Chapter 102: Versya

What is a hero?

A problem solver who handles difficult situations?

A breakout star that everyone is excited about?

A small elite special unit?

A pushover forced to sacrifice?

There may be various meanings of hero, but in the Mazer Empire, the name "Hero" had a somewhat special meaning.

Imperial Palace of the Mazer Empire.

"Chancellor. What on earth is happening?"

"Have you found the cause of the rift?"

"We haven't been able to find out anything."

"At this rate, the Great Barrier will..."

The ministers' accusations were close to panic.

Their pupils trembled violently with urgency.

This was no different for the Emperor sitting on the throne.

"What are we to do..."

"Your Majesty, even the Magic Tower says they have no countermeasures."

"The Church of Ruth is the same."

"To think there is a spatial rift inside the Great Barrier..."

Everyone couldn't hide their worried expressions.

"Everyone, calm down."

"What about the Hero Corps?"

"The mobilization of the Hero Corps is almost complete."

"That's somewhat comforting."

A mysterious spatial wave appeared in the sky above the empire.

A rift occurred immediately after the spatial wave was observed.

The rift, which was thinner than a thread, was gradually widening.

What on earth was happening for space to be splitting apart like this?

If the Great Barrier were to be destroyed...

Outside the Great Barrier, the environment is uninhabitable for humans due to toxic energy. The continent was already in an accelerating state of destruction.

Currently, they were barely maintaining the Great Barrier by gathering all the power of the continent.

"What's the situation outside the barrier?"

"There are no major changes at the moment. As usual... the demonic beasts are just rampaging."

"Your Majesty. All members of the Hero Corps have been mobilized."

"Is that so? Bring them here immediately."

The Emperor hurriedly summoned them. Their usefulness in such an emergency situation was undeniable.

"Have you arrived?"

""We greet Your Imperial Majesty.""

"With your abilities, you must have sensed the rift in the sky. What do you think?"

The Hero Corps.

Beings who achieve all sorts of military exploits while being dispatched to various places to protect the continent.

"..."

However, even they didn't have a clear solution. As the Emperor said, they had sensed something ominous through the rift in the sky, but that was all.

The heroes were mobilized and discussions continued with the imperial ministers, but there was no answer.

They had even postponed subjugation missions in various regions to prepare emergency measures.

"In the end... is there no other way?"

If the Great Barrier is destroyed, a wave of demonic beasts would pour in along with the toxic energy.

In other words, it would be the extinction of humanity.

The conclusion was that the entire Hero Corps would gather to intercept whatever came out of the rift, and to hurry preparations in case the Great Barrier was destroyed.

-Move quickly!

-Hurry and move! Leave!

-This place could turn into a battlefield at any moment!

-Set up palisades! Supply weapons to the men and gather food!

-How is the repair work on the city walls progressing?

An anomaly occurring within the Great Barrier was tantamount to threatening the survival of humanity.

The rift gradually grew larger and began to spark black electricity.

Someone might say it was an overreaction, but not to them. For those who occasionally summoned heroes from other dimensions, such incidents were not entirely unheard of.

Everyone trembled in fear.

Young men patrolled with clubs in hand.

Even the elderly took up weapons, each with their own resolve.

Mothers tightly held their children's hands and comforted them.

Girls prayed to small statues of the Goddess.

Everyone shook with terror.

Pzzzt-

"According to what the Magic Tower has found out... an enormous energy is concentrating."

"What's the nature of this energy?"

"...We do not know."

The Brave Dwarf, Ainkel.

The Lofty Ranger, Shati.

The Miraculous Barbarian Warrior, Totur.

Versya, who met them and ultimately became the continent's strongest hero and the Owner of the Holy Sword.

They didn't hide their respect for the Hero Party Versya, which meant courage. A symbol teaching that anyone could become a hero.

"But what on earth is that..."

"How can an island fly in the sky..."

"My goodness..."

Huge islands made of metal came through the rift one after another.

Just 3 days after the rift opened.

A declaration was posted in the square stating that the disaster of the Demon God, which had nearly driven humanity to extinction, had been resolved.

However, those who were saved couldn't smile. They couldn't hold a victory celebration.

Because Versya, the true hero in their hearts, had not returned.

Why did he not show himself?

***"Your wish has been fulfilled. You said you wanted to give everyone an ordinary daily life, right?"

But there was no answer to Karlstein's voice.

"Since you can't answer, I handled it my way... Well, it should be fine."

Around him, other Transcendents were gathered. They seemed at a loss for words at the scene they had witnessed until now.

"With this, the payment of compensation is complete."

The Emperor's word is absolute. He always keeps the promises he makes.

"It took quite a lot of resources, so it's best to give up any thoughts of running away on your own."

"..."

The Transcendents couldn't take their eyes off the crystal wall in front of them.

Versya, with his eyes closed as if time had stopped, was inside the oval-shaped crystal.

"..."

"..."

"Anyway, this should solve the problem for now."

Three days ago, Karlstein had encased the lifeless Versya entirely in crystal.

Using 'that' power.

-Th-This power is...!

-U-Umm. It is truly chilling.

-Ah. I want to praise myself for not losing my mind.

-This is not any simple mineral.

Karlstein judged that this was the only method available in the current situation.

"When we can send him to the Galactic Empire, I'll thaw him out then."

Though I'm not sure if he'll survive.

Crumble-

The right arm of Karlstein's Avatar crumbled to ash.

"Geez. Seriously? After just this much?"

"..."

The watching Transcendents couldn't easily open their mouths.

"Anyway, I hope you all work hard too. And... when you have time later, try getting a consultation at the Enhancement Clinic."

"Un...derstood."

"..."

"...Got it."

"Hoho."

They barely managed to open their mouths to answer, but it was difficult to regain their senses because of what the Oradge had shown.

‘What on earth was that?’

‘This isn't just simply freezing... It's as if time has stopped.’

'Clearly, the life signs had ceased. But... it's as if it's reversing...'

'I never want to feel that chilling energy again.'

Gulp.

The Transcendents once again reminded themselves that the Oradge was no ordinary being.

Of course, his strength was one thing, but they had also witnessed the process of him fulfilling Versya's wish.

And they also saw the video the Oradge shared, saying to beat him up if he says anything different when he wakes up.

The toxic energy that had taken root across the entire planet was completely purified, and the countless demonic beasts moving in the toxic energy were subjugated in an instant.

They even watched as a round, huge spaceship drove a pillar into the planet, reviving even the land devastated by toxic energy.

Everyone rubbed their eyes.

At this point, isn't he just a god?

It took only 3 days to resurrect the dead and save an entire planet.

"Anyway."

Karlstein looked at them.

"What exactly happened?"

They couldn't possibly understand the being in front of them.

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