Chapter 3

Two days had passed, leaving Ryzer to want for little. Being freed, he chose to rest and relax himself before setting out.

"Did he mean a nearby dungeon, or the one Gramps gave me?"

Ryzer was cross-legged on his bed, his head tilted and arms across his chest.

"I should at least check Gramps's out, and while I'm at it... this anti-theft mechanism. Hero's Warp might get around it, which can help if I'm in danger."

Sliding off his bed, he grabbed a small red rope on the nearby table. Opening the door, he slid it around the knob and closed it back.

"That should suffice if I end up gone long. Maddie is a very considerate proprietress."

The rope was the equivalent of a "Do Not Disturb" sign. Ink being expensive, Maddie chose a simple solution.

"Now then."

Ryzer put his hand near the free wall.

"Hero's Warp: Dungeon!"

Ryzer blinked a few times.

"Did it fail? Hmm... Humans do start with no magical pow- oh!"

Ryzer fell to his knees, taking a deep breath.

"Well, oww! What did that just drain?"

Ryzer wobbled as he got back to his feet. He was doubled over still as he looked into a shimmering purple hole in the wall.

"Huh... it's pretty."

Ryzer approached the portal, peeking into it as well as all around it. After a few more looks, he stepped into it. A feeling similar to walking through jelly enveloped Ryzer. As soon as he appeared in a dimly lit forest, he shivered violently.

"That was gross. Ugh."

Taking a look around, Ryzer sighed softly. No markers or special entrances were nearby. Having not taken a single step, Ryzer chose to look directly forward. A tree stood in his way, yet with a closer look, Ryzer noticed a small ripple on the surface.

"Uh..."

Taking a step closer, Ryzer touched the tree. A similar feeling to Hero's Warp enveloped his hand. Holding his breath, Ryzer stepped through.

"Hmm? Are you the one that goofy bastard sent to me?"

Ryzer froze on the spot as he entered. His breathing caught and his body went numb.

"Ah... he collapsed. After sixty-five years... hmm. I expected better."

-

"Agh, my head!"

Ryzer's eyes fluttered open as he sat up. Looking around, he was surrounded by wooden walls. The room was barren, besides the route forward.

"Ah. You've awoken. How do you feel?"

Ryzer immediately began to look around, a cold sweat breaking out across his body.

"Do not be alarmed. My name is Leo Urd, my physical body is deep inside this dungeon."

Ryzer's eyes lit up.

"You're L-Leo Urd!? The Demon King?!"

The voice fell silent for a while, though a soft chuckle began to drift around the room.

"You are a human, yet you aren't fearful of that title?"

Before he could say anything more, Ryzer let loose the floodgates. Unable to stop, he spewed out all of his respect for both Edward Vale and Leo Urd.

"Ah... aha. It is a strange thing to feel so much embarrassment at this age. So young man, you are close to Edward? Let me get a good look..."

Ryzer felt a strange breeze pass by him before Leo continued.

"You have his name, as well as his skill. Your story matches up, especially well. An idea has come to me! Edward asked you to clear this dungeon, which holds level seventy and higher opponents. He had faith in you, so I will as well. Do you accept the offer I wish to give you?"

Ryzer tilted his head.

"What do you mean, Mr. Urd?"

"Hehehe. I want to hand over my own skills to you! The Discerning Eye, the skill of my own original class! Divine Hero!"

Ryzer froze for a second.

"Did you think that Edward was the only hero in this world? He was appointed, while I was summoned. A long while back, I was brought here to fight a horde of beasts and monsters."

Ryzer could feel his jaw drop.

"B-but, how did you become a king? More so, the Demon King?!"

A feeling similar to a hand patting his head was felt.

"That king grew fearful of my power. Having been summoned, I was different. Much stronger, as well as capable of feats they never knew of. I want you take take some of that power, as I feel you may become a new hero. Hehe, or a new Demon King."

Ryzer shook his head.

"If you want to put your faith in me, I'll accept it along with Gramps's! However, I can't and won't become a Demon King. That became your title when you made this world whole! I am no Divine Hero, or a common Hero, so I'll do everything my power to change the way this world looks at you and other races! Even if I'm seen as evil, or become a true Demon Lord in the process!"

Ryzer huffed and puffed for a moment before Leo spoke up once more.

"You've got guts to claim such a powerful stance, but I do believe you'll need trust followers at your side. Even I couldn't win so many battles without my twelve wives! And even then, you don't have any idea on how to change this world, do you?"

Ryzer felt shame and heat rush through his body.

"Worry not, that is part of your growth to come. Believe me, you will perform wonders. Now, as I don't want that oaf to beat me, I'll grant you my name as well as my power. Ryzer Urd Vale, a strong name! Haha!"

Ryzer felt something pass into his hand, a similar feeling to what he had experienced with Edward.

"Ryzer, you'll understand the beginning of the power you hold soon. You should work your way through the Fang Dungeon, get used to the Adventuring Guild there as well as work on growing a team capable of beating this dungeon. At least a team of six by the time you return here. It is a minimum requirement to get through the door."

Ryzer felt his eyes begin to tingle, causing him to rub and cover them.

"Don't resist. Let the power incorporate, you'll be glad you did."

Ryzer dropped his hands, his blurry vision slowly focusing.

"Good. Look at your hand, then blink. After you get ahold of the power, it'll become easier to activate."

Ryzer did as he was told, blinking while looking at his hand. When his eyes reopened, a clear panel was floating in front of his eyes. When he focused on it, black writing formed across it.

---

Thank you,

Anna Haig!