People always say I have a noble mission.

As the 'heroine,' I bear the heavy responsibilities of saving the world from the Heavenly Demon. Such talks have not yet sunk since the holy sword chose me.

Upon realizing that, I felt... conflicted.

For me, an ordinary girl who merely desired those peaceful student days, to suddenly receive the people's unwavering expectations and hope—it was absurd.

Still, somewhere in me, I thought I should not betray them. I even got excited at the thought of gaining power. To be a main character in a heroic tale... who wouldn't want that at some point?

But my budding confidence was quickly destroyed.

As the chosen heroine, I wield the power to use light magic, which was just perfect for a demon slayer, so to speak. Except... it wasn't only me who had that kind of power.

In every way and form, that person surpassed me. Silaerob—that masked woman who saved us countless times. Always on time, always swift, and reliable.

I respected her. I still do. But I'm also jealous of her.

Perhaps those two emotions mixed together at some point, turning my feelings toward her a mess. Somewhat... an obsession. I wanted to be like her, to follow her steps and gain the power she has. I also wanted to befriend her, discovering her various stories.

In the end, it turned out that she was much closer to me than I thought.

Aurora was a dear friend of mine, with whom I had grown closer in the past year. Embarrassingly, I also hold feelings for her. There's nothing inherently wrong about that, but just as the other girls are holding back on their offense, I won't let my selfishness get in the way either.

Aurora doesn't have time to worry about dating and whatnot at the moment.

Whatever we do, saving the world comes first.

Because... she is the true chosen heroine, unlike me. I have long accepted that fact. Although I'm not entirely satisfied, I'm happy for her. What I need to do best is not hinder her.

''Ah...''

So, the moment I realize the grip in my hands has disappeared, my heart sinks.

The holy sword, the inseparable artifact I'd always relied upon, has left me. It feels as though a part of me is stolen—a very, very important part.

Rapidly falling into panic, I gaze following the sword's trajectory.

There she is—our enemy, the heartless monster who killed my mother, holding my most prized blade, one shaping my identity. Worse, I can sense the terrifying power surging out of it.

Without any necessity for further thought, I know she controls it better than I do.

''...''

So then... who am I? Why am I even here? Am I not needed?

More than anything... I have let down Aurora again. If I had not clung to her, demanding she take me with her, this wouldn't have happened. It's always me being useless.

I...

''?!''

''Snap out of it.''

As if waking up from a drowsy dream, someone's warmth reaches my chest.

No, literally.

Aurora, almost unlike herself, shoves a sword into my arms. In an instant, I recognize that it is what she usually wields—an elegant, longsword, the night sky's color. Although its quality can't be compared to the likes of the holy sword, it is a good one.

The material is excellent... and it has Aurora's marks all over it. A bit worn out. Chilly.

''If you're just going to stand there, fight.'' She coldly remarks.

She doesn't mean it. Aurora might seem distant at first, but she's a warm person.

She's just encouraging me.

''...''

...Right. 

What useless? I would rather die a useless person who is helping than one who is not.

''Carefully.''

With that word uttered, Aurora shoots forward again.

''Phew...''

Clutching her sword, I begin to ponder.

Obviously, I'm not supposed to fight alongside her at this moment. Both she and Buezrith have reached a level where I couldn't make a change even if I participate. I need to 'fight' for something else.

But what? 

That bastard is freely wielding Neveah's divine power. With divine power involved, nothing can be certain. Even the powerful Aurora might fall for some tricks.

''...Skylar.''

''...'' 

''Skylar!''

My guardian, who has been even more astonished than I was, finally turns to me. Grasping her trembling shoulders, I say, ''You said heroines are supposed to inherit Neveah's divine power at some point, right?''

''A-Ah... it's the planet's divine power, technically, but what you said isn't wrong either. Mother Goddess's divinity is almost one with this planet. She has been close to it after all, but... what are you trying to do?'' 

''There's a barrier around this room. It's maintained with Neveah's power, right?''

''Yes...?'' 

''Help me absorb that power.''

In less than a second, Skylar's ever-benevolent face contorts, ''That's reckless!'' She exclaims, ''My child, you are far from being a full-fledged heroine. How long do you think it takes to—''

''I don't care!''

I feel like my heart might jump out at any moment. 

The situation is so tense and so urgent, yet I can't, for my life, know if I'm doing something right. But if I don't do anything, what's the point? Even if the results won't change, or if they change for the worse, it'll be fine... because at least I tried. Because I know I have tried. That's everything that matters.

I tighten my grip on Skylar's shoulder, almost shouting, ''Help me do it, Skylar!''

''...Alright.'' 

So, burning with motivation, unsure of what my bravery would entail, I decide to take a step forward.