“Narugoa, you are the reincarnation of a hero.” (Mother)

　It was one night after the commotion in the Bewildering Forest.

　I rubbed my sleepy eyes as I sat down at the table, and my mother told me so first thing in the morning.

　I almost choked on a piece of stone-hard black bread.

“…”

　For the time being, I will start working on the black bread in my mouth.

　It’s more like grinding than chewing, rolling the black bread in the mouth many times, and finally swallowing.

　And then,

“… what is it?”

“You are the reincarnation of a hero.” (Mother)

　Apparently, I was not that tired that I made a mistake hearing mother.

　I doubted it was a line from some kind of joke, but as far as I could see. The serious expression of my mother and my father next to me, they were serious.

　…… What made them misunderstand?

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　Am I a reincarnated hero?

　Of course not, I’m a reincarnated Mid-Boss.

　But for some reason, they claim and believe that I’m a reincarnation of a hero.

“Now that I think about it, it must have really been a sign from heaven that your mother and I came up with your name at the same time.” (Father)

“Yes, the name Narugoa… When we think about it again, it certainly sounds noble.” (Mother)

“Maybe it was the name a former hero that tried to give it to his child, but it didn’t come true, so he entrusted it to us…” (Father)

“Oh, but a hero’s fate…” (Mother)

“Don’t cry, this has also been decided… God is telling us his will.” (Father)

　My mother started crying.

　Father began to comfort her.

　Their delusions are moving at an accelerating rate.

　…… I couldn’t overlook it.

“… I’m sorry, how am I a reincarnated hero?”

“Oh, I haven’t told Narugoa yet.” (Mother)

“There was a prophecy before Narugoa was born.” (Father)

“Prophecy…?”

“Oh, a long time ago, a man stopped by this village and told me that a Hero would be reincarnated in Gatel.” (Mother)

“I was skeptical, but when you see something like that, you have to believe it.” (Father)

　That something.

　Do they mean what happened last night? When I defeated Nightwalker…?

“Oh, destroy a dragon at ten years old or so, and even summon three monsters at the same time… It’s not a feat that can be done by a normal person.” (Father)

“No, but my child… This is an honor.” (Mother)

“Oh, it’s a great honor.”

　I make a bitter smile, knowing that I’ve done it.

　However, soon there will be a festival.

　How would I know that there was a fool who left such an annoying prophecy?

　What is the correct answer in this scenario?

　How can this ridiculous misunderstanding be resolved?

　My father smiled at me as if he had misunderstood me.

“Oh, don’t make such a difficult face, we’ll bless you with a smile.” (Father)

“What is the blessing for…?”

“Of course, for the start of your far journey to defeat the evil Demon Lord.” (Father)

　This is exactly why you should never open your mouth.

　Defeat the Demon Lord? Me?

　Even though the former Demon King was defeated and I have been reincarnated, he is still the direct boss of my previous workplace, you know?

　Who is not afraid of that…

“Of course, everyone from Gatel village will send you off with a smile.” (Father)

“Wait a minute, I…”

“Get out of the house, everyone is waiting for you.” (Mother)

　My mother said in a gentle tone as if it were some kindness.

　A strange chill ran through my body.

“No way …!”

　I jumped out of my chair and opened the door.

　—An unbelievable sight has spread everywhere.

　The villagers are all in a hurry to prepare.

　What are they preparing for? It’s obvious!

　They are preparing to send me out of the village as a hero!

“Oh, isn’t that our hero!” (Villager)

“He’s finally awake! But it was a little early! The roasted Nerco Pig isn’t done yet!” (Villager)

“Hero-sama … This is a talisman made I made for you, and I wish you good luck…” (Villager)

“Hurray! Hurray, Narugoa the Hero!” (Villager)

　While listening to the villagers’ cheers, I just stood there in a daze.

　Narugoa, the crybaby, and just one night and a hero.

　This must be a nightmare. This is a nightmare…

“Oh, Narugoa! How are you doing!” (Rudolf)

　I heard a familiar voice, so I looked back there was a figure of Chief Rudolf, who was shirtless and still exposes his rock-like muscles.

　Next to him is his grandson, Rigat.

“Grampa Rudolf, this is…”

“Hmm, it looks like the situation is still unacceptable. Well, no wonder, one day suddenly here comes a reincarnated hero…” (Rudolf)

　Wrong! I wanted to shout out loud, but his tone didn’t leave me any room to say anything.

“Okay, Narugoa! You’re the one who will overthrow the Demon King and bring peace to the world! You are like me and Ricotta when we were young! You have to embark on an adventure!” (Rudolf)

“No, no, you see I…!”

“Good! Don’t tell everyone! Big missions come with  big conflicts! So all we can do is push behind you with all our might!” (Rudolf)

　Stop! You’re going to send me down the path of misunderstanding!

“Look, Rigat is also congratulating you!” (Rudolf)

“That is absurd…”

　I accidentally said it aloud, but such a stupid thing can’t happen.

　He must hate me.

　He’s a bit of a backstabber. I know he won’t congratulate me…

“… Congratulations, Narugoa.” (Rigat)

“Eh?”

　I look at Rigat immediately.

　He was staring at me but like there’s no emotion inside him.

　I wonder, it looks like he is lifeless, but maybe it’s just in my mind…?

“Anyway! Today is a feast! It’s a great start for your distant journey! Narugoa, look forward to it!” (Rudolf)

　This is in contrast to Rigat, Grampa Rudolf leaves the scene with a boisterous laugh.

　Rigat followed him a little later.

　Left behind, I looked around looking for anyone who could help.

　However, everyone here sees me as a “hero-sama.”

　As I ran my eyes to escape from such warm gazes, I suddenly caught sight of her.

　A childhood friend of Narugoa, the crybaby, and an understanding person.

　Timora Reiart—

“-Sorry Timora! Follow me for a bit!”

“Huh…!?” (Timora)

　I forcibly take Timora’s hand and get out of the crowd.

　Furthermore, the villagers who misunderstood something are whistling, but it doesn’t matter.

　I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.

　I’ve had enough, I can’t deal with this.

　I’m done with this farce.

　On a riverbank, a bit far from the village.

　It is a perfect place for two young children to have a secret meeting, as it is almost deserted and monsters rarely appear.

　The murmur of the river soothed my soul, and I said.

“Timora, I’m not the reincarnation of a hero.”

“Is that so?” (Timora)

　Timora has a puzzled expression.

　This reaction… It seems that Timora was also told “The Prophecy of the Rebirth of the Hero Narugoa”.

　No, it’s probably already known to all the villagers.

　My head hurts.

“… It’s terrible for everyone, but that’s the truth.”

“Well, I’m not sure, but if Narugoa says it, then it’s true.” (Timora)

　Timora shyly replied.

　I feel relieved. I can’t help but make a carefree smile

　…… It would be easier if everyone was so honest.

“In any case, the adults have completely believed that I was a reincarnated hero, and it’s only a matter of time before I’m kicked out of the village for a long journey.”

“… Narugoa, are you going to leave Gatel village?” (Timora)

“Reluctantly, but yes.”

　Looking at her, Timora looks like she’s about to start crying.

　However, she endures at the end and smiles like a sunflower again.

“… I can’t help it, I’m Narugoa’s childhood friend, so I’ll support you.” (Timora)

“My childhood friend… Oh, I think we’ve shared a lot of things over the last decade.”

　The memories of the decade I spent as a human run through my head one after another.

“When my mother got sick, we both sneaked out of the village and went to pick up Safuri leaves.”

“After that, you were scolded a lot.” (Timora)

“You once protected me from Rigat.”

“That was one time, but now we’re on opposite sides of the fence. I’m always getting help from Narugoa.” (Timora)

“When the slime chased me through the village, I didn’t feel like I belonged.”

“I get angry just by remembering that! The adults were so amused that they wouldn’t help you!” (Timora)

　Timora and I looked at each other and burst out laughing.

　There have been so many things in the last decade.

　But that’s over today.

“… I’m glad I talked to you at the end, Timora.”

“You’re going…?” (Timora)

“I’m finally ready-I’m ready to give this to you in the end.”

　I say this and take something out of my pocket.

　And I presented it to Timora as it was.

“Eh, this…” (Timora)

　Timora was speechless.

　It looks like a small ring.

“Timora has taken care of me a lot, so it’s a small gift from me.”

“I’m happy… I’m happy! Narugoa-kun!” (Timora)

　Timora laughed innocently and took it.

　I’m so impressed that I might start crying.

　It seems that she liked it.

“It’s not a big deal, but give it a try.”

“Yeah! Thank you very much, Narugoa! I will never forget Narugoa…!” (Timora)

　Timora immediately tries to put it on her finger.

　However–

“… Ah? Ah, Narugoa-kun, this ring has a strange shape? What’s this?” (Timora)

　Apparently, she couldn’t put on the ring, and she smiled bitterly.

　…Oh, sorry.

　――It’s a shame because I’m sure you can see the ring.

“It’s a mythical chain that is said to have warned the arrogant gods of a bygone era, and to have held together with the distant heavens and earth—a fragment of it anyway.”

“…… eh?” (Timora)

　Timora stopped moving as if she was frozen.

　I take the opportunity to summon ready my four hands.

“What do you mean, Narugoa? …” (Timora)

“It’s true, you, you could see this chain at that time.”

　――It was last night when I recalled my memory in the Bewildering Forest.

　She screamed when my summoned hand was released from the mythical chain.

　Even though Owlbear couldn’t see it at all.

　Due to the divinity being too high, this chain cannot even be seen by ordinary people.

　You’ve let your guard down Timora Reiart—No, the mastermind.

“I’ve had enough of this farce. Let’s just get it over with.”

　With a loud noise, the fist, which is a size larger than her, attacks her.

　A tremendous impact ran through the area, and

“… Ah, so you even notice that at that moment? After all, Senpai’s cautiousness is hardcore.” (Timora?)

　My fist was blocked of course.

　Someone who is under the skin of Timora distorts her mouth.

　I finally revealed your true identity, one of the Keepers, the floor guardian—