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. - Chap 25: Quadruped Scum

Has anything really changed since that day?

That’s the question Will poses to himself. Has the person who was nothing, who had given up on everything, really changed?

He hesitates. He questions whether he’s really become strong. Each time, he’s reminded:

— That he is, indeed, getting stronger.

(Semifinals… I never thought I’d get this far…)

He initially thought making it to the top 16 would be quite an achievement. But as he continued to fight, he realized he was much stronger than he had thought.

(The training under Hero Dan has definitely empowered me… I’ll win, I have to win… the championship.)

In the waiting room, Will clenches his fists. The room is empty; nearly everyone else has been defeated. Suddenly, someone pats him on the shoulder.

‘H-Hero Dan!?”

“Looks like you’ve made it to the semifinals.”

“Y-Yes, it’s all thanks to your training—”

—Just as Will is about to finish, Dan raises his hand to stop him.

“It’s all… according to my calculations.”

“Amazing, to have foreseen this far.”

“Hmm, well, yes. But you did well. It was all according to plan…yes, that’s it. Go forth and give it your all.”

“Yes, thank you for your encouragement!”

With that, Will bows his head deeply.

(Hero Dan praised me… and he’s somewhere in this venue cheering just for me… I must win!)”

— The location changes to another waiting room. Eugene is lost in self-reflection.

— Have I become stronger?

He used to just cry, to taste the bitterness of life. Has he changed since those times when he never tried to be strong, just wallowing in despair?

He arrives at the same answer, again and again:

He is becoming stronger!

“Alright, let’s go.”

He stands up from the chair in the waiting room, ready to head to the arena for the semifinals.

“Semi-finals, huh?”

“Ah!”

When he turns around, a man in an iron mask is leaning against the wall, arms crossed. It’s Hero Dan.

“Ah, yes, that’s right.”

“Heh, I expected you to make it to the semifinals…well done.”

“Heh, so you expected this…how far can you really see?”

(It’s said that elite warriors can see just a bit into the future…but this guy might be able to see years ahead.)

With a slight smile, Eugene puts his hand on the door to the waiting room.

“Watch carefully; I’ll be the one to win.”

Eugene then leaves the room. As he heads to the venue, a thin smile is on his face. The hero knew and believed that he would win, and knowing this makes Eugene happy.

And with the knowledge that Hero Dan is somewhere watching his gallant figure, Eugene finds the strength to fight. “Ah, I remembered. There was someone imitating you. You’re a formidable person, an absolute, almost irrational being. There’s no need for familiarity with you at the pinnacle. Because you can’t be imitated, that’s why you’re at the top. Don’t tolerate the existence of anyone who might tarnish that.”

With that, Eugene communicates these words over his shoulder and heads to the battle.

— Then the location changes to the waiting room of Hero’s disciple, Tessie.

“I knew you would make it to the semi-finals.”

“Really!? Man, the hero’s incredible! How far ahead can you see?”

“Being able to see far into the future is what makes a hero.”

“That’s crazy. Well, you probably already know the outcome, but make sure you watch my fight!”

“Ah.”

(The hero, coming all this way just to cheer me on… what a great guy.)

— Then the location changes again to Alfred’s waiting room.

“So, you’re saying you knew I would make it this far?”

“Of course.”

“I’ve heard that all past heroes had some ability to sense crises in the world. Some had the ability to receive oracles. Do you have something like that too, Dan?”

“I’m not so weak as to rely on such a god.”

“I see… Well, that must be why you’re the strongest hero in history.”

“Is this the time to worry about that?”

“I will undoubtedly win. The other competitors are top-notch, but none of them can match me. I have excellent lineage and bear the weight of all past heroes. And your guidance is a significant factor. There’s no element for me losing.”

“That’s a lot of confidence.”

“It’s merely a list of facts. You should watch me closely in the arena; I will undoubtedly win. As your successor, I’ll pass the victory flowers to you, Dan.”

Alfred leaves the room after saying that.

◆◆

Man, this is tricky. Since they’re all my disciples, I don’t know who to root for. I mean, who would have thought all four in the semi-finals would be my disciples? I did encourage everyone, but still…

I never predicted anyone would make it this far, but to save face, I’ll have to say I knew it, right?

Well, what should I do? For now, the only thing to do is to remove my iron mask and watch. After the match, some appropriate encouragement should do the trick. Yeah, that’ll be fine. Going with the flow is okay, too.

“Bang.”

“Oh, hello, Lin.”

“The semi-finals are starting, huh?”

“Seems like it.”

“… About that fake cult leader from earlier.”

“Ah, not strong at all. Said he was a hero impostor or something.”

“Ah, yes.”

I thought I had gone pretty easy on him, so neither Lin nor Sakura, who were watching, have a clue that I’m the Hero. He really wasn’t strong at all; I had thought he’d be at least Demon King level since he was my impostor, but nope.

“Ah, so he was weak?”

“Eh, ah, yes.”

“…” 

(Do you even intend to hide that you’re the Hero? By adventurer standards, you’re S-rank level strong… and even Sakura said she didn’t notice.)

“So, what’s going to happen with that?”

I see. That’s good; I don’t have to worry about the aftermath, then.

“Ah, is that so?”

“Yes.” (Dan’s standards for strength are so off that it messes with his gauge for anyone else’s power. It’s like when you’re looking down from a high place, everyone looks like mere dots…)

As I wait for the semi-final battle between Will and Eugene, I spot a couple being all lovey-dovey. Man, I wish I had a girlfriend. Actually, I want a wife. I’d like to experience the happiness that comes with marriage.

“Do you have any desires to get married, Ban? I mean, you do attend those adventurer social events.”

“Yes, I do.”

“…” (Shouldn’t you be more careful about keeping your identity a secret? I mean, I’ve been enjoying the good vibes so far… it’ll be a huge pain if Sakura, Kaguya, or any of the general public find out.)

I wonder who will win between Will and Eugene. Speaking of which, Candy is participating in the women’s division tomorrow. Maybe I should offer some support there too.

“――And now, the semi-finals! Let’s introduce the fierce competitors who have fought their way here!! From the Eastern Gate!! Don’t let his timid appearance fool you, he’s already taken down several warriors!! It’s Wiiiill!!”

“――And then!! Entering from the Western Gate!! A man who shows no mercy, even to his own brother, the warrior of carnage!! Seeking only strength, he’s shown us his undeniable power!! The next-generation knight, Euuugene!!”

Somehow, the tournament announcer sounds like he’s introducing a comedian on a year-end variety show I used to watch in my previous life.

Well, setting that aside… let’s see who will come out on top.