The Hero Menace

by Hyougetsu

  The whirlpool of mana started to glow. It spread out in a violent torrent, and the excess energy was converted to light.

  “Master!”

  My shout was lost to the storm, and the tornado of light grew so bright I couldn’t see anything. I have a bad feeling about this.

  “Fear not... I am...”

  Though Master should have been standing right next to me, her voice was faint, as if it was crossing a long distance. Should I stop the ritual? If I acted now, I could still bring Master back. However, I decided to place my trust in her, and waited.

  Finally, the light began to fade, and the magic circle diminished to its original faint glow. Because werewolves had superior night vision, they were doubly sensitive to light, meaning I was still blinded for a bit. With my senses blocked off, I couldn’t tell what was happening to Master. All I knew was the temperature of the room was dropping with each passing second. As my vision returned, I realized my breath was coming out in white puffs, and frost rimmed the walls and floor. Eventually, even the faint glow of the magic circle faded, and all that remained was darkness.

  After a while, the magic circle began to glow again, and I spotted Master standing next to me. She looked the same as she had moments ago. If I had to say, her skin was slightly paler than before. However, I knew the moment I laid eyes on her that she’d been transformed. She raised her hand, and then the room’s temperature plummeted even further. Motes of light gathered near her palm, forming a sphere. The water vapor in the air froze, turning into a constellation of glittering diamonds. From what I could tell, Master was absorbing the heat from the nearby air.

  “As I suspected...” Master muttered, and turned to me. “Life truly is just another one of the multitudes of forces that exist in this world. Life is power, and power is life. In which case, it stands to reason that by gathering power, one can bring forth life.”

  Master swung her hand down, and the room stopped growing colder.

  “I will no longer trouble anyone by collapsing after exhausting my mana supply, nor is there anyone who can match my current power. So this is what my answer to the final threshold bestowed upon me.”

  Master had become a vortex, capable of attracting not just mana, but any kind of energy. Whether that energy came in the form of mana, life force, heat, or some other physical manifestation, Master was now capable of absorbing it. Not only that, she had surpassed both life and death. For the center of a vortex was an empty void. Lips trembling, I said, “M-Master... You’ve really transformed into something incredible...”

  “As I thought, you can tell, can you not?” She smiled. “I now perceive all life as nothing more than bundles of energy. Do you understand what that means?”

  “I do.”

  Lives were nothing more than a power source to her now. And that wasn’t all. She had the ability to absorb heat from a fireball, or even the kinetic energy of an arrow or blade. In other words, she could convert enemy attacks into her own ammunition. She was like one of those overpowered isekai heroines.

  From the beginning, Master had been skilled at absorbing the mana from her surroundings or objects. That was why she’d easily been able to convert the fake Hero’s enchanted equipment into energy. But now she was on a level far beyond that.

  “Umm, Master?”

  “Yes?”

  “I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say you’ve become someone so powerful no Hero can defeat you.”

  Master smiled ruefully and shook her head.

  “This power of mine is not as great as it appears. Ultimately, it’s primary purpose is recovery. If I were to attempt absorbing a force greater than my ability to withstand, my body would be torn apart. A Hero with the power of Arshes would easily destroy this vortex.”

  So there’s a limit to the attacks she can absorb.

  “The greater concern is my personality. Right now, I can drain the lives of others and make their power my own. Just the knowledge that I am capable of such things may warp my humanity.”

  “Please don’t say that Master, you’re scaring me.”

  I didn’t even want to imagine what would happen if Master turned evil. However, she gave me a reassuring smile.

  “I believe so long as I have my bonds with my disciples, I will never turn into a heartless monster who reaps the lives of others for no reason. After all, Melaine is a vampire, but she never sucks her victims dry, correct?”

  “Yeah, you’re right, there.”

  She cleared her throat and looked pleadingly up at me.

  “So in order for me to retain my sanity, I need you to... Well, you understand?”

  “Understand what?”

  “You truly are a dense boy, you know that? I want you to spoil me like never before so that I do not succumb to evil.”

  “So we just have to keep doing what we have been?”

  “I-Indeed. That is what I desire.” Master looked crestfallen for a moment, but then her expression brightened once more. “Naturally, I have a plan in case the worst does come to pass.”

  “What kind of plan?”

  “You were in this magic circle together with me. You too have inherited a portion of my vortex. That means my powers are ineffective against you. I cannot steal your life force or your mana.”

  “Wait, doesn’t that mean...”

  Master grinned, “Correct. You alone have the power to harm me freely. A single bite from your jaws will put an end to my existence.”

  Why would Master purposely create an Achilles’ heel for herself? Oh wait, I understand now.

  “If I ever succumb to the temptations of power, or break under the pressure this knowledge has burdened me with...”

  “Master, surely you aren’t serious?”

  “I want you to kill me.”

  Dammit, I knew it!

  “Fear not. Even if my vortex dies with me, you will not be affected at all. While you have inherited a fraction of its power, the vortex does not reside within you as it does me.”

  “That’s not what I’m worried about here!”

  “If the time comes that I must die, I wish it to be at the hands of my beloved disciple.”

  When she put it like that, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse. But was it really alright for her to entrust such an important job to me?

  “What if I become greedy for power and try to kill you just to take your position?”

  Gomoviroa sighed, “What a foolish question. I know full well you’re not that kind of person.”

  I mean I’m glad that she trusts me, but I really don’t know to react to that.

  “If you, the least ambitious person I know, ever desires my death, it will mean I have strayed far off my original path. And knowing that, I will gladly accept oblivion.”

  No, no, no. This isn’t right. That’s not the kind of thing you’re supposed to say with a smile!

  “Indeed, I do believe this is a perfect plan. I feel relieved knowing I have someone to stop me if I ever lose myself. As a ruler, it gives me confidence to act with decisiveness.”

  Well, I’M not relieved at all!

  “As my adjutant, I presume you have no objections?”

  “I-I mean, I guess not...”

  In the end, I was forced into accepting the most unenviable job.

  The two of us left the room together and started the ascent up the spiral staircase.

  “Are you sure that was a good idea, Master?”

  Honestly, I would have been fine with Master staying the way she was. In fact, I think I would have preferred if the demon army became an organization that didn’t require it’s leader to be the strongest among them. Master gave me a troubled smile.

  “I understand what you’re thinking. But we are in the middle of a war. Right now, the demons need a powerful Demon Lord.”

  Master floated off the ground and seated herself on my shoulder. Man, this feels nostalgic. Though her body was colder than usual.

  “However, I believe we will be able to tran
sform the demon army into a place where the next Demon Lord is chosen for their leadership skill, and not their martial might.”

  “I hope so.”

  If that really did happen, then we’d have no trouble negotiating with humans. Master looked down at her fingertips and muttered, “I am no longer human nor demon. I have become a shell, a phenomenon moving on force of will alone. At long last, I embody the title Friedensrichter bequeathed me.”

  “Come to think of it, what title did he give you? You never told us.”

  Master grinned and said, “Tranquil. I am Gomoviroa the Tranquil, Weremage.”

  Considering her powers, she certainly did have the ability to turn things “tranquil.” However, I suspect the old Demon Lord gave her that name because of her shy personality and her tendency to hole herself up in her room and devote everything to her research.

  Thus, Master gained an unbelievable new power, giving her the strength to truly call herself Demon Lord. However, she continued to downplay its significance.

  “My powers pale in comparison to Friedensrichter’s noble might. This new ability of mine is a blight, only useful for blotting out the souls of others. The less I have to use it, the better.”

  Well, she’s not wrong about the fact that it’s dangerous. However, I didn’t think she needed to be that pessimistic about it. Perhaps if she was still alone she might have been twisted by her newfound power, but right now she had me and Melaine by her side. Still, it’s weird to think that the old Demon Lord was a dragonkin warrior, and the new one’s a mage of the void. It felt like the last boss of an old school RPG had suddenly changed.

  The next day, it was time for Master’s coronation ceremony.

  “How can anyone remain calm during these ceremonies?”

  Firnir, Melaine, and I all came out to support Master, who was fidgeting in her new dress.

  “Don’t worry, right now, you’re both the strongest and most experienced person here. You can hold your head up high and call yourself the rightful Demon Lord.”

  “You can do it, Master! And if it looks like you’re having trouble, just get Veight to help you out.”

  “That’s right, Vaito can take care of anything. Besides, you look super cute in that dress, Master!”

  “You two...”

  Before I could scold my fellow disciples for pushing all the work onto me, Master was called up to the dais. Melaine and I hurriedly fell into step with her as she walked forward. We were meant to be her attendants for this ceremony. The captains of all the demon army’s units and representatives from the various demon races were gathered in the audience chamber. Most had come with a squad of their most trusted men. At a glance, I would say there were a few hundred demons filling the hall. This reminds me of the time I had to get on stage during my elementary school assembly. Master was stiff with nerves, and motes of light started rising up around her. It looked like she was unconsciously sapping the heat from the air, creating a localized cooling phenomenon.

  “Calm down, Master.”

  “It only now occurs to me just how great a responsibility I am inheriting...”

  I tried my best to reassure her.

  “I’m sure Lord Friedensrichter would forgive you, no matter how badly you mess up.”

  “I-I suppose.”

  Master sucked in a deep breath, then strode to the center of the dais. Baltze had been given the honor of crowning Master as the new Demon Lord. But as the demon army had no crowns, the Demon Lord’s old helmet took its place. Naturally, it was far too large to fit on Master’s head.

  She reverently took the helmet from Baltze and hugged it close. It was perhaps an unorthodox coronation, but all the demons gathered here understood its symbolic significance. Even I couldn’t help but be moved. With this, Master had officially inherited the Demon Lord Friedensrichter’s will.

  Once she was coronated, Master—or, I suppose, Lord Gomoviroa now—turned to the gathered demons. Frozen droplets of water vapor hovered around her as she swallowed her nervousness and spoke.

  “We may have lost our mighty and beloved Demon Lord, Friedensrichter, but his will lives on in each of us! I once heard from him that Friedensrichter means ‘Bringer of Peace’ in a long-forgotten language.”

  Oh yeah, he did say that was what it was in German.

  “Despite the vast power he wielded, Friedensrichter was a kind and compassionate lord. Not once did he abuse his might. I am sure you are all aware of the compassion he showed toward even humans.” Gomoviroa swept her gaze over the assembled demons before continuing. “I aspire to be as compassionate and merciful a ruler as he was. I was once human, but it was humans who stripped me of my life. However, I hold no grudge against the humans of the present. There is no reason to destroy humanity. We simply need them to accept our existence, and let us live in peace.”

  Everyone’s eyes were glued to Gomoviroa. They were hanging on to her every word.

  “This goal is not something a single Demon Lord can achieve on her own. I require the aid of all who are gathered here today. However, I will not force you to join me. Only those who wish to finish what Friedensrichter started should remain in this army. But know that if you fight with me, you fight for the creation of a nation where demons may live in peace!”

  As Gomoviroa ended her speech, the demons raised their fists and cheered.

  “All Hail Lord Gomoviroa!”

  “Glory to the demon army!”

  “We’ll follow you to the ends of the earth!”

  “We’ll carry on the Demon Lord’s dying wish!”

  Gomoviroa waved in response to the overwhelming applause. Once she gave them a good show she turned back to me, blushing. That must have been really nerve-wracking. Good job, Master. We’ll follow you to the ends of the earth too.

  Veight’s First Defensive Battle

  I returned to my village for the first time in a while. Fahn spotted me as I walked through the entrance and hurried over, dragging a dead bear behind her. She’d gotten even more skilled at hunting while I’d been gone.

  “Ah, Veight!”

  The bear dug furrows into the ground as she ran.

  “Fahn... it’s been a while.”

  “Yeah, like half a year? You look well. Did you grow taller?”

  “I’m pretty sure I’m too old to grow anymore...”

  I looked down at the bear Fahn was holding and cast body strengthening magic on myself. If I was being honest, I wanted to show off the results of my training to her. Once my arms had been sufficiently boosted, I lifted the bear’s carcass.

  “Wow, you’ve gotten really strong Veight!”

  “Nah, this is all thanks to the magic. Anyway, I’ll help you carry the bear. Where were you taking it?”

  “Just to the town square.”

  As we walked, we swapped stories about what we’d been up to these past six months.

  “How’s the demon army? Is it fun? Do you get to kill lots of humans?”

  “Uhh, not really...”

  I’d initially joined the demon army to help Master out with her work. But before I knew it, I’d become a combat mage and started fighting all kinds of battles.

  “The other day we found some humans trying to mine in one of the dragonkin tribe’s mountains, so I chased them away.”

  “Wouldn’t it have been faster to just kill them all?”

  “I don’t think it’d be right to kill a bunch of unarmed miners...”

  I’d scared them witless, so I doubted they’d return anytime soon. Plus I’d gotten some interesting information regarding Meraldia from them, so I had something worthwhile to report to Master as well. Fahn examined my expression, then chuckled.

  “Thank God.”

  For what? Before I could ask, she answered my question.

  “Even after you joined the demon army, you’re still you, Veight. I’m relieved.”

  “Well, yeah.”

  It wasn’t like I’d sworn fealty to the Demon Lord or anything. In the end
, I was just helping Master because I owed her for everything she’d done, and because helping the demon army would secure a better future for werewolves.

  On our way to the square, I spotted a man I didn’t recognize. He was wearing the traditional garb of the desert nomads. As we passed he gave me a nod, and I nodded back.

  “Who’s that guy?”

  “He’s a werewolf from outside the forest. Apparently he lost his old home, so he drifted here.”

  Werewolves had a hard time fitting in in human villages, which was probably why he’d been living as a nomad until now.

  “This forest is basically the only place left where werewolves can live in peace. It’s teeming with monsters, so humans won’t set foot in it at least.” Fahn sighed, “It’s great that humans won’t disturb us and all, but that means we have to deal with all the monsters.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  It was rare to see Fahn this depressed.

  “Veight, do you know anything about a monster that looks like a lizard and has huge teeth?”

  “Hmm... I wonder.”

  I pulled a book out of my rucksack. It was a monster encyclopedia I’d received from Master.

  “If it’s living in the forest it’s probably... this one, right?”

  I flipped through the pages until I found the one I wanted.

  —Fang Lizard—

  A carnivorous lizard that inhabits the forests of Meraldia. Most are as large as ogres. («- Aka around 3 meters.)

  They live and hunt in packs ranging from a few to a few hundred. («- I guess they’re social creatures?)

  Their fangs are coated with a slow-acting poison, and anyone injured by them will die over the course of a few days. Detoxification magic is reported to have little effect on their poison. («- Maybe it’s not actually poison then?)

  The annotations in parenthesis were all my own observations. Fahn looked down at the passage and tilted her head.