I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [260]

As Nero had predicted, she and Alice didn't encounter the rumored demon in the forest.

However, they did defeat a significant number of monsters, making the trip worthwhile.

"Lady Nero! It's almost nightfall, so…"

Alice, clutching her ornately designed holy sword, looked up at Nero with hopeful, sparkling eyes.

"Hmm! Indeed…" Nero glanced at the sky before making her decision.

"Then… let's return to Axel."

"Ahhh~~~!"

Alice let out a disappointed sigh, her head drooping as she mumbled, "I was hoping we could camp outside tonight…"

"You…" Nero gave her a blank stare, exasperated.

"Camping outdoors is a last resort for those without other options. Axel is just a short walk away—why would we need to camp?"

"But… but… I've read so many adventure stories where the hero and their trusted companions camp in the wild, sitting around a campfire with such a wonderful atmosphere…"

Alice's cheeks flushed as she shyly shared her thoughts, her voice filled with admiration for the romanticized tales.

"Why would anyone envy something most adventurers desperately try to avoid?"

Nero couldn't help but think it was the classic case of books overly glamorizing situations, much like how some media made smoking look cool and ended up corrupting impressionable kids.

Incidentally… Nero herself almost fell victim to such influence in her youth.

She and her brother once stole their grandfather's cigarettes to mimic the "cool" poses they'd seen. Things took a turn when her brother lit the cigarette she was holding, and she took a puff. The choking and coughing fit that followed nearly did her in.

Ever since that traumatic experience, she developed a hypersensitivity to cigarette smoke and couldn't stand even the faintest whiff.

After encountering a group of One-Strike Bears earlier, Nero and Alice went on to battle several other high-level monsters—creatures that would pose significant challenges even for seasoned adventurers in Axel.

Fortunately, monster carcasses sold for good money at the guild, and the pair didn't have to carry them back themselves. A quick report to the guild staff ensured the cleanup.

On their way back, Nero took out her adventurer's card and examined it.

"Alice, didn't you mention earlier that you leveled up?"

Nero was well aware that Alice's level was exceptionally high, possibly the highest among humans in this world. She had overheard during one of Alice's lessons that her lineage traced back to a hero who once vanquished the Demon King. For reasons unknown, Alice had inherited an unusually pure concentration of this heroic bloodline, granting her the ability to wield a legendary sword supposedly once used by her ancestor.

If Nero remembered correctly, the sword's name sounded suspiciously like Excalibur.

"Yes! When I defeated the last ogre, I gained a level," Alice replied, her eyes shining brightly.

"Defeating monsters to level up feels so much more rewarding than leveling up by eating high-grade ingredients! Sister Nero, you should've leveled up too, right? Since you've only just started as an adventurer, your level must be pretty low—uh…"

Realizing the unintended slight in her words, Alice panicked and quickly tried to backtrack.

"N-No! I didn't mean to say that Sister Nero is weak because of her low level! To me, you'll always be the strongest—capable of anything, so…"

"Alright, alright. I know you didn't mean it that way," Nero said with a smirk, patting Alice's head. "Besides, even if someone did think so, it wouldn't bother me. After all, have you ever seen the sun lose its radiance because of a few idle whispers?"

Feeling the reassuring warmth of Nero's hand, Alice broke into a smile.

"That's true… Sister Nero, you really are like the sun."

Satisfied, Nero glanced back at her adventurer's card and asked, "Alice, is it true that everyone requires a different amount of experience points to level up?"

"Yes, that's right…"

Though unsure of why Nero was asking, Alice obediently explained.

"Everyone requires more experience to level up as their level increases, but even at the same level, the amount of experience needed varies from person to person. It depends on their natural talent."

"There's even a common saying in this world: 'The less talent one is born with, the faster they level up.'"

By extension, the more talented someone is, the harder it is for them to level up.

"Ah, I see…" Nero mused. "Alice, since even someone as high-leveled as you gained a level today, the monsters we defeated should've given plenty of experience for a level one adventurer. Don't you think?"

"Well… I suppose so. Most of the monsters we fought, especially the One-Strike Bears, are challenging even for elite adventurers in the capital. A level one adventurer would typically stand no chance against them, let alone win."

Alice furrowed her brow thoughtfully. "I've heard it usually takes an average person a year to reach level ten, and at least five years to reach level twenty. But considering how many high-level monsters we defeated… I think you'd be well past level ten by now. Maybe?"

Alice turned to Nero, only to see her sister figure smiling brightly.

"Ah, so this means… my natural talent must be extraordinarily high! It doesn't surprise me—this is only fitting!"

Nero handed her adventurer's card to Alice, who froze in shock the moment she read it.

"Level… two?!"

Starting at level one, this meant…

"Sister Nero! You defeated so many high-level monsters—monsters that even elite adventurers struggle against—and you only gained one level?!"

"Indeed!" Nero pressed her palm to her forehead, feigning distress.

"Such is my burden. Being as perfect as I am, I often find myself troubled by my own overwhelming talent. Truly, it is a lonely struggle. No one else could possibly comprehend my plight. Is this unparalleled gift a blessing… or a curse?"

Then, throwing her arms wide, Nero burst into hearty laughter.

"Ahahaha! Even the gods must envy this talent of mine!"

---

"..."

- Gardevoir

(End of Chapter—Support the translator at [patreon.com/WiseTL]!)