Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 83

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 83   Neo New Mermel

The northwestern tip of the southern continent, rich in natural beauty because it remains undeveloped.

On the beach facing the sea, where ships travel to and from the western continent, also known as the human continent.

While Ars and his group continue their journey, gaining new companions along the way, little angel Mermel, who is also working hard to achieve accomplishments today, takes a breather in front of the campfire as a reward for completing another day successfully.

“Phew~. Milk after work is the best. Now, what did I do today again? I watered the wilting flowers, comforted a child who had fallen, and shared some milk with a weak dog, right? I really accomplished a lot today~.”

Doing good deeds every day like this is almost too impressive, thought Mermel, sipping the milk given by the parent of the child she comforted.

Indeed, each deed may seem small on its own.

However, the flowers saved by Mermel, the child who regained positivity, and the dog with a full stomach thanks to her, undeniably exist.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Being kind to someone little by little.

This is what Mermel had learned as a very important lesson during her three years since descending to the lower world.

She spoke these words with a sleepy expression, as it was already night.

But then, suddenly…

The campfire, which had been adjusted to a comfortable level, suddenly roared and began to blaze fiercely, threatening to burn everything in its path.

“What the heck!? Why is the campfire so lively all of a sudden?!”

Panicked by the unexpected intensity, she realized that if the fire continued to grow, it could reach the houses away from the beach, creating a very serious situation. If she didn’t control the fire quickly, people might get hurt. It might even set fire to the house of the child she had helped today.

Even a little girl who usually enjoyed the campfire leisurely couldn’t remain calm when thinking about the people she had helped.

She couldn’t allow such a thing to happen.

“I won’t lose! There’s no way an elite angel like me will lose to a fire! Calm down! Calm down right now!!”

She put all her strength, which had diminished after being cast down, into trying to control the fire. In the past, Mermel would have shouted, “I’ve messed up!” and run away.

However, after learning about the dangers of dragon veins from a human who had taught her with an iron claw, reflecting on her past failures to control the dragon veins, and the cumulative effect of her good deeds, she couldn’t bring herself to give up this time.

This was the growth of the little angel, different from how she used to be.

“Don’t underestimate me…! Don’t underestimate Mermel!!”

How much time had passed as she fought the fire? The once roaring campfire gradually diminished until it returned to its original size.

It was a complete victory for the grown-up elite angel, Mermel.

“Phew. I did it. It was quite a formidable opponent, but it was no match for me.”

Praising herself for staying calm even in such a situation, she took her place in front of the campfire once again.

“But merely controlling a fire like this isn’t enough. I mustn’t get complacent. To achieve something that would truly astonish the Archangel, I need to accomplish something much bigger. As an elite, I have to do something grand.”

Considering that the Archangel Preanis was quite strict, Mermel felt a bit anxious that this achievement might not count as much.

However, as if to see through her worries, a voice suddenly called out from behind Mermel as she stared at the campfire.

“That’s not true. You are a splendid angel who continues to exceed my expectations with your accomplishments. As the one who sent you to the lower world, and as the one who imposed this final trial by fire, I am very proud of you.”

“Huh? …Oh! Archangel!”

“It was impressive, Mermel. To think that you would control the flames I ignited with even greater mastery… Truly, I am in awe.”

Standing there was none other than her former superior, the Archangel Preanis. Winking at Mermel, who had unexpectedly passed the final trial, Preanis praised her, saying, “You have completely surpassed me in the attribute of fire.”

Yes, the entire series of rampaging flames was orchestrated by the Archangel as a test to see how much Mermel had grown through her many adventures.

Of course, since it was deliberately caused, even if Mermel had failed this final trial, the fire would have subsided on its own, and no harm would have come.

But it seemed that such worries were unnecessary.

With these thoughts, Preanis turned a loving smile towards Mermel, who had turned to look at her, and slowly embraced her.

“You’ve done well so far. I’ve been watching from the celestial realm. I’ve seen you being kind to others, defeating evil, and guiding heroes on their journeys…”

She patted Mermel’s head, saying, “Good job, good job,” recounting her accomplishments over the past three years.

She knew everything.

The accumulation of small good deeds.

The defeat of evil dragons and villains at the campfire.

The secret accompaniment on the hero’s journey, helping and guiding with little bits of luck—all of it.

“Did I manage to surprise you, Archangel?”

“Yes. I was very surprised. Your remarkable achievements truly befit the title of elite angel.”

“I see…”

If that’s the case, perhaps with the accomplishments she has now, with the experiences she’s gained through her journey, reclaiming her position as an elite angel might not be just a dream.

So maybe, it’s okay to return to the celestial realm now.

Such thoughts crossed Mermel’s mind, just a little bit.

“What will you do? Will you return to the celestial realm and resume your role as an elite angel? I wouldn’t mind and would be happy if you did.”

“Hmm…”

But, for some reason, Mermel felt that she had so much left to do, so many things she still wanted to accomplish, that leaving the lower world now seemed like a waste.

Because this little angel…

“No, I’ll stay. I feel like I can still achieve something big. Don’t underestimate me.”

Yes.

Because this little angel always aimed for grand goals, she was a great young angel.

In other words, this was Mermel’s super dream.

With her inherent luck and confidence, and the endless dreams she chased by the campfire, she was the ultimate challenger.

That was the something she wanted to achieve in this lower world.

“I see… Hehe. But, I had a feeling you would say that. So, to celebrate your passing the final trial of fire, I have a present for you.”

Hearing the word “present,” Mermel’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She loved events like this, always eager to receive anything she could get.

“What? What is it? Are you giving me something?”

“Yes, a very special present.”

Saying this, Preanis gently kissed Mermel on the forehead and placed a gold medal around her neck, which she had taken out from somewhere. The gold medal depicted Mermel in her angel form, smiling and making a peace sign.

Moreover, inscribed on the back of the gold medal was:

──── Hereby recognizing you as Mermel, the guiding angel who governs fire and fortune. ──── With high expectations for your future as an elite angel, from all your friends in the celestial realm.

These were words of encouragement. The little angel beamed with a big smile.

“Hehe, everyone thinks I’m amazing?”

“Yes, they do. You are amazing. And in addition! As a reward for your hard work, I present you with a box of choco marshmallows that I was going to have as my snack! How’s that, do you feel motivated?”

Receiving the gold medal and the box of choco marshmallows from Preanis, the little angel held them carefully and joyfully. With the coveted “good job” and encouragement from everyone in the celestial realm, plus the delicious choco marshmallows, she was very pleased.

However, her eyes were more focused on the choco marshmallows than the gold medal, and the drool running down her chin showed that was all she could think about.

At that moment, as if to bless the new journey of this little foodie angel, a radiant, rainbow-colored meteor shone brightly in the night sky, reflecting the big dreams hidden in her small body.

“Now, go forth. Mermel, the guiding angel of fire and fortune. From today, you shall embark on your journey as Neo New Mermel!”

“Yes…! I feel an incredible surge of power! From today, I am Neo New Mermel! Could it be that I’ve become invincible?! Fire! Fire! FHOooo!”

The somewhat enthusiastic Archangel bestowed a new nickname and sent off the decorated little angel. Despite the lighthearted mood, the power of the angel remained strong, and the campfire controlled by Mermel, who had mastered fire, blazed more magnificently than ever.

However, no matter how fiercely it burned, it wasn’t hot, shining as the “Heavenly Sacred Fire” that only destroyed evil beings.

That’s great, Mermel.

From now on, you can enjoy campfires to your heart’s content.

Don’t forget to thank the Archangel who gave you this trial.

“Thank you! And goodbye, Archangel! I promise I’ll become great and come back, so look forward to it!”

Overwhelmed with excitement from being recognized by everyone, Mermel sprouted her angel wings and flew off energetically. Her cheerful flight was so wild and unrestrained that it seemed to embody the unpredictable journey ahead for the little angel.

“She’s gone. Judging by that direction, she might end up near the Calamiera in the western continent… In any case, the thought of seeing her adventures again makes me unexpectedly excited. Was it ‘Fhooo!’? Hehe.”

As the Archangel Preanis imitated the little angel who had flown away like a bullet, she felt a bit of happiness. Before she knew it, her figure had disappeared.