It was the same for novels, games, manga, and anime.
The vast majority of stories in this world are built upon their various characters.
For example, there are heroines and friends, or perhaps teachers if the setting is a school. There were literally as many characters as there were stories to tell.
On the other hand, the one constant in any story was the existence known as the protagonist.
It was not uncommon for those immersed in a story to project all sorts of emotions onto that protagonist.
If the story was a fantasy, for instance, it was only natural to admire a protagonist who wielded swords and magic with such bravery. And if there was a charming heroine by his side, one might even feel a twinge of envy.
However, one must not forget.
Compelling characters were not limited to the protagonists.
It was not at all impossible for an enemy character possessing absolute power to appear just as attractive.
A mysterious, mighty presence could leave a vivid, lasting impression all on its own.
—Just like the game he was playing now.
"Tell me. Do you truly believe you possess the worth of those called Great Heroes?"
The scene unfolded in the world beyond the screen.
Amidst the ruins of a town where houses lay in shambles, a lone boy sat upon the rubble of what had once been a home.
The one he questioned was the protagonist of that story—a descendant of the Hero who had once defeated the Demon King, standing there with several of his companions.
Yet, none of them spoke a word in response.
Instead, the protagonist stood alone and charged toward the boy who remained perched upon the rubble.
"We won’t lose! We can’t afford to lose!"
Awaiting him, the boy reached for the sword he had thrust into the earth and stood up quietly.
The approaching protagonist was sent flying, body and all, by the mere pressure of a light swing from that sword. He threw himself at the boy time and time again, but the result remained the same.
"You seem to be in despair. I can see your heart beginning to cling to God, realizing that no matter how many of you risk your lives, you cannot reach me."
The boy was an elite of an extraordinary level in every discipline—offense, defense, and magic. He allowed nothing that opposed him to even come close.
As he continued to face the boy, the protagonist’s stamina finally failed him.
He collapsed face-first onto the ground, and in the midst of his fading consciousness, he heard the boy’s voice.
"I envy you. To live such a life where you are permitted to be powerless, never knowing the Truth of the World."
Before long, the boy walked away. He hadn't taken a single life, yet he left those cryptic words behind as he departed.
His figure radiated the aura of a powerful shadow-dweller, a mastermind operating behind the scenes of the story.
"...So strong."
The young man, who had been staring fixedly at the television, reflexively set his controller on the floor. He watched the boy's retreating figure on the screen. Seeing him fight with such cool composure, treating the protagonists like mere children, made the young man’s heart race as he wondered just how powerful that boy truly was.
Caught up in those feelings, his lips suddenly moved.
The image of the overwhelmingly powerful boy was burned into the back of his mind, and he couldn't help but murmur:
"If I..."
If I were that boy, how would I live?