Chapter 8.1: Ambitions Beyond Heroism
“While doing the wolf-hunting quest, we encountered more than one wolf in the region. This was not at all as per the subjugation description. The subjugation of this wolf is considered as a Rank B task individually, but a Rank A when it’s in packs. It was no wonder that my trusty assistant, Dylan, had also fainted. Moreover, I was forced to carry Dylan on my shoulders, and as time went, we found ourselves in this utterly bizarre situation," Maximus explained, while facing his head down.
"Hold on a minute! You completely skipped a crucial part of the flashback!" Dylan protested, clearly frustrated by that explanation.
Ignoring the person, I chimed in, trying to go along the chaotic turn of events. "And that’s when I am supposed to appear..."
Just for the context, we, that is: Maximus, me and Dylan were not with the two girls.
Somehow Maximus managed to convince Julia and Jana to grant us some privacy, allowing us a moment to sort things out on our own.
But to be honest, I couldn't wrap my head around the sudden revelation.
Yes, to think he was a hero mentor.
Moreover, now that I think, when Maximus declared out of nowhere that I was a hero, I should have guessed something was up.
This is a serious flaw for me. I must not get excited over silly possibilities.
But then, considering how hard it is to find a demon king mentor. I beg to even say that, finding even a possible possibility can make an aspirant ecstatic.
But still, a mistake is a mistake. Can’t complaint about that.
“...Even though he looked so much like an evil mentor. Such a disaster....”
“What?”
“Nope, don’t mind it.”
“?”
Well, I guess it’s about time to leave for my own search. But still, the question is how. Moreover, without causing much suspicion, and even making a lasting impression. For a demon king to be is never forgotten, not matter where he may appear.
“Well, Listen up, Maximus. I understand the appeal of wanting me as a hero. True, the amount of attention, and the endless quantity of riches, yes I do understand; also even more the benefit it brings to the job of a hero mentor,"
I said, with arms crossed, giving him a determined stern stare.
Maximus looked at me with a mixture of disappointment and disbelief. "But...think about it! You'd have it all! The fame, the glory, the...everyth—-"
I interrupted his words with a huge sigh.
As everyone, and anyone. People really fail to understand the depth of my ambition.
"Sure, being a hero has its perks. But that's not the ultimate. What I aspire is something mighty, yes, something similar to a God, like perhaps, a demon king, someone who command the primary element of light or dark itself!"
Well preferably dark only, but I need to be careful.
“Stopping at just becoming a hero? Are you kidding me? Are you taking my aspiration, my ambition, my desire for a child’s? Such measly wish can’t, ever satisfy me. I want completion. Something distinctive. Something authoritative. Yes, Heroes will be forgotten in time. Even Gods to some degree. But someone who happened to be a threat to existence. That will always be there. Even in kingdoms change, even if peoples change. That fear, —-even that love, that protection, is stored in the very being of a HUMAN ITSELF!”
I was about to give out my identity again. I really need to be careful when I get too excited.
“And it continues to change the very nature of Man to come.” I turned my back towards him.
Maximus's expression shifted from sadness to confusion, to amazed. Unable to completely grasp my burning desire for complete dominance, well I am making sure not to, unless —- he willingly joins me in my journey.
But as it appears, he seems fixated on the hero mentor concept, truly deplorable. Even though he could understand and help in my true calling.
Well, it seems I'll have to find a way to make him see things from a different perspective. It’s for no reason Old man made me learn human psychology as well.
Even though I was not that good in it. It’s worth a try.
Wait... If I do that, won’t I make the entire church against me?!
Maybe I should just wait till he is kicked out of there. Hmm... So for now...
“Don’t come after me, if you want to make someone a hero, go with the person who accompanied you, your trusty assistant. I will be on my way.”
"No way! You can't be serious... I can't handle him as my hero! Please listen to me!" Maximus pointed an accusing finger at Dylan, vehemently trying to persuade me.
"I am a real hero, you know!" Dylan shouted in protest.
Showing that I was growing increasingly frustrated, I tried to shake off Maximus, but his strong hold, and the stubborn way of clinging to my foot like a determined barnacle.
As I thought, my eyes had not seen false. He is truly worthy of being an evil mentor. To use every way possible to achieve your goal. Moreover, the strength he holds! To think I can’t shake him off. Someone who withstood my Grandmother’s Sparta lessons. Truly inspiring.
Yet... If only he was not hell bent towards the hero thingy.
"Come on, Maximus, let go! I don't have time for all this nonsense!"
Tears welled up in Maximus's eyes as he looked up at me with a pleading expression. "Please, just reconsider... I need a true hero, not him. Else, those girls would ... My hero mentor license would ..."
I heard something interesting.
With a heavy sigh, I attempted to explain the predicament to Maximus. "Look, it's not that simple. They'll see right through me. I'm not the chosen one they're expecting. And...”
“...and?”
“It might be about time to distance yourself and see the wider world if you are so much bound by your hero mentor license and all those riches that come along with that.”
"You're mistaken. They won't understand. For, only a mentor can truly recognize a chosen hero. And about the riches ... Even I am growing old right now. It’s time to think about my retirement as well.”