"A powerful hero is essential to hold back the Imaginary Savior. Have you all followed me so far?"
Gwen asked, her tone turning uncharacteristically serious.
It was Dorda who responded first.
He nodded, a low growl vibrating from his wolf-head.
"Under-stood... Simple... explanation."
"My, a response from an unexpected quarter. Thank you kindly," Gwen replied, bowing with a delighted air.
Seated at the Round Table, she held up a single index finger.
"However, one problem arises here. What do you think it is?"
"There is no hero grand enough to cause the Imaginary Savior to fade. That is the issue, is it not?"
"Exactly as expected of a former Demon Lord. Full marks!"
Gwen snapped her fingers and laughed at Diera’s assessment. She spread her arms wide as she continued her lecture.
"Since this individual must shoulder the World’s Hope, an ordinary hero simply won't cut it. We require a vessel that naturally surpasses the Imaginary Savior."
Gwen shifted her focus, pointing directly at Henry. Her voice was flat as she delivered her verdict.
"Mister Braukin, even a hero of your caliber falls short of the mark."
"Well, that’s a pity."
Henry shrugged casually. He didn't seem particularly invested; he likely had no desire to be a hero in the first place.
To think even Henry is inadequate...
I pondered the weight of those words, struck by a fresh wave of wonder. Henry was one of the world's preeminent elites. He was a man who had once been considered a prime candidate for the Demon King Subjugation. Even within the Current Demon King's Army, which grew more formidable by the day, he reigned as one of the strongest despite being a mere mortal.
Just the other day, Henry had successfully repelled the Imaginary Savior.
I had heard from Gwen beforehand that forcing the Other Nation's Army into a disadvantage was not the only factor in that victory. In his case, it was tied to the potent radiance of a hero. To put it simply, it was a matter of Henry’s influence on the battlefield. The greater his presence grew, the more the Imaginary Savior’s power withered.
The Imaginary Savior was the embodiment of the Absence of the Hero. Henry had negated that concept through his own heroic deeds. On that recent battlefield, he had succeeded in repelling the phenomenon because those specific factors happened to align by chance.
And yet, even Henry, who possessed such high aptitude, apparently failed to meet the final requirements. the ideal demanded of this hero was staggeringly high.
"Since I've explained this much, I'm sure you see it now. there is only one hero capable of surpassing the Imaginary Savior. It goes without saying—it’s the Former Hero!" Gwen announced gleefully.
Sprawled out atop the Round Table, she prattled on with total disregard for decorum.
"She possesses the greatest track record as a hero in the entire world. Wouldn't you agree, Diera-san?"
"Mhm, mhm. Slaying me was a feat beyond compare, after all."
Diera nodded, looking quite pleased with herself. She tried to maintain a stern expression, but a smug smile was already threatening to break through.
Ignoring her reaction, Gwen reached out and tapped my shoulder.
"As for Demon King Subjugation, our very own Harvelt-san has achieved that too, but he is the Reigning Demon King. If someone were to simultaneously serve as Humanity’s Archenemy and the World’s Hope, there’s no telling what might happen. Frankly, I don't feel like I could handle the fallout."
I had shared that exact sentiment. I was the Demon King Slayer Sage, and I certainly possessed the qualifications to be a hero. However, it was best that I avoided assuming the role. It would be a logical contradiction, and I feared it might trigger some unforeseen catastrophe. I had a premonition that such a charade would eventually collapse.
The power granted by the Will of the World should flow as intended through the proper channels. I wanted to avoid the Demon King monopolizing such influence whenever possible.
"............"
My gaze shifted toward the Great Spirit. She had been silent for some time, quietly absorbing Gwen’s explanation. Given her nature, she would have interjected immediately if she had any objections. Her silence suggested she accepted Gwen’s logic as sound.
"I can state this with absolute certainty: there is no better candidate than the Former Hero. We resurrect her, focus the prayers of the people upon her, and the Imaginary Savior—stripped of its purpose—will simply cease to be. Do we all understand the plan now?"
Having finished her pitch, Gwen’s smile deepened. Her tone remained light, but a glimpse of her cunning nature flickered within her eyes. Despite being the weakest person in the room, Gwen carried herself with total confidence. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying herself.
The Executives were now completely engrossed in her words; the earlier air of dismissiveness had vanished. The Beast of the Outside World had seized control of the room through sheer rhetorical prowess.