"Ahhh! Yaaah! Waaah!"

"Lulu, are you okay?" Alice asked as they followed Great Mage Haisa to a resting spot. The moment Lulu stepped inside, she dispelled her Magical Girl transformation—just as she’d warned, she could barely hold on anymore.

She’d done well to last this long. This was her first transformation, her first use of a Hero Skill. You know how it is—first times are always quick. With more practice and familiarity, she’d gradually endure longer.

Is this the price? It hurts so much! I’m dying! During battle, the Magical Girl transformation blocked my pain, letting me fight full force. But after dispelling it, I’m hit with double the pain I ignored. Aaah! Why is this damn Hero Skill like this? They promised I’d return to my pre-battle state afterward. This isn’t even close!

As the transformation faded, not only did agony crash over her, but her pre-battle wounds reappeared—including her broken right hand.

"Healer, come now!" Great Mage Haisa stayed calm, knowing they needed healing magic immediately. A healing spell first was always the right call.

"Thank you," Alice murmured, cradling the screaming Lulu to ease her pain. It barely helped.

Since they’d been in the city, both were unprepared. A proper mercenary would’ve had a healing crystal ready before a healer arrived. Alice usually carried one, but without her spatial gear now, she was helpless.

*Crack!* A hand reached toward Lulu. It clenched, shattering a white crystal in its palm.

Milky-white light seeped from the fist, flowing into Lulu. Miraculously, her pain vanished. She fell into a deep sleep in Alice’s arms.

Alice recognized it—a healing crystal. Years of experience told her this was high-grade, far rarer than market trinkets.

"Thank you," Alice said softly, knowing its worth left her with no other words.

"No need. I owe her. Without Lulu, I wouldn’t have held out so long in that fight. If anyone should thank anyone, it’s me. Glad this crystal eased her." Richard’s gaze lingered on Alice—his interest was obvious.

"Shouldn’t we move the injured to rest while waiting for a healer?" Great Mage Haisa cut in. "And I’d like to hear about this matter too." He reminded Alice that Lulu’s wounds were only superficially healed; her hand still needed care. He knew Alice’s identity but not why she looked like this now. There was gossip here.

"Give us a room to rest," Alice said, lifting Lulu effortlessly—denying the men any chance to help. "I’ll share what I can. But about this child—know only that she’s a Hero now. What else to reveal is her choice."

...

"So you’re Albert White, my predecessor as Dragon Slayer Hero?" Richard kept staring at the beautiful girl. No way she was once a man. *Should I touch her chest to check?* He dismissed the thought instantly. If she was truly female, he’d be molesting her. If male, he’d be a pervert.

"Why are you like this? You were my idol! I became a Dragon Slayer Hero partly because of you. How can you be a girl now? I can’t accept this!" Richard had idolized Albert before his own rise. Seeing his hero return as a woman shattered him.

"Yes, I’m Albert. Great Mage Haisa can confirm that."

"I confirm it," Haisa said.

*What? Just "I confirm it"? No proof? No documents? How is that confirmation?*

"I’m honored you saw me as an idol. But remember—you’re the Dragon Slayer Hero now. The nation’s future rests on you." Alice smiled. "Haven’t you heard of magic items that alter forms? I could look like anyone if I wished."

"I still can’t accept it... but your explanation shows how much I don’t know about Heroes. I have much to learn."

"Lord Cleidemann, you’ve been a Hero for such a short time. That’s why so much is unknown. With time, you’ll learn it all. Don’t worry about catching up to Lord Albert," Haisa soothed.

"Exactly. My life now is good. I’m no longer a Hero, so some things are off-limits—but I can do more others can’t. Today’s events can’t stay secret. Others might be fooled, but two Heroes appearing in one nation? The king will send envoys soon. Richard, could you handle them for me? I’m worried about leaving Lulu here." Alice pleaded with a pitiful tone.

"Of course, Lord Albert," Haisa agreed casually.

"I don’t mind either. But she—" Richard began.

"I’ll handle her matters."

"Alright then."