「Ah... I should just slip away quietly...」
Miruku hid deep inside the carriage, completely unwilling to emerge even though it had finally stopped.
She harbored a distinct regret for having boarded the carriage in the first place.
However... boarding the carriage seemed to have served another important purpose.
After discovering she had been chosen as a Hero, and relaying the quest information to her parents, her father had offered this counsel:
"Go, Miruku, you are a remarkably talented assassin.
Slaying the Demon King is the singular goal of all humankind. With your ability, you can absolutely defeat the Demon King."
And her mother added:
"Indeed, Miruku, your skills have surpassed your older siblings over these past few years; you are already the most formidable among the younger generation in our family.
Go, they will finally acknowledge you."
...
Hearing her parents' encouragement at that time, she had felt, "That's right! I am this capable! How could I possibly refuse this quest?!"
But she spent a long time thinking inside the carriage afterward.
There is always someone stronger. Those chosen as Heroes must be immensely powerful individuals, and she was merely a fifteen-year-old girl.
What value did being formidable within the family hold?
It was as if, at that magic academy, merely announcing her family name yielded no recognition—no one knew who Miruku was.
Outside the confines of her home, what identity did she possess?
"Knock, knock."
"Eek!!"
The sound of knocking on the carriage startled Miruku violently.
Ah, right, she was supposed to disembark from the carriage!
Get off? Or run away?
Go? Was she truly worthy?
I'm still not powerful enough. If the other members of the Hero squad are all top-tier powerhouses, how could I possibly avoid dragging them down?
Miruku reluctantly remained seated, still terrified to step out.
It wasn't until she caught sight of her black dress that the thought shifted.
She suddenly recalled that for this new life she was about to embark upon, she had specifically instructed the maid to dress her very beautifully.
This precise attire was meant to ensure a good first impression before meeting the other Heroes.
"Mm...!"
Not bad, she was prepared.
At least for this initial introduction, she was ready.
Whether she stayed or left, she still had to interact with the other party, didn't she?
Right!
Meet the other party before exiting the carriage, and then inform them she wishes to withdraw from the squad!
"Hoo..."
Miruku let out a long sigh, then retrieved the mirror from her small backpack and carefully tidied her hair.
She stood up again, double-checking to ensure her dress wasn't stained.
Fortunately, the high-class carriage featured clean carpeting; otherwise, squatting on the floor would have definitely ruined it.
If she appeared covered in dirt, she would certainly opt to run away, wouldn't she?
Finally, after taking one last steadying look around the carriage, Miruku patted her chest, completing her final mental preparations.
Summoning her courage, she pushed open the carriage door. The sunlight streaming in from outside felt intensely bright.
At this moment, Anyi and Ariana had already been waiting outside the holy hall for a considerable time.
In their sight, a young lady in a Gothic-style long black dress stepped down from the carriage.
She wore a black skirt edged with fine lace, featuring a puffy silhouette adorned with small bows. The dark fabric contrasted sharply with her skin, as white as snow, presenting her as delicate and lovely.
Under the morning sunlight, long eyelashes cast faint shadows across her fair skin. Her clear eyes held a blend of determination and nascent curiosity. Her beautiful features resembled those of an exquisitely crafted doll.
Just as she was about to meet their gaze, the young lady abruptly averted her eyes.
Miruku: "Wh-What is that?!"
What were those two figures standing there?
Too dazzling!!
Whether it was Ariana on the side, radiating a divine aura with her unparalleled beauty, or Anyi beside her, whose cold, detached expression was laced with a thick current of killing intent—both made her feel instantly breathless!
She thought her attire today was the most beautiful she could manage in this life, yet...
Those two figures instantly eclipsed her aura, shattering the fragile confidence she had managed to build in her heart!
"Turn back! Go back!!"
She could not remain here any longer!
Amidst the turmoil in her heart, Ariana, dressed in a white-gold robe, hurried toward her.
Miruku: "!!!"
Do not approach me!!
Ariana, radiating the distinct scent of sunlight, made her—who always felt as gloomy as discarded watermelon rind—have nowhere left to hide.
She desperately wished she could simply wrap herself up right now and vanish!
"Greetings, I am the Saintess of the Aldrich Theocracy, the Holy Hero Ariana · Aldrich.
You must be Miss Miruku · Sinsa, the Thorn Hero." Ariana smiled faintly and introduced herself.
"Ah... Ah, um." Miruku's eyes darted left and right, and finally, she managed a brief nod.
Although Ariana's smile was dazzling, it lacked the genuine warmth that Miruku had desperately been seeking.
What the—the other Heroes in the squad don't seem so frightening...!
Next—
"Sword Hero, Anyi · Carl." Anyi still maintained that indifferent expression.
"...!"
Seeing Anyi's face, Miruku's heart suddenly experienced a sharp tremor.
What just happened?
Am I disliked?!
The moment I arrived, I was already being looked down upon...
It really is true that a mere child like me isn't fit to join the Hero squad?
I was just saying the other Heroes didn't seem so scary, I apologize, this is my fault, I'll go end myself right now!
Anyi looked at her panicked eyes and fell into thought.
Did I scare her?
Annie often reminded him that he always wore a cold expression, lacking visible emotion, which easily frightened others.
After all, ordinary people wear their emotions openly, but Anyi's face was like a block of wood. Even stuffing tofu onto his face would generate more expression than his features naturally displayed.
"Aren't you going to introduce yourself?" Anyi added another sentence.
He thought solving this awkwardness was simple: just offer a few more words to distract the other party.
A few bland sentences might make the other party feel that he was someone with whom they could have a normal conversation.
But...
Miruku: "??!"
Introduce myself! Ah, right! Self-introduction!
I haven't spoken a single word since disembarking from the carriage, and I failed to introduce myself. It's completely normal for the other party to be annoyed!
「I am Miruku · Sinsa, fifteen years old, the second daughter of the Sinsa family, the foremost assassin family in Brana City.
From today onwards, I join the Hero squad. Please guide me often.」
In Miruku's mind, she was smiling very politely, naturally introducing herself to the other two Heroes.
「Yes, not bad! Just like that!
It's just an introduction! So simple!」
So simple...
Miruku subtly glanced at the two extraordinary figures before her.
So... simple.
"I am Miruku... Sinsa... Um."
Um.
Um...
"I've messed it up."
Anyi nodded silently, concluding that the other party was also someone who didn't prefer talking much.
"Since you've chosen to remain here, we will be teammates in the same squad from now on.
So, I'll call you Miruku, and you can call me Ariana, alright."
Ariana held Miruku's small hand, which was still somewhat cold, then turned back to ask Anyi.
"Mister Sword Hero, can we just call you by your name?"
"Whatever," Anyi replied flatly, showing no particular care.
"Okay, Anyi!"
"I'm older than you, doesn't that sound strange?"
"Then should I call you Brother Anyi?"
"That's fine too."
"Okay, Anyi."
"I meant Mr. Sword Hero."
"Okay! Anyi."
Miruku (Internally): 「Okay, okay, don't look at me, don't look at me, please...」
...
At the long dining table, Anyi ate his breakfast while occasionally assessing the [Thorn Hero] opposite him.
Compared to Ariana and the yet-to-arrive Hero, Miruku was the most mysterious existence in Anyi's view.
She simply ate silently, uttered nothing, and kept her eyes obscured beneath her hair by looking downward.
However, Anyi didn't find this strange. After all, according to the intelligence provided by the Aldrich Theocracy, she hailed from an assassin lineage.
Avoiding eye contact with others could certainly be interpreted as a form of self-preservation, couldn't it?
Meanwhile, Miruku's heart pounded rapidly.
He's secretly looking at me... Did I commit an error?! Are my eating manners bizarre? Or is there an alternative way to consume this food?
If I made a mistake, I will apologize immediately!!
Perhaps Ariana didn't want the atmosphere to remain silent, so she suddenly spoke up:
"Right, since you two were chosen as Heroes by the High God, you must possess some special strength in related areas, correct?
I know Anyi could slay a great demon single-handedly even before becoming a Hero.
Then, what about Miruku?"
「Uhm––!」
Thunder and lightning exploded in Miruku's mind, instantly leaving it blank.
The sudden topic gave her absolutely no time or margin to compose herself!
Ability?
What ability did she possess?!
The Sword Hero could dispatch a massive demon even before receiving divine empowerment!
What ability did she have that could compare to his level?
None!
Seeing Miruku remain unresponsive, Ariana looked at her doubtfully: "Hmm?"
"Nothing, nothing at all."
Miruku's hand holding the fork trembled slightly, and she replied in a voice as faint as a mosquito's hum.
Ariana: "?"
The Saintess had limited experience interacting with strangers and didn't immediately comprehend the severity of the social awkwardness.
But Anyi perceived the underlying issue.
「She... isn't adept at communicating with people.」
Whether it was an inability to meet eyes, or constantly stammering in her responses, it strongly suggested social anxiety.
"She doesn't seem to be in very good spirits. Perhaps we shouldn't press the conversation too much," Anyi cautioned Ariana.
Miruku's shoulders twitched, then she let out another long sigh. Internally, she felt immense gratitude towards Anyi.
「Hero! You truly are my hero!!」
"Oh–– I see, I apologize if you are feeling fatigued." Ariana apologized sincerely.
Miruku: "!"
No, no, no! I should be the one apologizing!
"I'm sorry I lack talent! I'm sorry I have nothing to say! I'm sorry for making you apologize!"
Born into this world, I am truly apologetic...
"I... I'm the one; I'm sorry..." After a moment of intense mental turmoil, Miruku managed to utter these few words.
Coincidentally, this confirmed Anyi's suspicion.
Because an ordinary person, upon hearing Ariana apologize, would definitely reply:
"No, no, it's nothing, I'm not fatigued."
Or:
"Although I'm a little tired, you absolutely don't need to apologize for such a trivial matter."
These were the typical responses.
Responding to an apology with another apology implied... Miruku definitely felt she was the one who should be apologizing for causing Ariana to apologize.
"Anyi, then, how did you defeat that large demon?
I haven't encountered a major monster before. I hear they can easily destroy entire structures."
Ariana directly shifted the topic to Anyi, no longer bothering the "fatigued" Miruku.
"Very simple—when a demon is killed, it dies," Anyi took a sip of soup.
Ariana: "..."
Miruku: "..."
?
"Then... how did you defeat it?" Ariana pressed again.
"By killing it," Anyi replied flatly.
"Is there no more detailed process?" Ariana insisted.
"It was just dispatching one Hobgoblin; I forgot the specifics," Anyi stated coldly.
Then, he suddenly realized that the two women might not be familiar with what a Hobgoblin was.
"It is indeed a large monster, but based on my experience and the enemy's combat record, with the strength granted by the God, we can effortlessly defeat it.
It's fine even if you don't focus too much on the precise process, because even if you encounter one, it's merely a low-level demon you can dispatch with ease."
"But when you defeated the Hobgoblin, you weren't a Hero yet, and hadn't received the power granted by the High God.
So, how did you overcome it back then?" Ariana questioned.
"Because... I am a genius. There is no swordsman more gifted than me in this world, so as long as I resolve to slay it, I can kill it," Anyi replied coolly, too unwilling to elaborate further.
The next moment, he suddenly felt an intense gaze fixed upon him.
Miruku's eyes, hidden beneath her hair, were looking at him with overflowing admiration.
「Because I am a genius, there is no swordsman more of a genius than me in this world, so as long as I wish to kill, I can kill it.」
So... so stunningly charismatic!
To be able to state such words so calmly! So incredibly handsome!
In Miruku's mind, an image suddenly flashed: herself standing on a podium, with an applauding crowd below.
At that moment, the host beside her would ask: "May I ask how you vanquished the Demon King?"
She would calmly reply:
"Because I am a genius; there is no assassin more of a genius than me in this world.
I desired the Demon King's demise, so I ended him."
"..."
"Wow!!!!
That was unbelievably cool!"
Anyi glanced briefly at her.
Miruku immediately retracted her gaze, trembling slightly as she resumed eating breakfast.
「Caught! Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to stare!!」
"Furthermore, I believe that more critical than sheer ability is the sheer determination to slay demons.
For the present moment, regardless of whether there are swordsmen more talented than me globally, Miss Miruku is only fifteen; it is improbable she holds the title of the strongest assassin in the world.
Including the Shield Hero who is scheduled to arrive later, he is also only around twenty years old; it's highly unlikely he is the foremost shield protector in the world.
Therefore, what the God chooses is not necessarily the most powerful, but those who possess the firmest resolution to slay demons.
Of course, this is merely my random speculation.
Miss Miruku, can you confirm my hypothesis?
You must possess a reason for wanting to slay demons as well," Anyi said, turning the focus back to Miruku.
If she could internalize that everyone else was a comrade united in the cause of slaying demons, perhaps she would ease up a bit?
Anyi thought so.
Miruku: "..."
Yes! She did want to slay demons!
But she lacked grand aspirations or the desire to bring world peace; she simply wanted to gain popularity!
If everyone else aimed to save the world, wouldn't her personal goal of seeking admiration seem incredibly impure?!
"Ah... I... I wish to save the world..." Miruku's eyes, hidden beneath her hair, sounded listless as she stated these words without any discernible emotion.
Goodbye! Selfish goals!
Not bad! I do want to save the world!
Ariana stated with a completely serious expression: "Worthy of being chosen as the Thorn Hero!
Like Miruku, I also desire to save this world. If we permit the demons to continue their invasion, humanity will face annihilation."
Anyi: "..."
Thorn Hero sister, you are clearly being disingenuous.
If she were speaking the truth, her tone should have conveyed much more conviction.
...
At this time, the Shield Hero was still approximately four kilometers distant.
A hurried voice called out from inside the carriage, shouting to the driver.
"Uncle, Uncle!! Aren't we there yet?! I can't wait to meet the other Heroes! Faster, faster!!"
...
After finishing breakfast, Anyi suddenly recalled an event.
Since they were already mapping the Heroes' distribution, why not map the demon distribution alongside it?
Although they couldn't know the situation deep within the demon territories, they could gather intelligence from the border areas where the territories met.
Before the last Hero arrived, a large number of devotees diligently began creating maps according to Anyi's request.
It had to be said, their work efficiency was quite high.
Although they were still in the exploratory stage for many things, Anyi could feel their genuine enthusiasm for slaying demons.
He was quite satisfied with this.
Of course, if they weren't actively slaying demons, humanity would be extinct in ten years anyway. At that time, anyone who dared to be lazy would certainly be an enemy of humanity.
"Lord Sword Hero! According to your request, we have organized the relevant materials.
Furthermore, as you suggested, we've placed them in the large meeting hall."
"Good, well done," Anyi praised and nodded.
"For the name of the meeting hall, we tentatively decided on 'Hall of Assembled Valor'!" the devotee said excitedly.
"The name isn't necessary."
And it wasn't a good naming choice either.
"Then how about the 'Council of Four Valors'?" the devotee suggested.
... Too cliché, rejected.
"Isn't it more straightforward to just call it the 'Demon Conquest Strategy Room'?" Anyi said casually.
The devotees froze, then nodded vigorously.
"Worthy of Lord Sword Hero!"
"I also think this name is simple and easy to understand!"
Ariana: "This name isn't bad."
Anyi: "The name doesn't matter...
This kind of religious group loves to engage in pointless formalities. Instead of naming a meeting room, they should hurry up and convene the assembly!
Aren't we here to eliminate demons?"
Very quickly, following Anyi's suggestion, the three of them, along with a portion of the clergy, proceeded to the "Demon Conquest Strategy Room."
The three Heroes were tasked with discussing intelligence, while the clergy were assigned to review the necessary materials.
In the strategy room, Anyi stood before the large map, feeling a unique sense of emotion.
It had to be said, the old adage "Many hands make light work" was quite accurate.
In his previous life, he gathered no intelligence; he simply rushed blindly into the demon territories, resulting in considerable hardship.
Although the start time for slaying demons in this life was delayed, having so many people assisting him in intelligence gathering could save a lot of unnecessary detours.
It was like exploring a fog-shrouded area on a map; having the entire map blacked out versus having it fully revealed resulted in two entirely different gaming experiences.
For example, there was a poisonous swamp in the region. If one ventured in without knowing the environmental hazards, they would surely be poisoned. But if the situation was known, they could prepare the necessary antidote beforehand before entering.
"Not bad, the intelligence has been compiled quickly.
I thought it would take at least a day or more to organize it," Anyi nodded in satisfaction.
"Dear Lord Sword Hero, aside from the intelligence on the birthplace of the other Heroes not yet being fully collected, demon intelligence can be obtained from daily disaster reports.
Now, the records have been established; we just need to pull them out and utilize them.
Including the records of the disaster that struck Lord Sword Hero's village, we have also incorporated that information into the files," the devotee reported.
Anyi paused, suddenly realizing something.
「So... the people responsible for chronicling history are these individuals, huh.」
Anyi's understanding of the history of his previous life didn't stem from the system's accompaniment, but from reading the corresponding books, which he then recorded into the system.
However, in this life, all historical data related to his past life within the system had vanished. Anyi could only recall it from his own memory.
Fortunately, the demon data stored in his mind had successfully generated Fiend Files within the system.
Even for details he didn't consciously recall, as long as he had witnessed the event, the system could extract the corresponding knowledge from his mind.
"Anyi." Ariana called to him from behind, "The last Hero has arrived."
It was only a few seconds later that a devotee from the outer hall hurried in.
"Your Holiness the Saintess, Lords, the final Lord Hero has arrived!" the devotee announced.
"They're right on time, just have him come in now," Anyi instructed.
"Yes! Lord Sword Hero!"
Unintentionally, Anyi seemed to have assumed the role of commander here.
Clearly, Ariana held the highest authority among them, yet everyone seemed to be acting based on Anyi's directives.
Not long after, a robust young man with short, spiky hair, wearing brand-new leather armor and linen clothes, appeared at the entrance of the meeting room.
He was carrying large and small bags, looking as if he were moving house, creating a stark contrast with the hurried atmosphere of the meeting room.
"...Hello?" Layton looked around once, also realizing he felt somewhat out of place.
Ariana was about to step forward to greet him.
"Hah!"
Anyi yanked her back by her hair, then spoke to the Shield Hero standing near the door:
"First, deposit your belongings over there. We can converse after the meeting."
The devotees were instantly terrified, not knowing what to do, thinking, Please don't harm Her Holiness the Saintess!
Miruku was also bewildered by the action.
「So rough! He's a ruthless person who won't show mercy even to girls!」
"Why did you pull me?" Ariana rubbed the back of her head, slightly complaining.
"Did I hurt you? I apologize.
Because I rarely interact with women, I might act without realizing my own strength.
I was just thinking we could introduce ourselves after the meeting," Anyi explained.
"Oh... Okay, I forgive you." Ariana nodded.
Miruku: "?!"
「I wrongly accused you!」
He's so gentle! I might cry!
The devotees: "..."
We shouldn't have been fooled by Lord Sword Hero!
He has a sister at home; how could he never interact with women!
Yes, Anyi truly did it casually. He pulled her back with a simple reach, not overthinking the gesture.
Of course, not wasting time was also genuinely true.
Not much later, everyone paused their tasks.
Two long tables were placed on either side of the meeting room, where a group of clergy sat to consult reference materials as needed.
In the center of the meeting room, a semi-circular table was set up with four chairs beneath it, all facing the large map displayed on the wall.
Anyi and the other two Heroes were already seated. The newly arrived [Shield Hero] stood by the empty spot in front of the semi-circular table and spoke:
"Greetings everyone! Good morning!"
"I am Layton · Shiklai from Navan Town! I am a porter!
Although I don't know why I was chosen as the [Shield Hero], and I don't fully grasp what a Hero does, but!
Since I've been chosen, I must properly bear the responsibility!
As a man! I should have the awareness to stand up at any time to protect the world!
As a man! I will fight for my family! For everything I cherish!
From today onwards, I am the Shield Hero! Layton · Shiklai!"
"Hooray––!!!" The devotees applauded enthusiastically.
Ariana also clapped happily.
Miruku pursed her lips, clapped, but produced no sound.
「Oh dear... So dazzling! This is the type I can't handle!! Ah, I should just leave!!」
Anyi: "..."
He finally managed to shake off his father's "manly, manly" boasting, how did another one of that type arrive...?