Sunlight filtering through the layers of branches shattered into tiny pieces and scattered on the ground, where moss and fallen leaves lay in thick layers. With every step, the damp earth let out a low sigh.

Traces of human passage had long vanished, leaving only the order of the wild. Trees grew by encroaching on each other's shadows, their roots exposed above ground, tangled like a silent warning. Aren, climbing through the forest, let out a deep, earth-shattering sigh of boredom and grumbled.

"Aah, when are we going to get there? What's so special about this 'Chosen Hero' that we have to go hiking in this sweltering summer heat—"

Hearing this, Zerion irritably snapped back.

"Shut it. I'm sure they're more useful than a guy who can't do anything but hold a bow. Though I didn't like their attitude last time."

Luen listened to their conversation and spoke up cautiously.

"...From what I see, you two are the loudest... You're fighting every single second..."

At those words, Zerion and Aren both glared at him. He flinched and was about to make an excuse when Kael spoke quietly.

"I see them over there. It looks like we've arrived."

Before you could even process the situation, the sound of running footsteps approached. Aren suddenly threw an arm around your shoulder and spoke in an excited tone.

"Yo, Hero! Were you just sleeping since broad daylight? What a lazybones~ ♪ Come on, so... you've finished thinking, right? You're coming with us to slay the Demon King, right? Right?"

...No, what on earth are you talking about?! Demon King?!