Before breakfast with Ariana, Anyi was provided with a platinum-colored outfit, prepared specially by the Aldrich believers. After changing, he learned that the third Hero was about to arrive, causing a delay in their breakfast plans. Since the fourth Hero was still far away, it was decided that only the two Heroes present and the Holy Maiden would dine together for now.
Before breakfast, Anyi was led to the main hall. From a distance, he spotted Ariana sitting on the Holy Seat. Her legs couldn’t fully reach the ground, and where there was usually one seat, now there were four. This arrangement signified equality among the Holy Maiden and her Heroes, reflecting their shared responsibility. The seats were arranged with Anyi to Ariana’s left, followed by the Thorn Hero and the Shield Hero.
Uncertain of the purpose behind his being brought to the hall, Anyi quietly listened as the believers reported various happenings across the land.
"Four Heroes have been born in Castelmog Duchy and are on their way to meet," a believer announced. "In the Agueros Kingdom, ten Heroes have emerged from their seven territories. Six are gathering for a meeting, while four have set off separately to hunt monsters."
"Matas village has birthed a Hero, the Dog Hero," another continued, "who possesses canine attributes—sense of smell, hearing, fangs, vision, taste, and more. However, the Dog Hero requested that the Holy Maiden revoke his Hero status because he has developed an unusual interest in his family's excrement and urine."
At this, Anyi smiled lightly and commented, "The Hero is a gift from Kami-sama, so the Holy Maiden can't revoke his status. He’ll just have to deal with it."
The believer acknowledged Anyi's words with a bow, saying, "It is as you say, Sword Hero-sama." After the first report ended, another believer stood to continue with the updates.
Ariana turned her head slightly and whispered, “How do you know that I can’t erase a Hero’s status?”
In a low voice, Anyi responded, “Well, that’s true. At this moment, all Heroes are united against the monsters, and since they were chosen by Kami-sama, they must possess certain abilities and talents. If any of them lose their status, wouldn’t that imply their talents are inferior? Especially if they can’t subdue the monsters?”
Ariana blinked in realization. “So it’s like that,” she murmured, impressed. She hadn’t thought about it from that perspective. 'Sword Hero must be a talented individual,'
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Although she was a special Hero herself, Ariana didn’t actually have the authority to remove another Hero’s status. Listening to yet another report, Anyi began to feel the boredom creep in.
He reflected silently, It's not necessary for a Hero to have unique attributes. This entire journey is just a 'farming game,' pushing Heroes toward the same goal—the Demon Lord. Eventually, they’ll all face the same 'Boss' at the end. Yet, the believers of the Aldrich Theocracy seemed oblivious to the larger picture. They believed the Holy Maiden, innocent and lacking worldly experience, to be the ultimate leader of all the Heroes. That’s why they kept pouring in, one report after another, assuming this routine was crucial.
With a sigh, Anyi closed his eyes, suppressing his frustration. What a waste of time…
Suddenly, he stood up, interrupting the monotonous flow of reports. “People, I have an idea.”
The believers, caught off guard, raised their eyebrows and turned their attention to him, curiosity evident on their faces. Ariana, still focused on the reports, glanced toward him, wondering what he was about to say.
Anyi's proposal took root quickly. The believers, initially skeptical, couldn’t deny the logic in his suggestion. Ariana's swift approval sealed the deal.
"Do as the Sword Hero says," she repeated, her voice firm yet calm.
"Yes, Holy Maiden Sama!" The believers, energized by her command, launched into excited chatter.
"Efficiency... of course! We've been so inefficient!" one muttered, pacing in thought.
"Maps will make everything clearer," another chimed in, their eyes wide with realization.
“I’ll go purchase maps of the regions immediately!” one of the believers exclaimed before rushing off.
Before long, the entire atmosphere in the hall shifted. Where once there had been a methodical and monotonous procession of reports, now there was a bustling movement of believers gathering tools, parchment, and ink.
As the believers dispersed, Ariana turned to Anyi, her tone measured. "Your suggestion was effective, Sword Hero, but truthfully, I did not find it difficult or uncomfortable to listen to their reports."
Though Anyi had spoken as if the tedious reports were unbearable, Ariana herself had endured them without trouble. The believers had presented their information in an orderly fashion, and for her, the task was not as strenuous as he implied.
"Holy Maiden," Anyi's voice took on a sharp edge, "you must not misunderstand the situation. I came here to fight monsters by your side, not to waste time listening to endless reports." He stepped down from the high seat, his gaze unwavering as he addressed her. "If you think your duty as a Hero is to sit idly and hear the daily movements of others, then stay here. But as for me, I will use the power given to me by Kami to fight, even if I must do so alone."
"Are you angry?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly as she hurried to catch up with him, her hand grasping the edge of his sleeve.
"Angry?" Anyi glanced at her, his expression cold. "I don't need your help or anyone else's. Just coming here was a waste of my time."
In this time of his past live, he would have already slain a hundred goblins, monsters that plagued the world. As they stepped out of the main hall, a voice rang out behind them. "Holy Maiden Sama! Sword Hero Sama! The third Hero has arrived!"
It was [Thorn Hero, Miruku Sinsa].