A path in the forest leading to their destination village.

　Rio and Maifa are running around like they are on a picnic, chasing butterflies and having a good time.
　The butterflies seem to be struggling to escape from their human-like movements, unlike those of ordinary children.

　Incidentally, Iris was walking next to me, holding my hand gently.

　At first, Iris was shyly squirming or happily giggling, but now, after walking for a while from the city, she has become like a wife who has been together for many years.

　When I glanced at Iris, she noticed my gaze and smiled at me.

　Her smile is so cute that I feel embarrassed and avert my gaze.

　Rio sees us and tries to say something, but Maifa puts her hand on his shoulder and shakes her head.

　Then both Rio and Maifa move away from me and Iris with a look of patience and endurance.

　It seems that some sort of agreement has been made between the three girls. .......

　In any case, that's how we traveled from the city to our destination village.

　In the midst of such peaceful scenery, I was thinking about something.

　I was thinking about what Maifa had said to me at the Brave Men's Guild.

And you, brother, you can't protect us when you're defeated by the three of us.

　Those words became a surprisingly large thorn in my side.

　Of course, I don't think Meifa meant it in such a strong sense.
　I know that she was using it as a way to persuade me.

　But still...

　But still... those words... or rather the fact of them, have remained as a wedge driven into me.

　Rio had easily mastered the [Moonlight Sword], which I had failed to master, in just a month of training.

　The Ultimate Heal that Iris mastered is also a magic that I cannot use.

　My students are steadily moving forward from where I am.

　In theory, I know that I should be happy about that.

　But still, the fear that I might be left behind alone has been stuck in the back of my mind.

　It's an inherent difference in talent.
　That's one aspect of it.

　I also do not disagree that a person's power as a hero is not everything.
　For example, Alma, who was a fellow teacher at the Academy for the Brave in King's Landing, is not very strong as a hero, but I like her as a human being, and I think that's fine.

　However, when I ask myself if "I" am okay with this, I am left with a vague feeling that this is not the way things should be.
　There has been a vague sense of urgency in me that I can't go on like this.

　That's why for the past month, I've been waking up early every morning and swinging my sword while Rio was learning the [Moonlight Sword] from Cecilia, hoping that I could learn the [Moonlight Sword] again.

　But even so, the overwhelming difference in sense between Rio and me could not be bridged, and even now that Rio has mastered the [Moonlight Sword], I have yet to be able to use it in my own hands.

　But then one day, Cecilia happened to wake up early and saw me training early in the morning...



　When Cecilia spotted me training hard in front of her house that morning, she smiled and said.

"I'm relieved, Brett. You look like a beast with its fangs pulled out. So, Brett, why did you stop being a Demon Lord Hunter?

　I was rudely asked this question, and I answered as I wiped the sweat off my face.

No, no matter why you ask, ....... In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've seen it before.　I'm sure every man dreams of standing at the top of the world.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.

No, there are many kinds of men. I wasn't really interested in that. ....... Well, I'm not that good.

So you gave up on yourself because you didn't have the motivation to become the strongest in the world and you didn't have the talent to do so. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your time. I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

......!

　You will find a lot of people who are looking for the best in the world.

　I'm not sure what to say.

"Your students will grow up watching your back. If your back, which should be a role model, is curled up, they may eventually abandon you. That's why you have to show them that you're willing to aim high... I like your honest dedication, Brett. I'm sure they do, too.

　That sounded like a compliment.
　I felt my face heat up in spite of my age, and I looked away from Cecilia.

　I hadn't seen that side of Cecilia in a long time.
　As an older sister, she was reliable and good-looking, and I used to admire her a little.

　I was a little embarrassed when I said this to her.

...... is not that cool. I'm just afraid they'll give up on me.

Even if that's the case. It is not possible for anyone to stand tall without being unfaithful when they think they are lacking something. Especially when the results don't always follow, even if you work hard.

...... In fact, it's not always the case that swinging a sword honestly will pay off.

Well, yeah. But fortunately, we are the brave ones. History has proven that there are blessings for the brave, the valiant and the heroic. I believe that your positive attitude will be rewarded, Brett.

　Cecilia said, and walked away from me with a wave of her hand.

　As Cecilia said, there are many legends of brave men and women who boldly faced their destiny and forged their own path.

　Of course, there may be a survival bias to this.

　It is not hard to imagine that many brave men and women who were not rewarded for their positive attitude and dedication and who were crushed in the midst of their ambitions have disappeared into the darkness of history.

　But if the possibility is not zero, there is no reason not to try.
　I will do what I can to obtain the future I want.

　If it is still not enough, then so be it.
　It's a lot better than sitting around and letting fate take its course.



"...... is ...... teacher. ...... Um, sir. What's wrong?



　Iris's voice.
　I've been thinking about past events, and then I realize...

　A path in the woods.
　Next to me was Iris, holding my hand.

I was just thinking. I was just thinking about something.

I was just thinking." "I see. ....... I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've seen it.

　It's a great way to get to know the people in your area.

　It was almost dusk, but clouds were looming in the distance, and the area was already becoming dimly lit.

Big brother, hurry up, hurry up!

"...... Big brother, you're late. ...... You're making out with Iris too much, no matter what.

　I'm not sure what to do.

　This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment.