Chapter 01

Chapter 1

1. Full of Complaints

There was a time where powerful existences, such as a great hero, had dominated an era. Better known as absolute beings, just their names alone commanded great presence.

There were emperors who built empires and were leaders of enormous organizations. There were doctors who saved numerous patients; there were those powerful ones who did not seem to fit in anywhere; and there were those whom many sang praises of. There were also warriors who defeated the Demon Lord and a fellow, the Heavenly Destroyer, who unified a land with his martial prowess. Both parties wielded much power.

But if Davey were to hear any of these tales, he was confident that he could make these remarks in a determined voice.

“A hero? Ah, those who take a ten-year-old kid, overwork him as much as they want, and beat him like a dog when it isn’t to their liking.”

“Once the kid gets strong enough to finally achieve the desired benchmark after much struggle, they just throw the kid another assignment and start pushing him again.”

“Are you talking about those guys, who in their boredom, throw people into lava and firepits, hang them off cliffs, while saying ‘It’s all for your own good!’?”

Regardless of heroes or outstanding beings, most humans who made a name for themselves seemed to have a screw loose! And feeling like his soul had lived a thousand years, six years passed when the powerless Prince Davey finally returned to his original body.

2. The Damn Hall

[Half a day after arriving at the Hall of Heroes.]

The Passage of Heroes or Hall of Heroes seemed like the place where souls of legendary heroes or great people lingered after their deaths. There were written tales of this place being an underworld space designed to commemorate the pride of those with renowned achievements. But, no one knew who built this space.

When I first arrived, everyone seemed to have strange expectations of me, but frankly speaking, there wasn’t any outstanding factor that made me a hero.

[Three days after arriving at the Hall of Heroes.]

Even the heroes, who had been asleep, woke up after hearing that a new kid had arrived after a long while. It seemed like newcomers were extremely rare since there weren’t many who accomplished great things. Without a doubt, they probably assumed that I had some distinguished achievements as well.

It was crazy how they were dancing and parading around, celebrating how amazing this ten year-old child was. It somehow made me feel guilty, but I had a hunch that they were going to welcome me with fists instead if I said that I had no achievements... Of course I kept my mouth shut.

[One week after arriving at the Hall of Heroes.]

Whenever I met with them, they would give me a pat on the back accompanied by a cringe-worthy comment.

These ignorant people had no idea of their own strength. They were so strong, and to be honest, it felt like my shoulders were going to collapse.

Sometimes, I noticed them joking about fighting to the death, but since these guys played in the big leagues on a continental scale... I was starting to get afraid. If word got out that I’m just a plain, ordinary person...

[Two weeks after arriving at the Hall of Heroes.]

I got caught...

[A month after arriving at the Hall of Heroes.]

This feeling... This chill, it struck my heart ice cold.

But don’t worry... No, not this.[1]

As a normal human being with no achievements to boast of, there was no way I would have a ticket into a place like this.

I guess I must have really hurt their petty pride.

[A month and a half after arriving at the Hall of Heroes.]

Since they were somewhat sophisticated people and seemed to have understood my situation, they no longer scowled at me. However, their gazes were still unpleasant. They looked at me like I’m some parasite living off of their food when I’m eating. I couldn’t swallow my food in peace.

“Talent similar to disaster.” Hercules mentioned this as well, so I guess my talent is exceptional. Ares was going to teach me his forgotten swordcraft. It wasn’t as difficult, maybe because of that damned Hercules’ training.... But this was hell in another sense. I shouldn’t have picked up the wooden sword and metal bag he threw in the first place...

[25 years after entering the Hall of Heroes.]

This damn swordcraft! The sight of a sword makes me want to vomit! Someone make the slashing stop![2]

[40 years after entering the Hall of Heroes.]

I did have talent, but it took a long time before I could surprise him. He seemed to be shocked for another reason, but at this rate, it would take several decades to beat him, so I could only feel nothing but bitterness.

[60 years after entering the Hall of Heroes.]

I met a cocky man who claimed that he was archery itself. He had a cheesy appearance and voice. Even his personality was cheesy. He often called out for a saintess named Daphne whom he loved. I think I’m going to have some trouble this time.

Why wouldn’t I just run away? Sure, I could run away once or twice, but when dozens of people come to find you, you’re nothing but a bird in a cage.

[80 years after entering the Hall of Heroes.]

A... A curse! H...Help...

[120 years after entering this goddamn place.]

I have achieved my dream. Yes, I have survived for a long time, but I don’t feel that I’m alive here.

[170 years after entering this goddamn place.]

Except for the heroes who lost interest and went back to sleep, most people were committed to ‘training’ me, which was actually torture in disguise.

Magic, spearmanship, swordsmanship, chains, physical combat... Ugh! Among them, the most overwhelmingly psychotic one of all was a woman named Odin. She was also known to be the revolutionist of magic.

The place was like a gathering ground for all the uniquely gifted freaks...

[200 years after entering this goddamn place.]

I met Hercules while training. I did try leaping at him with a spear to pierce him through his stomach, but when I regained consciousness, I was left lying on the field. Apparently, although he was an expert in survival, his force was one of the strongest among the heroes.

[300 years after entering this goddamn place.]

I’m growing tired of stuffing my head with knowledge from these stupid trainings. Maybe this was why I was down with a mental illness.

One of the heroes studying my condition brought someone who had fallen into a deep sleep, suggesting that there might be a solution. She was the God of Medicine. Her name was Hypocria... Another familiar name, but it felt a little different.

What conversation did she have with Hercules? Time was the best medicine. While being treated with her miraculous acupuncture skills, she proposed that I learn the art of medicine.

[350 years]

Acupuncture, surgical medicine, traditional medicine, disease symptoms and the easing or curing of them... I was learning everything that was thrown at me. This time, apparently it was studying that would eventually make me light-headed.

My gift was finally being brought to light! Wow!

1. A reference to the Korean movie,

Tazza

☜

2. A reference to a famous Korean meme. ☜