Not All Heroes From Earth Are Bad [EN]: Chapter 220

A large festival was underway in the capital, Scolborn.

It was a celebration of the successful defense against the undead attack.

King Abelson opened the national treasury to provide ample wine and meat for all.

Although the overall situation wasn’t entirely stable, such a golden opportunity to bolster public sentiment was rare.

He decided it was crucial to capitalize on this moment to completely solidify his position.

“As expected of His Majesty the King!” “If we trust and follow His Majesty, the future of the Mariette Kingdom is bright! Haha!”

Fortunately, the strategy worked perfectly.

The people praised Abelson wholeheartedly, placing their complete trust and faith in him.

The festival continued until the first light of dawn.

Around sunrise,

Choi Hyun-seok woke up with a start, as if jolted awake.

“Still so noisy.”

He had gone to bed early the previous day, ignoring the festivities, but even upon waking, the celebration was still in full swing.

After a brief stretch, he rose from his bed.

“Umm… Hero, where are you going?”

Rachel approached, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

“I’m going to train.”

“Train?”

“Yeah. Don’t bother me by following along; just get some more sleep.” “No… I want to go too…”

Rachel stumbled over and leaned heavily on Choi Hyun-seok’s shoulder.

“Le… Let’s go…”

He wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but he felt uneasy leaving her behind when she insisted on coming along.

Reluctantly, Choi Hyun-seok headed to the training ground with Rachel in tow.

Outside the palace, the distant sounds of the festival could still be heard.

‘The more it’s like this, the harder I have to work.’

Choi Hyun-seok had no scheduled activities for the day.

He was planning to dedicate the time to some personal training, something he hadn’t done in a while.

It was a rare day off, and he could have rested comfortably, but he felt more restless than relaxed.

‘If I don’t want to have any regrets when my time comes, I have to push myself as much as possible.’

He still considered himself weak.

Regardless of how others perceived him, that was his own assessment.

Because there were still individuals stronger than him.

When he becomes the strongest of all…

If he becomes the strongest in the world, like he was on Earth, wouldn’t he finally be able to rest without worry?

The thought briefly crossed his mind.

“Haa… Hero, why are you making such a fuss at dawn? You’ve been working so hard; you should take a day off like today,” Rachel said, yawning as she leaned on his shoulder.

Choi Hyun-seok grabbed her and playfully tossed her into the air.

“Kyaa-! Why are you throwing a lady!” “I told you not to follow me if you were going to be a bother. Why did you come here to whine instead of sleeping?”

Choi Hyun-seok shook his head in exasperation.

Even though he had asked to train alone, she had stubbornly followed him, only to complain.

Rachel widened her eyes and retorted.

“That won’t do! We’re like two peas in a pod! Like peanut butter and jelly! Hero and dedicated fairy! Soul duo!” “Soul duo, my foot. We’re more like Tom and Jerry than peanut butter and jelly.” “Well, it might seem that way depending on your perspective.”

Choi Hyun-seok, not wanting to argue, ended the conversation without further comment.

However, Rachel, now fully awake, continued to pepper Choi Hyun-seok with questions as she circled him.

“So, what kind of training are you planning to do today?”

“First, martial arts.”

“Martial arts?”

“Your Novillais proficiency is still severely lacking.”

After combining magic power and demonic energy into mana [a form of energy], the martial arts, previously divided into several styles, were re-established.

This new system was called Novillais.

It was based on what he had previously created with Raidrun and was refined by Park Hyun-ah and Sarah Dunphy.

Together, they completed the incomplete Novillais, creating a total of 10 forms.

“You need to become more accustomed to it to use it smoothly in real combat.” “Come to think of it, I haven’t used anything after the 5th form in real combat yet.” “That’s right. You haven’t had enough practice with the 6th form onwards.”

Since he could only effectively use half of the existing forms, he needed to quickly improve his proficiency.

“And I need to improve Flomote too… I should try it when I have time, or ask my sister.” Improving Flomote was also a priority.

Flomote is Choi Hyun-seok’s hidden trump card.

It’s like a joker card in a deck.

But since it’s based on demonic energy, he couldn’t use it in its current state.

A major modification was needed to adapt Flomote for use with mana.

This was no easy task.

It might be equivalent to creating a new martial art from scratch.

Choi Hyun-seok shook his head, dismissing his thoughts about Flomote for the moment.

“Let’s think about Flomote later and practice Novillais first.”

A training ground, completely deserted.

Choi Hyun-seok stood alone, assumed a stance, and began his training in earnest.

***

Half a day had passed since the training began.

Choi Hyun-seok, who hadn’t eaten anything during that time, stopped by the cafeteria.

He planned to have a quick meal and resume his training.

“I’m slowly getting used to this place.”

The cafeteria was quite luxurious, as it was primarily used by VIPs visiting the palace.

Choi Hyun-seok, who wasn’t naturally comfortable in such environments, initially found the place unsettling.

He had trouble swallowing his food, and his throat was constantly dry.

But now that he had grown accustomed to it, he didn’t feel as out of place as he had at first.

“Hmm…?”

Choi Hyun-seok narrowed his eyes.

A familiar man was sitting in the cafeteria.

“Olaf?”

“It’s Olaven.”

“Ah.”

Olaven Grimier, Duke of the Drasen Empire.

He was eating a meal in the cafeteria.

“What brings you here? More importantly, is it wise for you to show yourself so openly?”

On the surface, the Mariette Kingdom and the Drasen Empire had no official contact.

There was no need to provoke the suspicion of neighboring countries, including Gatrein, by revealing any alliance between them.

Recently, they had dealt with two cardinals, paladins, and priests from Gatrein, so he believed they should be even more cautious.

“Hmm, the food at Mariette Palace is quite good, as rumored. Though not quite as good as Drasen’s.”

Olaven Grimier calmly cut his meat.

Formerly the commander of the Allied Forces, and now the Duke of the Drasen Empire.

In other words, he was one of the most influential people on the continent.

It was remarkable to see such a person dining alone, without any guards or servants.

He wiped his mouth with a napkin and turned to Choi Hyun-seok.

“I am visiting today on official business. Officially, I am here to negotiate a new trade agreement with the Mariette Kingdom.”

“Then what’s the real reason?”

“I came because I have a favor to ask of Sir Choi Hyun-seok.”

He gestured for Choi Hyun-seok to take a seat.

“It seems Sir Choi Hyun-seok has come to eat as well. Why don’t you sit down first?”

He acted as if he owned the restaurant.

But it suited him surprisingly well, so Choi Hyun-seok sat down in a daze.

Dishes were placed in front of him, one by one.

As the servants finished preparing the meal and left the restaurant, Olaven got straight to the point.

“This operation in the Mariette Kingdom was very successful. It greatly benefited both Drasen and Mariette.”

“Indeed. It feels like we gained something for nothing.”

Choi Hyun-seok nodded, cutting his meat.

If the Drasen Empire hadn’t intervened during the cardinals’ visit, things would have become much more complicated.

A major battle might have erupted in the capital.

If that had happened, the loss of life and property would have been unimaginable.

‘Even if we had won, it would have been a problem.’

Even a victory wouldn’t have been the end.

Gatrein, having found a justification for their actions, would have relentlessly pursued them until the Mariette Kingdom collapsed or fell under their control.

In that situation, he was grateful that Drasen’s assistance had allowed him to easily drive out Gatrein.

Even if it was a win-win situation, he felt genuinely grateful.

“So, I would like to ask you for a favor this time.”

“What kind of favor?”

“Do you happen to know the Cherushi Kingdom?”

Choi Hyun-seok shook his head.

He had gained a considerable amount of knowledge as he became accustomed to life in this world, but he still didn’t know all the countries on the continent.

Olaven Grimier continued without hesitation, as if he understood the situation.

“It is a kingdom located between the Mariette Kingdom and the Drasen Empire. It is a small country, with about half the land and national power of the Mariette Kingdom.”

The Mariette Kingdom wasn’t a particularly large country either.

Strictly speaking, it was just one of the minor kingdoms, but Cherushi seemed to be even smaller.

“So, why are you suddenly talking about the Cherushi Kingdom?” “Currently, Gatrein is moving to swallow up the small and medium-sized countries on the continent.”

At this point, Choi Hyun-seok couldn’t help but realize what the other party was implying.

“You want me to prevent Gatrein from interfering with the Cherushi Kingdom?”

“That’s right.”

Olaven said, stroking his well-groomed beard.

“It would be ideal if Drasen could intervene directly, but that is difficult due to the high risk of causing diplomatic problems.”

“Hmm…”

“So, I believe there is no one as suitable for this task as Sir Choi Hyun-seok. He possesses legendary power and is the only one with experience in shaking off Gatrein’s grasp.”

Choi Hyun-seok understood what Olaven was trying to convey.

He knew that he was the most qualified person for the job.

But Choi Hyun-seok was hesitant.

Olaven made it sound simple, but this was something that would determine the fate of an entire country.

It meant that tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of lives were at stake.

He felt a heavy burden accepting such a responsibility without careful consideration.

Seeing Choi Hyun-seok’s deepening concern, Olaven added,

“This is necessary not only for the Mariette Kingdom and the Cherushi Kingdom but for the entire continent.”

“Why is that?”

“If Gatrein swallows up the minor kingdoms and grows larger, the probability of a major war breaking out will increase significantly.”

Gatrein, believing they have become strong enough, will initiate a continental conquest war.

The resulting damage may be greater than any war in history.

At that moment,

Ding!

Along with the familiar alarm, a hero quest appeared.

★☆★☆ Hero Quest! ★☆★☆

The Cherushi Kingdom is in danger!

As a legendary hero, you cannot ignore their plight!

Shake off the evil clutches of Gatrein and save the Cherushi Kingdom!

· Goal: Drive out Gatrein’s forces from the Cherushi Kingdom

· Reward: A large amount of experience and 3,000 hero points

Choi Hyun-seok, upon seeing the hero quest, shook his head.

‘Now they’re openly labeling them as evil forces.’

The Holy Empire Gatrein and the Deusis Church.

On the surface, they are devout followers of God.

But the hero system, which is essentially a god itself, calls them evil.

“Is something wrong?”

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Choi Hyun-seok shook his head and continued.

“Well, I’ve received help, so I can’t just ignore this and pretend I don’t know anything. Let’s do it.”

A smile appeared on Olaven Grimier’s lips.

He handed Choi Hyun-seok a thick stack of documents.

It was a summary of the current situation in the Cherushi Kingdom.

“Take a look at this data for details. If possible, I recommend memorizing it all to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, and then burning it.”

“Hmm, that’s difficult…”

To memorize this much information all at once…

It would be impossible, even with a week to study.

After considering his options, Choi Hyun-seok immediately placed the documents into his inventory [a storage space accessible only to him].

“If I do this, no one else can see it, so it’ll be okay.”

“Hmm… Indeed.”

Olaven nodded, seemingly convinced.

He rose from his seat and straightened his clothes.

“Then, I’ll be on my way. I have some matters to discuss with His Majesty the King regarding the new trade agreement.”

“See you next time.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll see me soon.”

With those words, Olaven Grimier left the restaurant.

Choi Hyun-seok smiled as he watched him depart.

“He’s quite the elusive character. He’s like a modern-day Hong Gil-dong [a legendary Korean outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor].” “I know, right? Are all the high-ranking nobles of the empire like that? It’s amazing.”

Choi Hyun-seok frowned at Rachel’s words.

Something about her statement seemed off.

“Rachel, have you never met a high-ranking noble before?” “Of course not! I only saw them for the first time while traveling with the Hero!” “You said you used to work as a dedicated fairy for other heroes besides me.” “Yes. I’ve been with at least 10 heroes!”

Rachel proudly puffed out her chest.

Choi Hyun-seok’s confusion deepened.

“You’ve never met a high-ranking noble before?”

“No!”

“Why?”

“Uh… I wonder…?”

Rachel scratched the back of her head.

Why hadn’t she encountered a single high-ranking noble, despite serving 10 heroes?

Even Rachel herself found it a bit strange.

“I’ve served 10 heroes in 2 years, but I’ve never met a high-ranking noble. Why is that?” “10 people in 2 years…”

Choi Hyun-seok rubbed his face with his hands.

10 people in 2 years.

Even if she had continuously accepted new heroes without any breaks, the average survival period of a hero wouldn’t exceed 3 months.

At this point, wouldn’t she be closer to a ‘god of death’ than a ‘fairy’?

‘She didn’t graduate from the fairy job; she was just fired…’

Rachel often proudly boasted about her long tenure as a dedicated fairy, but it wasn’t something to be proud of.

Perhaps her role had been changed from dedicated fairy to hero scout to improve the heroes’ chances of survival.

Choi Hyun-seok subtly pushed Rachel away.

“Rachel, stay away from me.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t stay too close to me from now on.”

“Why?”

“Just stay away if I tell you to!”

He had been proud of himself for enduring 2 years with this walking disaster, but now he wanted to distance himself.

Of course, Rachel wasn’t one to back down easily.

“Why are you suddenly acting like this!?”

Despite being told to stay away, Rachel clung to him even more tightly.

Rachel stuck to him like a leech.

Choi Hyun-seok sighed deeply.

“Well, it’ll be okay.”

He wondered if there was any point in trying to push this little harbinger of doom away now.

‘Anyway, Rachel is pretty and cute.’

Yeah. That’s enough for now.