When I heard that a group of foreigners was requesting entry, my first emotion was elation.

“Must be Leto and his group!”

Had they been just a bit later, I would’ve been forced to leave Donovan with Iscariel.

But the words that followed threw me into utter confusion.

“The one who seems to be the leader calls himself Altair.”

Not Leto, but Altair.

A name that shouldn’t have been heard.

Because Altair was not a character in Leodel.

That name was…

“Impossible.”

It was the username of the player who had consistently overtaken me, only to fall behind at the last moment.

“It can’t be a coincidence.”

Gradually, I began to get the gist. Altair must’ve cleared ‘Hell’s Escape’ after me, and, like me, he must’ve possessed a character in the game.

While I had possessed the weakest character, he had possessed the protagonist.

“Isn’t that unfair?”

At that time, I didn’t have the luxury to think about that. What mattered was that someone in the same situation as me had appeared in this world that felt as boundless as an ocean.

Like me, he would want to go back.

(This is a time separator.)

How ostentatious.

That was Hades’ first thought about the foreigners.

“They seem skilled… but equally arrogant.”

He had seen this type of people before, and this wouldn’t be the last time.

Clearly strong, but not the strongest, and hence with obvious limitations.

People who would likely resort to dirty tricks when confronting equal power.

“State your names and origins.”

The three looked at each other, making no move to comply with Hades’ command.

Hades scowled.

Did they not value their lives?

He turned to his knights.

“Seems they don’t want to enter the castle. Remove them all.”

“My apologies for the delay in greeting you, I am Altair of Delato.”

Hades scrutinized him. Credit must be given where it’s due. The apparent leader of this small group was a rare beauty with an aura that couldn’t be easily dismissed.

“These are my comrades Liridel and Shatekan.”

“Altair of Delato… an orphan with unknown origins?”

Delato was a continental name. To not know one’s home country meant a bloodline with no roots.

Although Hades wasn’t the type to discriminate against orphans, he had reservations about someone declaring themselves from a continent.

“Close enough.”

Altair gave a stiff smile.

Hades’ gaze shifted to Altair’s two comrades. Liridel, the mage, seemed highly skilled but only had eyes for Altair.

“That’s… almost like worship.”

The warrior, Shatekan, was better.

The bulky redheaded warrior was consistently scanning the surroundings, ready to defend himself at any moment.

“I like this one.”

They were just a small group of three, and they seemed closely bonded, but they couldn’t offer each other much benefit.

If he could keep this Shatekan in Donovan…

“Tobias’ vacancy could be easily filled.”

Perhaps even the gap left by the departing Captain William, who would leave with Angelica.

Hades nodded, betraying no intentions.

“What brings you here at the onset of winter?”

A confident smile appeared on Altair’s face.

“You must have heard rumors about us.”

Hades’ eyes narrowed.

“What rumors are you talking about?”

Swear to God, he had neither heard rumors nor even the names of these people before.

The Duchy of Donovan, especially its capital, was a wellknown location in the continent.

He had no business knowing what the imperial elites were buzzing about.

This time, Altair seemed disconcerted.
“You haven’t heard?”

“Eh, it’s possible.”

Shatekan suddenly interjected.

“It’s unfortunate that Your Highness is unaware of our achievements. If we were to discuss the events we’ve faced so far, a daylong feast wouldn’t be sufficient. If you’re looking to shake up your dull routine a bit…”

Hades scowled. Shatekan’s comment was frivolous enough to make him want to revise his assessment of the man.

“We don’t need bards in the North.”

The three bristled simultaneously at the remark that demoted seasoned adventurers to mere bards.

Liridel spoke for the first time.

“I don’t want to enter while being insulted. Let’s go back, Altair.”

“No.”

Altair stared intently at Hades.

“It’s not unreasonable to think we’re just some random people if you don’t know about us. But we’ve defeated an evil dragon, fought and won against a demon army, and have become heroes to the goblins.”

Each was an impressive feat.

If true.

Hades leaned toward them.

“So, you’re planning to build your next achievement in Donovan?”

“Yes.”

Altair answered confidently.

“I’ve heard you’ve been harassed by demons for a long time. We can solve that for you.”

Hades chuckled softly.

“Without any compensation?”

“Yes.”

Altair nodded.

“We’ve never asked for compensation.”

“But everyone voluntarily rewarded you, didn’t they?”

“…Yes.”

Hades scoffed.

Were the rewards really voluntary?

Only a naive fiveyearold would fall for that line.

Whether it’s an empire or a small island nation, if you receive help and don’t offer a suitable reward, you’re essentially considered a scoundrel.