Chapter 86

Once upon a time, among the countless tales of adventure recorded in human history, scholars unanimously agree that the oldest and most legendary is none other than the tale of an unnamed hero.

A long, long time ago, when sudden waves of monsters brought suffering to many across this world, our story begins with an orphan chosen by the Goddess of Life herself. Wielding the Sword of the Hero, this nameless warrior cut down fearsome beasts—later known as elite monsters—with unmatched prowess, becoming a beacon of hope for all.

Though starting out as a penniless orphan, through relentless effort, they transformed into the mighty hero we know today. This backstory only added to their popularity. However, some critics argued that it was only due to divine intervention from the goddess that this growth was possible.

Leaving aside personal opinions, the tale of the first hero has been passed down through countless generations.

Interestingly enough, this hero’s very first adventure reportedly stemmed from a quarrel with the goddess’s proxy who had raised them—a sort-of “running away from home” scenario.

– About the Nameless Hero

—

The hero sets forth on their journey!

Using marked coordinates, I keep tabs on the hero’s progress while munching on some snacks.

Hmm… if the hero knew I was watching their adventures like some kind of entertainment, would they get mad?

But how could I not? If something shady were to follow them around, I’d have to rain down heavenly punishment—or at least drop a rock or two.

Nah, the hero’s strong enough to resist petty temptations. After all, this is someone I’ve worked so hard to raise! They’ve become nothing short of a true hero.

With that, the hero left the Dragon’s Tomb behind and set off along a well-traveled road frequented by pilgrims returning from their journeys to life temples. It’s pretty safe since most travelers are capable fighters or even disguised dragons.

So far, the hero’s journey has been… surprisingly dull.

Of course, it’s a relatively monster-free zone. Pilgrims of the Temple of Life frequent these parts, and many are skilled in self-defense. Hence, it’s generally considered a secure route.

Thus began the hero’s leisurely travel.

Since it’s just the start of their journey, I’ll continue observing for now.

“Mom, what are you doing here?”

Turning toward the voice, I see a radiant blonde girl smiling brightly.

It’s Sylphid, avatar of Shamash.

“Ah, Shamash?”

“Yes! God of Light, Justice, and Law: Shamash!”

This kid always brings such positive energy—it’s refreshing. Though, I suppose it wouldn’t make sense if the god of light were gloomy, now would it?

“I noticed you were alone after spending years raising a human child. Did you grow tired of it?”

“Not at all. The child seems to need some alone time, so I’m simply keeping watch.”

If I weren’t here when the hero returns, they might be confused.

“Hmm… pouring so much affection into a human child suits you, Mom.”

“What do you mean by ‘suit me’?”

“Well, didn’t you raise us seven—even though we shared no blood relation—as your own children? You’re probably the kindest being in this entire world.”

Kindness, huh?

“Even after turning all those dragons into their current forms?”

“That was our fault, after all. Now I understand why you were so upset back then.”

Hearing this from the god of justice and law feels oddly comforting.

“Anyway, why did the human child suddenly run away?”

“Beats me. Maybe something bothered them?”

Perhaps I should’ve talked more instead of pushing too hard…

“That’s quite fortunate of them, isn’t it? They don’t realize how amazing an opportunity they’ve been given.”

“Don’t say that. They’re just humans, after all. With lifespans barely reaching a hundred years, they lack the wisdom accumulated over millennia like us.”

“But still…”

“And haven’t we all made mistakes in the past? So have they.”

Shamash fell silent, looking like a honey-drunk bear unable to respond.

“In any case, don’t speak ill of the child. They’re merely lost and wandering.”

“Alright… if you say so, Mom.”

We shouldn’t criticize those who stumble but guide them gently—or at least watch over them kindly.

“So, what exactly do you plan to do with the child?”

“Hmm… monster hunting?”

Officially, yes.

Though there’s a darker truth: fragments of darkness reside within certain special monsters.

“Monster hunting… sounds irrational. Honestly, you could obliterate them all yourself if you wanted.”

True, but…

“It’s just too troublesome for me to act directly.”

“Then why not create something like the golems guarding the underworld?”

Like Talos?

“That… well…”

“Why bother with such bothersome tasks? Is there really meaning in this?”

Shamash strikes a critical blow! My vision goes dark!

Honestly, efficiency-wise, creating a single entity to handle everything would be better than empowering one human!

“Still…”

“Still?”

“It’s a dream, alright?”

Dreams.

In this miniature garden-like world where I can easily reshape reality, dreams hold immense importance! Focusing solely on efficiency wouldn’t lead me to manage such a world, would it? Too much hassle!

Anyway, dreams are crucial. Dreams matter.

“What’s a dream…?”

“Choosing an irrational path despite knowing the rational option exists?”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

I shook my head lightly.

“You’re too young to understand dreams yet.”

“Is there even value in understanding such irrational things? I don’t get it!”

“Dreams aren’t about logic. They come from the heart.”

That’s why I chose to create a hero instead of taking the logical route!

Of course, Shamash still looked puzzled.

“I didn’t expect you to grasp it easily. Dreams often defy comprehension.”

“Ugh… fine. If it’s important to you, Mom, then I’ll try to understand this ‘dream’ thing!”

“That wasn’t necessary…”

If understanding dreams were easy, they wouldn’t be dreams, would they?

“Ahh, by the way, Sylphid mentioned someone troubling a human, right?”

“Yeah, that person’s been causing trouble.”

And continues to do so whenever possible!

Just taste the pettiness of a creator god!

“Mom wouldn’t do such things without reason, would she? Is there some context?”

“Context? Well, let’s just say this guy disrespected me at my temple and tried to seduce my human form.”

“WHAT?! Mom?!”

Suddenly, Shamash’s face glows with blinding light.

“What nonsense is this!!! How dare he insult Mom!!! He must die!! I’ll burn him alive with my light!!”

“Hold it, calm down. I’m already dealing with it. And your glowing face is blinding.”

“But! To disrespect Mom! Mom! How dare he!!!”

Language skills impaired by sheer rage.

“Cough… sorry about that. That was embarrassing.”

“Indeed. You rarely lose your temper.”

“I lose my temper sometimes too.”

Finally dimming the radiant glow. I never knew Shamash emitted light when angry.

“So, who and where is this disrespectful person?”

“He was the second prince of the Kingdom of Arcad but now wanders aimlessly after being exiled.”

“If he’s wandering, where is he now?”

“Telling you directly would be inconvenient.”

I lightly tapped Shamash’s forehead, showing her the location of Orcus, the former second prince of Arcad.

“Oh, and remember, I cursed him with immortality, so killing him won’t work.”

“In that case, I’ll layer another curse on him. Let’s say… sunlight makes his body burn.”

She casually suggests terrifying curses.

Meanwhile, the hero approaches a human village.

After living together for so long, I wonder how the hero will interact with others.

And then…

“Hello there! Is this your first time visiting our village?! Wow, you look super strong! Are you a hunter? Or maybe a soldier or warrior because of that giant sword you carry?”

“Uh… well… you see…”

The enthusiastic girl at the village entrance leaves the hero speechless.