"Aren't I the real Hero? How come the guy opposite me is also a Hero? When did Heroes become so cheap?

I suspected his identity was off from the start, but never expected him to be a Hero too. Isn't it said that more Heroes mean weaker power? So how was he captured before I was even summoned? Weren't we told power dilution only happens after my arrival? How could there be a captured Hero before me? His strength must be ridiculously low.

Though Chu Xueyue had plenty to rant about, he'd been here a while. Before coming, he was heading home for dinner—still hadn't eaten. Since free meals were offered, he wouldn't hold back.

'Could you tell me which of these are actually edible?' After a long silence, Chu Xueyue stared at the delivered food and finally asked.

Seriously? Shouldn't he be shocked by my identity, stumbling for words, using food to dodge the topic? Is this guy a total foodie?

Though he'd already labeled Chu Xueyue a foodie in his head, he forced a formulaic smile. 'Don't worry. This food's safe. If they wanted us dead, they'd just kill us outright.'

'No, that's not it. I only just saw this other world today.'

'Missing your mother's cooking? You know—' He was cut off.

'Nah, I cooked for myself back home. Mother's cooking? That's ancient history. I'm wondering what these dishes are made of. First time here, I don't even know how to start with these weird ingredients.' Chu Xueyue voiced his real concern.

Ah, that's what he meant.

'No need to worry. What you're holding is a kind of—'

The armored man briefly explained the food types, then demonstrated by eating.

Seeing him dig in, Chu Xueyue relaxed and started eating too.

The moment it hit his tongue—it wasn't amazing, but a flavor he'd never tasted. First try, not bad.

Then sadness washed over him. His first meal here, of all places.

The armored man spoke again. 'Tasty, right? At least they treat us well on food. If not locked up, I'd be happy.'

'If not eating here, I'd be happier,' Chu Xueyue replied.

'By the way, aren't you curious about my identity? You heard it earlier.' The armored man probed deliberately.

Hmph. I know you're dying to ask. That meal delivery ruined my big reveal earlier—doesn't count. Time for round two.

But Chu Xueyue just kept eating. 'Eh, fellow imprisoned Hero. I guessed your story already. No need to relive that sadness. We're the same.' He put on a mournful face.

Chu Xueyue figured the armored man was another summoned loser, just from a different world. No point reopening old wounds. As for how he knew so much—he'd clearly been locked up awhile, probably got info from the demons.

Seeing Chu Xueyue's expression, the armored man realized the misunderstanding. 'You've got it wrong! I'm native to this world.'

'What? You're not a Hero? How can you be from here?' Chu Xueyue gave him a 'are you kidding me?' look.

Delighted by the reaction, the armored man thought: Chapter 4 already, and my name finally gets its spotlight.

'This world has its own Heroes. You think only summoned outsiders count? Don't underestimate the title.'

'Isn't that how novels always set it up?'

'Fine. Consider this post-meal chat. Let me explain.' He adopted a 'I'll humbly enlighten you' pose.

'Fine. Consider this post-meal chat. I'll humbly listen,' Chu Xueyue mirrored, wearing an 'I'll tolerate your rambling' expression.

Ignoring that.

'First, introductions. I'm Albert White, Hero from another world. Your name?'

'Chu Xueyue. Weird to your ears?'

'Don't worry. Names translate smoothly here. When I say "Chu Xueyue," it sounds natural to you too.'

'Perfect. Translation works great.'

'Right. Back to the topic.' Albert steered it away from tangents.

'You thought Heroes only come from summons. That's just one type. Natives can become Heroes too. For example—'

'Like you, right?' Chu Xueyue cut in. Nothing beats ruining someone's bragging moment.

'Exactly. I endured trials to earn this title. You see—'

Cut off again.

'I know. Even as a Hero, you're locked up here. Right?'

'Cough. Let's skip that part, okay?' Stabbed in the pride before flexing—so painful.

'Fine,' Chu Xueyue agreed.

'Continuing. In this world, anyone recognized for Hero-like deeds can be named a Hero.' Albert said proudly, clearly having achieved such feats.

'Oh? Heroes always brave the Demon King's Castle. You must've charged in to earn the title. But since you're the type defeated by the Dark Lord, that's why you're across from me.'

'Didn't we agree not to discuss this?'

'I'm praising your heroic effort and outcome. Don't you like compliments?'

'That's not it at all!!' Albert wailed. So much for not mentioning it.