431,

Was it intentional or unintentional?

Just like destiny, Cyclone asked Alexander, the hero, what it means to be a hero.

It wasn't someone else asking, but a question posed by Cyclone, who is also a hero.

Kakarl came because Cyclone pursued something.

While still contemplating the previous answer, Cyclone asked another question, straight to the heart.

For Alexander, for Cyclone, for these two, what does being a hero truly signify?

How should one answer it correctly?

The answer is based on the one asking, in other words, it should be answered based on Allen's hero experience.

From the information heard by Alexander till now, after killing the grand chancellor, Allen's hero not only achieved great feats but also gained the love of the people.

Living a life of honor and riches, he became an idol dreamed of by young boys and girls.

This information was obtained from the people of Allen City.

However, through spies sent to Allen City, it was found that this man not only loved gambling and women but also accepted bribes from high officials and businessmen.

On the surface, he may be a hero, but in reality, he is a villain in disguise.

Therefore, for the young man in front of them, a hero is simply a convenient title that brings him many benefits.

Is that truly the case?

Some days ago, Alexander learned about what happened at Riverbranch.

At the same time, from an old friend, he learned that a year ago, this young man abandoned the title of hero and left Allen City.

His reason? Just for a demon woman.

Maybe, to him, the so-called hero is simply a name, holding no real significance.

But is that truly the case?

Compared to what he heard from others, just now, Alexander had a personal conversation with Cyclone.

In their chat, Alexander found some kind of connection with Cyclone.

Perhaps, besides the tales spread around, this young man before them has gone through some significant events.

Events that could make this young man show his true self and have experiences that resonate with his own.

In a few short seconds, Alexander seemed to have pondered for a lifetime.

True to himself, true to his feelings, Alexander made his final choice.

"A hero is... a cursed glory."

Upon hearing the answer, Cyclone did not immediately respond with right or wrong.

Because from Cyclone's perspective, no matter what the other person answered, Cyclone would decide it was wrong, then randomly craft a response to refute it.

Drinking questions were for beauties, not for men like them.

But for the answer provided by Alexander, strangely, it was the same answer Cyclone thought of initially.

This surprised Cyclone.

A hero is a form of glory, a bright glory.

But in the end, when you truly possess this title, you realize it's just a curse.

For those without the name, they strive for death to achieve it.

For those with the name, they perform death in its pursuit.

The so-called glory is nothing but an illusion; what the name truly brings is an experience akin to approaching death.

"Oh."

Cyclone could deeply relate to this, as this name had forced him to take risks multiple times.

Not only did he have to deal with underworld figures in Sunset City, but he also had to be at the forefront of demon extermination battles.

Although Cyclone had cleverly escaped many dangers and even gained three wives in the process, for a showy and lustful guy like him, the risks were too high.

Besides the convenience and glory that the name of a hero brought him, there were more terrifying experiences of walking on the edge of death.

So, when Cyclone could leave behind that name and walk away with his wives, he didn't hesitate one bit.

Now, the middle-aged man in front of him actually spoke these words.

Compared to the fervent young men who fantasized about becoming heroes or the orthodox tales that extolled the hero's spirit, the middle-aged man seemed to speak out this answer from his own experience.

"You... could it be that you are a hidden master of the martial world?!"

"..."

Alexander began to sweat at his guess about Cyclone.

Whether Cyclone really didn't know who he was or was pretending not to know, Alexander couldn't tell.

However, in that moment, Cyclone started to smile.

He reached out for the bottle of strong liquor placed in the middle and drank it all in one go.

In the first round of questions, Alexander won.