落とし穴９７堀：勇者必修科目 (Part2)
If it weren't for Jessica, Cleena, and Samantha, who joined us along the way, I would have burned out, and we never would have been able to bridge the gaps between the various nations.
Since my husband was the one who traveled across the If Continent as the leader of a mercenary corps to act as the coordinator, it’s only natural that people want to speak with him. I doubt they’d be satisfied if someone like me, who just popped into the scene, were to handle those talks.
Even as we discussed such things, I noticed my husband already planning out tomorrow’s schedule for our meet-and-greets, and suddenly, something came to mind.
"Hey, dear."
"Hm? What is it?"
"No, it’s just casual chatter. You once said that a 'Hero' is nothing more than a glorified handyman, right?"
"Well, isn't that the truth? If you ask them to save the world, they’ll do it for almost nothing. You couldn't ask for a more convenient handyman than that, could you?"
"I suppose that’s true. But if that’s the case, doesn't it seem a bit inconsistent that you’re planning to play the new *Dragon Quest*?"
"Ah, that’s different. That game is the origin of what a 'Hero' is, after all."
"The origin, huh? Now that you mention it, I suppose it is."
It was the game that elevated the meaning of a "Hero" beyond that of a mere national or organizational champion, turning it into someone who saves the world.
"Knowing the reality of things now, I don't actually want to be a Hero myself. But when I played that game, I just thought Heroes were amazing. My heart raced at the thought of traveling to save the world, I felt frustrated during battles with monsters, and there were so many stories... Yeah, I guess you could say it’s a memory of mine."
"A memory?"
"Yeah. A memory for me. When I was a kid, I’d just run around shouting 'I’m a Hero!' with my friends without a second thought. When I became a student, I got a bit cynical and thought, 'Heroes are just handymen, aren't they?' And now that I’m an adult, it’s more like, 'Oh, a new one is out? Time to play!' It’s hard to put into words. It’s like... maybe it’s like buying a new installment of a fairy tale you’ve been told since you were small. It wouldn't be wrong to say I grew up alongside it."
...A story you grew up alongside, huh?
If that’s the case, it’s no wonder he’s curious and looking forward to it.
"Well, I’ll pass on being a real-life Hero, though. At this point, it’s a role best left to the game. Leading the vanguard to fight a Demon Lord isn't really my style."
"Pfft. That’s true. Whenever you make a move, everything is usually already decided."
"Exactly. Reality is better that way. If both the Hero and the Demon Lord can finish things without unnecessary bloodshed, that’s for the best. Though, the Demon Lord as the final boss of a game is a complete menace to humanity. I guess that’s different from reality."
She’s right. Deryu and Liliana are Demon Lords, but we could talk to them. I suppose a pervert like Dekira, who eats panties, is the kind of Demon Lord you’d find in a game. There’s no way you could have a conversation with someone like that.
"So, I’m going to wrap up my work quickly and stick to being a Hero only in the game. I don't have to overthink things like I do in reality."
"I see. So it’s a way for you to blow off some steam."
"It’s good for analyzing how kings and bigwigs from other countries view Heroes, too. Plus, the talk is that the Hero’s position is pretty bad in this one."
"Is that so?"
"Well, it’s a common trope. I’m sure there are factions that don't want a Hero appearing, and they’ll be pulling strings. Seeing how the plot unfolds is a good way to sharpen my own ideas. You can't underestimate games; they’re essential study tools for a Hero."
"Well, I suppose that’s true since the very meaning of the word 'Hero' survived thanks to that game, but..."
Isn't that just an excuse to play games?
"Come to think of it, what about Taiki, the Hero in reality? Is he playing this game...?"
"He’s apparently cleared his schedule to play it all night."
"I’m surprised Ruth and the Chancellor allowed that. He’s a Hero and a King, after all."
"He pushed it through by saying exactly what I said: that it’s an essential study tool, and that clearing the game is a mandatory subject for Heroes."
...I wonder if making game completion a mandatory subject for a Hero is really okay? But at the same time, since it’s the origin of the Hero, I can’t help but think it’s only natural. Japanese culture is truly not to be underestimated.
"Alright, let’s get this over with. I hope to have most of my work finished by the release date."
"Agreed. Let’s do our best."
To be motivated to work hard just to play a game... I’m not sure if that’s right or wrong.
Tomorrow is finally the day when nearly three million Japanese citizens (the average sales of a *Dragon Quest* numbered title) will become Heroes.
Everyone, do you have your PS4 or 3DS ready?
Is your money prepared?
Are you prepared to save the world?
How’s your resolve to become a Hero?
Come on, let’s become Heroes who save the world again!! (Limited to within the game, of course.)