Chapter 109: The Heroes of Kastoria (2)

"The Hero of Darkness."

When Kaguya uttered these words, a wave of confusion swept through the Heroes of Kastoria. However, a few faces bore different expressions. Ryuuki, Akane, and Ayaka, who had done their homework, seemed more composed.

"He's the Hero summoned by the Kingdom of Tenebria, likely by the Demon King," Kaguya explained.

"A Hero? You mean he's alone? He didn't arrive with his class like us?" Yumiko asked, surprised. It wasn't a rule that all summoned Heroes must be classmates, but it had been the case for the Empire of Light and other kingdoms they had heard of.

"No. They summoned only one Hero, but I should warn you to be extremely wary of him," Kaguya said seriously.

"What? He's alone, and we should be scared?!" Yusuke laughed, crossing his arms behind his head.

"It's precisely because he is the only Hero summoned by Tenebria that we should be cautious. Rumors suggest he awakened Darkness Magic, an extremely rare variant resembling the Demon King's own," Kaguya elaborated.

"Darkness Magic? Is that why you call him the Hero of Darkness? I see..." Kazuto nodded, adjusting his glasses.

"Hmph! It's too show-off a title! That guy must be a weakling!" Yusuke sneered.

"I personally find it a cool name," Ryuuki laughed before turning to Kaguya. "Lady Kaguya, since he is a summoned Hero, he is likely from Earth like us..."

Kaguya knew where Ryuuki was going. She had known him for a year and recognized his aversion to killing whenever possible. He believed the Hero of Darkness could be reasoned with, possibly even brought to their side as a fellow Earthling. Someone from the peaceful world of Earth, who, like them, had likely never killed anyone until recently.

Ryuuki was certain the Hero of Darkness couldn't have committed murder, especially since he was summoned only a week ago.

"I will leave the judgment to you, Ryuuki-sama," Kaguya said solemnly, to which Ryuuki sighed in relief.

Of course, this wasn't Kaguya's true wish. Like her master, Amaterasu, she desired the Hero of Darkness's death but couldn't force the issue with the Heroes she had fostered excellent relations with. Nonetheless, she was confident they would change their minds about him in time.

No one who awakens Darkness Magic is a good person, she thought grimly.

"Yes! Please beat those vile Demons, Ryuuki-sama!" Haruka pleaded, her puppy eyes and earnest expression tugging at Ryuuki's heart.

"Yes, don't worry, Princess," Ryuuki nodded.

"Will this fight against Demons ever end?" Rena complained.

Kaguya, hearing her, spoke up. "I can understand the Heroes' anger, but don't worry. If Tenebria summoned the Hero of Darkness, it is likely the Demon King is in a weakened state. He has fought countless summoned Heroes over the years, so of course, he couldn't have come out unscathed. He is undoubtedly in a weak state. Therefore, they summoned a Hero to support them.

But if you manage to kill—defeat the Hero of Darkness, it will mark the beginning of the end for Tenebria. Their time will be limited, and within a year, we will be able to defeat Tenebria."

"What, we just have to kill that Hero of Darkness in the end? Let's go already!" Yusuke shouted, already heading out.

"Something doesn't seem right, onee-chan. They summoned a single Hero, after all," Ayaka mumbled to her elder sister, Akane.

Akane stayed silent for a moment before responding. "Let's try to end it all here."

°°°°°

From the gods' realm, Amaterasu stood watching the unfolding scene below.

A decisive battle was about to take place.

"I am so excited!" Ishtar exclaimed, her pink eyes glowing with anticipation.

"I wonder who will win?" Hermes mused with a curious smile.

"What a stupid question. Amaterasu's Heroes, obviously," Hera said, surprisingly present as well.

Amaterasu did her best to focus, but it seemed impossible with the other three intruding to also watch the battle against the Demons and the Hero of Darkness.