Magnapis trembled.  

A world where elves, magical beasts, and supernatural creatures coexist under a peculiar hierarchy.  

Magic belongs to women.  

Symbols of purity.  

Of prosperity.  

Of supremacy.  

Men?  

Guards. Advisors.  

Never kings. Never emperors.  

Except for the court drones.  

Bearers of sacred weapons.  

Forged by the gods.  

Unfathomable power.  

Unique status.  

In the Beatrix Kingdom, ruled by Queen Beatrix, patrol maidens bring the honey.  

Drones defend.  

The Queen reigns.  

But...  

An anomaly arose.  

Souta Kihara.  

A man.  

Without title.  

Without divine relic.  

Defeated Garra.  

The sixth divine general.  

Alone.  

⋯  

Souta stood still.  

The spoon gleamed in his hand.  

The battlefield drowned in silence.  

Guards, heroes, civilians — all in shock.  

Amid the rubble, Garra’s smoldering body.  

The Red Scale Dragon.  

Defeated.  

— I did this...  

— But how?  

The question echoed in his mind.  

Until a cold voice emerged.  

“System activation code engaged.  

Upgrade complete.  

Status update.  

All skills at maximum level.”  

Souta froze.  

— Wait... This is a system?!  

“Yes. I am your command voice. A system, so to speak.”  

— But where’s the floating interface?  

— The glowing panels?  

— This doesn’t feel like a hero’s tale...  

“I am different. Invisible. Exclusive. Only you can hear me.”  

Souta ran a hand over his face.  

Trying to understand.  

— But why only now?  

— How did I defeat Garra?  

“You took too long to summon me.  

So... it’s your fault.”  

— Now it’s my fault? Seriously?  

He snorted.  

Slowly, he understood.  

His breathing calmed.  

The pain faded.  

And a cold smile appeared.  

Something new.  

Something dark.  

⋯  

Loud voices interrupted him.  

Armed guards.  

The Shield Hero.  

— Stop! Who are you?!  

Souta raised his head.  

Eyes gleaming.  

A disconcerting calm.  

— I am the Spoon Hero.  

— Don’t you remember me from the kitchen?  

The Shield Hero advanced.  

— Don’t joke!  

— You’re not Kihara...  

— On second thought...  

He stopped.  

Confused.  

Souta’s magical energy was overwhelming.  

— This is ridiculous.  

— Arrest him!  

— He could be an infiltrator!  

Guards shackled him.  

Souta did not resist.  

— I save your lives and this is how you thank me?  

— How ungrateful.  

⋯  

Taken to the castle.  

Before the king, the queen, the three princesses, and ministers.  

The hall heavy with tension.  

Souta was different.  

Taller.  

Stronger.  

But still... himself.  

Even so, he seemed a stranger.  

— Who are you?  

— I am your janitor.  

— Don’t you remember?  

— Don’t mock us!  

— How can you wield such magical power without a divine relic?!  

In Magnapis, magic was feminine.  

Women = purity.  

Men = servants.  

Souta was tortured.  

But he did not yield.  

— Speak!  

— How can you have such power?!  

He raised the spoon.  

— I have a relic.  

— Can’t you see?  

— It’s right here.  

The ministers roared.  

— You useless worm!  

⋯  

Meliora rose.  

— He is Lord Kihara.  

— That spoon was given by me.  

— It’s his!  

All eyes turned.  

The spoon radiated energy.  

Almost blinding those who stared.  

Whispers filled the hall.  

— How can he be so strong?  

⋯  

The system’s voice echoed:  

“New skill acquired: Distrust.”  

“New skill acquired: Protective Smile.”  

“New skill acquired: Emanator.”  

“New title unlocked: Dragon Slayer.”  

“New title unlocked: SPOON HERO.”  

Souta smiled.  

Cold.  

Relentless.  

---

Rise of Heroes Arc is finished