Danmachi: A Mage's Journey

Chapter 274 274: Hypocrites Are The True Heroes

Syr spoke without a trace of malice, her innocent smile brighter than the flickering lantern light around her. Her voice rang out with a purity that could soothe even the most hardened heart.

"As long as you ascend to heaven, you may be able to see your sister again. Don't worry, if the words of the gods are true, then one day, you will meet again."

Her small fists clenched in front of her chest, and she leaned forward, her posture brimming with encouragement. It was a gesture more fitting for a lively waitress cheering on a customer than a goddess addressing despair.

The young man, however, froze as though he had just glimpsed something terrifying. He stumbled back several steps, eyes wide.

"Eh—ah, no... Wh-what are you talking about?"

But Syr only tilted her head, the smile never leaving her lips.

She called out suddenly, her bright voice ringing across the camp, "Everyone, is there anyone who wants to die together with this gentleman? That way, we won't have to suffer anymore."

Her cheerful tone contrasted so sharply with the words that the listeners could only stare blankly. The residents were utterly dumbfounded.

Who could blame them?

The girl had just asked them, smiling sweetly like a tavern waitress taking an order, if they wanted to be buried with her.

From a distance, Akira nearly choked on his own laughter. He quickly turned his head, shoulders trembling as he tried to muffle the chuckle rising up from deep within his chest. When he looked back at his companions, the sight of their expressions almost made his lips curl uncontrollably upward.

Lyra and Kaguya stood frozen. Their mouths hung open, but no sound came out.

"What's wrong with that girl? Isn't she way too scary?" Lyra finally whispered hoarsely.

Even as a second-class adventurer, she could not contain her unease.

The young man at the center of it all was paling rapidly. Faced with Syr's unwavering smile, he finally croaked out, "Um, I... I don't really want to die. Can't we just... reconcile?"

The absurdity of it all was almost laughable. Was he really trying to negotiate with her now?

But Syr simply stuck out her tongue playfully, as if to say got you.

"Well, I thought so too. Joking about dying must have offended you."

Her expression softened, and then she looked straight into the young man's eyes. This time, her voice carried weight.

"But I believe the adventurers don't want you to die."

Her words landed with the softness of snow and the heaviness of truth.

"Adventurers are working hard right now. I've been hurt more than anyone else, but I still want to protect you all."

"Of course, there are times when people fail to protect. There are people who couldn't make it in time."

Her voice never rose, yet every word struck like a blade.

"So the ones who should bear the most blame are not others, but themselves."

It wasn't an accusation nor was it meant to shift responsibility. It was simply the truth, spoken clearly to those who were unwilling to face it, preferring to bury themselves in resentment.

"I deliberately said those things just now to offend you. But I hope you won't misunderstand me or misunderstand the adventurers."

Her gentle smile lingered but the residents couldn't bear to look at it. Their gazes dropped to the ground, desperate to escape the weight of her words. None dared to speak.

"Even so!"

The young man's strangled voice suddenly rose, fists clenching so hard his knuckles turned white. Tears slid down his cheeks as he shouted back, baring his tangled heart.

"Even so, if you can't protect us, then don't say you will protect us from the beginning. Don't make us wait in vain."

The raw pain in his words filled the camp, his voice cracking as he continued,

"Talking with your mouth is nothing but self-satisfaction."

His own recent actions flickered in his mind, feeding his shame. But still, he screamed desperately, "They're nothing but hypocrites!"

And yet, Syr didn't waver. Her smile remained unshaken as she answered calmly, "What's wrong with being a hypocrite?"

"...Huh?"

"Right now, human lives are trampled underfoot. Everyone is just trying to protect themselves. And in this situation, if someone still chooses to save others, even if it's hypocritical, I think that is a very noble belief."

Her words cut through the despair like sunlight piercing a storm.

"Even if it's only the façade of 'justice'..."

The young man forgot to breathe. The residents who listened felt their hearts lurch violently.

Even Lyra and Kaguya stood speechless, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"Is this really the same crazy goddess from just now?" Akira muttered, his heart shaking despite himself. "She's too deep into the role. It's practically—"

It reminded him of a scene where one might point at an old photo and demand: 'Is this you?'

And the woman replies with a serene smile: 'Yes, that was me when I was thin.'

"...Then it's not you!"

Akira had to shake his head, dragging his thoughts back because Syr's words carried no jest now.

Even if it could not be called "true justice," what she described was still precious and admirable.

Her voice rang with quiet conviction. "I think that only those willing to be 'hypocrites' in such a situation are qualified to be called heroes."

She placed one hand gently over her chest, her eyes shining as she declared, "Just as the adventurers are standing up and fighting, will you try to fight against your pain and sorrow as well?"

"Even if I cannot become a 'hero' myself... I can still do my part for those who are."

Her words sank deep into the young man's heart, cruel in their honesty yet undeniable in their truth.

To those who had abandoned hope and lashed out at the very ones risking their lives, her words pierced like knives. But those knives were not meant to harm. They were meant to awaken.

Especially here, in Orario, the City of Heroes.

"...!"

The young man's shoulders trembled. Slowly, his head lowered, his voice catching in his throat.

He could have screamed: It's impossible! What you ask of me is impossible!

He could have clung to excuses, insisting that powerless civilians should not be expected to do more. But in the end, he realized that he had no right to throw his bitterness at those who fought for him. No matter how cruel reality was, there was no "justice" in his complaints.

The other residents also fell silent. Guilt weighed heavily in their chests, pressing them down like invisible chains.

"Everyone is just lost, meow."

At last, Anya broke her silence. Anya's quiet words slipped out, as though she were overlapping these suffering, desperate people with her own painful past. Her golden eyes were calm, but carried a trace of sorrow.

Kaguya's gaze sharpened, watching thoughtfully.

Lyra remained quiet for a long time. Then she rubbed her fingers together and smirked with a trace of smugness.

"Hey, she said we're heroes."

"Don't say it. It makes my whole body itch." Kaguya frowned.

"You two, focus." Akira's expression turned serious, his tone firm as he raised a warning.

His sharp senses had caught it already—

"Someone from Evilus has arrived."

As Akira's voice fell, a thunderous explosion ripped through the open-air camp.

"!!!"

Kaguya and Lyra froze, eyes wide with shock, just as a chorus of panicked screams erupted.

"Evilus are coming!"

At the sight of the beige robes, symbols of unrelenting terror, the camp's residents scattered.

(End of Chapter)

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