Chapter 2: The True Hero

The next morning at 8 a.m., the young man still refused to speak about himself. He only remained silent, and Selena began to wonder if he was mute or perhaps too traumatized to talk. The villagers, grateful for his help, welcomed him with food, drinks, and new clothes. Kiryu accepted everything with a gentle nod. Selena could only smile at their kindness, hoping it would help the mysterious youth open up.

Suddenly, a man ran into the center of the village, his face pale with fear. "DANGER! Goblins, Undead, and even Shadow monsters are coming!" he shouted.

The villagers panicked. Selena was confused as to why there was a sudden attack. She was certain this was the work of the bandits who had been demanding protection fees from the village chief. Only four people in the village could fight. Selena decided she would be the first to face the creatures, while the other four guarded the villagers.

As the horde of monsters attacked, Selena found herself slightly overwhelmed. Kiryu watched from a window, observing the woman fighting with all her might.

Hours passed. Selena's mana was depleting, and her movements were slowing down. Small wounds began to appear on her body. A cruel laugh broke the tension.

Bandit 1: "Hahaha! Look at that, boys! Your hero is exhausted!"

The masterminds behind all the chaos, a group of bandits with scarred faces, emerged. Their leader laughed in satisfaction, enjoying the sight of the terrified village.

Bandit Leader: "You wouldn't pay us our dues? Fine! Now, destruction is your payment! Attack! Destroy everything!"

The monsters moved forward, ready to tear the village apart.

CRASH!

A sword, radiating a silver light, flew like a flash of lightning. Selena and the bandits were stunned. The sword shot through the air, and the next second, the bandit leader's head was severed from his body, falling with a dull thud.

Everyone was silent.

Selena: "What was that...?"

The figure of Kiryu Ozama appeared. Without a word, he stood in front of the shocked Selena, blocking her view of the remaining enemies.

Kiryu: "Sorry to keep you waiting. I just finished my rest."

Selena was stunned to hear his voice. He wasn't mute.

The mark on the back of Kiryu's hand glowed, and he began to chant. "Trinity Radiance." From his hands, blue, red, and white light flowed, enveloping his body. Suddenly, a suit of armor, the Tri-Aspect Armor, appeared. The armor radiated a silver and golden light, reflecting the aspects of Light, Strength, and Speed. In his hand, a long spear appeared, its blade glowing with a silvery light, emitting a holy aura. It was the Lumina Staff.

Selena: "Armor? A spear? Is he also a hero? But, I've never seen magic like this..."

Kiryu lunged forward. His movements were like the wind, invisible to the eye. He cut down several goblins and undead, destroying them with a single swing of his spear. Every attack was both a thing of beauty and destruction. The bandits who tried to flee were eliminated in a flash. In the blink of an eye, there were no more monsters or bandits left.

Kiryu's armor vanished, returning to a fading light in his hand.

Selena: "Who are you, really?" she asked, her trembling sword pointed at him.

Kiryu turned, his golden eyes soft. "My name is Kiryu Ozama."

The mystery that had shrouded the young man was finally solved. He was the true hero.

The villagers came out of their hiding places, cheering with joy. They praised Kiryu, calling him their savior.

Villager: "Only you cared about us, young man!"

Villager: "The other heroes... they wouldn't stoop to help villagers like us. They only care about the big cities!"

Kiryu listened, his eyes flickering for a moment with a hint of anger, but he quickly suppressed it.

As noon arrived, Kiryu decided to leave the village.

Selena: "Where are you going?" she asked, still confused.

Kiryu: "I have to go to the capital, Belguts. I have to meet someone."

Selena made up her mind. "I'm coming with you." The threat to her village was gone thanks to Kiryu. She knew that the mystery of who this man was wouldn't be solved by staying put.

Their journey began. At the village gate, the villagers waved goodbye, offering their thanks.

Meanwhile, in a dark alley in the capital, Belguts.

A woman in a black cloak stood, her face hidden under a hood. She sighed, stroking the blade of her sword. Her fiery red eyes stared at the busy street, as if she were ready for something to come.