………thinking that, I could only sigh.
The gap between me and Souichi. The gap between the weakest God Slayer and the Brave or Grand Magus. The gap between a GodSlayer that cannot gain power without sacrificing others and those who could always fight at their strongest.
Saying that the level of danger at the vanguard and the rear guard is different is just an excuse. In the end, there were casualties. If it was an actual Hero—-he would have saved those dying boys. A hero definitely would have.
But instead I, let alone protect them, I used their deaths as my own power.
As a result the black Orc was defeated, and everybody started calling me a Hero again.
I was called one even in the guild this morning.
Even so, a Hero like that shouldn’t even exist.
[But even so, everyone will treat you as a Hero you know?]
“Yeah and it’s a pain.”
Saying that, I took off the equipment from the goblin again.
“I just want to casually roam and travel around the world with you though.”
[—–hmm]
“I think that’s pretty amusing in itself but what about you?”
[Who knows?]
Ermenhilde’s answer was very short and blunt.
After that, I kept on working as both of us stayed silent for a while.
Souichi and the others were currently talking with the mayor of the magic city regarding how to deal with the imprisoned demon.
I think they’d probably transfer him to the royal capital to interrogate him.
There are a lot of magicians in the city but very few who can actually fight. The students of the academy are in the end just students. Experienced magicians would either enter the royal knight orders or set up their own research labs.
With only that level of military force in the city, if the demon were to do something again, even if he’s wounded, it’ll still cause a lot of trouble. Even Souichi and the others are human, they’re weak against surprise attacks. As a result, there were casualties in the recent battle as well due to a surprise attack.
That’s why, they’ll soon send away that demon to the Royal Capital from Ofan.
“A Demon Lord that doesn’t revive the Demon God, eh?”
[—–Do you hate fighting?]
The Demon God.
One of the few existences against which I can fight at full power.
The revival of the Demon God is also like the revival of my own raison d’être. I realize what Ermenhilde wants to say but I don’t have the words to answer her.
The GodSlaying weapon that is Ermenhilde and the God Slayer that can literally fight at full power against only a God.
But, if you were to ask whether I want the Demon God to be revived then I can only say no. True, if that happens, I can once again fight as a ‘hero’ alongside my comrades.
But just like that time. In that final battle. Countless comrades had been sacrificed. Those I wanted to protect were sacrificed. Only then was I able to protect the world.
But—–
“I hate fighting. It’s scary and painful.”
[I see.]
“I’m a coward after all.”
[That’s true.]
“…….you’re supposed to deny that, partner.”
I hate fighting. So many people get hurt. So many people become sad. So many die.
And above all—-many have to cry.
[I was excited during the fight with Demon God’s spawn.]
“I see.”
[But Renji calls me his partner rather than weapon.]
“That’s true.”
[…….Don’t deny me, Renji.]
Hearing Ermenhilde’s soft complaints, I ended up feeling happy somehow.
Filled with those feelings, I gently caressed the medal inside my pocket with my fingers.
“I refuse.”
[You’re an idiot.]
I nodded in an exaggerated manner.
“I am aware.”
[You’re a complete fool.]
Now then, let’s work hard on my job now.
I, who was working hard even while listening to Ermenhilde’s gentle abuse, might actually be a masochist.