Chapter 11: Think About It

(Alice's POV)

"I used to be a hero." (Marcus)

When I heard what Marcus said, I couldn't help but leave my mouth agape. I knew he was telling the truth because the look in his eyes was so serious. He's usually laid back and a little perverted.

"Eh? You used to be a hero? I don't believe it." (Kari)

My best friend, Kari, said with doubtful eyes as she stared at Marcus. I couldn’t blame her. Hearing that a person, who’s originally supposed to be in prison, claiming that he used to be a hero, I’d be skeptical too.

However, that’s if they were any other person. I believe Marcus. 

“Here, I’ll show you…” (Marcus)

Stretching out his hand, a strange phenomenon started to happen. In the middle of his palm, a small purplish-black flame appeared.

“Cool! Can I touch it?” (Kari)

With sparkles in her eyes, Kari asks Marcus. Shrugging his shoulders he said.

“Sure. however, the moment you do, it’ll turn you into ashes.” (Marcus)

Just as she was about to touch the purplish-black flame, Marcus suddenly said. The moment she heard this, Kari immediately snatched her hand back. 

“Are you trying to kill me!” (Kari)

“Hahaha! I was just kidding. I can control it so it won’t burn you.” (Marcus) 

Laughing a little as he said that, Marcus stretches his hand out towards Kari.

“Here go ahead and touch it.” (Marcus)

“You sure it won’t burn me?” (Kari)

“I’m positive now hurry up. I can only manifest this for so long, my mana is about to run dry.” (Marcus)

“Okay, okay. If I die, I’m going to haunt you.” (Kari)

At Marcus urging, Kari with an uneasy expression, placed her hand over the flame. With a face full of surprise, she said.

“Wow! It’s warm!” (Kari)

“Told you. I can freely control the temperature so there’s nothing to worry about...now do you believe that I used to be a hero?” (Marcus)

“Seeing as you couldn't have learned this overnight, I have no choice but to believe you... For now at least.” (Kari)

“That's good enough for me. But if still don't believe me, read some history books when you have the time. You'd find me in there. Now, as to why I don't want to become a hero, it's simple. One time was enough for me." (Marcus)

Calmly dispersing the flame that was in his hand with a wave, Marcus stabbed his fork into another slice of steak, eating it.

"Come on. Becoming a hero can’t be that bad is it?" (Kari)

Kari said, trying to persuade Marcus.

"Can’t be that bad? You guys are only looking at the bright side. You guys don't have any idea how bad it really is." (Marcus)

Marcus releases a heavy sigh before continuing. In his eyes, I see only tiredness.

"Let me ask you something Kari..." (Marcus)

Marcus looks at Kari with a face full of seriousness. This causes Kari to look away and stutter a little as she lets out her words,

"W-what is it?" (Kari)

“What happens in war?” (Marcus)

“Uhm, people fight.” (Kari)

“Exactly. Do you know what happens when they fight?” (Marcus)

“They get hurt?” (Kari)

“Worse. They die. So tell me Kari. Do you have the resolve...” (Marcus)

Marcus's jade green eyes turn cold as he continues.

"To kill someone." (Marcus)

"..." (Kari)

"..." (Alice)

Nothing but silence fills the room. If the topic of why he doesn't want to become a hero made the room's atmosphere heavy. Then this question made the temperature drop below zero.

"W-what do you mean?" (Kari)

Caught off guard by the question, Kari asks nervously. 

"Like I said. Do you have the resolve to kill a person? Do you have the resolve to deprive a family of its member? Are you able to handle the fact that every time you kill a person, you're either reducing a mother to tears, creating a widow, or making a child an orphan? Can you handle that type of burden?” (Marcus)

Marcus stands up and walks before Kari, and stares down at her as if looking at an ant. The pressure he's giving off is making it harder to breathe.

I-is this the Marcus I know?

"Have you?" (Marcus)

"I-I..." (Kari)

Kari starts stuttering in her words again. It seems that Marcus cornered her.

"I can't hear you." (Marcus)

Marcus asks again and this time with a little more force.

"I don't okay! I don't! I can't kill a person outright!" (Kari)

Not able to stand the pressure anymore. Kari shouts angrily. From out the corners of her eyes, I could see tears starting to form. 

"If you don't have the resolve to kill a person then there's no reason for you to become a hero." (Marcus)

Noticing this as well, Marcus says coldly.

At those words...

"Marcus, that’s enough!" (Alice)

I stand between Kari and Marcus and shout a little angrily. I didn't expect that he would berate her like that. 

"...Alice, this goes for you two. If you don’t have the resolve to kill a person then you shouldn’t even think about becoming a hero. This ain’t some manga or some anime. This is real life, people will die.” (Marcus)

I look into Marcus' eyes and see him giving me a look of pleading. This causes my previous anger to subside substantially. Of all the years that I’ve known him, I know he's not the type of person to act like this without a good reason.

"You two need to see the bigger picture! What happens in war? It's simple, people die. Look at the world wars, look at the war on terrorism. Do you see how much blood is shed? So you tell me, how will this war be any more different? Wars over here are more dangerous than the ones from Earth. Have you ever had a miniature sun drop on you before?” (Marcus)

He said calmly. After hearing his words, I understand what he's getting at. There isn't magic in our world so all of our weapons are made using science, which has limitations. On the other hand, over here, magic can make anything possible. 

For example, people being summoned from other worlds.

This revelation made me and Kari feel equally sad. Maybe...we were a little too hasty on saying we're going to become heroes. We got caught up in the moment and agreed without thinking too deeply about the situation.

"Sigh, I'm not trying to be an asshole and say you shouldn’t want to be a hero. I just want to make sure you guys know what you’re getting into. Take it from me, the previous hero, war is hell. I want you two to be safe. Especially you, Alice.” (Marcus)

Marcus's voice becomes gentle as he places his hand on my head and pats it. 

It felt nice as it helped ease my sadness.

He said all those mean things to me and Kari because he was worried about us. He wasn't against us becoming heroes but wanted us to be prepared for what lies ahead.

"Please think about whether or not you want to become heroes again. If you're still adamant about becoming one then...I'll teach what I know."

“"Eh?"” (Alice) (Kari)

We both look at Marcus with wide eyes. Did I hear wrong? Did Marcus say he was going to teach us?

"You're going to teach us?" (Alice)

I ask, unable to hold back any longer.

"Yeah, if you guys are dead set on wanting to fight the demon lord...I'll help you. But I want you to think it over tonight before giving me your answer first. I don’t want you to have any regrets.” (Marcus)

He said with a wry smile.

"Yay! Give me a hug!" (Kari)

Filled with joy, Kari jumps into Marcus’s embrace. And with that, the once heavy atmosphere lightens up to a jolly one.

"So soft and jiggly!" (Marcus)

"Such a pervert! You don’t even bother to hide it!" (Kari)

Seeing his intoxicated face as he gets hugged by Kari makes me mad for some reason. 

Could it be that I'm jealous?

...Hmm, that's plausible. After all, separation makes the heart grow fonder. After all, it’s been three years, four months, and sixteen days since I last saw him.

"Kari when are you gonna stop hugging me? I can't breathe! They're suffocating me!" (Marcus)

"Oh come on now. I know you like it. I bet you're in paradise right now aren't you?" (Kari)

"I may be in paradise right now but I'll go to heaven if you don't let me go! I don’t wanna meet Father Jefferson yet!" (Marcus)

“Kari, don't you think you're acting a little inappropriate?” (Alice)

Acting on my jealousy, I ask Kari with a kind, warm smile. My eyes, however, were ice cold. 

My intent was simple. 

Let him go.

"...Since I feel that my life may be at risk the longer I do this, I'll let you go." (Kari)

Reading the intent behind my stare, Kari releases Marcus with a wry smile. As expected of my best friend, she understands me fully.

“Hah....hah!....Thanks for the treat." (Marcus)

With a red face, Marcus said happily with a smile. Sigh, he hanged around Father Jefferson too long. His sense of shamelessness just about reached his level. 

"No prob. No prob. Despite that death glare I received just now, let's say that was your reward since you're going to teach me." (Kari)

Sticking her tongue out at me, Kari joked and said.

"Mn, that payment was acceptable." (Marcus)

"That's good to hear." (Kari)

"Okay, jokes aside. I seriously want you two to think it over. This isn’t a game we’re talking about here because the moment you guys agree, there’s no going back." (Marcus)

In response to those words, me and Kari put on a solemn face and nod in unison. Marcus is right, this is something we’ll have to think long and hard about.

“It’s good that you understand…it’s getting late, you guys should go to bed.” (Marcus)

Walking towards the door and opening it, Marcus said.

“See you tomorrow Marcus. Goodnight.” (Alice)

“Goodnight.” (Kari)

Walking out the door, me and Kari said. With a wave, Marcus said ‘goodnight’ and closed the door.

“It looks like we’ll need to think long and hard about this one, Alice.” (Kari)

Walking back to our rooms, Kari said with a solemn expression. Nodding agreement with her, I add.

“We certainly do. We were too distracted at the thought of being heroes that we didn’t even bother to look at the downsides to it. We were too naive.” (Alice)

 I’ll admit, when the King bowed his head towards us, I was a little moved and honored. It was an experience not everyone can have.

“It’s going to be a long night.” (Kari)

At Kari’s groaning, we both let out a sigh. 

Tonight’s going to be a night of many tosses and turns. 

***

".....Come on out. I know you're there." (Marcus)

The moment that Alice and Kari left. I turn my attention toward the left corner of the room. Standing there was a black shadow. It blended in very well due to the lighting of the room. If it wasn't for me being sensitive to my surroundings, I probably wouldn't have noticed them.

"I didn't think that you would find me." 

The black shadow said as it walked away from the corner.

"Didn't think it was you." (Marcus)

"But you suspected that a person would come, yes?"

"Un, more or less." (Marcus)

It turns out the one who hid in the corner was the king’s attendant, Willis. He sits on the couch and looks at me calmly. I follow his lead and sit in the chair opposite him. 

"Let me explai-" (Willis)

"I can guess the reason why." (Marcus)

I interrupted him and continued. 

"Judging by how the King acted when he first saw me, he must've known my identity as a hero." (Marcus)

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"Yes, that is correct. He wants to meet you right now, if it isn't too much of a bother….Mr. Mars" (Willis)

"...It's fine. I’ve been meaning to ask him a couple more questions, anyway." (Marcus) 

I couldn't ask earlier due to Alice and Kari being present but now that they're gone I should take this chance.

"That's good to hear. Please follow me to his majesty's study.” (Willis)

"Sure." (Marcus)

We both stand up and head to the study room. It didn't take us long before we arrived.

We stop at the entrance and the attendant lightly knocks on the door. From within the room, I hear the king's voice.

“Come in.” (King Paul)

Me and Attendant Willis enter the room. And upon entering, I saw the familiar desk stacked with papers, and sitting behind those stacks of papers was the King, he was sipping on a glass of what I think is whiskey while reading a document. We walked up to the desk and slightly bowed before the king.

"I've brought him your majesty." (Willis)

Looking up from his paper, the King nods and says,

"Thank you for the hard work. You can take the rest of the night off." (King Paul)

"Thank you, your majesty." (Willis)

I thought you guys had a king-retainer relationship? Not a supervisor-employee one.

After the attendant leaves, the King looks at me and smiles casually. I do the same as well.

"Please take a seat." (King Paul)

He points at the leather chair in front of me. I nod my head and comply.

“To start things off, how did you figure out my identity?” (Marcus)

This has been troubling me. I knew they suspected me, especially when I saw the King's reaction when we first met and during the evaluation.

“That's simple, I remembered your face.” (King Paul)

“Eh? My face?” (Marcus)

“Yes. Despite it being over a decade ago, I can still vividly remember your face. Not everyone was able to see the face of the infamous hero Mars since he always wore a black mask. So the moment I managed to get a glimpse of it, I decided to engrave it into my mind.” (King Paul)

“...I see.” (Marcus)

...Damn. I didn't expect to be found out like that. I thought it was because I noticeably slipped up or something but who knew it was because of my face.

Wait.

...Who engraves a person's face into their mind and still remembers it after all these years? I can understand a family member but a stranger...

“Don't look at me like I am a weirdo! D-don’t scoot your chair back! At the time, you were seen as a mysterious figure so I couldn’t help but do it!” (King Paul)

Watching me slide my chair back and stare at him with a creeped out expression, the King hastily tries to defend himself. 

Like how I used the pseudonym Mars when I was a hero, I also wore a mask to hide my identity. The things I did while wearing that mask made me the object of fear for many. 

From both allies and foes alike.

“But still, remembering my face like that is a little bit freaky. If you were a pretty woman and a queen instead of a good looking guy and a king, I’d be all for it.” (Marcus)

No man would turn down such flattery. 

“Anyways, you got something to drink?” (Marcus)

“Yeah.” (King Paul)

The King takes out a glass and bottle of whiskey from the desk cupboard and pours its contents into the glass. When he was done, he handed it to me. By the way, the drinking age over here is 13, which signifies the first step into adulthood, so this isn't underage drinking.

“Man, this is strong.” (Marcus)

I say in surprise as I stare at the glass. I haven't drunk from it yet and I could smell the strong scent of alcohol wafting from it.

“Haha, compared to what dwarves drink, this isn’t nothing.” (King Paul)

“True. They drink alcohol like it's water.” (Marcus)

I nod in agreement. Just like dwarves of fantasy, dwarves here can hold their alcohol. 

“But I think Lunar Shine is better though.” (Marcus)

“Of course it is. That liquor is considered a legend even amongst dwarves. Not everyone can meet the ever-elusive Drunken Nomad.” (King Paul)

I remember that during my time as a hero, I got acquainted with Drunken Nomad. He lived in the woods of the Elven country Dryadalum for a while. And while me and my companions traveled the forests of Dryadalum, we coincidentally saved him from getting eaten by a danger beast, which are animals who can use mana. He was trying to get ingredients for his liquor. 

Drunken Nomad, as his name would suggest, is a dwarf who would gather herbs from wherever location he was staying and blend it in with his original liquor recipe to make a new flavor. But this wasn’t the thing he was most famous for though. The thing that made him world-renowned was that his alcohol had an insanely high alcohol content. Half a cup of his stuff could knock a dwarf out cold, much less for a human!

I blacked out after drinking one cup of it!

““Cheers!”” (Marcus) (King Paul)

CLINK!

We clink our glasses together and down its contents in one gulp. A burning sensation travels down my throat followed by a mellowed taste.

“Tell me, Lord Mars, why didn't you want to become a hero a second time?” (King Paul)

Out of the blue, the King asks. Within his eyes are hints of curiosity. With a sigh, I take the bottle of whiskey and pour myself another drink before saying,

“Please, call me Marcus...I wanna live a life of peace surrounded by beautiful girls. Is that too much for me to ask? Besides, you know how the last war was like…*gulp*...it was hell.” (Marcus)

Villages were massacred, towns were destroyed, and betrayal and crime ran rampant throughout the land. You had to look over your shoulder every time you went to a new place. Otherwise, you’d either be dead or shackled in chains ready to be sold off to some noble. 

It was like the wild west out there!

"Hmm, your right. Although this war isn't as bad as the one ten years ago, since back then it was only you, it's still bad. Especially with the way Ladoris is acting.” (King Paul)

…

Eh?

“What do you mean 'since it was just you’? Other than me, Alice and Kari, are you saying there are more summoned people?” (Marcus)

“Yes. Did I forget to mention that?” (King Paul)

“Yes! Yes, you did!” (Marcus)

“Sorry.” (King Paul)

The King then does that 'teehee’ pose. 

“... Don't ever do that again. Only cute girls are supposed to do that, and you, my friend, aren't pretty in the slightest.” (Marcus)

I said with a deadpan expression. Although he had a handsome face, it didn't match well with the pose. Well, that could be just me dissing him on the low because he looks better than me.

“S-sorry…” (King Paul)

The King lightly coughs before continuing.

“There are four more heroes that were summoned to Lunaria. The first hero was summoned by the Elven kingdom, Dryadalum. His name is Oscar Presley. I don't know how I should say it but if it wasn't for the fact that he was summoned, I would've thought he was an elf.” (King Paul)

“Is he that effeminate?” (Marcus)

“Yes. If you were to see him you'll know.” (King Paul)

I could only take his word for it and nod my head in agreement. As you know, all elves are born beautiful, so beautiful that if you place them on Earth, they'll be able to snag an acting or modeling job easily. 

Sadly though, the trade-off for this level of beauty is that they’re rather weak in combat and the women have disappointing figures. Their chests are flat as an airstrip. The only other thing they got going for them is their legendary archery skills. 

“What about the second hero?” (Marcus)

“The next hero is Eric Kingston, he was summoned by Caligula. From what I heard, he's the epitome of what a knight in shining armor is, he’s kind, chivalrous, and respectful. He's even been chosen to wield Excalibur.” (King Paul)

“Wow! That's amazing! He might even live up to the nation's founder, Arthur Pendragon himself.” (Marcus)

If he was chosen by Excalibur then he must be a good guy. After all, Excalibur can only be wielded by those who are worthy. I always wanted to use Excalibur but due to it being a national treasure, I couldn't use it, even more so since the only time I ever went to Caligula was to fight. I doubt I could even wield it anyway.

“The third hero was summoned by the Doragon Empire. She’s a girl who goes by the name Yuki Shirosaki. My intel says she’s a noble and upright young lady, comparable to Ms. Alice.” (King Paul)

“How so?” (Marcus)

I ask curiously. 

“They both have this charismatic and noble bearing around them that can put pressure on a person. They're able to stay calm in most situations. How should I put it...” (King Paul)

The King taps his finger on his chin for a few moments before answering.

“It's like they were raised to be princesses.” (King Paul)

“Hmm, that is true. Alice was raised by owners of a multi-million dollar company. Maybe this Yuki Shirosaki was too.” (Marcus)

Alice was adopted by a well-known family within the business and political world, the Houstons. Henry Houston, aka, Alice's father, owns the company named OmniCorp. It dips its hands into many areas, from textiles to researching and developing new technology.

Amanda Houston, aka, Alice's mother, is a politician. Using her political influence she helped expand her husband's business worldwide. From what Alice told me, for her to get acquainted with the business world, they had their sons bring her to many CEO meetings. She’d sit there for hours listening to them discuss what they’d do with the company’s money and so forth. 

Hmm, I guess being raised in that fashion may have a few side effects. I never really noticed.

Pouring himself another glass, the King leans back in his chair and says with a smirk,

“As for Artaisia, they didn’t summon any hero.” (King Paul)

“Oh, for real?” (Marcus)

I say in surprise. Artaisia’s my homeland in the world of Lunaria, most of my comrades came from there too. 

“Yes for real. Instead of summoning one, they decided to raise one of their own. His name is Alex Hunter. There isn't much information on him other than he's quite the silent guy. He only talks to the queen and his maid, Sherry.” (King Paul)

“Is that so? Well, I hope he meets the expectations of the queen. How is she by the way?” (Marcus)

“She's doing fine according to the last time I saw her. I even heard she was training the hero personally.” (King Paul)

“That's good then, at least he won't die.” (Marcus)

I said as I took a sip from my glass. Grace Ludwig, the queen of Artaisia, was one of my companions that fought with me on the front lines. Albeit, back then she was still a princess. She ascended the throne soon after Wilburg was killed.

Knowing that she’s going to be the one in charge of raising their hero, I’m sure he’ll become a strong one.

“Hearing that there were four other heroes, I feel a little jealous.” (Marcus)

Gulping down another glass of alcohol, I said with a wry smile.

“Jealous?” (King Paul)

“Yeah. As you know, when I was summoned here, I was by myself, alone. I didn't have no one to talk to about my world. No one to share the same experiences with. No one to relate to. I had nobody.” (Marcus)

“Mn, that's true. I didn't hear any other heroes being summoned other than you. But looking at the circumstances back then, that was the best we, the people of Lunaria could do.” (King Paul)

“Mn.“ (Marcus)

I nod in agreement. Back then, things were pretty bad, Denoria relentlessly attacked the five great nations, causing nothing but chaos.

Hopefully, with Alice, Kari, and the others here, they should be able to handle this crisis...well, that’s if they want to be a hero.

“Sigh, I’ll leave this world's future in their hands.” (Marcus)

“Isn’t I the one that’s supposed to say that? You’re young but you sound like an old man.” (King Paul)

“Well, look at what I’ve been through. I’ve seen stuff a person my age should never see.” (Marcus)

“And for that, I commend you. I’ve heard all the rumors about you and what you did...Just know that there are people out there who sympathize with you. In war, you do what you have to do.” (King Paul)

“Haha, thanks. Anyways, tell me a little bit about what’s going on in the world.” (Marcus)

“Alright.” (King Paul)

For two hours, we started chatting. While chatting, I asked him a few questions about the things that happened after I left. The stuff I heard from his mouth made me form a bitter smile.

“If it's like then I guess it's alright.” (Marcus)

“Are you sure? The whole world thinks you’re a traitor. Are you sure about it?” (King Paul)

“If it's to protect his image then yeah, I'm okay with it.” (Marcus)

I say resolutely. That guy, in my opinion, could be considered a true knight, a true hero, even...if his ideals were a little too extreme. Unlike me, who, even before stepping foot into Lunaria already had dirty hands.

“Sigh, if you put it that way then I won't press the matter anymore. But I would like to ask a question?” (King Paul)

“Shoot.” (Marcus)

“Can you...tell me what happened? I heard the gist of it from Queen Grace but I wasn’t able to get the details.” (King Paul)

“...I’m sorry but that’s a no. I promised to take it to my grave so I can’t go telling it now.” (Marcus)

After thinking a few moments, I told him. Even if he is the king, there are some things that even he isn’t allowed to know.

“I see…” (King Paul)

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Then, all of a sudden, someone starts knocking on the door.

***

Author's Note

-Well, how was this chapter? I wanted to try writing it from a different perspective so I hope I nailed it.

- Also, I've decided to put the names of the characters beside their dialogue, that way, it'd make things easier to follow.

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