The call

The day after the celebration, the hero Hiroshi went to a teleportation magic circle alone, in the middle of nowhere.

"I know you’re there," Hiroshi said, looking toward some bushes.

"Tch, typical of you. Nothing escapes you," replied Mark, the fighter from the hero's group, as he emerged from his hiding spot.

"I told you not to follow me. I can’t leave with people watching." Said hiroshi with a serious tone.

"Ha, liar," Mark laughed mockingly. "Remember, I know when you're lying. You're just bad at goodbyes; that's all."

Hiroshi didn’t act surprised, simply responding, "Then why are you here? We said goodbye yesterday."

"Isn't it obvious?" Mark raised his fist. "We never settled who’s the strongest."

Hiroshi flashed a quick grin. "Sorry, but I’m unarmed."

"Don’t lie to me. I know you can’t part with your sword that easily. You wield the legendary Annihilator Sword, forged from a dragon’s fang and enchanted by the ancient mage Miraelis. That sword will follow you everywhere for the rest of your life."

"No need to tell me its story. So, if we fight, will you leave me alone?"

"Of course, it’s a promise."

"You asked for it."

Hiroshi raised his hand toward the sky, causing the clouds to swirl and rumble with excitement. From above, a sword, glowing like a shooting star and surrounded by lightning, descended with full force into the hero's hand. He caught it with precision and pointed it at Mark.

"Prepare yourself!"

"Always."

Mark took a fighting stance, channeling his magic through his body. Gradually, the energy concentrated in his fist, surrounded by strong winds forming a small tornado. Meanwhile, Hiroshi’s sword grew even brighter, glowing with the light that enveloped it. Both looked at each other, their magic at its peak. Neither wanted to make the first move, knowing this might be their final battle.

"Sorry, Mark, but I have to finish this quickly."

"Bring it on!"

Hiroshi dashed forward at lightning speed, while Mark fortified his stance, encased in a whirlwind surrounding his fist. He waited for Hiroshi’s attack.

As they were about to clash, they shouted their attacks simultaneously.

"Hero’s Thrust!"

"Fist Tornado!"

A powerful clash was heard by the four the winds. As soon as the sword’s tip touched Mark's fist, the wind around him dissipated, and a wave of pain immobilized him. The outcome was decided.

"Are you satisfied?" Hiroshi asked, offering his hand.

"Ha ha, just what I wanted. I knew I’d lose, but I wanted to see how far my years of training had taken me. Looks like I’m still far behind. I joined you to surpass you, to chase the strength I admired since my youth. But it was a good journey. Thank you for letting me be part of the team!" Mark smiled through his tears, grasping Hiroshi’s hand to stand up.

"No, thank you. You were a great help to the team and made the journey much more enjoyable. I’ll never forget you." Hiroshi smiled warmly at Mark. "Besides, you may not have surpassed me, but you came the closest. I trust you to protect the group, especially Liz. Promise me, Mark. You’re the one I trust the most."

"Of course, don’t worry, brother in arms. I may not be as good a leader as you, but I’ll do my best."

"I’m counting on you," Hiroshi said, giving Mark a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"Ouch! You just broke all my bones in that fight, you know!"

"Ha ha, sorry."

Hiroshi turned around and walked to the center of the magic circle, showing Mark his back, draped with his grand red cape, his sword, and a bag filled with memories from the isekai world. As soon as he stood in the circle, a radiant light surrounded him. He cast one last glance at his friend as the light engulfed him.

"It was a great adventure."

When the light faded, Hiroshi was gone, and the fighter left the scene.

"The best one," he murmured.

With those words, a new day began in Aurelia.

Two years passed since that farewell. Aurelia enjoyed years of peace, though remnants of the Demon King’s forces still lingered. The group had disbanded, each member going their separate ways.

Mark focused solely on becoming stronger. He lived in a distant village, beyond the kingdom’s protection due to a lack of soldiers. He stayed there to grow stronger and defend the town from any remnants of the Demon King’s army. Today, a giant two-headed serpent beast arrived to attack, accompanied by its minions. Standing at the village’s edge, it used a magic megaphone to announce:

"People of Coy! I know there are two members of the hero’s group among you! Hand them over, and I might consider sparing your homes! You have until—"

Before the demon could finish, the village barricades opened. Out walked Mark, still groggy and dressed in his martial arts attire.

"Who’s here today? Can’t you pests come later, after my nap?" Mark yawned, covering his mouth.

Mark went near the beast. The beast was inmense doubling the size of the human. Mark was looking at him from below with an annoyed look.

"Ha ha, Mark Tiger! Just the man I was looking for. Today, I shall kill you in the name of the Demon King! I am Sir Serpentus Ven, second captain of the poison squadron, under the third general of the Demon King, Commander Necro—"

Before the demon could finish, a massive hole appeared in its chest, where the heart was supposed to be. It looked down and then collapsed, blood pooling beneath it.

Mark’s fist was covered in violet blood.

"Why do they keep using such long names? When will they learn to fight first, talk later, right?" He wiped the blood off his fist, smirking at the demon army behind him.

Seeing what had just happened, the soldiers scattered in fear.

"And when will they learn that running is useless?"

Before he could chase them, a woman ran from the village, shouting his name.

"Mark! Mark! Wait!"

Recognizing her voice, Mark ran to her, concerned.

"Liz, how many times have I told you to stay inside the church when demons attack? Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, no one will be hurt."

While Mark was trying to relax her, she was catching her breath from running, she replied, "It’s not that. It’s the goddess… she spoke to me."

"Huh? The Holy Mother? She exists?"

"Of course, idiot!" Liz puffed her cheeks, giving him a light punch.

"Alright, alright, I believe you. What’s going on?"

"She sent me on a mission. She wants us to reunite the team."

"The team? For what? We’re not even in contact anymore."

"It’s important. Hiroshi’s world… it’s in danger."

"What? From who?"

"Well, while the sayings of the holy mother are absolute, maybe she was mistaken this time" said Liz trying to explain worried from what she heard earlier.

Mark grabbed her shoulders, demanding an answer.

"Liz, who’s threatening Hiroshi’s world?"

"According to the goddess… Hiroshi himself."

Mark let go, stunned.

"Huh?"

And so, the gears began to turn, and a new story began for the hero's group. They would face the most powerful being they had ever known.