Chapter 13

How did it come to this?

I carefully chose my words to avoid any mistakes and hid the real information...

I never expected to step on an inexplicable landmine just because of my name.

"Wh-what do you mean, 'Demon King'—"

"I thought you were a noble, but you're not! Look! You're all black! Your clothes, your shoes, and your hair are all black! Even your eyes, when I look closely! Just like the story said!"

"No way... But you're right, I am all black..."

Despite my words, Mei and Jink are getting excited.

Potter is being left out, but I don't have the luxury to worry about that now.

(What's going on? Demon King? ...Is there really a Demon King in this world? Well, it wouldn't be strange if there was. After all, this is a fantasy world with monsters, magic, and skills. It wouldn't be strange for a Demon King to exist. If that's the case, was I called to this world? Could I be the hero to defeat the Demon King...? Acorn, you gave me such a big role! But I don't have much sense of justice. So why? Heroes are supposed to be righteous heroes. I'm not the type to think about such things. However... Acorn said he 'found' me. Is there something that makes me a hero even without a sense of justice? But wait, I specifically asked if I had any hero skills, and Acorn didn't give me any. What does that mean? Can I defeat the Demon King without them? No, if that were the case, the people of this world could defeat him without transferring from another world. So what? ...Is there a Demon King that can't be defeated even with hero skills? Is that Demon King Loki? I see, that's it. That's why I was given nothing and suddenly left in the Great Forest as a big trial. If I can't clear this, I can't defeat the Demon King. That makes sense! Then the purpose of my coming to this world is...)

"Where is this ridiculous all-black Demon King?"

"Right in front of you."

"Hey! Don't point at people! No, I mean, the real Demon King Loki you know!"

"He's already been defeated by the hero."

"......Huh?"

I'm the hero? What do I do with this floating waist... I'm sitting in the air...

"Don't you know the '●Demon King Defeat Legend●'?"

"Who is this Loki guy? Even in a small town like Bezart, theater troupes and bards have visited about five times."

"I don't know..."

"It's the story of the hero Takuya defeating the Demon King! You must be imitating the Demon King Loki! He's famous!"

"A few years ago, there were a few people in Bezart dressed all in black."

"Jink used to be all black too, not long ago!"

"Shut up! It was just a coincidence! A coincidence!"

Hold on, hold on. There's one thing I really want to point out.

Hero Takuya? That's a very Japanese name...

"Who is this Hero Takuya...?"

"Don't you know? He's the prince of a huge country somewhere! He came from another world!"

"I only know he's from a great western country. The adults in town might know more..."

"Oh... another world... I see..."

I got a hint from an unexpected place... but why do I feel so unexcited?

Pulling myself together, I asked for more details. In this world, there are traveling troupes that perform plays with songs and dances, and bards who travel from town to town singing biographies and fictional stories.

The entertainment-starved residents welcome these people, throw coins, and enjoy their songs and dances together, drinking with them.

Among these, the "●Demon King Defeat Legend●" is a classic, where the hero Takuya, who appeared from another world, defeats the Demon King Loki, dressed all in black, after a hard battle... It's a heroic tale.

The fact that the protagonist is a real prince from a great country has made it extremely popular. Everyone in town knows it, and children often imitate it.

However, it's more practical for children to imitate the Demon King Loki, who can be easily dressed in black, rather than the hero in shiny armor.

The trend peaked about three years ago, and now a second part of the "●Demon King Defeat Legend●" is expected.

So, Jink and Mei thought I was a bit embarrassing, imitating the Demon King and even having the same name.

Indeed, they were surprised but not suspicious...

However, I see.

Honestly, the second part doesn't really matter.

There are so many Demon Kings...

Whether it's a transfer or reincarnation, Takuya from another world does exist.

And even children recognize that he's from another world.

So, do these three know about it too?

"Are there many people from other worlds?"

"Maybe. My dad said something about it once, but I don't remember."

"I don't know! But I'd like to see them if they exist!"

"Idiot! If they exist, they wouldn't come to a small town like Bezart!"

"Then the capital! Should we go to the capital?"

"Idiot, idiot! Where would we get the money for that?!"

As always, the group is as noisy as a school trip.

I wonder if it's okay to talk so much in the forest, but it's strange for me to say anything since I've been acting alone.

Jink is still alert, tapping his sword and walking carefully. He probably thinks that if monsters are attracted by the noise, he can handle it.

We have two monster handlers, after all.

And Mei, I'm sorry. The person in front of you is also from another world. I'm looking forward to going to Bezart... not a prince, but still.

Oh, and Potter... he's already blended into the background. His lack of presence reminds me of my old self, and I don't dislike it.

However, the information from children has its limits.

Still, I'm grateful for the information they provided. For more detailed information, I'll have to ask the adults in town.

Ah, it's getting dark.

We haven't had many battles, so we must have made good progress while talking... but how much longer until we get out?

"Jink, it's getting dark. Do you know how much longer it will take to get out?"

"We haven't encountered many monsters. It shouldn't take much longer. We'll probably get out before it's completely dark... but look, a Furi-mole is coming out!"

Oh, a test! ...Another one!

"Furi-mole on the right front! I'll take care of it!"

"Got it! Mei and Potter, check the surroundings! Hide behind a tree and stay together to avoid enemy attacks!"

"Got it!"

"Phew... phew... Ah!"

I know it's inappropriate to smile during a battle, but I can't help it.

(Haha... I'm just a little nostalgic for the old party hunts...)

There's a leader, and everyone moves according to their strengths, dealing damage to the enemy with synergy.

The stronger you become, the more you need a party. Strong people naturally form fixed parties.

I've seen this countless times.

But I've only seen it.

I chose solo play for efficiency.

I silently and steadily defeated enemies one by one.

So I only have a little memory of forming a party, which is only for raid bosses that require multiple people to defeat.

...Was I a little envious?

When enemies appear, everyone starts moving frantically. If someone makes a mistake, others help. Everyone rejoices over the loot.

Now, as I think about it... I was a little envious back then.

Still, I became the top player by giving up such pleasures.

Becoming stronger was my greatest joy and pleasure.

(Fellow travelers...)

What will become of me in this world?

But before I think about that, let's defeat the enemy in front of us.

First, to get out of the forest—Charge!!

This concludes Chapter 1, and the real adventure begins in Chapter 2.

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