Chapter 34: The Script Is Wrong!
After hours of anticipation, our turn finally arrived. The method for identifying the hero was widely known throughout the village, spreading far and wide in anticipation of this moment.
The process was straightforward: an emblem specially crafted for the hero would react when touched by someone deemed worthy. This public display ensured everyone in the village would know the chosen hero.
"Janis, it's your turn." The emblem was being passed on quickly, and touching it was the only thing the crowd needed to do.
"WE FOUND THE HERO!!!" As the emblem was passed to Janis, a faint glow illuminated its surface, signaling the hero's discovery. The crowd erupted into cheers, excitement rippling through the gathered villagers.
Initially, I was intrigued by the notion of being hailed as a hero, spurred by Janis's earlier suggestion. However, I felt disappointed as reality set in, and Janis was revealed as the chosen one.
Reflecting on the circumstances that led me to this point, it seemed almost scripted, a series of coincidences that positioned me as a hero. From being transported to this world with a system to being the sole male on the island and witnessing the hero's emergence, it felt less like fate and more like a predetermined narrative.
Yet, as the initial disappointment faded, I genuinely became happy for Janis. I tried to offer my congratulations, but before I could, I watched as the crowd swarmed around her, engulfing her in their celebrations.
Janis was surprised by this sudden attention, and before she could reach me, the crowd was too much for her to handle. Now separated by the crowd, I felt it would be better to wait this out. I felt that no matter what I did, the villagers would only trample me if I went toward Janis.
With the hero's ceremony concluded, I decided it was best to return home and await Janis's arrival. The thought briefly crossed my mind that Janis would leave me immediately, leaving me behind. However, I quickly dismissed the notion, knowing Janis's stubborn nature and reluctance to bend to others' will.
I didn't want to brag. I was well aware of Janis's deep affection for me. At times, her obsession felt overwhelming, and I struggled to manage it. Unless external forces coerced her, I couldn't imagine any reason why Janis wouldn't return to me.
"That's a surprise. I thought you would be celebrating with Janis," she remarked, her tone hinting at curiosity.
"Now that she's become a hero, getting close to her is impossible. You should have seen the crowd. I bet some people wanting to check her out would be trampled. I suppose your thoughts are similar to mine, considering you're waiting here." Merilyn, like me, knew that the best way to contact Janis was for us to wait in the house.
Reflecting on our conversation, I realized that this was the first time Merilyn and I had spoken alone. Despite our occasional encounters, she seemed to distance herself from me afterward. It was as if she was intentionally avoiding me, although I couldn't discern any reason why.
There had been moments when I wondered if I had somehow offended her, but judging by her demeanor now, it didn't seem likely. Perhaps there was more to her behavior than met the eye.
"Would you care to step inside? It wouldn't be courteous of me to keep you waiting outside." I suggested inviting Merilyn to the house. Given her close friendship with Janis, I was confident she could have entered regardless.
"I'll just wait. The weather is delightful, and it seems a shame not to enjoy it." Merilyn declined, citing the consistently pleasant weather of the past two weeks. Since it was clear she preferred to keep her distance from me, I didn't insist and left it at that.
"If you need anything, feel free to come in. The door is unlocked." I assured her before heading inside, making my way to the kitchen to begin preparing.
~
[Third-Person POV]
As the crowd closed around them, the Imperial Commander swiftly grabbed Janis, guiding her away from the pack to a secluded spot.
"Let me go. I'm perfectly capable of walking on my own!" Despite her gratitude for the commander's assistance, Janis had more pressing matters she wanted to check out.
The sudden separation from the crowd left Janis feeling unsettled. Being alone with someone of greater power was a discomforting experience.
"If you wish to speak, do so at my residence," Janis asserted, aware of her considerable influence in this negotiation. Having amassed unimaginable wealth, she understood the leverage she held in such discussions.
Unlike a fledgling hero whom external influences might sway, Janis cared little for reputation or riches and harbored no heroic aspirations.
"Lead the way. We shall continue our discussion there," the commander consented, a testament to the significance of the hero's role. Evidently, the prospect of identifying a hero was no trivial matter.
The walk between Janis and the commander was filled with silence. Janis had little inclination for conversation, choosing instead to blend into the now-dispersed crowd from earlier events in hopes of avoiding recognition.
When they arrived at their destination, Janis and the commander were surprised. Merilyn awaited them outside the door. Her presence immediately lifted Janis's spirits, which was evident in the brightening of her mood upon seeing her.
"Merilyn, did Roy come back?" Janis's demeanor noticeably lightened upon spotting Merilyn.
"She's inside," Merilyn responded, her tone betraying no surprise. Janis found it odd that Merilyn opened the door as if it were unlocked.
"Roy! I've returned," Janis announced upon entering the kitchen, noticing that he was preparing some food.
Janis felt this was the perfect timing as hunger started to take over. She had to deal with so many things quickly, and now that it was almost resolved, she checked on Roy and the meal being made.
"Welcome back," Roy greeted her, deftly flipping a piece of meat on a pan.
"We have company. Could you possibly whip up some extra portions?" Janis inquired, hinting at the need to accommodate their unexpected guests. Roy nodded, guessing that Merilyn and the commander were in the room next to him.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone