Episode 1: The Three Hopes

My name is Kane… I am a Hero in this world.

Needless to say, I am tall, blond, blue-eyed, and quite handsome.

The only hero in this world, officially recognized by the Calvin Empire, and with my trusty partner, the magic sword Onyx, all demons will perish.

Right now, the world is at war between demonkind and humanity, and humans are at a disadvantage.

But, even in such a situation, there are existences called the "Three Hopes".

First of all, there is me "Kane, the Black Hero".

Considered the Hero of the Empire and the Savior of Mankind.

The most proficient user of Healing Magic in the Holy Church, "Faye, the White Saint".

She is called a goddess with beautiful long silver hair, white skin, and almond eyes.

She is the best healer, said to be the second coming of the Saint.

The Kingdom's Greatest Wizard, "Jamil the Blue Sage".

He has black hair and red eyes, is tall, and his complexion is always blue.

The most powerful wizard who uses a thousand magic spells like a Sage.

The three of us are humanity's strongest warriors.

In this world, no hero, no saint, no sage has been born yet.

Both Faye and Jamil are called saints and sages because of their strength, but their true jobs are Healer and Mage.

In this world where the "Hero" is yet to be born… I am its strongest member.

◆◆◆

"Hero Kane, for your valiant defeat of the Demon Leader Burdo, I bestow upon you the Most Distinguished King's Flowers Order of Merit."

"I am honored."

"As expected of Sir Kane, this is his 13th medal."

"Most people receive such decorations only once in a lifetime, but to think that he's earned such medals in succession…"

"That is the savior of mankind… the Brave Hero Kane."

It's the usual scene.

It's a natural thing for me who fights on the front line.

"You're still as amazing as ever."

"What was that, Faye?"

"It's nothing, just don't overdo it."

"That being said, the world will be in trouble if we don't step up here… we have to do it, don't we?"

"My goodness, you really just don't listen to what I say, it can't be helped."

"But you're so amazing… you're doing an incredible job, so no matter what achievements I make, they'll fade away."

Sometimes we fight together, sometimes we fight alone, and we keep a proper distance.

I would really like to form a party, but it's not possible because of the national situation.

Fighting the demons should be the priority, but our countries are not united due to conflicts of interest… it's ridiculous.

◆◆◆

I have one thing to hide, or rather, we don't tell anyone.

That is, me and Faye are lovers.

A hero and a saint, if you think about it normally, that's a good match, right?

But I am from the Empire and Faye is from the Holy Church in another country.

If we were to talk about getting married, both countries would probably have a dispute over ownership.

That's why our relationship is a secret.

Jamil is the only one who knows about it besides the two of us.

I disguised myself as usual and waited for Faye, but she didn't show up at the meeting place.

It's unusual for the punctual Faye to be late… while I was waiting, a child adventurer brought me a letter.

"For me?"

"Yes, the Saint gave it to me."

"Thank you."

I gave him a copper coin as a reward and took the letter.

The letter said…

[There is a village being attacked, so I'm going with Jamil to subdue them.]

That's what was written.

Odd.

If demons are attacking the village… why didn't they call me?

Today is the day I'm meeting with Faye, so she should know I'm available.

It's odd that they didn't call me in this situation.

But… is that what you mean?

There are only a few demons, so we can defeat them ourselves… is that what you mean?

That's odd too.

If such a small group of demons can be easily defeated, then Jamil's personality would be to go alone.

If Jamil wants to take credit, there's no way he'd invite Faye to join him.

"Those two"

This really stood out to me.

But they are two of the strongest people in the world.

Even if they are demon leaders, they will easily defeat them.

I thought so.

"I have no choice but to cancel today's date…I'll go back to the inn and go to bed."

Come to think of it, I had pushed myself pretty hard to have a day off today.

I had been fighting without a break for a while now.

All right… I'm going to sleep to death today.

With that in mind, I went back to the inn.