***


    I often find myself questioning whether this is a truth or merely some con concept I''ve concocted to share with you, but I believe there are three distinct types of heroes in our world.


    The first type is unwavering in their mission to save the world itself.


    Often, these are the people who get statues made for them, the kind of people driven by a sense of duty or a twisted higher calling. They’re the ones who stand against overwhelming odds, rallying others to their cause with a fervor that''s both inspiring and, at times, as blinding as the sun. They make you want to plunge headfirst into the jaws of death with the goal of saving the greater good. However, in their relentless pursuit for that greater good, they find themselves neglecting the individuals who inhabit the world they seek to save.


    The second type of hero is the one driven by an almost self-consuming love for the people of this world.


    This is the kind of person who''d go to any lengths to save people, even if it meant destroying the very world they reside in. They’re willing to make any sacrifice, bend or break any rules, and all to confront the adversary that threatens the people they hold dear. However, this fierce devotion often leads to an unforgiving path. In their desperation to protect, they may resort to extreme measures that ultimately harm the very people they hope to save.


    The final type of hero dances daringly on the edge of villainy, striving to rescue both the world and its people.


    They believe that a perfect balance between saving the world and caring for those who inhabit it is actually possible. They blind themselves with the ridiculous belief that such an unattainable utopia can truly exist, a world where both death and life can live in harmony. These people are perhaps the most dangerous of all the hero types, for they are no heroes, merely children clinging onto an absurd illusion.


    Say… If you had the power of God at your disposal, the ability to do anything and everything, what kind of hero would you hope to be?


    ***


    “Ugh.” Akuma groaned, his head writhing in pain woken on a rocky ground. “My head’s killing me!” He clenched his head as he eased the pain while examining his surroundings. Surely enough, nothing but a few boulders here and there and large mountains off in the distance. Just where had Finral taken him? “I can’t sense Halter anymore.” He went, turning his gaze to the clear sky. The sky hadn’t gone red or anything so that was a good sign. “I guess he wasn’t messing around when he said we’d end up in random spots.”


    “Who are you talking to?”


    Instinctually, he leaped back, taking a defensive stance.


    (A girl?) he thought. The voice came from a girl who looked a little over 160 centimeters. Her hair was short and the color of almonds. It matched perfectly with her light auburn maid uniform. She kinda looked like a mix of Rin and Emily. “Who are you?” Akuma questioned her.


    “As I thought, you’re not from this world, are you?”


    “…And what makes you think that?” He decided it was best to hide the truth. Haven seen the sun a different size, as well as Finral’s claim of taking them to a new world, he knew right away what his predicament was. He was a stranger in a world with their own customs, and he had no extra lives to spare.


    “Well… you know the language of our king.”


    (Damn it! How could I be so dumb, of course they have a different language! Wait. Why would someone from this world know English? I’ll have to get answers out of her.)


    “How does your king know English? And how do you understand it?”


    “Fu-Fu. All of his majesty’s highest-ranking subjects know it.” She boasted.


    “So, he only teaches his elite servants this language?”


    “Yep!” she glittered as she answered in a smug tone.


    “So, when you snuck up on me, why did you assume I could speak it?”


    “Well… Your hair’s white. And the color white means you were born with divine blessing, just like our king.”


    (Divine…blessings? …Wait, is she high?)


    “Your face tells me you doubt my words.”


    “Uhm, yeah, I do. My hair is clearly black.” He confirmed, showing her the dreads in his face, asking “See?”


    “Your whole head isn’t white, dummy. Just the top.”


    “Eh?”


    (Just what is this girl going on about? And what even are ‘divine blessings’?! Wait… That sounds pretty damn godly… Could it be…? Did I just get ‘isekai’d’ to a fantasy world from an anime?! Holy crap.)


    “Let me show you.” She suggested while approaching him. Naturally he raised his stance even higher. Couldn’t take any chances. “Oh, calm down. If I wanted to hurt you, then you’d already be hurt.”


    Even he could admit she gave off the aura of an experienced veteran, but he could still take her… Maybe.


    He decided to trust her. I mean what’s the worst that could happen? She skewers his guts open and watches as he dies slowly and painfully? …Nah.


    She handed him a piece of broken glass that she kept to her person, so that he could see his reflection. Naturally, haven been someone with a brain on top of his head, he questioned why in the absolute hell could she have been carrying around a piece of broken glass. Though surprisingly she was right. Just as she said, only the hair on the top center of his head had turned white, which is why he hadn’t noticed sooner.


    “Woahh… You’re right.” Akuma said, astonished at the change.


    “Yeah. I know.”


    He looked up at her, putting down the glass shard, asking “When did that happen?”


    “HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW?!”


    As he handed her back the broken glass, he said “Hey, I didn’t catch your name.”


    “Yeah. Cause I didn’t tell you.”


    (We just met, and you already found a way to piss me off.)


    “Well, don’t keep me waiting…” He said, forcing a smile -though it was clear he was irritated.


    “It’s Polyxena Troy.”


    “Poly…xena? Don’t you think that’s a mouthful?”


    “Yeah. I didn’t give myself the name.”


    “Hm… Can I call you Xena for short?”


    “Xena...?” It was a small request. One that anyone would’ve asked, yet her cheeks were as red tomatoes. “C-Call me what you want.” She finished, turning away in fluster. Watching her blush like that highlighted just how cute she was.


    “Back off woman. My heart belongs to Alice.”


    “H-huh? Wh-What are you talking about-?”


    “Nothing.”


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    “Well.” She went, twiddling her thumbs. “What’s your name?”


    “Fu-fu. I thought you’d never ask…" He replied, reading himself for the performance of a lifetime. And in a cool and mysterious tone he went, "...My name’s Tiryns. Akuma Tiryns.”


    (Sold it! I bet I sounded just like the guys in suits with gold pistols from the movies!)


    “T-Tir…yns? TIR…YNS?! TIRYNS??!”


    “Eh-? Is my name famous around here or somethin-”


    As that last word crossed his lips, he felt a sharp object graze his right cheek as his body’s reflexes fired on overdrive. Let’s just say, he found out exactly why she was carrying that shard of glass around.


    “Uhm... What are you doing?”


    “SHUT YOUR MOUTH, HERETIC!!”


    “Heretic?! What are you talking ab-”


    Leaving no room for chatter, she followed up with an onslaught of strikes and slashes -all aimed for the kill. Nonetheless, Akuma’s flawless footwork paired with refined reflexes allowed him to dodge every last one.


    (Oh c''mon. I JUST got here!)


    “Look, I was just quoting a movie I watched, I didn’t mean to offend you.”


    For a moment he thought that was enough to calm her down since she finally stopped her sudden attacks. But then she began to mutter, “How did I not notice it earlier… Your face... You’re the spitting image of that man.”


    “That man? Woman, who the hell are you talking about?!”


    “Don’t play dumb with me! You must be his son!”


    She must’ve realized slashing him was futile, because she took the shard of glass, and placed it in her mouth, gripping down with her teeth. Then she dropped her center of gravity and entered a stance akin to that of a wild beast. Even having never seen such an attack, Akuma knew she’d be too fast to dodge. Blocking was also out of the question as something that sharp would simply puncture through his skin.


    (Crap. I don’t think footwork can get me out of this one. I guess I’ll just try to counter-)


    In an instant she was gone, leaving him to only wonder where she could’ve gone. In truth, his brain hadn’t processed the action of her leaping and she was now moments away from drilling through his chest.


    Though he couldn’t keep up with her, and still hadn’t realized she was just a bit under him, something was howling at him to move. Except he couldn’t. His body just couldn’t keep up with that feeling. He felt the shard made contact with his gut, poking it down as it forced its way through. And in the


    (Yep. This is it for me.)


    But then. It just stopped.


    *CRACKK!


    And instead of pain and agony, he heard the sound of crinkling bones, as well as the image of her body folded like cloth -which would remain in his mind for the rest of his life.


    Separating the glass shard in her mouth, and his gut, was a hand -a gentle, kind looking hand I might add. It was the hand of a woman. And despite haven used just her hand, she was able to stop Polyxena’s entire attack. Hell, she even used it against her.


    Akuma felt disgusted staring at Polyxena’s distorted body. I mean her damn bones were sticking out. But more than that he felt… oddly good. And I don’t mean the “relieved that I’m alive” kind of good. The “serves you right!” kind of good.


    “I hope you’re alright, Mr. Tiryns.” Came a voice that carried the image of sweet flowers. She was tall. Much taller than him. In fact, he had to tilt his head upwards just to meet her gaze.


    The question “How do you know me?” exited Akuma’s lips as he bore witness to her beauty. She had long, silky hair that reminded him of the equally beautiful night sky. Her eyes were like two obsidian gems begging to be collected. And her flower pattern kimono only enhanced her elegance. She was the kind of woman that could only be described as heavenly.


    And in a voice that matched her perfectly she said, “I know everything about you. After all, you’re the child of prophecy.”


    “You’re very pretty.” He blurted out randomly.


    “Uh-Umm. Ahh... T-Thank you?”


    “No problem.”


    His mind still hasn’t processed her beauty.


    With flustered cheeks she cleared her throat and informed, “Here isn’t the best place to talk. Follow me.”


    “Where are you taking me -uhm… whoever you are?”


    “Rude! And you''re so untrusting.”


    “Sorry, that’s how I was raised.”


    “You don’t need to apologize. I like that about you…” she praised with a smile. I won’t sit here and lie to you. Watching her, he almost forgot all about Alice, especially when she smiled at him. And don’t bother chastising poor ol Akuma! Because I know you would’ve done the same. Hell, you probably would’ve proposed to her right there and then. “…My name is Tang Sanzang. And I’m taking you to my kingdom.”


    <h2>***</h2>


    (She said she’d take me to her kingdom but I’m still questioning what she meant. Did she mean “her kingdom” as in she’s the queen? Or “her kingdom” as in her homeland?)


    They traveled by wagon, that was carried by horse. The road was a bit bumpy, but that didn’t bother Akuma much. It’s not like he was a dragon slayer. Actually, in a way it felt refreshing, awesome even. Here he was riding a fricking wagon! In a new world at that. I mean how cool is that?!


    It took about 30 minutes, give or take, to arrive at their destination, which Akuma could tell immediately from the huge commotion outside. He couldn’t make out everything they were saying with how loud they were, but it sounded like they were welcoming someone back, and with such passion in their hearts. Holy hell, you’d think these people were welcoming a war hero or something.


    The wagon stopped just in front of a large Chinese themed palace. It wasn’t the most beautiful or anything, but anyone could tell right away that someone of high importance lived here.


    (Either she’s royalty or she’s got some serious connections! Knowing my luck, I’m leaning more towards royalty.)


    Greeting them at the entrance were three monks, triplets if you’re curious of such details. They wore near identical brown and black robes and like most monks, they were bald. Heh. Baldies. “Welcome back, Lady Tripitaka.” they greeted in perfect unison.


    (Yep… I was right on the money.)


    “It’s good to be back. Please prepare a bath and change of clothes for the boy.”


    “Consider it done.” Then they disappeared into thin air.


    That was by far the coolest thing Akuma saw all day. It even trumps the spaceship he’d seen earlier with Finral.


    “Wait. What do you mean ‘change of clothes’?! Is there something wrong with the ones I have now?” I men sure, he was still wearing his school uniform, but was that really a problem? Isn’t that what most Isekai mc’s wear for the rest of the show? Unless they happen to join a guild or something, they almost never change out of their uniform or tracksuits. Can’t we all just have our own taste in fashion, woman!


    “That uniform is in horrible taste! You will change into a kimono.”


    “U-Uh. Rude! And I’m not changing. You can’t make me!”


    Later that day, she very much did make him.


    ***


    This boy’s name is Akuma Tiryns. Age 17, and he’ll turn 18 this April the 3^rd.


    Currently he is in a very dire situation.


    He is trapped in a rather large bath, one that could easily fit several families, with just one other person. That person being a very sexy woman that any man would kill for.


    Her ample breast pressed firmly on his back, separated only by a thin towel. She groped around his toned and muscular body until finally easing off his back, only to begin groping there instead.


    Now you’re probably asking how he got himself in such a situation. And to be honest, I’m not all that sure myself.


    It started when Sanzang told him she felt dirty from killing that maid girl earlier, Polyxena I think her name was. And so, she wanted to wash up.


    Sounds reasonable. So far, we’re all on the same page.


    Where I might lose you is afterwords, where she dragged him by the head to come join her, saying she wanted to check his body


    I’m no expert, lawyer or anything of the sorts, but I’m fairly certain that has to be some kind of assault, no? This woman is a criminal, and she must be dealt with! And to add to her charges, she’s now groping his back, gently maneuvering her finger across as they soaked in the hot springs, whispering in his ear, “My you such defined muscles.”


    “Gee… thanks…” Akuma answered, a bit creeped out. Was this the lucky lecture scenario played out by all the anime he’s seen? If so, he could’ve at least gotten some warning.


    (I’m sorry Alice. I’m trying my best to resist but she’s too strong.) he thought in a sobbing and sniffling tone.


    “Hm... What’s this scar doing here?” she asked, circling a small wound around his lower back. It was a piercing wound that originated from his gut, drilling straight through the other side.


    “Not sure.” Akuma answered, holding his gut as he wondered. “I’ve had this wound for as long as I can remember.


    “As long as you can remember… And how long is that?”


    “Uhh… I guess since I was seven.”


    “Seven?!” She said, jumping with confusion. “Isn’t that awfully late for your first memory?”


    “I guess you’re right… Honestly, I hadn’t put that much thought into it.”


    “Fu-fu. Enough talk about that” she whispered in his ears gently. “I wouldn’t suppose your ticklish?”


    (UNHAND ME YOU CRIMINAL!)


    Before he had the luxury of answering, it was already over. Tripitaka, who was previously migrating her fingers up and down his back, was now violating his sides, forcing laughter from his lungs… Well that was the plan. Unfortunately for her, Akuma wasn’t ticklish. “Wait…are you not-?”


    “Nope!”


    In an instant the roles were reversed, he “flipped the script” as one might say. She hollered and begged for sweet relief, but he didn’t stop. In fact, I’d go as far as to say her cries only fueled his drive further. She tried to splash water on him, but that too, didn’t stop him.


    That moment of superiority ended quickly, however. Perhaps she remembered how overpowered she was.


    “You went completely overboard, boy.” she pouty, resting on top of the hot spring’s edges.


    “Sorry ma’am…” He answered, a large bump poking from his head as he apologized in standard seiza position. And yes, he did so while still being in the bath. “…Isn’t it time you stop addressing me as boy? It feels kinda weird since we’ve bathed together.”


    “Hm… I suppose you’re right. Then I shall start calling you by your name. Tenshi.”


    “Eh?”


    “I said, I’ll start calling you by your name. Isn’t that what you wanted?”


    “No-no. What did you call me?”


    “…Tenshi? …Your name?”


    “Negative, ma’am. I’m Akuma. Tenshi’s my brother… I thought you said you knew everything about me. Are you a con artist?”


    His words had no meaning behind them but to simply fix a misunderstanding. Yet, they rang Tripitaka’s ears like bells. In a concerning tone she asked, “W-What’s your brother’s last name?”


    “Tiryns… Why?”


    “And what’s your last name?”


    “Uhm… the same as his, Tiryns. Did something happen?”


    Just then, the gears in her mind began to turn, and at rapid speeds. She laid out all her memories to examine. Haven been the princess of the royal family of Tang, the previous ruler shared their families sacred text with her. It was an account of “The Prophecy”. A tale that prophecies the end of the world, as well as all humans residing in it. According to that sacred text, a boy will one day arrive in Gaia, and end the peace given to man by God. His hair is as golden as the sun’s brilliance, in his left hand, the holy blade forged by God himself, and in his right a fist filled with hatred. That boy’s name is Tenshi Tiryns, given to him by his father.


    That was the prophecy she’d read, studied and lived by. The very one given to their family centuries ago by a wise sage. And yet, nothing seemed to have matched. Try as she might, she couldn’t find any answers. This formula simply had no viable conclusion.


    But how could it? After all… Tenshi doesn’t have a brother. In fact, the name “Akuma” is nowhere to be found in “The Prophecy”.


    “Hey, are you even listening?” Akuma called out, seeing that Tripitaka was in a daze.


    “Huh? Oh. Sorry about that… I think I’ve been in the bath too long… Akuma. Meet me in the living room when you’re done.”


    “Yes ma’am.”