Kays Translations

Chapter 34: The Hero

Seeing the frightened expression on the scarred beast, I give a light smile. While I'm also puzzled by Fimia's words, the fact that I have a means to knock down this ridiculous monster makes me happy.

Whether I'm a hero or not doesn't matter at this point. I'll keep beating the scarred beast until it cries and apologizes, even if it begs for its life. I’ll kill it.

"What!? Impossible! There can't be a real 'Saint' in this era!"

"Hey hey, as expected of someone stuck in the countryside. You're behind, scarred beast!"

Reinforced by Rolo's magic, I charge straight ahead. With Fimia and Rolo supporting me, there's no need to dodge attacks. Especially for this scared-looking creature.

"Oops, that magic is forbidden."

Saran waves his staff to dispel the magic the scarred beast was about to unleash from its eyes. Fool. You can't use the same magic in front of scheming glasses Saran. He can analyze magic formulas, build counter-magic, just from seeing it once.

That's right. While this monster talks about 'Culling' and 'Elimination,' it knows nothing about us humans. I have to show the king of monster beasts how terrifying we are.

"Don't come! Don't come!"

"Hey hey, you've lost your composure, Crocotta. Let's enjoy the fight. We finally can have a fair fight to the death, so let's make it fun."

With the momentum of the dash, I swing the war mace directly at the scarred beast. With the sensation of crushing flesh and bone, there's a faint feeling of breaking something.

I intuitively understand what that 'something' is. I understand it.

"Well, this is your soul, huh? It's not a pleasant thing, but I'll smash it!"

"Stop! Stop, please!"

"Sorry! Malhas' 'Evil Brat' Jurg never stops when told to stop."

Raising the war mace toward the screaming scarred beast, I gather my inner strength and envelop it.

Surely, this is going to be terribly painful for you... Crocotta.

"Die."

Short but filled with plenty of killing intent, I swing the war mace down.

With its gigantic body, I put in enough power to crush the very existence itself.

“Ah…”

A small hoarse voice was heard as the scarred beast is slammed into the ground as if half-buried. Maybe I went a bit too far; half of its body is crushed into pieces, turning into just a puddle of blood. I was put off a little bit by this.

“But, well, I won't make the same mistake twice.”

Saying that, I swing the war mace to blow away the remaining half. I don't think it will revive at this point, but just to be sure.

However, the war mace, which usually feels reasonably heavy, now feels as light as a stick. Somehow, it feels unpleasant, like I've thrown away my humanity.

"Extermination complete, right?"

"Yes, nothing more to do."

Saran nods in response to my words. After returning the nod, I look at the completely crushed scarred beast and grimace.

"Damn it, I blew away the proof of extermination..."

As I'm about to grumble, my field of vision spins, and everything goes dark.

◆

"Mmm..."

"Jurg!? Are you awake?"

Opening my eyes, I see Rolo's worried face peering at me. Relieved that my best friend is safe, I try to sit up, but I realize I can't.

"Where is this? What happened to me?"

It's hard to speak. My throat is completely dry, and only an old man's voice comes out.

"This is the house I secretly made for you. And, jurg, you collapsed from overexertion. Greg brought you here, and it was tough."

"I see. I'll bring some meat later. How's the situation?"

"It's fine. Don't worry."

"I see."

It seems that despite some trouble, we managed to pull through. However, collapsing at the very end is embarrassing. Maybe I've been sitting in the chair too much, gotten too soft.

Moreover, now that I've woken up, it seems I can't get up.

"I'll call everyone."

"Sure. But if you're busy, you don't have to call."

"That's how you are, Jurg. Everyone was worried since you've been asleep for a week."

"Huh? A week?"

Surprised by the new information, I try to sit up, but my body doesn't move well.

"Come on, stay still. I'll call them right away."

"Alright." 

Watching Rolo hurry out of the room, I'm dumbfounded. I've had major injuries before and even collapsed, but collapsing for a whole week is a first.

It's starting to feel a bit scary.

My body won't move... it won't be like this forever, right? That would be a real problem.

"Jurg!"

Just a little while after Rolo left, it was Fimia who opened the door and ran in dressed in a simple country-style dress.

"Are you okay? Any pain or discomfort?"

"My body won't move."

"Oh, that's okay. It will start moving again after a while."

With a smile, Fimia takes my hand. I feel warmth from her soft palm.

"I thought I might have caused you to die."

"Because of you? Oh, that courage-inspiring magic, right?"

"That's... well, it's a magic to select a hero."

"Why the hell did you give me something like that? I'm far from being a hero, you know?"

While holding my hand, Fimia shakes her head slightly.

"No, from that day... No, from a long time ago, I have always believed that you have the potential to be a hero."

"Don't give me weird compliments... Well, thanks to that, I was able to kill the scarred beast. Thanks."

"But I've burdened you."

Holding my hand tightly, Fimia lowers her head. She's a dutiful woman even though there's no need for her to feel responsible.

"Well, let's call it even. We both did something reckless. Anyway, we accomplished what needed to be done."

"…!"

In response to my words, the 'Saint' raises her face with a surprised expression.

Now, did I say something strange?

"That's right. You're truly Jurg."

"Yeah, praising me won't get you anywhere."

"Oh, you're not honest."

I'm lured into laughter by Fimia's giggles.

"So, has anything changed in the past week?"

"There are a few things I should tell you, but it might be more accurate if Saran-san explains it."

"I don't mind. Tell me directly. If I have to hear preachy stuff from someone just out of illness, I'd rather have Fimia do it."

In response to my words, Fimia puffs her cheeks slightly and turns her face away.

I can't help but chuckle at the unusually childish gesture of the 'Saint.'

"What's with you? Didn't know you could make that kind of face."

"I don't want to talk about it anymore!"

"Sorry about that. So, what happened? Tell me."

As I ask, Fimia clears her throat and then begins speaking.

"Well, you see..."

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