Extra 3: This Hero

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Translator: Soafp

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After guiding Erius into the church, he offered a prayer and then introduced himself to the priest.

When the priest heard a brief account of his background, he asked back with slight surprise.

“So, you are the son of that Sword Saint…”

“You knew my father?”

“Of course. A hero who helped people across the land, and the only one who, despite being human, slew a demon lord. I have heard of his exploits even back then. It is truly a loss that such a man passed away.”

“I'm glad to hear you say that. I'm still far from reaching my father's level, but… my father set out on his journey saying that he wanted to show this country a blue sky once more. I wish to inherit his resolve and fulfill the unachieved wish he left behind.”

“Oh, what a splendid conviction… Then you are opposing the Demon King's army?”

“Yes. I only just became an adventurer, but… I've already subdued two ‘Labyrinths' that served as bases for the Demon King's army.”

“What…!”

“However, I didn't become an adventurer because I wanted a large reward. My sole purpose is to carry on my father's will. And for that reason, I wondered if there was something I could do for children who have lost their parents, like myself… though I was fortunate enough that my mother is still alive. That is why I came here.”

“To be honest… that is an immense help. At present, we're barely able to maintain this place.”

“Yes. I hope I can be of help, even if only a little, going forward.”

Erius spoke earnestly of his desire to somehow improve the current situation, then said he would come again and departed.

Watching him leave together with Lena, the priest murmured in admiration.

“To think that a young man like that still exists in this country…”

“Yes. I think he's an amazing person… both in his actions, and in the way he thinks…”

If I could become like him, would I be able to face my own skills more directly?

From that day on, Lena's self-questioning continued.

After that, Erius came by regularly.

The children looked forward to his visits, and he often became the topic of conversation.

“Do you think Erius Nii-chan will come soon?”

“Fufu, who knows? But I think he'll be here before long.”

“I want him to come already.”

“Isn't it Erius himself, but the souvenirs he brings that you're really after?”

When Lena teased lightly, the child shook their head.

“That's not it! Ever since Erius Nii-chan started coming, Lena big sister smiles a lot more!”

At those words—

Realizing that even a child this young had been worried about her, Lena felt a twinge of regret, and more than that, out of embarrassment, she hugged the child a little tightly.

On Erius's next visit, something was different about him, despite his usual calm demeanor.

His left arm was wrapped in bandages.

With his permission, she looked at the wound.

Erius acted as if it were nothing, but the injury was deeper than she had expected.

Perhaps he was forcing himself to endure it so as not to worry her.

Almost reflexively, Lena cast a healing spell.

“The Lord bears eight fingers of power. The left hand, the ring finger, governs light. It is the power that nurtures and heals. Grant this one the strength to rise once more… Healing!”

As she watched the wound gradually close… anxiety crept in.

No—Erius had seemed so exceptional to her that the thought had never crossed her mind until now.

Even this man can be injured.

Which meant… the obvious truth that he could lose his life in battle.

Losing him now would be a tremendous blow to the church, and more than that…

[You all! I'll definitely earn great achievements and give everyone a better life! So take care of the priest for me!]

The image of that boy, who had said those words and set out on his journey, flashed through her mind.

Those who resolve to improve the situation, even a little, end up losing their lives.

Absurdity is everywhere.

Isn't the skill granted to her as a “Saint” meant to protect people from such absurdity?

That's what she thinks, but… still, she's afraid.

When the wound finished closing, Erius spoke in his usual composed manner.

“Lena. You can use healing magic.”

Because she had cast the spell on reflex, she hadn't thought of any excuse.

Her thoughts raced frantically as she tried to think of something to say.

As if to calm her, Erius gently clasped her hand between his own.

“I understand. In this country, healing techniques are precious. I understand wanting to keep it hidden. With that in mind, I have a request. Lena… would you help me?”

“Me… help you?”

“Yes. A healer makes a huge difference in stabilizing a party. Please, Lena. Would you join my party? I'll explain everything to the priest myself.”

“I—I…”

“Of course, I won't force you. I've heard about the circumstances you're dealing with.”

“From the priest… right?”

At Lena's question, Erius nodded.

“I know you're afraid of fighting. But someone has to defeat the Demon King. I want to reduce, even a little, the number of children who grieve after losing their parents—people like you, me, and those kids.”

“…”

“Please, help me. I won't stop making donations to the church. And in battle, I'll protect you—I promise.”

Erius continued to look straight at Lena.

Unable to withstand the intensity of his gaze, filled with resolve, she instinctively lowered her eyes.

The truth is… she wants to refuse.

She's still afraid.

But…

There's something even more frightening.

Even if Lena refused here, Erius wouldn't stop his donations.

That isn't what she's afraid of.

What she fears is hearing news of Erius's death somewhere she doesn't know about…

If that were to happen, she wouldn't be able to recover this time.

She would probably shut herself away in the church forever, never finding a use for her Saint skill again.

This is different from when she lacked the power to save her parents, or that boy.

She has the skill of a “Saint”—a skill that can save people.

She raised her face and looked at Erius again.

Erius was still looking at her, never once turning away.

That's right.

For the sake of the church—no, for the sake of this country… and above all, for herself, she cannot afford to lose this man.

Even so, she's still afraid.

Wanting him to push her forward, Lena spoke to Erius.

“…Just one thing.”

“Not just one—ask for as many as you like.”

“No, one is enough. Erius-san.”

“Just Erius is fine.”

“…Erius. Please, never abandon me. Don't leave me behind. Don't leave me… alone.”

“Yeah. No matter what happens, I won't abandon you. I won't leave you alone.”

At those words, she felt her heart lighten, and beyond that—she became certain.

“Thank you, Erius. If you promise me that… then I'll use my skill for you.”

“Your… skill?”

“Yes. My skill… ‘Saint.'”

That's right. My skill, “Saint,”

was given to me to support this hero, Erius, in his battle to defeat the Demon King.