When I said, "You can be a hero," to a child with no talent, he really started to become a hero, so I acted like I knew what I was doing, like I was a wise master.

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A kick from Will that could be described as high-speed pierced the fourth commander, Zaliband, and sent him flying out of the country.

Outside the nation, the elite of the fairy tribe were battling the demons. As if to surpass that, Will kicked the commander out, and they faced off in a place that looked like a wasteland.

“Damn it, I, who have the strength second only to the Cursed King, to be defeated by an inferior race…”

“…I’ll defeat you.”

Will’s backhand glows. Particles of light appeared, and just when they thought they’d converged, something divine like a rune character emerged. It wasn’t typical fairy magic, nor demonic otherworldly magic, nor spirit magic made with a contract with a spirit… It was Ancient Magic. A magic from the ancient people that existed 3,000 years ago, before the existence known as the Hero. Now, almost no one can use it.

The only known users are Hero Dan and Great Sage Linlin. Hero Dan was able to learn Ancient Magic after being thoroughly taught by Lin in one-on-one sessions. However, Lin’s skill was superior. Lin can simultaneously execute five magics, while Hero Dan can only handle one. Still, Ancient Magic is a powerful magic.

“No way… Hero Dan’s pillar of light, Lord of Babel…”

The light traveled through the fist into the sword, transforming into a giant sword of light that seemed capable of slashing the sky itself. The blade grew in length and thickness, becoming a great sword, which Will swung.

The threat of the magic that creates a sword of light, said to be capable of tearing through everything, is well known by everyone. That’s why the demon Zaliban Defett remained committed to evasive actions.

Despite having a physical strength that is incomparable to humans and a clear racial strength, he understood. That sword is an unreasonable mass that can kill oneself…

(Why can this man use an ancient magic that only the hero Dan was said to be able to use?! I don’t even understand the meaning behind him hiding it until just now.)

(Even if it’s not as much as the hero Dan… this is clearly within reach… by me…)

The demons moved around each other freely, avoiding Will’s sword. Gradually, they began to feel a sense of incongruity in their offense and defense.

(They’re reading us… they’re gradually cornering us… The opportunity for counterattack is slowly fading…)

Assuming that Will’s movements were a clear indication of his own movements, they sensed him moving. It was a combat prediction akin to future sight, causing even themselves to move, attempting to make a move that would finish him off.

Control. In a sense, this might be the perfected method of battle for Will as a hero, the ultimate form. This was overwhelming even for the Four Heavenly Kings. He kicked the ground so hard it dug in, diving into the demon’s chest. Light fell like lightning from head to toe, tearing through the demon.

“Sky Slasher!”

The one strike of hope from the future easily tore apart despair. Light rained down from head to feet, and the demon was torn asunder.

Will serves the True Curse King Balkan and defeated the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings, Zaliban Defett. The ground was gouged and a long crater-like mark was left in the aftermath of his sword. Despite triumphing over a formidable enemy, Will’s expression remained clouded. It was because a danger signal based on his intuition had been resonating in his mind like a high-volume speaker, causing this unease.

In response to that unease, a figure with blue hair and tawny skin appeared. Two horns protruded from its head. The expression on its face was clearly that of a powerful being, filled with a combative aura. Its black cape fluttered, and a certain demon descended from the sky.

“Ohoho, to think you’d defeat one of my subordinates. Quite impressive,” it said.

“You… Balkan…”

“Yes, indeed… Should I introduce myself properly? I am the Curse King Balkan.”

“…? I’m not Hero Dan though.”

“Oh? I remember that ancient magic, the Pillar of Light, Road of Babel, could only be used by Hero Dan’s lineage.”

“…”

“Could it be that you inherited it? That’s impossible. I’ve been watching from afar, and it was undoubtedly the beautiful swordplay of Hero Dan.”

“…I don’t care if you praise me, demon king. But I can say this much. I am not Hero Dan.”

“Well, that’s fine. I am convinced that you are Hero Dan. Since no one knows your true face, I can deceive you as much as I want.”

“…I’ve said it many times, but I’m not Hero Dan.”

“Ohoho, I don’t understand the difference… but let’s begin soon. A battle that will determine the fate of the world.”

The demon king spread both hands. At that moment, ominous magic power stirred the atmosphere. The presence of magic, aura, truly the pinnacle of despair, an existence opposed to the hero, conveyed itself painfully.

“…This is the True Curse King Balkan.”

“Ohoho, he’s stronger than the Curse King Daidalos you defeated before.”

“…I didn’t defeat him myself… but why have you attacked again? Is it for revenge?”

“I have no interest in revenge. I’ve never really talked to my father, and I don’t care about the other demons who died.”

“…”

“The same goes for the Four Heavenly Kings you defeated. They are mere pawns.”

“…”

“Pawns, indeed. With just me, I could destroy or dominate this world…”

“Play… Because if I intervene, it will all end… Just to watch from behind for the sake of enjoyment…”

“You understand quite well. That’s why I’m really looking forward to this. How far will that hero fight?”

Slowly, the figure approached. With each step despair drew closer, death loomed, and it felt like he was glimpsing hell. Even in a mere second, a fraction of a second, he knew that if he let his guard down, he would die.

A battle against a superior opponent.

They had fought many times before. Yet…

(First, I’ll observe and analyze their movements–)

“–There’s no time for observation, I believe.”

“!”

He swung his arm from behind. Will quickly lowered his head to evade the attack. And when he looked back, he was astonished.

A crater had formed as if he had used his own ancient magic. It was a deviation from common sense, an existence that had gone beyond the norm.

“Oh my, you seem worried. Is the hero okay with such a thing?”

“Well, I guess I’m just relieved that it wasn’t something more incredible, considering I usually see more impressive things.”