Chapter 2: HEROES ARRIVAL
Noel stood in the shadows, watching as five radiant figures emerged from the summoning circle. The light from the ritual faded, revealing their young faces, each no older than he was. Their clothes were strange, foreign. Their expressions flickered between confusion and awe as they took in their surroundings.
"They're just like me… my age…"
Noel clenched his fists, his heart pounding in his chest.
He had spent his whole life fighting, bleeding, and sacrificing for the kingdom. He had saved countless lives. Yet, when the great evil returned, the king had turned to another source for salvation.
"Am I not enough?"
Despite the storm inside him, Noel forced a smile as the king stepped forward, his voice booming with excitement.
"Welcome, brave heroes! You have been summoned to save this land from the darkness that threatens to consume us!"
The court erupted into cheers. The king's face was practically glowing with joy, as if all his worries had been lifted the moment the heroes arrived.
Noel remained silent, standing at the edge of the crowd, unnoticed.
To test their abilities, the heroes were led to a grand chamber where a massive, floating magic orb awaited them. The ancient artifact shimmered with raw energy, pulsing as it read their magical potential.
One by one, the heroes stepped forward.
Leonhardt – The first hero, a tall young man with short red hair, placed his hand on the orb. Flames erupted around him, burning with an intensity that made the knights step back. "Fire manipulation," the scholars whispered in awe.
Iris – A calm and collected girl with silver hair stepped up next. The moment she touched the orb, ghostly figures materialized around her. Ethereal wolves, birds, and spirits swirled around her body. "A summoner… remarkable."
Derek – A lanky young man with glasses, hesitant at first, touched the orb. A golden light enveloped him, radiating warmth and vitality. The scholars gasped. "A powerful support… his magic can enhance allies' abilities."
Gareth – A sturdy, confident boy with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes approached next. When he made contact, his body was suddenly clad in shimmering armor. The sheer weight of his aura forced others to step back. "A knight of unparalleled strength…"
Veyron – The last of the summoned, a slender young man with dark eyes, barely brushed his fingers against the orb before vanishing entirely. Gasps filled the chamber before he reappeared behind the king, a dagger playfully spinning in his hand. "An assassin with shadow magic… dangerous."
The king was beside himself with joy.
"Marvelous! Simply marvelous! You are truly blessed by the gods!" He clapped his hands together, eyes glistening with newfound hope. "Tonight, we shall celebrate your arrival with a grand banquet!"
Noel watched as the five heroes basked in the king's praise.
The grand hall was alight with music and laughter, nobles and knights raising their glasses in celebration. The king himself was practically dancing with joy, his goblet never empty as he showered the heroes with praise.
Noel, however, sat quietly beside his parents.
Natashia, his mother, was as radiant as ever, her golden hair glistening under the candlelight. His father, Rome, a seasoned knight, remained reserved but content
But as the night continued, Noel couldn't ignore the way the male heroes glanced at his mother—eyes filled with something far less than admiration.
"Disgusting."
He tightened his grip on his cup, his stomach twisting. But before he could say anything, the king stood, raising his goblet high.
To our brave new champions! And to our kingdom's most loyal knight—Noel!"
The room erupted into applause.
Noel the king continued, "from this day forward, you shall be the instructor of these heroes, guiding them in swordsmanship and survival. With your experience, they shall grow into warriors worthy of this land's protection!"
Cheers filled the hall, but Noel barely heard them. His fingers trembled against his glass.
"So now I am useful? Now I have a role?"
Still, he nodded, forcing himself to accept the decision. It was his duty, after all.
As the celebration continued, Noel caught a glimpse of the summoned heroes huddled together, whispering amongst themselves. He didn't need to hear their words to know something was off.
The way Leonhardt, Gareth, and Veyron looked toward his mother, the hushed laughter between them… It was enough to make his stomach turn.
Leondhardt said to Gareth and Veyron look at that girl she is a beauty
And Gareth said yeah she caught my eyes before I've been summoned
And Veyron said i really wanted to touch those big juggers
All of three laugh
And Veyron asked the two, so what's your real name guys im tsang-san im from China
Im Luke from america
I'm ryuma from Japan
The three chatted
Days passed, and Noel did as he was ordered. He trained the summoned heroes in swordsmanship, strategy, and survival.
Leonhardt's fire magic was powerful, but reckless. Iris's summoning skills were impressive, yet she lacked endurance. Derek's healing abilities were extraordinary, but he had no combat experience. Gareth was strong but arrogant. And Veyron… he was dangerous in a way that put Noel on edge.
Yet, despite their talents, none of them could match Noel's skill with a blade.
His sword wasn't forged for flashy attacks. It was made to survive. His techniques were built from years of life-or-death battles, not from royal training halls or magic-enhanced abilities.
Still, they obeyed. They listened. For now.
After dismissing them for the day, Noel returned to his post, exhausted. He had no idea what was coming next.
A Sinister Move
That night, while Noel rested, shadows moved through the silent streets.
Three figures slipped through the darkness, making their way toward Noel's home.
Without permission.
Without invitation.
Breaking in.
And they had a plan.
To be continued.