Azcester. The city of peace. The city of hope. Swaying gently across the open sea, on top of a magic platform from ancient times, lay the city Azcester. A bright city protected by a translucent barrier, home to more than 100 000 people.

  Known as the origin point of humanity. To some, a cozy home to return to. To others, a distant dream destination. Away from the conflicts of the world. Where even the most unfortunate were treated with kindness and lived with hope in their hearts.

  There, amidst the densely packed residential area, was a white house with a modest backyard surrounded by tall walls. A black-haired girl stood there next to a basket filled with wet laundry. Equally covered by shade and sunlight, the girl picked up a piece of clothing and put it up on wire to dry. She did so with a smile on her face. One by one by one. Without any rush.

  “Galene~!” Without warning, a gate behind suddenly opened. Galene. That was her name. There weren’t many who could open that gate, and the only one who’d call out to her like that had to be…

  “Abby. You’re back!” Galene turned around, and her long, flowy hair fluttered along. It was Abby, her childhood friend, just like she thought. She was the same as ever. Wearing an oversized pointy sorcerer’s hat, supported by a pair of red twin tails. Abby skipped her way, and her black cape flapped behind her.

  “Yep! I’m back!” Now closer to Galene, Abby looked up with a wide smile. The same as ever… Meaning as short as ever. But it was not that simple, was it? Abby was on the shorter side, but she wasn’t that short. It just happened that Galene was bigger than average. Regardless, calling Abby short, even if it was just from her perspective, was a terrible idea. “You’re doing the laundry today, huh? I’ll give you a hand.”

  With a small jump to the side, Abby reached for the basket and picked up a piece of clothing. “You don’t have to…” Galene smiled while watching her friend, then resumed her task. “Really, I’m surprised you’re back so soon. How was it on the continent? Did your job go well?”

  “It went perfectly! Thanks to me, of course!” Abby faced Galene proudly and pounded her chest. “Honestly, it was only a handful of monsters. It was nice, but the quest lacked the two most important things for an adventurer.”

  “Which are…?” Galene felt like she already knew the answer.

  “What else could it be? Money and fame! Come on, Galene. What else does an adventurer need?” Morals? Galene wanted to say but kept her mouth shut. “I wanna take on a bigger job soon, but I haven’t met anyone at my level yet. How am I supposed to make it big like this?”

  “That’s just how life is, Abby. Those things take time. You’ll get there one day if you work diligently.”

  Galene spoke with a peaceful tone, but her argument caused Abby to pout. “What about you, Galene? How long are you going to stay in the orphanage? You can’t stay here forever. You can use a sword, so just come with me already! Become an adventurer, and let’s work together!” With a powerful voice and vigorous gestures, Abby tried to convince her friend. The black-haired girl, however, was more than used to this and smiled.

  “I can’t, Abby. Right now, I’m happy helping Mother and taking care of the little ones. I’m not as talented as you think I am anyway. I wouldn’t make a good adventurer. The only reason I learned how to swing a sword was to protect myself. But here in Azcester even that’s not necessary.” Galene was grateful for the offer, but she didn’t envision adventuring as her future.

  “I knew you were gonna say that, but it’s such a waste!” Abby was bent on persuading Galene. She sounded selfish to an outsider, but Galene knew Abby’s kindness better than she herself did. “Think about it for a second, Galene. We’d make such an awesome duo! The unparalleled swordswoman and the ultimate sorceress! Two unrivaled beauties sweeping the world by storm! We’d get famous in no time! We’d be swimming in money!”

  “Ahahahahaha! Sounds fun, but… Since when are you a sorceress? You’re a healer, remember?” Abby physically reacted to Galene’s retort like she had been stabbed. Sorceress is cooler! She’ll be more famous as a sorceress. “And unrivaled beauties? Is it weird to call ourselves that?” Another strong reaction.

  “Okay, don’t get caught up on the details. The point is, we’d make an awesome duo! We’d get to take on the best jobs, make a lot of money, get famous… travel the world…” She started off enthusiastic but slowed down towards the end. “We could even… go back to our hometown…”

  The two stood silent for a moment next to each other, facing the hanging clothes. “It would be nice, but… There’s nothing there anymore.” It had been over a decade. They’d be lucky to find a single house still standing.

  “Galenee!” The door connecting to the orphanage opened, and a group of children ran into the backyard. “Ah! Abby!” “Abby’s back!” “Did you fight a dragon yet?” Abby quickly got swarmed.

  “Yeah, it’s me!” Abby waved frantically as a greeting. “I slew a lot of monsters this time, but no dragons yet.” She placed a hand on her chest and continued with a magnanimous voice. “All the dragons are scared of me. One look at the great sorceress Abby is all it takes to scare them off.” Abby’s farce was as amusing as always. Galene smiled, watching the awed looks on the children’s faces. The kids barraged Abby with all sorts of questions. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll tell you all about my adventures. Stop pushing, okay?”

  Galene finished hanging the laundry and went into the orphanage together with Abby. Adventures, money, fame… Who needed any of that when they could experience moments like this? Galene was more than satisfied. Her life was already perfect. All she wished was for the peaceful days to go on forever.

  But peace can only exist with people to protect it. An honor, a duty, a calling, a burden. Which one is it?

  …

  “Galene, you are the promised hero- no, heroine of humanity!”

  All the important figures of Azcester gathered inside a grandiose cathedral in the heart of the city. Aside from the powerful voice echoing through the tall halls, all solemnly observed the black-haired girl kneeling on one leg in front of the altar. After a thousand years, she was to be the next hero of humanity. The girl, who humbly lowered her head, was illuminated from every window like a spotlight, etching into the minds of all observers the visage of the new hero.

  “Our people need your power. We are approaching turbulent times, and the power of the hero is our only salvation. The Endless Silver has begun calling for its blood. More and more people have been migrating south. According to the records, this means the Endless Silver will likely go on another rampage soon, starting a war similar to that of a thousand years ago.” The war all intelligent beings remember as giving birth to the catastrophe known as the Violence Witch.

  “But that is not all. Even now, our lands are not safe. Monsters all over are getting numerous and more aggressive. Seems like they too can sense the uncertain times ahead and lash out at us and our people. Only you can remedy this, Galene. Are you willing to accept this duty? To begin your training and become humanity’s hope? Will you accept the role of humanity’s heroine?” After the final question, a tense silence settled in the cathedral.

  “Yes.” Under the spotlight, Galene responded. “I, Galene Laithmay, accept the role of humanity’s heroine.”

  Even for someone destined to be the next hero, accepting the duty was only the first step. From that moment onwards, she began learning from humanity’s brightest and strongest before setting off on her own. Her identity was kept secret from the rest of the world to protect her until she was ready.

  The first month was the hardest. She was asked to focus exclusively on training, but Galene couldn’t abandon her life in the orphanage. She understood and accepted the duties of the hero, but even then refused to ignore the duties to herself.

  “Seventy-four! Seventy-five!” Under the night sky, Galene swung her sword through the air over and over again. She trained by herself in the orphanage’s backyard while everyone was asleep. “Seventy-eight! Seventy-nine!” Then suddenly, the gate creaked open. “Abby?”

  Galene turned in the gate’s direction, but it wasn’t her friend that she saw. Only a hooded figure stood there, making Galene get into a fighting position. “Galene Laithmay, correct?”

  The mysterious visitor quietly closed the gate behind them and pulled back the hood on their head. “Horns? Are you a demon?” The shocking sight of the demon girl put her on edge. What was a demon doing there? How did she figure out her identity?

  “Yes. I’m a demon, but I’m not your enemy.” With a hint of worry in her voice, the blue-haired demon girl quickly clarified without trying to get any closer.

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  “But you’re a demon, right? Aren’t you trying to destroy humanity?” Galene held her sword up but waited to hear the demon’s explanation first.

  “No. Believe it or not, not all demons are bloodthirsty murderers who want to destroy the world.”

  “Really?” Galene felt relieved to hear and loosened up. “And are you supposed to be one of those peaceful demons?”

  “That’s right. My name’s Velvet Power Tarthrus. I have something important to talk with you. With the influx of people into the Endless Silver, it’s evident that war will soon break out. With our weapons, our side will have no problem defending against their attacks. The problem is that there are some demons who will take advantage of the situation to invade the human territory.”

  “Just like what happened in the last war…” Much of what happened a thousand years ago had been lost to time. Galene only knew about that detail because she had learned it recently as part of her training. The Endless Silver is the territory separating human and demon lands. It’s a seemingly never-ending expanse completely covered with silver flowers. Even in its few cities, there are silver flowers almost everywhere. Only the insides of buildings are free from them thanks to the constant work of the people there.

  The Endless Silver is a mostly peaceful region without any strong governing bodies. Before the last war broke out, there were records of people from all over the world migrating there, almost as if drawn by something supernatural. Then war suddenly started. The people of the Endless Silver simultaneously marched north and southeast, attacking both the human and demon territories. Both sides suffered huge losses, but the demons were the first to stop the Endless Silver’s offensive. They then put their efforts into worsening the situation for the humans, leading to the chaos that gave birth to the Violence Witch.

  With help from both sides, the previous hero slew the Violence Witch and put an end to the war. Just as there were some demons who exacerbated the chaos, there were also those who helped stop it. Galene felt like she could trust the girl, at least a little.

  “Exactly. Just like what happened in the last war.” Velvet responded. “But there are people like us who’d rather prevent the war from breaking out again in the first place. Or at least stop it before there’s time for something like the Violence Witch to appear. And for that, we’ll need your help as the new hero.” This confirmed the demon knew Galene had the potential to be the next hero. Something that was supposed to be a secret.

  Galene looked at Velvet with an understanding look on her face. “I see… If possible, I’d like to prevent the tragedy from a thousand years ago from repeating itself. But I haven’t received the title of Hero officially just yet. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to help.”

  “That’s fine. You have the potential, and we wish to support your growth just like the humans who have been training you. Your willingness to hear me out is proof that we can work together.” Velvet let out a sigh of relief. Galane found herself sympathizing with the girl. “I’d like you to take this. It will help you with your training.”

  Velvet opened a small briefcase for Galene. Inside was something she had never seen before. It was a palm-sized metallic ring with a glowing crystal in the center. “Wh- what’s that?”

  “This is the finalized version of a one-of-a-kind device I created. I call it the VISS Driver.” Galene saw a caring smile on the demon girl’s face. She could see Velvet had put a lot of effort into creating the device she was offering her.

  “What does it do?”

  “It’s a bit complicated, but its main purpose is to optimize growth. It interferes with the rules of reality as we know it to change how the user interfaces with skills. If you take it, you’ll be able to control which skills you and your companions obtain while also speeding up the process of getting them.”

  “I could choose which skill I get? Is that even possible?” Whenever people heard things like that, their first instinct was to think it was some kind of con. Galene was no different. Even while giving the girl the benefit of the doubt, it was still hard to believe.

  “It has some limitations, but I promise you it works. Please accept it. Your potential as the hero combined with the VISS Driver is the only way humanity can protect itself against the demons. Some among us are obsessed with taking over the world, and I can’t stop them on my own. If you’re determined to fulfill your duty as the hero and protect the world, take the VISS Driver.” Velvet’s final request sounded almost like an order. Galene found that weird at first, but it just showed the girl’s determination.

  “I understand.” Galene took a deep breath and took one last look at the device. “I accept your support.” She reached for the VISS Driver, and it started shining as soon as she touched it.

  “Thank you.” She heard the girl’s voice from the other side of the light, then felt the unfamiliar power fill her body. The pieces were falling into place, and destiny was moving along.

  After that night, Galene didn’t see Velvet again. They agreed to cooperate, but it was probably impossible for Velvet to contact her again while she remained in Azcester. A demon meeting her there in the first place was already a ridiculous feat, and she did all that just to offer something so precious to a potential enemy. Galene couldn’t help but admire Velvet’s determination and couldn’t wait to meet her again.

  The VISS Driver worked exactly like described, and over the next few months, Galene grew at an explosive rate. She got numerous skills from her training and felt her swings grow stronger with each day.

  Then, one day, it was time for the final trial. Behind the cathedral, there was an arena reserved for special occasions. Two girls stood in a dark hallway leading to the cemented open area shaded by the tall, looming building. “Are you ready, Galene?” Abby was there next to her. She was ecstatic when she learned Galene was set to become the next hero. She gave it her all to support her friend and managed to gain the approval to take on the role of the hero’s companion. They were already a party before their adventure had even begun.

  “Yes, thanks, Abby.” Galene smiled as she patted the oversized hat of the girl next to her.

  “Good! After all the training, no way anyone can match up to you.” Abby jumped back excitedly, but also because getting pat made her feel short. “Do you know who you’re going to be facing, though?”

  “Uhmm… I don’t know the name, but I heard it’s supposed to be someone strong.”

  “Someone strong is a total understatement, Galene! You’re up against Leo Valk. He’s a wolf beastman and the second son of the beast king. You should be a little freaked out, you know? People have been saying he’s like the third or fourth strongest person in human territory.”

  “I get it, I get it. Calm down, okay?” Abby’s enthusiasm reached Galene. This trial was a bigger deal than she thought. “Are you trying to scare me or something? I thought you were on my side.”

  “I am! I’m totally on your side! If you don’t win, we won’t be able to go on adventures together. You have to win, you hear me?” Abby then slows down. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to scare you… I just wanted you to know who you’re up against.” Galene knew as much. “Even if he was the strongest, I think you’ve got a good chance to win. I’ve seen how much you’ve improved. After all the training we’ve been through, I believe in you!”

  “Abby…” Her trust made Galene very happy. “Thank you. I promise I won’t let you down!” With a confident smile, she turned to the arena and walked towards the light.

  “Good luck!” After one last cheer, Galene left the tunnel and stepped out onto the ring. It was a wide-open space with enough seats for hundreds of people to watch. For this fight, however, only a handful of very important people were allowed inside. The atmosphere reminded her of a slow, lazy summer day, even though a very important event was about to take place.

  Across from her was her opponent. A white-haired man with wolf ears wearing a full set of armor and a sword by his waist. Behind him, up on the stands, was the head of the church that had spoken to her before. “Heroine Galene, before you stands your last trial. Clear it, and you shall receive the title of hero. Now, please get into position.”

  Both Galene and her opponent drew their swords while looking closer at the other. One look at the way the other carried themselves was all it took for them to know they were facing a strong opponent. “Ready… Start!” A loud voice resounded throughout the arena, but neither fighter moved.

  …

  “Did they not hear?” “What’s going on here?” It didn’t take long until the small audience started murmuring. From their perspective, it looked like nothing was happening, but it was a different story down below.

  This match is going to end in a handful of moves. Both of them arrived at that conclusion right away. For a girl that just helped at an orphanage a few months ago, Galene had an overwhelming presence. There were no gaps in her stance, and her awareness was very polished. The moment Leo showed her an opening, he was certain she would strike it. His heightened instinct allowed him to see the perfection created by her pure and earnest soul.

  But he was no slouch either. In terms of raw strength and reaction time, he had Galene beat. Even with a good opening, Galene wasn’t sure if she would be able to beat him. She needed something better than good, but a warrior of his skill was never going to show an opening like that naturally.

  With that perfectly clear, Galene charged forward. If she wants a better opening, she’s going to have to be the one to create it. Most of the people in the audience couldn’t keep up. They heard a clang between blades, then saw both fighters back in their original positions. Without a perfect opening, a quick exchange was the best Galene could have asked for. She swung down her blade while her opponent immediately retaliated. She jumped back as his sword swung towards her belly, and they were right where they started.

  The murmurs had completely died, and everyone held their breaths. Abby was watching the fight from the tunnel and clenching her hat over her chest, wishing for Galene’s success.

  The two fighters stood face to face, making constant adjustments to their swords as they searched for their opening. From an outsider’s perspective, it looked the same as when they first started, but the situation was completely different. The little exchange from before changed one very crucial thing. Expectations. Their fight is no longer on a blank slate. It has a past. A history. Her opponent’s expectations are different.

  They’ve both learned from their short exchange. Her opponent learned how to eliminate the small opening she attacked before. If she adjusted her weapon to indicate that she was aiming for the same opening, the opponent would adjust his into the perfect position to counter her attack. Galene could work with that.

  A small smile escaped Galene’s face, imperceptible to anyone but herself. Her opponent was strong, and she respected that. But she was confident in the opening she had created. With similar motions to before, Galene charged forward. If she attacked the same way as before, she would lose, and at first, it looked like she did.

  Galene swung down her sword diagonally, and Leo was shocked. It was the exact same thing. Had he misread Galene’s skill? He swung at the sword to block it in the same way he had done before. The angle this time guaranteed that his counter would hit Galene, resulting in his win. He swung with all his might, planning on using the momentum of Galene’s sword to stop his swing and line up the counterattack.

  *Clang…*

  But the impact was far weaker than he expected. Galene’s swing was the same, but it had no strength behind it. He successfully diverted her sword, but now he couldn’t stop his swing. That was Galene’s plan all along. She used the momentum from the impact to move her sword around and strike her opponent’s out-of-control sword from below.

  *Whoosh~*

  “The match is over!” Leo was disarmed, and his sword spun through the air. The man behind him declared the end of the match. “Victory goes to Galene. With this, Galene’s trials have finished, and she has rightfully obtained the title of hero!” The people in the crowd applauded, and Galene offered a hand to her opponent.

  “It was an honor to fight you.” He said with a smile, then stood to the side, allowing Galene to speak with the head of the church directly.

  “Hear me, heroine Galene. The world is moving towards turbulent times. There’s not much time to prepare, but humanity’s counting on you. Travel the world and build up your strength while helping our people. Eliminate all the monsters and demons and evil threatening our peace, and save us from any coming tragedies.” Galene looked up all of a sudden, like she had something to say. The head stopped for moment to give her a moment to speak.

  “With all due respect, as a hero, my duty is to eliminate evil. It would go against the hero’s duty to eliminate those who are not evil, be they monster or demon.”

  “Yes… You’re correct…” There were some among the audience that wished to use the hero’s power to eradicate all demons, but they had no choice but to stay quiet. “That too is part of the hero’s mercy. We’ll stand by your decisions and support you on your journey. Now go, heroine Galene. Protect our people and save our world. Our lives rest on your shoulders.”

  Feeling that weight clearer than ever, Galene felt a mix between anxiety and pride. “Understood! Leave it to me!” Galene knelt one last time, and she was again showered with applause.

  The following day, there’d be a ceremony similar to this one but open to the public, and then Galene would leave Azcester and head to the continent. Destiny was already moving. It wasn’t the destiny she had chosen, but she accepted the role given to her. It was a big burden, no doubt, but there was no bigger honor than being the hero.

  The heroine Galene had her awakening, but she was not the only awaking girl shouldering a heavy burden.

  In a comfy hotel room, near the fast-travel station of Ebrilyon’s capital, the morning light peeked in through the blinds. It gently warmed up a certain girl’s face, causing her to slowly wake up. Just like the destined heroine, she too had a heavy burden on her arms, namely, Ririna and Carol’s heads, who were using her as a pillow.

  “Ngnn…” Am I dreaming? I looked to the left, and there was Ririna resting her head on my arm. I’m convinced. This is a dream. And on my right… Carol! She looks so cute while she’s asleep… I could probably die happy now… Ahahaha… I see… So this is bliss… Ahh… How wonderful…