The Hero Doesn't Want to Go to the Holy City
*Thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud...*
"Hero, big guy, please... don't climb the walls..."
The bunker was a mess as usual. I was reading the latest update from the Eastern Expedition Force that had gone up on the Ark Gallery.
Eastern Expedition Commander Adrian's interim report.
Interrogation of 'Percival Augustus Pennyworth,' who was in charge of gate defense, confirmed that the Ashfield territory of the Winchester family is the rebels' central hub, as previously expected. (Ragged image of some guy)
Received intel that rebels are gathering in Ashfield territory. Marched immediately toward Ashfield with loyal eastern nobles of the Empire.
Managed to encircle them thanks to the swift advance, but as the former capital of the eastern kingdom, the castle's defenses are expected to be formidable. (Image of super sturdy castle walls)
Judged that a direct assault would cause heavy casualties to our forces.
Maintaining the siege while searching for a new strategy. (Image of troops surrounding the castle from afar)
Before posting this, spotted some rebels who hadn't heard about the encirclement and were rushing to join—took them all out. (Image of something charging hard)
All annihilated. (Image of a blood-soaked field littered with corpses)
Will hold position briefly to find the option with minimal troop losses.
End of report.
It looked like the rebels were making their last desperate stand.
"In a world where training mana turns you into a monster, forcibly drafting untrained civilians? That's straight-up insane."
Once this eastern expedition wrapped up, the eastern populace's hearts would fully turn to the Empire.
"Most of the dead nobles' territories will become direct imperial lands... His Majesty will have a field day there too, huh?"
I imagined what fun chaos he'd stir up next as I flipped open my notebook.
The liquor sales plan had risen to the top spot somehow. Below it, Sora's body composition blueprint.
The plans were all set, but waves and expeditions kept popping up, forcing me to put it off.
Now I just needed the right moment to hit start, so I figured I'd ask something I'd been curious about.
"Sora, once you get a body, is there anything you've always wanted to do?"
Are you asking about things I want to do?
I nodded. Body-building wasn't possible yet, but imagining what she'd do with one sounded fun.
"Yeah. You help manage the gallery and read tons of posts, right? I'm sure you've thought, 'I'd love to try that myself' about something."
Imaginary body usage. A special experience only possible without a real one?
Of course. Everything you show me is new to me as well.
Figured as much. She seemed interested in the green grape candy at first, and probably other things since.
"Then shall we think ahead about what to try first? I feel bad that building your body keeps getting pushed back... I want to make the day you get it the best ever."
Waves and expeditions kept delaying things, so I felt guilty prioritizing other stuff.
Could start right now if I wanted, but I kept bumping it—fair point if she called me out.
I understand it was unavoidable, so please don't worry too much. Just getting a body soon will be more than enough.
But our Sora was ever gracious. Still, it didn't sit right with me.
"Wouldn't imagining it ahead of time be fun? I've got a bunch of stuff jotted down too, like foods to eat together."
That sounds quite intriguing. Would you share what you've thought of?
"Sure. I've been noting stuff in this notebook whenever it pops up. We can plan while looking through it together."
Understood. Outputting an additional screen in a position where the notebook is clearly visible.
Sora looked pretty excited. I couldn't wait for the day we'd meet with her in a body soon.
*
In the ruins of a city. Once one of the Empire's top cities.
Duke Graywarden, the Hero, had set down his jam-slathered baguette and was talking to someone.
> Good work. All remaining undead forces have been purged, so no worries for this winter.
"Indeed, Cardinal Dominic. We'll need to investigate why the Wave hit sooner than usual... but the immediate threat is gone, so you can relax."
The voice from the crystal orb was buzzing with excitement about the Wave's end.
> That means you'll have some free time now, right? How about finally visiting the Holy City this time?
And the voice urging the Hero to visit the Holy City sounded oddly urgent.
"Sorry, but no free time. You never know when something might pop up."
But as always, the Hero refused.
Holy City? Not a place crawling with danger. No need for him to go there.
And above all—
> Sigh... Hero. It's been over 40 years since you were called the Hero. Is there any Hero in the world who hasn't had an investiture ceremony in 40 years?
Duke had no intention of attending a Hero investiture.
"Right here, isn't there? Cardinal Dominic... no, Uncle Dominic. Haven't I told you a million times? I'm happy when others call me Hero, but I don't qualify. Me officially taking the Hero title would insult the real Hero. I can't accept it."
> Everyone knows the previous Hero was amazing! Sure, you're lesser by comparison, but no one works for the world like you do now! People remember the previous Hero but still call you Hero—don't you know that?!
The Hero, Duke Graywarden. He was a "provisional" Hero refusing investiture.
Because he couldn't stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Five Dragons and World Tree—the great beings who bore the same title.
"Anyway, I'm not going to the Holy City. I'll be hunting undead clusters on the outskirts, so you know. Take care of your health too, Uncle Dominic."
> You... you damn bastard! At your age, shouldn't you have some flexibility?! Turning 60 means mellowing out a bit! And my hair's all white now! I'm not 'uncle' you punk!!
"Seeing you're still spry past 80 is great. Anyway, I'll shut off the orb now—eat well."
> Don't hang up! Listen to me first! You think 'provisional Hero' makes any sense?! Think about the Empire's people—
Duke shut off the noisy crystal orb and picked up his jam-slathered baguette.
He'd contacted the Holy City for a Wave report, chatted longer hearing a familiar voice, and now felt needlessly annoyed.
"Hero... nice ring to it. But not yet."
Duke enjoyed his holy feast of jam baguette today as well.
Recalling the figure of the previous Hero he'd watched from afar long ago.