The 'arena' remained buzzing even as Mr. Reidle returned to the bleachers and the red dragon disappeared across the sky.

　Two fights and two losses.

For the warriors of the Toluga Empire, whose national policy is "strength," this result seemed to be unacceptable to them.

　In the meantime

It was an impressive 'strength'.

　Her Majesty the Empress Ameldas spoke to the ten of us in a calm voice.

　She squinted her red eyes with a nostalgic look.

'Thirty years ago, the warriors of the Sea Migrant were just as strong, and I, as a little girl, remember how they overcame two trials.

　Even 30 years ago?

(Did the same ordeal happen to the Shumurians at the time?)

　I'm a bit surprised by that fact.

'As I recall, the warrior called it the 'Golden Mark'.
!

　That was the 'Golden Mark Adventurer' of its time!

　The Empress laughed.

'Your 'strength' was reminiscent of that warrior.

　So praise be.

　At that moment, the sound of a gong echoed loudly in the 'arena', announcing the entrance of the next warrior.

　D'ong.

　With a heavy tone, the bars of the entrance open.

'But not next time.

　Overlapping, the voice of Her Majesty, the beautiful Empress, is heard.

　Then, as if led by that voice, a Toluga warrior appeared in the 'arena'.

(Ah.........)

　The warrior looked familiar.

　He had a muscular body and long, stretched white hair.

　He was in his thirties or so in age.

　He had scars all over his body, and in his hand he held a huge battle axe with a long handle, about the size of two meds.

　It was the man who had led 5,000 Toluuga soldiers to annihilate 700 of the 'Black Great Ape' in a matter of seconds.

　And the moment they saw him, the air in the 'arena' changed.

''Ooh-oh-oh!''

　A hundred thousand Truga warriors howled in unison.

　'Bilili.'

　It was the biggest cheer I've ever heard.

　The heavy air was blown away and a swirling heat filled the 'arena'.

(Wha, what's this?!)

　I was stunned by the change.

　The appearance of a single person had set the hearts of the Truga people on fire.

"His name is Pardewan.

　Her Majesty announces.

"The one who has been given the title of 'Hero' passed down from generation to generation in the long history of our country, the current 'Hero' of the Toluga Empire.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


The Hero of Tolga...

　We stared at the figure standing in the arena.

　It's true that he has an unusual atmosphere.

　If our opponents in the past trials were "ordinary soldiers" or the "captain" who leads them, then the person in front of us now is undoubtedly of the "general" class.

　Clearly, their ranks were different.

(.........come to think of it.)

　The ruins we found in the forest were the mausoleum of a 'hero'.

　In other words, the "Hero" of the Toluga Empire is the one who defeated even Thanatos' army in the war against the ancient Thanatos magic dynasty.

　The modern day 'hero' who inherits that title.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future.　

Anoninga...

　Tolkien is so moved by the first time he sees his country's 'heroes' that he is even in tears.

　The 100,000 Toluuga warriors also continue to be enthused.

　............

　This is the third test partner.

　Her Majesty announced.

''Thirty years ago, the warriors of the 'Golden Mark' also challenged and defeated the 'heroes' of that time.

(!)

　The Golden Mark Adventurer at the time lost!

　I can't help but stare at the face of His Majesty the Empress Ameldus, to my astonishment.

　She laughs.

''That 'Golden Mark' warrior is dead. But in spite of his fighting prowess, we have decided to embrace the Sea Crosser.
..........
Now, it's your turn. You can decide who will take on the 'third test'.

　A high, beautiful voice.

　But it was like a death sentence.

　..........

　We didn't open our mouths for a few seconds.

　At this moment, the hero of Toluga, Pardouin, who was standing in the arena, raised his battle axe over here.

　Gashan.

　At the end of the battle-axe was General Roberto.

　Pardewan laughs ferociously.

(Don't tell me you're.......nominating General Roberto?)

　He is the proud general of Shumuria who led the 'Fifth Pioneer Group' in the battle of the northern town from here to defeat a thousand 'Black Great Apes' and their boss, the 'Silver Great Apes'.

　Perhaps he was recognized for his strength when we discussed it.

''.........''

　General Roberto met Toluga's 'hero' gaze squarely on him.

　Was it the boiling blood of a warrior?

　In response to his nomination, General Roberto tried to stand from his seat.

　Grrrr.

　A white hand held his shoulder.

　Startled, the general turned around.

　He was ahead of him.

"Quilted Amandes.

　The current Kingdom of Shumuria's pride and joy is the "Golden Mark Demon Hunter" himself.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


　After winning over General Roberto, Mr. Quilts

I'm sorry, General, but I can't let you go. I'm sorry, General, but I can't let you go.

　He announced in a quiet voice.

　General Roberto's gaze soured as if he was repulsed.

'Kirto Amandes,'

　It's an angry voice.

　But as if to admonish it, Kirt-san says.

I understand the pride of being a Shumurian knight who respects warfare. But you are the commander of the Fifth Frontier Corps. We will not allow that to happen.
Mm.

　At those words, General Roberto frowned.

　'I was caught between the two, my pride and my mission,' he said.

'And no.'

　Mr. Kilt paused for one moment.

I regret to inform you that even with the General's sword skills, you will never be able to beat him.

　I said.

　General Roberto's expression was strained.

　But Mr. Kilt's golden eyes were staring straight at the General.

　The two men's gazes clashed.

　Eventually, General Roberto looked frustrated.

Okay.

　I muttered.

　Kilt-san's eyes fell down for a moment, looking apologetic.

　However, he immediately opened his golden eyes with an expression of iron-like intentions as the 'Golden Seal Demon Hunter'.

　His gaze looks at Toluga's 'Hero'.

''That man will be defeated by Warawa.

　I said clearly.

　Then she sat up, replaced by General Roberto.

'Mr. Kilt,'

　I couldn't help but call out the name.

　She looks back at me.

　The warrior's expression crumbled and her face became a little kinder, and Kilt-san reached out her hand to me and crumpled and patted her head.

'I'm going to go.'

　A calm voice.

　However, her expression quickly returned to that of the 'Golden Mark Demon Hunter'.

　As it was, she walked on.

　She doesn't even look back anymore.

''.........''
..........
..........

　The remaining of us could only wish Kirto-san victory and watch his back.

　Kirto Amandes, the Golden Mark Demon Hunter.

　It was decided that she would be the one who would represent the Kingdom of Shumuria and take on the 'Third Trial'.