The Rising of the Scythe Hero

As expected, the scene between Naofumi and Raphtalia turned out to be pretty emotional. Hell, even I was touched by it. That was one of the reasons why I personally didn't save the girl, leaving it to Naofumi instead. They needed each other.

"What a disappointing conclusion to this story." The King scoffed, leaving his fancy little seat in the arena's royal box.

"Don't worry, Naofumi." I muttered, watching the Shield Hero holding the now-dozing Raphtalia on his lap. "The real fun's still ahead." No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the grin crawling onto my face.

…

"Now, you shall receive your rewards for defeating the Wave, as well as your monthly allowance." The King declared pompously, looking at the five of us.

As expected, Motoyasu got the most – 4000 coins. Then Ren – 3800 coins, Itsuki – also 3800 coins, and finally, Naofumi and I got… 500 each.

"The Shield Hero clearly needs to try harder. And the Scythe Hero… should finally stop ignoring guild requests."

…Excuse me, what?

Okay, I'll admit it, that caught me off guard.

They… sent me something?

Somehow, I'd spent nearly all my time wandering forests and dungeons, barely setting foot in the city. Honestly, I didn't even think the King would allow the guild to send requests my way. It almost made me want to reconsider my next moves, but…

That'd be boring.

"…The Shield's payment is confiscated for removing the slave mark."

"What?!" Naofumi exclaimed, shocked.

Yep. They removed Raphtalia's mark. And seeing Motoyasu's face when she rejected him after such a "heroic" act… man, that was priceless. Just a little bit of pity. A teeny, tiny bit.

And that slap… the look on his face after…

"But, Your Majesty…" Well, time for me to spice this little drama up. "Shouldn't you, if anything, increase Naofumi's payment?"

"What? Why the hell would I pay that criminal more?"

"Oh, come on!" I feigned surprise. "Not only was Naofumi forced into a duel he couldn't possibly win over some ridiculous, made-up reason… I'm not wrong to say slavery is officially legal in Melromarc, right?"

"Well… that's…"

"In that case, you could issue an arrest warrant for all those noblemen who openly keep slaves without fear of the law… right now."

"Uh… um…" Yeah, looks like I hit a nerve there.

"On top of that, even that ridiculous, one-sided duel got rigged, and nobody's saying a damn thing. Pretty sure rigging a fight against the Shield Hero is way too obvious."

"Yeah… I saw Motoyasu's companion using magic too." Itsuki chimed in.

"Same." Ren nodded right after him.

"You're wrong, honorable Heroes! The Shield Hero..."

"So, what say you, Your Majesty?" I completely ignored that red-haired b*tch's voice like she wasn't even there. Her cute little face twisted with frustration. "I'd hate for the crown's honor to get… tarnished, after all."

"You little…"

"But!" I suddenly raised a finger. "I believe there's one universal method in all our worlds for determining who's right and clearing one's name."

"You're not suggesting…" Itsuki seemed to catch on to where I was going.

"A duel!" I declared proudly.

"A duel? Nott, you want… to fight the old man?" Ren spoke up.

"That's kinda rude." I muttered thoughtfully. "But I like it. Shame you're wrong though. No need to fight personally… you can just have someone do it for you."

I glanced at Motoyasu.

Why all this? Oh, trust me, I had my reasons beyond just wanting to have fun or vent my frustration from reading the novel and constantly facepalming. Though, honestly? That alone was a damn good reason.

"So many witnesses saw that obvious rigging…" I looked around at the nobles present for the reward ceremony. Good thing no official event could happen without at least a few of them around. "What must they, loyal subjects of the kingdom, be thinking? If the King so easily plays with the fate of a Legendary Hero… what does that mean for ordinary people?"

Ooooh, you should've seen those noble faces. I could practically watch their thought process playing out. And the way Aultcray's eyes darted around nervously…

"But everything can be settled with one simple duel…"

"Ahem. Motoyasu-dono…" The King cleared his throat, shooting a businesslike glance at the Spear Hero. "Would you mind…?"

"W-what? Me?"

"Well, who else but the princess's chosen one? You're not going to defend your "father-in-law's" honor?"

"Cough-cough!"

"Kgh…!"

The King and the princess both coughed in sync, while Motoyasu went pale.

"W-well… I guess I have no choice but to make you take your words back and clear the King's name!" He started off unsure but somehow managed to hype himself up by the end. His color returned too.

"Perrrrrfect. Absolutely wonderful, Motoyasu." I practically purred.

I don't know what came over me, but right then… I had an overwhelming urge to tear Motoyasu apart right there on the spot.

All my fake reasons, my schemes, my plans—they all faded to the background.

Right now, I only wanted one thing. To feel that sweet sense of superiority. To see that smug grin on his face melt into shock… and inadequacy.

The walk to the arena passed by in a blur. Naofumi even tried talking to me, but I didn't hear a word. I saw his mouth moving, but eventually, he backed off, looking confused.

I waited. Anticipated. Stared at the Spear Hero like a present all wrapped up just for me. And then… finally…

"Begin!" The King of Melromarc announced.

"H-haaaah!" Motoyasu lunged at me, spear aimed straight ahead.

…Seriously?

It was so… dumb? He just charged at me, like he was trying to ram me.

One step forward. I changed my scythe's form, spinning it reflexively. Another step and a pivot. The scythe hooked onto the tip of Motoyasu's spear, right where the shaft met the blade. A quick tug lifted the spear, throwing him off balance. I completed the spin, delivering a roundhouse kick straight into his solar plexus.

Skill leveled up: Scythe Mastery – Lv. 8

"Cough-cough!"

Motoyasu hit the ground like a train wreck. Even I was surprised by the impact.

"Come on, Motoyasu. You're not done already, are you? It can't end that fast."

I saw him struggling to breathe. But, clenching his teeth, he forced himself back up. Now… it was personal.

"You're celebrating too early! Chaotic Thrust!"

The Spear Hero charged again, this time his spear splitting into multiple afterimages, striking from all directions.

But… how disappointing.

His technique was garbage.

"Shining Spear!"

Suddenly, a glowing, radiant spear shot toward me. Not bad for a ranged attack. Pretty decent speed too.

I blocked with my scythe, the impact sliding me back slightly.

"Better."

"What the hell… what's your level?!" Motoyasu shouted, eyes wide with shock.

"Everyone's got their secrets." I smirked, charging in again.

A downward strike with the blunt side of my scythe. Motoyasu hastily blocked with his spear's shaft. Growling, he jumped back to a distance awkward for spear fighting…

"You… seriously? What exactly are you planning to do now?"

"Obviously, beat you! Deadly Combo!"

Motoyasu attacked again, this time a series of five strikes. The first was a straight thrust, the second aimed at my legs to trip me, and the last three… clearly designed to skewer a fallen opponent.

Yeah… things didn't go his way.

I deflected the first strike, throwing him off balance again. He barely recovered enough to launch the second, but I deflected that too. On the third, I caught his spear, yanking him toward me… and jammed the scythe's handle into his stomach, lifting him off the ground.

"Kgh!"

'Don't take it personally, but that's for being a hopeless idiot… and for all the brain cells I lost watching your stupidity.'

I slammed his spear down, sending the Spear Hero crashing to the ground. But before he could even hit the floor, I crouched… and delivered another spinning kick.

His unconscious body rolled across the arena, finally coming to a stop ten meters away.

The arena fell into stunned silence.

"I suppose… this counts as my victory?" I asked casually, scanning the crowd.

"No way… that easy?" Ren muttered under his breath.

"What hacks did you use?" Itsuki asked.

"I used the greatest advantage there is, Itsuki. I used my brain. I highly recommend it."

"You…"

"So, Your Majesty…" I had no reason to listen to the remaining Heroes' nonsense. "Looks like your champion failed his mission. Such a shame." I glanced at Motoyasu's limp body, grimacing slightly. "Now… ready to discuss compensation for the Shield Hero?"

"You… You dare demand anything from me?!" Seems the King lost his temper. How careless.

"Do I dare demand anything? Me, the one you summoned to this world… the one you asked to protect it? Hard to say…"

"That criminal deserves nothing from our world!" He jabbed a finger at Naofumi. "But fine! I'll allow the minimum payout!" With a wave of his hand, a servant quickly handed Naofumi a coin pouch.

"I see…" I sighed dramatically. "You're absolutely sure about that decision, Your Majesty? Naofumi, like me, is a Legendary Hero protecting your world from the Waves. Who knows how this could turn out…"

"Are you… threatening me, Scythe?" A vein bulged on Aultcray's forehead. What's his problem?

"Well… maybe? Just a tiny bit?" I gestured with my fingers, showing a minuscule gap between them.

"I knew it… You're just like him. I didn't want to believe the rumors, but it's clear now… you're a criminal too."

…What?

Okay, credit where it's due, that actually caught me off guard. Did they seriously come up with some nonsense while I was wandering the forests?

"Rumors? What rumors?" Ren and Itsuki exchanged confused glances.

"I've received reports that in villages along the Scythe Hero's path… people mysteriously disappeared. Later, they were found… beheaded. Always in places where the Scythe Hero passed through."

"What?! Is that true, Nott-san?!" Itsuki stared at me in shock.

"If you're seriously asking… no. First I've heard of these rumors. But damn… they sound badass."

Suddenly, it all made sense. That cold reception I got at the last village… if rumors were already spreading back then, that explained a lot.

But I hadn't given the King or the Church any real reason to want me gone… or maybe… my existence alone was enough. After all, the Church only worshiped three Heroes… and I wasn't one of them.

My appearance could easily be twisted into heresy. But their motive still felt… off.

"You're only free because there's no solid evidence." The King sneered. "Take your money… and never set foot here again. Melromarc doesn't welcome criminals."

"That works too." I nodded to myself, pocketing the pouch from another servant. Can never have too much cash.

"Let's go, Nott. There's nothing left for us here." Naofumi was ready to leave, but… I wasn't done.

Couldn't resist one last jab.

While everyone was lost in thought, I shot toward the King at full speed. Before anyone could react, I stood beside him, leaning close to his ear.

"Nice move, Your Majesty. But don't overestimate the Church's protection. Keep that in mind when you come up with your next "brilliant" idea." I immediately returned to my spot. "Now, come on, Naofumi. There's still so much fun ahead… I can't wait to get started!"

And with that, we left the royal castle, leaving everyone around us scrambling to process what just happened.

I was extremely pleased with myself.