Chapter 17

"……The village was attacked?"

I muttered in shock.

—The timeline of "Last Brave" is definitely drawing near. Even now, as I stand here stunned by Lucash's words, the moment—when the demon king will be resurrected—is approaching, second by second.

As if to snap me out of my daze, Lucash took my hand.

Could this hand have protected everyone?

"Still, no one was hurt. You can rest easy."

"…Did Lucash drive them away?"

Lucash nodded.

While I was relieved that no one was hurt, I was concerned about whether Lucash, who had fought the monsters, was injured. Lucash is the kind of person who would hide it if he was the only one injured.

I closed the distance, clinging to his body, and asked quickly.

"Lucash? Are you hurt?"

For some reason, Lucash squinted happily. Then,

"I'm fine. This eye glowed again and somehow managed to help. And the adults in the village helped too."

He laughed and pointed to his left eye.

Before Lucash set out on his journey as a hero, it was said in the opening of "Last Brave" that he had driven away monsters that had attacked the village. So, this incident is just a prelude to the main story. It's a predetermined event.

I know this. "I" know. So why am I so shaken? When I was almost eaten by a monster, I was so calm, thinking, "It's just an event, I won't die." But why—

Am I becoming a part of this world?

"That's good… Thank you."

"Why are you thanking me, Laura?"

Lucash laughed loudly, trying to brighten the somber mood. But I couldn't return his smile.

The smile disappeared from Lucash's face as well. After taking a deep breath to compose himself, Lucash spoke.

"…I found out later that the magic protecting the village hadn't weakened. It was just… the monsters got stronger."

He said the last part in a very low, almost secretive voice.

"You were right, Laura."

His voice was a mix of fear, regret, terror, and excitement.

He must have been carrying this burden alone until he met me today.

My childhood friend had believed from the start the outlandish words I said years ago about monsters getting stronger in the future. But perhaps Lucash also thought it would be a distant future.

"…Yeah. I'm really glad you were there."

I sighed in relief and finally managed to smile.

Lucash returned my smile, his lips relaxing slightly. But the smile quickly faded.

"My dad and mom said that monsters have never entered the village before."

The words fell one by one.

This incident must have shaken not only Lucash but also the people of Eme village. Thinking of the faces of my parents and friends—suddenly, I realized.

With Lucash not in the village, the residents must be very anxious. What if the village is attacked by monsters now?

I'm sure they haven't ignored this possibility. The men in the village must be arming themselves and preparing countermeasures. They must have sent Lucash off happily to meet his childhood friend after a long time. But—

I didn't know anything. I wasn't told anything, and I was too carefree. The reason no one told me about this incident is probably to let me focus on my studies as a potion master.

I clenched my fists tightly.

From now on, I'll go to Eme village to see Lucash. Not just during long holidays, but more frequently. Although the distance between the capital and Eme village is considerable, if I hurry, I can make a round trip in two days—no, that's probably too tight. At least with three days, I can make a quick return trip.

That's right. Can I work on my days off and take the time off the following week? I'll talk to Casper about it.

"…I have a bad feeling. Recently, my left eye suddenly feels hot."

At his words, I couldn't help but look at his left eye. In the clear blue of his eye, like the sky, the golden emblem that asserts its presence. Does it seem darker and deeper to me, or is it just my imagination?

Perhaps the hero's power is growing stronger. Or maybe the incomplete awakening is becoming complete.

Whatever the reason, Lucash seems to be feeling a sense of confusion about the changes in his left eye and his own power.

I touched his left eyelid, hoping to wipe away some of that confusion. The warmth that spread from my fingertips was the same as that day—when I decided to live as the hero's childhood friend.

"What is this, a proof of something?"

It's the proof of the hero who will save this world.

Telling the truth now would only confuse him more. I bit my lower lip hard.

"I am… what—"

I can't let him say any more.

My intuition told me so.

"Lucash is Lucash. It doesn't matter what that emblem is."

I spoke quickly.

That emblem is the proof of the hero who will protect this world. It's not something to be feared. It's the embodiment of Lucash's kindness and strength, the proof of Lucash.

Lucash's eyes widened at my sudden strong tone. I felt a bit embarrassed, thinking I might have been too forceful. But I had to get my point across, so I spoke again.

"…I went too far. It does matter, but… thanks to Lucash's power, I'm alive now, and no one in Eme village was hurt, right?"

That's right. If Lucash hadn't awakened to the hero's power, I would have died long ago, eaten by a monster.

I knew I wouldn't die because it was an event in "Last Brave"—but I tend to take that day's incident lightly. Lucash is my savior.

"If it weren't for you, I'd be in a monster's stomach right now."

I laughed, and a smile appeared on Lucash's face. He nodded with a surprisingly strong voice.

"Without this power, I wouldn't be here with Laura now. Because of this power, I could protect Laura and everyone."

His expression and voice regained their energy. Then,

"I want to protect everyone with this power."

Lucash said this firmly. His face was no longer that of my cute childhood friend but that of the future hero who would bear the fate of this world.