This is the 8027th most frequent Japanese word.
如く
"如く" means "like" or "as if."
The word '如く' here expresses a comparison, stating that the bravery of his fight is similar to that of a hero.
彼は英雄の如く勇敢に敵と戦った。
He fought bravely against the enemy like a hero.
In this sentence, '如く' is used to compare reality to a dream, emphasizing the similarity in beauty between the two.
夢に如く、現実が美しかった。
Reality was as beautiful as a dream.
'如く' is utilized here to draw a parallel between the freedom of her desired flight and that of birds.