People often say that heroes are born in times of turmoil.
That an ordinary child who could be found in any neighborhood awakens their talent for heroism when an age of turmoil arrives.
If an age of turmoil had never come, that child would have lived an ordinary life without ever realizing the heroic talent they possessed.
There must surely be sorrow, respect, and a sense of indebtedness from those who were aided by heroes woven into this story that has spread throughout the world.
I understand.
But from the perspective of someone who actually has to become a hero?
I have to say, it's a truly goddamn story.
There is no fruit that looks more appealing yet tastes worse than this.
Think about it.
About 700 years ago, the first five heroes sacrificed their lives to close a dangerous dimensional gate.
And so, the period of chaos passed.
The world recovered, went through a period of restoration, and reached the golden age it enjoys today.
Now, does the story end there? Is it a happy ending?
Will there be no second period of chaos? Will a disaster greater than the previous one never come?
"Oh, our heroes. May the blessings of Mana be with them."
After shedding tears, offering thanks, and even scattering flower petals, shouldn't people have made an effort to prevent the same tragedy from repeating?
But people focused on returning to the ordinary lives they had before, like children who could be found anywhere.
In the process, the Mage Tower, once a repository of knowledge, was shut down.
Magic that involved living beings was forbidden.
And the genius revolutionaries who appeared during the period of restoration vanished without a trace.
The religion that worshipped Mana seized control of nations and power.
The nobles rotted away as they coveted their accumulated wealth.
The world erased the memory of the age of turmoil.
Isn't it strange that another period of chaos hasn't come yet?
Ah, right. It's fine? Because heroes are born in times of turmoil?
Then what about the daily lives that collapse before a hero's blood hurriedly awakens?
The lives that are sacrificed?
And more than anything, what about me, the hero who has to bear all of that?
That's right. I've decided.
I, Kaian Veloer Valentin. Although I did end up signing a contract to become a hero because I got caught up with some strange elf with horns....
I will never become a hero who shoulders everything alone.
This is not a path that can be walked alone. Even the first heroes numbered five, so why should I have to shoulder everything by myself?
An old sage once said that more is always better. And heroes are exactly the kind of thing where the more there are, the better.
Five won't be nearly enough.
There must be enough that a period of chaos will never come again.
That way, precious heroes won't die young either.
Heroes are beings who bring benefit to the world. So the longer they live, the better.
Isn't it too unfair to suffer through everything and then die young on top of it?
That's right. I've decided.
I, Kaian Veloer Valentin, swear upon my family's name.
I will become a hero who lives a long and healthy life.
From this day forward, that is my dream.
Just watch.
Because I will become a hero who has countless companions and lives a long, healthy life.
1439. 09. 10.
An excerpt from Kaian's diary on his ninth birthday.
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