Success. The White Whale had been subjugated.
With his〚Transparent World〛activated, Adam confirmed the White Whale was completely dead — split in two, with no heartbeat and its mana flow ceased.
It had met its doom through sheer carelessness, never even unleashing its terrifying abilities. Like an invincible Demon King, defeated by their own overconfidence in dismissing a worthy opponent.
No, Adam wasn't merely lucky — he was a『Hero』.
Listen: the crowd behind him was already chanting that very name,『Hero』.
"The White Whale... is it dead?"
"It's definitely dead!"
"What an incredible feat!"
"That's just too much, that guy, that Madman!"
"...Maybe that Madman is even stronger than Reinhard."
"No way! That Madman couldn't possibly..."
While still processing Adam's triumph over the White Whale, the crowd's attention shifted to debating which of the two men was stronger.
"Hey, stop that!" Ricardo scolded them sharply, "You all need to respect the strong! Isn't 'Madman' a derogatory term? Is that how you speak of someone so powerful?"
"That's right..." Wilhelm agreed with gentlemanly grace, "He defeated the White Whale and saved the merchant caravans — we should call him Hero now!"
"...Hero. Indeed, such a feat deserves that title."
Just like that, they changed their tune, all shouting the name Hero.
Adam smiled softly and raised his Nichirin Longsword.
"OHHH!" He roared, proclaiming his victory!
And in response, he received an even more thunderous cheer!
The raised Nichirin Longsword shattered into pieces, dissolving to sand that scattered in the wind.
This was inevitable. Even with the〘Divine Protection of the Weapon God〙Visit NovelHub for more amazing novels and chapters.
He had feared it might break midway through, yet it had held true until the very end.
Farewell, Solarflame Sword, though you lasted less than a month. I'll honor your bravery by dedicating your posthumous name to my next companion!
A wave of dizziness swept over him, and Adam stumbled, nearly falling, but Ram caught him.
Having exhausted all his mana and strength to defeat the White Whale, his body was completely drained. Only a trace of the Divine Protection's power kept him conscious — without it, he would have surely collapsed.
"Are you alright, Adam?"
"I'm fine. Thank you, Ram." Hearing the concern beneath her cool voice, Adam leaned against her with quiet gratitude.
"If Adam were to fall here, it would embarrass Lady Emilia. Ram merely lent a hand." She responded.
"Where does it hurt?! Are you okay?! I'll get Lady Emilia!" Ram's cool facade crumbled, concern flooding her face.
Then she saw Adam's grin.
He had been teasing her.
"..." Ram's expression frosted over as she withdrew her Visit NovelHub for more amazing novels and chapters.
"Wait, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Adam quickly apologized, "It's just that Ram didn't praise me even though I worked so hard — I wanted a little revenge."
"Praising Adam isn't Ram's job, that's Lady Emilia's role." She said softly, "Ram is just a maid, how could she represent her master..."
"What if I only want to hear praise from you?"
"Impossible means impossible, Ram won't say it."
"Is that so? What a shame."
Looking dejected, the lonely figure walked toward the jubilant field.
"...Well done, Adam."
"Thanks for the praise." A smile curved his lips.
With light steps, he went to meet Emilia and the other Dragon Maidens with their knights.
"Lady Emilia, Lady Felt, Lady Crusch, Lady Priscilla, and Lady Anastasia." He greeted them in order of alliance and closeness.
Emilia stepped forward, "Adam, are you alright? Are you hurt?"
"Can't you see? He's still standing here, how could he possibly be hurt?" Anastasia interrupted.
"Ahem, Lady Anastasia, mind your manners." Julius reminded his lord to maintain etiquette before her peers.
His gaze lingered on Adam. His earlier words about not being able to match him had been modest, but now he truly doubted he could defeat the man before him.
"Hmph, as expected, a little girl is still just a little girl." Priscilla said, including Felt in her insult. Yet she turned to Adam with satisfaction, "Your performance for us was most satisfying! No, extremely satisfying!"
"That's right, the young man is amazing! Such a huge White Whale, split in half with one slash!" Felt's unrestrained manner, unbefitting her royal status, made Reinhard shake his head with a wry smile.
Despite his many scoldings, she remained unchanged, doing things her way and giving everyone headaches.
"Adam, your strength is impressive, just a bit below mine." Reinhard praised.
"No, I know my place — I'm still far weaker than you. You didn't even draw your Dragon Sword, how could I possibly be stronger?"
"No, earlier it almost came out of its sheath. I had to forcefully suppress it."
"Really." At his acknowledgment, Adam's face lit up.
Had he truly reached the top tier? Great!
...As if! What was there to be proud of? This was just typical isekai protagonist nonsense!
As he let out a long breath, he noticed Subaru's absence.
Strange — the kid usually hovered around Emilia without fail. What could have happened?
"Emilia, where's Subaru?"
"Ah, he collapsed from exhaustion earlier. Felix is treating him now."
"I see." Adam nodded in understanding, then said, "Lady Emilia, shall we head back?"
"Let's return in triumph!"
Thus, the subjugation of the White Whale was complete!
"Lady Anastasia, we should go." Julius, ever mindful of his lord's needs, spoke up.
He had noticed Anastasia watching Adam's retreating figure with unmistakable interest.
"Julius, what do you think about forming an alliance with that Silver-haired Half-elf?"
"Hmm... forgive my impertinence, but Lady Anastasia, don't you dislike Lady Emilia?"
"I'm a merchant — profit is all I care about, and only profit can change my mind. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand." After a moment's reflection, Julius said, "Then I believe an alliance between you and Lady Emilia would indeed be beneficial."
"Hehe, you think as I do. You've grown, Julius." Anastasia gave a light laugh, "This could be quite the business deal! Though even I'm not sure if it will yield profit or loss."
"Even so, you still want to form the alliance?"
Anastasia licked her lips, a calculating gleam in her eye.
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