I'm Actually Not Overpowered!

"Good morning, Sam."

Fortunately, Lucy showed up not too long after my brief but awkward conversation with the demons.

As usual, the redhead was dressed in clean, light armor, donning her sheathed sword behind her while standing at 'attention'.

While she was extremely cute, nothing about her facial expression or outfit denoted 'cute'. She was a Loli, yet she was more mature than most of the older and more experienced women I had seen thus far.

'At least she's calling me Sam now. That's progress.' I smiled and returned her greeting.

"Good morning, Lucy. How did your patrol go?"

"It went smoothly, as usual. Thank you for asking." Her answer was brief and straight to the point, as always.

Her speech was usually clogged with formality, and she always acted stiffly around me. Normally, that would have made me grow distant from her, but I found Lucy's actions to be somewhat endearing.

I mean, despite her stoic and competent exterior, she was only nineteen years. It would be too much to ask her to be cute, at this point.

Although, whether she liked it or not, Lucy's warrior vibe was still very adorable.

'To think I was frightened of her in the past.' I smiled in nostalgia.

Many things had changed about how I viewed this world and the people in it. Looking back, I had to thank Sarah, Lucy, and Lilith the most, for their help.

'All their memories of those events have been erased because of the Arcana Call, though. I suppose that's a good thing, since it ended badly.'

My very first try ended badly for everyone in the settlement. Sarah had pulled me out of my slump, giving me the necessary resolve to use Arcana Call and save everyone.

It was a very heartwarming incident, but there was no way I wanted Sarah to remember how I broke down in front of everyone and displayed such weakness.

Lucy's death was also something I could never forget. It was one of the most tragic moments for me. Fortunately, I was able to reverse it all.

'I still haven't forgotten your sacrifice, Lucy.' I grinned at the ever composed girl.

"Is anything the matter, Sam?" She tilted her head obliviously.

"N-no, nothing." Her clueless expression and stern face made her look cuter than usual, but I swiftly banished those thoughts away.

"A-ah, yes. I would like to inspect the progress of the construction."

"Very well. I shall stay at the rear, if that is fine by you. These five can stay at the front." Lucy pointed in the direction of the demons, glaring at them for good measure.

"Okay." I did my best not to stutter.

To say things got even more awkward was putting it lightly.

I mean, it was no secret that Lucy held a strong dislike for demons. Her statement implied that the demons weren't to be trusted in watching my back, so she would handle that.

'I understand your apprehension, but…' I sighed again.

Either way, it wasn't like the demons liked any of us much, either. So in a way, it was fair.

"You heard the Hero. Lead the way." Lucy placed her hands on her hip, looking pointedly at the demons.

Her crimson eyes narrowed as she glared at the five demons. Of course, they had no choice but to obey.

The five swallowed whatever words they wanted to say—Adu in particular, seemed like he was about to explode in anger at this point—and began moving steadily.

Once they walked forward a little, I began advancing as well, while Lucy stayed very close to me from behind.

Things really were awkward.

'Yikes!'

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

Asa was assisting with the construction project—just like every other functional member of Dulum.

Since Adventurers were physically stronger than regular people, they had to work for longer and had very little breaks—though she didn't mind at all.

For her, being able to be a part of the Hero's efforts to recreate the city was a cherished privilege.

'Was this his plan all along? He must have used the fight to ensure that this city's terrible infrastructure would be gone. The damage caused to this city must have been intentional!'

That was only her theory, though. However, it made a lot of sense.

Looking around her, Asa could see many workers talking and bonding. Adventurers and denizens discussing. Children assisting in whatever ways they could. Socializing here and there.

Dulum had always been too busy for socializing—at least, with what Asa experienced in her time there.

Adventurers often went out to complete quests in order to make ends meet. No one had much time for socializing, unless they were in the same party.

However, looking at the peaceful and friendly atmosphere, Asa surmised that it was the Hero's intention to draw the people closer to one another.

What an amazing and thoughtful plan that was.

Of course, there were Golems and demons working too—but they were handling the more complex tasks since their physical abilities allowed them to do more.

For humans like her, making blocks and carrying certain materials made up most of their work.

The Golems were designed to construct the actual structures since they were precise in their measurements and actions. Sure, they had artisans as supervisors, but the Golems did amazing jobs.

As for the stronger demons and Adventurers, they were responsible for carrying the heavy loads.

'I'm only Level 15. I can't do all that much yet...' Asa muttered to herself.'

Folks like Gu, Galandel, and other heavy lifters were meant to handle tasks like that. Since she was better suited to tasks like making blocks—due to her speed—she was working with most of the common people.

'The Hero, huh...' Her thoughts finally returned to the problem that constantly plagued her.

No matter how much she tried to distract herself from her constant nightmares and their meaning, Asa's mind kept returning to the subject.

'I have to tell the Hero. But how...?'

The Hero was a busy person. He had a city to manage, and an entire world to save. How could she get him mixed up with her problems?

'Would I even be able to have access to him?'

Sam was always followed by an entourage of powerful subordinates, after all.

"Haa..." Asa sighed in defeat.

Who was she kidding? How could she even reach him? It wasn't like some sort of miracle would happen and he would just pop out of nowhere.

"N-no way!!!" A loud voice roused Asa, instantly snapping her from her thoughts.

The voice attracted a lot of attention. But, most especially, it shifted everyone's focus in a particular direction.

Asa as well looked in that direction—not at all expecting what she laid her eyes on.

"T-the Hero is here?!"