The Trials Of A Hero
From then on, it became a show for the entire battalion. Out in the front of the fort, a crowd surrounded Adam, Felix, and the Supreme Hero.
"The first trial. The Trial of Strength." [Supreme Hero]
The hero opened up some sort of rift and pulled out a massive iron pole. It was about three times Adams height and twice his width. The hero stuck the pole into the ground with great force, resulting in tremors that made soldiers nearby struggle to maintain balance.
"This is the totem of power. All you have to do is strike it as hard as you can." [Supreme Hero]
"Do I use a fist or my sword?" [Adam]
"Anything will suffice. The totem will convert your strength into numerics." [Supreme Hero]
Tapping the side of the totem, the hero pointed out some sort of dial with inscriptions Felix couldn't fully decipher.
"Understood." [Adam]
Stepping up to the totem, Adam looked for a good spot to strike.
"Are you going to use me?" [Krino]
That was a concern. Using Krino would give him great results, but Adam felt like it wouldn't earn as much respect as using his bare fists.
("...I'll do it myself.") [Adam]
Rolling up his sleeves, Adam took an attacking stance.
"Using your fists?" [Supreme Hero]
He sneered.
"You're too confident-" [Supreme Hero]
His words were drowned out by Adam striking the totem, causing it to ring and bend with a sound resembling a scream.
"Ah…" [Supreme Hero]
Eyes wide with shock, the Supreme Hero slowly approached the totem.
"Did… Did you break it?" [Supreme Hero]
He checked the dial for power conversion, but it appeared to be frozen at Astral's equivalent of zero.
"...Did I pass?" [Adam]
"Did you pass… you ask?" [Supreme Hero]
The hero grew red with anger.
"You broke the tool, you fool! Do you know how expensive this thing is?! How many hours, how many mages are required to enchant this thing?!" [Supreme Hero]
"You told me to hit it." [Adam]
"I-! You-!" [Supreme Hero]
The hero cut himself off as he calmed himself.
"...Fine. You pass." [Supreme Hero]
He took the totem and stuck it back into the rift he created.
"Next is the Trial of Charisma." [Supreme Hero]
Crossing his arms, the Supreme Hero faced Adam.
"Convince me you have what it takes to be a hero." [Supreme Hero]
Adam raised a fist.
"I'll beat you up if you fail me." [Adam]
The hero nodded.
"Now that I think of it, I see greatness in you. You pass." [Supreme Hero]
("That was easy.") [Adam]
The next test was the Trail of Status. One that was most likely the biggest hurdle for Adam.
"Now, you must pass the Trial of Status. Show me your certificate of nobility." [Supreme Hero]
"Ah…" [Adam]
("I have no clue what that is.") [Adam]
As Adam panicked internally, Felix stepped up.
"Actually, I have it." [Felix]
Taking out a furled scroll, Felix handed it to the Supreme Hero.
"Hm…" [Supreme Hero]
As he unfurled it and inspected it, the hero closed and returned it to Felix.
"Quite the high status for someone unknown. Very impressive. You pass." [Supreme Hero]
("Huh?!") [Adam]
He looked to Felix for an answer, but only received a wink.
"Astos, you currently only need to complete the last trial. The Trial of Achievement." [Supreme Hero]
"Okay. So, do I have to tell you my achievements or something?" [Adam]
"Bring me proof of a great achievement. Your words could be lies." [Supreme Hero]
("That's… annoying.") [Adam]
There are many things Adam has done, but it was at this moment he strangely was unable to think of any accomplishments.
"Oh, I have this too." [Felix]
Stepping up once again, Felix motioned for a soldier and whispered into his ear.
"...Yes sir." [Soldier]
The soldier didn't seem to like what he heard, but left to carry out the order anyway.
"Are you bringing something here?" [Supreme Hero]
"Something like that." [Felix]
They waited a few minutes for the guard, who then returned with Asil in tow.
"A demon?" [Supreme Hero]
Asil had iron cuffs on her wrists with Tiffany escorting her personally.
"This is the demon captain of the fourth squadron. She was single handedly captured by Adam." [Felix]
("Did he forget Tiffany helped me?") [Adam]
He also looked to Tiffany for an explanation, who replied with a wink.
"A demon captain is no ordinary demon that anyone can defeat." [Supreme Hero]
"Well? Is this enough of an achievement?" [Felix]
"Hm…" [Supreme Hero]
He looked Asil up and down, a frown making itself known upon his face.
"This is an incredible feat. I just have one question though." [Supreme Hero]
"That is?" [Adam]
"Why have you spared her?" [Supreme Hero]
It wasn't a very hard question to answer.
"Because I didn't want to kill." [Adam]
"You don't want to kill?" [Supreme Hero]
The hero burst out laughing.
"A hero afraid to kill?! That's absurd!" [Supreme Hero]
He pressed a finger on Adam's chest.
"Even if you pass all the trials, a hero's duty is to slay demons. For that, you are unqualified." [Supreme Hero]
Adam smacked away the hero's hand.
"And who decided that? You?" [Adam]
"It could be me. It could be the temple. If you must know, there are greater powers at work." [Supreme Hero]
Adam glanced at Tiffany and Felix.
("I'm sorry for this.") [Adam]
After a silent apology, he struck the Supreme Hero in the gut.
"Agh!" [Supreme Hero]
The hero keeled over in pain, his large build lowering itself to Adam.
"Wh-What are you-" [Supreme Hero]
"You will leave. Take whatever men that are against me with you. This fort is mine. It will not be a piece used in yours or the temple's plans." [Adam]
"You…! You're going against the gods themselves!" [Supreme Hero]
"Won't be the first time." [Adam]
His experience against Astos wasn't of physical form, but he spoke the truth.
"I can't allow you to do this!" [Supreme Hero]
The hero collected himself and faced the soldiers.
"Do you hear this?! This hero is going against the temple! He is a heretic! Rally by me and deliver judgment upon this heathen!" [Supreme Hero]
Adam crossed his arms.
"All men! This is your choice! You may leave, or fight against me! Know that your fate is yours alone! Do not let this man use your lives for his own gain!" [Adam]
The soldiers watching exchanged nervous glances, unsure of which side to take. The Supreme Hero grew frustrated from the lack of response, so he took it into his own hands. Summoning up a golden spear and a white circular shield, the hero faced Adam.
"You can't be serious." [Adam]
The hero aimed his spear at him.
"Upon my name as Tearsman the Mighty, I will rid the land of your evil." [Supreme Hero]
Adam snapped his fingers, causing a bolt of lightning to strike his palm. Within the passing flash revealed Krino in hand.
"Evil? I spare lives while you take them. If preserving the lives of others is evil, then so be it." [Adam]