Hero Stories: From Pride to Hubris

You're back early. It's still light out.

You finished training already?

What do you mean "already?" I just finished when it was time to finish.

What? No it wasn't! Do you know how hard it was to match your time?

Yet you ended up finishing at the same time as me anyway. You're welcome for getting to rest early AND meeting your goals thanks to me.

Oh yeah, I really loved working my butt off...Thank you SO much...

*chuckling*

Anyway, what are you all learning these days?

Ever since basic training ended and we were split up to train under masters one-on-one, I never have any idea what anyone is up to.

My master keeps insisting I need strong fundamentals. She's really obsessed with making me do drills.

Same here. I haven't learned anything new. I've been practicing spiritual communication since my master said I'm not good at it.

Well I'm learning Third Eye theory...

The Third Eye!? Already!?

It's still just theory. Though obviously, it'll be more than theory soon...

Is it not difficult? From what I've heard, most give up not long after starting.

Supposedly, it takes extraordinary talent to master.

It's not too hard. Maybe because I've only just started. But as long as I do as the books say, I can't imagine I'll have much trouble in the future either.

You're so confident! Geniuses really are something else...

The elder must be a big fan of yours.

You think? He hasn't really said anything to me during lessons...

Oh, really? Well, he's always been quite strict. I'm not sure he's even capable of giving a compliment.

What I want to know is how on Orbis you learn so quickly! Come on, tell us your secret. Pretty please!

Yeah! Share your secret! Don't hog it all for yourself!

My secret? Hmm...

I don't really have any particular secret... Just don't doze off during class and focus during your training...

Wow... How on Orbis do you come up with such deep, meaningful insights...?

Come on, you guys will start improving any day now too! You won't plateau forever.

Easy for you to say...

Our lessons are only going to grow more and more infrequent, so if we can't learn everything now, when will we? Of course, you don't have that problem because all you need to focus on is the Third Eye.

Why would your lessons grow more infrequent?

The war, duh.

From what I've heard, they need more people and almost all the best pilgrims are already fighting.

I doubt it will be long before they start calling on us aspirants too.

Aheldad's power has started to wane, so this is the perfect opportunity for our people to make the final push. We can't let this chance slip past us just because there aren't enough people.

But if it's so important, they wouldn't just throw anyone on the front lines. None of us have any practical experience.

That's true. But I heard rumors they'll be evaluating us on our skills to see which of us could be of use all the same.

As much as I'd hate to go to war, if that sets the bar for getting acknowledged...

Still, since they can't afford to waste what valuable people we do have, there's no way they'd send us straight to the front line.

Anyway, this might be a great opportunity to show exactly what we're capable of.

Good point...

I assume you'll try to go, then?

I don't know. I haven't decided yet. But if I have the chance, I think I'd like to give it a try.

She's as confident as ever...

She's as much a rookie as the rest of us, but she can't stop showing off.

Leave it. She's not just anyone, she's the Elder's favorite. Of course, she's full of herself.

There hasn't been a single training session where she didn't finish top of the class. If anything, she's earned the right to brag.

Yet the Elder hasn't once praised her.

If the Elder still thinks she's lacking, then no matter how talented she is, she's an aspirant just like any of us.

How embarrassing would it be for her if she fails to complete her apprenticeship after being so arrogant?

...

They need to grow up. If falling behind bothers them so much, then they need to put more effort into their training.

Oh well, you can't be loved by everyone. Besides, I do stand out from all the others...

The envy of others is just the curse of talent.

W-What is that supposed to mean?

It is exactly as it sounds.

Not only won't you let me fight in the war, but you're also going to exclude me, and only me, from taking the exams?

Yes.

But why? Because it's too dangerous? No... If there really are too few people capable of fighting, that wouldn't be the reason...

Don't tell me... It's because you don't think I'm good enough?

How fortunate that you were able to work it out for yourself.

Me? Not good enough? Of all people, me?!

Every other pilgrim has recognized my ability, and as my master, you must know where I stand in comparison to the other aspirants.

How can I still not be good enough? It makes no sense!

...

Are you worried that I might make a mistake?

You really don't need to be. I've proved how capable I am over and over again in training.

I have no doubt that I will be of great help to the war effort. Even if I'm still not good enough for you, I know!

As you are now, you will be of no help.

...Excuse me?

War is not about ability alone. There is something more important than that.

But that one thing is your biggest flaw. Hence, you will not be going.

Even if you commune well with the spirits, and are far more talented than the others... As long as that flaw remains, you will be staying here.

Flaw...?

If you wish to participate in the war, turn that flaw into a strength. Until then, I refuse to listen to any further pleas.

Can you at least tell me what it is?

Whatever it is, I'll work on it immediately! I won't let you down!

As it stands, I do not believe it will be of any help for me to tell you.

...

You are dismissed.

...*sighing*

...Hmm...

Too much pride leads to arrogance. In the face of such a shortcoming, natural talent means nothing.

Until she realizes that for herself and internalizes it, she will always be flawed.

What possible shortcoming could I have?!

And how could it be enough of a problem to keep me back from the war?! Especially when he's all too happy to send everyone else!

He's always like this. He never has anything positive to say, just endless nitpicking. Then he tops it off with some crap about needing to find the answer myself...

So, I keep trying harder and harder to get even better grades and earn everyone's approval, to the point the Elder chose me to be his apprentice!

What could I possibly be missing? Why is he still not satisfied? How much higher of a standard must I meet!?

Why is he the only one who doesn't acknowledge me!?

Argh! This is so frustrating!

Ouch!

*gasping* Wh-Who's there...!?

Since ancient times, some Humans have been blessed by Silvana so that they may wield sorcerous magics and commune with the Spirits.

These Humans came to call themselves pilgrims and have worked tirelessly for generations to orchestrate peace in Natalon.

Grown old and tired after a life of hard work, each pilgrim chooses one, and only one, person who was born with the gift of sorcery to be their inheritor.

After being chosen, these "inheritors" become "aspirants" and must head to Safe Haven Origin alongside their new master.

When the pilgrims return home with their aspirants, the most skillful and competent among them is chosen to be Elder and they are tasked with leading their fellow pilgrims henceforth.

I wasn't chosen by just any pilgrim, but by the Elder himself.

...

Not only have I been at the very top of my class, but I've also never fallen behind my fellow aspirants even once!

Hmm...

So why does he continue to reject me like this? It can't possibly be because of my ability!

I see.

...Are you even listening?

Hmm? Oh, yes. Of course.

I have been under his tutelage for years now, but I still don't understand the way he thinks.

Everyone else is so envious of me, but all he ever does is criticize and nitpick.

He's always been strict and austere, but it's obvious that he treats me even worse than the others.

Do you know what he said to me? He said that if I want to show the world what I'm capable of, I have to work out my biggest flaw all on my own.

Hmph... But if anything, it only makes me more determined. What can I do to finally earn my master's praise?

Maybe if I can uncover the secret to defeating Aheldad by looking into the origins of the war...

Umm, I think you're using too much mana...

Huh? Oh, sorry. I'm not good at controlling my power when I'm annoyed.

Anyway, how do you feel now? I'm sure it's all healed perfectly.

Don't you think you're a little too confident in yourself?

Why wouldn't I be? Anyway, I asked you a question.

...I feel better.

*sighing* I hope you've learned your lesson about appearing in front of people out of nowhere. I almost jumped out of my skin.

Umm...

So... Have you worked out what your flaw is?

I've tried guessing, but I don't think I've got it yet.

The Elder often tells me not to be so conceited, but he's wrong, I'm not conceited. I'm just confident in my own ability.

Why should I hide what I'm capable of? If anything, being so open about my abilities is the best way to hone them.

What's the alternative? Keep quiet and get killed? There's a difference between being proud of your talent and having a massive ego.

The Elder is just too stuck in the past.

...You think so?

But why did you ask?

I was thinking maybe I could help you work it out, as thanks for healing me.

You? Help me?

Uh-huh. A problem shared, is a problem halved, after all. And I think I might have thought of something.

You know about the Stele of Revelations in the forest west of here, right?

The Stele of Revelations...? This is my first time hearing about it.

Really? The pilgrims have been looking after it for as long as anyone can remember.

They say that if you touch the stele, you'll see a part of your future or gain insight to develop your natural abilities.

Is it similar to the Third Eye?

Mm... In a way. But it's also completely different. For a start, the Third Eye is a power one can trigger voluntarily.

Whereas with the stele, upon touching it you will hear a voice that predicts the future or offers advice about what worries you.

But the voice can only be heard by an extremely talented pilgrim, or someone of equal power.

If you are as talented as you say, I'm sure you'd have no problem hearing it. And maybe it can give you the answer you're looking for.

Have you heard the voice yourself?

No. Spirits cannot hear it, unfortunately.

If it really is such a precious object, it makes no sense why they wouldn't teach us about it.

It's not just some kind of folk legend, is it?

I have been told about the stele by many pilgrims who experienced it themselves.

Pilgrims...?

If you don't believe me, look it up in the archives. I'm sure it must be mentioned somewhere.

Hmm.... Fine.

It really is mentioned in the records...

See, didn't I tell you?

Just like you said, it has been used by pilgrims for centuries to glimpse the future.

And thanks to the mana that has accumulated in it with every touch from a pilgrim or sorcerer, it also helps charge the user's mana.

But unless you're a pilgrim, no matter how much you touch it, it won't react to you at all.

Why would the Elder not teach me about something so amazing?

Maybe because of the next part...

However, if touched by one without the necessary experience to handle the stele's power, they will be overwhelmed and have their own power drained from them.

...It steals your power?

It seems that the level of your personal ability decides whether you gain or lose power upon touching the stele.

Then there's even less reason not to tell me. Does he not believe I can handle the stele's power?

You said you know where to find the stele, right? Show me. I want to see it with my own eyes.

...

There it is.

It really looks like a plain old stone... If you hadn't told me, I'd have walked straight past it.

I'm sure it has been worn down after centuries of use. Are you going to give it a try?

Of course. Why else would I ask you to bring me here? Do I just place my hand on top?

Huh!? What was that light?

What light?

Didn't you see it? Some kind of white light flashed from the stele.

What brings you here, stranger?

A voice...! Did it work?!

Hehe, looks like it all went well.

Do you have something you wish to see? Or perhaps, possess?

I want...

You're back already?

I swear you keep finishing training earlier and earlier. Do you do it just to get time to relax by yourself?

Uh-huh.

I was watching her train today, and wow! She really is amazing! She can already do all the spells needed to inherit the Third Eye.

No way!

She wasn't able to maintain them for very long, but just the fact she could do it at all so soon after learning the theory...

Wow, she really is a natural. This stuff is meant to take dozens of years to learn, but she's managed it in no time at all.

Who knows, maybe she'll be even better than the Elder one day.

Haha! Now you're going too far...

Is he, though? I could see it happening...

You what?

Hahaha! The Elder must be so proud to have a student like you! It must be very rewarding to mentor someone with so much talent.

I can't wait until my own mentor starts teaching me her special technique. I don't think it will be any time soon though...

Yeah, probably not... And you're okay with that?

Hmm? Yeah, I'm fine with it, I guess...

You must be worried though. It takes so long to learn a special technique, and you aren't even close to starting yet...

Oh well. I'm trying the best I can, so it'll happen when it happens.

That's right! With hard work, you won't be "plateauing forever," remember?

I hope you're right. Good luck!

Thank you.

Anyway, I should go study. See you all tomorrow!

...

...Am I the only one who always finds myself feeling worse after speaking with her?

No, I do too...

What's with her lately? She always used to be full of herself, but now she's just outright mean.

Did you hear the way she agreed she would probably end up more powerful than the Elder?

Not just any of our masters, but the Elder himself! Pfft, her ego is about as big as Orbis itself.

She lets the fact she's the first to learn a special technique get to her head.

Come on guys, I'm sure she was just playing along. Cut her some slack.

I've been improving so rapidly ever since I touched the stele. It's invaluable being able to see so clearly where I was lacking in my training.

I've never experienced growth like this before! Anything is possible with the power of foresight!

Of course, this kind of improvement is only natural with how much effort I've been putting in, but the stele has helped it happen so much quicker and more efficiently.

At this rate, it's only a matter of time before the Elder lets me go to war!

Thank goodness! So...do you think that will that satisfy you?

...What is that supposed to mean?

After discovering your flaw and gaining the approval of your master... What's next for you?

What's next? I go to war and show everyone what I'm capable of! All while getting stronger and stronger.

But even if you overcome this obstacle, there's no saying when another one might come along...

Hmm, good point.

The main role of the stele is to advise you by providing foresight. It doesn't boost your power directly.

I'm sure there's a limit to what it will offer you. At which point you'll hit a wall.

Then what do I do? Do I have to try and receive the Third Eye sooner?

Preparations for inheriting the Third Eye are incredibly long from start to finish. Not even you will be capable of speeding that process up.

*sighing*

What did the voice of the stele tell you last time you went there?

That in order to fix my flaws, I must take from others.

...Could it have meant...? No, surely not...

...What? What were you thinking?

Mana. The lifeblood of all sorcery and currency for communion with the Spirits.

...I have to take the mana of other people?

While, what else could it be?

Come on, you're making no sense! Why would I steal mana from other people? Is that even possible?

There must be a way. Can you not think of any pilgrim spell that might do something like that? Or maybe you can borrow the power of the stele...

Are you listening to yourself? Taking someone's mana is no different from killing them!

Even if I found a way to do it, I'd refuse! I'm just going to pretend I didn't hear that nonsense.

...

How unexpected. I thought if I could play on her greed, she'd have no hesitation, but there's still some Human compassion in her....

It won't be easy to find a better vessel than this though, and I've already put so much effort into her...

Looks like this disguise was enough to fool the pilgrims after all.

Even if I looked like a Spirit, how could she give information away to her people's sworn enemy so easily? Foolish child.

Hmm... It's a worn-out old rock, just like I heard. No wonder it has been able to stay so well hidden.

So, I just place my hand here...

What brings you here, stranger?

I am Aheldad. Now show me my destiny.

Aheldad...

You shall fall at the hands of those who lead the Spirits of nature.

What?

The Spirits of nature... That must mean Silvana. And Silvana...means the pilgrims.

You're saying...I'm going to lose the war?

...

...Tsk.

No one can defy destiny. Not the great Spirits, nor a god like myself.

And yet...anyone is capable of twisting it down a new path.

All right, stele. I accept my destiny and will rely on your power.

I will entrust my consciousness to your vessel and find a new vessel with which to hold a ritual to create a new destiny.

...And then I was going to lure her into connecting her consciousness with mine.

Whether due to her innate magical abilities, or her strong Human will, she is still resisting me...

But as her natural selfish instincts grow stronger, her Human will shall weaken, and it will be no trouble at all to overwhelm her.

With the mana she gains through connecting with me, she will become more powerful than any Human, and if my consciousness can grow as well...

Our connection will tighten, and her soul shall be made to sleep eternally...

...and leave her body, to finally become a clean vessel for me. I can already feel her vanity creating an opening for me.

Everything is going according to plan...

Will this really be enough for you?

...

You are getting everything you ever wanted. Will you really stop here?

...

I thought you wanted recognition. What better chance will you have to surpass your master?

Hmm?

Shut up!

I'm so sick of your constant chattering!

I just don't want you to waste your talents.

I value myself above anyone else, but even I know that there are some things you should never do to others.

Do you Spirits have no morality? Or do you not care about them just because you're not a Human?

But if you want all of your wishes to come true, you need new power. That's what the stele said.

It is your destiny. You cannot deny destiny...

Urgh... I'm sure there must be another way. Something else that can help me...

Lua? I wondered what all that noise was.

Ah... Was I loud? I was talking with a Spirit...

A Spirit? I see no Spirit...?

That sneaky little imp. They make such a fuss about me taking the mana of others, then hide as soon as someone appears.

Anyway, what are you doing out here? Hardly anyone ever comes this far out.

That's why I come here. I was hoping to train quietly on my own. It's so hard to focus on the training grounds with all the talking...

Well, it all worked out. I was hoping to talk with you somewhere quiet...

Oh? What about?

Well... You say it's hard to focus with all the chatter at the training ground. Do you realize it's you they're talking about?

Really? Well, people have always gossiped about me...

But don't you think it's getting worse lately?

...What do you mean?

It's just... I think you should be more careful about the way you act.

And how do I "act"?

Come on, Lua. You know. Quit all the bragging. Stop saying stuff about surpassing the Elder...

We all know how capable you are, but pilgrims can't work alone.

No matter how strong you are, there will be times you'll need help from others. But if you keep driving everyone away like this...

Ah, is that all you wanted to talk about? I thought it was going to be something important.

How funny. Did you really think I wasn't aware of how I sounded? And what makes you think you're in any position to tell me what to do?

Last I heard, your grades are getting pretty bad. Has your master not talked with you about them? With the way things are going, will you even become a pilgrim?

...Watch your mouth, Lua...

I know you've never liked me, but maybe you should spend less time being envious of your betters and focus on your own studies instead.

Acting like this just makes you look pathetic. I can manage just fine on my own.

What's wrong with you?!

You think you're better than me?! Talent isn't everything!

Ha! Are you trying to challenge me? I'll wipe the floor with you!

Urk...!

Know your place. I'll make sure you never run your mouth in front of me again.

...Huh?

W-Wait... I didn't think I put that much force behind that attack...

Wake up, you idiot! Why are you just laying there?!

...Did I...kill him?

N-No way! I was just going to teach him a lesson!

I didn't even hit him that hard! Maybe I put more into it than I intended because I was so annoyed, but...

Did I lose control for a moment because I haven't adapted to my new strength...?

No... I would never lose control... Not me...

W-Wait... The mana! It's flowing into my body...!

I don't want this! I'm not doing anything! Is the power of the stele pulling his mana into me?

Did the stele make me...kill...

Stop! No! The stele tricked me...! I won't let some stupid rock choose my destiny for me!

B-But...

...It kind of feels good. Is that their mana? I feel so alive...!

Oh, why do I feel this way?

...

After I connected my power with her, she began absorbing the mana without an issue.

Just as I expected...

We have to do something about this! We're running out of people as it is...

How can aspirants just vanish? And right under our noses!

...

We need to consider the very high possibility that one of our own was behind this. This mountain and the surrounding forest are too dangerous for just anyone to be able to reach us.

The barriers we built up after Aheldad's last intrusion are also untouched. This must have come from within.

But who could have been capable of this...?

...

Elder, I'm not sure you would like to hear this, but... Have you not noticed that Lua has been behaving strangely recently?

She has always acted a bit differently, but lately she has been completely disappearing for days at a time.

Her relationship with her fellow aspirants has grown increasingly sour as well, and now she never socializes with any of them.

One of the first aspirants to vanish was seen walking somewhere with Lua, only for her to return alone.

So, you're saying Lua is behind these disappearances? Why would a girl of such talents resort to something like this...?

I'm not saying Lua is definitely the culprit, but there could be other motivations beyond insecurity concerning her ability...

Even if she is not directly responsible, she may be colluding with another.

With Lua's ability, it would not be too difficult for her to lower the barriers, allowing an outsider to enter.

...

We all sympathize with how difficult it can be to have such doubts about your own student, but all of the clues we have point towards her.

I trust you to act wisely and rationally.

...I have listened to what you all have to say. As she is my student, I will go speak with her myself.

Nobody should come all the way out here...

Wow, I'm sure there's nobody for miles around. This secret you're going to tell me must be something amazing.

Yes, it's something absolutely nobody can know about.

Really? All right, show me!

I will, don't worry. First, I need you to share your mana with me.

Huh? What are you talking about? You can't just share mana between people, everyone knows that.

Except for when the body dies and the mana within seeks a new vessel.

W-What is that supposed to mean? You didn't bring me out here to kill me, did you?

*chuckling* I told you, didn't I? It's something absolutely nobody can know about.

That includes you.

W-Why me!? Get away, Argh!

Lua! What is the meaning of this?!

Elder...

Eek!

Why are you trying to hurt her?! What are you thinking?

...Hmph.

What do you mean? I'm simply doing what you asked of me. I'm making up for my shortcomings.

How is killing your fellow aspirants and taking their mana anything close to what I asked of you?!

How disappointing... All you have done is nurture your flaw to be even greater!

I beg to differ. I am closer to perfection than I was before.

Your pride has gone too far, Lua. I tried to warn you!

With just a little more effort, I will grow stronger than anyone. Even you will not be able to best me.

You need me in this war.

But you say I've only gotten worse? Am I still not good enough for you?

What more can I possibly improve on? Why do you refuse to acknowledge me?!

Is that what this is all about...?

Not once have you ever looked at me kindly. No matter how hard I try, no matter how well I do...

You always criticized me with those cold eyes of yours. And then you would torment me by forcing me to discover my flaws on my own!

So, I went to the library and did some research. Aren't you proud of me for persevering no matter what?

You've got it all wrong. This isn't what I meant. You're making a mistake, but if you stop this now...

Then why not do your job and teach me yourself? Tell me where I am lacking, and how to improve!

Or are you afraid I really will become stronger than you? Is that why you neglected me?

Well too bad! Because I am already stronger than you!

...

She has entirely misunderstood, but it's clear she doesn't intend to listen to anyone but herself.

I must subdue her.

Still, you treat me like a kid. Did you really believe summoning a few creatures would be enough to take me down?

H-How could you have grown so strong in such a short time?!

I did try to warn you. I am stronger than you.

At this point, I'm confident I could even steal the Third Eye from you.

What have you done...?

Thanks to the help of a little Spirit, I found some interesting information in the library. Does "Stele of Revelations" ring any bells to you?

It told me that to overcome my flaws, I must take from others.

And you took that to mean you should steal their mana?! How can you still be so ignorant...?

Ha! The only ignorant one here is you!

I have nothing more to learn from you. So, there's no need to keep you around...

Ack!

Elder?! Are you okay?!

How could you run after her all on your own, even if you're the Elder? You knew she might be colluding with someone or something greater!

You three...

As expected, you were behind it all, Lua. We know exactly what has been going on, so don't waste our time trying to lie to us!

*sighing* I knew I shouldn't have kept them alive.

No matter how strong you've gotten, you stand no chance against multiple pilgrims on your own.

We'll put an end to these atrocities right here!

What happened to the stele?

As the Elder surmised, it has already been fully contaminated by Aheldad. It won't function like it used to.

We have no choice but to destroy it...

And...what about Lua?

What happens to her is up to those of us in this room.

Well...

...

Quite frankly, I'd happily kill her with my own hands. She would certainly deserve it.

...

We lost so much because of her. If she had her way, the pilgrims and the safety of our mountain would have been entirely destroyed.

She is no longer the talented student so cherished by the Elder. Her pure and intelligent soul has been poisoned by malice.

It is too dangerous to leave her as she is.

I take full responsibility. I pushed her too hard in the hope that she would fortify her mind.

When she needed help, I turned my back on her and scorned her...

Elder...

...I agree that it is too dangerous to leave her be. However, within that child's consciousness lies the latent power of Aheldad.

If we proceed correctly, we may be able to use that power to learn not only the source of this catastrophe, but perhaps even Aheldad's weaknesses.

As such, I believe it is too early to dispose of her. Rather, we should lock her up somewhere far from here and observe her closely.

They hid her away somewhere so dark and terrible... They really don't believe in half-measures.

These Humans are so damn persistent... They really must be convinced they can win. Perhaps this is my destiny the stele spoke of...

But I'm always one step ahead. Which is why I prepared another path...

Her attempts to reject my consciousness are waning. All that remains is her bitter resentment for her master.

Left as she is, it will only be a matter of time before her soul is completely desolated by that malice. If I can empower that anger within her, this process will be accelerated.

The more her emotions wither into hatred, the less of her Human soul shall remain until all that's left is the desiccated husk of her body. It won't be long now, vessel.

I'd rather not have had these delays, but I can continue with my plans soon.

He was cold to me until the very end...

I tried so hard and got so far, but all he did was ignore me.

How much longer will I crave his approval...? Why did he even bother taking me on as a student and bringing me all the way here in the first place?

Only to turn his back on me and throw me aside, blaming me for everything...

To achieve what you want, you must take what is not yours.

...

...Right! If you refuse to acknowledge me no matter what, why should I bother following you?

I'll take everything from you... Your mana, your Third Eye... It will all be mine.

I'll take everything from these cursed Humans who locked me up here. I'll follow that voice and the path of destiny...

...Finally, you have found your path.

I will make His plans reality.