Chapter 124: Birth of the Hero

Once Nicolaus had composed himself, an explanation of the entire affair was given.

Fritz had also regained his calm and told everything that had happened since he and Hinata set out on their journey, holding nothing back.

The children had also been brought to Glenda and were listening intently to Fritz’s account. Though they were tired, every single child listened with a serious expression.

They seemed to have been given food by Glenda, but that alone wouldn’t restore their mental exhaustion. Yet, without a single complaint or tearful word, they each offered their own opinions.

Watching them, Fritz felt strongly that Hinata’s actions had not been wrong.

Nicolaus began organizing the situation.

First and foremost was the fact that the head of the Free Guild, Kagali Yuki, was the enemy.

The extent of his thought manipulation and brainwashing was unknown, but he had added the resurrected Demon Lord Kazalim to his forces, making him extremely dangerous.

Next, the reason for Hinata’s actions.

In the battle against Demon Lord Rimuru, Hinata had the mind-control parasite "Curse Crystal" targeting her broken, allowing her to regain her free will. To prevent anyone else from being similarly controlled, she had launched the operation to rescue the children.

However, she had fallen into a trap set by Yuki, who used the children as bait, and a combat situation had immediately arisen.

The opponent was a Hero. A Hero who had hidden for decades and not appeared on the world stage was now following Yuki and fighting Hinata.

Nicolaus could hardly believe it, but the testimony of Fritz and the children left no room for doubt.

Information gleaned from the conversation at that time.

Yuki’s goal was to sow chaos across the world and become its ruler.

To that end, he had executed multiple Summons, acting in accordance with some sort of deal.

It was likely for the shared goal of a collaborator he was using.

The vice-head of the Free Guild was Demon Lord Kazalim.

The Pope of the Holy Nation of Lubelius, the object of their faith, was not a representative of God but a puppet.

The will of the one true god Luminus, established as a holy spirit by the Western Holy Church, was in fact the will of a Demon Lord.

In other words, the one true god Luminus was a Demon Lord…

However, this information was not something one could simply accept at face value.

Hinata was said to have believed it without doubt, but when considering the thousand-plus years of history of the Holy Nation of Lubelius, there had undeniably been peace and stability within it.

Even if told it was under a Demon Lord’s control, it wasn’t something one could readily accept.

Furthermore, that a Hero was in the hands of a Demon Lord, and that Yuki had taken and was using that Hero—this was a profound sacrilege against a holy being.

If true, it was an unforgivable situation, and one that should prompt action toward liberating the Hero, even at the cost of everything.

But the fight between Hinata and the one called a Hero definitively proved the existence of that being as a Hero.

To the eyes of experts like Nicolaus, Fritz, and the Holy Knights, Hinata’s strength was exceptional. Yet she had been utterly defeated.

A being capable of overwhelming Hinata, who had grown even stronger since her confrontation with Demon Lord Rimuru, could only be considered a Hero.

"But… to say the enemy has a Hero…

If we announce this, the nations will abandon the Church.

Not monsters or a Demon Lord, but a Hero. It’s the worst possible scenario. And someone like Yuki would definitely use that information."

At the words of Holy Knight Commander Leonard, the Holy Knights nodded solemnly.

But was that really the case? Nicolaus thought deeper.

In the past, Hinata had done everything. If only he had left everything to her…

Anger, grief, and regret nearly filled his heart, but he now forced those emotions down with the strength of his will.

"No, if we did that, it would be like confessing that Demon Lord Luminus herself abducted the Hero.

Because she lacked the military power to fight a Demon Lord, didn’t she act with strategy?"

Nicolaus voiced his own thoughts.

The dependable Hinata was no longer here. They had to make their own judgments.

"But the Hero’s power was overwhelming.

Yuki seems to have taken control of the Hero, but doesn’t that mean he could stand against a Demon Lord?

More to the point, what kind of Demon Lord is this Luminus?"

Fritz, who had actually witnessed the fight between Hinata and the Hero, voiced his question.

If the Hero could overwhelm Hinata, wasn’t he stronger than Demon Lord Luminus?

And before that, what manner of being was Demon Lord Luminus?

Nicolaus searched his own knowledge and memories for an answer to that question.

"Hmm, Demon Lord Valentine…

There are texts compiled from old documents that have been passed down within the Western Holy Church.

Let me first explain the Ten Great Demon Lords."

Nicolaus began by explaining his knowledge.

The Ten Great Demon Lords.

The Three Primordials.

"Dark Emperor" Guy Crimson.

"Destroyer Tyrant" Milim Nava.

"Labyrinth Fairy" Ramiris.

These three were famous.

Tales of them annihilating cities and the origin of the Land of Death were passed down with fear.

Ramiris was a being whose transformation into a Demon Lord was part of the holy spirit they worshipped, and she was said to possess the power to mediate between Guy and Milim.

A godlike being one must never anger.

Next, the names of two more Demon Lords were mentioned.

"Giant of the Earth" Dagrull.

"Queen of Night" Valentine.

Dagrull was a being who had mutated into a Demon Lord after being bathed in dense Magicules by the Giant race guarding the Sky Gate in the Land of Death.

He too was a famous Demon Lord.

And then, the problem: Luminus.

This was most likely the Vampire Queen Valentine.

A Demon Lord of overwhelming magical power, serving as the queen of vampires. An absolute being with otherworldly beauty.

Her capital was said to be so beautiful it was called the Rose Palace of the Night, a constant nocturnal splendor.

However, in ancient times, she had been defeated in battle against the Dragon Species, the Storm Dragon Veldora, and her capital had been destroyed.

Since then, Demon Lord Valentine had disappeared from the public stage.

Because her demise was never confirmed, she was never struck from the records and had been passed down through the ages as the Vampire Queen, one of the Ten Great Demon Lords.

"In other words, I believe Demon Lord Valentine is the one who has been acting as the one true god Luminus.

There is another ancient Demon Lord, but that being seems to be an Angel who has Fallen, and the name is unknown.

The others were comparatively often destroyed, such as the Beast King Carrion, Frey of the Sky, and Leon with the Golden Hair—these are the younger Demon Lords.

Our sworn enemy, Clayman, who was plotting in the shadows using the demon race, is probably outside the scope. It seems he was destroyed by Demon Lord Rimuru…"

Based on Nicolaus’s explanation, they concluded that Demon Lord Valentine was the one who had been ruling the Holy Nation of Lubelius from the shadows under the name of the one true god Luminus.

The situation seemed irrefutable, and no opposing opinions were raised from the Holy Knights.

And then, at a fact far too heavy, everyone fell silent, at a loss for words.

The object of their faith was a Demon Lord.

It wasn’t something to laugh at, nor something they wanted to acknowledge. But they were now in a situation where they had no choice but to accept it, and it was understandable to be thrown into confusion.

In the center of the cathedral where Hinata’s body had been laid out, everyone sat down as they pleased, confronting the unacceptable truth they had just been made aware of.

Even for Nicolaus and Leonard, it wasn’t an acceptance. It was simply that no other explanation made sense.

If only this was also a trap of thought manipulation or misunderstanding set by Yuki, how much easier their hearts would be.

And then there was the issue of their course of action from here on.

Yuki was the enemy. That was certain. As far as Nicolaus was concerned, he had no intention of forgiving Yuki, no matter what.

But…

"Even if not on the level of the Primordial Demon Lords, she was one of the ancient pillars…

Even so, with a Hero, it seems possible to defeat Luminus Valentine.

In other words, now that Yuki has placed a Hero under his command, there is no longer any reason for him to fear a Demon Lord—is that a valid way to think?"

To the troubled Nicolaus, Leonard offered his opinion.

It was true. Nicolaus had been thinking the same thing while explaining earlier.

Yuki might be inferior to a Demon Lord, but with a Hero, he could probably defeat even an ancient Demon Lord. After all, the Storm Dragon Veldora, who was said to be stronger than Valentine, had been sealed.

If that was the case…

There was no time to be denouncing the Holy Nation of Lubelius or exposing the Demon Lord’s identity.

With Hinata fallen, the Church, whose symbol of hope—the Hero—was now the enemy, had no attractive power to draw people in. If they were to announce that the one true god Luminus was a Demon Lord amidst this, it could become a situation that threatened the very existence of the Church.

It was unlikely Yuki had leaked the information knowing all this, but even knowing it, the options available to Nicolaus and the others were few.

Nicolaus, Leonard, and the Holy Knights realized this, and no one could utter a word.

"The next move of the head of the Free Guild will be bold, won’t it?"

No one answered Nicolaus’s murmur.

But at that moment.

"What—what is it!? This intense Demon Aura!! Everyone, prepare for battle!"

At Leonard’s cry, the Holy Knights drew their swords in unison, directing wary gazes around them.

All eyes scanned their surroundings, focusing on a single point in space. A distortion appeared in the air, and there was a presence of someone materializing.

Seven figures appeared, their faces hidden by masks.

And those figures knelt, welcoming someone who emerged from behind.

The one who appeared was a beautiful girl with silver hair.

Her eyes were the Ginzaku Youtou—heterochromatic eyes of blue and red that emitted a strange, shimmering light.

She was none other than the Demon Lord currently at the center of attention.

"Queen of Night" Luminus Valentine.

She had come to the cathedral via spatial transfer.

To those who were mesmerized by Luminus’s beautiful appearance, "Stand down."

A deep, carrying voice from the person standing behind Luminus delivered the command.

Now, even if the other party was the Pope, they shouldn’t simply obey, but there was no Holy Knight present who could defy those words.

Lacking the mental fortitude to resist the commanding word due to the Demon Lord’s overwhelming presence, they had no willpower left to resist.

Even those with the intent to resist found themselves on their knees, unable to stand.

Watching this, Luminus smiled, the corner of her lips curling upward.

From the edge of those lips, a pure white fang protruded, proving that she was indeed the Vampire Queen.

And from those lovely lips, "This one has been underestimated as well. A Hero, well, maybe against Chloe, but…

Did that Yuki one really say he could kill me? Is that what he claimed?"

Words were woven forth.

Nicolaus felt a pressure so intense his heart felt like it would be crushed, unable to retort.

*(What… what is this… This is a Demon Lord! Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!!)* A feeling close to terror welled up, but this was not just Nicolaus’s impression—it was the common recognition of everyone present.

"Oh well.

It seems my little secret that the Holy Nation of Lubelius was my safe haven has been exposed.

In other words, the one true god Luminus is me.

Well, it was a rather clever arrangement, but if that nation is destroyed, so be it.

However.

I will not let myself be underestimated and leave it at that. Besides, Chloe is mine.

This Yuki one—I will kill him.

What will you do? If you swear loyalty to me, I shall grant you the honor of fighting alongside me."

Nicolaus deliberated.

Hostility was not advisable. Or rather, he didn’t seem like an opponent they could fight and win against.

The overwhelming strength of Demon Lord Rimuru, as told by Leonard. The girl before him was on par with that Demon Lord.

If anything, given she was one of the ancient Demon Lord pillars, they should judge her as an opponent who was even more dangerous to underestimate than a newer Demon Lord.

Should he then swear loyalty? To that, Nicolaus’s heart rebelled.

This was not just Nicolaus’s feeling, but something every Holy Knight believed.

Their loyalty was dedicated to Hinata Sakaguchi alone.

He might be inferior to Demon Lord Luminas in strength, but he could not allow their hearts to be subjugated, Nicolaus thought.

"I regret to say, Demon Lord Luminas.

Our loyalty is already dedicated to Lady Hinata.

We understand that fighting you would not be advisable, but swearing allegiance is a different matter.

My apologies, but please understand."

Nicolaus met Luminus’s gaze and gave his reply.

Looking back at him with interest, "Oh? How impudent… You make an oath to a corpse?"

As Nicolaus was about to retort to those words, "I am not dead yet."

The one standing at the entrance to the cathedral behind Luminus interrupted Nicolaus’s words.

Long black hair tied back at the nape of the neck, clad entirely in light equipment of deep black.

A beautiful girl.

The "Hero" stood there.

"Chloe!"

Luminus exclaimed joyfully, "Luminas, unfortunately, I am not Chloe. I am Hinata now.

Even so, my soul’s power is nearly depleted, and I thought I should give a final greeting…

But it seems you were busy."

So saying, the girl showed a fragile smile reminiscent of Hinata.

*'Lady Hinata!!'* As if a curse had been broken, the Holy Knights stood as one. Nicolaus ran over and embraced Hinata.

"So, it’s Hinata for now. What happened to Chloe?"

"Chloe is sleeping.

Because she fought me and achieved a true awakening.

Her abilities have been integrated, and most of my power was taken from me.

After so long, all the overlaps have been completely resolved.

Before I was summoned to this world, this body was dormant under Luminas’s care.

And when Yuki awakened this body, Chloe, who was overlapping with it, became a Mental Body—a being no longer perceptible to others.

Luminas, you couldn’t remember the Hero’s name either, could you?"

Still held by Nicolaus, the Hero, Hinata, answered Luminus.

Then, giving Nicolaus a light pat and freeing herself, "The awakened Chloe killed the me of this world and this era.

This was already a predetermined fate, nothing but a prearranged harmony.

The Hero Chloe is born when this era’s me awakens next.

And with the power of the spirit when I merged with Chloe, I traveled back in time to nurture the 'Hero’s Egg.' In a safe past, not this turbulent present.

That is the 'Hero Development Program' set by someone.

By my soul from this era integrating into Chloe and flying into the past, I—the one who traveled with Chloe through the past—awakened.

And now, I am an extraneous presence, and will soon cease to exist.

That is why I came back to give a final greeting to you, who I was worried about."

With an expression filled with compassion, The Hero told Nicolaus and the others.

… …

…

And for a while, Hinata, Luminas, and Nicolaus’s group talked.

About the overlapping time, the current state of the Hero Chloe, and so on.

Chloe was under Yuki’s control.

However, she was bound by the contract from before her awakening, making it difficult to break.

Hinata assessed that it was impossible to break without external help.

Hearing this, Luminus bit her lip in frustration.

Gently patting Luminas, "But, having awakened as a true Hero, she can resist to some degree.

In the contract with Yuki, if three 'orders' are given, the control is lifted.

Before any wishes, combat against Yuki is impossible for her.

However, sharing information as she is doing now is fine. Though, there are critical prohibitions she cannot speak of.

If three orders were issued, I would be able to fight Yuki.

Therefore, Yuki can probably only issue two orders.

In other words, he cannot use the Hero carelessly.

That man is abnormal.

He seems to sincerely wish for the destruction of the world.

If I were free, I would certainly defeat him as an enemy of the world.

But he is a dangerous man. Please, be careful.

Well then, I must go."

So saying, The Hero stood up.

"L-Lady Hinata…"

Nicolaus wished for her not to leave, but he understood it was an impossible wish.

He swallowed the words he was about to say, trying not to show any more unsightly weakness to Hinata.

Clenching his fists, "Take care!"

With all his strength to hold back, he managed a smile.

"Hehe, take care, huh. You too, Nicolaus.

Everyone, stay well. Don’t ever do anything reckless. And if anything happens, rely on Demon Lord Rimuru."

Those were Hinata’s final words.

Her soul’s power was nearly gone, and soon it would be completely swallowed by Chloe’s soul, leading to her total disappearance.

This was something unavoidable.

Hinata had completed her role by entrusting the "Hero’s Egg" to Chloe.

Therefore, Hinata was satisfied.

She had been able to save many with her own feet, and she had been able to repay her debt to Miss Shizu.

Her wishes had been granted. To desire anything more would be called greed.

All that remained was to wait for the final moment within Chloe.

As Hinata was about to leave, "Wait!"

A cold voice rang out.

It was Luminas who had called out to her.

"You are fortunate.

I will use you as a test subject for my awakened ability, 'King of Gluttony.' This power, which rules life and death, cannot completely restore a soul, even with resurrection of the dead.

However, you have both your body and soul present here.

There should be no room for failure.

A Hero is, 'one who possesses a heart that never gives up,' isn’t that so?

I will not allow you to give up on your life!"

At Luminus’s words, Nicolaus, Leonard, Fritz, and every Holy Knight looked at Hinata as if praying.

Receiving those gazes, Hinata showed a bewildered expression, "Hehe, ah-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

And she burst out laughing, "My apologies. I remembered. I truly have never given up.

To try until the very end, huh. To think I’d be urged on by a Demon Lord.

Even if it succeeds, I’ll probably have lost my former strength, but…"

She said with a troubled smile.

"Forget strength! We will protect you, Lady Hinata—please lead us!"

"This time, let us protect you, Lady Hinata! We won’t lose again!"

"We need you!!"

Receiving those feelings, Hinata nodded at Luminus’s offer.

Luminus.

What thoughts the whimsical Demon Lord had to propose such a thing was unclear.

But with that offer, one fate would be rewritten.

"Resurrection!!"

Hinata’s remains laid upon the altar, and the fragment of soul within the Hero.

Those two elements were combined by Luminus’s Ultimate Ability, "King of Gluttony."

And the Hinata born from that, and the Chloe who was created in a perfect state without any foreign matter mixed in.

The Hero’s hair began to gleam with a silver radiance mixed into the black, radiating a divine beauty beyond human.

It was the moment Hinata and Chloe completely separated.

Once merged, then separated again.

Through that impossible miracle, the "Hero’s Egg" Hinata had created had undergone a chrysalis within Chloe and emerged fully.

And this was truly the moment of the birth of the "true Hero," Chloe Obert.