If the fate of Heroes is tragic, one could say that the life of a Champion is tough and painful; they sacrificed too much to save the world—family, lovers, races, even themselves—all to rescue the world.
Even the Champion, Loki knew bore the sins of the world on their shoulders, dying under the weight of the world's hatred and pain, just to save it...
Like a child going to great lengths to save their mother from death...
Loki admires their lives, but it's something she'll never envy. The tenacity Champions possess is beyond even Heroes and Gods.
"To start, I'll describe the differences between them, so pay attention."
Looking at the group, Loki held the room in suspense, causing her family to swallow nervously as they listened intently.
Not just them, but also everyone in the bar fell silent, fearing they might miss a single detail of this information.
Even Mia shed her intimidating aura to hear Loki's words.
"There are many things that set Heroes and Champions apart. Firstly, Champions are crowned by the world, and they carry that crown on their souls until the day they vanish. Heroes have destinies granted by the world, just like all inhabitants, as the world loves life. The destinies of its children are a guiding light for all living beings in the world."
Pausing, Loki observed the various expressions in the bar, simultaneously placing a finger on her lips to continue.
"Champions have no destiny; they are that very light. They don't need anything to guide them, not the world's guidance, nor the rules of the world's reincarnation system."
Sighing sadly, Loki recalled that person once more, their sacrifice still a regret. Yet, her words were true; the world watches over its inner life and cares for it. That's why it was qaltered people's destinies, creating Heroes to save lives.
For instance, Inori's destiny was to die to save humanity, but Yuki wouldn't allow it. He was the light, so he altered Inori's destiny, showing another path that allowed her to live and simultaneously save humanity.
"Champions will do whatever it takes to save the world. If that means becoming enemies to all inhabitants of the world, they will. Champions never falter; no matter how much they suffer, they won't fall, won't corrupt. Whether everything goes to hell, whether they're controlled or threatened, they will always stand with the world."
Just as the world loves Champions, they also love the world, like a mother loves her child and a child loves its mother...
"Champions never lose; they are the world's last defense. They bear all the world's pain and damage, using their bodies as shields to save the world. Even if they die and their bodies are destroyed, they will rise, scream, suffer, and fight until the last piece of their soul shatters. They ensure... to save... the world... That's why... They won't lose... Even if... It means... They disappear...."
Ending with trembling words, a tear fell from Loki's eyes as she clenched her teeth and fists.
Speaking about Champions brought back painful memories Loki had buried deep in her mind. However, seeing the young one in front of her, those memories surged like a storm.
After all, that person was someone Loki loved to the core, yet at the same time, a bastard who, no matter how much Loki begged, chose to save the world. Causing its destruction, but Loki still remembers. Even in his final breath, he smiled with happiness, ignoring that he was about to die, and Loki's love for him shattered.
"Sorry, something got in my eyes."
Waving her hand and smiling, Loki regained her composure while wiping away the tears about to fall.
However, despite saying those words with a smile, no one believed her, especially her family. It was the first time they saw Loki cry, not to mention the emotions reflected in her words, making all the present women look at Loki in a new light. If their instincts were correct, Loki loved and suffered.
But her words were more than enough for everyone in the tavern to be impressed and look at Yuki with respect.
Yuki, on the other hand, was so embarrassed he was glad he had a mask, wanting to escape and be swallowed by the earth.
What Loki said didn't resemble anything he would do. He was a damn killer, and being a Champion was a mistake.
Because the only world he saved was that damn game world.
And it wasn't him but his avatar.
But the fact that he was a Champion was undeniable. After all, the world doesn't make mistakes.
Inori, on the other hand, attended Loki's comment satisfied. She agreed with those words. Even for her, those words were not enough to describe how great Champions were. For her, Yuki was more than a Champion; he was a Hero who saved her and the entire humanity without asking for anything in return, even using himself to end all the suffering the Apocalypse virus brought to her world.
"But Loki, this didn't tell us much about the difference between Heroes and Champions."
Still not giving up, Tiona couldn't understand the difference. With Loki's words, she knew Champions were resilient and brave, but so were Heroes.
"Don't you get it yet?..."
Shaking her head, Loki was speechless at how slow her daughter was to comprehend.
"Well, I'll make it clearer... A hero saves people and also fights, be it for love, for their country, or even to save their race... But that's their limit because even if that person is your hero, for others, they may not be... A Champion is different; they follow their own justice and will always be with the world. So even if all the inhabitants go to war, they will always support the world."
Releasing a sigh, Loki spoke no more. She was tired of explaining, so if her daughter still didn't understand, she wouldn't explain further.
"Hmmm"
However, Tiona still had doubts, as several questions piled up in her mind.
But seeing Loki close her mouth, she didn't insist.
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TN : Yuki getting 1st hand embarrassment and me getting the 2nd one