Chapter 1
Prologue
Hero Alec, you must succeed in defeating the demon lord.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Good. I have high expectations for you.
As I bowed my head in the audience chamber, the King slowly nodded while stroking his full beard.
I became a Hero after pulling out the legendary holy sword in my home village.
A divine apostle who appears in response to a demon lord being born into the world . . . That's what a Hero is.
I had continued my training as a Hero for ten years.
My adventure was finally beginning.
After gesturing for the excited me to stand up, the King called people into the audience chamber.
I had heard that the King and important officials had selected Adventurers worthy to be a Hero's companions. These four people would be the members traveling with me. I straightened my posture at the thought.
Now I'll introduce the party members. First is Locke, a Warrior.
Hey there, nice to meet you.
A sturdy-built man raised his hand while his armor clanked noisily.
Next is Leon, a Mage.
Hmph, try not to slow me down.
A bespectacled man about my age turned away with a flick of his black robe.
Next is Shirley, a Priestess.
I'll do my best!
A girl about my age tightly clutched a mace with both hands against her chest.
And lastly, Hayashi, a salesman.
Pleased to meet you. I'm Hayashi, a salesman.
Hayashi?! Salesman?!
A stranger appeared—though I suppose they were all strangers to me.
A person with an unknown profession appeared.
The man had neatly parted black hair and was dressed in an unfamiliar black attire.
He bowed his head to me while extending a rectangular card.
The card was covered in writing or symbols I had never seen before.
What? Who is this salesman Hayashi?!
I'm the person in question. It's always a pleasure doing business with you.
We haven't done any business! We just met!
The man approached with his card still extended, moving in what looked like a weird dance. I instinctively backed away. What was this? It made absolutely no sense.
My head was spinning, so I decided to direct my confusion at the King.
Your Majesty, what's the deal with this guy?!
Hmm. He is an Otherworlder who has appeared in our country for the first time in decades.
An Otherworlder?!
I have heard that Otherworlders possess remarkable skills. They will surely be of use to you.
Huh? What?
Even after hearing that, I still had no idea what a salesman was. It was too unfamiliar.
I looked the man up and down.
He was rather lean, and had the peculiar feature of looking like he could be in his twenties, thirties, or forties.
But he didn't look physically strong, and I couldn't sense any mana beyond that of an ordinary person.
A customer service smile was plastered on his face, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Nervously, I asked the man a question.