Chapter 2

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

TL: I hope you all enjoy the chapter! Exams are coming up again so next chapter for Goddess/Satan Girl might be delayed by a bit. 😛

https://discord.gg/A6Gdz2S\n

<code></code>

<hr>

Translator: Kui

Editor: Laurence02

<hr>

Author: 七沢またり (NANASAWA MATARI)

RAWS

<hr>

“……Wh- what? D- did I, do anything wrong? If I did, I- I’ll apologise. So―”

 

Hero asked in a trembling voice, unable to hide her discomposure from the sudden declaration.

   It was her companions, who she had gone through thick and thin with together. They said that they had something important to tell her, only to suddenly one-sidedly proclaim their farewells.

   Hero’s mind was in turmoil. ―How? Why?

   If they didn’t fight, they would not be able to hold the demons back. The demons were gradually expanding their territories, placing pressure on the human society.

   The difference in physical abilities between the demons and the humans was all too wide. Their reproductive abilities too. At that rate, things would go downhill― humankind would perish.

   That was why the hero chosen by the goddess fought so desperately. Just because she was chosen, she had to frantically kill the demons, in order to protect the humans.

“It is just as we have said. We can no longer follow you.”

“Please forgive us, oh great hero. However, we cannot keep up with your fights. We are normal humans. …Different from you.”

“We intend to devote ourselves to this world in our own ways. We will continue to stand on the frontlines to fight the demons. …Although the paths we walk may differ, our goals are the same. Therefore……”

 

Her three companions. The hero’s comrades, who overflowed with a sense of justice, cast their gazes down, but clearly declared. They would say farewell to her, right there and then.

“―Wh- why? We’ve come this far together. I- I’ll work harder, so-”

 

No matter how terrifying the enemy, how dangerous the path, she was able to fight through it because her companions were there.

It would be impossible by herself. She would not be able to continue her travels. There was absolutely no way she could defeat the leader of the demons, the demon king.

 

“…We’re at our limits. It was on our minds before as well, but now we’re certain.”

“Looking objectively, we are dragging you down. Even during the fight the other day, you had to fight while covering for us. We didn’t do anything. You defeated that terrifying demon <b>“by yourself”</b>. It is unfortunate, but we can no longer be of any help. No, we are nothing but hindrances to you.”

“My lady hero. Surely, you should be able to take down the demon king by yourself. Please put this world to rest.”

“I- it’s impossible, by, myself.”

“You can do it. If it you, who took down that dreadful double horn. You will definitely be able to bring peace back into this world.”

 

The forces from the demon king army had defeated an entire nation. The demons who had taken up residence in the humans’ fortress. Their aim this time round was to subjugate them and take back the fort.

On the throne sat a huge double horn monster. One attack from the monster caused three of her companions to faint.

The hero had simultaneously given them treatment as she continued to fight. She healed her companions who cried out, begging her to let them die already, all the while she fought to the bitter end.

The double horn monster was truly strong. The hero was repeatedly shredded to pieces, trampled down, torn apart and crunched into fragments.

Drenched in blood, splattering pieces of flesh everywhere as she raised a piercing cry mixed with anger, she continued to fight, swinging her sword as though she was crazed.

Finally, as dawn broke, she claimed the head of the double horn monster.

―The hero was victorious. It was humanity’s victory.

 

“Even if it is very heartbreaking for our goal to be like this part way through. ―Then, please excuse us. I doubt we will ever meet again. I am praying for the great hero’s spectacular efforts from the depths of my heart.”

 

One of the hero’s companions told hero in a painfully emotionless voice. Eventually, the other two followed behind after quietly giving a nod.

The hero tried to stop them but her feet wouldn’t move. ‘I have to go stop them or else they will leave’.

 

“E- everyone. Wait. H- hey, please, wait!”

 

―I’m begging you, don’t leave me by myself. Being alone is too lonely. It’s painful. I will continue to save everyone. I will work harder. I will work hard enough that I won’t lose to anyone else. I will work harder, even if I die. So. Please.

Hero screamed out from the bottom of her heart. “Please, just don’t leave me alone”. Why did it have to be her? “Don’t push everything onto me”.

 

“Don’t leave me alone! I, I will-!”

 

The three stopped in their tracks and turned back to the hero<b>― </b>maybe her wish had gotten through. She desperately forced a hopeful smile as she faced the three.

They looked somewhat afraid as if they were looking at a demon and left a single word behind.

 

 

 

 

“<b>―Monster</b>”

 

 

 

 

 

That day, a single girl died, and a hero was born.

 

 

 

◆

 

 

 

 

 

“……It’s that dream again. And it still makes me feel like shit.”

 

Hero calmed down her breathing, breathing deeply in, and out.

Matari was still snoozing away on the bed next to hers with a carefree look plastered on her face. Hero thought about pinching her cheeks to release some of her pent-up frustration, but ultimately decided against it.

The two ended up sharing a room in the same Paradise Pavilion which Rob had introduced them to.

Even in the town of Art, Paradise Pavilion was a comparatively dominant establishment. It was filled to the brim with labyrinth explorers.

Due to its prosperity, the inn lacked the capacity for a room to each person, leaving Hero to give a reluctant, and Matari to give an immediate, yes. Well, no overall harm was done considering that they were of the same sex and that the fees per night could be halved. In fact, it was preferable for the Hero who was tight on money. Hero convinced herself that if Matari ever decided that she could no longer tolerate herself, the other would eventually take the initiative to leave.

In the first place, she had nothing worth stealing and that girl was not the type of person to resort to thievery either.

 

“Damn it, now I’m fully awake…. Guess I’ll go check out downstairs for a change in mood. My throat is parched as well.”

 

Hero muttered to herself. She was aware of her bad habit, but she had no intention of stopping. It was something she had developed over periods of time when she travelled in solitude.

―Speak whatever comes to mind. Rage out whenever irritated. Kill the demon upon sight.

If she didn’t do so in the dim caves or labyrinths and such, she might have just gone crazy.

Perhaps she was already crazy. But that was not a problem.

She had slaughtered countless demons and magnificently slain the Demon King. Whether a single human had descended into madness or not was not of importance.

And she would continue her slaughter from here on out. That was the most crucial point.

Hero’s mouth twisted.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror. There stood a girl wearing white shabby underwear. Her short hair was unevenly cut whenever it grew out to prevent it from getting in the way of fighting. It was a bob cut. She had no interest in fashionable hairstyles. There were no major conspicuous scars on her growing body but it was still riddled with wounds. No place was left without a scar.

Looking at her face, she saw a girl giving a cheeky smile, however that cheekiness failed to extend to her eyes.

 

“I see”

 

It wasn’t hard to find the reason why― she had simply not died, but she was not necessarily living either.

After coming to a conclusion, Hero finished changing her clothes and left the room.

When she stepped out of her room, she could hear the rowdy crowd from downstairs.

The bar in Paradise Pavilion was open all day round, only closing for a brief period of time in the morning to make preparations for the day.

‘What a dedicated bunch’, Hero thought.

She head straight for the counter as she brushed past all the drunkards. That was the best spot for her who was alone.

The master at the bar shot her a dubious look, one along the lines of ‘why is there a brat in a place like this?’

 

“Welcome, what would you like to order… is what I would like to say but this isn’t a place for brats. Scram back to your room and go sip on your mummy’s milk or something.”

“I’m not a brat and I don’t like milk either. Hurry up and bring out the alcohol already.”

 

Hero demanded as she impatiently rapped the counter. Why the heck would she drink milk at a bar? Only Matari would do something like that. In fact, that girl would happily down the glass. She didn’t seem like the type who would understand sarcasm.

 

“My my, children these days won’t listen to a word their elders say. It’s because you don’t drink any milk that you’re still so small. Man, you’re hopeless.”

 

The master sighed a little, handing over some alcohol which was lying around. Hero slowly sipped at the alcohol.

 

(The taste is seeping into me. Mhm, I can’t get enough of this. This is why I can’t stop drinking.)

 

Hero emptied her glass then pressed for a second. She gave the money beforehand in case he thought she didn’t have any.

Although, she was planning to eat and drink her fill and then leave everything on her tab when she was going to leave the inn.

 

“Hey, it hasn’t been many days since I’ve come to this town. I’ll order a third glass so could you tell me some things?”

 

Hero gave a flirtatious wink. The master’s face twisted once he saw hero’s wink.

 

“…………Cough cough, is it a cold? I’ve been quite tired lately. I should hit the sack a bit earlier today.”

“Hey.”

“…………”

 

The master who was in his forties placed a new glass down without once turning his head back. He didn’t seem to have anything in particular to say.

It would be a stain on Hero’s reputation if she stood down now. Persistence was the basics of information gathering.

And the place to gather information was at the bar. That was a staple. <b>“Listening to people”</b> and<b> “remembering what people said”</b>. It would not do to forget that. It was only natural for those who were adventurers.

 

“Hey, I’m talking to you.”

“Sigh, so you’re ignorant on top of being a child. What has the world come to if someone like you is entering the labyrinth? The destruction of the world must be close. The rumour that the Demon King might come crawling out from underground doesn’t seem like such a stretch after all. Come to think of it, the Shrine of Grievances ^[1]had―”

 

The Master was muttering some extremely rude comments under his breath. It was something unthinkable for someone working in the service industry. Hero raised a voice of protest in response.

 

“Shut up. I told you that I’m not a child.”

“I see I see, that’s what all children say. But oh well. You are a customer. I don’t mind telling you what I know. There’s nothing to do after this anyways.”

The master’s gaze swept across the bar as he let out a sigh.

The customers were all set, they were drinking what they had at the table as cheered themselves on. There probably wouldn’t be any orders for food anytime soon either.

 

“Why, thank you. Nothing less than what I expected from an adult.”

“Shut it.”

 

The master placed the now empty glass down, as he bitterly smiled. Hero was pushing for another refill after downing her third glass but was ignored.

 

“So, why is everyone going to the underground labyrinth in this town? There must be something juicy going on right? Normally, no one would want to fight demons for no good reason. They’d die after all.”

 

Hero cut straight to the point. There weren’t many who would put their lives on the line just for some small change. It would be even more remarkable if they did it for some shady reason like for the world or for peace. Only madmen or the suicidal would fight for something as worthless as those.

Master slowly spoke in an astonished voice. He also provided some roast beans as a snack.

 

“……You were planning to go into the labyrinth without even knowing something like that? You’d better keep your ignorance in check or you’ll really kick the bucket one of these days. The demons won’t hold back just because you’re a girl or a kid.”

“I know. I know all too well.”

“Then, go investigate on your own instead of asking me. What idiot would first prepare to enter the labyrinth before investigating the reason behind entering?”

“I can’t help it since I didn’t have any money. It was the easiest way of making an earning. Plus, all I have to do is to kill the demons right?”

“― I don’t even have any words for you. But, each person has their own quirks so I won’t say too much about it.”

“As I expected from an adult.”

 

The master stopped wiping down the empty glass and began talking after letting out a final hopeless sigh.

 

<b>“Long story short, it’s just as you’ve said; for money. By killing demons and bringing back a part of them, you can turn it into the guild and receive money in return. The guild then extracts the <b>“demonic essence” </b> </b>^[2]and then hands it over to the Star Church. You adventurers are like the coal miners at the very bottom.”

“Star Church? Demonic essence?”

 

Some unfamiliar terms popped up in their conversation so Hero questioned them, in doubt. The master’s eyes widened in amazement from her ignorance but still kindly explained.

 

“I never thought there would be someone in this world who didn’t know about the Star Church. You better not have been a demon sealed in some backwood alley.”

“I’m a hero, so I can’t be a demon.”

“Then, cheers to the everso honourable hero.”

“Cheers.”

 

She emptied the glass in one gulp after the clink but choked a little from the considerable strength of the drink.

 

“The Star Church which rules over this town boasts to have the largest number of followers in the whole continent. If you dare shout anything like <b>“I don’t know anything about the Star Church”</b>, you’d be instantly branded as a heretic and beaten the crap out of, so be careful.”

“How scary. I’ll be careful.”

“Just by saying something like ‘by the whatever of the stars’ won’t get them to save you. Yet they have a fortune rivaling the three countries and an insanely strong chivalric order. Anything you do, just make sure you don’t grab their attention.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“The next thing is the demonic essence. That is the source of magic power extracted from a demon’s body. Magic power is what mages use every time they cast magic. And the demonic essence is the crystalised version of that. Actually, maybe that’s wrong? I don’t know the specifics but it’s somewhere around there. Main thing is that you can make money with it. You find the demonic essence and sell it for money. That’s your goal.”

“I understand that very well.”

 

Killing demons would equal money. It was super simple. Hero’s mouth unconsciously twisted into a smile. Things were about to get fun.

 

“The further down you go, the more concentrated the essence will be. That’s why you’d want to get an exploration permit. Once you find a sweet spot in the labyrinth and earn some demonic essence, you’ll be able to live the rest of your life in luxury.”

 

The master once again sipped from his glass, as though to say that he’d spoken too much. Hero urged master on with her empty glass to which he reluctantly filled it again.

 

“So, who were in charge of the demonic essence? Those what’s-it-called shady church guys?”

“The Star Church. Carve it into your brain. If you let those guys from the church hear you calling them shady, you’re going to get your ass whooped. The people there all let their fists do the talking, every single one of them has a screw loose in their head. Gives me the shivers.”

“Aren’t you one to say.”

“I’m fine. I’m praising them, you see. I’ve long sold my soul to the Star Church and can’t worship the Star God anymore than I already am. <b>“Let the guidance of the stars be with us”</b>, you know.”

 

The master ran his mouth off in a tone that could be taken as anything but sincere. Although he was praying to the heavens, his attitude was very calculated.

 

“Oh really? Then maybe I should pray as well. In honour of this bean!”

 

She tossed the roasted bean into her mouth and violently chomped down. It was a fragrant bean.

 

“There’s no follower more passionate than me in this town. The money those grubbers helped themselves to, I mean, the donations I made, were a significant enough amount you see. Yeah, it wouldn’t be strange for my prayers to be heard.”

“Sounds tough.”

“To live is to continue to toughen things out. That’s what my dad passed onto me.”

“So they are, words of an experienced one.”

 

The master’s voice trailed off. Hero was sorting her thoughts on the <b>“Star Church”</b> as she pushed the master’s life story to the back of her mind for now. It turned out that Astrolatry ^[3] was a religion which encompassed the whole continent. Regardless of whether it would be an eyesore or not, it was certain that things would get messy if she picked a fight with them.

There were a lot of people out there who would refuse to listen to the words of others and would offer their souls up to anything, people who have persuaded themselves that they are in the right. Even if the thing they were worshipping was the devil or the demon king. That’s why if she were to make an enemy of them, she would have to do it with the resolution of completely smashing them into pieces. Since it sounded a bit too annoying, Hero chose to not involve herself with them.

 

“Well, since you can only go to the labyrinth’s upper layers, you won’t get any more demonic essence than the bare minimum to make it through the day, even with all of your strength. Retribution will come to those who are overly confident and push themselves too far. That’s how the amount of adventurers in this town is regulated.”

“It’s not good to push yourself.”

 

Hero’s spoke as though she were a bystander to which the master retorted.

 

“I’ll put it so that even an idiot can understand. If you think that the upper layers are too much for you, then hurry up and scram back to where you came from. Knowing your limits are also a form of growth.”

 

He also sent a luke-warm gaze along with his pitying words.

 

“Did you just treat me like an idiot? Hey!”

“Must’ve been your imagination.”

“I wonder.”

“Of course.”

 

Brushing off Hero’s words, the master swivelled his head around, thinking that he had spoken too much again.

Hero could only hopelessly order another glass to appease his mood. It took money to gather information. Plus, it was also said that alcohol was the best possible medicine. She could forget about all the unpleasant things in life as long as she had alcohol. Alcohol was life’s best friend. Definitely not something she relied on.

The master nit-picked that she drank way too quickly for a brat but still poured another glass considering that it was his business.

 

“By the way, those guys drinking over there are your fellow peers. How is it? Doesn’t everyone have a great look on their faces? Guys who are frustrated after hitting a wall, guys who have strayed from their paths after losing their friends, guys who are over their heads from making a fortune. Watching the faces of people like them is my secret reason for living. What about you? I can’t wait to see you.”

“What a nasty reason to live for. Why don’t you try looking for something more fun.”

“Leave it.”

 

He gave a bitter smile, then turned back to tackle the preparations he had to make. Perhaps it was for breakfast. Hero thought to herself, while sipping on her drink, that it must’ve been hard to be working even though it was still dark outside.

 

“Hey, does everyone go to the labyrinth alone? Or do they look for companions?”

“If you go by yourself, you’d be able to monopolise all the essence but it’ll be tough. You can get introductions by the guild, meet them yourself at bars or threaten them into submission. Just do as you wish. You can think for yourself if you’re an adult.”

“Exactly what I was going to do.”

“I’m only a bar owner but I know this guy called Lymency who does odd jobs in the afternoon. If you want information, you’re better off asking him. A lot of information passes through him, so he should be able to tell you anything you want. ― As long as you pay up.”

“I see. I get the gist of things. Why, thank you, master. I’ll be under your care from now on.”

 

Hero staggered, as she stood up after downing the rest of the glass. The alcohol was kicking in now. Her face was flushed red, something quite unsightly.

 

“If you even have a ‘from now on’. Take care of your life. Everything is over if you die, there are no redos.”

“Over if I die? Normally it would be. But there might be some people who are exceptions. Although it’s doubtful whether those people can even be called humans.”

“……Go have that conversation with the guys from the Star Church. They’ll tell you more than enough stories about it. And after you’re done listening, you might just see stars flying out of your head.”

 

The master waved his hands in a gesture to chase her away.

Hero also casually raised her hands and bid him goodbye.

 

“Well, good night.”

“……Yeah. But it’s almost morning though.”

 

After lazily stretching her arms out, Hero returned to her room and speedily undressed and dove into her blankets.

Matari was beside her, still in deep sleep. How wonderful it must be to be able to sleep like this without a single worry Hero thought.

……Will this girl also eventually be <b>stained</b>?

Or will she stop her adventures before that and live happily ever after,

embracing an adorable child in her arms as she reminiscences the heroic tale where she once took up a sword and recklessly charged ahead?

(Either way is fine. I’m just so sleepy.)

 

◆

 

 

“― Hero, Hero! Please wake up!”

 

With her body vigorously shaken around, Hero greeted the morning with an unpleasant expression.

The world was blurred. Her consciousness was fading. So the world is soon to be destroyed. Hero could only roll over and continue her sleep.

 

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t save the world. So I’ve decided to continue sleeping.”

“What are you saying! Stop sleep talking and get up already!”

 

The warm blanket was forcibly taken from her, forcing Hero up. Hero’s head finally cleared with the cold penetrating into her.

 

“It’s cold. Or rather, why are you sleeping in my bed?”

 

When Hero got up from her bed, she saw a tired Matari immediately beside her. Even in her underwear, absolutely no sense of lust could be induced.

 

“That’s my line! Why is Hero in my bed?! Ah, and you stink of alcohol!”

 

Matari scrunched up her nose and reproachfully looked at Hero. Her loud voice disturbed Hero’s brain.

 

“―Good morning, Matari. Don’t be so loud. I’ll die. I wonder why I smell of alcohol. It’s so mysterious.”

“It’s not a mystery at all. You must have snuck out in the middle of the night to drink. Then while you were smashed, you crawled into my bed!”

Matari thrust her finger at Hero. She seemed to be in peak condition in the morning.

“A fabulous deduction. Why don’t you become a detective instead of a warrior?”

“I have never heard of someone having a hangover on their very first day of labyrinth exploration”

“Aren’t you happy to witness history being written? Congratulations.”

“Don’t congratulations me! Whatever, just hurry up and change and get ready!”

 

Matari smoothly passed Hero her change of clothes she prepared beforehand. Hero only stared blankly at the items, but just as she was about to take them, her nausea reached a limit, causing her to gag.

 

“……Bleugh. Ugh, m- my guts are gonna fly out. I feel like my luck today is at rock bottom so I won’t head out today. The weather also seems to be bad. A great danger must be looming. Yep, there is no need to push ourselves.”

 

A sliver of intense sunlight shone straight into Hero’s eyes.

 

“How is the weather bad!? It’s a refreshing and wonderful sunny day! I am sure that the sun is also giving us his blessings! Hurry up and get changed and wash your face. If you don’t hurry, we won’t make it for the meeting time!”

 

Matari was scurrying around. After she finished changing, she even helped Hero change.

 

(She’s good natured on top of being a busybody. She’ll definitely be a good wife. There’s no doubt about it.)

Hero secretly gave the girl a stamp of approval inside her heart.

 

“Great, we’re all set. Here, wash your face and eat your breakfast then we can be on our merry way!”

 

The girl who had a set of armour on said in an even livelier voice. Her volume was two steps higher. That ridiculously loud voice echoed in Hero’s head as she almost fell face down again.

A burst of cheeriness did not mix with a hangover. Hero finally felt regret over drinking too much last night.

 

“……You’re right. On our merry way. Merrily. ……Bleugh.”

 

She covered her mouth with her hand, repressing the need to vomit.

Hero quickly followed after Matari out of the room with a deflated sigh.

 

 

“Are you really okay with just soup? Won’t you get hungry later?”

“It’s fine. I really don’t need anything else right now. I’ll die if I eat anything.”

 

Hero was currently pale faced as she leaned on the chair, breathing deeply.

Opposite her was Matari happily munching on bread, milk and a sunny-side up fried egg. Just from looking at her, Hero could feel her stomach churning in protest.

 

“C- Come to think of it, I just heard about it. That Shrine of Grievances collapsed. Isn’t that scary!”

“Shrine of Grievances? What’s that?”

“Eh, don’t you know?”

“I have amnesia so I don’t know.”

“Then I’ll give you a simple explanation.”

 

Matari wiped her mouth with a napkin before explaining.

In the depths of the forest to the north of Art, where even the sunlight could not penetrate through, was where it lay, within the damp and eerie darkness.

Although no one was sure who built it for what reason at what time, it was an old shrine covered in moss that undeniably existed.

It was unclear as to what was worshiped either. The Star Church also recognised the shrine’s existence, but still leaves it alone.

Due to the Star Church’s monotheistic beliefs, they were generally not so tolerant of other religions. Moreover, it was an incomprehensible shrine which existed right at the town of Art’s feet. The town of the Star God. It would not have been strange for the Inquisition to have already squished it under their thumbs. However, the Star Church ordered for it to be left alone, and even erected a barrier.

Shunned by the residents, a rumour gradually came about saying that the shrine was said to have a fearsome demon sealed within.

 

“Hmm.”

“But the scariest part is, you can apparently hear voices coming from the shrine. A grieving voice, cursing everything in this world. And that those who hear the resentful words will go mad…… I’m getting the chills.”

 

Despite telling the story, Matari shivered in fear. Hero felt amazed at how skillful the girl was from a different meaning.

 

“But didn’t it collapse into smithers? Then it’s solved. The Inquisition was it? Maybe they had a change of mind and broke it down.”

“That’s the point. There was a big fuss that the  chivalric order has been running around like mad since dawn. According to them, the shrine wasn’t broken but rather, <b>broke</b>^[4]. The whole barrier was destroyed before they knew it or something. I- I wonder why the shrine was broken then. ……My appetite’s a bit…”

 

Matari was sulking over her lost appetite. On the other hand, Hero stopped herself from retorting that it was because she ate everything and was full.

 

“Then do you want to go take a look if you’re so curious? I’ll go with you after the labyrinth so lead the way. Everything will come to light if you look for yourself.”

“Eh. Uhh. No, I, um. Cough, I- I think I’m a bit sick. I- I’ll refrain from going to the forest.”

“Who was the one that was annoyingly cheerful since the morning?”

 

Under Hero’s painful stare, Matari’s body curled up.

 

“I- I’m bad with, the dark and stuff. I- I haven’t actually seen this shrine. So, um, I will decline this time.”

“And you’re going to be going into the underground labyrinth when you can’t handle the dark or anything scary?”

 

Hero held refrained from continuing on with “Are you stupid?”. She had probably prepared herself for that.

 

“Yes, I will do my best!”

 

Matari shot back an immediate answer . It was her loudest voice thus far.

 

“……Good luck.”

 

Hero could only look up at the ceiling from her headache. She felt that all the soup she just drank coming back up again.

 

　

◆

 

 

“……You really are underestimating life aren’t you?”

 

That was the first thing Rob said. His improved opinion of her from yesterday dropped back down.

Hero defended herself as she used her wooden stick as support.

 

“……No I am not. I just feel a bit off. As you can see, I’m quite delicate.”

“That messed up equipment plus a hangover on your first day. You’re the first newbie to screw up this badly. I’m troubled as to treat you as a hero, or as if you’re simply plain stupid.”

 

Rob’s eyes were knitted and his arms crossed. Forget troubled, he was dead set that he was staring at an absolute moron. In this situation where she was scolded in front of the tens of newly gathered members, her evaluation could be said to be at rock bottom. Regardless, Hero calmly thought ‘that’s amazing in it’s own way too’.

 

“The price of information you said? That’s barely acceptable.”

“Is it really fine? Spare us from having a dead body on the very first day. Think about me who had to let you join the guild.”

“Ugeh. I- I’m fine. I’m always in top condition. I won’t die from something like this.”

“H- Hero. You’re stumbling around! Please hold onto my shoulder.”

“Th- Thanks Matari. I’ll take up your offer.”

 

Hero grandly leaned onto Matari’s slightly lowered shoulder.

 

“The hell’s that?”

“Probably some ignorant girl who came to play.”

“She’s no doubt dying first.”

“Gotta make sure we aren’t dragged down with her. We’d be in danger if we accidentally teamed up with her.”

“Geez, the underground labyrinth sure has been underestimated. It’s not some tourist spot.”

 

The praises of the newer members entered Hero’s ears. When she looked over with her shaking vision, there was a bunch of people who were over-geared.

Sets of gorgeous armour paired with a weapon with their family crests’ engraved on them. Once they finished denouncing her, they began their bragging session of self introductions.

Son of nobles, son of knights, everyone were youngsters who aspired to become a hero.

Rob made a loud clap with his hands, and spoke in a clear voice.

 

“Once again, let’s start the meeting. Today is also the day where you new guild members meet each other for the first time. I’m sure that while some of you have already gotten to work, some others have not.”

 

Rob scanned over the new members, his eyes finally landing on Hero. Those eyes, which were directed at her, were like they were trying to measure something. Hero returned a mocking smile at him.

Although she couldn’t be seen as anything but a hungover foolish lass, a deep madness lay dormant within those eyes. Just like when she had injured Java yesterday.

Rob promptly averted his gaze and continued to speak as though nothing had happened.

 

“Anyways, make sure to not strain yourselves as you hone your skills underground. And remember, <b>“stay alive”</b>. Focus on that. As long as you don’t die, you can retry as many times as you want. Everything’s over once you die.”

 

―Treasure your lives. Treasure our lives. Everything’s over once you die. Everything’s over once we die.

Everyone chanted after Rob. But Hero was thinking to herself that if they didn’t want to die that badly, they should just hole up somewhere. Dead or not, she would kill the demons. There was nothing to prioritise before that. That much was a given. It had to be.

Rob’s speech continued even as Hero sank into her thoughts.

 

“You guys will be going to subjugate the demons in the upper layers in a while. Since the newbies from the other guild have the same goal, it would be a good idea to team up with them. When you defeat the demons and bring them back, you can earn some small change. Got it?”

 

A new member raised a question after hearing Rob’s words.

 

“Um, why are we limited to the demons from the upper layer?”

“Good question. Bluntly, it’s so you newbies don’t overdo things and become snacks for the demons. I will now hand out a <b>“temporary permit”</b> to everyone. This thing will allow you guys only three hours of activity in the underground labyrinth. Once time is up, a force summon spell will be activated. How about it, amazing isn’t it?”

“Th- Three hours?”

“Yep. You’ll be pressed for time to explore the whole upper layer with three hours. Go polish your skills hunting demons as you gain experience. You guys get to improve your skills and the veterans can ignore the small fries to go ahead. We can clean up the labyrinth and satisfy the church’s need for magic essence. Everyone’s happy.“

“When can we graduate from this ‘temporary’ ?”

“That’s left to the guild master’s discretion. If I recognise your strength, I will let you take an exam. It’ll be fine as long as you bring back a demon eye catchy enough.”

“Understood. We will do our best.”

 

The people who seemed to be better off nodded their heads in agreement. Rob turned around as he wished everyone good luck. Then he added on something he forgot.

 

“By the way, the temporary permit isn’t an item but a seal made from magic^[5]. So it’s fine even if one of you “accidentally” loses it. It’ll activate if you die as well so there’s no need to worry. We’ll make sure to bury you. ”

 

Rob continued joking, “but if you’ve been chopped into pieces, then only the part of your body with the seal is returned”. The faces of the new members paled.

Matari pictured it and also felt slightly nauseous. Hero sobered up but her face was also pale, although it was from a lack of circulating blood.

After chuckling to himself for a while, Rob turned back with a serious expression and emphasised.

 

“Anyways, prioritise your survival for your first year. You’ll get a feel of your potential from there…… Most of the newbies will drop out within the first year.”

 

Some die, some give up, and others search for another path. If there weren’t at least that many dropping out, the town and guilds would be overflowing with people. “In some ways, this situation might be just right” Rob mockingly said to himself.

 

“Around where have you explored up to?” Someone curiously asked. He probably wished to know the extent of Rob’s abilities.

 

“I’ve been till the lower layers, around the seventieth layer. They say that the hundredth floor is the lowest you can go but… In reality, the demonic essence past the seventieth floor is way too dense to continue. Unless you’re binge drinking neutralisers.”

“I- Is it that bad?”

“Your eyes get hazy and your body feels all weak from just standing there. You’re guaranteed demonic essence poisoning from being there for an hour. I won’t stop any if you of you guys want to go. Have fun exploring the unknown world. It’s for the best for your children as well.”

“U- Understood. Thank you very much.”

 

The person who asked backed down looking frightened. However, something bothered Hero so she raised her hand and asked.

 

“Hey do you know what’s at the hundredth floor? Someone must have gone before right?”

 

If the demonic essence on the seventieth floor was dense, then it must be even more so at the hundredth floor.

What could be there? Hero wanted to know that.

 

“The hundredth floor is filled with dreams and hope and despair. Stop thinking about something so irrelevant and just focus on your survival, you foolish hangover girl.”

“Stop being so stingy and tell me.”\n

“Only if you can convince me.”

“Don’t you ever forget those words.”

 

“As if I’ll remember the words of a drunkard.” Rob spat back after seeing Hero’s dangerous smile.

 

As though following in Rob’s tracks, the new members also jeered.

 

“That girl’s gonna be the first to die.”

“She looks like she’d disappear within three days.”

“Her equipment’s a plain old stick and she’s in casual wear as well. Is she crazy?”

“Young lady Matari must be troubled to have a weird one like her around.”

“How fitting for a fallen noble.”

“Hey hey, she’s an Art regardless you know.”

“Hmph, the amazing one was Lord G. Art. I can’t bring my myself to give an ounce of respect to the current lord, Lecken.”

 

Matari, who overheard the entire conversation had a forced expression on. She must have been bothered about it. Although Hero didn’t know about the smaller details, she gave Matari a pat on the shoulders.

 

“Show it to them if it’s vexing. Not with words but results.”

“Y- Yes!”

 

Just as Matari pumped herself up, Rob’s last message resonated.

 

“Make sure to not overdo things. Dismissed!”

<b>“Aye!”</b>

 

All the new members returned in an energetic voice to Rob’s cry. Hero also returned a disheartened “yeah”.

After Rob left, everyone followed behind him and returned. Only Hero and Matari remained.

They too, wandered out of the Warrior’s Guild without an aim.

 

“Wh- What should we do, Hero? Should we go take a look at the labyrinth first? Or should we search for teammates from other guilds?”

“Huh, are you planning to explore the labyrinth with me? Wouldn’t you think that I’m a lost cause no matter how you see it? Plus, the hangover.”

 

Hero mistakenly thought that their relationship ended as just roommates, but it turned out that they would be teammates as well.

 

“Y- yes. It must be some sort of fate that we met. So if it’s fine with you…”

“Hmm, I don’t really mind but don’t you have your public image? You’re part of some renowned family right? It’ll start some bad rumours, you know.”

 

It might already be too late but she still drove the point home. She wanted to avoid a situation later on where the other party grumbled in disgust that “this wasn’t how things were supposed to go”.

 

“No, I don’t mind that. Just as I have said before, that glory is long of the past. I will bring back glory with my own abilities!”

 

A fire blazed in Matari’s eyes as she curled her fists up tightly. Hero pulled back from her enthusiasm but nodded regardless.

 

“I- Is that so. Then, shall we take a peek at the underground labyrinth?”

“Indeed. Everything is about experience! Let’s see how strong our enemies are before scouting for other teammates!” Matari firmly announced.

 

Hero outwardly agreed but thought that it was probably impossible inside her heart.

―There is no one who can become my teammates. Matari will eventually leave as well. Reject none who come, chase none who leave. In the end, the only one she could trust was herself. She realised this when her blade pierced through the demon king’s heart.

A hero could do everything themselves. Wielding a sword while brandishing their magic and commanding over healing arts^[6].

―In that case, she wouldn’t need any teammates.

 

“Hero, is something wrong? You’ll be left behind!”

 

Matari spun around and yelled back from a little further away. The clanking noise of her amour could be heard.

Hero made a bitter smile as she waved back in Matari’s direction.

 

“Now, it’s going to be our first time seeing this rumoured underground labyrinth. I wonder what enemies are going to pop up…… Well, I’ll manage. I have come this far by myself.”

 

Lonely and hollow words flowed out from her mouth.

Hero walked forwards with her stick as a replacement for a cane to support her staggering body. Her vision was dimming, even though the sky was still supposed to be bright.

―She felt like she saw the back of her former teammates in her blurring vision.

Her heartbeat sped up. The thumps of her heart seemed unnaturally loud.

Even if she was about to fall, Hero sped up her pace. So that she would not be left behind. However, she would never catch up. She should have known already.

 

“―Ah”

 

She stumbled and fell face-first onto the ground.

Hero rubbed her eyes to clear up her blurred gaze and confirmed again.

There she saw the figure of Matari running over hurriedly with a worried look.

 

<hr>

TL NOTES:\n\n\n<hr>

<< ｜ >>\n

Like this:Like Loading...