Chapter 125: Proof of the Hero's Existence

The dungeon fell silent. The violent roar of lightning had vanished, leaving only the sound of our ragged breathing.

There were no traces of Demi Nyarla’s flesh left—it had been completely eradicated. There was no sign of regeneration. I’d poured nearly every drop of mana I had into that final blow. I couldn't sustain Luna and Balor’s [Origin Burst] any longer, and the two reverted to their original forms.

"Master!"

Luna cried out, throwing her arms around me as I slumped to the floor. Balor seemed paralyzed by the recoil of the transformation; she simply watched over us with a gentle gaze. As for Shibaru, he scanned our surroundings with his usual cold composure.

"Whoa, take it easy, Luna. You’re freezing."

"I can't take it easy! I was worried. Balor, please, heal him."

"Understood... I will heal Luna as well, so it would be a help if you remained still."

"Muu, do me later. Heal him first."

"I cannot. Please, sit quietly and receive your treatment."

Balor had been a Sister once, so she knew her way around healing magic. Her skills were top-tier, comparable even to Lufel’s. I’d intended to tell her to prioritize Luna and Shibaru since they’d taken more damage than I had, but the atmosphere didn't exactly invite argument. I kept my mouth shut and let her work.

"Hey, Ouma. Get over here—wait, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing... I was just thinking that it’s finally over," Ouma replied, savoring the words.

I didn't know the exact history between him and that monster. My knowledge of his past was limited to a few scattered records.

"Anyway, get up, Reima," he said, reaching out. "Let’s go home."

"Yeah. Good work out there."

Just as I gripped his hand, an immense pressure of mana surged through the air. We instantly went on high alert.

[God Slaying of Invader Demi Nyarla confirmed—Dungeon threat level increasing.]

The voice belonged to the entity known as the [Voice of the World]. I had no idea how far that voice traveled, but the information was pure poison—a bomb far too big for us to be holding.

[Granting rewards to the God Slayer. Preparing further trials.]

The voice was unilateral, indifferent. I tried to process the information as it was hammered into my skull, waiting for whatever came next.

[Mythology Dungeon, Apocalypse Sea Zone: Oceanus, now unlocked.]

A massive tremor shook the earth. I couldn't see what was happening outside, but if the voice was telling the truth, a new Dungeon had just manifested in the world.

[Commending the current Indra, Sekikage Ouma—and our Hero, Reima Kariya. You have done well to slay a Demi-god.]

The overwhelming mana finally dissipated. The implications of what we’d heard were staggering. Whether we should report this to the government was a decision for later... right now, my head just throbbed from the sheer weight of it all.

"What do you want to do... Ouma?"

Before he could answer, a rift tore open in the middle of the dungeon. An absurd quantity of gems, materials, and weapons began raining down. They were all thick with mana, though most of the weapons were battered and worn—relics of a different era.

"This is..."

Ouma’s voice trailed off. One weapon stood out among the pile: a double-edged sword with a blackened blade. It was clearly a masterwork.

"How... how is this still here?"

"What is it?" I asked.

"A weapon belonging to my best friend. Ah, I see. It survived after all..."

A look of pure clarity washed over Ouma’s face—a look I’d never seen from him. I couldn't guess exactly what he was feeling, but it wasn't grief. I didn't know what to say, so I just felt a quiet sense of relief for him.

"This time for sure," I said. "Let's go home, Ouma."

"Yeah. Let's."

Heroes don’t exist.

I’d reached that conclusion a long time ago. If such people actually existed, I wouldn't have lost everything. No one’s life would have been cut short.

"Hey, Reima... thanks. You saved me."

I spoke to him as we stood atop the teleportation circle. He was laughing with his [Summoned Beasts]. I finally voiced the gratitude I'd been holding back.

"Hmm? What brought that on?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to say it."

I used to believe there were no heroes. I told myself it was better that way—that if they did exist, I’d only hate them. I’d hate them for not being there when I needed them, for failing to save us.

"Anyway, I’ll probably be leaning on you in the future, too. Glad to have you."

"Oh? Well, same here. I'm counting on you."

But I’d finally seen the truth. The hero I’d once admired wasn't just a dream; he was reality. My childhood idol wasn't a hollow image. The Hero was right here.

Listen, old friend. I’m going to help this guy. I’ll do whatever it takes to support the hero I looked up to. So please... lend me your strength.

I gripped the black sword tightly, as if making a silent vow.

"Thanks, Hero."

Saying that, I was finally able to smile.