Chapter 07 : So I took My First Step as A Hero

Their eyes widen. Vaelya says, "But that's too many...." I say, "Is that your excuse to turn a blind eye to those who are still suffering, Princess?" Vaelya lowers her head. Varthion says, "I want to rescue all of them too, Hero Agni. But holy knights will fight back with their anti-magic sword. I can't send any demons with you. I don't lose what I have." I say, "You are right, your highness. That's why I will go alone." Vaelya says with concern in her voice, "You have magic powers, Hero Agni. If their sword cuts you..." I say with a smile, "The worst sin of all is suicide. I won't do that. It is not a suicide mission, Princess. I know my risks." 

Vaelya says with a shuddering voice, "But why do you have to do this? You aren't a demon. You are not even born in this world. Then why do you want to do all this?" I smile and say, "Princess, I don't have to do this. I need to do this. I want to do this. People are suffering. Some still have hope for salvation, some don't. Someone has to save them. They deserve that much. And why me? you asked. Because I was summoned here to be the hero of the demons. But a hero can't be for a particular race or world. A hero is not for the happy, comfortable people. A hero is for all the people who are suffering, regardless of race, gender, age, status, or situation. A hero can't ignore a single suffering person. No one has to suffer as long as Hero breathes. From that moment, I was chosen as a hero, and I accepted it. The duties of a hero fall on me. Lord Krishna, an avatar of God Vishnu, said in the Bhagavad Gita, 'Do your duty without attachment to outcome. Offer your actions to the divine. Abandoning righteous duty out of fear or attachments is cowardice and sin.' So, as long as a single soul suffers, I will be the hero who fights for their salvation." Vaelya lowers her head again. 

Varthion says, "You have my permission. But I have a condition." I say, "What is the condition, your highness?" Varthion places a hand on my left shoulder and says, "You have to stay alive." I smile and say, "Of course, your highness. Dying would be an easy escape from my duty. I don't want that." I glance at Vaelya with a side eye and say, "And I have someone to return to." Vaelya quickly looks at me. Our eyes meet. I smile. Varthion smiles and says, "Then let's discuss the plan."

I tell them my plan. Three of them are shocked by it. They remain silent for a while. Rigner says, "That's not very heroic, right?" Vaelya laughs and says, "Well, it's his way of doing things." Varthion says, "Yes. Zyrra told me what happened in Vaekara. It was hard to believe. But this plan...isn't it evil?" I say, "Judge me all you want. But if it means to be evil to destroy an evil. I will do it without hesitation, as long as I don't hurt any innocents."

Varthion says, "So, what can I do for you?" I say, "I need the name of a suitable kingdom to start my plan." Vaelya says, "We are not that much connected with the world since we are in the demon realm most of the time. But I think Zyrra may know something." Varthion says, "You are right. Let's have a discussion with Zyrra tomorrow morning." We nod. Varthion says, "Rigner, don't say anything about what we discussed here." Rigner says, "Of course, your highness." 

We return to our rooms. Vaelya didn't say anything on the way back. I drink some water and lie on the bed. Today was something else. I fall asleep.

An incredible scent! It's very familiar. But I can't remember what the scent belongs to. 

I open my eyes. Well, this isn't my room. Where am I? 

- "Look who is finally awake!"

I turn my head to my left. A beautiful lady with two horns on her head says, "Good morning, Hero Agni." I startle and jump out of the bed. Oh! I remember. Vaelya is shocked at my idiotic reaction. I say with embarrassment, "Sorry. I was...um...just surprised." She is staring into my soul. I say, "Um...you are looking beautiful...uh! ....I mean....were you waiting for long?" That's my problem. I can't think straight after waking up. Vaelya is looking at me with wide eyes. I can't even imagine what she is thinking about me right now. I crossed the limits of being an idiot. 

Vaelya hesitantly says, "Umm....Thank you. And no. I just got here. I was returning to my room after morning training. Then I came to see if you woke up or not. And I'm going to call you for the morning meal. But you were asleep. So I was planning to come back later. And you just woke up very soon. So, as I said, I just got here." 

Suddenly Eriei comes into the room saying, "Princess, you were waiting for a very long time. Should I wake my lor...." Eriei looks at us and stops. She lowers her head and quickly says, "Pardon me for interrupting." She walks out of the room. Vaelya hesitantly says, "She's always a bit confused with the time." I smirk and say, "Is she now?" Vaelya looks at me like she is going to tear me apart. I quickly say, "I was kidding. Wait here. I will freshen up. Then we will go for the meal." I walk towards the bathroom. Vaelya says, "I don't wait for anyone."

After freshening up, I enter into my room. Vaelya is looking at something through the window. Yes. She doesn't wait for anyone. I smile. I say, "Princess, let's go." Vaelya says, "About time!" We start walking. I say with a smile, "Did I make you wait long?"

- "You did actually. I am starving."

- "But you said you don't wait for anyone."

- "I.... I was looking at the birds. I didn't wait for you."

- "Is that so?"

- "That is so."

We arrive at the door of Varthion's room. Onei opens the door and says, "Your Highness is expecting you." We enter into the room. Varthion and Zyrra are sitting on the chair and talking with each other. 

I smile and whisper, "Some birds seem very lovely together." Vaelya smiles and nods.

Four of us have breakfast together. Then Varthion says, "I already talked with Miss Zyrra. She told me about the kingdom named Alnovir. It is perfect for your plan, Hero Agni. Miss Zyrra, tell him everything." Zyrra says, "Sure, your highness."

Zyrra tells us everything she knows. Yes, this kingdom is perfect for my plan. I say, "Your Highness, I'll start my journey now." Varthion says, "Tell me what you need; I will arrange them for you." I say, "Nothing. I can't bring anything from the Demon Realm. I told you why. People shouldn't know where I came from. Just create a portal far from Alnovir. At least 4 to 5 days to walk. I need to people see me entering into the kingdom. Otherwise, if I just pop up in the kingdom out of nowhere, people will have thoughts." Varthion says, "Alright." 

Vaelya says, "You are leaving so soon. You just got here yesterday, Hero Agni." I say, "I don't want to delay the salvation of the suffering people any longer than it has to."

- "Let me come with you."

- "No, Princess, it'll be too risky for you."

- "I can take care of myself."

- "I know, princess. But you are a demon. If you come with me, then there will be consequences. Right now, I need you to stay here in the demon realm. Wait for me."

Vaelya goes outside. Varthion says, "Hero Agni, I have never seen my sister like this. Answer this: you don't want innocents to suffer. Right?" I say, "Yes, Your Highness." Varthion says, "Then remember this. My sister cried so much for our father. I don't want to see her cry again. If you somehow die while fulfilling your duty and my sister sheds a drop of tears, I will burn the whole world. Understood?" I smile and say, "Loud and clear, Your Highness." 

I walk outside of the room. Vaelya is standing and looking at something far away. I go near her and say, "I will return here as soon as I finish my work. Take care of yourself until then." Vaelya looks at me. Her expression! She was crying. I feel a strange pain in my chest. She says, "Remember, we have an unfinished duel." 

- "Yes. Of course. How could I forget!"

- "Then come back alive."

- "Sure, Princess."

I go into the portal and find myself in a forest. So this is Thronreach Forest. I should go to the south. I start walking. 

After walking for almost 15 minutes, I hear a strange sound. I turn around. Ah! Look who is here to welcome me!

A Hollowgrath! 

Almost 9 feet tall, gorilla-type body with no eyes, just a vertical mouth that opens from forehead to jaw, shark-like teeth, and 5 tails.

Ah! This is my first step, and I've already found a thorn in my path.