Born into the esteemed House of Valerius, Cedric was meant to be a warrior of great renown, a paladin who would bring honor to his family's name. Yet, from the moment he took his first breath, he was seen as a disappointment.
His body was weak, prone to illness. His hands trembled when he held a sword. His mind, fragile and unsure, often wandered into thoughts of doubt.
His father, Duke Valerius, barely acknowledged him. His elder brothers trained as warriors, their strength celebrated, while Cedric was left to watch from the shadows. The knights scoffed at him. The servants whispered behind his back.
"The frail son of House Valerius will never be a warrior."
But Cedric refused to accept his fate.
On the night of his fifteenth birthday, he left the comfort of his noble home and sought out the Sanctum of the Silver Flame, a sacred order of paladins. Though the priests hesitated to accept him, something in Cedric's eyes—determination, desperation, something unbreakable—made them relent.
Thus began his grueling training. His body failed him, time and time again. His spirit wavered, breaking under the weight of exhaustion.
But he never stopped.
Years passed. Through sheer will, Cedric forged himself anew. His once-feeble frame grew strong, his mind sharpened by discipline. The divine light of the Silver Flame answered his prayers, granting him power beyond mere strength—healing, protection, and a holy sword that burned with righteousness.
By the time he emerged from the Sanctum, he was no longer the weak noble child of House Valerius.
He was Cedric the Radiant, the Paladin of the Silver Flame—a warrior feared by demons and honored by men.
But fate had one last trial waiting for him.
The Demon King had risen. And Cedric would be the one to face him.