That night, a feast was held.
The tables of the lecture hall were decorated and covered with various dishes that the villagers had worked together in order to make. And like that, guests were invited to fill up the seats.
Drinks were poured, and both villagers and soldiers waited for the guest of honor to arrive.
And then a small boy appeared in the same spot that their instructor had stood during the day. The villagers erupted with cheers. A moment later, the soldiers also clapped their hands and cheered.
“E-everyone… Thank you… For preparing this feast in my honor today.”
He smiled awkwardly. And then the boy Hero, who had protected the village, began his speech.
“First, I would like to take this opportunity…to apologize. In spite of being a Hero, I was not strong enough… I could not protect this village. I apologize to all of those who were lost.”
Poro curled his lips in a deep, mocking sneer.
Not strong enough.
Exactly.
From what he had heard, this Hero used the same leveling up system that they used.
And yet, instead of improving himself to the point of being able to work miracles, he had just relied on the blessings of his god.
It was this lazy attitude that had resulted in such a tragedy.
“Thankfully…the Seer and his Hero helped this village survive… And they continue to offer us protection… I am very grateful.”
The boy looked tense with emotion. But a moment later, he forced a smile.
“It’s not exactly because I no longer have anything holding me back…but once again, I intend to begin training to strengthen myself.”
“Train? Now? Don’t make me laugh.”
Poro brought his cut to his lips, sinking the words in drink.
Surely he already knew that he lacked training. But he didn’t care, and left the work to others. He must have only been worried about himself.
“A few people asked me to stay here… But I do not want to rely on anyone again. And so I must go elsewhere… I must start again…”
Apparently, that was all he could say. As he repressed a sob, the boy was led out of the hall by Vengras.
A moment later, after calming the boy down, Vengras returned and stood at the podium, as he had that afternoon.
“Now, to the Hero who did his best to save this town. May his new journey be a success. Cheers.”
“Cheers!”
They raised their cups and drained them. A moment after the others, Poro also raised his cup to the boy who wept in the corner, and drank.
The army had not let them drink in order to focus on their training.
Perhaps that was why.
It seemed more sweet than usual. And from his heart, he felt that it was truly delicious.
‘You will become your own Hero.’
As he became drunk, he thought again about those words.
Yes. He was no longer a powerless villager.
Not like that child…
Perhaps it is possible now. To acquire power that exceeded that of a weak god and a child with an even weaker will.
“Farewell, village Hero. You might as well do your best and train.”
Poro muttered to himself as he turned his head away from the boy.
And then he never looked at him again.
Thank you for the chapters!