I'm Actually Not Overpowered!

"With this, we can all leave this place without needing to climb all the way up."

Asa, and everyone else around her, was amazed by the Legendary Dragon Slayer's innovation.

They couldn't have been able to guess that this was what he was working on. Even after revealing it to them, it was still surreal.

"Since it's connected to me, I can determine the destination. You'll be transported to the entrance of the Labyrinth, so as not to draw any attention.

"B-but what do you mean by 'you'? What about you?" Asa found herself speaking the very instant she heard his words.

She stared at him in confusion, as she desired to remain with him. She thought they would leave together, but…

"There is still much to be done. A lot to accomplish… for the perilous times that approach us." His voice sounded distant, and his tone seemed somewhat lonely.

Asa felt her heart tighten in pain. Despite her intention of staying by his side, she realized just how weak and incapable she was.

He indeed had several plans he needed to execute, but she doubted she would be able to comprehend them—talkless of contributing anything substantial.

"I-I understand…" She bit her lip in frustration.

Her eyes glazed over , gleaming with sad tears, but she held them in. Even though she wasn't strong enough to stand behind him yet, Asa was determined to grow.

'I will keep doing what I have to do… hoping that one day, I too…'

She met his gaze the moment her head was raised. His smile was gentle and understanding. He must have seen through all her inner thoughts.

"Do not fret. Just follow the instructions I gave you, Zabdel. When the time is right… I will return to the surface and lead you all to victory."

"I-I understand!" The Vice Guild-master nodded, albeit hesitantly.

To be honest, he felt more like a liability than a leader. The fate of their entire nation rested on the shoulders of this single individual, and he could do nothing to help.

'What kind of a man am I?'

Still, he knew his limits. Zabdel understood that for the greater good, he needed to swallow his pride and obey the instructions of his better.

"T-then, we will be in your care!" Everyone bowed.

Sarah Lyniette had an expression of absolute confidence and faith in her Hero.

Byron bowed, displaying his complete trust in the Hero's competence.

Lucy nodded slightly, her stern expression being the reflection of her firm resolution to abide by the Hero's instructions.

Liebert's eyes twinkled in gratitude, unable to forget the most amazing meal he had ever tasted in his entire life.

Ever since he took a bite of the succulent chicken, devoured the rice, slurped down the chicken sauce, and consumed the juice… he was completely sold.

He trusted the Legendary Dragon Slayer with his entire being.

As for Gu, he had seen the power of the Legendary Dragon Slayer. Only a fool would disobey such an epitome of strength. He too had nothing but subservience to show.

Every single one of Sam's entourage was subject to his will—all convinced that he knew best.

"Now then… you may depart."

And so, together, they ventured into the swirling pool of Mana within the Magic Circle.

The pool glimmered with light as they vanished—instantly transported to the entrance of the Labyrinth.

It was just as the Legendary Dragon Slayer had said!

Every single part of their body was intact, and they felt no form of discomfort. It was perfect teleportation!

"He really is amazing!"

"Indeed!"

He's the best!"

"Agreed."

"We can't fall below his expectations."

"Exactly!"

They all rejoiced and sang praises to the Hero, also known as the Legendary Dragon Slayer.

Irrespective of how each individual knew him, their feelings of admiration remained constant.

"I promise… I will do as you have instructed!" Zabdel whispered to himself, now more determined than ever.

Humanity now had a champion, and he was willing to stand by them against the coming demonic crisis that approached the city.

The Legendary Dragon Slayer was bearing most of the burden, so the least he could do was play his part to the fullest.

"I… I won't fail!"

***************

"Haa, they're finally gone!" I heaved a sigh of relief, collapsing to the ground in mental and emotional exhaustion.

The more I kept up my facade, the more exhausted I was afterward.

Pretending to be a know-it-all Hero or Dragon Slayer often took a lot out of me—especially during times of crisis.

'The way Asa was looking at me back then… was she suspecting me or something?!'

Oh crap! This was trouble.

I had sensed her hesitation when I told everyone to leave me behind, but how could I have known that she saw through my intentions?

'S-she knows I plan on taking some of these items for myself?! But how? Did I display any reaction that would make her remotely think that way?'

Or did I give myself away in some subtle manner that I wasn't aware of? If that was the case, then this could be trouble…

'I didn't want to create any misunderstanding… I want to save everyone, yes. But… I want a little something for myself too.'

I didn't think that was so bad. Was it?

Let us be frank here.

I was busting my ass for everyone, right? And technically, we wouldn't have progressed this far without me.

While I wasn't demanding for their 'everything', I just wanted some things for myself. It would just ruin my image if I were to ask for it personally.

'Besides, if I leave the allocation of these resources to their discretion, they'll bring up some other excuse the same way they did with my Earth Dragon corpse.'

There was absolutely no way I was going to let that happen again!

'Ah, looks like the monsters are close by already. That's good. And they even have the goods with them. Perfect…' I smiled, happy to finally be able to commence my operation.

With this place, as my base of operations, and with the number of resources I had at my disposal… things couldn't get any easier.

" Now, then, shall we begin?" My deep voice echoed within the massive expanse around me.

With a dramatic pose and a confident smirk, I laughed to my heart's content. What was to come was exciting, to say the least.

'I can't wait to see the results!'