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“W-what, this can’t be!”

Hero Gailgron blinked in disbelief, muttering with a grimace.

He tried to deny the surreal scene unfolding before him, but his experience and the truth of the situation made it impossible.

Even with all the years he had lived and the accumulated experiences, it was clear that this was beyond ordinary comprehension. He could only manage a hollow laugh.

“Did you say it was artificially opened? And by a human?”

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that this turned common sense on its head.

Only the higher-tier monsters like Demon Beasts or Apostles among the Outer Sea’s creatures could open and close the outer gates.

At least, that was what humanity had always believed.

But now, an ordinary dark mage had opened the gate, leaving even a battle-hardened hero like Gailgron momentarily stunned.

Frankly, if he hadn’t seen it himself, he would have dismissed similar reports or tales as nonsense. It was that difficult to believe.

At the same time, this was something that went beyond caution; it was something to be feared.

What if a dark mage infiltrated the city and opened the outer gate?

It was needless to say. Hell would break loose. Many would die.

The streets would be filled with screams of people and the howls of demonic beasts. The thought made Gailgron’s mind go blank.

“I can’t let this slip away.”

Riorg Ribella.

A level 7 necromancer affiliated with the Demon War.

This alone was a threat, and if he could also open the outer gate, the danger increased exponentially.

“He must be killed. Here and now!”

As if reading his thoughts, the old man on the other side of the gate waved his hand mockingly.

“Well then, I’ll be on my way. See you next time.”

Just as quickly as he had appeared, the old man vanished. Yet, Gailgron was acutely aware of his presence.

He hadn’t lost sight of him. If he pursued now, he could still follow. As a hero, he couldn’t just watch as a threat to humanity escaped.

But.

Gailgron hesitated. His instincts foresaw that if he chased Riorg Ribella, more than half of the red spear knights sent to subdue this place would likely be killed by the monsters or demonic beasts that poured out of the gate. There was even a chance of annihilation.

He had to choose.

Whether to save these people.

Or to chase Riorg Ribella.

As Gailgron pondered, he looked back.

There was a child. Black hair, black eyes, and a youthful face. Still young, but the potential seen in the recent battle was immense.

Amidst this, something glinted from the child’s clothes. Seeing this, Gailgron made his decision.

He would stay.

He had seen the golden insignia. He hoped that saving these people would be worth much more than letting Riorg Ribella escape, so Gailgron deployed a barrier.

A brilliant golden light built a wall, and at the same time, a surge of magical energy exploded from the outer gate.

The emitted magic swept through the surroundings, raising a cloud of dust.

Shhhhhh!

And from within, there was a swift noise followed by something flying towards him.

It was tentacles. Several tentacles lashed out like whips, striking the golden barrier.

!

The wall was instantly shattered. Gailgron took a step back, maintaining a slight distance.

The tentacles struck the spot where he had been and quickly withdrew. Gailgron swung his sword.

Whoosh!

A fierce wind erupted from the tip of the sword, dispersing the dust and clearing the view. A monster, presumably emerging from the crack, came into sight.

It had a grotesque appearance. The body of a bipedal beast with the head of a crow, and its back was covered with what looked like a writhing mass of worms.

Above its head, there was a circular ring emitting ominous magical energy. Gailgron’s eyebrows twitched.

“A hybrid-type demonic beast.”

It might sound plausible, but in reality, it was a mere mongrel.

However, referring to it as a mongrel often implied a derogatory connotation due to the nature of the language. Such a mindset often led to death.

Thus, people agreed to call it a hybrid to convey unfamiliarity while still maintaining a sense of caution.

And that was certainly not a wrong choice. Hybrid-type demonic beasts possessed traits from multiple creatures, making them a difficult opponent.

“…Hmm.”

However, for Hero Gailgron, it was not a significant issue. Hunting demonic beasts was something he had done countless times and would continue to do.

It would be just one more in the hundreds or thousands of times he had faced such creatures. But he was contemplating whether to pass this one onto someone else.

Participating in demonic beast hunts greatly improves one’s skills.

Though it might not be meaningful beyond a certain level, it would be a significant help to those present.

Yet, he couldn’t involve everyone. Gailgron took a few more steps back.

“Hey.”

Ian responded promptly.

“Yes.”

“Can you fight?”

“…Do you mean participate in the demonic beast hunt?”

“If you can’t, then just quit.”

“No. I can do it.”

Ian didn’t think deeply about it. The opportunity to fight alongside a hero and gain such a significant benefit outweighed the risk of potential danger to his life.

Besides, it wasn’t his first time. Before the regression, he had fought alongside heroes and defeated numerous demonic beasts.

Though he had only played a minor role at best. That would be enough.

Gailgron grinned.

“Your name?”

“Ian Berger.”

The demonic beast was not moving yet, stretching its limbs. It was probably adapting to the changed environment.

Gailgron spoke without lowering his guard.

“Your task is simple. While I hold the demonic beast, you need to observe the situation and deliver your strongest attack in one hit. Just one hit. How does that sound? Simple, right?”

“Yes.”

“Nice, I like your straightforward answer.”

As Gailgron spoke, Ian could feel a warm power seeping into his body. It was a blessing.

Indeed, being a hero, the blessing felt far superior to those granted by ordinary priests, something Ian instinctively knew.

Ka-a-a-a-k!

The demonic beast roared. It indicated that it had roughly adapted to its new environment and no longer wished to delay.

It charged forward, fast and with a considerable size, making it quite intimidating.

As discussed earlier, Gailgron moved forward and swung his sword.

Bang!

The tentacles that came into contact with the brilliant blade were flung back as if struck by a blunt weapon, slamming into the walls or ceiling, but the monster quickly got back up without showing any signs of damage from the impact.

The demonic beast, now even more ferocious, charged at Gailgron, who stood his ground and faced it head-on. The hero’s sword deflected the beast’s tentacles and absorbed the punches.

The hero’s ability to handle the attacks, coming in with such speed that it was hard to follow with the eyes, was truly astounding.

But for Ian, this wasn’t an unfamiliar sight. He had witnessed countless battles alongside heroes.

So… is that how it is?

Although the battle was too intense to think about intervening, he had a strange feeling that he might be able to find an opening.

It might be nothing more than a delusion. He could end up facing a futile death if he attempted to enter the fray.

However, the hero had offered his help.

It wasn’t a frivolous offer. Believing in those words, Ian moved as if entranced.

After slipping around to Gailgron’s side, he approached the demonic beast. Although he tried to approach stealthily, the tentacles extended toward him, as if aware of his presence.

Instead of attacking indiscriminately, the tentacles struck with a slight delay, targeting both high and low angles, with some sweeping the surroundings.

Kwa-ka-ka-kak!

The beast’s presence was disorienting not just visually but also audibly. This demonic beast clearly had significant battle experience.

But.

I can read its moves.

Ian seemed to understand where the tentacles were targeting. He twisted his body slightly.

Shiiing!

He avoided the tentacles that were swinging with the intent to cleave his body rather than just hit him.

Normally, he wouldn’t have reacted or even noticed, but it seemed the effects of the drug combined with the hero’s blessing were synergizing.

I can see it.

He made no attempt to counter with his sword. He focused solely on evading.

Since the demonic beast was engaged with the hero, it had no opportunity to glance back at him. It probably considered him a minor annoyance, like a bothersome mosquito.

Because it was preoccupied with the hero, the only action it could take was to lash out with its tentacles. And indeed, that was the case.

However, the number of tentacles extending toward him was greater than expected.

…!

Just as he thought it was getting dangerous, Gailgron, who had been focusing solely on defense, stepped in.

A beautiful arc was drawn silently in the air, and the tentacles blocking the path were sliced off, clearing a way forward.

The pain from the severed tentacles momentarily halted the beast’s movements, leaving it exposed.

Realizing this was his perfect opportunity, Ian reached the side of the demonic beast and prepared to activate his technique.

Fwoosh!

Flames sharpened the blade even further. No matter how tough the beast’s hide was, it wouldn’t be able to withstand this.

[Bane of Evil, 5th Form.]

[Judgment, Execution.]

The image, solidified through repeated training, appeared in his mind as the technique activated.

Sensing the lethal intent, the beast urgently tried to defend with its remaining tentacles and turn its body, but it was already too late.

The blade fell like a guillotine, smoothly slicing through the tentacles blocking its path and inflicting a deep wound on the beast.

Kka-a-a-aak!

Ian had not yet delivered the finishing blow. The beast, turning its head, glared at him with a chilling look. But Ian remained undaunted.

“Now, where are you looking, with me right here?”

With the hero, Gailgron, present, the light soon silenced the beast.

* * *

Even after capturing the demonic beast, Gailgron didn’t stand idle.

He immediately rushed to the ominous gate from which dark energy was leaking and used his divine power to close it.

Fortunately, the red crack only released a single beast.

Even if two or three had emerged, having the hero nearby would have been sufficient, but it was still reassuring to see the crack being sealed.

“Phew.”

Ian exhaled, looking down at the now-silent beast. Despite the blessing still being active, he felt his strength draining away.

Standing there in a daze, he turned around. The surviving black mage was being captured by the Red Spear knights under Mael and Mari’s command.

Watching the scene, Gailgron, who had returned after sealing the gate, spoke to him.

“Any injuries?”

“None. Just a bit dizzy.”

“Tsk, tsk, still inexperienced.”

It was more likely a side effect of the doping effect wearing off, but Ian didn’t say that.

Gailgron patted Ian on the shoulder.

“Considering this was your first time participating in a demonic beast hunt, you did well. To be honest, I thought you might just end up watching from the sidelines out of fear that you might die.”

“Wouldn’t that be the same as spoon-feeding me?”

“Right? You think so too? But believe it or not, there are people who don’t understand that. It’s funny, really. In that sense, I like you quite a bit. What was your name again? Ian?”

“Yes.”

“Ian, Ian. Hmm, sounds familiar…”

Seeing Gailgron tilting his head, Ian let out a small sigh. He had a feeling of what Gailgron was recalling.

It was no surprise that most people had the same reaction upon hearing the name.

“You’ve probably heard stories of a troublemaker, a waste, or an aristocrat from a noble house who abandoned his duties. All those negative stories are about one person.”

“Is that so?”

Ian swallowed a bitter smile and nodded.

“Yes. That’s me.”

“…Really? That’s unexpected.”

“I hear that often.”

“Well, it makes sense. It’s quite different from the rumors. On the bright side, it’s better this way. It will make a stronger impression.”

“If you remember my name, it would be an honor.”

Suddenly, Gailgron tilted his head.

“…Did I say I was a hero?”

———