Mythology: Ragnarok

Chapter 160 The Days I Was Slayed by Heroes (Part 4)

As if knowing everyone's doubts, Kare explained, "Back then, it was because I didn't believe in those so-called gods and was utterly disappointed with those old guys who only knew how to beg from those so-called gods that I volunteered to become a hero to fight the Shadow King. Otherwise, do you think the Light Empire would let the elders' relatives take unnecessary risks to fight monsters? I could just lie at home and live a life of leisure, with everything done for me."

Bruce asked Kare, "Do all the other heroes live here besides you?"

Kare thought for a moment and said, "They're basically all here, but a few are missing. Two committed suicide, and three others here had this inexplicable sense of superiority and were very arrogant. As a result, we purged them from within. After all, nobody tolerates your bad habits when you're out in the world. If you count them, there are at least eighty heroes here. If you include their followers, there are thousands. Alright, don't just stand here. Let's go into the village. Once we're inside, you'll understand many things for yourselves."

Kare clearly didn't want to answer their questions anymore, so he beckoned everyone to head into the town, and the group followed him into the town of heroes.

As Kare led the way, he explained, "About half the people in this town are members of the hero's army who arrived in recent years. We settled here after being defeated by the Shadow King. Our understanding of the Shadow King is largely flawed and misunderstanding; he didn't kill us and even allowed us to settle here, bringing our own culture and wisdom. The residents here are quite harmonious, although some are prejudiced against us, like the one you just met. But please understand him; if you had experienced his life, you might not have been much more polite to the heroes."

The town's farmland is so vast that its annual grain production far exceeds the residents' needs. Therefore, the grain is usually exported to the Orc Plains in exchange for other necessities. The town boasts excellent sanitation and a pleasant living environment. However, seasonings are relatively rare in this country, so the food might be a little difficult for those of us who are used to it at first.

Aside from this drawback, it's an extremely comfortable place to live, and I'm sure you'll adapt to and enjoy life here.

Hearing the increasingly off-putting introduction, the warrior beside Bruce immediately retorted, "What do you mean? You're just assuming we'll be defeated by the Shadow King like you, and then live here like stray dogs with our tails between our legs?"

Kare didn't stop, but just glanced back at him before continuing, "You can understand it this way, and I can even tell you bluntly that your chances of defeating the Shadow King are almost zero."

The others were immediately displeased upon hearing this. They all glared at the hero with hostile expressions, and the last bit of respect and hope they had instantly vanished. They ignored Kare's discouraging words and, led by Kare, finally arrived at a simple and unadorned mansion.

After leading you here, Kare seemed deflated as he said, "Alright, if you have any other questions, go inside and find the guy who arrived here first, the first hero 'Gannon'. As the first person to arrive, he is also the town mayor. If you have any problems, go to him. If he can't solve them, then we certainly can't. Alright, I've done my best as your guide. How you proceed from here is up to you."

After saying that, Kare thumped his shoulder in a lazy manner, then turned and walked away, shouting to himself, "If I were you, I would leave while I'm still young. Go, kids, there's no need for you to continue in this game that you can't win."

Then Kare disappeared from everyone's sight in an instant. Those who were staring at him blinked, thinking they were hallucinating. However, most of them didn't pay much attention to it. Perhaps they never dreamed that every hero here had the combat ability of a legendary warrior.

Bruce knocked politely on the door, and after receiving a response from the owner, he pushed open the half-closed door and walked into Ganon's yard, where he saw the so-called first generation hero leisurely sunbathing on a deck chair.

Bruce bowed and said, "Bruce Reston, the last hero of the Kingdom of Light, greets you, senior. We would like to trouble you for two days before heading to the residence of the Shadow King."

Ganon sat up, looked him over, and said, "Your spirit is good, but I don't know about your actual strength. If you want to stay here, that's easy. I'll have someone arrange it for you later. But if you want to leave, you'll have to abide by our rules."

Bruce immediately became very interested and asked, "This junior would like to ask what the rules are for leaving this place?"

Ganon stood up, straightened his clothes, and said, "Defeat us, or rather, defeat all the heroes in this town, including me, and we'll let you leave. Otherwise, forget it."

Bruce's followers were immediately displeased upon hearing this request, and they condemned it, saying, "You are restricting our freedom; this is no different from house arrest!"

Bruce said nonchalantly, "That's fine too. If I can't even defeat you seniors, I'm not qualified to challenge the Shadow King. I hope you seniors will be kind enough to give me some pointers."

Ganon looked at him with satisfaction and said, "Don't worry, believe me, you will learn far more here than you did in the Kingdom of Light. Alright, go and settle into the accommodations I've arranged for you. We will begin private training for each of you starting tomorrow."

Then the old butler of Ganon’s mansion came over and led Bruce and the others to their temporary residence. The house arranged by Ganon suited Bruce’s taste perfectly. Although the residence was not luxurious, it was definitely comfortable. The other followers were also arranged to stay in nearby residences.

The group, exhausted from their journey, slept soundly that night, only to be greeted the next day by intense training from the heroes of the past and their followers.

The terrifying intensity and strict requirements were even difficult for Bruce to handle, let alone his followers. For a time, all sorts of shrill screams echoed in every corner of the town of heroes, and the miserable sounds sent chills down one's spine.

However, the special training was very effective. The last hero's strength was improving at an astonishing rate. In a very short time, he mastered the wisdom and skills of those heroes and defeated them one by one. Later on, almost every day, several heroes would be defeated by Bruce.