Linus, the hero who defeated the Demon King, is my childhood friend.

We had also pledged our future to each other.

That's certainly what I thought, but────.

When Linus returned in triumph from his nearly two-year quest to defeat the Demon King, he was a completely different person from the one I knew.

He said he had grown close to the Princess, who had joined the Demon King's subjugation as a Saint, during their journey, and they were now happily getting married.

I heard it from his own mouth, so there's no mistake.

I had a feeling something like this might happen, so I'm glad I've been preparing little by little.

I need to hurry. Prepare for my journey.

────This is the story of the Last Hero, Linus, and me.

【※Please Note※】

Originally, this was a one-shot short story where the punchline was the main event, but it somehow ended up becoming a full-length novel.

For those who prefer a short story, please read only the prologue. The prologue, at least, is self-contained. In fact, each chapter is self-contained. Please feel free to read as much or as little as you like.

※The hero in the early chapters is quite pathetic, but he does grow considerably, so please don't give up on him.

※Also cross-posted on AlphaPolis.