The Hero Festival was a global event, a grand celebration held once every decade in Friendly City Hikari, the largest metropolis in the Human Realm—and arguably the world.
It spanned the entire Month of Heavens, from the 1st to the 30th, with a dizzying array of elaborate events held daily. While the sheer number of attendees over the thirty days was beyond counting, the crowds reached their peak on the final day: the 30th, the day of the Hero Festival Main Festival.
This was the momentous occasion when the three Kings of the Human Realm, the Six Kings of the Demon Realm, the Supreme Gods of the God Realm, and the Creator God herself—the absolute ruler of the world—assembled in one place. For the common folk, it was a rare and precious chance to behold the leaders of the three realms with their own eyes.
At the heart of Friendly City Hikari stood a massive stage, a site said to be where the Friendship Treaty had been signed centuries ago. Gathered there were the Kings, the Six Kings, the Creator God and the Supreme Gods, as well as this year’s Hero, Seigi Mitsunaga. The festival’s grand finale was finally about to begin. Only Dragon King Magnawell was missing from the stage itself; his gargantuan size prevented him from entering the plaza, so he participated by stretching his long neck in from outside the city walls.
This year marked the hundredth Hero Festival. While many traditions had evolved over the millennium to suit the changing times, the closing ceremony remained exactly as it had been for a thousand years. The protocol dictated that the Hero would first share his impressions of his journey around the globe, followed by speeches from the representatives of each realm, all offering their prayers for continued peace.
The king of the nation that had summoned the Hero would speak for the Human Realm. For the Demon Realm, Underworld King Kuromueina would represent the Six Kings. Finally, for the God Realm, God of Space-Time Chronoa would deliver a speech on behalf of Shallow Vernal. That was the established order that had concluded the festival for a thousand years, and everyone expected the tradition to hold true this year as well.
But on that day, a shock rippled through the world.
Speaking through a magic tool for amplification, Seigi Mitsunaga recounted his adventures and his thoughts as a Hero. King Ryze of Sinfonia followed him, offering his hopes for world peace. Then, taking the tool from Ryze, Kuromueina gave her own address. Up to this point, the flow of the ceremony was perfectly routine. However, just as Chronoa reached out to take the tool from Kuromueina, a hand reached out to stop her.
It was Shallow Vernal, the God of the World. To the astonishment of Chronoa and the entire assembly, Shallow Vernal rose from her ornate throne and slowly spoke.
"It has been one thousand years since the Friendship Treaty was signed. I have watched over this world throughout that time."
Her voice resonated not only within the city but throughout every corner of the world. It was a truly unprecedented event. Never once in the history of the Hero Festival had Shallow Vernal spoken. In fact, very few beings in existence had ever heard her voice at all.
"While these centuries are but a fleeting moment to me, the world has undergone a magnificent transformation. Beings of different races and origins now live together, joining hands to build a future even as they navigate their differences. It is a noble sight. Right now, I truly feel this from the bottom of my heart: I am glad I created this world. Therefore, to mark this thousandth anniversary of the Friendship Treaty, I shall bestow a reward upon every living soul in this world. I grant you each a single Small Miracle—a gentle nudge to help you toward a happier future."
As that beautiful, majestic voice echoed across the land, people instinctively fell to their knees and bowed their heads. Priests and clerics were moved to tears of devotion.
The moment she spoke, every living creature on the planet emitted a brief flash of light. These were the Small Seeds of Happiness, bestowed equally upon everyone in the world Shallow Vernal had forged. Chronic illnesses vanished; those crippled by past injuries found they could move again; others stumbled upon long-sought treasures or found their luck taking a sudden turn for the better. It was a kind and gentle gift.
"O dwellers of the world I have created, I look forward to a future where you continue to join hands in peace. I expect to go on witnessing this gentle sight for all time."
This event would be remembered for generations as the Day of Miracles. However, only a precious few knew the true catalyst for her actions. Very few would ever know that it was a single Otherworlder who had made her think, I am glad I created this world.
I silenced the blaring alarm clock and slowly sat up. "Mm..."
I gave a long stretch, still feeling the fog of sleep as I looked around my room. Only the bare essentials remained. It had been two months since I returned to Earth from the other world. Given the difference in how time flowed between the two realms, nearly two years had already passed back there. I’d meant to go back much sooner, but things took longer than expected—withdrawing from university, clearing out my apartment, and spending time with my uncle and aunt to show my gratitude for everything they'd done.
But now, I’d finally finished everything on my list. I was ready to move to that world for good. Reaching into my Magic Box, I pulled out a compass-like magic tool. Forged by Shiro-san’s power, it allowed for travel between the two worlds. With this, I could go back whenever I wanted.
Part of me wanted to rush back immediately; I’d already kept the people I loved waiting far too long. But I’d received a message through Eden-san telling me to stay put because they were coming to pick me up. It had been quite a few days since that message arrived, though. I couldn't help but feel a nagging sense of unease. It’s just my imagination, right? There’s no way... I really hoped it wasn't something like Kuro and Shiro-san fighting over which one of them got to be the one to retrieve me.
As a footnote, the miracle Shallow Vernal bestowed was apparently even more generous for the members of the final battle. Alice-chan's shop received several magic crystals condensed from Shallow Vernal’s own mana, and each of the Gods was given jewelry matching the color of their eyes—perhaps a silent apology for the trouble she’d caused. And yes, Kaito's hunch was spot on. Kuro and Shallow Vernal were currently locked in a "Serious Battle surpassing the Final Battle" to decide who would pick him up, which was the sole reason for his delayed return. Honestly, at this point, they should just settle it with a game of rock-paper-scissors and go get him already.