The Hero’s Calling

The hall was still save for the faint crackle of torches along the walls. The air felt so heavy it caused Liam's chest to constrict. He swallowed anxiously as the silver-haired woman stepped aside, leaving him alone in the centre of the massive room, all eyes on him.

He looked around nervously. Aside from the intimidating presence of the king sat at the far end of the chamber, there were numerous others there. Standing immediately to the left of the throne was the horned woman from before, her flaming crimson eyes fixed on him with a look he couldn't read. She appeared as exotic and gorgeous as ever, with her arms crossed and her pointy horns catching the light from the stained-glass windows.

On the king's right sat a royal woman who exuded unquestionable power. Her presence was authoritative yet warm, a perfect blend of grace and strength. Her long, flowing robe sparkled like liquid gold, and her deep auburn hair fell gracefully over her shoulders. Her emerald-green eyes were softer than the king's, yet they had a calm intensity that made Liam feel like she was sizing him up.

Beside her stood a girl who appeared to be Liam's age—or possibly a little younger. Her features were delicate yet sharp, and her chin tilted confidently, mirroring her father's. Her beautiful, light hair shimmered with silver and gold, sliding down her back in waves. She wore a tight, elaborate dress in deep sapphire blue with silver accents, and her eyes were piercing sky blue, gleaming with curiosity and mischief as they concentrated on him.

Beyond them, three nobles in lavishly embroidered robes stood to the side, their expressions a mix of curiosity and scepticism. Rows of fully armoured guards lined the room, their hands resting on the hilts of glittering swords as they stood stiffly in place.

Liam's breath seized as the king leaned forward on his chair, his intense golden gaze fixed on him. Liam's knees wobbled somewhat just being in his presence.

"Welcome," the king announced, his loud, powerful voice ringing around the chamber. "I am King Altheron of Eryndor."

The king's eyes softened slightly, and he nodded toward Liam. "First, I must offer my sincerest apologies for your sudden arrival in our world. I know it must have been disorienting, even frightening. For that, I take full responsibility."

Liam blinked, his mouth opening slightly to respond, but no words came out. He was still trying to process where he was—and now the king of this place was apologizing to him?

King Altheron continued, "You are here because we are in desperate need of your help."

Liam's confusion only grew. "Help? "Me?" he finally asked, his voice shaking slightly.

The king offered a solemn nod. "Yes. Your existence here is not accidental. You were summoned for a reason, young gentleman. Our kingdom—and the entire world—is in severe danger. "A tyrannical sorcerer named Maltheris has returned."

The very mention of the name sent waves of anxiety among the room. Even the guards shifted slightly, their grasp tightening around their weapons.

"Maltheris?" Liam repeated, unsure whether he had said it correctly.

The king's gaze clouded. "He is a being with incredible power and malice. Long ago, he was sealed away by a hero selected by the divine forces to protect this world. However, the seal has weakened, and he has returned, causing havoc and destruction in his wake. His soldiers have already launched their campaign, moving throughout Eryndor and our neighbouring kingdoms, leaving death and despair in their wake."

Liam's heart was pounding now. This all sounded like something ripped straight out of a fantasy anime or game. A kingdom in danger, an evil sorcerer, and a hero…

The king's next words confirmed it.

"Only the chosen hero, blessed by the divine, has the strength to stand against Maltheris and bring peace to this land once more. And that hero…" Altheron paused, his golden eyes boring into Liam's. "…is you."

Liam froze, his brain short-circuiting at the declaration. The entire room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for his response. He stared at the king, then at the horned woman, then at the queen and the princess, and finally back at the king.

"Me?" he finally said, his voice cracking again. "You're kidding, right? I'm not… I mean, I'm just a regular guy! I don't know anything about fighting or magic or… or saving kingdoms! There's no way I'm this 'hero' you're talking about."

The nobles exchanged skeptical glances, some even whispering among themselves. One of them, a tall man with sharp features and an elaborate robe, sneered slightly. "He doesn't look like much of a hero," he muttered under his breath, though the room was quiet enough for everyone to hear.

The horned woman shot the noble a sharp glare, silencing him immediately.

King Altheron raised a hand, and the murmurs ceased. "I understand your doubt," he said, his tone patient. "This must feel overwhelming, and you have every right to question it. But I assure you, hero, you are the one chosen by the divine. You would not have been summoned here otherwise."

With his mind racing, Liam nervously massaged the back of his neck. This has to be a dream, or a practical joke? But no, it all seemed too genuine. The king's remarks were like a mountain pressing down on him.

Altheron's gaze softened further. "You are in Eryndor, a land that has long been protected by the divine blessings of the gods. They are the ones who guide the summoning of a hero in times of great need. While it may not yet make sense to you, the gods chose you because they saw something within you—a strength, a potential, perhaps even a destiny you have yet to realize."

Liam's legs felt like they were going to give out. This was insane. This couldn't be happening.

"Please, sir hero," the queen spoke for the first time, her voice as calm and steady as a river. "We do not ask this lightly. But without you, countless lives will be lost, and Maltheris will plunge our world into darkness."

The princess stepped forward, her piercing blue eyes meeting Liam's. "You don't have to have all the answers right now," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle. "But if there's even a chance you can help us… please. We need you."

Liam's throat tightened. He didn't know what to say. How was he supposed to respond to something like this?

King Altheron leaned forward slightly, his golden eyes glowing with sincerity. "I understand your hesitation, Liam. This is not a small request, nor is it something we ask without offering you something in return. Should you help us defeat Maltheris, not only will you be hailed as the savior of our kingdom, but you will also be rewarded handsomely. Wealth, land, titles—anything within my power to grant will be yours."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Furthermore, while it is not guaranteed, there is a possibility that we can find a way to return you to your world once Maltheris is defeated. The summoning magic used to bring you here is ancient and intricate, but with time, we may be able to reverse its effects and send you home."

Liam's heart raced at those words. Still, the weight of the situation felt crushing. He was just an ordinary guy, not some warrior or chosen one. How was he supposed to take on a tyrannical sorcerer?

He looked at the king, then at the queen, the princess, and the two women he had already met. Their gazes were steady, filled with expectation but also a quiet desperation. It was clear they truly believed he was their only hope.

Liam swallowed hard. "If I do this," he said slowly, his voice barely above a whisper, "you're saying there's a chance I can go back to my world?"

"Yes," Altheron replied firmly. "It will not be easy, but we will do everything in our power to make it happen. You have my word as king."

Liam hesitated, his mind a storm of emotions. The promise of a reward sounded tempting, but the possibility of going home—that was the deciding factor. After a long moment, he took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright… I'll do it. I'll help you."

The tension in the room seemed to lift immediately. The king smiled, his face filled with relief. The queen and princess exchanged a look, their expressions softening. Even the nobles, though still skeptical, seemed less dismissive.

"Thank you," Altheron said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Your courage will not be forgotten, Liam." He then gestured toward the two women standing nearby. "Now, allow me to introduce you properly to those who will guide and assist you in the days to come."

The horned woman stepped forward first, her piercing crimson eyes locking onto Liam. Her presence was as commanding as ever, her sharp horns catching the light and emphasizing her otherworldly beauty. She placed a hand over her chest and bowed slightly.

"This is Selene Vaeltheris," the king said, his voice full of respect. "She is the High Priestess of the Church of Luminalis—the sacred order that worships the hero and has safeguarded the divine blessings passed down through generations. Selene will be one of your primary guides, offering you the knowledge and strength you'll need to fulfill your role."

Selene straightened, her lips curving into a small smile, though her fiery gaze remained intense. "It is an honor to serve you, Chosen Hero," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "The Church has awaited your arrival for centuries. I will ensure you are prepared for the trials ahead."

Next, the silver-haired woman stepped forward, her delicate features still slightly flushed. She held herself with a quiet grace, her icy blue eyes meeting Liam's briefly before she looked away shyly.

"And this," the king continued, gesturing to her, "is Lysandra Eltheris, the Keeper of Luminalis. She is second only to Selene in the Church's hierarchy and is deeply knowledgeable in both divine rituals and healing arts. Lysandra will be by your side to provide care and guidance."

Lysandra bowed her head, her long silver hair falling over her shoulder like a shimmering veil. "I-It is a great honor, Chosen Hero," she said softly, her voice like a gentle breeze. "I will do everything in my power to assist you."

Liam blinked, still processing everything. "Wait… you're both part of a religion… that worships the hero?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Indeed," Selene replied, her tone steady. "The Church of Luminalis was established long ago, dedicated to the divine hero chosen by the gods to protect this world. Your arrival is the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, and it is our sacred duty to support and serve you."

Liam shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. The idea of being the center of a religion—or worse, being worshiped—made him uneasy. He glanced between the two women, their expressions a mix of reverence and determination.

"I… guess I should say thanks," he mumbled. "It's just a lot to take in, you know?"

Lysandra's soft smile returned, and Selene nodded. "We understand," Selene said. "You have been thrust into a world and a role you did not ask for. But know this, Hero: you are not alone. We are here to guide you every step of the way."

Liam sighed. This wasn't going to be easy, but at least he wasn't doing it completely on his own. He straightened slightly, trying to muster some confidence.

"Alright," he said. "Let's do this."