Chapter 84: Heroes (4)

Chapter 84: Heroes (4)

[The first notable appearance of the heroes, at least according to reliable records, was during the Siege of Astras.]

[At that time, the 2nd Legion was defending the fortress of Astras, which was on the verge of being overrun by the endless armies of Calaril the Divider. The fall of Astras would have undoubtedly plunged the central regions into war.]

[It was then that four heroes emerged. They suddenly appeared from nowhere, joined forces, broke through the demon army, and completely destroyed the demon Calaril.]

[Witnesses from that era unanimously testify to the heroes strength, which transcended that of ordinary humans. It was perhaps inevitable that a demon of intermediate rank would fall before such a united front.]

[Afterward, the heroes went their separate ways. The Archmage became one of the masters of the Magic Tower, the Saintess rose to a position that threatened the bishops within the church, and the King of Mercenaries became a legend within the mercenary guilds.]

[Except for the Faceless Knight, who continued to wander the continent helping people, they essentially took control of the three most powerful entities within the Empire.]

Dale nodded as he read this far.

The magic tower, the mercenary guild, and the church. With support from these three, theres nothing they couldnt do.

If these four were to unite under a common cause, they would form a force that not even the Emperor could recklessly contend with.

Could it be? Was this their plan from the very beginning?

Thud.

The scribe who was sweating profusely moved a chess piece.

Dale casually moved his piece in response.

The scribe flinched.

Dale then returned to his reading.

[Suddenly rising to power often triggers the defenses of those with established authority. At that time, there were moves among the nobles to keep the heroes in check. I wont bother mentioning who is behind those nobles.]

Dales brows furrowed. Either make a full statement or dont mention it at all.

He held out the book to the scribe.

Who are you implying is behind the nobles?

The scribes brows were also pinched together.

Who else but the Emperor? Dont ask questions when I need to think.

Dale nodded his head in understanding.

It made sense that there would be a deliberate ambiguity when mentioning the Emperor.

[From the beginning, the nobles attempts to curb the heroes were doomed to fail. The heroes who read the disturbing movement began to demonstrate their influence in the most powerful ways. They gathered in one place and started hunting demons.]

[They eliminated a total of ten demons, including lower and intermediate-ranked ones like Dende, Ganiagos, and Orodoia. This marked the first time the demon army, which had been advancing unstoppably since the war, lost its momentum. The frontline settled into a stalemate. This was an achievement so remarkable that it was hard to believe it was the work of just four individuals. This was something beyond the reach of nobles confined to their desks and pens.]

Dale nodded his head in agreement.

He wondered why the frontlines had quieted down and never imagined that it was because ten demons had been slain.

[The exploits of the heroes proved they were indispensable to the empire. The people showered them with endless support and adoration. Had there ever been heroes so beloved in the history of the empire? Some daring gossips even claimed that this was the most precarious situation the imperial dynasty had faced in a millennium.]

As soon as you pass through the castle gate, the statues you see were of the heroes, not emperors, so it wasnt difficult to imagine their stature.

Their achievements shone so brightly that they were beyond reproach.

Yet Dale had a hunch about what might have happened next.

Its typical for those in power to never tolerate rivals who could threaten their position.

[Various events unfolded beneath the surface.]

The scribe had noted this down.

Unlike the detailed accounts before, the phrases were now terse and casual.

Yet Dale knew, this was the best the scribe could do.

Dale read on.

[Following that, the heroes headed to the 2nd Legion where the high-ranking demon, Kolgoras the Terrifying, was advancing. The heroes defeated Kolgoras. Afterward, they vanished completely from the public eye.]

Dale turned the page.

The next was blank.

It seemed the further back, the sparser and more abbreviated the content became.

Was it mostly unrecordable?

So, Dale asked directly.

What became of the heroes after this?

Keep it down! Im thinking

I will take a step back.

Hmm.

After a quick sniff, the scribe asked.

What are you curious about?

It says they disappeared after the fight with Kolgoras, but if you think about it normally, couldnt they just have died in the fight against the demon?

The old scribe shook his head.

No, thats not it. There are eyewitness accounts that they definitely defeated the demon and returned to the camp alive.

Dale organized his thoughts.

The heroes who had suddenly appeared made significant contributions. They completely turned the tide of the battle.

But that very act brought them the watchful eyes of the nobles. There might have been friction with the emperor.

Then, after their last battle with the demon, they mysteriously disappeared.

A sequence of events that seemed to follow one another yet somehow didnt fit together.

Dale thought.

Heading to the frontline would likely uncover their tracks. The problem lay in the inherent dangers of the frontline.

Not only was there the constant threat of demons appearing, but the unknown motives of the frontline generals posed an even greater risk.

Is it all ultimately a matter of power?

If Dale were to become stronger here, it might be a problem he could solve.

However, he knew he shouldnt rush himself. Dale was already becoming stronger at a rapid pace.

Noticing Dales pensive mood, Andrei hurriedly set up the chess pieces.

He then exclaimed,

Come on, lets get started!

If you want, I shall take the black pieces.

No! Well play as it is! The challenger takes the white pieces!

Wasnt Andrei who had been utterly defeated the challenger right now?

Though Dale wondered about this, he decided to go along with Andreis wishes. He knew that elders tended to be stubborn.

Dale calmly began the game and soon completely crushed Andrei once more.

Andrei lamented while clutching his head.

How how are you so good at this? Its unbelievable.

It seems its getting late, so Ill take my leave now.

Dale stood up while holding the thick book Andrei had given him. It was a book detailed with records about individual heroes.

When Dale rose to leave, Andrei became flustered.

Wait! Just a moment! Youll come again tomorrow, right? Just one more game, please?

Dale responded to the pleading Andrei.

For free?

Damn it! That line again? Is it really okay for a bastard with a sword to say that? Huh? Dont knights know anything about that?

A deal must always be fair.

Come and beat me again tomorrow, and Ill grant you any favor. How about that? Its not often you get the chance to owe the master of the Mage Tower.

I do feel a bit sorry, though.

For what?

It just seems too advantageous for me.

Andrei bristled at Dales playful arrogance.

Insolent brat! Just you wait! I will surely win tomorrow!

Dale stepped outside with a nonchalant shrug.

The weary-looking librarian bowed his head. Dale nodded back in acknowledgment.

As he emerged outside, the sun was already setting in a golden color.

The streets were nearly empty, save for heavily armed soldiers and knights who clamorously rang bells and shouted.

Ding Ding Ding!

The sun is setting! All citizens are to return to their residences immediately, and outsiders are to leave the city!

Following this, the few pedestrians quickened their pace.

The atmosphere had completely transformed from that of the daytime. The peaceful and relaxing vibe had vanished without a trace, replaced by a tense air that seemed to cut through the surroundings.

A soldier approached Dale as well.

Hey, you! Why arent you leaving? We could arrest you right now Ugh.

The soldier who had been running over irritably faltered as Dale looked down at him.

Overwhelmed by Dales imposing presence, he momentarily lost his words.

Dale said,

Ill be on my way now.

Yes, please do hurry.

With the soldier suddenly turning polite, Dale nodded his head and moved past the streets towards the city gates.

Before leaving District 3, Dale cast one more glance at the statue near the gate.

A mercenary, a priestess, a mage, and a knight.

During the day, these sculptures exuded dignity and strength.

But as the sun set, the shadows cast by the city walls exquisitely covered their heads.

The four heroes submerged in darkness.

Was it too much of a leap in logic to feel that this sight hinted at something?

Dale moved closer to the sculptures as if drawn by an unseen force.

Something about them caught his eye.

Fine scratches that he hadnt paid much attention to during the bright daylight. On closer inspection, these scratches seemed deliberately made, as if someone had etched them with purpose.

Dale leaned in to scrutinize the tiny scratches.

They were letters.

Beneath the statue, the following words were inscribed:

[It wont take long.]