In the World of Midgar 52 — Hero Summoning (6)

꒰ঌ Hero Summoning 6

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"Oh, hero. It is time to set out on your journey."

"Understood!"

Haru and Plue were knelt in front of the king with bowed heads. There were several unfamiliar faces on standby next to the king's throne. Haru figured that they were most likely the people who were going to become his companions.

"Manpower and weapons. We have gathered everything you will need to the best of our abilities. First, there is the pride of our nation, Plue the Sword Saint."

"PUUN!" The Sword Saint answered the king with his usual way of speaking.

Oh, come on. At least talk normally in front of the king.

Haru wondered if this would be counted as an insult. But apparently, this wasn't unusual, and no one reacted.

The elf grandpa was next on the list.

"This here is Mitokado the Acolyte, a master of heaven-arts and my advisor."

"On my life, I swear I will be of service."

He must be pretty strong to have his name called so early. They told me that he's one of the few survivors from the fight with Ouzelia Lucifen one thousand years ago, so this might actually be a smart choice.

"This is Ayame. She is a promising new star who graduated at the top of her class from Svel's magic academy. She knows some swordsmanship as well, since she was taught by her father, the legendary mercenary Teuchi. She will surely support you well during your journey."

"It is such an honor to have been chosen for this, Your Majesty."

The one who replied was one of the people who had been waiting by the king's side, a pretty brown-haired girl who had her hair worn in a ponytail. She was the spitting image of a conventional mage with her white mantle over a black shirt and white skirt.

I kinda feel like her skirt is a little short. Whatever, though. Is she trying to invite me or something?

"From the same country, Svel, we have steel golems that were made and sent to us by the Witch Queen Juvia herself. It seems that almost all the golems had been destroyed by Fiona of the Twelve Zodiac's Guardians, but they still sent us these posthaste after hearing that the hero was about to depart on his journey."

Some inelegant-looking golems stepped forward with a clank. Judging from the feeling of pressure they gave off, they were just as strong as the Sword Saint.

"And just in case, there will always be ten Rangers from our covert ops units following you and supporting you from the shadows. They are all elite agents over level 50."

That was when Haru noticed a group of people in all black who had appeared by the king's side at some point. Their faces were hidden as well. When they noticed Haru's gaze, they gave him a thumbs up.

"And then there are the Black Emperor's treasures, brought back from the Grave of the Black Emperor by the four members of team Cardinal. You all may choose from the best of these, and take them with you."

After hearing the king's proclamation, Plue, Mitokado, and Ayame's eyes all widened, sparkling with interest. Haru didn't understand why, but he could tell that whatever he was being given was apparently worth quite a lot.

At least I won't be sent out with just a wooden stick or something.

Weapons were brought out and presented to Haru and the others. Ayame, Mitokado, and the dog Plue seemed truly happy as they looked upon the weapons.

Unfortunately, Haru wasn't very knowledgeable about weapons, but the ones in front of him gave off such a powerful feeling that even he could tell they were strong at a glance.

I see. No wonder why these people seemed so happy. They're pure warriors and mages who are true inhabitants of this world.

"Now, the time has come for you to set off. Hero, and all your companions, listen well! Make sure you defeat the evil Grimm King and the revived Black Emperor, and clear the dark skies hanging over us all!" the king declared.

At the same time, everyone stood up. All their gazes focused on Haru, who hadn't been keeping up with what was going on, causing him to panic and stand. As soon as he did, trumpets sounded around him, playing an unfamiliar melody. Added to that were the cheers of the people gathered outside the castle. They were so loud it almost hurt.

"Now go, Hero!"

This was when it finally hit Haru that it was time for him to go. Right now.

Huh? Isn't this too fast? Wouldn't you normally discuss this with me beforehand or give me a day or something? But it was already too late. Everyone's gazes concentrated on Haru, as if telling him to go already.

With no other choice, Haru resigned himself and started walking, half in desperation. He was followed by a retinue, as if he were leading some sort of parade. When he got out of the castle, people crowded around to get a look at him as they cheered.

Oh no. This is really embarrassing. Haru's face turned red, and he started walking faster. I just need to get out of the capital for now. I can think after that.

After that, the parade that was basically a public execution continued for a few minutes before Haru finally reached the gates.

Now, this is when it starts — my adventure to save the world.

This is a heroic saga, one that I thought was only ever possible in games, that I'd be looking at from the safety of the other side of the screen. But right now, I'm living one. I am the main character. The only difference is that I don't get continues.

Haru couldn't stop himself from getting nervous, and he started to sweat.

Don't be afraid. Just don't.

Now then, I need to face forward and go. But to be honest, I don't think I'm suited for this. There's gotta be people way more fitting for this than me. Like, wouldn't a soldier with an anti-tank gun or something be way stronger and more reliable than some high school student?

But in the end, I am the hero. So let's go.

So as to not worry his companions, Haru took a step forward. At that instant, black feathers entered his vision. Right afterwards, a black angel descended.

She had a golden mantle on over a pitch-black feathery dress. The ominous black wings which were her symbol were on full display, spreading out from behind her. Her golden hue hair was flowing like those majestic bird's tails. And her looks could only be described as unparalleled.

However, the ground crumbled beneath her simply from her touching down. Just the absolute power of her presence caused the ranger unit behind Haru to have their legs give out from under them.

"Huh? No way. That's…"

"O-O-O-O-Ouz-Ouzelia Lucifennnnn?!"

Ayame muttered, scared, while Mitokado out-and-out screamed.

Thought so. It's obvious. I can feel my legs giving out just from looking at her. My body is just giving in to fear on its own. There's no doubt. That's 'her'.

She's the Black Emperor!

— A wild Ozelia Lucifen appeared!

Even while imagining such a dumb notice popping up, Haru couldn't allay his fear.

Fear. Exactly. Right now, Haru was experiencing an unprecedented level of fear. His teeth were chattering and everything.

Oh, no. I can't fight that. There's no way. I can't do it. That's a monster in human skin. I'm not even in the same dimension that would be required to attempt to face that.

But… aagghh… Why is reality so cruel?

To Haru, just encountering the Black Emperor on the first step of his journey was a nightmare, but the nightmare continued.

Lucifen looked up into the sky. Lured in by that action, Haru also looked up… and there he found yet another monster.

… It was a white man with inhuman deathly skin but good looks. Dark purple veins line his face and a black diamond-shaped marking in the center of his forehead. His long, spiky silver hair fluttered in the wind, and his crimson red eyes glowing. A pitch-black mantle covered his entire body, and the air around him warped as if he were just a mirage. And, horror of horrors… the strength of his presence didn't fall behind that of the black-winged girl. Haru didn't even want to think about it. He wished he hadn't noticed.

The white man touched down at a slow, leisurely pace.

He stood opposite Lucy with Haru and the others sandwiched between them. He faced off against the Black Emperor, who happened to be on their other side.

Hey, stop that, goddammit. Don't put us between you. Haru wanted to scream.

"Wha— Ah… No way… Wha— … Oh Goddess, no…"

Mitokado looked so pale Haru was worried he would die right then and there. His eyes were tearing up, and his face was twisted in despair. Apparently Mitokado knew the man as well. He knew the white man and feared him.

"Grimm…"

"Huh?"

"Grimm King… ! Why is the Grimm King here…?!"

—A wild Grimm King appeared! On the first step…

Having been suddenly pincered by a double-last-boss encounter with the Black Emperor and the Grimm King, the hero party had one thought: What kind of punishment is this?!

And Haru thought something else: … Are we just dead now?

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