“Good news Hiro, we’re sending you back!” exclaimed Astra.

“I’m thrilled,” I deadpanned while look at the four of them, “it’s a great idea, oh wait, I got my ass kicked by the former heroes of the five kingdoms of the alliance. That’s going to be a shitty deal since I’m certain that they can wipe my ass all over the floor once again. Sorry, no. I’m no masochist and pain isn’t my thing.”

“Good, because we intend to fix that problem.” Astra replied, “When you were summoned, a certain someone somehow managed to convince us that we shouldn’t interfere. Isn’t that right Tavs?”

My head swiveled until I was staring down Tavs who seemed to see something interesting on the ceiling – not that there was one.

“So you’re the reason I was allowed to come to this shitty world with nothing to help me out.”

It really was a shitty deal. I was thrust from a world with no swords, magic or wars into one with all that plus a supposed Demon Lord. Now I’ve played those sort of games before and even read a book or two on the concept and always without fail the MC gets a boost or some form of advantage. Me? I got nothing. If it wasn’t for the fact that my determination probably outstrips nations and it was only by that determination that I was able to master all types of weaponry, martial arts and magic.

“Well yeah, that boat’s sailed, so we’re fixing all our mistakes now and then some. However we still can’t interfere directly in this world’s evolution but since you’re not from this world we can interfere with you.” Astra smiled.

“So what do you need then? This had better be good too.” I replied as I leaned back in my chair.

Oris stepped forward, “I’m glad you asked,” she chuckled, “this time we’re going to give you what we should have given you before and then some.”

“Yup, from me you’re going to have almost unlimited mana,” smiled Zero from his seat, “though you’re going to have to keep practicing so that you’re body can get acclimated to such levels of mana. No no, that’s not something that I can change. Simply put your body is the conduit for the mana and if it’s not strong enough you’ll basically explode.”

“Enough enough, my turn.” Astra said, “I’m going to up you one. I’m going to let you keep all your memories, skills and spells. But pretty much like Zero said, your body can’t handle the strain of those high level spells and arts so you’ll have to take it easy until it can handle them.”

“Ok, my turn,” said Oris as she touched my forehead. “I’m granting you the heal spells and high regeneration and physical stats. Of course, not god level high but definitely high enough to get you by. Oh and some spacial magic as well. You’ll have a 50’ x 50’ x 50’ space that will be linked to your soul. A ring or bracelet is nice and all that however a bit hard to explain in the body we’re sending you to. Ok, your turn now Tavs.”

The three other gods stared down Tavs until he finally relented.

“Fine fine fine, I’m giving you a divine sword,” he said as he reached into a void space and pulled out a black edged sword. “It’s called Void Breaker.” He said as he tossed it over to me.

I caught it with one hand and hefted it to see how it felt. Oddly enough it was heavy at first then it became lighter until it was just right. Then the blade started to reform, becoming a black haze before finally condensing into a Japanese katana and sheath.

“Nice, this will do.” I nodded as I put it into my spacial storage.

“It’s tuned to your soul so you can even call it back should you have to throw it.”

“Ok, we’re all done so it’s time for you to be on your way.” Said Astra as she skipped back to her chair followed by the other three gods.

“Any questions before we send you back?” asked Oris.

“Yeah, how about you explain what you meant by – my body won’t be able to handle it?”

“Ooohhh caught that didn’t you? You’ll find out, needless to say you’ll appreciate it – I think.” She replied.

Suddenly a runic circle filled with countless runes appeared on the floor with me at the center. ‘Well I guess reincarnation wasn’t so bad after all’ I thought as the light became unbearably bright.

Suddenly the light disappeared and I was staring up at a beautiful woman. Oddly enough she seemed huge. Then I was passed to a gruff, but smiling man who took me out of the room and into what seemed to be a great hall. He held me out over his head and yelled, “Behold my son and heir. He is to be called Hiro!”

‘Well shit. There goes my chances of living a peaceful life. Who the hell goes and names their son Hiro. Is he trying to get me killed?? I can see it already, the next time I wake up I’m going to be in front of those four gods trying to explain how come I’m back already.’

I expected to be blown to smithereens and cast back into the dust but instead I heard the roaring of a full hall of people.

“To Hiro Ventris! Son of Duke Ventris!”

“To Hiro Ventris! Son of Duke Ventris!”

‘Wait, what? Ventris? That name was rather familiar but I just couldn’t place it yet.’

I was then waltzed away back to my mother who immediately put me to her breast.

“Caden, are you sure naming our son Hiro is a good idea?” she asked.

“Yes Alina, I’m sure. Hiro was the greatest man I knew, I didn’t like him much but he was as honest as the day is long.”

“But what of all those rumors that he was the Demon Lord and that the five heroes almost died to defeat him!”

“A load of Bull. Hiro a Demon Lord? Bah your mother is more of a Demon Lord than he’ll ever be! He was the true Hero and somehow those five did something and now he’s gone and I just can’t prove it.”

“Caden, you promised me!”

“Shh, I know I know. I may have given up the search but that doesn’t mean I can’t give him his due by naming our son after him.” He replied with a smile.

“Ok, ok. Just keep your promise. It’s bad enough you named our son after him, but don’t give them anything else to come sniffing around and causing problems.” Alina said as she looked down at me. “You’re quite the attentive one aren’t you little Hiro?”

‘Hmph, if only you knew.’ I thought as I finished eating and sleep began to encroach on my mind. Soon I was completely asleep and life went on.