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 33.1: The First Generation Hero

Typically, I only venture outside when there’s a task to be done. For example, I was giving lectures as the Hero. The only personal event I attend outdoors would probably be the Adventurer’s Exchange Meeting. I’ve also been occupied with my disciples’ training lately, so I rarely go out for personal reasons or hobbies. However, today, I decided to go out for enjoyment because there’s a festival honoring the first generation Hero.

I don’t know much about the first Hero. But the story about him defeating the Demon King Satan is famous; even someone as clueless about common knowledge as me knows it. Well, I used to think if he ever came back in my time, I better finish the job properly… I was never interested in the first Hero, but as someone training the next generation of heroes, I thought it’d be good to know more, so I decided to attend the festival. I have no training scheduled for today, anyway.

The festival is in the city of Albert. Apparently, “Albert” was the name of the first Hero. He was from this city, and after his outstanding achievements, they named the town after him. Close to the city, there’s said to be a massive ruin. However, it’s sealed with powerful magic… Rin said she could easily break it, though. There’s a particular spell that will only release for the chosen one. So, forcibly opening it would be breaking the rules. But, probably only Rin or I could force it open. Since I’m free, I think I’ll tour the ruins.

While running, I arrived. City Albert is huge, but it’s crowded.

“Ah, Ban-san!”

“Will you come too?”

“Yes! It took me quite a while to get here. I took a carriage, and it was a two-day journey.”

“Same here. But look at the crowd!”

“The first Hero is still viral. And apparently, there’s a challenger for the ruins.”

“A challenger?”

“Really? Isn’t it a well-known story? That the first Hero created the ruins to bestow his power upon his descendants?”

“…I see.”

This is the first time I’ve heard of it. So, the ruins grant power to the descendants… That’s why the ruins are open only for the chosen one. That means the challenger is…

“Alfred?”

“Yes, the Hero’s descendant. Alfred declared he was going to the ruins.”

“I see.”

“Unfortunately, no one can approach the ruins right now, so we don’t know what’s happening.”

Ah, so it’s off-limits. That’s a shame. I did want to see it.

“In that case, do you want to come along, Will?”

“Ah, Alfred!?”

There he was, Alfred. His fashion sense is as terrible as ever. He was dressed entirely in blue with feathers on the arms. It looks ridiculous, but if he’s happy with it, so be it.

“There’s no rule against having companions when entering the ruins. I’ll give my permission.”

“W-why me?”

“I see potential in you, Will. Not as much as me… but you once mentioned you wanted to visit the ruins, didn’t you?”

“Well, yes, but…”

“If he’s an acquaintance of Will’s, I can also allow him.”

Will and Alfred had mentioned meeting before, so had they become somewhat friendly since then? I hope they didn’t get too close and accidentally blab about me.

“If it’s okay, I’d like to go!”

“Well, since it’s a rare chance, I’ll go along.”

“No problem, just come along. We need someone to spread the word of my feats anyway.”

I see. So, he approved us to keep tabs because he wants his achievements known. I get the logic – you need someone in the know to spread the word.

“Follow me.”

“Okay!”

Alfred started running. It seemed dangerous to run amidst this crowd, but both deftly dodged the people.

“…Can you keep up with this pace… Will?”

“Yeah, I’ve trained quite a bit!”

“…As I thought, you might be more promising than I initially believed…”

They eventually reached a forest on the outskirts of the city. There stood ancient ruins made of large stones. Moss was growing, and there were old, musty stone statues of men. The whole place had a particular atmosphere. Mystical might be the correct description.

“This is the place, Will.”

“Yeah.”

“…First Hero Albert, my… you…”

Alfred, who was about to say something, suddenly stopped. Is he looking at me? His eyes widened in shock like “astonished” was written all over his face.

“How did you get here?”

“I just followed you normally.”

“…You were able to keep up with my speed… Even if I was holding back… I see. I had assumed you’d be left behind halfway through, but you seem more capable than I thought.”

“I’ve been training, after all.”

Alfred stood in front of the ruins. The door remained shut.

“I’ve heard he tried to enter here before… but apparently, it didn’t open then. You probably know that Alfred has two brothers, and it seems neither could get it to open either.”

“Is that so? Even being a descendant, there might be some conditions.”

A chosen descendant, huh? Is Alfred not strong enough, or is there another reason?

“…I am here, open for me. Albert!!”

Alfred is serious. He’s putting a lot of spirit into it. However, it doesn’t open. The door remains shut.

“…What am I lacking? I have an excellent mentor, and I have power. I want to do something for the world… Do I still lack the strength…?”

“Uh, Alfred… Maybe we should try another time.”

“Right, I’m still not there yet. That’s all there is to it.”

“In my eyes, Alfred, you’re pretty amazing.”

“I apologize, Will. It seems I got a bit impatient…”