Y2 And the war began.

Movement detected in the demon army.

I received the report this morning.

Delivered by an agent embedded within the demon territory.

"Finally came, did it."

"Indeed. I would have preferred it not to, but that's not how it works."

"Julius, you can't avoid this. I know you dislike battle, but humans and demons are natural enemies. You knew this would happen eventually, didn't you?"

"True enough. Since the passing of the previous Hero, the demons have been increasingly active. I’d say we've held out remarkably well."

Saintess Yana, former adventurer Jiskan, former thief now reformed Hokin.

As my companions say, ever since the previous Hero passed, the demons have been increasingly active.

The fact that it has not escalated into a large-scale war thus far may, in hindsight, be considered fortunate.

"Then, when exactly will the demon army arrive here?"

"Hyarins is currently confirming. Should be returning shortly—ah, there he is."

Turning at Yana's words, there stood Hyarins, childhood friend and second son of the Quoth ducal family, approaching from the distance.

"Hyarins. What is it?"

"Ah. Based on their rate of advance, they are predicted to reach this fortress by tomorrow."

"Is that so. It has finally come."

War.

Since becoming the Hero, I have lived day by day within conflict.

But this scale of engagement is unprecedented.

It is not only me.

During the previous Hero’s era, no large-scale war occurred.

The generation that remembers wars of this scale is now nearly extinct.

By the time they reach this age, even long-lived races are typically too frail to fight.

Thus, every human participating in this war has never experienced a conflict of this magnitude.

The demon race, however, lives longer than humans.

Some may be of the same generation as the previous Hero, or even older.

The difference in experience will manifest in unpredictable ways.

Moreover, demonic combat capabilities are inherently superior.

Greater physical strength than humans, greater magical aptitude than humans.

And human-level intelligence.

Humans, whose stats are inferior, can only prevail against demons through skill and intellect.

But that advantage does not apply to demons.

Because demons, like humans, can wield the same skills and intellect.

To be honest, it’s frightening.

But as a hero, I cannot show fear.

If I, the hope of humanity, were to show such weakness, everyone else would grow uneasy.

I grip the scarf around my neck lightly, concealing my unease.

"Ever since I noticed, what is that scarf? You wear it even in hot weather."

"This? This is a keepsake from my mother."

A pure white, unadorned scarf.

"This is what my mother knitted for me just before she passed away after giving birth to Shiro."

She fell ill immediately after childbirth and died without recovery.

Coincidentally, this occurred at the same time demons began to rise, and I was chosen as the hero.

Father bore the grief of losing my mother while still fulfilling his duties as king.

Because of that, Shun and Sū have grown distant.

I believe they will one day be able to interact as father and child without strain. For now, both are likely attending the academy.

Until graduation, Father must endure.

Once those two finish the academy, something extraordinary will surely emerge.

"Yes. That’s right."

Yāna faltered in speech.

Damn.

She might think I’ve overstepped.

"Yāna, don’t worry. I’ve moved past it."

"But—"

"Exactly. There’s no need to dwell on it. In fact, it’d be just right to tease him as a mama’s boy."

"Hyārins, isn’t that a bit excessive?"

I laughed at Hyārins’ playful tone.

Giggles rose from the surrounding crowd.

This is fine.

A dark atmosphere around the hero does not suit the role.

Thankful for Hyārins’ support.

Indeed, the proper asset is a good friend—someone who understands.

“Do you know what this neck wrap is made of?”

Hyārins asks Yāna.

Ah… maybe it’s better not to tell you.

“It doesn’t seem like ordinary cloth. Not a single scratch, even after wearing it daily.”

“That’s right. This is crafted from a highly specialized material. So rare now, it’s considered impossible to obtain.”

“Eh? Was it really that rare?”

Hōkin’s eyes shift—habit of a former thief.

“Ah. The correct answer is spider silk!”

“W-w-wait—spider?!”

Ah… ah.

Yāna tumbles off the chair.

Yāna hates insects.

Spiders are the worst. That’s why I’ve kept this quiet all along.

"Yeah? Is that... the spider silk from the Elro Great Labyrinth?"

The one who jumped in was, unexpectedly, Jiskan.

"Yeah, that's it. You know a lot about it, huh?"

"Yeah. It's a fairly well-known story among adventurers."

"A-ah, right! The legendary spider from the Elro Great Labyrinth! I remember now! Hoho. So this is what that spider silk was made of..."

Hmm.

It was more famous than I thought.

"What's that story, exactly?"

Yāna asked, cautiously, as if afraid to hear more.

Ah. It’s a story from when I was still young. In the Elrow Great Labyrinth, a certain adventurer party burned down the nest of a spider-like monster named Talatekt. This creature is weak in direct combat, but occasionally constructs a nest. Those nests are exceptionally troublesome—adventurers have an unspoken rule: find one, burn it immediately. Well, after the nest was destroyed, a large quantity of thread was discovered deep within. To their surprise, the thread possessed exceptional magical conductivity and physical durability—far surpassing ordinary enchanted thread. The thread brought back was traded at an extraordinary price. The adventurers who recovered it became immensely wealthy. It’s a well-known success tale among adventurers.

After that, capturing Talatekt became a popular endeavor. No individual capable of producing the same thread has ever been found. It's now referred to as the legendary spider.

Hmm.

The thread used by Mother was definitely that one.

According to rumors, a discerning merchant acquired it first from the adventurers, intending it as a tribute to the royal family.

While the others continued discussing the matter, Hylins sent a mental transmission.

[Julius, the movements of the demon clan this time are peculiar.]

[What’s peculiar about them?]

[The enemy is dispersing their forces, launching sudden attacks into human territory. But the logic behind dispersing forces is unclear.]

[Some hidden motive?]

[Yes. Concentrating forces at a single point would be far more effective. They’re deliberately scattering their strength. Assume there’s something behind it.]

[Do you have any idea what it might be?]

[Well. Even I can't say for certain. But it’d be wise not to let our guard down.]

[Understood. Thank you.]

A prickling unease settled in my chest.

As if, without notice, I had already been caught in some vast trap.

Yet, as a hero, retreat here is not permitted.

I tightened my grip once more on the neck scarf woven from spider silk.