Evening fell, and I was summoned to the throne room. The king's voice was solemn yet commanding.
"Dransart, I now bestow upon you the title of Hero. The opponents you faced shall become your companions in this journey—Bange, Clever, Alovent, and Anatol Jefrin. Know this: if you fall to the Demon King, Anatol will be the next hero."
From the chamber, the king's daughter, Princess Redrine Nye Poker, entered gracefully. Her presence stole my breath. My heart raced—love at first sight. Once I defeat the Demon Lord, I thought, I will ask her to marry me.
The king raised his hand. "Now, Dransart, lift your sword high. Call upon the Holy Sword to aid you."
The blade in my grasp began to glow, radiant with divine power. The title of Hero settled upon me, and with it, new skills—though locked, awaiting growth.
"You must level up to unlock these powers," the king declared, turning to the gathered crowd. "Tonight, we celebrate."
The hall erupted in festivity. Music, laughter, and feasting filled the air. I stood among them, overwhelmed. I will save these people. I will defeat the Demon King. I will be a proud human.
But shadows lingered.
A voice whispered behind me. "I am going to kill you."
Startled, I turned—only to see Anatol. My hand tightened on my sword.
"You frightened me. What do you want?"
She bowed her head. "Congratulations, Hero. I hope you defeat the Demon King. He killed my family."
My heart softened. "I'm sorry for your loss. I promise—I will eradicate him and bring peace."
Later, my companions gathered before me.
"Tomorrow, we depart," they said.
Sanot stepped forward. "Forgive me for being rude before."
I smiled. "Don't worry. Together, we'll level up and defeat the Demon King."
The party continued into the night, until the king himself allocated rooms for us.
I lay upon the bed, joy flooding me. A real bed… in this world. Sleep claimed me instantly.
But outside, whispers stirred.
"Dransart is Hero," my companions muttered. "Yet he will suffocate under this filthy world."
In the throne room, the minister bowed. "Tomorrow is the Hero's departure. What shall we do, my king?"
The king's lips curled into a sinister smile.
"Do not worry. I know his companions. When the time comes, they will attempt to kill him."
His laughter echoed, dark and cruel.
Thus begins the Hero's journey—not only against the Demon King, but against betrayal within his own party.