Shin Madou Monogatari Gaiden - The Golden Hero: Prologue - The Hero’s Advent!
“Phew…...”
With
a thud, the young man sat down and leaned against the base of the
great tree, flinging aside his bags under the bower.
*rustle…!*
The leaves, fully grown and at
peak condition, rustle overhead. A complex web of branches extend out
to let the verdant leaves show their vivid color, full of life and
vigor. The gentle breeze brushes off the man’s sweat-dampened
cheek, giving a cooling sensation to his heated body.
“A bit tougher this time
around...”
With a faint sigh, he reached for
something at his side, recounting the life-threatening struggle that
transpired some time ago. His adversary was a monster at least thrice
his size, and quite the heavyweight. However, the threat’s massive
form was, in actuality, of least concern. The true evil was its
ability to drain the life and bounty of the land, and would do so
time and time again until all that remained was eroded ruin. It was a
hard-fought battle for the man, but his inner strength allowed him to
rise up without cease against the formidable foe. While victory was
his, it was not without cost, for he suffered a wound upon his right
flank.
(And it’s because of all of
you, I still stand here and now…)
Entrusting himself to the tree,
he quietly closed his eyes. Deep breath in...then slow breath out.
Enshrouding his body was a sacred veil, from the surface and to every
nook and cranny within, as if it’s permeating him with energy from
head to toe. A soothing warmth took place of the wound’s ache,
easing the pain. Soon enough, the severe gaping tear closed up
splendidly, and in its place marked a faint scar.
“Thank you...for your comfort,”
he whispered, reaching and gently placing his hand upon the backside
of the tree trunk.
There was once a demonic threat
that overran the world, and while its numbers have declined, wicked
monsters threatened the people’s peace in its wake. The man’s
purpose is to wander the lands to quell the beasts. Monster hunting
is an arduous journey to him, but to his fortune, the land’s bounty
gave him their blessings and support, offering the man their
<protection>. Now that the monsters had fallen once more, the
tree was able to reclaim its life force, which it used to mend to the
man’s wounds. Thus, with the evils already wiped out from the
region, it also meant one more thing...this journey has now met its
end.
It happened about one year ago…
The man was called forth as the <hero> to save a world from the
terror of the <Dimensional Demon> that wreaked fear and deceit
into the people. The goddess <Eldora> entrusted him the golden
armor he wears, and bestowed the <Reactor Blade>, the sword of
light he wields in tandem with his spirit in battle. Many people rely
on him… wished for him… even revered and offered gifts to him…
But it always made him feel distant and alone. There is a burden with
carrying power beyond human understanding. Even if he could make fear
and misfortune disappear, there is cruel irony in overpowering the
monsters he fought, for it redirected fear onto the <hero>
himself. As a consequence, he and the people are never to intermingle
as <equals>. He is a <hero> at his very core, and because
of that, they were afraid of him… The man would avoid interfering
with the people’s lives, quickly and quietly distancing himself as
soon as he fulfilled his duty, before anyone would catch wind of his
presence, as the common tales would tell. Thus, leading into the
present, after the end of a fierce fight… He has since left town,
healing the wound in silent solitude. He couldn’t help but let out
a self-deprecating laugh at how awfully ironic the thought was once
it hit him.
(……!?)
*jingle…*
The man held the blue gem-laden
pendant in the palm of his hand, gazing at it in silence. The bygone
events...They were all incredibly vivid memories. At least he himself
and that world were seen as <equals>. He had a chance meeting
with irreplaceable companions, sharing the battle against the new
dimensional demon. That dimensional demon was the far-enduring being
known as <Yog Swartus, the Wicked God of Dimensions>. Thus,
with all due respect...that world likely came to be just so <that
man> and he would cross paths.
(Sigh…)
The man’s facial expression
softened. When he was handed the pendant, words from that world’s
<chief> ringed in his head clear as day: “This world is a
place for people like you can rest.” The meaning of those words
left a pain in his chest. Maybe, just maybe...<that time> is
now. Because the world’s chief endowed him with such great magical
power, the chief likely knew everything and anything. The azure light
emitting from the gem may be for his own uses.
“...take me back.”
The gem was cool to the touch as
he lightly grasped it in his palm. As he held it up close to himself,
he quietly closed his eyes.
“I really want to see <them>
soon...”
Will his surprise visit lead him
back to his fighting companions? Will it be a happy reunion? Such
lingering negative thoughts had to be quietly pushed aside and
towards the back of his mind. That said, he can’t think about that
now, as it was rather presumptuous of him. And yet, he can’t help
but imagine the smiling faces he’ll bring when he visits that world
and reunites with the dearly missed. The girl with the flaxen
hair...he’s sure she’ll welcome him back. She’ll even have the
same, energetic and carefree smile on her face… His resolve was
steeled. The azure light then slowly enveloped him, and he shot up to
the open sky above. The man known as <Ragnus Bishasi> crossed
dimensions once more, travelling to the world where his dear
companions lived. Unbeknownst to him, however, it was the beginning
of an <endless journey>… An endless journey guided by the
treasured blue gemstone known as the <Azorecrack>.
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