What is a hero?
It has different definitions in the eyes of different people.
And in the Danmachi world.
Mere strength is not enough to become a hero.
A person who defeats evil, overcomes the strong with the weak, and brings hope to the world and its people, a person who is universally acclaimed.
This is the mainstream of hero tales circulated in this world.
Once, when the world was ravaged by monsters from the Dungeon, the living beings on the surface, under the pressure of survival, united to fight against the monsters, and at the same time, talented individuals constantly emerged. These people, after achieving great deeds, were called heroes.
However, even such heroes have been rare over the past millennium, because more talented individuals would die prematurely before they could grow.
After the gods descended to the lower world, they brought blessings called Falna. Falna could better unleash the potential within the human body, and also gave the people of the lower world the power to counterattack, driving the monsters that ravaged the surface back into the Dungeon and suppressing them.
This formed the current Labyrinth City Orario.
However, with the easing of survival pressure, although adventurers became stronger, the number of people worthy of being called heroes decreased significantly.
So, were Takatsuki's actions heroic?
He defeated the enemy, thwarted the dark faction's conspiracy, and saved Orario.
From the result, this is what a hero would do, but in this world, it completely does not fit the concept of a hero.
The main god, standing atop a tall building, adjusted the hat on her head: "How boring, it just ended like that. But Orario was saved, so it's still a good thing."
"Let's go, Asfi."
Compared to a certain male god, the goddess on top of the tower was extremely displeased.
"How unsightly, not a hero, yet stealing a hero's opportunity with opportunistic power. Truly a disgusting fake."
The displeased goddess casually threw down the wine glass in her hand, as if it were something filthy.
"Ottar~"
With the goddess's voice, the large boar-man emerged from the shadows.
"Let us depart. It's about time; such a disgusting spectacle is becoming unbearable for me."
"Yes, Lady Freya."
As the Goddess of Beauty departed with her loyal subordinate, Mei, holding the unconscious Takatsuki, encountered Fu Hua, who had rushed up from the 13th Floor.
"Class Monitor, can you check on Takatsuki-kun?"
Fu Hua observed him, placed her hand on Takatsuki's forehead, and then said:
"Don't worry, Takatsuki is just exhausted from expending too much mental energy by activating Taixuan Sword God. He needs to sleep for a while, probably similar to the concept of magic depletion in this world."
In the Danmachi world, magic and mental power are from the same source. So, after expending too much magic, one enters a state of unconsciousness. Although it can be life-threatening in severe cases, if one's vitality is strong enough, it merely requires some rest.
"Take him back to rest. Everything here is resolved."
Fu Hua turned to look at the Loki Familia members gathered behind her. Several LV6s had not yet returned from the lower floors, but the other LV4s and LV5s had already gathered.
"As you can see, Takatsuki is currently unconscious, so the materials stored with him cannot be retrieved for now. We will come to the Familia after he wakes up."
Hearing Fu Hua's words, Lefiya quickly waved her hand.
"No, no, I wanted to thank Mr. Takatsuki. But since it's like this, then next time."
The Hestia Familia members left with the unconscious Takatsuki.
As the Corrupted Spirit Doppelganger died, the surrounding flesh walls withered and receded, as if they were originally constructs of magic, leaving no trace after their magical vessel disappeared.
"I feel so bored. We finally had a formidable enemy, but they were resolved so easily. I didn't even get to make a move."
Walking along the path, Kiana clasped her hands behind her head, looking somewhat listless.
"Kiana, the situation just now was extremely dangerous. If not for Takatsuki-kun, all of Orario would have been destroyed."
Mei said with a slight hint of displeasure.
"I know, I just feel a bit bored. I kind of want to go back."
"I also find this fake, who usurped the achievements of a true hero, very boring, don't you agree?"
A strange voice suddenly came from ahead.
"Who's there!"
Fu Hua immediately looked over and saw two people standing in front of her, or rather, an adventurer and a goddess.
"Oh? You weren't affected? It seems you have a unique skill."
The beautiful goddess looked at Fu Hua and said with a smile.
Hearing the goddess's words, Fu Hua was startled. Before she could turn her head, she heard Bell's somewhat panicked voice behind her: "Haruhime!? Liliruca!? Welf!? What's wrong with you all?"
"Come, put down that fake, and come to my side."
"Yes, Lady Freya…"
In Fu Hua's somewhat horrified gaze, she saw Mei let go, allowing Takatsuki, who was on her back, to fall to the ground. Then, Kiana, Mei, and Bronya walked towards the goddess opposite them.
"Freya!? Stop it!"
Fu Hua remembered what Takatsuki and Hestia had both mentioned: the Goddess of Beauty's charm. Just as a part of a god's authority does not disappear even if their divine power is sealed.
Even in the lower world, she possesses the ability to charm hearts and control others.
Fu Hua herself was immune to Freya's charm due to her unique skill, but just as she rushed towards Freya, a massive figure blocked her path.
The Ultimate Weapon · Ottar the Brave.
He was also the strongest on paper in Orario.
"Fu Hua, your pure radiance in your soul also fascinates me. It's a pity that you few have followed a dirty and ugly soul, causing it to be sullied. You should also come to me; I will cultivate you well."
After speaking, Freya looked at Bell behind her: "You too, Bell, I've been watching you since the day you came to Orario."
"Huh? Me?"
Bell was somewhat taken aback.
"Yes~"
Freya's hand touched her cheek: "You have more potential than anyone else, that pure and flawless light, ah~"
"What exactly do you want, Freya! Are you trying to violate the gods' treaty with such behavior!"
Freya showed no fear at Fu Hua's words: "While I was surprised that you and Bell were immune to my charm, however…"
The big three suddenly drew their weapons and held them to their necks. Freya looked at Fu Hua and smiled slightly.
"Can you and Bell stop them from self-harming now? Or perhaps…"
Ottar drew his weapon, aiming it at the unconscious Takatsuki lying on the ground in the distance.
"Freya!!!!"
Fu Hua was enraged, but she dared not act rashly. Just as Freya said, she wasn't confident she could protect both sides simultaneously, not to mention she could feel the terrifying strength of Ottar in front of her.
If she used her full power, Fu Hua was confident she could defeat him, but she couldn't guarantee the safety of the others.
"What do you want?"
Hearing Fu Hua's words, Freya replied.
"Join my Familia, and I'll let them go, and you, Bell…"