Chapter 1: Evil God’s Castle

“So this is it,” Luke murmured, staring at the imposing dark castle occupying the center of the fallen town of Orstadbadt.

Even from a distance, he could feel a sinister aura emanating from the tall structure.

The feeling was nauseating even for a hero like him. He could barely imagine what it must feel for a regular person. It was highly likely that everyone in the town had been converted into monsters by the evil god or was killed.

The very thought made him grit his teeth, and the veins in his neck bulged.

He would never forgive the evil god for his actions.

Luke turned back to gaze back at his four companions, who stared right back at him, and declared, “This is it. Once we defeat the evil god and seal him away, we’ll save the world.”

Dominik, who had his arms crossed in front of his chest, chuckled and said, “When you say it like that, you sound like a kid.”

“Right? He sounds like a child who hasn’t grown up,” Ruthie said as she covered her mouth with one hand.

“Come on, you guys. Don’t bully him. He’s our leader after all,” Maison said with a smile.

“Maybe if he doesn’t say such embarrassing things, we wouldn’t bully him,” Jackie said as she tossed a dagger into the air.

“You guys. You’re embarrassing me,” Luke muttered, scratching his face with a gloved finger.

“See. He’s blushing now,” Maison said, his smile turning cheeky as he pointed a finger at Luke.

A light chuckle spread across the gathered people, making Luke rub the back of his head in embarrassment. As he stared at them, a warm smile spread across his face.

“What’s got you smiling like that?” Jackie asked as she caught her dagger.

“I was just remembering how this journey started. We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?” Luke said, causing everyone to reminisce.

All five had been chosen by the Walandic Theocracy to be the heroes to stop the evil god and save the world, with Luke acting as their leader.

It had been over a year since then, and so much had happened.

They had slain countless monsters and dealt with the evil worshipers they encountered along the way. There had been so much death and destruction, but now they were at the end of the journey. Soon they would be returning to the capital in glory.

“It really has been a long time. I almost thought we would never get to this point,” Dominik said as he rubbed his nose.

Jackie nodded as she said, “We had so many encounters with death that I thought we would die before reaching the evil god.”

“No kidding. It was really a miracle,” Maison said.

“It’s thanks to the god Fidall blessing us on our journey. Without his blessing, we wouldn’t have the power to face the evil god,” Ruthie said.

“That’s right. We are on the side of justice and all that is good. There’s no way we could ever lose,” Luke said, brimming with confidence.

“You say that, but didn’t you get injured the most out of all of us?” Maison pointed out, making Luke tense.

“He’s right. If I hadn’t been healing you constantly, I’m not sure you would have lived to get this far,” Ruthie chimed in.

“Come on, you guys. I’m not that bad, right?” Luke said, looking to the other two members who had spoken.

No one dared to meet his eyes.

“Seriously? Traitors,” he huffed and crossed his arms.

“Come on now. Don’t be like that. Cheer up,” Maison said, waving a hand.

“Right, right. I mean, it’s not every day that someone who is supposed to be the leader charges headlong into battle before the rest of the group,” Jackie added.

“You guys are the worst,” Luke said as his shoulder slumped.

“Then maybe you shouldn’t run in front of the person who is supposed to act as the frontliner,” Dominik said dryly.

The group continued to joke and recall old memories for a bit, but they eventually quieted down and focused their attention back on the castle.

“I guess it’s time. Does everyone remember the plan?” Luke said as he tightened his grip on his sword.

“Of course. I’ll lead the charge,” Dominik said, pointing a thumb at himself.

“Jackie and I will be in the back and make sure nothing catches us from behind,” Maison said as he wrapped an arm around Jackie, who gave him a disgruntled look.

“I’ll be in the middle and prepare the sealing spell,” Ruthie said.

“And I’ll also be fighting alongside Dominik and making sure no one gets close to Ruthie,” Luke said.

After ensuring everyone remembered their roles, Luke led them towards the castle.

It didn’t take them long to encounter monsters preventing them from entering the town. The sight of the creatures didn’t faze the group as they launched right into battle.

Dominik tore through monsters with a ferocious expression on his face as Luke cut down nearby monsters. Jackie slipped past the monsters, stabbing them with her daggers along the way. Maison unleashed a flurry of arrows, killing several monsters at once.

The only person who didn’t fight was Ruthie, who was preparing the sealing spell.

They slowly advanced through the town until they reached the castle walls, where even more terrifying monsters awaited them. The creatures roared in defiance and charged at the group with a mindless frenzy.

However, they were still no match for them.

After cutting down the last monster, they stared at the closed gate, and Dominik asked, “What now? How are we going to get inside?”

“Normally, this would be the time we ask Ruthie to use magic, but she can’t because she’s preparing the sealing spell,” Maison said, making everyone’s eyes turn to her.

She didn’t bat an eye.

“I can sneak inside and force the gate open,” Jackie said, raising a hand.

“Be careful,” Luke said.

Jackie huffed and asked, “Who do you take me for?”

Then, without another world, she scaled the castle walls with ease and disappeared on the other side.