Chapter 37: The End of Perseus

That sight was the literal reincarnation of a myth.

Black Robe... no, it was likely just a glimpse of Reima’s true power from that other world. It was so far beyond my comprehension that it made me wonder about the kind of journey he’d endured to reach this point.

The phrase "Hero of Mythologia" he’d uttered right as he challenged him... I didn’t know what it meant, but I was certain that Reima had saved something back then, too.

"Heh... look at him. He’s damn cool."

The only thing I could feel was a simple, raw sense of admiration.

Commanding those [Summoned Beasts]... challenging a legendary hero, and fighting for our sakes with everything he had—he was the image of the hero we’d all looked up to when we were kids.

"Um... exactly what is happening here?"

It happened in an instant.

Kaiser was the first to wake up, the effects of Perseus’s petrification finally wearing off. He stared at Reima’s battle, eyes wide with genuine shock, before turning his gaze toward me.

"Basically, Reima—or Black Robe, I guess—is fighting as a [Summoner]. His opponent is that Perseus guy we were just dealing with."

"I... I don’t understand a word of that."

"I don’t have the full story either. Let’s just ask him later. Ayane, you awake?"

"Yeah... My body is still stiff, but... where’s Reima?"

"Over there. He’ll explain it all eventually, so just... ditto to what I told Kaiser."

For now, I just wanted to witness his fight.

I’m going to watch my best friend’s true form—this version of him that released the power he’s always been terrified of. I’ll watch him as a human being, and as his friend.

"It’s over," I muttered.

Magic power surged from Reima as he leveled his scythe. Then, with a single stroke, he carved a diagonal rent across his opponent's chest.

"A splendid performance, Hero."

"Same to you. You were incredible, Perseus."

That was the extent of our conversation. This man was a hero. He was a legend of myth who had survived against a monster like me for this long. Having dealt him a fatal blow, I quietly withdrew my weapon back into my soul and waited for the others to approach.

"Good work, Reima."

"My friend! If you were hiding such power, you should have said something! I was nearly startled to death!"

"I doubt it was a simple matter of keeping secrets... but you have my thanks, Reima-dono."

"Um... good job, Reima?"

Everyone ran up to me, showering me with words of praise. But their reactions weren't what I had expected. I probably looked incredibly awkward as I stood there facing them.

"Hey, what’s with the face, best friend? You look like you just stepped on a Tibetan sand fox."

"I didn't step on anything. There aren't even any foxes in this [Dungeon]... Anyway, aren't you guys scared of me?"

"Hm? Why should we be afraid? I don't know why my friend was hiding his power, but it’s thanks to that strength that we escaped petrification and cleared the floor. There is only room for gratitude here, not fear!"

Kaiser spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. He truly didn't seem to care about the nature of my power; he was just his usual self, accepting me for who I was.

"He's right, Reima. We're only alive because of you. Thank you, seriously."

"I have a million questions... but thanks for saving us."

"More importantly, if you possess such strength, I would be honored to request a duel. Are you free anytime soon?"

"Read the room, Bakagura."

"I thought we agreed that name was forbidden!?"

"It does have a nice ring to it, though."

The atmosphere returned to its usual rhythm, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Seeing them like this made me realize that fighting had been worth it. It was good that I could protect them. As I stood a step back from the group, Luna and the others approached.

"I’m glad, Master."

"What’s this, Reima~? Are you gonna cry~? Hehe, it’s okay to cry, you know?"

"Good work, Reima. Let’s get some rest later."

The comrades who had joined me in that other world offered their own comforts. A strange sentimentality hit me. I hadn't been feared. I had been accepted, even if only a little.

I was just about to head toward the others when a frantic series of notification sounds echoed through the [Dungeon].

『The concurrent viewer count has exceeded one million!!! This is a legendary achievement, Ayane-sama!』

A high-pitched, cute voice came from a device shaped like a snow-child as it zipped around us, announcing the news.

"Ah... I forgot the stream was still live..."

"Seriously?"

〔Everyone was petrified, so we didn't have time to look.〕 〔Good work!〕 〔That’s a clear, right? It’s gotta be a clear!〕 〔Congrats on the new Japan record!〕 〔Wait, Reima-kun is way too strong. GG.〕 〔What was that boss even made of?〕

The comments I had been ignoring flooded in all at once. Because of the massive audience, the chat was scrolling at a suicidal speed. I couldn't even keep up with the text.

"How much of that did they see?"

"Probably... everything from the start?"

"Oh... man..."

I stared at the device, wondering how it had avoided the petrification, and all I could manage was a half-strangled groan.

"Um... I am Black Robe. Are you... okay?"

Since my identity was basically outed anyway, I tried to give a cool introduction, but it only succeeded in making the atmosphere incredibly awkward.

〔We already figured it out, lol.〕 〔That English is so fake.〕 〔His personality is kind of a letdown, huh?〕 〔Wait, give me back the 'cool' version from five minutes ago.〕 〔We knew the second we saw the Summoned Beasts.〕 〔Thanks for saving everyone!〕

Even in the comments, there was no sign of fear. There was only pure praise and appreciation. It was itchy and embarrassing. I didn't know what to say, so I just stood there, lost for words.

"Hah... sorry to interrupt the celebration, but I’d like to hand over your rewards. Will you come closer?"

In the midst of the accelerating comments, the hero—Perseus—spoke.