"So you're saying a Hero's power always comes from the people's adoration, and the world's blessings are limited. To ensure the next Dragon Slayer Hero receives greater strength, the world's will deliberately blurred your existence. Even though you're still alive, most can't recognize you anymore. Is that right?"
"Exactly. Only this way can each new Hero gain enough power to achieve great deeds." Albert lowered his head, slumped in a corner with arms wrapped around his knees.
"In that case, no wonder the Dark Lord summoned me straight to the Demon King's Castle dungeon. As long as no one knows my identity—even if I started as a max-level account decked out in full legendary gear—without humanity's blessing, I couldn't kill or seal the Dark Lord. Right?"
"At best, it'd be a stalemate. The Dark Lord represents the pinnacle of this world's power. Every Hero chronicle I've read mentions this."
Chu Xueyue glanced again at Albert's Hero Interface displayed on the Hero Bracelet:
**Name:** Albert White
**Race:** Human
**Class:** (Former) Hero
*(Note: Title retained solely as a memento. No functional significance. Preserved with the Hero Bracelet for sentimental value.)*
**Attributes:** [Redacted]
**Hero Skill:** Humanity's Hope
*(Channels human wishes to self-enhance and bestow divine power. Wish capacity: 0/50.)*
*(Note: Temporarily retained on former Hero Albert White until claimed by a successor.)*
"So the world kept you a souvenir bracelet after using you up. How thoughtful," Chu teased.
"Don't say that. Becoming a Hero was my choice. I gained much from it." Albert lifted his head, forcing brightness into his voice. "Though everyone believes I'm dead now... that's fine. I can finally live quietly. The dragon-slaying rewards alone could keep us feasting and lounging comfortably for life."
*Just cry if you're hurting. No need to pretend.* Though they'd only known each other days, Albert had rescued him from the Demon King's Castle, bought him clothes and meals—truly a good man. Yet his homeland stripped his title the moment he returned. What had he done to deserve this?
Chu crouched down, a faint smile touching his lips. "This works for me too. My 'Otherworldly Hero' title? No one's seen my face. As long as I hide my identity, no one knows I exist."
"You won't reveal yourself? A Hero's glory and power could make your harem dreams come true overnight. Isn't that what you wanted?" Albert stared, startled.
Chu spread his hands, still smiling. "If no one knows I'm alive, humanity believes the Hero is dead. Even the Dark Lord must think so—that's why he imprisoned me, trying to cripple the next Hero. But if I stay hidden... my successor won't lose power. And I can retire like you. A peaceful life sounds perfect."
"Hah! Never took you for the retiring type." Albert's eyes glinted mischievously. "But remember—if you vanish, your princess will belong to someone else. Feeling those green horns sprouting yet?"
"Actually... yeah, a bit." Chu stood up laughing. "But I've never even met her. Out of sight, out of mind. Some bonds just aren't meant to be."
Albert rose too, joining his laughter. Thankfully, the festival cheers drowned them out—anyone hearing this would think them mad.
"Think about it," Chu grinned. "A washed-up ex-Hero and a broken-bracelet nobody-Hero? Perfect partners. You're a mercenary now, right? Once I cultivate Battle Aura, take me on quests. We'll form a team, earn enough to retire, marry sweethearts, raise kids in blissful—*ahem*—shameless domesticity. Doesn't that sound ideal?"
Albert's shoulders relaxed. *Let current Heroes handle their own burdens.* "Deal. I'll train you properly," he declared, clapping Chu's back.
*Time to leave. This celebration honors his replacement—the 'dead' man's successor. Staying only twists the knife.*
"Albert," Chu said casually, "you mentioned living in this city? Could you show me your home? After that Swiftwind Falcon ride, I need quiet. Somewhere to rest?"
"No problem." Albert started walking, then paused. "Ah—the mansion the king gave me... probably sealed since my 'death.' We'll go to my old place instead. Dusty, but livable after cleaning. I haven't returned in years."
"Anywhere's fine," Chu assured him. "Just need a roof."
