"Hero?"


    The whispers echoed through the crowd as I stood there, the golden sword in my hand gleaming in the sunlight.


    The weight of the title settled on my shoulders, and I couldn''t help but feel the collective gaze of the onlookers fixated on me.


    "That golden sword..."


    The murmurs continued, apanied by curious nces and awe-filled expressions. The weapon, a symbol of divine power, radiated an otherworldly glow, as if forged by the gods themselves.


    "Hey, did he kill that thing?"


    Skepticism lingered in the air, mingling with the astonishment. Doubtful eyes turned to me, seeking confirmation of the creature''s demise.


    The battle wasn''t that fierce, but the aftermath revealed the absence of the once-threatening dragon.


    "Look, the mes are all gone!"


    Excitement rippled through the crowd, a shared realization that the threat had been extinguished.


    The onlookers pointed at the now tranquil surroundings, the lingering embers vanishing as if the very essence of chaos had been quelled.


    The raging mes that seemed to have judged, burnt and melted everything was gone.


    "The goddess has answered our prayers."


    A hushed reverence filled the atmosphere as the crowd acknowledged a divine intervention.


    Whispers of gratitude and relief swept through the assembly, gratitude directed towards the deity who seemingly guided my hand in that decisive moment.


    All types of opinions spread out among them, diverse perspectives colliding in a cacophony of voices. Some viewed me as a savior, a hero sent by the gods, while others might have harbored skepticism or fear.


    It wouldn''t be weird if they thought I was the hero at this point, given the spectacle they had just witnessed.


    The golden sword, a manifestation of strength seemingly granted by the gods, held a certain mystique.


    Its presence conveyed a connection to divine forces, and the pure, radiant energy emanating from it enveloped me like a protective aura.


    It was both a nice and gross feeling especially knowing this was the goddess''s divinity embracing me.


    The mes that once surrounded us seemed to be drawn into the holy sword, as if the weapon was a hungry fire ce it consumed all the mes around us.


    As I slowly descended, the crowd observed in awe, realizing that the very essence of the attack was now being channeled into the sword.


    Though only momentarily, I noticed a system notification, informing me of an authority being automatically utilized.


    [Authority: Ster Sris: {Active}]


    Ster Sris, an authority that granted me the ability topress and unleash the energy within me, a potentialst-ditch effort against overwhelming odds.


    The grip on the golden sword tightened as I swung it through the air.


    To my surprise, the Ster Sris authority kicked in, infusing my strike with a surge of energy.


    The result was breathtaking – a golden crescent sh reaching for the skies, cutting through the air with an unexpected grace.


    That dragon, found itself caught mid-air, unable to escape the unexpected onught.


    The speed of the attack felt unreal, almost as if time itself had momentarily frozen.


    It probably moved at light speed as before I knew it even in the slowed down world the dragon was already cut.


    The power behind the strike was enough to breach the dragon''s defenses, leaving it vulnerable and momentarily incapacitated.


    Surprisingly, what astounded me even more was the revtion that my physical capabilities had undergone a profound transformation.


    The holy sword, infused with the authority of Ster Sris, seemed to amplify my already enhanced strength, speed, and overall prowess.


    It was as if the weapon itself had unlocked hidden reserves within me, doubling, perhaps even tripling, my usual capabilities.


    Is this how Tristan always felt? The thought crossed my mind as I marveled at the newfound strength coursing through my veins.


    In this moment, I felt invincible, as if I could ovee any obstacle in my path.


    The amalgamation of speed, strength, power, mana, and divine energy within me created a potent synergy that left me feeling not just capable but overwhelmingly full of potential.


    ''Just use the sword'' my sister''s words echoed in my mind. It was a simple piece of advice, yet it carried a weight that hinted at something more profound.


    As I gripped the hilt of the holy sword, I couldn''t help but wonder why she had chosen those words to guide me through this daunting battle.


    ''How did you know it would have this much effect, Sis?'' I inquired.


    ''I didn''t, mother did. Besides, although not directly, I did technically fight a power struggle with the goddess. I know just how powerful she is, especially with thews of causality backing her. She isn''t just a mere primordial goddess now''


    Primordial gods and goddesses – beings of immense power and ancient origins – weren''t entities one could easily dismiss.


    Yet, for my sister, they seemed nothing more than arrogant gods among many.


    Her nonchnt perspective on these divine beings intrigued me, reminding me of theplexities that intertwined with my family.


    Suddenly, a shift in the atmosphere caught my attention.


    The oppressive heat began to subside, and the once-blinding light started to diminish.


    The sun''s light was slowly fading away.


    "You… why? Why did the holy sword choose you?"


    A voice rang out, breaking the quietude. I looked down to see Bishop Austin, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief.


    It seemed unreasonable to him that I, of all people, was chosen as the hero.


    Perhaps he questioned the legitimacy of my role, or maybe he harbored resentment towards the idea that I held such a pivotal position.


    But even still, he couldn''t deny it.


    All signs pointed to the undeniable truth, and despite any inclination to expose me as a fake, the evidence was too overwhelming.


    Observing his mental state, a mixture of confusion and shock yed across his features.


    Whether he struggled to ept the reality of my hero status or was genuinely taken aback, I couldn''t discern.


    What was clear, however, was that my rtionship with Elena was about to be even moreplicated for him.


    I now held a legitimate im to her hand, sanctioned by the very role bestowed upon me.


    I''m sorry but you''re gonna have to put up with me whether you like it or not dear future father of mine~


    Although it wasn''t the grand reveal I had envisioned, it was certainly better than nothing, especially considering the chaos that unfolded with those two monstrous beings engaged in a fierce battle.


    ''Goddamn variables….''


    Now that I thought about it….


    A growing unease crept in.


    I couldn''t sense the presence of those two formidable forces anymore.


    Releasing my mana sense, I attempted to grasp Siena''s whereabouts and identify her adversary, but to no avail.


    Where were they?


    The city-wide academy, which I could usually perceive with my enhanced senses, appeared devoid of their existence.


    It was as if they had vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind.


    That was when I felt a presenceing near me.


    Looking just behind me as I felt a presence, I took a step back as Elena was right across my face.


    That was when I felt a presence drawing near, a subtle shift in the air that caught my attention. Turning around to investigate, I took a step back, only to find Elena right before me.


    "Ian...?"


    Her voice, gentle yet tinged with confusion, reached my ears. She recognized me, but the unfolding events seemed to baffle her.


    She floated just a few centimeters above mr, her expression a mix of surprise and uncertainty.


    As the sun became smaller, casting a warm glow on the scene, a remarkable transformation unfolded.


    Elena''s golden blonde hair, once radiant as the sun itself, gradually reverted to its pure white hue.


    The golden eyes, reminiscent of the sun''s brilliance, shifted back to their natural sky-blue color.


    Despite the captivating allure of her ''Saintess Sun Mode'' is what I would like to call it, her innate self-radiated a beauty that transcended any external enhancements.


    I sensed the energy around her waning, the powers that kept her afloat dissipating.


    Slowly, she descended, and with a gentle grace, I caught her, her body falling onto my chest.


    She tip-toed up, looking at me with those now cerulean eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the familiarity between us.


    "Ian... What''s happening?" she questioned, her confusion evident.


    I held her close, feeling the warmth of her presence against me.


    Yup she was the best…!


    "You, you''re really Ian, right?" Elena''s voice, filled with disbelief and a hint of hope, reached my ears.


    "Yes," I affirmed, acknowledging the truth that seemed to baffle her. Her eyes widened as if grappling with the reality unfolding before her.


    "T-then that sword… Why do you have that sword? No, wait, since when? You were the hero? Then what about the prophecy of me giving birth to the hero? What about the five to ten years we had to prepare for the Demon King''s advent? What about—"


    Elena''s words tumbled out in a rapid stream of questions, each one a valid concern, a puzzle piece in the grand narrative of our intertwined destinies.


    The overwhelming flood of questions made me gently ce a finger on her lips, a tender attempt to halt the cascade of words.


    I realized, once again, that my status as an anomaly in this world held true. It seemed I had inadvertently defied one of the goddess''s written providences.


    "Elena, we can talk about all thister, okay?" I suggested, trying to ease the torrent of thoughts racing through her mind.


    "Y-yeah" she stammered, still slightly out of sorts.


    With teary eyes, she then hugged me tightly. "Thank you~" she whispered, her gratitude hanging in the air.


    "What are you thanking me for?"


    "Just for everything…."


    Although I couldn''t pinpoint the exact reason for her gratitude, the embrace she gave me brought a sense of peace to the tumultuous moment.


    Her hug was warm and reassuring, a silent acknowledgment of the bond we shared.


    As I hugged her back, the chaos around us seemed to fade, reced by aforting tranquility.


    "L-look...!" The murmurings of the crowd reached my ears, growing into a chorus of voices as the people spotted us.


    "I-it''s the saintess!" eximed one person, the awe evident in their voice.


    "Thank you for saving us!" cried another, gratitude resonating in their words.


    "Look, it''s the saintess and the hero!" The excitement spread through the crowd like wildfire.


    "Hail the goddess!" The reverent cheers echoed around us.


    "Hero! Hero!" The crowd''s enthusiasm reached a crescendo.


    "The city is saved!" A collective sigh of relief swept through the onlookers.


    "I''m d I''m alive, thank you." Gratitude and relief mixed in the expressions of those who had witnessed the turmoil.


    Right, we have to deal with these folks now. As the people saw me and the saintess on the roof, their cheers and smiles lifted their faces.


    Some had tears of joy streaming down, while others were still confused yet happy. Awe and wonder painted the faces of those gazing up at us.


    It was like being part of a fairy tale or legend that hade to life right in front of them.


    The hero, wielding his holy sword, stood tall beside the saintess – the verypanion that heroes in stories always ended up with.


    For them, it must have felt both romantic and epic, something they probably thought wouldn''t happen in their lifetimes.


    Although I had mentally prepared for all of this, the reality of the tiresome responsibilities that would now unfold was already giving me a headache.


    The weight of expectations, the diplomatic engagements, and the endless formalities – it was a side of heroism that tales often omitted.


    As the cheers of the crowd enveloped us, I couldn''t help but wonder if the legendary heroes of old had felt the same sense of trepidation beneath their armor.


    I wonder what Tristan felt while he was under all these pressure and expectations.


    The novel didn''t really delve deep into Tristan''s thoughts regarding the matter with him being the hero as Tristan''s personality trait was both responsible and willing, so his opinion and feelings on the matter were mostly summarized in a few words.


    Aria, Liliana, Be, Victoria, Mi, Alex – I could feel all of their gazes fixed upon me. As the crowd''s attention shifted, a myriad of emotions yed out on their faces.


    Shock, awe, fear, confusion, and happiness – a kaleidoscope of feelings emanated from their eyes, creating a mosaic of reactions that mirrored theplexity of the situation.


    Even in the midst of this swirling sea of emotions, I sensed a faint presence. Louise, it seemed, was now awake.


    The revitalizing touch of the sun had worked its magic on her as well, restoring the depleted mana she had carried.


    I couldn''t quite decipher why she had feigned sleep earlier, but with my heightened senses, I could tell she was now subtly observing me.


    However, the emotion radiating from her troubled me – ''Envy.''


    Why was this particr sentiment prevalent in her mind right now?


    As I stood there, basking in the cheers and adtion of the crowd, the enigmatic undercurrents of emotion among those closest to me left me contemting theplexities of our rtionships.