Chapter 38: The Price of Toppling a Hero

“Right then, time for the rewards!”

Perseus stood up as he spoke. A thick surge of mana flared for a split second, and Ayane’s streaming device was forcibly shut down.

I didn't think he had that much strength left. But looking at his battered, bloodied frame, it was clear that the stunt had been his final act.

“Aren’t you taking this a bit lightly?” Shiki asked, her voice flat. “We nearly died because of you.”

“You’re still breathing, aren’t you? That’s just how it goes when you’re gambling with your life.”

“Perhaps, but… is that really all there is to it?”

“Yep! It’s my policy to be friendly with the legends who manage to take me down.”

He was casual to the core, but there was a weight to his words—a genuine acknowledgment of our victory. Even with wounds that should have killed him ten times over, he didn't let his dignity as a hero slip. He stood there and spoke to us as equals.

“Anyway, the first thing I can offer is information. Beyond that, I’ve got some gear. I’ll give the [Harpe] to the hero, and the [Talaria] to the ice-user over there. As for the black-haired beauty, I wanted to give her the [Hidden Helmet], but I don’t think it’d suit her, so I’ve decided against it.”

“Do I get nothing?!” Kagura barked.

“You want a shield? If you’re aiming to be a Dragon Knight, it’ll suit you well enough.”

“To receive the [Hero's Shield]… I am overwhelmed. Are you truly certain?”

“Yeah. It’ll be useful for the trials ahead. Now, about that information... From here on out, more people like me—heroes of myth, gods, sinners—and monsters from other worlds are going to start showing up. This world is going to be hit with trial after trial.”

It was a cold, ruthless revelation. I knew he wasn't the type to lie. That only made his words feel more real, and a heavy silence settled over us.

“Well, look on the bright side. You beat me. Don’t go losing to some half-baked amateur, alright? I’ve got a reputation to maintain. For now, consider this a ‘job well done.’ I’ll grant you the blessing of Perseus.”

He directed a warm current of mana toward us. I couldn't tell exactly what it did, but the sensation it carried wasn't malicious.

“This protection will keep you safe. If my stupid old man ever shows up, it’ll serve as your qualification to stand before him.”

“Your father… you don’t mean…”

“To me, he’s just a philandering piece of trash, but his strength is the real deal. Without that qualification, you wouldn't even be able to face him. Consider it a gift. I’m also giving you the right to summon me once. Just one time, though. Think carefully about when you use it.”

We were speechless. The reward was absurd, but the threat he was describing was enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.

Perseus coughed up a mouthful of blood, his limit finally catching up to him. He looked us in the eyes one last time.

“Now, O heroes! O champions who brought me low! I leave you with these words from Perseus himself. No matter how many tens of thousands of trials come your way, I guarantee this—humanity will win!”

[The Mythology Dungeon, [Sea of Stars], has been conquered. Bestowing armaments upon the conquerors and teleporting them to the surface.]

The system message echoed through the chamber. Armaments materialized in our hands as my companions began to vanish one by one. Shiki, Kaiser, Kagura, and then Ayane. I was the only one left.

“...I'm not teleporting?”

“I had something I wanted to say to you privately,” Perseus said. “Can you give me a moment?”

“I don’t mind, but… are you going to be okay?”

“Man, it hurts! You really didn't hold back, did you?”

“You would’ve been pissed if I did.”

“Fair point. Anyway, I’ve wanted to say this since the moment I learned who you were. You really did it, didn’t you? You saved Mythologia. That’s incredible.”

In the heat of the battle, I’d forgotten that he knew about that world.

“A perfect world of myth, overrun by monsters and evil gods… and the Great Hero who saved it. I wondered what kind of idiot you’d be, but to think you actually made those things your allies… You’re genuinely insane.”

“Hey. Watch how you talk about my friends.”

“I’m praising you! Especially that [Medusa] over there. I know her personality is different, but I’m impressed she joined you. You fundamentally hate humans, don’t you?”

Algol scoffed. “Of course. Humans other than Reima are just prey or toys.”

“She hasn’t changed a bit. It’s a bit shocking to see a 'Big Bro' like me get outdone by a kid who can keep a thing like that on a leash. Some hero you are.”

I suppose he has a point. When I first met Algol, she looked down on everything in existence. But now, she was a vital ally. One of my most precious friends.

“One last thing. What’s your name? Let me hear the name of the man who beat me.”

“...It’s Reima. Reima Kariya, Perseus.”

“I see. Good work, Reima. As one whose story was told in the myths of old, let me give you a piece of advice.”

“What now?”

“Just listen. Sigh. You’re a hero. No matter what anyone else says, I’ve acknowledged you. So… maybe try believing in humans a little more, okay?”

So that’s what he wanted to say.

His body became translucent, beginning to fade into motes of light. He laughed as if a great weight had been lifted, reaching out to ruffle my hair with a carefree, boyish grin. This blonde-haired, blue-eyed legend of myth gave me one last smile—a smile of genuine acceptance.

“See ya, Reima. Next time we meet, we fight as comrades!”

With that, the teleportation magic finally claimed me. When I opened my eyes, I was outside the Dungeon.

Author’s Note:

Hey there, Kido Airaku here!

I originally planned to update this over three days (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), but based on the poll I took around 10:00, I decided to do a mass release of three chapters today.

I wanted you all to see the conclusion as soon as possible, and since I had the chapters ready, I figured I’d take the plunge. This battle was honestly the hardest thing I’ve had to write, and I put everything I had into making it the best quality possible.

If you enjoyed it or want to say "Good job!", please follow the story, give it some stars, or leave a review! We’re currently ranked 2nd overall, and since we’ve come this far, I really want to hit 1st place! Your support really means a lot.

The next update will be the forum/bulletin board chapter to wrap up the first arc, and I’ll post a bonus story this coming Monday. To everyone who has read this far, thank you so much for your support!