A dull longsword and a heartbroken villager

Bray listened, frowning, but still didn't interrupt.

“But the ‘Divine Source’ is a deadly temptation.” Mira’s tone suddenly turned somber, and her face darkened.

"The 'Divine Source' itself poses no danger, but the power it bestows is beyond the capacity of lower species to withstand."

"When a weak, inferior species obtains the 'Divine Source,' accepts its power, and becomes a 'Wild God,' there is an inevitable fate—"

“Mental breakdown, physical breakdown.” Mira glanced at Bray.

"Without exception, countless people have thought they were the chosen ones, capable of wielding the 'Divine Source,' but their endings are all pretty much the same."

"Tragedy is only a matter of time."

“Even the legend of Carlogaris could not avoid tragedy. I think you have witnessed it firsthand and know it better than I do.”

“…” Bray fell silent, tacitly agreeing with Mira’s question.

“Why do I have ‘divine power’?” Bray broke the silence, looking at Mira.

"Although 'divine sources' are rare, they exist in every corner of Kapras, and anyone could potentially be possessed by one."

"And most of those who are possessed do not live more than a few days."

"Why?" Bray touched himself, feeling that he was still quite healthy.

"Because no one can resist the temptation of power."

Becoming stronger is almost an instinct of living beings.

Even if you can resist the allure of power in ordinary times, what about when your life is in danger? What about when you crave power to escape your predicament? What about when you hope to gain power to save others?

Countless times, this readily available power exudes an allure.

"But once they accept the power, many people collapse on the spot. It is truly remarkable that someone like Carlogaris was able to endure for nearly a thousand years."

"However, as I mentioned before, it's just providing support—"

"The process of breaking down is very painful, and after the pain ends, it's time to become a walking corpse."

"To be honest, I was wondering how long you would live, but I didn't expect you to have lived this long."

"It seems that it's really hard to resist the temptation the first time." Mira actually admired Bray quite a bit. After all, being able to refuse twice was really impressive in a way.

To resist this temptation, one's level of "heart" is meaningless.

Because this is not a dark inducement, nor is it mind control; it is simply one's own decision.

Simply put, it is one's original intention.

Many people still decide to use "Divine Source" even knowing that the consequences will be dire, for a variety of reasons.

However, no one can judge whether they are right or wrong.

"Now that you know all this, what do you plan to do?" Mira gave Bray a deep look.

"Having used 'Divine Source,' one can no longer be considered human, can one?"

“It doesn’t count in any sense anymore, but if you insist on believing you are, who can stop you?” Mira looked at Bray with interest.

"That's good. Then I just need to remember that even if I die, I want to die as a human being."

"A very simple goal, isn't it?"

Bray drew his greatsword and slung it back over his shoulder.

"Sorry to bother you."

"Actually, I would really like you to come visit." Mira waved the lantern in her hand and gave a slightly stiff smile.

“I know why you rarely laugh anymore,” Bray chuckled.

“But you have a nice smile.” Bray poked his cheek and raised his right eyebrow at Mira.

Upon hearing Bray's words, Mira suddenly froze, standing there in shock.

"The old man's sword you gave me saved my life. If I can, I'll come and help you sweep your grave sometime." Bray turned around, waved to Mira, and then slowly walked away in one direction.

Mira looked somewhat dazed. After Bray left, Mira took a finger and poked the stiff muscles on her face.

"How long has it been since I last laughed?"

"Even if I die, I want to die as a human being...?" Mira's gaze softened as she watched Bray's figure grow smaller and smaller.

No matter how insignificant you may be, you must never forget who you are.

"Your Highness, have your breasts gotten bigger again?"

Blanche pursed her lips, chuckled softly, and helped Virginia fasten her back clasp.

Virginia is the third princess of the Will Empire, and Blanche is her personal maid.

"Hmph, are you envious because you've gotten bigger?" Virginia proudly raised her chin.

"No, Your Highness is still not as big as mine." Blanche rubbed Virginia's large breasts and giggled.

“Eek!” Virginia slapped Blanche’s hand as she committed the crime.

"Hey, Blanche, it's been so long since you called me princess."

“It’s been a long time since I called you Your Highness or Princess.” Although her tone was wistful, Blanche did not let go of her guilty hand.

"Let go!" Virginia said, feigning anger.

“I won’t let go!” Blanche laughed, biting Virginia’s earlobe.

“Um…” Virginia’s face flushed, and she began to stammer.

"Bray, how is it now?" Virginia's words made Blanche stop all her movements.

"N-no... I don't know..." This time it was Blanche's turn to stammer.

The two men remained guilty about their abrupt departure.

But they didn't want to face Bray, because they didn't know what to say to him.

After what happened at the ruins, Virginia had no desire for adventure anymore.

Virginia was scared. As a princess who had grown up in the greenhouse environment of the royal family, such a thing was just too exciting.

"Your Highness, why didn't you tell Bray that we were leaving?"

"I can't say it..." Virginia really wanted to find a hole to crawl into, but she didn't know what she was afraid of.

“Hmm, I can’t bring myself to say it either, ‘I’m not going to be an adventurer anymore’…” Blanche’s eyelids drooped.

“What will Bray think of us?” Virginia grabbed Blanche’s hand and sighed.

"He might not care much about what I say."

"is it?"

"Maybe." Blanche wasn't too sure either, so she turned her head away, avoiding Virginia's eyes.

Virginia placed her hands on her chest, feeling her own heartbeat.

“I suddenly really want to see Bray again,” Virginia murmured.

Every scene from the ruins was deeply etched into Virginia's heart, bringing a tremendous impact to the young girl's soul.

“Your Highness?” Blanche called out to Virginia, who was lost in thought.

"Hey! What's wrong?" Virginia looked at Blanche with a blank expression.

"What are you thinking about, so engrossed?" Blanche chuckled as she gently rubbed Virginia's pretty face.

"I...I didn't look like anything!" Virginia felt her heart pounding and frantically denied it.

“Oh, oh~” Blanche looked at Virginia meaningfully.

"That's right!!! Hurry up!! Help me fasten my clothes!! Father wants me and my sisters to meet that hero..."

“Change the subject…” Blanche pouted, but still obediently helped Virginia straighten her clothes.

“Perfect! You are the most beautiful princess.” Blanche said sincerely, looking at Virginia’s figure.

---

In the imperial palace of the empire—

In the grand hall where the emperor personally received the visitors—

A young man of about twenty years old was kneeling on the red carpet.

The boy wore magnificent silver-white armor, with gold trim and blue patterns on the edges, revealing the craftsmanship.

That head of golden hair was dazzling.

Rolando, the Silver Warrior.

There is more than one hero, but Rolando is one of the most famous among them.

Behind Rolando were several of his comrades-in-arms—

It has a full range of professions, and all of them are cute girls.

No, sorry, that's not right, they are a group of powerful adventurers.

Of course, if Bray saw this hero, he would definitely shout.

Because this is the brave man who stole Bray's girlfriend away.

"Oh!!! Hero! Why such a grand greeting! Please, you and your companions, rise."

The current emperor of the Will Empire, Will XII, is a portly, fat man.

Even though he was very fat, one could still feel the aura and majesty of an emperor from him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Roland said, then stood up with his companions behind him.

"Hahaha! Truly a hero, and a man of exceptional talent." King Will XII nodded and laughed heartily.

"Your Majesty flatters me." Rolando's humble yet confident demeanor further enhanced Will XII's goodwill towards him.

"Hero! I am extremely grateful to you and your companions for defeating the 'Mountain Tyrant'!" King Will XII straightened his face, becoming a little more serious.

The "Mountain Tyrant" is a recognized powerful demon king who has occupied the mountains of the Will Empire as his territory for nearly a century.

And this major threat to the Will Empire was resolved by Rolando.

"So, Rolando, what do you desire in return?"

"Rolando asks for no reward, Your Majesty! I fight only for the people." As he spoke, Rolando subtly curled his lip.

"Well said!" Will XII exclaimed, praising Rolando.

“However, even if you say so, I cannot refuse to reward you!” King Will XII clapped his hands.

Then a group of beautiful young women walked gracefully in, each carrying something in her hands.

"Here are the equipment and wealth I bestow upon you and your companions—"

"And part of the territory of the mountains."

King Will XII spared no expense in rewarding them, considering that the area of ​​the mountains is vast, even a portion of it is the size of one or two imperial capitals.

Of course, its resources cannot compare to those of the capital.

"I hope you will continue to fight for the people of the Empire!"

"Rolando will certainly live up to His Majesty's high expectations!!" Rolando lowered his head, squinted his eyes, and put on a smile.

"Hmm! By the way, Rolando! I would also like to introduce my beloved daughters to you!" Will XII smiled and gestured for the princesses hidden behind him to come out.

Each of the five princesses was a beauty of unparalleled grace.

Rolando looked up and was stunned by the sight of the five beautiful princesses.

This action caused Rolando's companions behind him to pout.

Her resentful gaze kept sweeping over Rolando's back.

But Rolando completely ignored those gazes, because he was deeply attracted to a figure.

"So beautiful... How can there be such a beautiful person?"

Rolando swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on Virginia.

"Haha, I think they would love to meet you, the great hero."