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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
A new door had appeared inside the Dragon Lair.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
To avoid confusion with the other doors, it had a picture of a beer mug drawn on it.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I stood in front of the door and grabbed the handle.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
[To use the Dimensional Tavern, you need a Dimensional Tavern Pass.]
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
[Would you like to use a Dimensional Tavern Pass?]
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
[Using Dimensional Tavern Pass.]
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
The handle, which had been firmly locked, turned smoothly. With a click, the door to the Dimensional Tavern opened.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
The interior came into view.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Round tables made of wood were scattered throughout, and there was a neat bar made of black marble.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I took a step inside.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
It seemed no one was here yet, as not even a single hair could be seen. I strolled around, looking curiously.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Welcome to the Dimensional Tavern.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
At the pleasant voice, I turned my head to see someone walking out from the door by the bar.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
A beauty with braided red hair.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
She wore a red dress.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
A woman radiating a captivating aura was smiling brightly.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
‘The owner of the Dimensional Tavern. Rose.’
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
She looked exactly like the illustration I’d seen in the game.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I’d thought the illustration was pretty, but was it possible for someone to be this beautiful in real life?
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“You think we look the same, right?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“…So everyone says that?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Some say it, while others, like you, show it with their expression.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Rose smiled and gestured to the bar in front of her.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Come sit here. I’ll explain how to use the Dimensional Tavern.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I went over to the seat Rose indicated and sat down.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Maybe it was because I was closer, but I could smell the strong scent of roses from her.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Rose pulled a small box from under the counter.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
With her small hands, she took out the cards inside and shuffled them skillfully.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“It’ll take a bit to prepare. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Questions, huh.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
What should I ask first?
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
There were a few things, so I hesitated, but in the end, I asked what I was most curious about.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Did the Dragon God create the Labyrinth and Dungeons?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Yes. That’s right.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Then what was the purpose of creating them? Did the Dragon Gods make them out of boredom after becoming gods?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“No. They haven’t become gods yet. To be exact, they’ve reached the realm of demigods.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I’d heard a similar story from fragments of memory.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Because they split up the Lord’s power. Does that mean they couldn’t become true gods?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Correct.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
With a slightly surprised look, Rose set the cards down on the table.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“To become true gods, they need powerful souls. So, think of the Labyrinth and Dungeons as created to select those with strong souls.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Then the Apostles…”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“They’re Executors. Soul harvesters who seek out those with strong souls and offer them up as sacrifices.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“…So the Successor of the Lord is meant to stop those Apostles and, furthermore, prevent the Dragon Gods from becoming true gods?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Exactly.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Rose fanned out the cards on the table.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“That’s enough for question time. Shall we get back to your original purpose for coming here?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
It didn’t seem like she’d answer if I asked more, so I nodded.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Yes.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“This will be a little different from the game. I’ll explain more as we go. Please draw five cards from these.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Rose gestured to the cards with her palm.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
A golden background with a dragon-shaped emblem was drawn on each one. All the cards were identical, so there was nothing to distinguish.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I simply picked the ones that felt right—one from the left, one from the center, one from the right.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Swoosh.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Swoosh.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Swoosh.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Then I picked two more from the center. With five cards in front of me, I looked up at Rose.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Rose gathered up the remaining cards and placed her hand on the one farthest to the left.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Let’s take a look, shall we?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
She flipped the card, and a word appeared.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Advice?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“It’s been a while since someone picked this card first. Let’s check the others.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
With an intrigued expression, Rose flipped over the rest of the cards.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Hero.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Direction. Passion.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Calmness.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
A string of words that didn’t seem connected. I was curious how this would work.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“The cards you just picked are Dimensional Cards. They open a path to dimensions with Guardians that have those keywords.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Dimensions with Guardians?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Exactly as I said. You’ll go to the dimension, and bring back a Guardian who matches the keywords you picked.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
With a snap of her fingers, Rose turned the five cards into glasses. The drinks inside shone with various colors.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
She placed the five drinks into a golden shaker and shook them.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Guardians you contract with through the Dimensional Tavern have incredible abilities. But that also means they’re hard to obtain.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“In what way are they difficult?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“You can’t make a contract unless the Guardian matches the keywords. Even if you find them, they might refuse.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“From what you’re saying, it sounds like I have to search for the Guardian myself…”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Right. It’d be nice if we could just have you meet and contract right away, but there are complicated circumstances on this side too.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Rose opened the shaker and poured the mixed drinks into a large glass.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I watched the shimmering drink and asked,
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“What if I find them but they don’t like me?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“That’s unlikely. The Dimensional Card creates a path to the Guardian you need. If it still doesn’t work out, you’ll have to get another Pass. We don’t do refunds.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Rose pushed the drink toward me.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Here. Just drink this.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I reached for the shimmering drink. I gently swirled the glass and glanced at Rose.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Is there any tip for finding a Guardian?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Trust your instincts.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
My instincts, huh.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I raised the glass to my lips.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
And drank what was inside.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
The moment it passed down my throat,
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
My head spun and a powerful pressure crushed my entire body. It felt like being swept up in a raging wind, my senses growing faint.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
In the blackened world, white letters appeared.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
[Dimensional transfer complete.]
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
With that, my eyes shot open.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Haah!”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I gasped for air and looked around. The Dimensional Tavern was gone, and before me stood an enormous building I’d never seen before.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
It looked like something out of the Middle Ages.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
At what appeared to be the main entrance, the name of this place was written.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
[Rotes Kingdom Hero Academy.]
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Hero Academy
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Just then, an elderly man in armor who had been guarding the main gate approached me.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Are you all right?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Yes, I’m fine.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Still, just in case, why don’t you come sit here for a moment?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
The place the old man led me to was a shaded area, like a rest spot for the guards.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
As I sat on the bench, a cool breeze blew by.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Sure enough, after a short rest, the initial anxiety and confusion faded quickly.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
‘Another dimension.’
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
If Rose was right, somewhere in this place was the Guardian I needed.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
My gaze drifted to the plaque at the main gate.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Hero Academy.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Just reading the name, it was clear this was a place for training heroes. In other words, a place where powerful people would gather.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
‘At a glance, it seems likely they’d be here.’
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
While I was lost in thought, a carriage pulled up to the gate.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
The old man walked over to the carriage.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“How may I help you?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“I’ve come to spectate the Martial Arts Tournament. Which way do I go?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“If you go inside, you’ll find the tournament hall. Go further in, and the students will guide you.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Their attire was dignified.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
So was their speech.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Was this what nobles were like?
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
One by one, such people appeared and entered the Academy through the gate.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
‘A Martial Arts Tournament…’
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
A contest of martial prowess.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
That meant there’d be powerful participants.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Maybe the one the card had pointed to was a Guardian among them.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
First, I needed more information.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
If I looked around the Academy, I could probably learn a thing or two, and when the tournament began, I could go spectate.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Are you feeling better now?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
The old man returned and checked on me.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Yes. Thanks to you, I’m fine.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“I’m glad. So, what brings you here today?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“I heard there’s a Martial Arts Tournament, so I came to watch.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Ah, I see. The matches will be starting soon, so you should head in. Have you been to the Academy before?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“This is my first time.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Follow this path and you’ll pass the Path of Heroes and see a fountain. If you go left at the fountain, the students will guide you.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Thanking the old man again, I started walking. Making sure no one was around, I quickly checked my condition.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
‘Only magic is available.’
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I couldn’t summon a Guardian, nor open the Dragon Lair. The only things I could use were Dragon Heart and magic.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Also, Gold Dragon’s Eye wasn’t activating.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I couldn’t obtain any information about anything.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
‘So that’s why Rose said to trust my instincts.’
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Having grasped the situation, I started walking again.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Wow, this is the Path of Heroes?”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“It really is grand.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“Mom! I want to become a great knight when I grow up!”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Looking up, I saw people gathered.
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They were standing on a long stretch of marble, lined with statues of people on either side.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I strolled along, looking at the statues.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Arbant the Arcane Lord.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Ludvin the Iron-Blooded Sword.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Haruan the Storm Spear.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Pedro the Pilgrim of the Sword.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Each statue had the name and title of its subject, along with an inscription of their achievements.
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And at the very end,
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A giant statue placed at the center of the Path of Heroes.
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The one with the most people gathered around it.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I checked the name on the statue.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Odenberk the Hero King.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
It said he was the Hero King who defeated the Demon King’s Army bent on destroying the world, and the hero admired by all others.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
He was also the founder of this Academy.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
The statues behind him were of those who walked the Path of Heroes, following in Odenberk’s footsteps.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
‘…Hero.’
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
One of the keywords I’d drawn.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I headed off to find the fountain, searching for someone who embodied the other keywords as well.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Just as the old man had explained, there were young people in uniforms.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
“The Rotes Martial Arts Tournament will begin soon. Spectators, please take your seats.”
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Following the path they indicated,
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
I found myself at a huge circular arena.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
The seats were already filled with people.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
‘So many people.’
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789
Squeezing through the crowd, I barely managed to find a seat. Soon after, the Martial Arts Tournament began.
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“We now begin the Rotes Martial Arts Tournament! The first match is a big one! Introducing first, Rotes Academy’s Student Council President and strongest talent, Artina Blossentia!”
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“Waaaaaah!”
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One of the arena doors opened, and a woman with braided blond hair walked out.
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Her looks were striking, but more than that—
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How should I put it?
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She felt as sharp and polished as a well-forged sword.
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“Her opponent, representing Rowen Academy and known as a genius of martial arts, Bella Stingam!”
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“Waaaaaah!”
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She was no slouch, either.
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The two faced each other in the arena, and it felt like the place was filled to the brim with their presence. Each drew their weapon.
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One drew a sword.
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The other, a pair of gauntlets.
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“Let the match begin!”
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At that moment, both moved.
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Sword and fist charged at each other.
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Artina’s sword was heavy and fierce, while Bella’s fists were swift and brilliant.
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Clang!
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Clang!
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After sizing each other up,
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They began drawing upon their mana.
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Artina’s sword strikes glowed with blue energy. Blue lines rose like smoke, swirling together and forming a giant blade.
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With a sweep, Artina slashed the air with her sword wind.
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Kwagagagagang!
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The line cut the ground in half and sent Bella Stingam flying out of the arena.
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Seeing that, a grin spread on my lips.
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‘This is going to be interesting.’
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Who would be the Guardian I’d find here?
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