Chapter 37: Hero

More than 53 years ago, at the boundary of a certain kingdom at the edge of the demon and human continents—where civilizations of humans and demons overlapped and constantly clashed with each other. Inside the forest of Afrodasya, a mystical forest that is home to diverse types of humans and humanoids.

The hero's party was there, led by the summoned hero, Hikari Tanaka. A woman in her early 20s, she had back-length black hair, which complimented her black eyes and white skin. Due to her being from another world, her appearance was different from the people around her—she identified herself as Japanese, from the nation of Japan, of the world named Earth.

Hikari was wearing a shining silver-white set of armor as her top, also covering her entire arms. She was wearing a blue skirt that moved with every movement of her legs. She was also wearing metal boots covering up to the lower part of her knees. On her waist was a sword.

"Mika, how long before we reach the capital? I want to lie on a soft bed and eat great-tasting food!" Hikari said, leaning on Mikaela.

Mikaela, in her youth, had long blonde hair; unlike Hikari, her set of armor was heavier, making her more specialized for taking damage than mobility. On her back was a massive, great sword.

Mikaela crossed her arms. "How rude. Are you saying that my cooking is bad?"

"No. I am just saying that the food in the capital is great," Hikari replied. She showed a lively smile and hugged Mikaela.

"We will be reaching the capital in three days, but I will suggest that all of you be extra careful once we are there because of the recent incident that happened in the kingdom," Abigail said as she approached.

Abigail, the party's healer, was an elf with beautiful almond-brown hair and eyes. She was wearing a green dress that was supposed to be extremely hard to travel with, but she could walk around the difficult terrain without any problem. Her long ears twitched as she approached Hikari and Mikaela.

Abigail had a face that seemingly always had a calm demeanor, making it extremely hard to read her thoughts. A voice that always had softness in it. Her beauty and milky white skin were standing out in the forest surrounding her.

"That incident, huh?" Hikari said while slowly nodding.

"It's a terrifying event. All of the members of the royal family were killed—they turned feral and stabbed each other to death—as if they were put under a dark spell," Mikaela explained, then looked at the crowd of the knights behind them. "And the person the people suspect responsible for the massacre is the demon the knights caught. Because he has the reason, a few weeks ago, the king ordered the complete annihilation of his tribe."

"A massacre in retribution for a genocide," Abigail said, sadness in her eyes. "He is scheduled to be executed when he arrives in the capital. I heard he is the last of his kind."

"He doesn't look like the type of guy who would do such a thing, though," Hikari said, looking in the direction of the knights.

"Don't underestimate him; I heard he could use powerful types of skills. The only thing stopping him is his lack of mana to use them. Imagine that if he had a massive mana pool," Abigail said.

Hikari scratched the back of her head. "That's not what I meant, though."

"Speaking of, he is already awake." Gwen walked towards them from the crowd of the knights.

Gwen was the rogue of their party, a wolfkin with black wolf ears and tails. She was the shortest of the group, which was extremely useful in her role. She had black hair and blue eyes that were turning gray depending on the angle. She was wearing a leather top that revealed her tummy and short shorts, complementing her black thigh-high socks and brown combat shoes.

Hikari joined the crowd of knights and asked if she could talk to the demon.

"I highly recommend you to be extra careful. That demon is a walking aphrodisiac; one touch and you will turn crazy," said the knight as they let Hikari get close to the demon.

Hikari stopped a meter away from the demon, currently tied to a metal rope, completely immobilized and starved. She squatted while her eyes focused on him. The demon was looking down out of strength.

"You are a unique demon, huh? You are quite different from the demons I fought," Hikari said.

"Do you... mean... you killed?" The demon said with his last strength.

Hikari didn't immediately reply; she just stared at the demon. "I am fighting for peace—not against demons. I am aware that not all demons are bad and not all humans are good." She moved one step closer.

"Please don't come any closer to him. He is dangerous," one of the knights said.

"I heard you are suspected of killing an entire royal family of a certain kingdom. Is that true?" Hikari asked.

"Even if I told the truth, no one would believe me," the demon said.

"I will believe you," Hikari said without hesitation.

The demon slowly raised his head, revealing his dirty face. His red eyes darted to Hikari. A spark of hope showed in his eyes.

"I didn't do it. But if I had the chance, I would. That kingdom took everything from me."

Hikari smiled brightly, and she slowly nodded. "My name is Hikari Tanaka, the hero. What is your name?" She asked as she stood up. Out of nowhere, she pulled her sword out.

"Casimir Ezero. That's my name."

"What is the meaning of this, hero?" One of the knights asked in confusion as they pulled their swords.

"Guys, is it fine if we skip this capital and go straight to the next kingdom?" Hikari asked her partymates.

"My, my, our hero is so reckless. Another kingdom on the list of the kingdoms we are banned." Abigail softly chuckled.

"Here we are again," Mikaela said as she pulled her greatsword. "And they are calling me the reckless one in this party?"

"At this point, I am not surprised anymore. I am just going to roll with it," Gwen said as she pulled her daggers.

"Casimir Ezero, everything is fine now." Hikari looked back at Casimir with a bright smile. "Because I am here."

***

Killian opened his eyes as memories flooded his dreams. What was revealed to him was his dark room and the complete silence of the night.

"Is there a problem, Killian? You are breathing heavily."

As Killian looked at the owner of the voice, he found Ilya looking at him with concern in her eyes. Ilya's arm was wrapped around Killian's torso.

Killian just shook his head and gently caressed Ilya's naked waist. "Nothing. Let's go back to sleep."