Prologue

The sun was setting over the hills, casting a warm golden glow over the Village of Heroes. Our secret haven, the place where all joy and happiness ever happened in my life, shrouded in mystery and legends, hidden away from the world. I remember sitting in the village's central garden with Iris, laughing together like we didn't have a care in the world. She had that regal bearing even as a child, her fiery red hair catching the light in a way that made it look like it was on fire.

Well, she's the child of that emperor. Of course, she naturally behave like one.

Her eyes, full of determination, locked onto mine.

That moment, is something that I would never able to forget.

"Darius, promise me something," she said, her voice carrying that natural hint of command she always had. "No matter what happens, you must protect me at all costs."

But sure.

It might be annoying to get commanded by someone.

But I wonder why.

If it's her. I don't mind serving her all of my life.

That's just how beautiful and majestic she is.

I looked at her, trying to match her seriousness, but I couldn't help the sparkle of mischief in my gaze. "Of course, Iris," I replied, making sure my voice steady. "As long as you promise to be my friend forever."

She smiled then, her face lighting up with a warmth that I didn't see often. "It's a promise, then! Friends forever!" She extended her pinky, and I linked mine with hers, sealing our pact like what other kids could.

That was.

Such a happy times that was.

___

But that was all a memory now. I blinked against the morning light streaming through my window, trying to shake off the lingering emotions. "That was... two years ago, I guess?" I muttered to myself, sitting up and rubbing my eyes.

"Darius, you're awake!" My mom's cheerful voice called from the doorway. She had the same dark hair as me, her eyes warm and kind. "Good morning, sleepyhead."

"Morning, Mom," I replied, forcing a smile as I swung my legs out of bed. My father appeared behind her, towering with that stern face, but with a familiar twinkle in his eye.

"Ready for another day of training, son?" His gruff voice could intimidate most people, but I was used to it.

"Always ready," I said, grinning back at him. My father, the village chief, was known for his strength and wisdom—qualities I was supposed to inherit someday. My mom, on the other hand, was the heart of the village, always ready with a kind word and a helping hand. But well, the heart of the gossips as well.

As I got dressed and joined them for breakfast, I couldn't shake the feeling from my dream. The promise I made to Iris felt more significant now, even though I hadn't seen her in a while.

Does she still remember me?

"Mom, Dad," I began hesitantly, "Do you think Iris remembers me?"

My mom looked at me with that soft smile of hers. "Of course, she does. Childhood promises aren't easily forgotten."

Mom's voice is kind and gentle as she always do. I love her so much.

Dad nodded in agreement. "And even if she doesn't, it's your duty to protect her as the descendant of the imperial family. Our village has always been the silent guardians of the empire."

I nodded, but a pang of uncertainty gnawed at me. I hadn't seen Iris since our families agreed to keep our friendship secret—a necessary precaution to protect the village's existence. But that didn't lessen my determination to fulfill my promise.

I need to fulfill that promise.

I'm her friend, after all.

The Village of Heroes was unique, hidden away from the world for a thousand years. A sanctuary for the descendants of legendary heroes, who had fought to protect the empire from countless threats. Over time, we had taken on the roles of nobles, blending into society while keeping our true nature a secret. The village was self-sufficient, with everything we needed to train and prepare the next generation of protectors.

My family was one of the most prominent in the village, tasked with leadership and ensuring that traditions were upheld. Our isolation was both a blessing and a curse—while we were safe from external threats, it also meant we were bound by a strict code of secrecy. The imperial family was the only outside force aware of our true identity, a relationship built on trust and mutual benefit.

But well, mom and dad said that people would get jealous of our strength if they knew, so we need to hide.

I don't understand much, but well, the both of them are never wrong.

But as much as I respected our traditions, the village felt too small for my ambitions. I often found myself daydreaming about the world beyond its borders, wondering what adventures awaited. It was later that day when I met up with my friends—a group of boys and girls who shared my curiosity and rebellious spirit. We had a plan, one that was both exciting and dangerous.

"We're going to hunt a wyvern," one of the boys announced with a grin spreading across his face.

I raised an eyebrow. "A wyvern? Really?"

"Yeah," a girl chimed in, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "We've been training for this, haven't we? It's time to put our skills to the test!"

"Technically, we're not supposed to go after such dangerous creatures," I pointed out, though I couldn't hide the thrill in my voice. "But then again, when have we ever followed the rules?"

The group laughed, the tension breaking. It was true; we were children of heroes, after all. We had powers and abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and our curiosity often led us into trouble. This wyvern hunt was just the latest in a series of escapades that had earned us a reputation as troublemakers.

As we made our way into the forest, the air was thick with anticipation. I led the group, my senses sharp and alert. We moved quietly, communicating with hand signals as we approached the wyvern's supposed lair. It wasn't long before we spotted the creature—a massive beast with scales like armor and wings that could blot out the sun.

"Wow," one of the boys whispered, his voice filled with awe. "It's even bigger than I imagined."

I nodded, my eyes never leaving the wyvern. "Remember the plan. We distract it and lead it away from the village, then take it down together."

The plan was simple but dangerous. We knew the risks, but the thrill of the hunt was too enticing to resist. As we sprang into action, the forest erupted in chaos. The wyvern roared, its massive form lumbering after us as we darted through the trees, using our powers to confuse and mislead the beast.

It was a hard-fought battle, but eventually, we managed to bring the wyvern down. The victory was sweet, and we cheered as we stood over the fallen creature. But the celebration was short-lived as we realized the trouble we were in. Hunting a wyvern was a serious offense, especially for kids like us. We were sure to be scolded, and possibly punished, for our reckless behavior.

Back in the village, my parents were waiting for me, their faces a mix of relief and anger.

Did I get into trouble...?

Well, of course, I guess...

"Darius Caelum, what were you thinking?" Mom scolded, her voice trembling with emotion. "You could have been hurt, or worse!"

Dad crossed his arms, his expression stern. "This isn't a game, Darius. You have responsibilities, not just to us, but to the entire village. You can't afford to be reckless."

I hung my head, feeling the weight of their words. I knew they were right, but a part of me couldn't help but feel that thrill of the hunt, the excitement of testing my limits. "I'm sorry," I said quietly. "I just... I wanted to see if we could do it."

They exchanged a glance, their expressions softening slightly.

"We understand, Darius," Mom said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "But you have to be careful. There are dangers out there that even you can't handle alone."

I nodded, feeling the gravity of the situation sink in. I had been reckless, and it could have cost me and my friends dearly. But as I lay in bed that night, my mind raced with thoughts of the wyvern and the thrill of the hunt. It was then that I felt myself drifting off, my consciousness slipping into a strange, dream-like state.

Huh?

Wait.

Where is this place?

I found myself standing in a vast, empty space, the air around me thick with a sense of power and ancient wisdom. Before me stood a figure, clad in golden armor, with a presence that was both regal and intimidating. His eyes seemed to pierce through me, seeing into the very depths of my soul.

"Hou..." The figure uttered, looking down at me with disdain. "So you're Darius Caelum. Mongrel."