New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (2/3 chapters)
Hated Surname
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My father apparently lost in the succession dispute. While he was expected to succeed, the humiliation from his loss was immense. The house’s succession law stated that the heir would be chosen based on their achievements in magic, with the current head granting the right of inheritance.
After his defeat, my father gradually lost his support and started to go mad. My father was the eldest son and very talented. Everyone believed he would become the next head, but one day, an unexpected dark horse appeared and quickly stole the seat.
Since my father was already married, he had people to protect. In order to preserve his position, he swallowed his pride and begged the younger brother, who he had once mocked, to secure his status. Thanks to this, even though the family name was lost, he was able to maintain the Aldridge lineage.
I learned of this when I was old enough to understand, and I despised my father for it. However, despite everything, my father still hired a tutor to provide me with an elite education, even with the little wealth he had left. I appreciated his love, but the magic the tutor taught me was all dark magic.
At the time, I felt no doubt, but as I grew older, I realized that the basics of magic involved fire, ice, and electricity, and I began to wonder why I was being taught such unorthodox magic. Perhaps my father sought revenge.
—
The eldest son of the next head was apparently 10 years old. Our family was invited to his birthday party, and I was 5 years old at the time.
“This is an honor, House Head… Thank you for inviting us today.” (Father)
“No need for such formality. Take it easy today. It was originally your family’s house too.” (Head)
I still remember how my father briefly showed an expression of regret at the head’s final words.
“Come on, you should greet the House Head as well.” (Father)
“Yes… I am Reingard. Thank you for inviting us.” (Reingard)
I bowed as instructed. I couldn’t understand why I had to bow to this complete stranger.
“Reingard, was it? How old are you?” (Head)
“I’m 5 years old.” (Reingard)
“Ah, 5, huh? You’re about the same age as my sons.” (Head)
The phrase “5 years old” felt oddly off. It seemed like the head remembered something unpleasant. I had heard that the head had been married late and only had two children so far.
“Feel free to speak with my sons. The second son is 8, so he might be closer in age.” (Head)
“Y-Yes! Of course. Today is the birthday party for your beloved sons, after all.” (Father)
Father responded on my behalf. Watching him act so subservient was embarrassing, but I sort of understood this was how the world worked.
“Master Aldridge.” (Butler)
“Hmm… then, please excuse me.” (Head)
The head added a single remark before quickly leaving with the butler.
“… Tch.” (Father)
I remember how my father looked at them with a twisted, hateful gaze.
—
The day my mother’s affair was discovered, my father committed suicide. I believe his life was one of constant misfortune. But I could also understand my mother’s feelings. In the end, she felt the same as me. My father had kept his identity intact with his title as the eldest son of the Aldridge family and his pride. But once that was lost, his true nature was revealed.
My mother left me behind and went with that man. I no longer knew what she was doing. I never intended to blame my mother. My father, who allowed such an affair, was a man of that caliber. What I hated was this fate, being born as the son of a loser.
I had had enough of being miserable. I survived by using the dark magic I was taught. I had stolen, even killed. If I was cursed by fate, I thought it was my right to twist this world however I saw fit. It was a woman named Grace Grayson, with blonde hair, who saved me from this chaotic life.
“Ah, those blue eyes of yours… What kind of world have you seen?” (Grace)
“What kind of world? A world like trash.” (Reingard)
“I see… Well, would you be interested in a utopia without trash?” (Grace)
I wasn’t interested in such things, but I wanted a reason to live. I had gained the title of “Watchdog” due to my expertise in dark magic and Mana Detection skills. My role was officially as a violist in the orchestra, but behind the scenes, I was the guardian of Paradise. It seemed that Paradise also needed people who could do all the dirty work.
The people in the orchestra all had some kind of darkness in their hearts. Many were passionate about music, as it was the light to clear away their inner shadows. Grace Grayson taught me assassination techniques, while Medna Lauren taught me how to play musical instruments.
—
The role of a guardian of Paradise Cyans was never to remove intruders. Cyans’ philosophy was “We do not refuse those who come, but those who leave shall never be allowed to do so”. In other words, the guardian’s job was to take care of escapees, eliminate them, and cut down any potential threats. I was aware of this role and tried to take the most efficient actions, or so I thought.
The Soltaire assault took nearly two weeks after we let Kea and Jack escape. Even after I told them it was an order from the leader, it was hard to get the Guards to act. However, surprise attacks happen unexpectedly. Preparation should be meticulous, and the task itself wasn’t painful.
It was a moonless, dark night. I led a small team of Guards to the countryside town of Soltaire. The sounds of insects in the grass reminded me that spring had arrived. We knew the girl, who was likely the incarnation of the Goddess, and her companion, a Demon, were in this town.
“Reingard-sama… Are we… really okay to do this?” (Guard)
The Guard’s job was to carry the goddess. The assault was something I had planned to do alone.
“If you get involved, it’ll cause problems later. Leave it to me.” (Reingard)
“Understood.” (Guard)
With that, I began the advanced dark magic summoning ritual, “Black Octopus”.
“The cage is a finite manifestation bound by the seven heavens. I am the key to its liberation…” (Reingard)
“Black octopus, obey my will, as per the demonic pact…” (Reingard)
A massive magic circle, crackling with violet lightning, began to form high in the sky. It was so large it could cover the whole town of Soltaire. The sound of crackling electricity filled the air.
I loved this sight.
Summoning magic is, in general, exclusive to dark magic. Summoning means making a pact with the Demon world. If the Demon world doesn’t benefit from this pact, the backlash will be absorbed by the summoner’s body. It was truly a contract with the Devil.
From the center of the magic circle, a monstrous creature descended. A massive octopus-like creature, its body shrouded in black magic.
“… Oh…” (Guard)
The royal guards were stunned. They had probably never seen such a large summoning before.
“Devour everything.” (Reingard)
The assault had begun.
—
Soltaire was just a small town. I expected to find Kea’s presence quickly using mana detection. But for some reason, I couldn’t sense anything from any of the houses. It was strange that even Kea, who had such a unique aura, and the Semon-like creature Jack were nowhere to be found. Something was wrong.
The surprise attack must absolutely succeed. In my panic, I thought it wouldn’t matter if I destroyed a house or two. I had guessed that no one in this rural town would show resistance to a Demon from the Demon world. The Black Octopus destroyed the houses that lined the streets and exposed the people living there. The screams of the townspeople echoed throughout the town. However, neither Kea nor the Jack-like figure could be found.
The pact with the demon world is absolute. If this fails, half of my body will be taken away. That is how large the summoning is.
Suddenly, I noticed a single house on a small hill away from the town. From there, I could feel a strong mana.
*Guruguruguru!*
“… What is that?” (Reingard)
Just as I detected the mana, a massive fireball spun toward me. The fireball hit the Black Octopus. Such a massive spell certainly dealt damage to the octopus.
“Was that a Fireball?” (Reingard)
A mid-level fire magic spell, Fireball. Despite being mid-level, it is the most powerful magic of its kind. Furthermore, the size of this one, it’s something an ordinary mage couldn’t produce.
That house.
The Black Octopus extended its tentacles and moved its heavy body toward the small hill.
“Even after quelling many fires… Kano’s flame continues to fall…!” (Lindsay)
I heard a chant. It was a woman’s voice.
“The instant inferno! …Fireball!” (Lindsay)
Once again, a fireball flew from the house. However, this fireball was not nearly as large.
Is there not enough mana?
Its power was weaker, and it was clear that the caster was exhausted.
“…Octopus, go.” (Reingard)
I instructed the Octopus to smash the house with its tentacles.
“Kyahhh!” (??)
When I saw the yard, a pregnant woman with a large belly came into view.
I see. If she’s carrying a child, she likely can’t use magic effectively. However, this woman… I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere.
And next to her, unmistakably, was the incarnation of the goddess. She was staying close to the pregnant woman, seemingly concerned for her.
“… Ha… ha…” (Lindsay)
“Linda-san!” (Kea)
I had found the Goddess Kea.
But where is the Jack-thing? Did he die somewhere? If that’s the case, it’s convenient.
“Octopus, capture the Goddess.” (Reingard)
*Fushuu, fushuu, fushuu*
The octopus’s tentacles released a foul-smelling vapor from its suction cups. Immediately after, its tentacles moved toward the Goddess.
“Ahh…!” (Kea)
Once we take her outside the town, I’ll have the royal guards carry her away.
Just as the octopus’s tentacles were about to reach the Goddess, the Goddess’ incarnation used her body as a light source and released a powerful light. Then, an intense, dark red magical energy emerged.
“Ho… Finally, you appear.” (Reingard)
But I don’t mind mnd. If a God could make a Demon from the Demon world bow down, then let her try.
The light sphere covering the Goddess’ body crackled with lightning. The octopus’s tentacles couldn’t reach the Goddess due to the interference from the light sphere.
“Reingard Aldridge…” (Kea)
A voice echoed from the light sphere. Slowly, the Goddess opened her eyes, which were swirling with dark red vortexes.
“… Don’t call me by that name.” (Reingard)
That hateful, hateful Aldridge. That surname, which even my curses couldn’t rid me of, was also my surname.
“Poor thing. Your origin will have a terribly bad impact on your life.” (Kea)
“Shut up.” (Reingard)
What is a Goddess? What is paradise?
I did this just to erase the cursed fate I was born with.
The Goddess could never be captured with Demonic power. However, conversely, with human strength, the Goddess could easily be captured. When the Guards surrounded her, the light disappeared, and she was captured without difficulty. I immediately headed back to the Paradise Cyans to report my success to Grace.
“You… what have you done?” (Grace)
The leader was not pleased with my success at all. In fact, she seemed displeased. Her unhappiness didn’t seem related to my achievement.
“I’ve captured the Goddess’ incarnation.” (Reingard)
“That doesn’t concern us right now! Did you kill the people in the town?!” (Grace)
I hadn’t intended to kill anyone.
If there is no murderous intent, then any deaths could be considered accidents, right?
“I didn’t kill them intentionally. If they died on their own, it’s not my responsibility.” (Reingard)
“… You’re such a damn fool.” (Grace)
Grace buried her face in her hands.
“This is unbelievable… you’ve neglected your true role as the watchdog, and on top of that, you’ve caused this huge problem!” (Grace)
“True role? Did something happen?” (Reingard)
*Slap!*
I was struck on the cheek.
“… What…” (Reingard)
“This isn’t the time to be asking that! We’ve had a deserter from Cyans! And it’s the Jack-like figure you found!” (Grace)
The Jack-like figure was in Cyan? No wonder I couldn’t find him in Soltaire.
“This is the worst! The information we’ve protected all this time is now exposed! We might need to consider retreating!” (Grace)
“…” (Reingard)
Grace’s face was filled with rage. Having seen such expressions countless times before, I wasn’t particularly shaken. Maybe because I was not reacting as expected, Grace continued.
“… You’re getting severe punishment! As we, who swore non-violence, cannot kill someone, this is unacceptable!” (Grace)
Wasn’t it you who taught me how to kill?
“Why did this happen? Everything was going smoothly…” (Grace)
Grace, with her hair still disheveled, muttered to herself as she walked toward the Cyans cathedral.
“Wait! What should we do with the Goddess’s incarnation?” (Reingard)
“I don’t care about that! Just throw her in the ‘Baptism Room’ or something!” (Grace)
“………Understood.” (Reingard)
I thought I had gotten used to being discarded, but it’s still sad when the one who picked me up pushes me away.
It seems I am still just a child.
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