Page 184

The Holy Kingdom of Gadomia.

This could be considered the smallest country in the entire continent, with a true developed territory covering only a few square kilometers. It's situated in the Mandaga Desert, to the west of the Mount Bridge Dwarfhama. It's also governed by the faith of the Vantinom-Bishop Branch and their symbol, the [Ryulong]. Due to its small size, some people often refer to this country as the "City of the Brave."

As the center of faith, this city is not open to the general population. In the imagination of the faithful of Vantinom-Bishop Branch, one might expect that this country is full of splendor, with demi-humans readily kneeling by the road, awaiting orders.

However, in reality, while it does indeed have a population of enslaved demi-humans, there's no splendor to be found. In fact, in this place, even basic sustenance is a luxury.

Without an influx of resources, the desert's nature remains unchanged. And in the eyes of the upper echelons of the church, this place is not a paradise.

It's not paradise but a prison for demi-humans. It's also, most importantly, a prison that's a heavy shackle forged from the lives of loved ones, good-hearted people, and the sense of justice of a Hero.

"Welcome back, Your Majesty the Hero," as the sun was setting, a young girl dressed in a plain and worn black and gray-patterned robe bowed in greeting. She appeared to be about seventeen years old.

In front of her was a massive dragon with silvery scales, and her expression showed no fluctuations as she gazed at the silver-armored knight who had just dismounted from the dragon's back.

"Scholar Meine, I have something to discuss. Come with me to the study room." A young man around the age of twenty had long grown accustomed to the unusual circumstances, and he walked into the palace in his heavy armor.

The Hero King, Alwin.

Upon hearing this, Meine quickened her pace and followed him.

"Dammit! How long do I have to wait? My family is all in the hands of those bastards! The lives of the people are in their hands! I will save my family, and I'll overthrow those scoundrels!" Alwin erupted into a torrent of complaints as he entered the study, his mood extremely foul.

When he became the Hero, he never expected to live like this.

Becoming a Hero should be an honorable thing, right? So why were his family monitored by the church under the guise of "taking care of them"?

Becoming a Hero should be an honorable thing, right? So why was he now being coerced by the church with resources, forced to become a daily spectacle by riding his dragon to the square?

Can he slay the monsters that are harming the people? No. Can he save the people? No. What about the demi-humans? Can he save them? No! Not only was he unable to save them, but he was also forced to become a jailer guarding them!

He couldn't afford to defy the orders to perform and become a puppet each month, as he would receive no resources. And if that happened, the pitiful demi-humans in his territory would starve to death. As for buying resources? Forget about it. A puppet regime wouldn't have the funds!

What he couldn't accept was the need to kill demi-humans as part of the performance. But not doing it would result in more deaths.

"How much longer do I have to wait! My entire family is in the hands of those scoundrels! The lives of the people are in their hands! I will save my family, and I'll overthrow those scoundrels!" Alwin practically shouted hysterically, and his emotional fluctuations dispersed as invisible sword intent.

"Your Majesty, doing so will only alert the enemy, and many people will die," facing the pressure, Meine remained composed and simply finished her statement.

"Fear what! All of your 'Mutual Aid Society' members have extraordinary skills! Even if we declare war directly, with you alone, you can decimate their entire army! I..."

"Your Majesty, most of the children in the 'Mutual Aid Society' are powerless, and there are very few with enough combat capability. Besides, once a war breaks out, it won't only affect our 'Mutual Aid Society,' your people will also be in danger."

"What the hell are you talking about! At this point, is there any credibility left in your words? We can only rely on Felia, and she's gone! Who's responsible for this? Isn't it because of your 'Mutual Aid Society'?" Alwin angrily grabbed a rolled-up parchment from the table and threw it out forcefully.

"Your Majesty, you're too agitated," Meine said calmly but for the first time, a twitch of frustration and helplessness appeared on her face. The six crimson eyes on her forehead blinked.

With a flick of her sleeve, white threads appeared, and in the next moment, the thrown parchment was neatly back in her hand.

".....*Sigh* I apologize for the outburst..... damn it, I really need a drink." Alwin paused, then slumped into his chair, dejected. Without caring whether Meine was still present or not, he reached under the chair and pulled out a keg of wine, drinking heavily from it.

Seeing this, Meine let out a sigh.

"Your Majesty, as for the matter regarding Lady Felia, from what I have gathered, it seems she has already gone in search of the crystal location," Mene bowed and said, "I'm sure Your Majesty must be tired, so I ask permission to take my leave."

Alwin waved his hand dismissively, indicating that she could leave and that there was no need to accompany him.

At this moment, all he wanted was to get thoroughly drunk.

...

...

...

But in the dead of night, he suddenly awoke.

As a hero, he was very sensitive to changes in magical energy around him, especially when that energy was mixed with death and corruption.

"Who's there? How did you get in here?" Alwin reached out to grab his [Holy Silver Greatsword], only to realize that the sword had somehow been moved to the other end of the room.

"The one who can grant your wishes," a hoarse voice suddenly appeared, and Alwin turned to look in the direction of the voice.

In the darkness, he saw the indistinct silhouette of a young girl with eerie, pale eyes.

"Who are you?" Alwin shouted in anger.

Instead of answering, the girl let out a chilling, eerie laugh.

"Me? I'm no one important, but you can call me Herobrine."