The Day Before - Dining Hall, Flamerose Inn

  What the hell?!

  Nobu's grip tightens on his fork, knuckles going white.

  Not only is he close to that cute Manna, he casually talks with the gleaming innkeeper lady! Furthermore, the lady taps his shoulders without hesitation and sometimes smiles widely or even laughs. Even veteran-looking adventurers around here don't dare to do that to her!

  He manages his expression as calm as possible, but inside, the thoughts spiral.

  Damn it! I can't let this continue! Am I not the protagonist here?! Something's wrong with this development!

  Back on Earth, he watched others succeed while he smiled and pretended it didn't hurt. Always the background character. Always invisible.

  Not here. Not in this world where he was chosen. Where he's supposed to matter.

  Suddenly, a commotion erupts at another table.

  "Wh-why are you here, G-Guildmaster?!"

  Huh? Guildmaster?! Where is he?

  "What? Now I'm banned from coming here?"

  Nobu's eyes find the source—a massive man, easily three times the height of most people in the room.

  H-him?! That huge guy?! Ugh... looks very strong!

  "Cut the crappy act. Just get him out of here."

  Eh, Madam? Didn't she just talk to that Yuki moments ago? Where is he?

  Nobu finds Yuki standing nearby at an empty table.

  Eh? Who's that girl beside him? I didn't see her when he talked with the Madam. No, wait! I think she did enter together with that boy. So who is she? If I look closely...

  Nobu focuses his sight on her with his heightened perception, maintaining his posture so others don't notice.

  After a moment, realization strikes.

  The girl is a slave.

  Hah! And I thought he was some noble character. Now look at this. You play at being a hero but keep a slave? What nonsense!

  The thought burns hot and self-righteous in his chest.

  He's not jealous. He's concerned. This is wrong. Heroes don't keep slaves. Everyone knows that. It's basic morality.

  I have to do something. A real hero would do something.

  The jealousy and envy twist together with genuine conviction, becoming indistinguishable in his mind. He's not acting out of petty emotion—he's acting out of justice.

  Unable to keep his composure any longer, his hand slams the table.

  BRAAK!

  "What is it, Nobu? Is there anything you want to order?" Sena's voice is calm, measured.

  "What's gotten into you, Nobu?" Helen's concern is clear.

  Nobu answers with silence, then stands from his seat.

  "Calm down, Nobu. You can talk about whatever your concern is." Asghard's tone is soothing, but firm.

  Seconds later, Nobu starts walking toward a certain direction without paying attention to Asghard's words.

  His teammates exchange glances.

  "Did he do something weird lately?" Helen asks.

  "I'm not sure either. This morning, he was just fine." Asghard frowns.

  Only Sena has a guess forming in her mind, watching Nobu's rigid back.

  "Damn, and it happens when we're in the biggest city of adventurers." Asghard mutters.

  "Huh? What are you talking about, Mr. Asghard?"

  "In this kind of place, we should be careful with our attitude—more than in a noble's residence."

  "Why, though?"

  "Groups of free people like adventurers tend to read our gestures as misunderstandings." Sena explains quietly.

  "Huh?"

  "Sena's right. It seems it's similar in your world."

  "Indeed."

  "S-so isn't it bad? What should we do?"

  "Calm and observe." Sena's eyes don't leave Nobu.

  "Yes, for now, as long as the people here remain calm, we can only watch and act depending on the situation."

  Step by step, Nobu comes closer to the designated table, holding strongly to his own belief.

  He has all the fame of a hero. Many people look up to him. Even a big shot like the Guildmaster befriends him. Not only that, but famous beauties are close to him too!

  No. No, I'm not jealous. I'm concerned. This isn't right. Someone needs to investigate him.

  I must get closer. Hear his conversation with the Guildmaster.

  Besides, I should report to the Guildmaster anyway. So this is a perfect chance. I can't miss it!

  The self-deception flows smooth as water. He genuinely believes every word.

  Finally, Nobu arrives, radiating what he thinks is heroic confidence but reads as prideful arrogance to everyone watching.

  Now, let's see your reaction.

  Unfortunately for Nobu's expectations, Yuki just sips his tea like nothing happened. The Guildmaster crosses his arms, trying to calm himself but gazing at Nobu with clear intimidation.

  So that's your answer. Fine. I'll counter it as politely as possible. Then let's see the reaction of people around you.

  "Greetings to the Guildmaster of Spawnhall City. I, the current Hero of Courage, pay my respects to you."

  Nobu greets the Guildmaster with his learned basic etiquette.

  "Move on, boy. We don't need such bothersome gestures here."

  W-what? So it's the opposite of what Helen said?

  The strict tone takes him back, but he immediately adjusts himself to speak politely.

  "Ah, I see. Then I'll get to the point. We're taking a journey around the kingdom to gain experience since we've gotten stuck recently. We'd be glad if we could get support from the nearby guild."

  "Alright, you lot have my permission."

  "Thank yo—"

  "But!"

  "Y-yeah, but?"

  "Your party should follow our rules like any normal party. Otherwise, don't expect any assistance from my Guild."

  The Guildmaster emphasizes the deal firmly, expecting the hero not to treat it carelessly.

  "Yes, I'll ensure it satisfies your expectations."

  "Alright, go on your way then. I still have business with this boy here."

  What the hell is with this attitude?! He prefers this boy over me?!

  The dismissal stings deeper than it should. Just like back home. Just like always.

  "Can I know who this boy is that you're moving me aside for, Guildmaster?"

  "It's not your right as a hero to know everything in my Guild, you know."

  The Guildmaster sounds annoyed with the hero's arrogance.

  "But still, the Guildmaster moves aside a hero for a mere commoner boy? I wonder what specialty he has."

  Now Nobu tries to position himself as an important figure, hoping to induce doubt against Yuki. Disappointment, distrust, chaos—then he can step in as the voice of reason.

  His main goal is to arise as a savior in the middle of disorder. For this one thing, he already has plans and scenarios in his mind.

  I'm not being petty. I'm being responsible. A hero should question these things.

  "And I'm quite close with the Royal family. I'm sure I can negotiate your problems."

  Nobu tries to approach from two sides—offering a favor to the Guildmaster.

  But it's not as expected. After all, this is Spawnhall's Guildmaster.

  "Hah! Didn't you say you got stuck at that royal castle? What basis do you have to say this boy is weaker than you?"

  "Pardon?"

  "At least, while you were stuck in that safe place, this boy was always diving into dangerous areas and facing death with other adventurers. I, myself as Guildmaster, will guarantee his capability."

  "Uh, r-right, if you say so."

  "But not in your case."

  The Guildmaster continues his statement.

  "...!!!"

  Nobu's going down instead of Yuki. He becomes the victim of his own scenario.

  How dare you! You don't know our true capability and arrogantly judge us like that?! You don't even know our efforts!

  The audience watches them while smirking. They suddenly become calm and listen curiously to their conversation.

  And look at all these people—like they know everything about us! What's so good about this newbie?!

  He just sits arrogantly on top of all these arrogant people! He must be the most arrogant one here! I'll show you the way of a true protagonist!

  That way, they'll realize their proud newbie is just an arrogant weakling! Then they'll know their place!

  For a moment, his party is glad for Nobu's humble gesture—they think he's backing down.

  But Nobu coughs up all his courage and speaks his mind.

  "Then may I have the honor to test my ability against him?"

  All within hearing are shocked. Some even cough on their drinks.

  I know it's wise to retreat right now. But I can't let this chance slide. Who knows how famous this man will become? It'll be too late if I act when he's already known throughout the continent. Whatever the outcome, I must take this chance.

  No, no. I'm not being jealous or insecure. I'm being a responsible hero. I'm standing up for what's right. That's what heroes do.

  That's what Nobu thinks. Genuinely believes.

  "Haaahh... I know this happens occasionally. But whatever... it's up to you, boy."

  The Guildmaster states it while gazing in Yuki's direction.

  Huh, occasionally?

  Nobu wonders about that briefly but shrugs it off.

  Sigh.

  "As always, I'll welcome it at the usual time."

  Yuki answers casually after drinking his tea.

  Dammit, he's way too friendly with a Guildmaster for a mere adventurer. Even we heroes must pay our utmost respect to Guildmasters.

  "Haahh, alright. Come to the Guild at seven. Then you can have a duel with Yuki at nine."

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  "Thank you, sir."

  "Then I'll excuse myself, old man."

  Yuki says it as usual.

  Huh?? Old man??

  Nobu's curiosity rises once again at this unusual 'respect.'

  "Yes, yes, be on your way. I'm heading back too."

  Nobu's left behind, alone in his thoughts.

  W-what's with his attitude?! He just casually leaves before the Guildmaster? And me, the hero? And look at the Guildmaster—he just lets him and even leaves with him? How is he that close with the Guildmaster?! Now that I think about it, he's close with everyone that no one else dares approach!

  But that slave... I have to help her. That's what matters. A real hero would save her.

  While Nobu thinks numerous things at once, standing frozen, his teammates immediately circle around him and bring him back to their rooms.

  Today, I'll duel with him. Didn't expect he'd just agree like that yesterday.

  Nobu stares at his reflection in the water basin. His hands tremble slightly, but he tells himself it's anticipation, not fear.

  Hmph! Seems like he's had some duels before. But don't think I'll be the same as your opponents so far.

  I'll ensure I defeat you completely—physically and mentally. Then I'll free that girl. That's what a hero does.

  He genuinely believes this. The jealousy and insecurity have been completely reframed in his mind as righteous purpose.

  "How is your preparation, Nobu?"

  Mr. Asghard asks, concerned. It's Nobu's first real battle experience.

  Furthermore, it's against that rumored newbie. Asghard can't suppress his nervousness.

  "All set. Good so far."

  "I don't have any more advice. Just give it everything you've got. Don't underestimate your opponent until the end."

  "Of course. Do you think I'll forget that even if you told me every second?"

  "Ugh, this brat!"

  "Haha, sorry, sorry. Just joking."

  "Hmph. Glad to see you being nervous just like usual."

  "Eh? Is that a compliment?"

  Just seconds after their conversation ends, there's a knock at their door.

  Knock knock!

  "Noobuu~ Are you ready?"

  It's Helen's voice.

  "Yeah, I'm coming out now."

  Responses are heard outside the room.

  "Hurry up~ We're hungry already."

  "Shouldn't that just be you?"

  "What's wrong with that? Don't you want breakfast?"

  "Yeah, sure."

  Sena's voice carries forced acceptance of Helen's enthusiasm.

  Before Nobu approaches the door, he glances at Mr. Asghard as if asking him to join them. But Asghard waves his right hand—a signal to leave first.

  Clack!

  Nobu opens the door and greets his friends.

  "Alright, let's have breakfast."

  "What about Mr. Asghard?"

  "He seems to be preparing something first."

  "Alright then! What meals will we have?"

  "You sure look enthusiastic about food."

  "Of course~"

  They continue their talks and joys as if there's no battle ahead.

  It's certainly a blissful morning they have before witnessing a storm.

  "Whoa, I didn't know there was this kind of stadium behind the Guild."

  "Yeah, it sure doesn't look like this from the front."

  While the heroes' party looks around the features in the stadium, Mr. Asghard observes the audience.

  There are many high-rankers and veterans looking forward to this duel, as well as leaders and executives from several high-rank parties—Silver Honor, Violet Mirage, Snow Fang, and Fury Storm.

  The reason? To observe the newbie of their interest.

  The audience starts to mutter among themselves, having not recognized the heroes' party yet.

  Then moments later...

  The host—also serving as referee—opens the event.

  "Now we will start the duel between the Hero of Courage, recently rumored to be summoned from another world and receiving royal tutelage in Highfall Castle under the Royal family directly!..."

  Under that statement, many eyes turn toward where the host points—the heroes' party. The high-rankers only speculate and mutter things among themselves.

  Still, the watchers' gazes give quite an 'impression' to the heroes' party.

  "Damn that Nobu! First step in our first city on our first trip since only-god-knows-when, and the first thing he does is draw hostile attention from this city's only Guild?! Gaaahh! I'll shock you to a crisp then roast you inside out!" Helen's mental tirade is fierce.

  "Ugh... I agree, this much attention can become quite troublesome. But it won't hinder our objective—rather, I'd say it's quite advantageous to us." Sena's voice is calm, analytical.

  "How?! I know this kind of attention eases our way of advertising, but!" Helen protests.

  "Advertising..." Asghard murmurs thoughtfully.

  "But there's a chance many people will harm us out of curiosity or... jealousy." Helen finishes.

  "...Indeed." Sena admits quietly.

  "Ahem... no use worrying about that for now. Let's just watch this duel." Asghard redirects their attention.

  "Yes, certainly."

  "Right!"

  "...And our distinguished newbie ranker, whose achievements are too numerous to count!" The host's voice booms.

  WOOAAHH!

  The crowd erupts.

  Now both combatants face each other. Nobu starts with what he thinks is a gentle, concerned question.

  "I know you have that girl as a slave, right?" Nobu asks, voice carrying what he believes is compassionate concern.

  To the Aerium natives, it sounds preachy. Condescending.

  "So?"

  "What? Of course you must release her at once!"

  The audience shifts uncomfortably. Who is this outsider lecturing them about their world?

  "Have you asked people around?"

  "What? What do you mean?!"

  Sigh.

  "I'll just say two things. First, you should learn about the state of affairs you want to involve yourself in."

  "Guuhh, I have my own way!"

  My own principles. Earth's principles. The right principles. Slavery is wrong—everyone knows that.

  "Second, just ask the girl. I've never forced her to do anything."

  "Grr! Fine, I'll ask her myself."

  "Go on."

  Nobu walks toward Yuki's companion, Rhea, who stands in the participant area.

  Everyone watches him curiously. It's rare to see a participant not clashing right from the start.

  "Lady, aren't you a slave of that man?"

  Nobu asks straightforwardly, not wanting to waste time. But his gesture implies politeness and sympathy—at least, he thinks it does.

  To Rhea and everyone watching, it comes across as theatrical. Alien.

  "Yes. What do you want?"

  Rhea doesn't acknowledge Nobu's gesture at all, accepting the fact with pride.

  Everyone, including Nobu, seems confused. In Rhea's eyes and posture, there's unmistakable pride.

  That's not how slaves are supposed to act. Why isn't she grateful I'm trying to help?

  "Don't you want to be free and return to your home?"

  "I'm home right now."

  It's the second time they stagger. Her attitude doesn't reflect a slave at all—more like a proud warrior protecting her family.

  Nobu can only grit his teeth at this unexpected result.

  She doesn't understand. She's been conditioned. I need to make her see.

  "Are you sure you're not being forced to say that?"

  "Bro—"

  "I order you to answer everything wholeheartedly and be honest about your desires."

  Before Rhea can ask for permission, Yuki already gives an order—a passcode to the slave mark.

  Seconds later, a light shaped like a slave mark appears in front of Rhea, indicating the order is activated.

  All the audience members watching are convinced that Rhea is indeed a slave, and her actions now can't be false.

  There's sympathy in some of their gazes, while others see it as a common sight.

  Then...

  "Yes, Brother. Then once again, I'll state it wholeheartedly—I don't mind being a slave to Brother Yuki. When I'm ready, he will release me to be a free person."

  Hearing that, the sympathy changes to respect. Others can't wait any longer for the battle to begin.

  But Nobu still can't accept it.

  She's been brainwashed. Or she's afraid. I have to make her see the truth.

  "You're so naive. Do you think when the time comes he won't change his words? This is your only chance that may not come again!"

  I'm helping her. Why can't she see I'm helping her?

  Nobu's statement wavers Rhea's resolution slightly, but she answers with more confidence.

  "You don't need to worry, sir. Brother Yuki compensates my living better than any slave can imagine, and there have been so many chances to escape that he's given me."

  "H-huh?? THEN WHY DO YOU STILL STAY WITH HIM?!"

  The outburst echoes across the arena. The audience murmurs. This outsider is making a scene.

  "If he trusts me that much, why should I betray him?"

  Rhea answers plainly, as if it's an obvious fact.

  Nobu can't process what's happening. Before he can react to Rhea's answer, he hears another breathtaking statement.

  "And I'm sure your experience with betrayal can't even be compared with mine."

  There's sarcastic meaning in the statement.

  Nobu notices the sarcasm, but he realizes it's true—he's just an introvert who often stayed home, only going out to study. He doesn't know anything about life outside, much less betrayal.

  But that realization makes him more upset. More furious. It blinds all his reason and virtues.

  How dare she? I'm trying to help her! I'm being a hero! Why doesn't anyone understand?!

  "Alright. Seems like you're already determined."

  Nobu walks back to his position on the stage, gritting his teeth.

  "So, do we continue?"

  Yuki asks bluntly, not wanting to waste time. He actually has plans all day long.

  "Guh! At first I thought we could just conclude it with discussion, but it looks like I was wrong."

  Nobu still tries to maintain his image as a noble hero in front of the audience.

  Though it's a failure—even without Yuki's reaction, it's clear.

  "Hey, boy! Come on! You're the one who started it! Just get on with it!"

  "Hell yeah! We came here to watch a bloody duel, not some nonsensical speech!"

  "You got the wrong place, boy! The shrine would be more suited for you!"

  "Hahaha, indeed! The shrine and their talkers!"

  HAHAHAHA!

  In just a moment, the tense vibe turns into barbaric laughter.

  With silent Yuki in front of him and the laughter surrounding him, Nobu runs out of material. Then he speaks his last statement while trying to compose his noble figure.

  "Then last warning—cease your struggle, sir. I won't be like your daily enemies."

  With confidence, Nobu emits his aura and starts to focus his energy as a sign to initiate the battle.

  The audience starts to quiet down, feeling an intimidating vibe from Nobu, though they're still upset about his last statement.

  But it's different for the high-rankers. They're feeling provoked instead of pressured—including Yuki.

  "Does the palace only teach you how to make speeches? That can't be right, can it?"

  Yuki says bluntly with his flat expression. After listening to all the babble from Nobu, Yuki starts to lose his patience.

  Hearing that statement, Nobu can't say anything more.

  Guhh! Since you're this arrogant, it's my obligation to wake you up!

  I'll show everyone. I'll prove I'm the real hero here.

  Nobu focuses all of his abilities on his first strike.

  Light erupts along Nobu's blade—brilliant, searing white that makes the audience shield their eyes. His muscles flood with power, the empowerment magic coursing through his veins like liquid fire. It feels incredible. Overwhelming.

  This is it. This is what a hero's power feels like.

  The stone beneath his feet cracks like thunder as he launches forward.

  The world blurs. His sword traces a perfect arc—beautiful, flowing, the culmination of months of royal training under the kingdom's finest instructors. Every muscle memory activates in harmony. The blade sings through the air.

  It should have connected.

  It should have cleaved through Yuki's defenses like paper.

  It doesn't.

  Yuki isn't there anymore. Just empty air where his neck had been a heartbeat before.

  What—?!

  How is this... is his speed that high that even my enhanced reflexes can't track it?! Impossible!

  Panic floods Nobu's chest. He pivots, searching—

  There. Yuki stands three meters away, expression unchanged. Like he'd simply taken a casual step.

  No. No, I just need to try again. He got lucky. That's all.

  Nobu swings again. And again. Each strike perfect in form. Each one missing by inches.

  The crowd watches in silence now. No more laughter. Just uncomfortable quiet.

  How does he keep doing that?!

  Desperation claws at Nobu's throat. He can feel sweat beading on his forehead despite the empowerment magic still burning through him.

  Fine. If close combat won't work...

  He leaps back, creating distance. His hands move through the practiced motions, gathering magical energy. Ice responds to his call—it always has. His strongest affinity.

  "Freezing Hornets!"

  The air crystallizes. Palm-sized constructs of ice form around him—dozens, then hundreds. Each one shaped like a hornet, glittering sharp and deadly. They swarm and multiply, filling the air with their numbers.

  The temperature drops. Frost spreads across the arena floor.

  Some of the audience members closest to the arena shiver and step back.

  Yes. Yes! This is it. Let's see you dodge THIS!

  "Attack!"

  The swarm descends on Yuki from every direction—a thousand frozen needles seeking flesh.

  For one beautiful moment, Nobu thinks he's won.

  Then Yuki swings his sword.

  Once.

  The air itself seems to tear. A wave of force explodes outward, and every single hornet—every single construct Nobu spent precious seconds forming—shatters simultaneously.

  The sound is like a thousand wind chimes breaking at once.

  Ice fragments rain down, catching the light, almost beautiful in their destruction.

  "Just that much?"

  Yuki's voice is flat. Unimpressed.

  "Wha—?!"

  Nobu doesn't see the counterattack coming.

  One moment Yuki is standing there. The next, the flat of his blade connects with Nobu's chest.

  WHAM!

  The world inverts.

  Nobu's body flies backward, air exploding from his lungs. The arena wall rushes toward him and then he's hitting it, stone cracking under the impact, pain blooming across his back and ribs.

  He tastes copper. Blood.

  "Gaaahh!"

  Nobu slides down the wall, legs shaking as he tries to stand.

  Just that one strike... just one... and I feel like I've been trampled by a warhorse.

  "Come. Don't waste my time."

  "Guuhhh!"

  Nobu forces himself upright, gritting his teeth. Every nerve screams weariness. His limbs feel like lead.

  Damn it! Just that one strike is enough to make me this shaky?! Damn! I won't admit it!

  I'm a hero. I was chosen. I HAVE to be special.

  This can't be how it ends.

  He reaches deeper. Further than he's ever gone before. The ice magic responds—eager, hungry.

  "Ice Storm!"

  The air above Yuki darkens. A storm cloud forms in rapid time-lapse, swirling and growing. Within seconds, a phenomenon that should take minutes to conjure manifests fully.

  The arena fills with howling wind. Freezing breeze cuts through clothing. Sharp ice fragments begin forming in the air itself—hundreds, thousands of them, swirling in the growing vortex.

  "What the?! When did Nobu learn this spell?!"

  Helen's shocked voice carries from the stands.

  "This strong gust and freezing temperature... what a terrifying spell." Asghard's assessment is grim.

  "Not just that. There are countless ice fragments flying around, and it seems to intensify much more near the center." Sena examines her right hand—several small cuts already forming from the ice shards reaching even this far.

  "Ouch!"

  "You okay, Miss Helen?"

  "You should take care of yourself, Mr. Asghard. It's only a little scratch compared to Sena."

  "I suggest we should move back to more sheltered space."

  "Yes, we should."

  While the heroes' party and other audience members take shelter, Nobu focuses on his spell. He stares at Yuki—who's looking up at the storm cloud, standing still.

  What the hell is he thinking? Heh! Is he scared shitless or praying his last words? Good! I'll give you time to regret underestimating me.

  "Hmm... it's not freezing enough compared to a Yeti's nest."

  But suddenly Yuki says something that sounds like nonsense to Nobu.

  Guhh! I guess my mercy doesn't matter to him. I'll show you the real protagonist's power!

  "Come down, Ice Storm!"

  GRRRUU!

  The sound of furious wind accompanies the descending storm cloud.

  The raging tempest moves down, and all the ice fragments in the air are directed toward Yuki like a thousand frozen spears.

  Normal people would be frozen slowly and painfully by the storm alone. But now Yuki must face countless ice fragments as well.

  The temperature in the arena drops to winter depths. Breath mists in the air. Frost creeps across stone.

  "How does it feel being struck by this storm you looked down on, huh?!"

  Nobu was caught off guard—his true side unconsciously unleashed.

  Heh! Let's see how you keep up with this chill. You'll lose feeling in your limbs, your senses will slow, and then you'll realize it's your dead end without being able to do anything!

  In the middle of Nobu's grinning while imagining the despair on Yuki's face...

  KAANG!

  Suddenly, the raging storm is shattered.

  Cleared out as bright and sunny as a clear day.

  "—Huh?"

  "Phew... it's quite cool on this sunny day, right?"

  Yuki stands in the middle of the arena without any visible scratches. Not even frost on his clothes.

  "Yes. The cool breeze is wonderful."

  It's Rhea who answers, appearing without having moved much from her initial spot.

  It can't be...! H-how?!

  Nobu collapses to his knees, strength completely gone. Forced to admit the fact.

  His best spell. His absolute technique. The one he'd been saving. The one he'd never shown anyone because it was supposed to be his trump card.

  Gone. Shattered. Like it was nothing.

  "Are there any more tricks up your sleeve?"

  Yuki copies a famous quote with a bit of sarcasm—of course with his flat, unemotional poker face.

  Though to Nobu, it's the most arrogant, mighty attitude he's ever witnessed.

  Silence.

  Nothing comes out of Nobu's mouth.

  His body won't move. His magic is exhausted. His pride is in tatters.

  The audience members, one by one, come out from shelter to check the situation.

  "H-hey, it's bright!"

  "You're right! Where's the storm cloud?"

  "I heard this shattering sound—"

  "And strong wind."

  "Y-yeah, right. Then it cleared up like now?"

  "S-so it's over?"

  "W-who's the winner?"

  Finally, all the audience members fill the arena and confirm the situation just by looking at the center stage.

  A young man on his knees, utterly defeated.

  Another standing calmly, barely having moved.

  "He is..."

  "Haha... ha... as expected from the start."

  "Indeed. We should have known."

  The whispers from the audience start to become cheers and clapping.

  At last, the referee decides the result.

  "The champion is Adventurer Yuki!"

  WOOOHOO!

  A sudden roar is heard throughout the audience.

  The Hero of Courage lost without Yuki delivering a single purposeful attack.

  Nobu kneels there in the center of the arena, the cheers washing over him like ocean waves.

  I... I lost.

  But I'm the hero. I was chosen. I trained for months. I gave everything.

  How...?

  The self-deception is cracking. Reality seeps through the cracks like cold water.

  Was I... was I wrong?

  The thought is terrifying. If he's not the hero—if he's not special—then what is he?

  Just the same nobody he was on Earth?

  The crowd's cheers sound distant. Muffled.

  His teammates are probably watching. Probably disappointed.

  Just like back home.

  Always disappointing people. Always falling short.

  He'd thought this world would be different.

  It's not.

  He's not.

  - Seventh Objective, Just Self: CLEARED! -