AZI: The History Shattering Burial of a Selfish Lunatic Vol 5 to 6

Link to previous four volumes: https://www.wattpad.com/story/329944510-azi-the-history-shattering-burial-of-a-selfish

Volume 5 Synopsis:
"Surnamed Ye, if you had a choice between being a hero or a demon lord, which would you choose? Naturally, you can also choose to be a villager A or B if you wanted to."
"What kind of question is that? Hmm."
Contemplating for a bit, Ye Chen answers-
"I guess, the hero? Since he always wins in the end?"
"Hero, is it?"
"And you, surnamed Long?"
"I think, the role of the hero-is a role that should only be played by a masochist."
"The hell? Is this entire question supposed to be a way to diss me?"
"The fate of a hero is to suffer. They're constantly being pushed left and right. ...While everyone else drowns in a sea of despair, a hero must stand their ground, and step forward-to guide the deadbeats along. They must become the shining beacon of hope that others may follow-towards a future, where they may survive. Tell me then, if a hero isn't a masochist, then what are they?"
The world is a game board, those who control the game board, and the game itself...
What are they?