Hero Who Saved The Nation

When we came out of the cave, the corpses of ant-type monsters were scattered everywhere, and beyond them were adventurers and knights, so we walked toward them.

“I’m already tired of seeing ant-type monsters.”

“That’s true. I collected materials occasionally, but with this many, they probably won’t sell, so it might have been pointless.”

“Yeah. There must be enough ant shells lying around to throw away.”

While talking like that with Rebecca and avoiding the corpses as we moved forward… I spotted a familiar face at the front of the adventurers. It was Edmond-san, the Guild Master.

I had been worried about what to do if there was no one I knew, so I was glad Edmond-san was there.

“…Where did you two come from?”

Perhaps because he couldn’t understand the situation, he asked cautiously. I stopped walking a short distance away from Edmond-san and slowly opened my mouth.

“From inside the dungeon. …Edmond-san, we destroyed the Dungeon Core, so the Stampede has stopped. There won’t be any more monsters coming out, so please rest assured.”

When I told him the most important information first, Edmond-san froze for a while, apparently unable to process it… and when he finally opened his mouth, he shouted in complete bewilderment.

“Wha… wh-what do you mean!?”

I figured he’d be surprised. Normally, no one would even think about entering a dungeon during a Stampede to stop it, so it was natural that he couldn’t understand.

“That’s exactly what I mean. You might already know this, but I had been under a curse, and by coincidence that curse was lifted. Because of that, I gained great power and was able to infiltrate the dungeon during the Stampede and destroy the Dungeon Core.”

Since the only option here was to push the explanation that my talent blossomed after the curse was lifted, I said that, but Edmond-san shook his head repeatedly.

“No, no, no, that’s impossible! You’re saying you entered a dungeon during a Stampede and made it all the way to the deepest part where the Dungeon Core is!?”

“I’m surprised at myself too, but it’s the truth.”

“Edmond-san, I went with him, so it’s true. Luca has become very strong. I could only provide a little support, and he reached the deepest part almost entirely with his own strength.”

With Rebecca’s supporting words as well, Edmond-san seemed to half-believe us and vaguely nodded, apparently accepting that we had destroyed the Dungeon Core.

“…Even if I accept that you somehow had that kind of power, your curse was only lifted recently, right? Jumping straight into a dungeon during a Stampede in that condition is beyond foolish.”

That was true… I couldn’t deny that. Normally, no one would do something that dangerous, and even if they wanted to help, they would deal with the Stampede outside the dungeon.

“—When I thought this city was in danger because of the Stampede, I couldn’t just sit still. I thought you’d stop me if I told you, Edmond-san, so I’m sorry for disappearing without saying anything.”

“Sigh… I want to punch myself for thinking you ran away. All of you who mocked Luca earlier, apologize later! Luca and Rebecca entered the dungeon and stopped the Stampede!”

After letting out a sigh, Edmond-san shouted loudly so that everyone around could hear him. When the adventurers and knights heard his voice, they gradually realized that the threat of the Stampede had passed, and their joy began to erupt.

“No way! Luca, how strong did you get!?”

“Thank you for saving this city…! You’re seriously our lifesaver!”

“Thanks to you too, Rebecca!”

From the adventurers came astonishment and praise for what we had accomplished, while the knights expressed their gratitude for our brave actions. In an instant, Rebecca and I were surrounded by a large crowd and nearly crushed by the press of people.

“Hey, you idiots! What are you doing crushing the heroes!”

Edmond-san and several adventurers somehow pulled us out, and for the moment the commotion settled a little. However, everyone still seemed excited.

“Luca, Rebecca, you two are the heroes who saved this city. On behalf of the Adventurer Guild and everyone who lives here, I want to thank you. Truly, thank you…!”

With Edmond-san’s words as the trigger, the commotion grew again, this time filled with gratitude toward us. Many people thanked us with tears in their eyes, smiling as they patted my back and shoulders—some of them hurt a bit, but that didn’t make me any less happy.

After that, we shared the joy with everyone for a while, and once things finally calmed down, we began discussing what would happen next.

First, to confirm the current situation, Edmond-san and several high-ranking members of the Knight Order went to the place where the dungeon entrance had been and returned after confirming that only a narrow cave remained.

“We’ll place a watch on that cave for a while. The front line here is being disbanded. Everyone will receive their rewards later. As for Luca and Rebecca, of course we’ll have to report this to higher authorities.”

“I will report it from the Knight Order’s side as well.”

The one who spoke over Edmond-san’s voice was a middle-aged man who had been commanding the Knight Order forces here. It didn’t seem like my status as a divine servant had been discovered, so even if it was reported, it should be fine.

“I understand. What do you expect will happen from here on?”

“Well… I can’t say for sure, but from the Adventurer Guild’s perspective, Luca and Rebecca’s ranks will be raised. And the kingdom will probably give you some kind of reward.”

Oh, that sounded great. I was excited about receiving a reward from the kingdom.

“And you’ll likely be scouted by the knights. It’s hard to imagine they would ignore someone who can resolve a Stampede alone. If you want to become a knight, that’s fine—but if you want to refuse, you should think of an excuse beforehand.”

My excitement at Edmond-san’s mention of a reward instantly calmed when the man from the Knight Order mentioned being scouted to become knights.

It was an incredible honor, but if I became a knight of a nation, my actions would be restricted, and I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my role as a servant of the Goddess of Peace.

I’d have to think of a way to refuse… that made me feel a bit gloomy.

“Thank you for telling me.”

“Well then, we’ll be going to make our report now, so you two should get some rest. Let’s see… come to the guild in a few days. Don’t forget.”

“Understood. Please handle the report.”

After that, Rebecca and I returned to the city under everyone’s attention, and since we were extremely tired, we went straight back to the inn and fell asleep.