The Heroic Age

Once they arrived at the old man's office, he closes the door and proceeds to sit on the chair that accompanied the desk which was made of wood. In it was carved the symbol of the tree of the world, like the Elfian flag, and a word in elf language that meant "old man". On top of the desk were stacked books, one of them stood out more than any other because of how worn out it was.

- What was your name? - asks the old man staring at John.

-It's John. - Answer.

So, you're the new carrier, huh?

-Bearer?

-So, you're one of them...

-Bearer of what?

The old man simply smiles and gently touches one of the books on the desk, just the one that stood out the most.

-I've lived in this world for over 1500 years, you know? And for an old man like me, it's very easy to know about something that's right in front of his eyes. - The old man answered, causing John to be surprised and unable to say a word.

- Wait a minute! What do you know, old man? - Ezequiel asked.

- The "lives" eh?, not even I know that it is exactly, I only fought alongside and against one of them.

After saying those words, he grabs that worn-out book, places it in front of him and opens it.

(While perusing the book)

-When I was young, on one of my many trips, I found this book inside a chest. That chest was really rare because it was the only treasure found in that ruined tower. - tells the old man as he stops at one of the pages.

—The first appeared 5 thousand years ago and was the hero of the holy war, also gave an end to the age of heroes. - said the old man as he pointed to the book.

- Age of heroes? - They both asked.

-The age of heroes was a time when winter hit everyone. There are several legends that say that humans had done something so terrible that the sun was ashamed of this world and hid for 200 years in the confines of the world.

- And then why the name "The Age of Heroes"?

-Because in that time appeared the "heroes", people who rose against the gods and fought the "Holy War".

» A war that lasted 10 years without rest, even stories are told that our continent, for some people, had become an eternal battlefield.

» With the death of the bearer of the "Lives" was declared the end of that time, and also, that same day, people stopped warming with the spilled blood, since the sun rose again as if those 200 years were only an eternal night.

-I remember my grandmother telling me this kind of stories when I was little. - Ked said.

- Did all that really happen? I've never heard of it.

-Although in these times they are only cheap stories, in reality it happened -replies.

- And what was it like to fight a bearer? - Intrigued John asked.

-First let me finish answering the question -said the old man closing his eyes and sighing.

- I'm sorry! Go on...

-All right... -answer. The second one appeared 4,000 years ago, but he died a prisoner of war.

» The third appeared about 3000 years ago, and according to this book, he gave himself to the Northern Kingdom so that they could carry out experiments on his body.

» The fourth appeared 1900 years ago, who died from a rare, highly contagious disease, which turned the skin black and after a few days caused death.

»The fifth appeared 1200 years ago, I had the opportunity to cross swords with him in the "Fall of the Great Empire". It could be said that fighting was an expert, as if an almighty beast took his body. - (Sigh) - I do not want to remember that day, I lost unfortunately and dedicated my life to strengthening and researching about it.

(closing the book)

»And now I have the sixth bearer in front of me, and I want to ask one thing.

- To me? - asks John very nervous, shocked and restless with everything the old man had told him.

- Yes! I know I can't fight you, and for that reason, I want to train you and make you forceful. I assure you that with all that I have researched throughout my life, I do not believe that there is anyone more suitable for your training than me, obviously also to you young prince, in my plans is not to leave it aside. - says the old man with a slight, but confident smile, while watching both seriously.

Taking a look at the old man, Ked responds:

-For my part it is well, as this will serve me in the future, and also that I have no choice. - sighing.

» I also recommend that you accept it John, in your condition you cannot even kill a magical Beast. - He said while looking at him.

- Is that so?

- Yes! Besides, I don't think it's a bad thing to be a disciple of the third strongest man in the world.

As he finished these words he pointed to the old man who had a carefree smile on his face, but at the same time surprised that the prince would discover his identity.

—Since you recommend it to me, I have no choice. - said John bowing his head and closing his eyes. - I hope you can live up to your expectations, sir.

-Calm down and leave the formalities. Now you will be assigned your rooms and tomorrow morning you will go to the central hall of the castle, there you will be given your medals of disciples. You may retire, a maid awaits you outside this office.

- All right! - John and Ezequiel answer simultaneously.

The moment they left the office, a man appears from the shadows who could only be seen in the mask he was wearing.

- What, is that the tenth bearer? The one with the stories?

-That's right, it seems that a very murky time is approaching... - said the old man as he breathed a sigh of emotion.

-Old man, you're sighing too much, you know? Ah, and also why didn't you tell those kids the truth?

-There are things they should not know yet, or they will never be able to broaden their horizons.

As a loud silence surrounded the office, the man says:

- So, that time eh...?

In which the elder replies:

-Yes...

The time of The Heroes...