As the title of this series starts, the big theme going is being sentenced to be a hero. Which is quite the turn of words because in most stories the hero is the protagonist. They are a model of what you want to be. We see clearly that the way Xylo is treated is anything but heroic. Essentially, a hero is more of the lowest of the low of criminals. Funny enough, they are forced to fight until they kill every demon lord. Which is declared an impossible task.
The rather interesting fact is that the demon lords aren’t a supreme being like in most series but a corruption called the demon blight. Essentially, we see monsters, insects & humans get corrupt to turn on allies and humanity. The question you do wonder is who their leader is because clearly in the novel their attacks are coordinated. The suspects are the Temple or the Military. Or even the royal family. Quite simply, it is too difficult to get a definite answer.
Our protagonist in this story is Xylo Forbartz, who is one of the characters sentenced to be a hero. Penal heroes is how the novel refers to them. We learn quickly that he isn’t some criminal; in fact, he used to lead the 5th order of holy knights. For some reason, he was set up. So the question is why? As we find each head of holy knights, make a pact with a goddess. The goddesses provide, but each one is unique. Originally he had a pact with Senerva who was the goddess of fortresses. Her blessings could summon structures from other worlds. Clearly this pact makes them quite the team, and even their senses are linked.
The crime Xylo is charged with is killing his goddess Senerva. It is easily shown why he killed her because a goddess without power is no match for the demon blight. In fact, it is quite terrifying what would happen to a goddess that got consumed by the demon blight. It brings back why they would turn on Xylo and more than likely Senerva being that. The only thing we know is that there are people who believe coexistence between the Demon Blight is possible. Which sounds absurd, as the demons are not a race like in most stories.
Xylo ends up forming a pact with Teroitta, who is now the 13th Goddess. As each Holy Knight has a Goddess, it is mentioned she is recently discovered. However, Xylo’s past haunts him here because him being able to kill a goddess has the military thinking they can create a goddess. What is a goddess? Could it be a machine? But these seem too real and practically are people. Clearly there is truth that the temple is hiding.
Xylo & Teroitta‘s relationship is the highlight of the volume. Goddesses want to be praised; in fact, they serve to be praised. Quite a different take than the usual worship of the gods and goddesses. There is so much mystery, and it is no surprise why Xylo hates that because that is why he had to kill Senerva. It will be interesting as Xylo tries to get Teroitta to value her life, but there is a balance. As Teroitta can’t stop being who she truly is. It would be inhumane for Xylo to do that.
Though this brings a funny parallel between the two, as stated in the volume. Xylo doesn’t like being looked down upon. There is a pride inside of him that existed from being a member of the holy knights. In fact, Kivia notices this right away, where Xylo seems the most moral of the Penal Heroes. More than likely, being with Teroitta can help him heal. This aligns with Teroitta wanting to be praised by others. They both care about how others view them.
The two most interesting characters after these two are Kivia Patausche & Tatsuya. For Kivia, she leads the 13th order of Holy Knights. As Teroitta is the 13th goddess, it seems clear that she was supposed to form a pact with Kivia. Though that never appears to be an issue. Her family has ties to the temple as her uncle is a high priest. Her extra respectful manner towards Teroitta shows that well. At the same time, she is the only one in the military or temple that wants to do the right thing. She has already grown attached to the group quite fast.
The concern is still how the military and temple develop as organizations from this point. Lastly, Tatsuya shows the dangers of being sentenced as a hero. Unlike the others, we have no idea if he is truly an awful person or was put in an unfortunate situation like Xylo. He is a monster of freak strength. No matter how strong one is, if your mind is broken, it is a wrap. Which is more likely the point why Xylo tries to avoid dying, because too many times he could end up like Tatsuya.