"So he finally showed himself… the first time I'm seeing him," Nolan muttered under his breath, eyes fixed on the hero as he stepped into the arena. The crowd's roar swelled, a wave of excitement and reverence sweeping across the stands.
The hero raised his hand, waving to the people. Nolan tilted his head, skeptical. "Is it really a big deal?" he whispered. "Does the king really have to make an announcement just for him?"
"Yes," Linda replied softly, her gaze following the hero. "Having a hero matters. Even if he isn't the strongest… the people don't care about that. They need someone they believe can stand against the Demon Lord—someone who can fight if the darkness returns, like it did thirty years ago."
