The Crystal Ball revealed the face of her father, Eena Setis, as if attending to routine matters, reported on the recent circumstances of Heroic Warrior Volcrix to Aite Setis:

"Having gone through a series of ordeals, Heroic Warrior Volcrix successfully obtained the Holy Sword.

For now, he certainly possesses the qualities of a hero.

After acquiring the Holy Sword, he didn't boast like he used to. Instead, he immediately sought out the Underground Maze to acclimate to the Holy Sword.

We just emerged from the Underground Maze and found refuge in a nearby town, feeling that the hero has grown considerably stronger than before."

"That's good. Actually, the reason I'm contacting you this time is to ask you to relay a message to the hero. The Demon Clan has descended upon this world and launched an attack on our kingdom."

Aite Setis clearly explained to Eena the situation in Krengris territory,

"As for the conditions in other countries, we're uncertain, but perhaps it's fortunate that we faced the attack first.

Make every effort to keep the hero in our kingdom.

...What's the status of the plan I previously instructed you on, to tie the hero to our side?"

The plan to bind Heroic Warrior Volcrix to Setis' side naturally involved a heroic marriage alliance, seducing the hero until he was intoxicated.

Since joining Heroic Warrior Volcrix's team, Eena Setis had been steadily advancing this plan until the hero purchased a slave named Hapi.

Some unknown birdman used some form of magic, or perhaps it was Heroic Warrior Volcrix possessing a unique XP system, causing the hero to gradually grow closer to the birdman and drift away from herself.

Before Volcrix drew the Holy Sword, the words he spoke to Eena Setis still felt like a steel needle piercing her heart.

If you weren't a hero, I wouldn't fawn over you. If you'd behaved more like a hero from the start, perhaps I might truly have liked you and become more proactive. Instead of becoming this neither-here-nor-there figure on the fringes of the team. I was here first, so why has it come to this!

The hero could potentially be someone to entrust her entire life to, yet Eena didn't want to recklessly give herself to the hero.

After continually observing, she confirmed that the hero's initial conduct wasn't sufficient to entrust her life to him, and Princess Eena's heart had long drifted away from Volcrix.

Now it seemed too late for regrets.

Although the initial goal had shifted, Eena still smiled and replied:

"Everything is going smoothly. It's just that the hero remains focused on improving his abilities and isn't very interested in romance. It's difficult to take things further with him."

"If soft approaches don't work, try something harder. Cook the rice and make it meal-ready; then he might wholeheartedly serve us. Crafting M medicine should be straightforward for you. Remember not to let people from other countries get too close to him, only then will he always choose us when weighing his options," Aite Setis reminded Eena once again.

Princess Eena casually agreed.

After Aite Setis's litany, he finally cut the connection.

Princess Eena exhaled, reclining widely in the inn's room.

Whether it was truly necessary to use external forces to enhance her relationship with Heroic Warrior Volcrix, Princess Eena couldn't decide.

Just then, there was a knock on Princess Eena's room door.

Opening it, she discovered Heroic Warrior Volcrix standing at her door, quickly flashing a surprise-filled expression, and spoke with full delight:

"Hero Volcrix... Volcrix, what brings you here this late? Listen to me, King of Setis just communicated, saying the Demon Clan has begun their actions..."

"I know." Volcrix cut off Eena's words with a single statement, "Put things on hold on that side, or let you handle it. Sister Alan has some matters for me to attend to, and the Village of Heroes will summon me soon as well. Hence, I may need to leave the team for a while."

"How could this be, given Setis' tremendously critical situation right now?"

"I know, which is why I must go. Perhaps they possess a secret treasure to counter the Demon Clan.

You are familiar with the situation at the Village of Heroes."

Upon hearing Heroic Warrior Volcrix speak so, Princess Eena didn't continue to pester him.

Persistently pestering him could further diminish her standing in Heroic Warrior Volcrix's heart.

"There is no other option. I will inform the king over that side. That's also for a better chance to save the world.

Is there anything I need to pass on, or anything you require me to do?

I would be happy to serve."

Volcrix paused in place for a while before speaking up:

"To better wield the Holy Sword Clochi, ask Setis Kingdom to use the All Things Library to investigate how past heroes used the Holy Sword."

"No need."

"Well, no need. The Holy Sword just told me, no bother you, it will tell me all about the past heroes."

Princess Eena didn't hear the voice of the Holy Sword; she only saw Volcrix ask and answer himself to make a decision.

Perhaps only the hero could hear the sword's voice.

Volcrix then spoke: "During my absence, you will lead the team.

Ensure the safety of each member, if during my absence any incidents occur, the team..... will be disbanded."

Princess Eena raised an eyebrow, wondering if this was a reminder to avoid any tricks while leading the team.

With a beaming smile, Princess Eena replied: "I surely will not let Volcrix down.

Return soon, so that we can go and save the world."

"Then I'm leaving it in your hands."

After saying this, Volcrix didn't say any more, closing the door and leaving the inn.

Everything needing to be passed on had already been explained to the others.

Next, he could proceed confidently, seeing what tasks Sister Alan had for him that required solitary action.

The street was bright with lights, as Volcrix looked around, amidst bustling people, cheer and laughter with no one noticing the looming danger.

But the system would not lie.

The Demon Clan had descended upon this world; if the Demon King was not stopped, everything here would dissolve into nothingness.

Making several turns through the busy streets, Heroic Warrior Volcrix arrived at a dim alleyway.

At the end of the lights, the woman had been waiting for quite some time.

Her slightly whitish purple long hair cascaded like a waterfall, and on her jade-like pure white face, a pair of unique purple Dragon Eyes were embedded.

Volcrix was quite surprised, it was his first time seeing Sister Alan's true appearance.....

He wasn't sure how to describe it..... but it should be, very beautiful very beautiful.....

At the end of the dim lights, she seemed to be waiting for someone significant to her to return.

That expression surely wasn't awaiting himself..... Who exactly was she waiting for? 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Suddenly... Heroic Warrior Volcrix's head buzzed, with memories not belonging to him piercing his mind like shattered glass.

Volcrix gradually found himself losing control over his body...

What is happening to me.

Volcrix fell to his knees, mustering his final strength, raising his hand and voicing:

"...Alan...sister."

The woman addressed as Sister Alan slowly turned her head, with no worry on her face, only a distinct, incredible ease.

In his daze, Volcrix saw Sister Alan leaning over, holding him in her embrace.

"...Welcome back."

These were the last words Heroic Warrior Volcrix heard before his consciousness faded.

Incredibly gentle words, yet caused Volcrix to feel himself falling into the abyss.