Prologue
Novels, games, manga, and anime—it’s the same for all of them.
Many of the stories that exist in this world are built upon a variety of characters.
For example, there are heroines and friends, and if the setting is a school, then teachers will also make an appearance.
In other words, for every story, there are just as many characters.
However, one thing that all stories have in common is the presence of a protagonist.
Those who immerse themselves in a story often develop various emotions toward that protagonist.
If the story is a fantasy, it’s only natural to admire a protagonist who wields a sword or magic with great skill and acts courageously.
And if that protagonist is accompanied by an attractive heroine, it wouldn’t be strange to feel envious of them.
But one must not forget—
Compelling characters are not limited to protagonists alone.
It’s not uncommon for an enemy character with overwhelming power to be just as captivating.
A mysterious and formidable presence is enough to leave a lasting impression.
—Just like the game he was playing.
"Tell me. Do you truly believe you are worthy of being called heroes?"
On the other side of the screen, within the game's world—
Amid the ruins of a town, where crumbling houses stood in disarray, a lone boy sat on the rubble that was once a home.
He was addressing the protagonist of the story.
That protagonist was a descendant of the hero who had once defeated the Demon King.
Several companions stood by his side.
Yet, none of them could find the words to respond.
Instead, the protagonist stepped forward alone, facing the boy who remained seated on the rubble.
"We won’t lose! We can’t afford to lose!"
The boy, who had been resting his hand on the sword planted in the ground, quietly stood up.
With a simple sweep of his blade, he sent the approaching protagonist flying backward with sheer force.
Even as the protagonist rose again and again to challenge him, the outcome remained unchanged.
"You seem to be in despair. Realizing that no matter how much you risk your lives, you can’t reach me—I can see it in your eyes. You’re starting to cling to the gods for salvation."
The boy was an absolute force, excelling in attack, defense, and magic alike.
No one who stood against him could even come close.
And so, after countless attempts, the protagonist's strength finally gave out.
Collapsing forward onto the ground, he heard the boy’s voice as his consciousness faded.
"I envy you all. You get to live without knowing the truth of this world—Powerless, yet still allowed to exist."
With that, the boy turned and left.
Without taking a single life, he departed, leaving behind those cryptic words.
His very presence radiated the aura of a powerful figure operating in the shadows of the story.
"...Damn, he's strong."
The young man, who had been staring intently at the screen, instinctively placed his controller on the floor.
His eyes remained fixed on the boy's retreating figure.
The way he fought so effortlessly, treating the protagonist and his companions like mere children—
It sent a thrill through him, making him wonder just how strong that boy truly was.
As he let those feelings take hold, his lips moved on their own.
The image of the overwhelmingly powerful boy burned into his mind, refusing to fade.
"If I were—"
If I were that boy—
How would I choose to live?