What is a Hero?
When I was a kid, I used to watch lots of movies and animated series.
I would see folks like Superdude and Batlad save the day on countless occasions. Then there were teams that comprised several heroes.
Superhero groups like Justice Team, or the Revengers.
Heroes came in many shapes and sizes—some being regular dudes with no special powers or anything. However, after many years of watching them—and even dreaming of becoming one at a particular point—I noticed something.
They all had something in common.
TRUST!
The 'Trust' of the people.
That was what separated Heroes from vigilantes or Anti-Heroes.
Everyone believes the Hero. They love the Hero. They respect the Hero.
And so, as someone who desired to reach that status, I realized what kind of man I wanted to become.
Someone who saves others... someone others can rely on!
But...
... As people grow up, they forget their childish ambitions.
I was the same.
I outgrew that desire and became a selfish, introverted Weeb.
Other than the desire to consume vast amounts of novels, anime, manga, comics, and food, I literally cared about nothing and no one else.
However, everything changed when I came across 'that' novel.
"Transmigrated With The Strongest System."
The moment I read it... my life was forever changed.
And that was why it became the best for me. A single volume rekindled the fire that I thought had died.
The desire to become a true Hero!
*************
'Haa... no one understands these things...'
A single man can not build an empire.
As the Hero, I was revered as a supreme being, capable of pretty much anything. I was pretty sure they thought I could totally blitz the Demon King if I wanted to.
Bunch of idiots!
No, perhaps I was the fool. Thanks to my misrepresentation, everyone now placed more trust in me than I wanted. I did everything myself—at least in the department of planning.
As a result, no one in this settlement thought for themselves.
'It's convenient now, but it'll become a bigger pain in the future.'
I couldn't allow our current situation to fester!
That said...
"I am your Hero, am I not?"
"WOOOHOOOOO!!!" Cheers echoed in my ears, almost making my eardrums burst.
Even though these people obliviously followed me due to their mistaken notion, it wasn't all bad. After all, their naivete saved me an incalculable amount of time that would have been used for explanations and tons of convincing.
"I have rescued you from the scourge of the Demons. I have promised never to let you down. Now, I ask of you all..."
It was thanks to their unwavering faith in the Hero—in me—that I could pull this off.
"... Will you trust me once more?"
As expected, their reactions did not disappoint.
"WE DOOOOOOOO!!!"
Despite everyone's dissatisfaction with the Demons. Regardless of their animosity with the vilest, most oppressive race in this world. Even with their hatred and the unimaginable sufferings they had experienced thanks to the evil beings...
... Everything was inconsequential before the Hero's decision.
'Autocracy has its merits, after all!'
And so, with a single speech declaring my intentions to adopt the Demons into our society—as workers, of course—my subjects readily agreed.
Their absolute trust in me rang true, and I was even able to get even more achievements as a result.
For example;
[Your Skill: With Great Responsibility Must Also Come Great Power has evolved]
<You May Store A Total Of 6 Skills, And You Take 2 Skills Per Target>
I was so hyped when I saw this!
Many other rewards came flooding in—mostly Stat Points and Karmic Value. As I was watched by both Demons and Humans, a new Title popped in.
[The One Who Unifies]
I was surprised to get this one.
Even Damien didn't get it till his 5th Round. It was an important Title that completely changed the game... and I received it so easily!
'Looks like I made the right choice, after all.'
Truthfully, things were moving much faster than I imagined. I hadn't even spent a month in this brave new world, yet so many balls were rolling. I could only handle so much, after all.
'There's so much to be done now...'
Not only did we need more allies and resources, we also needed to expand our territory.
That meant more manpower and security. Sure, the costs would increase, but if we had a much bigger and efficient workforce, we could even the odds and rake in more profit.
My thoughts were not merely on this single patch of land. Ultimately, the world would have to know of my existence as the Hero who would lead them to victory.
'Everything starts from now.' I watched everyone with eyes brimming with hope.
I was no fraud, and I indeed wanted the best for these people.
Yes, I took advantage of their ignorance. I also gave them the wrong impression on many things. But... wasn't it all for the greater good?
'Overpowered or not, I'm the Hero...' Raising my hand, I parted my lips and declared my intentions to everyone who looked up to me.
"I will save this world!"
As expected, more roars burst forth.
I had said a lot of bullshit in the past, and my words could never be trusted. But... this time I meant it.
'This is the world I'm living in now..."
"HERO! HERO! HERO!"
'... This is what I always wanted, isn't it?'
"HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO!"
'I almost lost everything because of my recklessness. Because of that mistake, I now understand that there's no going back now...'
"HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO!HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO!"
'I'm not Damien. I'm not Selyon. I'm not like them...'
"HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO!HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO!HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO! HERO!"
'Compared to the big shots in this world, I'm unreasonably weak. But...'
"I will protect everyone, no matter what! I SWEAR ON MY NAME AS THE HERO!"
My life in this new world was just beginning.
I was responsible for so many people—Demons and Humans alike. Who would have thought my life would turn out this way?
Definitely not me!
But, now that I had reached this juncture, there was no turning back.
'Not until I defeat the Demon God, and the 19 other Gods. Then... I challenge that ONE.'
It was going to be tough—no, downright impossible.
Even with my knowledge, victory wasn't assured.
Just thinking about the long journey that awaited me sent shivers down my spine. But, what sort of Hero would I be if I didn't confront it head-on?
'If Damien could do it, so can I!'
As long as I played my cards right, my goals could be achieved.
'I can do it!'
"HERO! HERO! HERO!'
'I CAN DO THIS!'
*
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[One Month From Now]
"I can't do this..."
Smoke filled the air as debris littered the ground.
From the corner of my eyes, I could spot my comrades—no, my subordinates. They had been defeated so easily.
As they struggled for their lives, I basked in despondency. Despair crept upon me, and the personification of my fears stood a short distance from me.
"It is impossible to defeat me."
A month ago, I would have vehemently disagreed with that logic. I would have sought whatever means I could to win.
I would have used my Arcana Call. I would have bluffed. I would have done everything!
'I-I tried all I could think of... nothing works...'
Perhaps if I had one more chance... maybe things could be different.
'The Fool is out of commission, and I can't beat this one even if my Stats are all restored.'
Nothing could avail me at this point.
'They all depended on me... yet I couldn't do anything. Everyone will die here... so will I.'
Frustration welled up within me—and so did regret.
Why did I ever think I could do this? I... I should not have come here!
"It seems you've already accepted your fate."
I raised my head with the last bit of my energy, watching the silhouette of the Demon with my blurry vision. Defeating something like this was downright impossible.
"Now... die."
Something appeared within the Demon's grasp. It was reddish, and the object had a peculiar shape. Was that... a heart?
'Haaaa...' My thoughts trailed as the realization dawned on me.
The Demon's monstrous claws finally squashed the red heart, sending a painful—indescribably painful—sensation coursing through me.
'... This really is the end.'
"GUARK!" With my final cough of blood, I felt everything go blank.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
<HP Has Reached Zero>
[All Chances Of Restoration Have Been Exhausted]
[YOU HAVE DIED!]
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[End Of The First Arc: Settling In]
~The Second Arc: Demonic Crisis will begin shortly~
I hope you enjoyed the read.
Also...
If you enjoy this book, I know another one you'd love just as much.
It's my newest book titled 'Ascension Of The Failed Mage.'
You can check it out and add it to your library. I promise it'll be worth every second.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/ascension-of-the-failed-mage_24898011105190405
Cheers!
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