Hero, Jake Carter's Perspective
The journey to Auresta had begun.
The sun was up, way too bright already. Not burning, but enough to make everything feel kind of sharp and washed out. The road ahead just kept going—dirt and gravel all the way to nowhere, with fields on both sides and these weird old stone things sticking out of the grass like forgotten decorations.
I sat in the carriage.
It was... nice. Too nice. Cushioned seats, leather-trimmed windows, springs beneath the frame to soften every bump. I was surrounded by nobility-level luxury—and I couldn't stop fidgeting.
Celestine was already half-asleep, her head leaning against the padded wall. Ysira was across from me, conjuring hexagons with her fingers, trying to layer them like she was folding invisible paper.
I shifted again and leaned to one side, pulling the curtain aside to glance out the window.
There they were.
Alliyana. Walking.
On foot. Out in the sun. Like a soldier.
Beside her were Alexa and Ethan. Not talking. Not smiling. Just walking with that same unnatural calm. Like three wolves traveling among sheep.
Why are we in here? I thought. Why am I in here—while they're out there?
I didn't say it aloud, but I felt it. That gnawing, shapeless thing clawing at the bottom of my chest.
Inadequate.
I turned back to the others.
"How long are we going to pretend nothing happened?" I said.
Ysira looked up from her magic. Celestine blinked herself awake.
"That night," I said. "Those demons—those priests. They weren't giving off corruption. That wasn't rot. That was divinity."
There was a beat of silence. Then we both looked at Celestine.
She flinched.
"I don't know," she said, flustered. "I swear. I… I've never seen anything like that either."
"How deep does this go?" I muttered. "What do Alliyana and her guards actually know?"
Ysira was quiet, but I could tell she was thinking the same thing.
"And the men in black coats," I added. "Who are they really?"
Celestine hugged her knees slightly. "You don't think… you don't think demons are in the Church, do you?"
She looked at me like she wanted me to say no.
I didn't say anything.
After a pause, Ysira spoke.
"Alliyana and her guards know," she said quietly. "They just haven't said it out loud yet."
I didn't reply. I just stared at the curtain again.
Enough sitting.
I reached for the latch, opened the carriage door, and stepped out into the road.
I walked up to them, boots crunching against gravel, hands in my pockets like I had a plan.
I didn't.
They were talking. I slowed down just enough to catch it.
"…Who's the guy with the mask?" Alliyana asked, glancing sideways at Ethan.
"Talis," Ethan said. "Honorary hunter."
That was it. No explanation. Like that answer was supposed to mean something.
Alliyana was quiet for a second, her eyes narrowing just slightly as she walked.
"Hm. Probably just overthinking it," she said, almost to herself.
That's when I stepped in closer.
Alexa was the first to notice. She turned her head, one brow raised. "Why'd you ditch the carriage?"
I shrugged. "Felt like walking."
That was technically true.
Ethan didn't comment. Just gave me a glance and then looked forward again.
Alliyana looked back too—just a half glance over her shoulder. And then she smiled. Barely. Like she was… pleased?
Then she looked away.
Whatever it was, it made me walk a little straighter without meaning to.
I walked beside them for a bit.
The sun was still out. The wind was picking up a little, tugging at the bottom of my coat. I tried to think of how to start the conversation. Something casual. Something that wouldn't make me sound like a paranoid idiot.
But the words just sat there, crowding in my throat.
I finally said it.
Well—sort of.
It came out slower than I meant it to. "Those demons that night… they weren't giving off corruption. That was… divinity."
Silence.
All three of them just kept walking like I hadn't spoken.
Then Ethan turned his head. "Forget what you saw," he said flatly. "Keep it to yourself."
That was it.
Like I was some kid who wandered into a grown-up conversation.
I clenched my jaw.
That tone. That dismissal.
They probably thought I was just another paladin recruit tagging along for training. A footnote in their mission. A glorified squire with a fancy sword.
"I wasn't supposed to say this yet," I muttered, lowering my voice, "but I'm not just a paladin."
Ethan and Alexa both looked at me, more serious now.
"I'm the chosen hero," I said. "The Church told me to keep it quiet until the formal announcement in Auresta."
That got their attention.
Alexa blinked. Ethan's posture shifted.
But then Alliyana turned her head.
"I know," she said, calm as ever. "I knew since the first time we met."
I stared at her.
"What?"
She didn't repeat herself. Just looked forward again.
"And you should do what Ethan said," she added.
Ethan hesitated, like he was about to say something. "Maybe—"
"No," she cut in gently, but firmly. "Follow orders."
That was it. That was all she gave me.
No explanation. No trust. No respect.
I was summoned to save this world. Chosen by the gods. Given blessings most people would kill for. And she was treating me like some wide-eyed village boy playing soldier.
I didn't argue.
Didn't say a word.
I turned around and headed back to the carriage, each step heavier than the last.
The sunlight didn't feel as warm anymore.
As soon as I stepped back inside, they both turned.
Ysira looked up from her book, eyes wide.
Celestine sat forward, clutching the edge of the seat.
They were waiting. Expecting answers.
I shut the door behind me and dropped into the seat like the whole world had gotten heavier.
"I was told to keep my mouth shut," I muttered.
Ysira blinked. "That's it?"
"I even told them," I said. "Told them who I was."
Celestine jumped up like I'd thrown boiling water on her. "Jake!"
"What?"
Her expression was half panic, half betrayal. "Why would you tell them that?!"
I waved it off. "Relax. It's fine."
But it wasn't.
Because I remembered her face again—Alliyana's. The way she turned around and said it calmly, 'I know.'
I clenched my jaw. "She already knew."
Celestine stopped. "…What?"
"Alliyana. She said she knew I was the hero since the first time we met."
Celestine sat back down slowly. "I… I may have told her I was the Saintess."
"She figured it out before that," I said, shaking my head. "I could tell. The way she said it. She's not surprised. Not even curious. It's like it didn't matter."
I glanced out the window. She was still out there. Still walking like none of this concerned her.
"She won't say anything," I added. "None of them will. I don't even think they care."
Ysira crossed her arms. "So we're just supposed to keep following them while they treat us like clueless kids?"
I leaned back in my seat, staring at the ceiling.
"That's exactly what they're doing."
The sun was dipping low by the time we stopped.
The caravan pulled off to the side of the main road, circling the wagons and unloading supplies. The sky burned soft orange behind the hills, and the air started cooling quick. You could feel night creeping in through the seams.
We stepped out of the carriage—me, Ysira, and Celestine—stretching out our legs and shaking off the weight of too many hours spent doing nothing.
The smell of campfire smoke was already spreading. Merchants grumbled while setting up their tents. Some mercenaries were sharpening blades, others just sitting around swapping stories.
I didn't have to listen hard to catch it.
"Alliyana," someone whispered behind me. "Did you see her hair? I swear it doesn't even move when the wind blows."
"I thought she was some royal when she walked past," another voice added. "Too pretty to be traveling with mercs and merchants."
"She doesn't even sweat," a third murmured. "What is she?"
Of course they were talking about her.
I turned just as Ysira stepped beside me, arms folded.
"She really does get everyone's attention," she said. "Wherever she goes."
I didn't disagree.
Celestine came up on my other side, brushing dust off her skirt. Ysira glanced between us, then lowered her voice.
"I'm starting to agree with your suspicions."
Celestine blinked. "What?"
"Think about it," Ysira said. "Ethan, Ban, and Alexa treat her like she outranks them. Like… way above them. And she's our age. Maybe even younger."
"She also knows the anonymous author's works inside and out," Ysira added. "And she knew about you, Jake. From the beginning."
Celestine frowned, then looked away. "She can use barrier magic too."
That hung in the air.
But then she shook her head. "No. I was wrong. She's not like that."
Ysira raised an eyebrow. "What, did she bribe you with clothes?"
Celestine's face turned red. "No!"
I didn't laugh.
I couldn't.
"I keep thinking about that night," I said. "When she got taken. And her guards just stood there. Laughing."
Ysira's smile faded. Celestine slowly nodded.
"She told me something," Celestine said softly. "At the café. When I asked about Bishop Elric. She leaned in and said…"
She looked up at us.
"That I'd never have to worry about him again."
We stood there.
No one said anything.
The fire crackled nearby. Somewhere in the background, someone was singing off-key. A soft wind passed through, carrying the scent of cooked meat and dust.
Then I spoke.
Quiet. Hesitant.
"…You think she's a demon?"
I regretted saying it the moment it left my mouth.
And then—
A shadow.
Footsteps. Heavy.
I turned.
A tall man in a dark coat stepped toward us, face mostly hidden under a hood. He moved slowly, like someone who didn't care if you were nervous around him.
His voice was quiet, but deep. Cracked like stone worn down by time.
"What do you three think," he asked, "of the Trade Guild's benefactor?"
I didn't even look at the guy straight on.
I just answered.
"We think she's… suspicious."
He tilted his head slightly. The hood shifted, but I still couldn't see his eyes.
"I overheard you," he said, voice low. Gravel-dragging. "Why do you think she's a demon?"
I hesitated.
"I'm not sure," I admitted. "All I know is… she's strong. Stronger than she should be."
He folded his arms.
"And the two that travel with her? The pale one and the girl—what are their affiliations?"
"She's not just some random traveler," I said. "Her name's Alliyana. And those two—Ethan and Alexa—they're just her guards."
Ysira chimed in, arms crossed. "Alliyana's the adopted daughter of Duke Aurellia. Ethan's the heir. Alexa's… I don't know. A high-ranking guard, probably. Like Ethan."
"But they act like she's in charge," I added. "Even though she's only sixteen."
That made the man pause.
Then he spoke again, slower this time. "I don't sense any divinity from her."
That pulled something tight in my chest.
I looked at Celestine. Then Ysira. All of us—silent.
"Wait," I said. "How do you know that?"
He didn't answer right away.
Instead, he asked, "What did her guards tell you?"
I clenched my jaw. "They told us to keep our mouths shut."
He nodded once.
"Then you should," he said, turning away.
And just like that, he started walking.
Didn't explain. Didn't ask. Just dismissed me—like everyone else had.
I watched his back disappear into the shadows near the supply wagons.
Anger started boiling again.
Everyone kept treating me like some kid. Like some clueless extra in a play I'm supposed to star in.
I was chosen. I was summoned.
But no one was taking me seriously.
Not even the people who were supposed to help me.
I woke up to the sound of something distant—metal clashing against metal.
Celestine and Ysira were still curled up, breathing slow. Whatever it was, they hadn't heard it.
I slipped out of the carriage.
The night air was cool, damp with dew. The fire pits were mostly ash, and the moonlight cast everything in silver. I moved toward the trees, careful with my steps. The sound was coming from deeper in the woods. Fast. Violent. Blades meeting blades.
When I got close enough to see, I stopped behind a tree and stared.
It was Ethan. Alexa. And Talis.
Fighting.
Seven figures surrounded them—humanoid, but wrong. No horns, no rot, no divine light. But they were fast. Strong. Two were already on the ground, twitching.
I didn't think. I jumped in, slashed low, and took one of their heads clean off.
Talis looked over, calm behind his mask. "Enough."
He stepped forward and pulled his greatsword—if you could call it that. It looked more like a slab of black metal, steam hissing off the edge.
With one swing, he shattered the shields of the three attackers in front of him and sliced them in half like rotten wood.
Alexa was off to the side, getting surrounded by the last three.
She didn't call for help.
But Ethan moved anyway, cutting down two in one smooth motion.
I took the last one.
Silence.
Ethan nodded. "Good work," he said, looking at all of us. Then to me. "Well done."
That should've felt good. It didn't.
Why wasn't I woken up?
Why did they come out here without me?
My thoughts were still turning when Alexa broke the silence. "What were those things? They're not demons. No corruption. No divinity. But they're not exactly human either."
I looked around.
"Alliyana's not here," I said.
Ethan turned toward me. "They tried to ambush the caravan. According to her, they appeared out of nowhere."
I narrowed my eyes. "Meaning?"
Talis stepped in. "If they just appeared—if trade wagons vanish without a trace—it means there's a high demon nearby. One that can open portals."
Ethan nodded. "Alliyana went after it. Alone."
I stared at him. "Why didn't you wake me?"
Ethan shrugged. "We were enough."
Just like that.
Dismissed. Again.
Talis shifted. "Are you sure Alliyana can handle it? If a high demon can open portals… it might not be alone."
Before anyone could answer, something dropped from the trees.
Alliyana landed beside us in a crouch, calm as ever.
I flinched. She didn't notice—or didn't care.
She looked at the bodies on the ground, studied them for a moment, then turned to me.
"Nicely done, young man."
Her voice was soft. Warm, even.
But young man?
I'm older than you.
I said nothing. It felt genuine, so I swallowed it.
"I couldn't track the demon," she said. "This isn't over. We'll report this to the Church and request paladins to patrol the trade route. In the meantime, we hold."
She knelt beside one of the corpses.
Talis joined her. "They're human," he said. "I've seen some of them before. They call themselves The Reborn."
Alliyana stood. Turned. "Go on."
Talis dusted his coat. "Cult. Demon-run, most likely. They seek the weak. Offer them strength at the cost of… the rest."
I looked at the bodies again. No corruption. No glow. Just bodies. Silent and still.
And somehow, we were taking orders from a girl barely sixteen.
"Alliyana," I said, "you want us to help?"
She faced me, expression unreadable. "Would your party be willing to defend the caravan the next two nights?"
I nodded before I could think.
"Good," she said. "Then rest. You'll need it."
She turned and walked off into the dark. Ethan and Alexa started to follow, but Talis held out a hand.
"Wait."
We all froze.
He watched her silhouette vanish beyond the wagons. Waited. Then finally said, "Who is that girl?"
Neither of them answered right away.
Then Alexa crossed her arms. "I'm not sure either. But I'm just glad I'm not a demon she wants dead."
Talis stiffened.
I caught it. A flicker in his posture.
Wait.
Was he… afraid?
No. That couldn't be it.
I looked at their backs as they walked back—Ethan, Alexa, Talis. All standing there like they were part of something I wasn't allowed to understand.
And this whole night, even after everything, I still felt like the kid left outside the war room.
Just like that, two days passed.
And we made it.
I leaned against the carriage window, my forehead tapping soft against the glass.
Outside, the farmlands stretched for miles—rows of golden wheat swaying in the breeze, irrigation channels glinting like silver threads under the sun. Scattered cottages, haystacks, workers in simple linen waving as we passed. The kind of pastoral view they'd print on a fantasy novel cover and call "peaceful."
But all I saw was the edge of something bigger.
Past the farmlands. There it was. Auresta.
A city straight out of an MMO. Massive walls layered like armor, clean-cut spires piercing the sky, banners fluttering with the symbol of the Golden Accord. Roads shimmered in the heat, winding into the heart of something too big to feel real. At the center of it all, perched on its own hill like it knew it was better than the rest, stood the Grand Basilica—white, gold, and divine, built to look like heaven had crashed into the Earth and decided to stay.
Celestine leaned forward, noticing my expression. "What's wrong?"
I didn't answer.
Ysira closed her book with a snap. "Still mad about not being woken up?"
I sighed. "No. Just… glad to be back."
Back in a place where things make sense.
Where there's order.
Where the Church actually sees me.
I looked down at my hands. They still didn't feel like hero's hands.
But soon...
Once I get the Hero's Soul, everything changes.
No more being benched. No more fake praise. No more of them treating me like some background character.
They'll see.
I'm not just another summoned kid with a sword.
I'm the one who's gonna save this world.