Crossroad of the Past and Future- Trials of a Hero

Grid's mind was in turmoil.

'But isn't Betty much older than Biban who's more than 500 years old?'

'It looks like you knew Betty.'

'Yes indeed'

'Then you must be confused since you thought I only lived 500 years ago.'

''Yes?''

'As you know, I am a legend whose most achievements went down as anonymous, sealing Bunhelier happened to be my last.'

''Wait, so you mean...''

'Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Sigmund, The mentor of the one who would grow to be known as one of the seven malignant saints, the one who carries the sin of corruption, As Well as Rebecca's first apostle. And also the teacher of Saharan. They are probably my only disciples that you would know of.'

''That's... How were you able to live that long without being a renowned legend?''

Sigmund showed a warm smile before sighing.

'I truly hope you can show me a better path than the one I took, You will find all the answers you seek soon enough. From now on I will not be interrupting the trial anymore, Good luck.'

Sigmund once again disappeared before Grid's eyes.

''Sieg? You've been spacing out a lot today, what happened?''

Grid who was flustered and didn't know how to answer, felt great pressure as Sigmund's memories rushed to his head.

[The memories of the first Hero King, Sigmund, will be delivered to you in order to start the trial.]

[You are in extreme confusion.]

[The system is checking your brain waves and pulse. If it is determined to be dangerous, The trial will be halted]

Familiar messages popped in front of Grid's eyes

'No!!'

They were the same messages that popped up when he assimilated with Madra through his diary.

[The system has confirmed that your awareness and mind are intact, the trial will proceed]

''Ah... sorry, Betty. I was just thinking about some stuff haha.''

''Gosh, you're already 16 yet you still act like a kid.''

''Would you see that... Even the little kid is calling me a kid now.''

''WHO'S THE KID I AM ONLY 1 YEAR YOUNGER''

Betty pouted as she glared at Sigmund.

''So Sigmund...''

''Yes?''

''The bloody day is approaching, are you sure you still want to fight with the guardians...They have handled it alone for years, nothing will change...''

Grid, who was in Sigmund's body, searched inside the memories to understand what betty was talking about.

''The bloody day'', It was a single day of the year when monsters would gain great power due to the fluctuations of the energy around the abyss. However it didn't end at that, some monsters would gain higher intelligence and start attacking villages and wreak havoc, it was the most dangerous aspect of that day. Normal villagers would usually stay inside their houses, protected by the village's fences during that day. However the fragile defenses of the village were not enough to stop the monsters' invasion so a group of warriors and capable fighters inside the village would join hands with mercenaries to stop the monsters from advancing, They were called the guardians.

''Betty... I am strong enough to fight now, don't worry about me hahaha''

''You always act as if you're strong! You only started training 2 years ago, it's too dangerous!''

Grid started frowning as he struggled to make a choice, he recalled the words that Sigmund said as he left.

'I truly hope you can show me a better path than the one I took...'

'What exactly am I supposed to do though, he probably went and fought against the monsters, and since he lived a long life, it probably wasn't an issue. Was there something else that happened around this time?'

Grid tried to decide on which point of time should he start straying from Sigmund's original path.

'Sigmund is a hero, He wouldn't decide to back off for his own safety and happiness. I should follow his path for now.'

Grid placed his hand on Betty's head and patted her, It was something he used to do to Lord when he was still young, Grid's heart ached as he recalled the remains of his dear son.

''Trust me, I will cook for you when I am back, how about it?''

Sigmund and Betty were orphans, Their parents had died when they were young and it wasn't a rare occurrence due to the dangers lurking around the village. The village chief took it upon him to raise these orphans with his best efforts, however, he was now old and they started needing to take care of themselves. In particular, Betty and Sigmund seemed to have a really strong bond, perhaps because of how small their age gap was.

''Don't you dare get hurt...''

''Yes, yes.''

Grid looked and the pouting Betty and started to laugh in order to lower her tension and worries. Grid kept living in the village as normally as possible, and just like that, the big day arrived.

''Hey, kid! Guard the rear, try to pass supplies, and block the minor monsters who manage to get through!''

''Yes, Leader!''

'i have little to no information about the monsters, it's hard to judge how I will fare against them with my current abilities...'

Although Sigmund would grow to be an immensely powerful figure; Currently he was but a beginner swordsman who had started training 2 years ago, his physique was rather lacking and he hadn't awakened the dormant fighting energy inside him yet. Grid kept his senses as sharp as possible and conserved his stance. the wind started to become stronger and dust clouds appeared in their field of view.

'Holy fuck! What's with these numbers!'

Unlike the current Sigmund, Grid had fought in all types of battles for years, the scenery before him was reminiscent of the big scale wars he took part in. The estimated number of monsters was... 50,000; For the current Grid it might sound insignificant, however with the current forces they had, they would barely be able to hold against 5,000 let alone 50,000.

'But something is weird... How did he survive despite such a huge number showing up...'

Grid was currently reliving Sigmund's life, this meant he was witnessing the same sight that Sigmund had when he was alive. However, It didn't make sense for Sigmund to be able to stay alive against such large numbers, Grid couldn't understand the situation; Nonetheless, he braced himself and prepared to push the monsters away, the safety of the villagers was his priority right now. While the dust cloud approached at an insanely high speed, the guardians were loading the siege weapons to counter the monsters.

[You have detected the energy of the abyss from creatures]

[Your title 'Avenger' has activated as a result of sensing Baal's energy]

[Your current body is unable to accept the power of an 'Avenger']

[Activation has failed]

'What...'

Grid had lost all his skills and stats while in Sigmund's body, however, his titles, which were linked to his existence as an individual, had remained; Although most of their effects were sealed.

'But why is Baal's name popping up out of nowhere...'

Grid tried to think about possible events and causes behind this phenomenon.

'Wait...no way! Are you telling me Baal planned all this and knew about Sigmund's potential already? No wait... it could be a coincidence... Then why...?'

Grid decided to throw away the thoughts right now and fight with his whole power

''ARGHHH, USE THE SIEGE WEAPONS, DON'T LET THEM GET THROUGH!''

The warriors of the village who were standing on the frontlines fought fiercely. Their determination to protect their families allowed them to push through despite their wounds and pain. Grid didn't fall behind either, His swordsmanship was delicate thanks to Sigmund's skills and his experience made him able to react and fight monsters more effectively.

''This kid is a beast...''

''How is he able to fight that well despite being so young...''

The mercenaries who were in charge of the siege weapons admired Grid's fighting prowess. On the other hand, Grid was in a state of confusion.

'No matter how many I kill, more pop up... We can't stop even a tenth of them, goddamn it!'

It was highly likely that he would fail the trial if he couldn't defend the village, this also meant losing his only chance at getting another wish token and reviving his family, This wasn't an option.

''Something...Power... Anything, give me anything, I need to fight!!''

Grid screamed like a mad man as he continuously swung his sword, his stamina was dropping rapidly and he was starting to get injured.

[The heroic desires deep within you have bloomed]

[Fighting energy has awakened]

[All mastery skills have evolved to the next stage]

[Sword energy has been acquired]

[Sword energy and fighting energy have been automatically harmonized]

'A cheat!'

That's the first thought that popped up in Grid's mind. The great efforts he had to put in and the hardships he went through in order to get stronger were just presented to Sigmund on a plate.

[If you do not win this battle, you will lose your qualifications to become a hero and all the benefits will be sealed forever]

'Figures...'

Power in Satisfy never came without a price to pay. the more power you gained the higher the price you had to pay.

'But now... I can do it...'

Deep red and purple energy surrounded Grid and his sword, every time his sword slashed through an enemy the energy grew stronger.

'I remember this feeling.'

Grid knew this feeling well, After all, it was a source of miracles for him. Fighting energy, the exclusive resource available only to the king of heroes, the Hero King.

'' FIREEEE''

The warriors and mercenaries who witnessed his heroism could not help but be moved by the bravery of the young man. The once despairing men had once again picked up their weapons again and rushed towards the dangers without second thoughts.

Thanks to the efforts of the guardians and the traps that had been carefully laid around the terrain, as well as the siege weapons, The monsters were finally slaughtered.

'It's been a while since I was that excited by a fight'

Grid gave it his all and had succeeded in his first mission: protecting the village.

'I guess that's not the part where he made a mistake...'

However, unlike the relaxed Grid, the other men were tense. Grid spoke to one of the village's warriors.

''Why are you so tensed up?''

''I feel an ominous energy heading this way...''

'Huh? Could it be that the battle is not finished yet'

Suddenly few system messages popped up.

[You have detected a strong person of this era]

[Fighting energy is boiling and resisting the intimidation of the enemy]

'Huh??'

Grid could see a single man... no he was too huge to be called a man. Judging by the aura there was no mistake, It was a demon.

'No...why... how could a demon show up here?'

'Don't tell me...'

Grid recalled the system messages about Baal's energy, he had dismissed the idea but it seemed to be getting more likely.

'Baal...That bastard... Was he aiming for betty even before the contract?'

Grid recalled Betty's bright face, it was nothing like the expression she had nowadays. Grid had no doubts that something had happened and forced her to contract with Baal.

'There's no mistaking it... That's Sigmund's regret...'

***********************************************************************

Meanwhile, on the eastern border of the Overgeared Kingdom, The clash between 2 of the strongest great demons and vampires had changed the landscape.

''Ha... it's only his avatar yet I still can't deal with it.''

Due to Braham's situation, Marie rose was cornered and forced to handle both Gamigin and Agnus who had completely assimilated with Baal. Although it could not be compared to Baal's full power, Agnus' power was nothing to scoff about.

''What's this useless Brat making us fight alone.''

''He will come, He always does...''

Marie rose who was irritated at the current situation started complaining, Nevertheless, the exhausted Braham showed unwavering trust in Grid.

''Ha?? If he's going to show up why doesn't he already? He has probably used you as a sacrifice. You played yourself again.''

Marie rose smirked as she looked at the wounded and drained Braham. Although she didn't blame Grid for abandoning Braham, She couldn't see it any other way. If Grid wanted to save Braham he would have rushed without second thoughts. Yet he didn't show up, it was proof he had used Braham as a diversion.

''You know nothing...He is my friend, my only friend.''

In spite of that, Braham didn't show any doubt or distrust. Marie rose who only knew Braham as a selfish and greedy person could never imagine the bond that he and Grid shared.

''Fly up!''

''Hope!''

The sound of two women resonated behind Marie rose. It was none other than the bow saint and the saintess, two legends of the current era.

*******************************************************

[MARBAS]

The glowing red name hovered above the demon who was approaching the village.

'Wait, Marbas?? Are you fucking serious? At this stage of the game??'

Gris knew the identity of the demon, no it would be an understatement to say he only knew it. Marbas, one of Baal's commanders in the present day who was eventually slain by Grid and Yura. He was a dangerous enemy that wasn't inferior to a great demon in any way. Regardless of how strong Sigmund currently was after the monsters' attack, there was no way he could take on Marbas.

''Evacuate the villagers, escape now!''

Thus Grid made a swift decision. Using his knowledge he could avoid the worst situation that Sigmund probably went through. As a king, he knew what decision to make in such situations.

''What are you talk...''

''I SAID GO EVACUATE AND ESCAPE, FUCKING DO IT''

The change of attitude made the guardians doubt their ears however Grid insisted on his words even more fiercely. No matter how many of them there were, they wouldn't stand a chance against Marbas. If anyone has a chance then it's him and only him. The guardians hesitated but eventually nodded their heads and proceeded with the evacuation.

''Hm? Where did the other humans go? why is there only one here?''

''It's been a while Marbas, you bastard''

Marbas eyes widened in surprise after hearing Grid's words.

''You, human, how do you know my name?''

Grid gritted his teeth as he recalled the chaos and terror that Baal had brought on his life. His eyes started glowing with ferocity.

''Hoooo, you look more like a beast than a human, how interesting''

Marbas grinned and charged at Grid. Grid raised his sword to deflect the attack, however, he still suffered major damage and his sword durability greatly dropped.

[You have suffered catastrophic damage!]

[Your sword's durability has dropped by 217!]

'Crazy!'

Grid's left arm was nearly crushed by Marbas' punch despite it being deflected by his sword.

[You are facing an enemy with overwhelming disadvantages in order to protect the weak!]

[Your heroic determination is admirable!]

[Sigmund is interested in your choice and respects your will]

[Due to the unique situation, Hero Sigmund has removed the restrictions on 'Magic swordsman of the epics']

[Your first class, 'beginner swordsman', has been replaced by 'Magic swordsman of the epics']

'When I was facing him I first awakened as the hero king.'

'But you are not me, You chose a different path.'

'So do it your way, with your own power.'

'Show me how far you can go.'

Sigmund's voice resonated in his head. Grid gritted his teeth and took a balanced stance again.

''Ho, you're still standing? That's admirable''

'That bastard is playing with me, So I will use that against him.'

Marbas currently judged Grid's power level as less than that of an ant so he lowered his power in order to see him struggle and fall in despair as the fight would go on.

''Grid's sword dance.''

''Hm?''

Grid squinted his eyes as he saw Grid dance in front of him. As of now, no one should know about sword dances since Pagma would only reach the west continents centuries later.

''Link.''

''sword energy , huh. It's interesting that you can use it alre...''

Marbas, who had raised his hands to block Grid's attack, froze as he witnessed the attacks cut through his tough skin like paper.

''ARGHHHHHH, YOU LOWLY BUG, HOW DARE YOU''

Marbas was enraged by Grid's underhanded techniques that led him to let his guard down. Dancing in front of his enemy to distract him? For Marbas it could only be seen as despicable tricks. However Grid didn't care, he used his footsteps to maximize the dance's power and immediately followed by another dance.

''Pinnacle kill''

Grid's sword stabbed Marbas' neck, However Grid was about to hit his limit, his current body was that of a 16 years old boy, his stamina was lacking and his strength was lackluster.

'But he's certainly much weaker than the Marbas we fought.'

It seemed that the current Marbas he was facing was still young and weak as hell was still relatively new. he was not the Marbas who would grow to be baal's rival. Marbas is the manager of hell, he would gain more authority and power the more hell strained from its original form, it was a special power bestowed to him by Yatan so that he could keep hell in order.

''You damned wimp!! Do you dare trick me??! Huh??''

Marbas Grabbed Grid's neck and started putting strength into his hands. No matter how weak Marbas was, the current Grid still couldn't match him.

'Well, I can't do much more... I hope that they successfully escaped.'

Grid couldn't look back as his neck was held by Marbas' massive hand. However he was sure the evacuation was successful, he was more or less certain that Marbas couldn't operate outside a certain range due to the abyss's influence. Grid started feeling his consciousness fading but he still firmly held his sword.

[You're receiving internal damage]

[Demonic energy is permeating you!]

Marbas started draining Grid's life force and injecting demonic energy to burn him from the inside out. He then started gathering a huge amount of mana in his fist.

''Do you have a death wish, despicable human?''

'Don't fall here, young hero'

Sigmund's voice once again entered Grid's head.

'Fuck it, fine let's do it. it's all or nothing.'

''Yes, just one.''

Marbas glared at Grid before opening his mouth.

''Speak then''

''Kill me with your strongest technique, use everything you have in one strike, please let me die to your strongest strike.''

''Ho? it seems you still retain your dignity as a warrior, fine then, I will show you the true power of I, a great demon candidate and the manager of hell, Marbas.''

Marbas released Grid's neck after confirming he was helpless and started gathering demonic energy and mana to deliver the final strike, however as his fist rushed at grid's head.

''Beyond.''

Grid aimed his sword at Marbas' head and uttered one word, all the energy that filled the area just a second ago disappeared as if all was a lie. Marbas was flustered as he noticed that Grid's sword had absorbed all the energy from his strike.

''Begone...Thot''

Grid grinned as a massive amount of energy was released from his sword and destroyed Marbas's head. An impossible battle, he had won one again.

'It's truly admirable how good your acting and tricks are'

Sigmund's words were followed by a laugh.

'It's pretty different from what I expected but you still managed to pass the trial.'

Sigmund continued speaking before passing for a moment.

'Although it might be a selfish act, I wish to show you the real events, may I?'

It seemed that despite Grid passing the trial, Sigmund's regret did not disappear as he couldn't take the path grid has.

'Of course, please do.'

The scenery slightly changed, although the location was the same the forest was now replaced by a huge crater. The adult version of Sigmund appeared next to Grid as the fight between Sigmund and Marbas was frozen in time in front of them.

'As I told you before while facing Marbas I awakened as the hero king. I could feel my growth in the middle of the battle, however, it was far from enough, he was too powerful of an opponent for me to take on.'

Grid nodded as he understood exactly what Sigmund meant.

'I was prideful and ignorant, I thought I could surpass everything with my sheer will, but I was wrong.'

The scenery changed again, now, Sigmund's corpse was lying on the ground and Marbas was staring at a little girl who looked as if she was lost in another world.

''No...No....NO, PLEASE NO.''

she rushed towards the corpse despite the Demon still being there. This girl was Betty. She started weeping as she hugged Sigmund's body, she held it tightly as if declaring it was hers and hers alone. Marbas looked at her and started walking before disappearing behind the dust cloud.

''Sigmund... Sigmund... Talk to me, no you can't leave me... You said you would cook for me, you said you would hug me, you said you would always be there, Sigmund, Sigmund...!''

Betty's cries filled the forest, however only the echoes of her voice could be heard, no answer or cry of a beast, only a weeping girl's voice. The dark mist descended and wrapped her.

''Do you have a wish?''

Betty who heard the mysterious voice speak to her answered without hesitation.

''Please! Please wake him up! Please!''

Her cries were finally answered by the unknown being.

''Will you pay the price?''

''Yes, whatever it is!''

a creepy laugh could be heard, one would think it was that of a maniac who had lost all reason.

''Become my contractor, child, and I shall grant you your greatest wish.''

''Will Sigmund come back if I accept...''

''Whatever you wish for will be in your grasp.''

''Then Bring him back, bring him back to me !''

''However, there is a price to pay''

''It doesn't matter, do it!''

'He destroyed her... I destroyed her... Betty the little brat, the cheerful and dear friend of mine...'

Sigmund's shaking voice entered Grid's head.

''Come back Sigmund, please!''

Life sprung back to Sigmund's corpse, however, it was as the mysterious being said, everything had a price.

''Then choose, either you forget all about each other or you shall offer yourself to me as a payment.''

''What...?''

The being's words froze the weeping betty who hugged Sigmund's body that had come back to life.

''No! I don't want to forget about him! Please!''

Baal's laugh echoed through the world as a gate opened and pulled betty towards the worst place in the world. The first hell, Baal's mansion.

'However, Baal lied.'

Sigmund's voice could be heard once again.

'He erased all my memories of Betty.'

'Then when she finally escaped from his grasp she came to me... to see the only one she could trust.'

'However, that single person had forgotten about her.'

Grid's breathing was heavy, he could not imagine the pain that betty could have gone through, the image of Pagma who was tortured for hundreds of years already gave him an idea about the horrors that awaited her.

'It was about then when the tower of wisdom found her and took her in.'

' And then my memories returned, no to be precise, Baal gave them back to me.'

'I had destroyed her... The one I swore to protect and the one I loved more than anything.'

'So I swore to destroy him'

Grid felt a great killing intent being released from Sigmund.

'And eventually, he felt threatened.'

Grid listened calmly to Sigmund's words that were coming to a halt.

'So he cursed me, a curse akin to my worst fears.'

'None shall remember you as long as you live, you are a hero that lives as a ghost, an unknown fairy tale that can not fade.'

'And so I strived my whole life to protect others.'

'To protect ones who would never know of me'

'For I was but an illusion that had passed in their dreams.'

'One that was forgotten despite being there and could never escape its fate.'

'But he was not alone'

Sigmund's eye burned with resentment as his words never stopped.

'The book of the original sin'

'And the damned goddess of light...'

His mouth came to a halt as he seemed to be in great emotional distress and unable to keep going.

''Sigmund...''

Grid was silent as he learned of Sigmund's past. He could understand how great his pain was through assimilation, however, it was nothing compared to living through this hell for centuries.

''Your sins.''

Sigmund's eyes met Grid's.

''Your regrets.''

And for a moment their minds became one.

''As well as your hope.''

And they knew it then.

'Please...'

''I will...''

Sigmund's smile moved Grid, as the latter knew his duty, As a true hero. There was only one thing he could do.

'Carry them for me'

''Carry them for you.''

Walk a better path.