“If I master your swordsmanship…”
If it truly was possible to override the Authority of a Demon Lord with sheer willpower, then—
“Dennis would be far more likely to remember you completely.”
“Khehe… you’ve got a point. After all, you seem to have escaped Ignorance.”
Even without directly confronting Head, it might be possible to preserve this love story. If anyone could figure out a way to free her from this forest, it would be Professor Dennis.
“You’re rather sharp. I’ve never taken a disciple, but if you’re his…”
The moment her beloved was cursed, Dennis had used magic on his own body to keep fragile memories of her alive—a testament to his unwavering devotion.
“…I suppose I could make an exception.”
Now that she understood my connection to Dennis, the Heavenly Demon’s demeanor softened. A faint smile crossed her face, as if she was placing her hopes on me—this cursed Dragon of Spring.
“…Thank you.”
Besides Head, I was likely the only person left who remembered her. It was a relief I’d been a devoted player of Knight Heart.
“Very well, boy. The training will be grueling. Can you keep up?”
“I never had a choice in the first place, Heavenly Demon.”
“Khehe! Let’s see how long you can keep saying that, boy.”
And so, I became the Heavenly Demon’s disciple. If Drake found out, he’d probably be furious.
“I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
For now, escaping this place and letting the world know I was still alive took priority.
***
Meanwhile, at the Grand Hearts Academia Dormitory…
“That damned Licht… where the hell did he go?”
The blonde-haired hero Kainel muttered in frustration, his head buried in his hands. His friend had left to face a Demon Lord, and days had passed without any word of his return.
“If he shows up again, I swear I’ll spread every rumor I can about him and that white-haired Saintess of his.”
He hadn’t even known Licht was also part of the Paladin class until recently. Come to think of it, he barely knew much about the guy at all.
“…Were we even friends? Was that just wishful thinking on my part?”
Only recently had he learned why Licht always wore a helmet. And Licht’s critiques—pointing out vulnerabilities in wielding the Holy Sword—seemed increasingly valid in hindsight.
“If I’d hesitated even a little back then, Ariel would’ve been in real danger.”
He still remembered that moment vividly. He’d leapt forward to intercept the attack, pushing Ariel behind him. Back then, before meeting Licht, he’d been a reckless hero, judging people solely by how the Holy Sword reacted to them.
“Ha… Kainel, you idiot…”
He lowered his head. Licht had gone so far as to take on the mantle of a Demon Lord, all for the sake of protecting others. Kainel couldn’t help but feel ashamed at his own lack of resolve. No matter how much he thought about it, fear gnawed at him.
“…”
He’d been chosen as a hero, yet was scorned by the villagers who relied on him. This had made him treat his mission lightly.
Before meeting Licht, he’d thought, I just have to fight the bad guys and protect the world. That was the extent of his ambition.
“This won’t do…”
The memory of Ariel’s battered face haunted him. Though divine power had healed her scars, the image was etched deep in Kainel’s heart.
“This time, I’ll protect Ariel properly.”
He pondered his next steps carefully before standing from his chair. He recalled a piece of advice Licht had once given him.
“…If I’d been stronger, you wouldn’t have had to fight alone, Licht.”
Gripping the Holy Sword tightly, Kainel resolved himself. Seeing the weapon—delivered back to him after Licht’s disappearance—filled him with fury. Was this what they called a Holy Sword? How ridiculous.
“I’ve had enough of this hero nonsense. From now on, I’ll focus on speed, just like you said, Licht.”
Thinking of the Black Knight who had once protected both him and Ariel, Kainel resolved to at least try to reach Licht’s level.
“…If you’re actually dead, I’ll chase you to the ends of hell and hit you with a Shine Strike myself.”
Imagining Licht returning nonchalantly, teasing him and Ariel with his usual smug attitude, Kainel headed toward the training grounds. He had no intention of being left behind again.