I' M the Hero!

"So, what did I say, Priest?" I inquired.

"Ah..."

"Not all the poor are good."

As I drew nearer, the extent of her injuries became painfully evident.

Naturally, I understood the events that had transpired. I had observed this young woman's journey from start to finish.

Her face was streaked with tears and her nose was runny. Despite her fear, I managed to feign empathy, even though I didn't truly feel it. At this moment, I must have seemed like a savior sent from the heavens.

But what intrigued me most was the complete turnaround she had undergone since the morning encounter with Sun Hee-young. One corner of my mouth curled into a knowing smile.

"As expected, humans are peculiar creatures."

The situation had flipped entirely. The impoverished individuals she had so passionately defended had turned out to be the culprits, while the man she despised had become her rescuer.

Suppressing my laughter was a challenge, considering the circumstances.

Contrasting with the composed and dignified Sun Hee-young of the morning, the girl before me bore a battered face and tattered clothing. Had I not intervened sooner, she would have been in grave peril.

"Alas..."

At that moment, the tears I had intentionally welled up in my eyes began to fall.

I sensed the man who had been tugging at Sun Hee-young's hair and the ruffians who seemed to be waiting their turn observing me closely.

"Who are you?"

"No need for you to know, scum."

"Don't attempt arrogance with me, you bastard. Tell me who you are."

"Stay still."

Yet, I didn't possess the confidence to eliminate everyone present. As a modest Magician, I knew my limitations, especially with a sizable number of opponents surrounding me.

I doubted Jung Hayan could manage this group singlehandedly, despite her preparations for spells behind me. I had to stall for time.

However, facing these types of people bolstered my self-assurance. They displayed weakness toward the strong and strength when confronted by the weak.

As anticipated, apprehensive expressions began to spread throughout the crowd.

Our anonymity as both myself and Jung Hayan was enough to trigger their anxiety.

"W-Where do you hail from?"

"No need to know."

"That..."

The moment I turned my head to glance behind me, Jung Hayan started uttering the incantation she had memorized. Before her voice fully resonated, a new surge of magical energy permeated the surroundings, entrapping them.

Screams erupted sporadically in an implausible scenario.

Sun Hee-young, her eyes wide with terror, broke into a run toward us. She must have realized that my intervention was her only escape from the predicament. Meanwhile, a cacophony of screams reverberated from the baffled masses, ignorant of the unfolding events.

Everyone here understood we were responsible for the upheaval, which explained her inclination to approach us for protection.

"I did warn you it was hazardous, didn't I?"

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your assistance."

"You can relax now, priest. You're safe." While I assured her, my attention shifted to the man who had initially targeted her. He was shamelessly exposed for all to see.

"How did you wander around the slums on your own fare? Seems like you've had a bit of an excursion."

"Thank you. Thank you for helping. Come on, let's go... Please... Let's leave..."

From my vantage, Sun Hee-young seemed unable to articulate her thoughts coherently. Her instinct urged her to flee the area. It baffled me how she survived the tutorial dungeon if this incident traumatized her so profoundly.

Nonetheless, my intention was to engage in a serious conversation with her. That had been the purpose behind steering her toward this course of action. Her traumatized visage left me feeling like I had stepped into something unsavory.

"Let this slide."

"Yeah?"

"I'm a woman who doesn't desire the world to be privy to this. Please..."

"What do you think?"

"What..."

"Now that you've immersed yourself in the guise of poverty, you've witnessed their true nature, correct?"

"You're right. You were right. Everything you said was accurate."

Yet, I sensed her thought processes were askew. Her countenance only projected urgency. It wasn't remorse for her mindset; it was a desperate plea to escape the situation.

"Hayan, dispel the magic."

"Alright, Kee."

"Please don't do it!"

The spell I requested Hayan to undo wasn't the restraining magic she had cast on the men, but the illusionary magic she had placed on Sun Hee-young. Its purpose was to unveil her true facial features.

As Jung Hayan gradually dismantled the enchantment, Sun Hee-young's features came into focus.

"Stare straight ahead."

"Sure..."

The criminals who had tried to intimidate our revered priest paled in the face. They had only now realized the seriousness of their wrongdoing. Their erroneous target remained blatantly obvious despite their regret being apparent.

They had mistreated a girl who was wanted by every clan.

Observing their distress and paleness, I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Do you all still want to live?"

Witnessing nods from the crowd, I continued speaking.

"This woman... Are you willing to harm her?"

The man's face displayed a mix of confusion and fear, prompting me to elaborate.

"No, I don't actually intend to let you harm her. I'm merely attempting to reveal your true colors to her. She's tended to your needs for so long. What did they call her? The Saint of the Forsaken...?"

The man nodded, somewhat dazed.

"Why... Why are you saying this?" Sun Hee-young stammered.

"Personally, I pity this woman. She's invested all her time trying to assist individuals like you, only for you to prove her wrong firsthand."

"If you deny this, you die."

"Y-Yes, we're willing to."

"Very well."

Sun Hee-young now stood with an impassive expression.

"W-What... Why..."

"Silence, you wretches, and heed my words. It's not like anything will change anyway."

"Can I truly pursue my desires...?"

I nodded, and my monologue continued. "Certainly. It's inconsequential whether you complete your intentions."

"Is this real?"

"I can't say whether I'm fortunate or not, but first and foremost, thank you for rescuing me." Sun Hee-young interjected, a mixture of relief, sorrow, and fear in her gaze.

"Sir..."

"Enough, you scoundrel. Regardless, you're all the same. A band of indolent swine who derive pleasure from tormenting others. Have you no shame?"

"I didn't intend..."

"Intend what? You all assumed our dear priest had fallen ill, allowing you to shirk your duties and gallivant around at night."

"Indeed." Even in this circumstance, the man with burn marks had the audacity to speak confidently. A mere look at his demeanor told me he was born a bastard.

At this point, Sun Hee-young's fear had transformed into resignation. I couldn't ascertain her current emotions, but embarrassment seemed to surpass fear.

I couldn't fathom what it's like to have one's life's purpose repudiated, but it must feel akin to losing one's identity.

Finally, the anticipated outcome materialized.

"Oh..."

A mournful exclamation broke the silence.

"Fuhhhhh."

Taking deliberate steps forward, I could understand why those who had attempted to encircle Sun Hee-young were now slowly retreating.

As I shifted my gaze back to Sun Hee-young, she met my gaze with an expression defying easy description.

"Ugh... This wasn't necessary."

"Can we engage in a proper conversation now?"

"This wasn't necessary... Ugh..."

"I merely assisted you in comprehending the reality here. So, was I right all along?"

"You were right. Ugh, you were right, and I was wrong. I..."

"No. That's not the point."

"What..."

"You aren't wrong."

"What do you mean?"

"Take it literally, Sun Hee-young. You're not in the wrong. You're simply noble. Sacrificing for others is a feat beyond ordinary people."

"I admire you. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't muster the strength to serve these people daily. You've moved far beyond societal expectations. Literally everything. You abandoned it all. While others wavered, you remained steadfast. You piqued the interest of clans and guilds. Indeed, you're noble."

"That's foolish."

"You didn't make them lazy swine. My previous words were born of envy toward something I lack. Your virtuous, exquisite, and genuine nature eludes me. It's me who is warped."

I noticed her clenching her fists.

I couldn't discern whether she found solace or if she still wept over her current state. Nevertheless, she seemed to acknowledge her transformed mindset.

"You were never mistaken."

"Yes, I suppose... Ugh..."

"You're exceptional."

"Yes..."

"You are deserving of respect."

"Yes..."

"The ones in error are..."

"...Them."

"Now you see the futility of sacrificing for a swine incapable of appreciating you."

"Those who betray you without grasping the gifts they've received are truly at fault. They taint Lindel, the Holy Empire, and society at large. Nobles may contribute, but the presence of such individuals stagnates progress. Yes. These are the reasons the slums stagnate, your noble aspirations are misunderstood, and your light remains unfulfilled."

"Perhaps you're right..."

"I don't condemn those striving to rise, but those who don't even contemplate standing. They're the rot within this place."

"I concur."

"Very well, then..."

Sun Hee-young gazed up at me in silence.

"Let us commence true service, Priest."

My previous spiel held no fitting retort.

However...

Sun Hee-young slowly straightened and accepted the dagger I proffered.

"Let's beautify Lindel together."