The moment the bandits lunged, Narrate's voice rang in my mind.
"It's time… your Last Minute Luck skill will activate."
I bent down, spotting a faint glow in the dirt. "An E-class core? Here? I should report this to the guild…"
But before I could grasp it, steel flashed. Six blades swung—yet instead of cutting me down, they turned upon their own wielders. In a heartbeat, the bandits collapsed, their own weapons piercing their bodies.
At the center, the young lady gasped as steel tore through her chest. A river of blood spilled across the alley.
I froze. "Why… why did this innocent young lady die? Who were these people?"
Narrate's tone was grim. "They were bandits. And that lady was with them. Do you know why they're dead? Because of your skill. Last Minute Luck… its true class is Catastrophe."
I staggered back, shaken. "Catastrophe… yet I survived. These deaths… they feel like the blessing of a single immortal."
I clenched my fists. "Enough. I'll go to the castle, gain my hero title, and defeat the Demon Lord."
Hours later, I stood once more in the hero trial queue. After one hour and twenty minutes, I finally reached the front, handing over the 100 D coins I had earned.
The guard sneered. "Commission. Where is it?"
Anger flared in me. "Commission?!"
Narrate whispered urgently. "Don't be reckless. Give him the E-class core. It will satisfy his greed."
Grinding my teeth, I handed over the glowing core. The guard smirked and waved me through.
Inside the castle, I was stunned. Merchants filled the halls, selling goods, shouting prices.
"Is this a hero trial area… or a marketplace?" I muttered.
Narrate's voice urged me forward. "Ignore them. The sword awaits. Take it, and claim your destiny."
At the center of the hall, a black hole shimmered, swallowing light. Within it, a blade gleamed—the Holy Sword.
I reached out, gripping the hilt. The sword came free… but the black hole remained, swirling ominously.
The king's voice thundered across the chamber.
"You are one of the candidates to become a hero."
My heart sank. "What…? Candidates?!"
The trial has only begun. Dransart's path is not yet certain. What does it mean to be a candidate—and what awaits within the black hole?