BraveHitter！

Prologue: Defeat

A red screen spreads before my eyes. My name is Alan. I am the hero who rose to defeat the demon lord Iblitos, bringing chaos to the world.

Having cleared numerous events and dungeons, defeating formidable monsters and demons, I have come close to the ending of the story. Yes, this is the demon lord's castle—the site of the final battle.

I have gathered the best companions: the swordmaster warrior Burukures, the martial artist Deho who delivers critical hits, and the wise sage Onikia who always supports the party.

"Hero Alan," said the white-haired elderly demon in front of me. His skin is purple, and dragon-like horns protrude. With a skull shoulder guard and a deep black robe, he looks truly ominous. This is none other than the demon lord Iblitos.

"Even with the best companions, equipment, and techniques and spells, do you know why you cannot win?" he asked.

I have built the best of everything. I gained experience, leveled up, and acquired advanced techniques, spells, and skills. But reality is harsh. I didn't expect Iblitos to be this powerful.

Our polished techniques and spells—everything was effortlessly brushed aside with a calm expression. I couldn't believe it. Each of us attacked using our strengths.

"Alan... sorry!"

"No way we can beat this monster!!"

Burukures and Deho, both heavily damaged, turned their backs and tried to escape, leaving us behind. Not yet, the battle isn't over yet...

"Wait, both of you!"

I shouted loudly. The battle is still ongoing; if we can think of a strategy, we might find a way out. However, my companions were different.

"I always want to keep winning! Sorry, but I'll join a party that seems strong enough to win next time!"

"I thought if I defeated the demon lord, I could live a luxurious life forever. Joining this party was a mistake!"

The two trusted companions... at the very end, they revealed their true feelings. Watching them run away, I felt a sense of despair, as if I had been pushed to the brink. Betrayed, disappointed—mixed feelings overwhelmed me.

"Foolish... you can't escape from the demon lord."

Iblitos' voice of disdain echoed. Then, a giant fireball crossed in front of me. It simply passed by, yet I felt the heat and pain of hellish flames. It was the highest-level fire attribute magic, "Ifuriga," aimed at Burukures and Deho.

"Ugh!?"

"Aaargh!"

Their death throes echoed in the demon lord's castle, the setting of the final battle. And unfortunately, the two turned into ashes.

"Let's go back to the earlier question. Do you know why you can't win?"

"Ugh!"

I rushed to Onikia. She had exhausted her magical power in the battle against Iblitos and was the first to fall.

"Are you okay, Onikia!?"

"Ugh..."

She somehow regained consciousness. She's okay... she's still breathing. When Onikia woke up, she took on a banshee-like expression and shouted.

"I... I don't want to die in a place like this!"

"Onikia!?"

Onikia knelt before Iblitos, assuming a prayer-like pose.

"Please, Lord Demon, I will do anything! Make me your slave, it's fine. Just spare my life..."

"What are you saying? We are—"

"I only thought you were a slightly cool hero and cooperated with you! I can't believe in a hero who loses to a demon lord, anyway!"

"That's..."

Our party, the hero's group, fell one by one. Confronted with desperate feelings, Iblitos expressed words of pity.

"Pitiful. Those who possess nothing more than the mentality of beasts cannot defeat me."

As he spoke, Iblitos conjured something with both hands. A massive black lightning bolt was visible—an evil, merciless mass. That lightning bolt was released towards us. Is that... a synthesis of dark and lightning attribute magic?

"Even with the best team, each lacks the heart to trust others."

"I won't die in a place like this—"

The party was annihilated...

☆★☆

It's dark... I sense myself sinking into a dark abyss. This must be what they call "death." Iblitos spoke just before the moment of death.

"Even with the best team, each lacks the heart to trust others."

I see... I thought that if I gathered the best, I could easily defeat the demon lord Iblitos. I believed that by accumulating powerful weapons, armor, techniques, spells, and skills, I would surely win.

It was a childish mindset. I was under the illusion that with strong companions, I could defeat any monster and clear any dungeon. I only saw them as supporting characters to color my adventure.

"...Defeat is only natural."

Yes, I myself was too arrogant as a hero. I thought I had the skill to defeat Iblitos solo. That's why, from the beginning of the battle, I mindlessly unleashed powerful magic swords and holy attribute spells without considering anything else.

It was because I didn't trust in the power of my companions. I fought intending to defeat him alone. I lacked something important. The heart to trust my companions... I am disqualified as a hero.

"Wake up already instead of lying down."

"Huh?!"

I jumped up. Where is this place? I was supposed to be dead.

"You'll be late for Megadines' entrance exam."

In front of me is a man wearing a flashy black hat, a black shirt with a loud flower pattern, and white pants. His mysterious light blue hair peeks out from under the slightly shady hat. He looks a bit older than me...

"Where is this?"

"Naniwa Brave Stadium."

I still don't understand what happened. It seems like this place is different from the world I was in. Because in front of me is a colossal coliseum that I have never seen before.

"What happened?"

"You overslept for Megadines' entrance exam."

I haven't had a chance to process everything. It seems I am in a different world.