I'm Actually Not Overpowered!

'H-he really is here!'

Just as was declared by the loud voice of one of the workers, the Hero was indeed passing by.

His magnificent outfit caught all of their attention, and the entire workforce made sure to abandon everything they were doing to welcome him.

"We greet the Hero!" They all declared, bowing before his majesty.

The Hero currently donned what he referred to as a 'Hoodie', and the blue color complimented nicely with his black ripped jeans and blue sneakers.

His black hair was nicely tousled by the wind, and his marvelous smile caused everyone's heart to race in delight.

Undoubtedly, everyone loved the Hero.

'He's here! D-does he know about... no, there's no way!' Asa shook her head and tried to simply keep an open mind.

The Hero had lots of responsibilities. In addition, he was already occupied with rebuilding this city. While it was possible he was aware of her plight, he was currently too busy.

'Maybe it's better not to say anything.' She trembled while biting her lip.

Asa knew she would have to endure yet another version of the dreams that haunted her at night.

Asa raised her head once more to gaze upon the glorious image of her savior and role model, when she noticed something.

'H-he's looking at me?!'

It was so unexpected that Asa found herself frozen in place—almost as though her body had forgotten how to move. Her heart was racing with dangerous speed.

'H-h-h-he's really l-looking at me!'

It wasn't as if he hadn't spoken to her before, but those times were rare and brief. Asa still treasured the advice he had given her in the past, and she could vividly recall all of their meetings.

It shouldn't have been strange for him to look at a familiar face such as hers.

Still...!!!

'Those dazzling blue eyes, it's almost like they can see right through me. And he's smiling warmly at me. I... I...'

At this point, Asa couldn't keep denying her suspicion that the Hero was aware of the matters that troubled her heart.

'Is he waiting for me to speak up? Is he testing my courage?' She didn't know the answers to any of those questions.

The Hero's smile suddenly widened, and he nodded at Asa, almost as though he read her mind.

It was so humbling.

'H-he knows everything!'

Asa bowed her head, tears streaming down her face. She felt so overwhelmed by the strong emotion coursing through her that it became a challenge to maintain her composure.

'I-I'm so sorry, Sam... I'm so sorry!' In her cowardice, Asa ran away.

Guilt. Shame. Anxiety. Awe.

Several emotions churned within the young girl, and she expressed them though her tears.

She hastened her pace, abandoning her work, no longer able to withstand the benevolence of her Hero.

***********

'E-eh?'

What just happened? I honestly had no idea.

I had been observing the progress everyone was making towards the rebuilding of Dulum. Seeing everyone band together to achieve the cause, made me genuinely happy.

When I came to this spot, I came across this set of workers—mostly residents I didn't know of—working on the lighter aspects of construction.

One 'genius' had to blurt out my arrival to everyone, causing them to stop and stare. Usually, I would feel comfortable staring emptily into a crowd, but I didn't know most of these people.

Fortunately, I spotted Asa, and I was happy to see her. In fact, her dazed expression was pretty cute, considering we hadn't really spoken in a while.

'Maybe now would be a good time to address what has been on my mind about her.' I had thought, nodding to myself as I smiled kindly at her.

How could I have expected that she would suddenly shed tears and run off? It made zero sense to me, to be honest.

'What did I do to make her break down so suddenly?'

I was sure my performance was flawless. I didn't creep her out, right?

"Lucy, follow after Asa and ask her what's wrong." I told the redhead behind me.

"But, what of your security?"

"Don't worry. I'll be fine. I can take care of them if they dare to misbehave." A smile formed on my face as I glanced in the direction of the very dissatisfied—yet terrified—Demon Generals.

Lucy nodded instantly.

'It's a good thing she listens to me.'

"Should I silently observe her? Or do you suspect her of subversion—perhaps she's guilty of something or hiding a dangerous secre—"

"No, Lucy. I'm just concerned. You're a girl, and you're also a fellow Adventurer. Also, she respects you. Find out what she knows without letting her know I put you up to it, then report back to me."

I didn't want to go myself, because that would be weird. In addition, sending a demon would probably do more harm than good.

In the end, I had to resort to my ever capable Lucy to make it happen.

"Understood. I will carry out your request."

"Thank you."

That was indeed a relief, and I was happy to see Lucy run after Asa, catching up to her.

"Now then, shall we proceed?"

The Demon Generals in front of me shuddered slightly and nodded, resuming our march across the rest of the City.

'I think I'll have a nap when I return.'

*

*

*

Surprisingly, when I returned to my lodging space, Lucy was already waiting for me.

I shouldn't have been surprised, but it definitely felt weird that she arrived before we did. Weren't girls supposed to talk for a long time, bonding or something?

"Great work. Did you get the information I wanted?"

"Yes sir."

For someone older than me to refer to me as that... what was my world turning into?

"Great. Fill me in when we get inside. The rest of you are dismissed. Go secure the perimeter. Ensure everything around this place is safe and secure."

If another enemy was going to attack, I needed to know when and where.

"Understood." They all responded and left me alone with Lucy, who slowly trailed behind me as I entered my lodging

'Welp. It's time for the moment of truth'