Choosen One Or Choosen Hero!

"I-I am not a spy! I'm not a threat, I swear!" I said, my voice firm but slightly shaky.

"Trying to trick us now, huh?" the captain sneered.

The surrounding knights urged their horses closer, their spears inching toward me, the sharp tips nearly touching my skin.

"Come on, kid, you have no escape," the captain said coldly. "Tell us the truth before your execution."

"I-I am—" I started to explain, but before I could finish, a voice echoed in my mind.

"Kelvin, they won't believe you. They'll show no mercy, even if you're just a kid. The best thing to do is show them your sign."

I stiffened, my eyes darting between the knights and the captain.

"What are you talking about? What sign?" I whispered under my breath.

A rare seriousness coated her voice. "Damn it, Kelvin! You're the first chosen one, summoned here by the will of Gaia. That means you're her chosen candidate, and you bear a mark of belonging. Look at your wrist!"

The tension in the air thickened as the captain grew impatient.

"Hey, kid! Are you not afraid? You're just standing there, mumbling to yourself… Speak the truth before we lose our patience!"

I gulped, nerves twisting inside me. But if the system was right… I needed to check my wrist.

Slowly, I lowered my gaze—and there it was.

A glowing, golden feather symbol shimmered on my right wrist, radiating a celestial light.

A spark of confidence lit within me as I raised my hand and stepped forward.

"Here! Look at this!" I declared, stretching my arm toward them.

The moment their eyes fell on the glowing feather, their movements froze. The air around us shifted as shock and disbelief spread across their faces.

The captain's eyes widened. His hands trembled as he quickly dismounted his horse, stepping toward me with hesitant awe. Gently, he took my wrist, examining the mark with careful reverence.

"Y-You… You're really that person!" he stammered, his voice thick with astonishment.

Almost instantly, the other knights dismounted as well, their expressions filled with realization. Without hesitation, the captain released my hand, took a step back, and dropped to one knee, placing his right hand over his heart.

The rest of the knights followed suit.

"We deeply apologize for our disrespect," the captain said, his tone laced with regret and reverence. "We failed to recognize the one sent by Gaia."

I blinked, stunned by the sudden shift in their demeanor.

The system's voice returned, this time teasing again. "See? Told ya~ You should listen to me more often, Master~"

I never expected to receive this kind of respect in this new world. It was nothing like Earth. Here, I was someone important.

"You may all stand up," I said, clearing my throat. "It's okay. You didn't know who I was."

One by one, the knights and the captain stood, their expressions now filled with respect rather than suspicion.

"Please, would you come to the mansion with us, our chosen hero? It will be an exciting day in the Kingdom of Ruin, for the long wait is finally over—your arrival marks a new beginning!" the captain said, his voice filled with excitement.

At first, I was confused. Chosen hero? Not chosen one? And why were they acting like they had been waiting for me all this time? Am I some kind of god or something? But then again… Gaia must have sent me here for a reason.

"Can I at least know why you're all so excited about me? Do I have some kind of blessing from Gaia to protect your kingdom?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, you are right," the captain nodded. "You are our last hope—the final light we've been waiting for. The danger we face is great, but we will reveal everything to you once we reach the mansion."

"Uh… fine. Lead the way," I sighed, still trying to process everything.

As the knights mounted their horses, preparing to depart, the system chimed in playfully.

"Ooooh, fancy title, chosen hero! You sure you're ready for all the expectations that come with it?"

I rolled my eyes. "Not helping."

"Haha, it's quite a long distance from this forest to the kingdom, so come," the captain said before turning toward me with a chuckle. "Come now, chosen hero. Ride with me."

I hesitated for a moment but eventually climbed onto the horse behind the captain.

The system giggled. "A knight escorting you like royalty? Oh my, Master, you're already living the high life~"

I ignored her teasing as the captain smirked.

"Hah! I thought you'd struggle, but you managed just fine," he said, amused, before urging the horse forward.

With that, we set off toward the Kingdom of Ruin, the other knights riding close behind.