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 38.1: When I Made a Cool Entrance as Backup, My Disciple Had Already Handled Everything

Suddenly, mysterious monsters appeared within the academy. Will and Alfred headed straight to the origin of the outbreak.

“What is that?”

Before the two who had received the news stood a creature resembling a chimera, pieced together from various beings, its face was like a lion’s, but its tail closely resembled a distinct snake species wriggling. It also had wings reminiscent of a dragon, making it hard to believe it was a naturally born entity.

“I’ve never seen such a monster before. I’ve read many ancient texts but never encountered a creature that looks anything like this.”

“Neither have I.”

Alfred and Will exchanged brief words as they prepared for battle. Will drew his sword, and Alfred imbued his blade with flames. Sensing their fighting spirit, the monster, akin to a chimera, lunged at the two.

(With the flame sword I’ve granted…!?)

Before Alfred could swing his sword, a shadow pierced before him.

It was Will who had dashed forward first.

Alfred’s thoughts raced as he observed the scene. Having honed the skill of anticipating future events, Will had swiftly acted ahead of Alfred.

(He’s… faster than me…!)

Alfred was in utter shock. His eyes widened, feeling as though some enchantment ensnared him. He considered himself top-tier among his peers, ranking in the elite upper class at the Knight’s Academy. Yet, he was outpaced, even if just by a step.

When Will swung his sword, it felt like time had reached a standstill. With all his might, he hoisted his blade, the sound of it slicing the air resonating like a loud boom. Witnessing this spectacle were Alfred and the students of the Knight’s Academy. Their eyes were locked on him from the moment Will took that first step.

The blade shimmered brilliantly, its glare almost blinding, akin to a flash of light. So sharp was the sword it felt like it could cleave an enemy in two with a single stroke. And in that instant, there was a sensation as though a tremendous power within him was being unleashed.

The sheer aura emanating from the once seemingly timid boy was palpable. The motion of his blade was relentless. He brought down his sword fluidly, initiating an attack to bring down the enemy. His demeanor exuded confidence, causing some to feel their hearts race while others shuddered at the sight of his near-death combat stance.

And at the climax of his strike, as his sword descended with peak force, it moved as if it could tear the world apart. The enemy shattered before such a display. In that moment, to all who watched, Will seemed a hero.

The chimera, quite literally, was cleaved in two. Large chunks of its body lay on the ground.

“Will… you…”

Alfred felt an unfathomable talent in that one swing. It wasn’t just him; the aspiring knights surrounding them also grasped a glimpse of that prowess.

“Who is that guy?”

“Such a graceful blade technique; he might be cool…”

“Darn, he’s showing off.”

There were varied reactions—those who cast doubts on the unfamiliar figure, women charmed by his expertise, and those irritated by his prominence.

“I might be faster… but he beat me to that initial step. I must become a hero. I shouldn’t be inferior to anyone except perhaps Hero Dan.”

Alfred murmured to himself as if to reinforce a hint of motivation. With seven chimeras left, he resolved to take them all down himself.

“We’re from the A-class of the Knight Academy, too!”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t let some unknown guy steal the spotlight.”

“Move.”

A command that pierced the atmosphere. Usually, they would rally each other, amplifying their combat instincts with shouts of encouragement. However, those words crushed the very soul of a warrior.

A dominating aura from the champion, Alfred.

A pressure far greater than the monstrous illusions in front of them. They recognized anew that, as creatures, their ranks were different.

“Wha…!?”

The students’ spirits faltered, making them feel mediocre. This was the culmination of the bloodline of a hero’s lineage.

Swordsmanship so breathtaking that even blinking seemed wasteful took place. Breath of fire danced gracefully between the chimeras. Just when they thought a beautiful path of fire was created, it was already over.

The dazzling flames left no traces of the monster’s flesh, turning everything ash.

“Unbelievable. Is Alfred really this powerful?”

“Damn, he’s seriously cool… Alfred-kun!”

“You’re not jealous?”

“There’s no room for that after seeing that display.”

It was a strength that made even admiration seem pointless, almost like resignation. However, Will was different. He stared intently at Alfred. And he was able to catch every precise movement.

(He’s truly unique…)

(I’m weaker than him. I can’t wrap my sword in magic. He possesses a strength I don’t have, and that’s frustrating. But that’s the only thing I’m feeling right now.)

(Although he was born from the bloodline of successive heroes, he’s nowhere near Hero Dan. To put it bluntly, he doesn’t even come close.)

Will realized that his senses were gradually becoming numb. Having seen the pinnacle that is Hero Dan daily, everything else seemed inferior. It looked that way simply because it was a fact.

“Only Will saw me as just another obstacle to overcome.”

Alfred naturally recognized him as well. In this place, he and Will stood confronting each other.

“You’re amazing, Alfred-kun. But I want to become a hero.”

“I see. That’s fine.”

The cheers and joy of the knight students couldn’t be heard. Only the two disciples of Hero Dan stood in this place.