Bright light filled the place. A boy stood in the middle of nowhere. There’s nothing in that place and it seems endless as there are no indication of what we call distance.

A boy holds mediocre features with slightly wavy hair and dozy eyes. He also sprouts a calm and lazy smile even though the place is unlikely normal.

He just stood there wondering why he is here, or what’s for dinner.

“Hello?? Anyone around here??” timidly said by the boy as he tries to look for someone.

“I’m sorry for being late!” shouted by a girl running towards him out of nowhere. Her breasts bounce up and down and a weird but cute strand of hair atop of her head sways left and right.

The boy’s gaze locks at the breasts of the girl who came running up to him. After that, his eyes swim towards her face.

Pale glossy beautiful skin with radiant astonishing white hair that grows at knee length, her eyes are rounded but pretty with her long eyelashes complimenting it and lips so pink you wanted to eat it. Her body is curvaceous and in a sense, erotic.

As she stands close to the boy, he notices that they are about the same height, but his gaze keeps coming back to her breast.

“Um…Hello.” timidly said by the ephemeral girl.

“Ah…! Ahaha… Sorry, I was staring too much.” quickly apologized by the boy as he averts his eyes from the girl’s breast.

“What a cute fellow!~ Anyway, good day to you, my name is Nivalis, I am referred to as Goddess of Blessing.” she said with a sparkling smile.

“Goddess, huh. That’s why you’re so pretty!~” said by the boy in admiration.

“Then, why am I here?” added by him with a questioning gaze.

“There’s a hero summoning in our world and you are chosen as one! I’m sorry but I cannot return you to your own world, though.” said apologetically by Nivalis.

“Eh? Really?! But… I don’t fit as one… but I really don’t have anything left in my world so maybe this is a good thing?” 

“You’re quite a passive boy…”

“Ahaha…Thank you…um…so… what’s going to happen now?” questions by the boy.

“Eh? I’m sending you off now and I’m sorry for pulling you from your world but I assure you that you will have fun in our world. Maybe you can get yourself quite a harem too!” said hastily by Nivalis as she waves her hand towards the boy.

“Really?! I’m totally fine with that! But…” the boy hung his shoulders before he continues…

“Hmmm…?” Nivalis tilted her head in confusion.

“I want to see you again…” the boy’s honest answer came and shook Nivalis.

“I’m sorry… we can’t… but… I’ll be always watching over you! Bye!~” she said as she waves her hand to the boy.

“Wai--!”

The boy loses his consciousness and his mind swims into nothingness.

“Is this the… gallant hero?” quizzically said by an old man sitting on a throne as she brushes his beard with his fingers.

“Apparently…yes…” said by a man wearing a shady looking black robe beside him.

“He looks…normal…” commented with fleeting voice by the man in the throne.

The boy stood at the center of a big hall surrounded by men wearing armor from afar. On front of him is an old man with a crown on his head and wears majestic clothes and cape adorned with beautiful engravings.

On his left is a shady man which face is hidden by the hood of his robe.

On his right is an exceedingly beautiful girl who is wearing a beautiful and luxurious dress who stood proudly. She is no match for the goddess, though.

“Hmph…He looks dumb.” snorted by the girl under her breath as she turns her head away from the boy who has a dumb, confused looks on his face.

“Umm…I’m truly sorry for being normal… but…may I ask where I am?” timidly said by the boy.

“Young man, you are now in the throne room of Geydvor Kingdom. I am King Crast Geydvor, the ruler of the entirety of human continent. In my right is Hesty Geydvor, my daughter and in my left is Brielly, my advisor. Name yourself, gallant hero.”

The boy’s mind process the situation rather slow but was able to understand that the people in front of him are royalties so he just did what he was told to.

“Umm… I’m Astlan Lionheart, fourteen years old.” he said while bowing slightly towards King Crast.

Astlan Lionheart, as he said, was only fourteen years old. Has an average height and his body is lean with a little ounce of muscle. His face is neither good nor bad, it’s exceptionally normal except for his dozy eyes.

“I see. Astlan Lionheart is it? That’s a good name…in contrast…your appearance is a bit…failing… Heh.” lightly laughs by the king as if looking down on Astlan.

“Sorry for that. My advisor here will explain everything for you.” the king added.

The advisor besides him steps up and began talking.

This is the Kingdom of Geydvor ruled by King Crast Geydvor. This continent is called Prosperity and its neighboring continents are the Valley of Ancients on the west and Emerald Wood Forest of the elves on the east. Completely opposite from this continent far away is the Demon Continent called Depravity Land. To its west is the land of the Fairies and to its east is the mountain range of the dwarves.

Both are unnamed.

There are also the thousand islands of the beasts in the ridge of the land of elves and dwarves. There’s also a weird continent filled with unknown buildings and odd people who call themselves ethers at the ridge of fairy continent. But there’s one more unnamed continent that exists between the human continent and demon continent.

Another unnamed continent filled with nothing. Not even a tree or any kind of life forms. It’s just an empty land with nothing.

The advisor explained that a year ago, there was a weird activity going on at the demon continent. They painstakingly investigated. Upon reaching a conclusion, they discovered that the demons are probably preparing for a war.

It wasn’t anything special until the war itself declared towards the human by the Demon Lord three months ago.

It’s said that the demons have higher magical power than human as they lived in a magic induced land but their population is few whilst, the humans has so much. But, that alone is not enough to defeat the demons.

The reason Astlan, the hero is summoned into this world is to defeat the demon lord that said to be the most powerful foe for the human.

And for Astlan to defeat him, they will train him to brim.

“With that, we plead for your help. You will help us, right?”

“As long as I can help but… I don’t know how…” said by Astlan as he doubts himself and hung his head was lost in thought.

“Dear Hero, the fact that we successfully summoned you is the proof you have traversed from another world, your body will most likely be destroyed now if you aren’t given a blessing ahead of time by the goddess.” explained by the advisor.

“You’ll see it once you began your training.” he added, assuring Astlan with unproven fact.

“Umm… then…what am I supposed to do…?” timidly asked by Astlan.

“I shall assign a personal servant for you.” said by the advisor as he claps his hands twice, gesturing a servant behind the large door behind Astlan.

Per the gesture of the advisor, I woman garbed with maid attire enters the room. Her wavy brown hair is neatly tied in a ponytail. Her chest swells in moderate size and she stands a bit taller than Astlan. Her skin is healthily colored by the sun but still retaining a fairness into it, unblemished.

As she got close to Astlan, her blue eyes look at him as observing from head to toe with a quick glance and bows towards him with graciousness.

Her womanly scent tinged with a smell of sunflower penetrates Astlan’s nostril making his heart pound. He didn’t felt that way towards the princess who is much fairer.

“I am Helianthus. I shall be your personal servant from now on, Oh Gallant Hero. I pledge my loyalty to you and my life for you to use however you see fit.” the girl introduced herself to Astlan.

“Yes! Please take care of me!” said by Astlan in a hurry as his face gets a bit flushed looking at the servant presented to him.

After that, Astlan was subjected to an intense training the next day, pushing him to his limits without abandon.

The knights and soldiers sneer at him and laugh at his pathetic attempt to properly wield the sword even though it’s natural because he was not familiar with it. Mages and magic scholar discovered that Astlan is capable of countless of magic but due to his capabilities to learn spells together with physical training, they cannot embed a wide array of spells on him.

A week passed and Astlan endures the training and will sprout a smile whatever circumstances befall him. Either he got scorned or looked at with disdain which he doesn’t have any reason why or get insulted by the princess when he passes by her.

Even the king and the advisor started looking at him with less interest and eventually, they just gave him a cold shoulder. They even started whispering beneath their breaths at how to waste the summoning is.

Astlan never minds it and kept the training. He knows himself that he is the one who is lacking. Not them, not anyone, it’s him. For the period of one week, Astlan wheezes and falters on the physical training. In magical training and studies, he tends to doze off or get a headache due to all the information they are trying to plant into his head.

One thing everyone doesn’t know is that Astlan is extremely blessed. They just don’t see it yet or they have any knowledge on how to bring it out.

A magic capability that can compound and kind of magic as he pleases as long as he has an accurate image, a physical prowess that would exponentially grow if he is trained not narrowly but diversely that would explore all of his strength and lastly, Astlan’s soul weapons and god artifact he received.

A soul weapon is a manifestation of the wielders disposition. It gives the use additional skills or extensive power. It can also boost physical and mental strength and fortitude which gives a huge advantage.

Also, the god artifact that was given by another goddess other than Nivalis, the God Sword Artifact called Excelsior that can vanquish any forms of evil is in his possession.

But all of those were obscured by Astlan’s meek and timid nature, not to mention, the only expression his face can make is limited to smile, shock, scared and anything else other than with those in relation with anger or wrath.

“Master, I want to ask something of you,” Helianthus speaks as she courteously bows towards Astlan as she enters the room where he is currently staying.

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The room is simple yet spacious per Astlan’s preference.

The bed is wide enough to accommodate three people, the furniture is simple tanned wood and bookshelf is loaded with books. Beside his bed is a simple table top and some flower decors here and there. There are two windows where the sun can peek and can set is decorated with simple colored but lavish red curtains.

“What’s wrong?” asked by Astlan as he looks at the direction where Helianthus stands while he polishes the plain steel sword in his hand.

“I’m really sorry to be intrusive but I want to know the reason you are letting all insults slide. What’s your reason for being so passive?” she questioned Astlan as she keeps eye contact.

“Ehehehe. Is Helianthus interested on me now?” he said embarrassedly.

“No such thing. It’s part of my job to be concerned over my master’s health. That’s all. Also, I have already pledged my utmost loyalty towards you. You can order me whatever you desire. I may be inexperienced but I can also grant you sexual relief if you just asked.” she said while keeping a straight face.

“S-Sex?! M-My heart is not ready for it!” Astlan shots up as he said that while reddening from ear to ear.

“It’s optional on your side, my master.”

“Ahahaha… Well… I don’t think I have adapted to the common sense of this world. In my world, having…umm….s-sex… at age of fourteen is kind of outrageous… how about here?”

“As long as a girl is capable of reproducing and with consent, although, some twisted fucks here even fancy girls who haven’t even reached that stage. Ooops, I’m utterly sorry for the language.” she hurriedly bows in apology as she lets out her honest thought.

“Are you perchance fancying girls who have not entered the coming of age too, my master?” she added while her eyes stare at him emotionlessly but the air around her becomes threatening.

“Eh?! I…I’m sorry…I kind of actually like loli’s…” he timidly replies.

“Lolis? What are those?” Helianthus tilted her head from Astlan’s answer.

“Ah…umm… they…are those…what you called… underdeveloped girls…” he weakly said.

“…I see.” is her reply from Astlan’s answer, seemingly angry and disgusted.

“B-but those kinds of girls can also be underdeveloped but older than what they actual look! Also, i… I don’t have any s-s-sexual thoughts… about them! Staring is much more satisfying for me! I just want to stare at cute things! T-t-hat’s all…” he said while faltering.

“Whatever you say, My Master.” She said as she looks away from Astlan.

“I was an unwanted child…” Astlan muttered seemingly sad.

“…” Helianthus gaze returns to her master.

“I have three more siblings. Two boys and one girl who are all older than me and they are gifted with talent and brain while I am just a loser who cannot do even a fourth of their feats. Our parents showered them with praises and such and spend a lot of money for them while I receive left over.” Astlan speaks as he gazes outside the window where the greenery of the forest enters his sight.

With longing eyes, Astlan continues.

“Before I knew it, I became an air. Overshadowed by my sibling's achievements but, I didn’t think once badly of them. I am someone who cannot make my parents proud. I just blended into the background for them and give up on vying for our mother and father’s attention. I simply accepted everything as predetermined and so, I became passive to everything, to every insults and criticism. I learned how to not be angry anymore. It’s just a stupid story. My parents won’t even be worried if I went missing.”

Helianthus did not utter a single word after that.

She only stares at Astlan with a straight face, free from any emotions or facial expression. She could not muster the courage to say something.

Helianthus understood that because of Astlan’s life back in his previous world was basically what’s happening in this world too, she is lost at words. Astlan desires no change at all and she understood it judging by how old Astlan is.

A mere fourteen years old asked to be a hero.

But Helianthus is aware of the scheme the royalties has for the hero of this kingdom and she wouldn’t mutter a single word about it as long as she is not asked.

Another week passed and Helianthus observes Astlan carefully.

A man with not so much will and courage to speak of, no or whatsoever pride to flaunt and is always being pushed around. Insult has become a common thing to throw at Astlan. The king, the advisor, and the princess has already started seeing him as an incompetent hero and will completely sneer and belittle him not under their breath anymore but more openly.

She knows well the reason for their disappointment and attitude towards Astlan but it’s not for her to voice out her opinion about it or anything. Instead, she let all those things unfolds before her very own eyes.

Helianthus is, by upbringing and lineage is a servant to the very core. She is well trained that such things won’t shake her but, something about Astlan disturbs her or rather, irritate her.

And for about two weeks, Astlan was given permission to explore the city with Helianthus on tow. The king gave him permission with irritation on his face.

“Ah!~ Outside!~” Astlan said as he stretches out his arms toward the sky.

“I will be guiding you My Master.” exclaimed by Helianthus as she follows Astlan from behind.

“Still, I am surprised that even with all those heavy training, your body fully recovers the next day. Is there any secret about it, My Master?” added by Helianthus.

“Eh? None whatsoever, though, I find it hard to learn anything…” he said he hung his shoulders.

“That aside My Master, how… do you see your stay here?” asked by Helianthus as she keeps walking behind Astlan.

“How you say? I do have a maid back in my world so it’s kind of nostalgic to have you around. No, I can say I am comfortable when you are around! Thank you Helianthus.” he said as he smiles towards the maid.

“I’m glad to be of service to you, My Master.” She said with a blank face. “About how you are treated is what I meant, though.” she coldly added.

“Eh? Is that so? There’s really nothing to it. I’ll just do whatever tasked to me. After all, they are providing me a place to sleep and a food to eat.” he said while smiling a little.

Helianthus clearly saw from his face that he has no other choice and cannot bring himself to be angry at all. It was clear that Astlan just passively accepts everything due to his own upbringing and lack of confidence and pride for his self.

Again, she won’t be doing anything for him as long as it is not ordered. Besides, Astlan rarely asks Helianthus of anything other than superficial questions like what’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Other questions are trivialities such as things he does not comprehend about this world’s ethic and common sense.

And right now, she will just act as Astlan’s guide throughout the day in exploring the city.

“Hmmm…Helianthus, is there any good place to eat?” asked by Astlan as he scratches the back of his head.

“A place to eat, huh? May I lead the way for you? I grow up in this place so I am knowledgeable of every nook and cranny of this city.” Helianthus said as she asks permission.

“Please do!” Astlan said with a smile.

Astlan follows Helianthus through the crowded city of Geydvor. Stalls and stores are everywhere and people walks here and there. Everyone is doing their best to attract a potential customer. The houses are made of stone brick and woods which are a pretty common sight but for Astlan, it was an incredible sight as each house are evenly built.

There are carriages that pass through the sea of people and some cart that is being pulled by an individual. Each brings their respective items and materials.

People are lively and cheerful but some can be seen with depressed or anxious faces.

Among all these clamors, there’s one place that attracts Astlan’s eye.

It’s a rough building with several cages outside. It’s brazenly showing its sales…slaves.

Astlan face didn’t sink or glow, it was only pure curiosity that pulls him there. He is, by values, is kind but Astlan immediately acknowledges that such is just a norm in this world. A world filled with unfortunate upbringing or fate like him.

“My Master, do you want to take a peek inside?” asked by Helianthus as she stares Astlan who is looking at the slave shop.

“Can we?” he asks back.

“I see no reason not to. It’s all your decision anyway,” she said with a blank face.

“Let’s go inside.” he said as his feet take him there.

Inside the building, a man in his mid-forties shows up and gives them a tour inside showing varieties of caged slaves which show different races such as beast kin, elves, dragonkin, fairy kin, dwarves and even demon. A human is not even spared from the fate of slavery.

Most of them are doing their best to appeal, ranging from age of thirteen and above, no gender spared and a showcase of their bests and worse.

But Astlan’s eyes were locked in a single cage and the slave dealer noticed it and beckons him to approach.

For the first time since coming here, Astlan felt depressed.

Inside the cage are two little girls at age of around eight.

One is a beast kin with rabbit ears flopping downwards with dirty blond hair and lifeless emerald eyes to only await death while the other is an elf with a short length silver hair and deep sea blue eyes that are also lifeless. Both of them are thin and pale and they lifelessly lean at each other while they hold hands. Their body is only covered with a thin sheet of rag, not even considered clothes.

“Dear customer, these two are on verge of death. Surely you don’t plan on purchasing them. Well, it’s my profit anyway if you do and I will be able to get rid of them. Their best use will just be a bait and meat shield so I assume that’s your goal, no?” the slave dealer told Astlan about them.

“I’ll buy them.” he said simply.

Because of their state, their purchasing price was so cheap that it is only comparable to ten soup worth. The slave dealer offered of leashing and contract to the slaves but Astlan refuses as he sees no value in doing so.

The two little girls were released from their cage and been groomed a little before being presented to Astlan. The transaction was abruptly finished and Astlan and Helianthus together with the two slaves left the building.

“My Master, what’s the point of purchasing these disgusting beast and elf?!” said by Helianthus with a disgusted face.

“Do you hate other races, Helianthus?” he asks while tilting his head.

“I do hate them to a certain degree but the thing is they are sick and dying. They don’t have any use at all!” she complained to Astlan.

“Well, well, please watch!~” said by Astlan with confidence.

He took the sickly slaves and Helianthus in an empty alley where no eyes can peer at them. He made the two slaves stands side by side.

“My Master, I did tell you that I despite people who fancy children and yet, even though they are not human they are of still young age. Do you plan to relieve your carnal desire upon them?” Helianthus said with great disdain.

“Eh?! No! I don’t want to do that! I just want no one to see this! Look.” he denied Helianthus implication and held out his right hand in the air.

“Excelsior!” Astlan shouted.

A light began to spill from his palm and bright radiance like of a sun filled the place. The light coming out from Astlan’s hand forms a sword, a sword with just one look, you’ll see that this is a godly artifact. As it materializes in Astlan’s hand, rainbow colored light like a prism envelopes it.

Adorned with ancient text that no one can comprehend and artistically and critically made engravings in its hilt will make anyone stare at it for its splendor and beauty. The blade of the sword is thin as glass but in reality, it is unbreakable and it looks ephemeral, the truest beauty of swords crammed in a single blade.

Astlan holds the sword in his hand and Helianthus and the slaves can only look in amazement. Helianthus herself is greatly shaken in existence of such power before her.

“My Master, that sword! Why haven’t you told anyone about your power?! Such power could splendidly heighten people’s evaluation towards you! Even I who lacks the power to fully comprehend the power it holds can just tell by looking that it is something out of this world!” Helianthus hurriedly told her Master about it with a flustered face.

Astlan didn’t answer her or anything. He just smiled towards Helianthus and faces the two children staring at him with wonder.

With calm and gentle face, he smiled again at the two and raises his sword… and then…

SWOOSH!

He swung it sideways cutting through the two slaves, leaving a trail of rainbow light in the place, filling the small alley with beautiful aurora.

The two slaves and Helianthus were surprised at what Astlan did. The two slave faces froze on the spot thinking that their lives were taken and Helianthus mouth was gaping wide from the action of her master.

She simply thought that her master cannot do such thing. But it is proven right the next moment.

The wounds and even the countenance and complexion of the slaves are becoming better at a rapid pace. Their injuries and wounds close by itself right before their eyes. Their pale and unhealthy complexion regain a better color and their faces become flushed as their eyes regain life.

Even their diseases and illness was dispelled by the very moment the sword passes through them. Their body which is weak and feeble starts regaining vigor. The beast kin’s rabbit ears perk and the elven girl’s pointy ear twitch.

A miracle occurred.

It’s the only explanation Helianthus mind can tell. Even her who is in the vicinity felt the surge of divine power sticks to her and made her fatigue vanish.

“All better!” Astlan gladly announces towards the two slaves.

“My Master…are you a god?” Helianthus asked hesitantly.

“Eh..? No.. I am not.” he simply denies it as Excelsior dissipates from his hand and turns into a particle of light until completely disappearing.

“Ahahaha… Helianthus hasn’t seen it until now but, I learned how to use that one day when I was alone in my room,” he added an explanation.

“And you’re keeping it from the king and his subjects?”

“I’m sorry… Helianthus, could you please keep quiet about it? I’ll tell you later more about it.” He pleads as he clasped his hands and bowed down towards her.

“I am your servant, I will do as you told.” she simply said.

Feeling relieved, Astlan smiles at Helianthus and turns to the slaves again but…

“They’re…gone?!” Astlan shouted as the two slaves from earlier was not there already.

“Eh?” Helianthus who rarely shows emotion also made a surprised expression.

“D-did they…run?” he timidly turns to Helianthus.

“Those ungrateful beast and elf, they even didn’t say any words of appreciation towards you, My Master! We should cull them!” she said with anger filled eyes.

“Stop that! Umm… I don’t really mind. If they really wanted to be free, I guess it couldn’t be helped.” Astlan said while stopping Helianthus.

“My Master, you cannot stay meek and timid forever. You should know when to express and act your anger or even your irritation. You cannot simply stay like that forever as it would come biting to you someday.” Helianthus scolded Astlan.

“But… I do think it’s really fine, right?” Astlan tried to reason once more to Helianthus.

“Well, at that age, they could not really do anything but to steal for a living or escape from the city. Either way, they are doomed to death. Those filthy species of brats would simply find their rightful place in the afterlife. They should just accept their fate as your slaves.” she expresses her opinion regarding it.

“D-death?!” Astlan exclaimed upon Helianthus explanation. “T-then we should immediately find them!” he added.

“I am sorry My Master but, that won’t do. You have already wasted money on those filths and you should learn your lesson from it. You won’t find them anymore with the crowd booming all over the place. If you want sexual relief, just confront me already. I have no qualms about it.” she simply said with a stern face.

“Eh…? Ah…?”

“Let’s go. You must be tired, My Master.” she blankly said as she turns her heel.

“O-okay…” Astlan weakly muttered towards Helianthus.

That was the last time Astlan could explore the city.

The next day, just to get rid of him, the king already fixed a plan for his expedition towards the demon continent with a unanimous decision.

Unannounced and unexpected, his and Helianthus belongings were already packed. They are to engage the forces of the demon lord without a single soldier or anyone with them, only knowledge to rely on and Helianthus familiarity with this world.

The reason for their immediate evacuation is because the princess doesn’t like Astlan at all due to his normal appearance and normal or even failing results in his training.

They just only showed a piece of what they called generosity and then kicked out Astlan together with Helianthus.

Astlan himself was fine by it but for Helianthus to be forced to leave too…

“I’m sorry Helianthus because I was so incompetent…even though I kind of know that this would happen but…not immediately like this…” he said as he leans on the carriage given to them under the sun in grassy plains.

It was just him and Helianthus traveling.

“They could have at least let you stay there…” he added with sad countenance towards Helianthus who is preparing a meal.

“My Master, to speak the truth…well… since we are no longer in earshot distance to them, this is the only way they play… or kill time.” she said while her hands and fingers move with dexterity as she cut the bread and filled it with fillings.

“What? What does that mean?” Astlan urges for an answer.

“You see My Master, they do it every month you know. The story about the demon lord invading was a lie. It’s all for their supremacy to send heroes there and harass the demon lord knowing that the hero will only die. You are the fourteenth hero summoned. Also, replacing me is nothing because there are hundreds of us trained servant.” she said as she hands Astlan a finished sandwich.

“Jokes on them, they don’t know your true power. I believe we can get through this. My Master, please take care of me as I don’t have any fighting potential.” she added as she looks at Astlan with gentle eyes.

“Ah…O-Of course!” he answered as his face reddens.

It was the first time Helianthus showed such face as she never did it inside the castle. Astlan thought that Helianthus was simply doing her job and annoyed by Astlan but because she believes in him, his heart sprang up and he got flustered.

“Noo!” a squeal coming from afar was heard.

“Quickly, run!” followed by the scream.

It was a voice of girls who seems to be running.

Astlan and Helianthus quickly reacted to it and left the sandwich unfinished. They rush where the voice was heard and gasp at the sight they look upon at.

The two slaves that Astlan brought yesterday were running away hand in hand from a pack of wolf that came out from the forest.

Both of them was again, full of bruises and their heads are bleeding.

“Helianthus, I’ll go save them!” he promptly shouted at the girl beside him.

“No, My Master, just let those ingrate filths dies a dog’s death.” she said with disdain on her eyes.

Astlan realized that Helianthus must have a deep-rooted grudge against other races despite lightly denying it yesterday it is clearly showing now.