Haruo Ren exhaled a ragged breath, his glowing sword still humming from the strike that cleaved the Dragon of Great Triumphs in two. The beast, scourge of Genet's people, lay defeated at his feet.
"Finally," Haruo declared, his voice ringing with triumph, "justice has been served to the dragon by the ever-dashing hero, Haruo Ren. Another victory for me."
His silver armor gleamed under the fading sunlight, mana steaming off him like heat from a forge. The tattered cape, riddled with holes from the battle, fluttered heroically as he leaped from the dragon's carcass. Each step toward the village was a labor, his body aching from the fight. He paused, touching his temple, where blood trickled steadily from a gash.
"Ow! That stings," he muttered, wincing. "Guess I wasn't the only one landing blows. Figures—he was the Dragon of Great Triumphs, not Great Cuddles."
His vision blurred as he limped from the dark forest, the dragon's lair, toward the torchlit gates of Genet. Voices rose in the distance, sharp with concern.
"It's the hero! Someone, help!" Townsfolk gathered at the village entrance, their faces a mix of awe and worry as they spotted Haruo staggering forward.
Guards clad in stone breastplates and wielding sharp spears rushed toward him, but darkness claimed Haruo before they could reach him.
He awoke to soft light and the warmth of a familiar presence. Violet, one of his wives, hovered over him, her violet eyes wide with relief. "Master, you're awake! I was so worried." Her voice trembled as she pressed closer, her ample figure a comforting anchor. "I'll tell the others! The Great Master of All Elements has risen!"
Moments later, Nina, the elf with sparkling blue eyes and cascading curls, and Layla, the half-beast with crimson eyes and a fluffy pink tail, entered the room. Haruo's heart swelled at the sight of them.
"My precious wives," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "Nina, your eyes and those elegant ears… Layla, your fiery gaze and that vibrant tail… And Violet, your radiant purple hair. I missed you all so much."
They smiled, but concern lingered in their eyes. Exhausted, Haruo sank back into the bed, his mana depleted from the battle. His wives quietly left him to rest.
Morning light streamed through the window when Haruo awoke. He rose, savoring the warmth of the sun, then donned his royal robes and headed downstairs. Violet met him halfway, breathless and sweating.
"Master!" she gasped. "Good and bad news. Your brother Clevetas and his wife welcomed a son—Ruo. But… his mana level is 100/100. Yours is 50/50, the highest in Genet until now. This means…"
Haruo's heart sank, but he forced a smile. "Not to worry. I always knew someone might surpass me. Ruo will be Genet's new hero."
Fifteen years passed. Haruo, now thirty, watched his legacy fade. Ruo Clevetas, his nephew, had grown into a prodigy, his power eclipsing Haruo's stagnant mana. The village no longer hailed Haruo as their hero; he was just another man, his once-shining armor gathering dust.
"I'm happy for Clevetas," Haruo muttered, alone in his room. "But why does it hurt? Why do I envy little Ruo? I was the strongest. The hero. Now I'm… nobody." His voice broke, and he slammed his fist against the wall. His wives rushed in, enveloping him in a warm embrace, their love the only tether keeping him afloat.
But fate wasn't done with him. A guild official arrived, his voice cold and formal. "Sir, as you're no longer Genet's hero, the guild must reclaim the wives granted to you as a symbol of your heroism."
Haruo froze, the words slicing through him. His wives—his last spark of hope—were being torn away. Powerless, he watched them leave, their tearful glances haunting him. He was no longer the main character of Genet's story.
"If I can't be th hero of my own tale," he whispered eyes darkening, "no one will."