Chapter 8: A Hero?

"No. I don't think I have any more questions to ask," I said, and stood up from the comfortable couch.

I thought I asked the man plenty of questions already. All I wanted to know was the disappearance of all players and adventurers inside this realm. It turned out that the demon killed everyone. Since the beginning of time, no players had ever walked to this planet, except for me.

I was the only player that reincarnated in this world, armed with the knowledge of the basic game mechanics.

"That's all that I could think of for today. Thank you for sharing everything with me."

The hay that came from the bench came right off my bottom, almost telling me to remain behind. But it was what the man had told me, "the moon had already shone itself for me." So I had to take my leave.

"Very well, lad. You may leave this tavern."

Upon hearing his last words, I gave him a nod and touched the door. The wails of the bats screeched through my ears, welcoming me outside the room. Even the evening air rustled through my veins, accompanying me outside.

Two figures approached me while waving their hands. But I paid them no mind and focused on everything I absorbed from the conversation I had with Roger.

But before I could step my foot outside, Roger called out for me for the last time. I turned around and met his stern gaze, watching my every move.

"This might be too excessive for me to tell you, but can I ask for a favour?" the former but crippled adventurer asked me. "You can decline whenever you wish. But at least hear me out, young lad."

I lowered my head and listened to what Roger was about to say. My eyes also peeled themselves, hoping to discern every word Roger might say.

"I've seen those demons slaughter people. They take away lives as if you're some mere ant to their eyes. But nobody's going to force you to save the village. But if you feel like protecting someone inside of this town, defend them. That's the source of your power as an adventurer."

"Did you… fight for someone, Uncle Roger?" I asked. "Did you have someone like that?"

Roger lowered his head upon hearing my words. That adventurer could only say this to me if he had experienced that pain. No man could teach someone a lesson they do not understand, which was why I wanted to know the reason behind Roger's words.

A long pause enveloped the atmosphere. But after a few seconds, Roger finally gathered his courage and confessed to me what was running through his mind.

"Aye, child. I defended this village with everything that I had, including my life. I placed my body on the line." Roger tugged his sleeves covering his arms and beheld me behind that clothing. "These are the scars I took from the demon's wrath. Those devils were only foot soldiers. If I clashed against the upper beings and the generals, this village might be long gone."

"This village…" I murmured.

"Yes. I did not have a partner in life or left a seedling with me. As long as this village stands, I will fight my way through and defend it," Roger exclaimed, and rested his quivering arm on my shoulder.

After feeling his touch, my entire body vibrated. It was as if Roger wanted to tell me his last request before leaving this world. But I remained calm and let Roger speak his fill before leaving his house.

It may be his last, but I could never know.

"If you have the power to save someone, and terrible things happen in front of you, you need to do it. If nobody could, who could stop them? Don't let someone die because you didn't help them. Be that torch that everyone would believe in you. Even if you can't, try. Your body might feel afraid, so do it scared. That's what it takes to become a hero."

"... And I am not a hero…" Roger mumbled.

He gestured his hand for me to leave. The door opened for me, inviting my body to step foot outside. I did not know why, but there was a sudden shivering churning inside my veins.

Those were the words I wanted to become even from before. A hero that saves everyone without fear was what I wanted to become. A hero that would defend anyone in need was the person I wanted to become.

And yet…

"You saved this village. You're a hero, aren't you?"

"No, no… How can I be the hero if I can't save them? If those demons attack this place for the second time, my body can't save them. I can't even save myself." Roger replied, and pushed me forward.

That adventurer said nothing afterwards. I did not respond and went away from the house. The door shut behind me, leaving me with a wide crevice in my heart. Roger's piercing words did this to me.

However, I could not do a thing, especially when he was right.

"If you're not a hero, what am I?" I pondered that question inside my head, wishing for an answer.

But no sound entered through my ears as I sauntered to the pair of children greeting me.

"What took you so long, stupid Arthur! You kept my sister and me waiting."

"Hey, Afenos! I told you to be nice to him!" Rain heaved out a sigh as she turned her face to me. "Don't mind him, Arthur! Let's just go home with or without him!"

A giggle escaped from my mouth. Rain and Afenos were acting like nine-year-olds in front of me. I was only six years older than them, yet these two acted like children found in elementary schools. Placing my insults aside, these two mature quicker than the kids I saw before. Since they lived a life without a mother, I could only guess their mind grew more than the people surrounding them.

"Alrighty, then. Let's go home to your father."

Rain gave a feral cheer with her hands rising skywards. Afenos grunted as he led the way to the recognisable house.

...…

The three of us returned to the guild and greeted the old farmer. Aferous was right at the time of our arrival, telling us he already prepared the chicken he cooked on the table.

The smell of chicken clouded our minds as we dug ourselves out for tonight. A blaring sound of something ripping out from its existence echoed inside the room. We accompanied those noises with our grunts as we gnawed at the meat in front of us.

The savoury taste of chicken filled our tongue as we helped ourselves with; not one, but two roasted chicken on two separated platters. It felt like a feast of something that we needed to celebrate.

And that guess of mine hit the nail.

"This banquet is to honour Agra, my wife, and their mother." Aferous whispered to me.

That man saw right through me as I sunk myself into delight. Now that I heard the reason for this treat, I did not know what to feel. A heavy feeling crashed against me, as if hindering me from eating this lovely chicken.

A touch on my back was enough to revert me from my usual self. That hand nestled behind me came from Aferous, who had a worried look painted on his face.

"It's alright, Arthur. I did not say that to discourage you, but to celebrate with us! You're part of our little family, lad! Glad to have you here." Aferous added, and chugged a mug filled with oozing bear.

Afenos had his eyes glued on his cup, but his father pushed his head away. Since he was still a kid, Afenos needed to grow up around fifteen years old to drink. Well, right here in this world. It was Aferous who told him that, not me.

"You can stay for how long as you want here in our village, Arthur. Everyone welcomes you here! Since you're an adventurer, we could surely use all the help that we need to fend off those demons." Aferous exclaimed, as he got a bit drunk from all the alcohol he had consumed.

But that farmer meant his words, given that I was a vital force needed for the village. Everyone else living in this town did not know how to fight. These people knew nothing about swordsmanship or clashing against monsters.

I, who had played this game for a while, knew the ropes. Although this body that I had felt like a stimulation, I could still move how I wanted it to act. It was like I had controls similar to the game.

"Now that reminds me, Arthur. Do you want to train in the forest? I heard there are monsters there that could help you learn how to fight. I saw you freeze the first time you saw me. It won't hurt to try that out, no?"

'Training my body and using my five senses did not sound like a burden to me. So I might try that out soon.' I thought, and gave Aferous a nod.

"