I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

Beneath his helmet, the Headless Horseman glanced down at the spot where Nero's kick had landed moments before, his voice carrying a note of astonishment.

"I admit I underestimated you. Not only are you a great emperor, but also a formidable warrior. In terms of pure skill, you may even surpass me."

"But your strength doesn't seem to measure up. Since becoming a Headless Horseman, my attributes far exceed what I had as a mere human. Don't blame me for using my advantages—I'd be a fool not to."

"If you want to complain, blame the fact that you're only human!"

Confidence filled the Headless Horseman's voice, as though victory was already in his grasp.

Nero, however, simply laughed.

"Advantages? Disadvantages? Hah! Such trivialities are no more than whims to me."

"All things lie within my grasp. Open your eyes wide and behold the emperor's absolute privilege!"

In the next moment, Nero assumed a Plains Eye Stance with her flaming greatsword, Aestus Estus.

Activating her Reduced Earth skill, she closed the distance between them in an instant.

Once again, her blazing greatsword collided with the Headless Horseman's massive black blade. The Horseman absorbed the impact through his legs, channeling the force into the ground. The earth beneath him cratered under the immense pressure.

"That strange speed won't work on me again!"

Having transcended human limitations as a Headless Horseman, he had fought countless battles, more than any ordinary mortal could imagine. Even Nero's sudden bursts of speed could not catch him off guard for long.

In that case…

"Then let's not compete in speed," Nero declared.

The slight curve of her lips gave the Headless Horseman an ominous premonition.

Before he could react, an overwhelming force surged through her blade, as if she wielded the strength of a dragon.

"Behold the strength that rivals the mighty Heracles!"

From Nero's petite frame erupted an unfathomable power, a force so titanic that it felt as though it contained the might of ten mountains, the flow of a hundred rivers, and the raw strength of a thousand dragons.

The Headless Horseman attempted to resist, but against such absolute power, he was as insignificant as a pebble in a raging torrent. His body was sent hurtling skyward like a cannonball.

Even his trusted black greatsword, a weapon that had accompanied him through countless battles, groaned under the strain of her strike.

In life, Nero admired the Greek hero Heracles. She once nearly wrestled a lion to death in the arena, claiming it was in homage to his feats.

By fully unleashing her Imperial Privilege EX, Nero momentarily gained strength comparable to Heracles.

The shockwave of her strike turned into a roaring gale.

Earth was torn asunder.

Rocks shattered.

Even Megumin, who had been spectating at a safe distance, was caught off guard. She was blown away by the force of the wind.

The adventurers near the city gates found themselves unable to stand upright, many sprawling onto the ground in the chaos.

Except for Darkness. She stood resolute, her posture straight as an arrow. Then, with a blissful expression, she took a flying rock to the face and collapsed, murmuring her thanks to the heavens.

Amid the wreckage of the plain, Nero stood tall, her figure radiating triumph.

From the sky, the Headless Horseman's body began to plummet. Nero's keen eyes followed him as she crouched down slightly.

With a deafening BOOM, the spot where Nero had stood turned into a massive crater, its surface webbed with cracks. She launched herself upward like an arrow, streaking through the sky.

As he fell, the Headless Horseman inspected the cracks forming in his greatsword, only to hear the air itself shatter under the force of her approach.

Emerald eyes locked onto him with deadly intent. Sparks danced like fiery wings around Nero, her blazing sword turning her into a phoenix soaring through the heavens.

Realizing his fate, the Headless Horseman sighed.

"So this is it. I thought this assignment would just be an all-expenses-paid vacation—a cushy job. Why is there someone like you in a beginner's town? With such skill and strength, you've utterly defeated me. Who's the real monster here?"

The flames drew nearer, filling his vision with crimson.

Staring at her magnificent and divine form, the Headless Horseman resigned himself to his fate.

"To lose in single combat against someone stronger than me—it's not such a bad way to die. Whether as a knight or as a monster, this feels fitting."

"But still… what a shame. The one defeating me is such a beauty. If only I could have seen up her skirt before I died… or spied on her bathing… With that body and face, she's exactly my type."

"I'll remember you, Nero Claudius…"

The surging flames consumed the Headless Horseman entirely, his form dissolving into a fiery spectacle that painted the sky in shades of red.

Even from afar, the adventurers on the ground felt the heat radiating from the inferno.

All eyes turned to the lone figure atop the hill, standing proud amidst the aftermath, like a vision out of a dream.

The flames surrounding her danced like rose petals in the wind, her golden hair glimmering like spun gold. Her red and black sword, planted firmly in the ground, was held steady in both hands.

As they gazed upon her silhouette, the crowd saw not just a warrior but a sovereign—a protector of the people, a living legend.

"Nero…"

From a distance, Alice also gazed at Nero's figure.

She had witnessed the entire battle, the blazing radiance of this emperor leaving an indelible mark on her heart.

The seed planted in Alice's heart had begun to sprout and grow, promising to flourish in the days to come.

Under the watchful eyes of all present, Nero descended from the hill, striding toward the city gates.

With a grand gesture, she spread her arms wide.

"Why the silence? Where is the applause? The cheers? This was my flawless victory! Tell me, how does it feel to witness my performance?"

Her voice rippled through the crowd like a stone cast into still water, stirring them from their stupor.

The adventurers erupted into raucous cheers.

"That was AMAZING!"

"LOUDER!" Nero commanded, her voice brimming with authority. "If it's praise, hold nothing back! Shower me with thunderous applause!"

"YOU WERE AMAZING!!!" the crowd roared.

"Excellent! I am most pleased! Umu!" Nero declared with a satisfied nod.