Chapter 17 Future Hero-Sama
"Was the village attacked?"
I muttered in astonishment.
――The timeline of "Last Brave" is definitely getting closer. Even now, as I am dumbfounded by Lukas' words. Every second, the moment of the demon king's resurrection is drawing near.
Lukas held my hand as if to bring me back from my daze.
I wondered if this hand had protected everyone.
"Even so, no one is injured. You can relax."
"...Did Lukas drive them away?"
Lukas nodded silently.
While relieved to hear that no one was injured, I couldn't help but wonder if the one who defeated the monsters was unharmed. Lukas was the kind of person who would hide it if he were the only one injured.
Closing the distance as if clinging to the body in front of me, I asked quickly.
"Lukas? Is Lukas okay?Lukas didn't get hurt?"
For some reason, Lukas squinted his eyes happily. And then,
"I'm fine. My eyes are shining again, and they somehow helped me. Besides, the adults in the village also assisted me."
He smiled and pointed to his left eye.
Even before Lukas set off as a hero from the village, it was mentioned in the beginning of "Last Brave" that he had repelled the monsters that attacked the village. So, what happened this time is just a prelude to the main story. It's a predetermined harmony. It's an event that was meant to happen.
I understand. "I" know. Yet, why am I feeling so unsettled? When I was about to be devoured by a monster, didn't I remain calm, saying "I won't die because it's an event"? Why then――
"I" am also becoming a part of this world.
"I see... That's good. And, thank you."
"Why is Laura thanking me?"
Trying to lighten the gloomy atmosphere, Lukas raised his voice in a forced manner and smiled. But I couldn't respond to that smile.
The smile disappeared from Lukas's face. Then, as if composing himself, Lukas exhaled and then spoke.
"...I found out later that the village's protective magic wasn't weakening or anything like that. It's just... the monsters have gotten stronger."
The words at the end were spoken in a very soft, secretive tone.
"Laura was right."
It was a voice filled with fear, frustration, and a mix of various emotions.
Surely, until meeting me today, Lukas had been carrying it all alone.
My childhood friend had believed in the absurd words I said a few years ago, "Monsters will become stronger in the future," from the beginning. However, perhaps Lukas had thought of "it" as something that would happen in a distant future.
"...Yeah. I'm really glad Lukas was there."
After catching my breath, I finally managed to smile.
Lukas responded to my smile by slightly loosening his lips, but that smile quickly faded.
"My parents always said that there had never been any monsters entering the village before."
Words were murmured here and there.
This incident must have caused great disturbance not only to Lukas but also to the people of Emme Village. I pictured the faces of my parents and friends, and suddenly realized.
With Lukas not in the village now, the residents must be very anxious. What if the village were to be attacked by monsters at this moment?
It's not like they hadn't considered that possibility. Surely, the men of the village must be preparing and arming themselves to face such a situation. They must have bid Lukas farewell with the hope of meeting his childhood friend after a long time. However...
I didn't know anything. I wasn't informed about anything, but I was too carefree. Maybe everyone didn't tell me about this incident so that I could focus on studying alchemy.
I clenched my fist tightly.
From now on, I'll go to Emme Village myself. Not just during long vacations, but more frequently. Even though the capital and Emme Village are far apart, if I hurry, even with a 2-day break — no, that might be too tough. At least with 3 days, I can make a quick trip back home.
Right. Can I work on a holiday and take the day off the following week instead? I should consult with Kasper-san.
"...I have a bad feeling. Lately, suddenly my left eye feels hot."
At those words, I involuntarily glance at Lukas's left eye. In his sky-blue eyes, a gold crest asserts its presence. Is it just my imagination that the color seems darker and more intense?
Perhaps, the Hero's power might be getting stronger. Or maybe what was once an incomplete awakening is now becoming complete.
For whatever reason, Lukas seems to be feeling a mix of confusion about the changes in his left eye and his own power.
He touches his left eyelid, trying to dispel that feeling even a little. The warmth that hasn't changed since that day— the day I decided to live as the childhood friend of Hero-sama— spreads from my fingertips.
"What kind of proof is this?"
It's the proof of the Hero who will save this world.
Even if I were to reveal the truth now, it would only cause more confusion. I bite down on my lower lip.
"I'm... what on earth—"
I shouldn't say any more than that.
My intuition tells me so.
"Lukas is Lukas. Who cares what that crest is all about, right?"
I speak rapidly.
That crest is the proof of a Hero who protects this world. It's not something to be feared. It's the proof of Lukas, manifested from his kindness and strength.
Lukas looked surprised as my tone suddenly became stronger. I felt a bit embarrassed at my own desperation in that expression. But I had something important to convey, so I spoke up again.
"Ah... I said it's not important. I do have things on my mind... but thanks to Lukas' power, I'm alive now, and everyone in Emme Village is unharmed, right?"
Yes, if Lukas hadn't awakened to the power of a Hero, I would have died a long time ago.
I would have been devoured by monsters with no way to resist. Because I saw the event in "Last Brave," I knew I wouldn't die — so I ended up taking that day's events lightly, but Lukas is the one who saved my life.
"Someone like me would have been in the belly of a monster by now if Lukas wasn't around."
"Ahaha," Lukas chuckled, a smile appearing on his face. Then he nodded with a surprisingly strong voice, saying, "That's right."
"If I didn't have this power, I wouldn't be able to be with Laura like this. Because of this power, I was able to protect Laura and everyone."
His expression and voice regained their energy. And then,
"I want to protect everyone with this power."
Lukas declared strongly. His face was not that of the cute childhood friend I knew — it was the face of a future Hero-sama bearing the fate of this world.
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