit, no, a lot better-looking than in the video and documents.
But apart from that, he didn't seem particularly strong, as if he had been chosen as a hero just for his looks. Martina's face twisted in frustration.
Ah, I'm so angry.
Don't let him be in danger? Bullshit.
If I show him that Astrape isn't that easy, will he leave on his own?
I won't get in trouble for destroying a meeting room, right?
With that thought, Martina activated her magic and shouted.
"Hey, new recruit! This is your initiation test. If you can't pass, you won't survive here, so go back."
As the magic arrays on the ceiling and walls of the meeting room activated, Natalia, surprised by Martina's sudden action, shouted.
"Hey, what if he gets hurt? How will you take responsibility?"
"Ah, I don't know. I adjusted it so he won't die, so he can be healed. If he can't handle this, he's not up to the level anyway."
Of course, she had adjusted it so he wouldn't die, but he might get quite hurt.
Maybe losing a limb or two would be enough to pass.
As she thought this, Martina watched the boy, who was startled by the various spells pouring out from the magic arrays.