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Assistant Hero

Death was always close to me, and death only proved to be the beginning as I awakened to a reality far more sinister than the one I left behind. Assigned the title of the 'Assistant Hero', my destiny is bound to a chosen savior, a hero who does not have knowledge of my existence. My purpose? To serve the selfless role of helping him from the shadows while he's oblivious to my existence. I must aid them from the shadows, ensuring their success while remaining hidden, for revealing my existence would make me a target, just like the hero. ***** Disclaimer: Disclaimer: This novel contains depictions of various views, beliefs, and ideologies that are solely for fictional and narrative purposes. They do not necessarily reflect the personal views, beliefs, or opinions of the author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real events, persons, living or dead, is coincidental. The author's intent is purely to create a work of fiction and not to endorse or promote any particular viewpoint or belief. ***** Created a Ko-fi account: Any dono is appreciated: ko-fi.com/perseus_silver

PerseusSilver · Fantasy
Not enough ratings
66 Chs

Chapter 24: 2 years

*2 years later*

Perseus POV

The past two years have been a monotonous repetitive cycle of brewing ale, tending to household chores, and honing my magical abilities in secret. Despite the 2 years worth of time, the weight of my circumstances has remained constantly dangerous. 

I've become increasingly aware of the looming threat that hangs over me like a dark cloud. Suspicious individuals lurk at every corner of this town, watching to see if I'd actually try to escape, their watchful eyes following my every move, their presence a chilling reminder of the dangers that await me everyday.

I know that these spies are agents of the empire, sent to ensure that I never taste true freedom.

They wait patiently, biding their time until the moment is ripe to strike, their intentions clear, and it's to silence me once and for all since the possibility of me taking revenge is high whenever I become a free man...or free child.

So I can't escape yet, and I can't win against experienced mages or spies, assistant hero or not, I'm 9 and alongside them, there is an expert.

So I chose to bide my time, to delay the inevitable for as long as possible. Perhaps in doing so, I can buy myself the time I need to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, to gather my strength just enough to run away once I'm officially free.

It's not like I know of anything related to the hero's weapon either, I tried asking around, but there's nothing.

Maybe it's the ones belonging to the original 2...but apparently, they die with their wielder so that no one else can possess it, and I'm just assuming that a new one is being magically created by someone on a higher plane of existence.

Cedric was officially announced to be the hero that the world was looking for, though the news of him harboring us and the hero vouching for us cast doubts on everyone.

The discrimination wasn't just in this kingdom, because descendants of Sam Wyatt were just hated by the world. Especially due to the glimmerite exports lately.

It was a bitter irony that we, the very people upon whom the world depended for the precious glimmerites, were treated with such contempt and hostility.

After all, it was our labor that fueled the economy, our sacrifices that ensured the continued prosperity of nations far and wide. And yet, instead of gratitude, we were met with scorn and derision.

The recent news of the empire's decision to tighten its grip on glimmerite exports only served to fuel the flames of resentment further.

With fewer glimmerites reaching the global market, prices skyrocketed, and nations around the world found themselves facing shortages of essential healing products.

In the eyes of the world, we were to blame for this sudden crisis.

If only we had been more obedient, more compliant, then perhaps the king would not have felt the need to crack down on our rebellion.

If only we had accepted our fate as slaves without question, then perhaps the world would not be suffering as it was. It's not like I can just go up to them and say no amount of blame-shifting or finger-pointing could change that harsh reality.

*****

A while back, a letter arrived at our doorstep, the old man got it and it was a letter bearing news that both intrigued and unsettled me.

It was a proposition from the southern empire, offering to sponsor my enrollment in the prestigious Centralia Academy of Light, the most renowned magic academy in the world. That's if I get in, and that's what Cedric was pushing for all along. 

The other kid seemed to also gain his favor and became friends with him so that probably helped him push for it.

At first glance, it seemed like an opportunity too good to pass up. Studying at Centralia Academy was the dream of every aspiring mage, a chance to learn from the best and unlock the full potential of my magical abilities.

It was an offer that promised a brighter future, a path to greatness that I had only dared to dream of.

The empire had never been known for its acts of kindness toward us, and it was unlikely that they would extend such a gesture without expecting something in return.

Even if I were talented enough to gain acceptance, my status as a descendant of Sam Wyatt could prove to be an insurmountable obstacle.

Commoners were known to face challenges at the academy, with some forced to drop out due to financial constraints. However, the notion that budget issues were the primary reason for dropout rates was mostly false.

In truth, many commoners had sponsors who supported them financially, ensuring they could continue their studies. Especially from nobles, due to the commoners would pay them back by offering their loyal services for a cheaper price later down the line.

Commoners, no matter their struggles, would be treated as gods in comparison to someone like me. 

Does Cedric not know of this or is he that optimistic...I can see why he was chosen as the hero if it was the latter, a guy like him was just meant to be.

His innate ability to see the world through such positive lenses, to find hope and light in the bleakest of circumstances, was a rare and precious gift.

In a world plagued by darkness and despair, a person like Cedric was like a beacon of hope, a guiding light for those lost and left behind in the darkness.

Even if by some miracle I managed to gain acceptance during the enrollment process...I know that I would be treated differently from the other students, I'll be held to a higher standard and scrutinized at every turn.

I might be suspended or even expelled midway through, but there's no stopping the other students or teachers from making false accusations against me, and there's definitely no stopping the teachers from just purposefully flunking my grades and having me expelled in the most humiliating way possible.

I don't know why they're so scared of revenge when they're treating us like that...they couldn't just afford to be nice, can't they?

Carrot

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