Chapter 2

About twenty years ago.

A small demon nation at the edge of the continent suddenly declared war on the entire world.

Despite being a minority, they drew infinite magic from the "Netherworld Magic Furnace," attacked people, multiplied the demonic offspring, and gradually swallowed up the surrounding countries.

At the time, the largest power, the Terium Holy Kingdom, called on the remaining countries to wage a thorough war against the demon kingdom.

To counter the formidable power, they gathered and trained excellent talents from various countries, but the momentum of the demonic army did not wane.

However, the situation changed dramatically with the appearance of two geniuses.

The strongest hero, Sieg Andreas.

The supreme sage, Mathis Lutius.

The army led by these two young men repelled the demonic forces with overwhelming momentum.

Finally, they defeated the Demon King and destroyed the source of the demonic army's power—the "Netherworld Magic Furnace." Just as peace seemed to have arrived, the news of the strongest hero's death shook the continent—

In the holy capital of Terium, the capital of the Terium Holy Kingdom, there is a grand cathedral in the center, where the grand court for judging nobles, military personnel, and major criminals is located.

The circular hall has a high ceiling, and chairs are arranged in a circle about three meters high. Sitting in these chairs are high-ranking officials from the church and the military, selected for this purpose, serving as judges for the day.

At the center of the bottom part of the hall, standing in front of a semicircular fence, is a young man with black hair and black eyes. He is wearing a tattered robe, and shackles are placed around his neck and hands.

Although he is a mediocre swordsman and mage, no special magic has been cast on him, but soldiers with long spears stand behind him, ready to stab him if he becomes unruly, as it would be considered contempt of court.

"The trial for the assault and murder of the hero will now begin."

From the front seat, the portly judge with a full beard declared the opening of the court.

"The defendant, Mathis Lutius, is charged with leading the demons and murdering the hero Sieg Andreas, who was relaxed after the defeat of the Demon King."

Without allowing the defendant to speak, various testimonies, including those of uncertain eyewitnesses, were presented.

From the spectator seats in the upper rear, harsh criticisms were hurled at the defendant.

"What a bold thing you've done!"

"To kill the treasure of the country, nay, the world!"

"And to lead the enemy demons, no less!"

"Enemy of humanity!"

"Know shame!"

The defendant was kept standing as military personnel gave their testimonies.

They said:

Mathis Lutius, despite lacking real ability, used his position as the hero's best friend to advance his career and became overly arrogant.

He merely relayed the hero's advice to everyone, and he himself did not have the intellect to be called a sage.

The hero, not Mathis, was the one who realized the lost ancient secret techniques.

The witnesses' expressions were stiff, and some showed signs of distress.

It was clear they were being forced to speak. After all, they had direct interactions with Mathis and had been saved by his strategies multiple times.

On the other hand, the only voice defending him came from his mentor, Isabella, who was also one of the judges.

A middle-aged judge responded.

"Even family members can kill each other. I do not doubt Mathis's intellect, but in a situation where all his achievements were taken by the hero, it's not surprising that he might have felt jealous enough to kill."

"He is a young man who knows his place. He understands his own capabilities and limitations and would only praise, not envy, the hero for his perfect execution of strategies."

"Jealousy is not born of reason alone."

A sneer followed, and another judge raised his hand to speak.

"The hero's power is immense. Could the defendant have thought—"

—He would eventually become a threat to the world.

For a moment, silence filled the room.

As if on cue, a voice came from the spectator seats.

"Indeed, that makes sense."

"The hero's arrogant behavior was unbearable."

"The hero was the one who became overly arrogant."

"He must have had ambitions to take over the country."

This time, the hero was criticized.

'The hero is just a pawn.'

However, the hero's own words never reached anyone's ears except his friends.

"But even if you wanted to stop it, to team up with the demons—"

"Even if it was out of righteous indignation, the means were wrong."

"No, no, it's not yet determined that it was just righteous indignation."

More arbitrary comments were thrown from various directions.

"Does the defendant have any defense?" the judge asked, looking down.

"...I did not lead the demons. I never even thought of killing my friend."

His suppressed voice was met with laughter from various directions.

"Hmm. You insist on your innocence. Very well."

The judge banged the gavel.

"I will now pronounce the verdict. It is clear that the defendant, Mathis Lutius, led the demons to cause the death of the hero Sieg Andreas. However, while there are doubts about his abilities, it cannot be denied that he made significant contributions to the Holy Kingdom and the world. The motive was a mix of jealousy and righteous indignation, and the hero's behavior was also problematic—"

He paused and then announced:

"He will be exiled to the frontier with a 'Watcher's Collar' placed on him."

In a situation where the only possible sentence should have been death, the words flowed smoothly as if prepared in advance.

(Ah, as expected.)

The defendant looked around the upper seats.

Among them were those who had set him up. Including the spectators behind, there were more than just one or two.

The plan had been in motion since the special task force for the Demon King's defeat was formed.

To kill the hero.

Just for that, a terrible plan.

To eliminate the powerful and live in peace, a selfish and abhorrent script was meticulously prepared.

Now, in this place.

Regardless of whether there were doubts, he wanted to kill them all.

Burning with hatred, but he could not.

—He needed "power."

Not the power to avenge his best friend. If that were all, he already had it.

Killing them without exposing their crimes would not bring him peace. Most importantly, he had been accused of the hero's murder and his achievements were belittled in this court. He needed the power to restore his honor. Therefore—

(I will live as you. I will achieve the great deeds you were meant to accomplish. I will not waste the life you saved.)

To make his best friend's name a legend in history.

That was the revenge he chose.

The young man with black hair and black eyes standing in the defendant's seat—

(Watch me, Mathis.)

Was none other than the strongest hero, Sieg Andreas, who had taken his best friend's form.