“Enough you two, the emperor is making an announcement in the main hall,” interrupted a gravelly voice from the side. I looked over to the newcomer and was pleasantly surprised to see the one and only, Captain of The Royal Guard. He stood to the side, towering above the two of us, at a hulking 6ft8. His dusty brown hair was neatly trimmed in the usual military style, and his grey eyes were deep-set and intimidating.

This stoic, bear-like man was widely accredited as the strongest swordsman the Empire has to offer, holding countless military achievements from the frontiers. The battlefields were his home, but these days he spent his time guaranteeing the security of our Emperor. He did his job well, but he never was good with these social events. It’s a good thing his best friend is the most popular noble the capital had to offer.

“Jeffrey! Good to see you again!” I laughed jovially. It’s always good to see this guy! I sauntered over and gave him the usual greeting’s hug, which he stood rigidly through. Chuckling, I patted him on the shoulder to show no hard feelings at the hug rejection. Looking past his broad frame, I finally took notice of the evidently absent spectators from before.

“Stop being an idiot. Let’s go inside already, or do you want to play the fool in front of the Emperor?” spat the spiteful witch from the side. I narrowed my eyes, sending a sharp glare her way. Despite her lack of civility, she did have a point.

We quickly made our way back to the main location of the festivities. As we walked, I made sure to position myself between the improper witch and Jeffrey, so that she couldn’t attempt to seduce him as per usual. Jeffrey’s a good man, and there’s no way I, as his best friend, could let his feelings be taken hostage by that man-eater.

Ever since the early days at the academy, Sera had been chasing after Jeffrey’s affections. Fortunately, I was always in the right place at the right time to protect the big fellow from the seductress.

When we finally reached the main hall, the emperor was just beginning his announcement. He stood before the crowd, tall and proud. With sharp, traditionally handsome features, he was someone many of the young noble ladies swooned over. Dressed in the traditional militaristic red uniform that all the Red Emperors of the past wore, he addressed the audience.

“Ladies and gentlemen of The Empire, today I have an announcement to make. This banquet was not only to celebrate the birth of my daughter, but also to celebrate the coming of a new era.”

“As all of you know, we fight against countless foes on dozens of new frontiers, attempting to establish order in these chaotic lands. Of all our war efforts, it is the continuing conflict in the far east that produces the most casualties.”

“Demons hold rule over those lands. They are a people with monstrous features, but in the past they were of sound mind, much like ourselves. Then their king was murdered on his throne.”

“The culprit was, as you all know, not of this world. They proclaimed themselves a hero after slaughtering the demon king, but in reality they began the hardest fought war in centuries.”

“Today the oracle brought a message from the Gods. The hero who was supposed to help calm these lands, but caused so much death instead, was sent by the Gods.”

“It sounds blasphemous, I am aware, but the oracle conveyed a new message some days ago. New otherworlders will appear. We do not know when, nor do we know how, but if we utilise this opportunity to recruit them into our ranks, then we will quickly put to rest these conflicts.”

“Today I decree that every individual with black hair and black eyes must be thoroughly investigated, and if they are proven to be otherworlders, their allegiance must be swiftly directed in favour of the Empire.”

These were the historic words, spoken by the current Red Emperor. He is still quite a youthful man, having come into power only half a decade ago. As is the case with all royalty, his skin was abnormally pale and both his short trimmed hair and strong eyes were the same crimson colour.

Truly, we are entering a new era. The otherworlders are returning to these lands once more. They’d come in the past, sometimes few and sometimes many, causing a cycle of redemption and destruction as time slowly crept along. This is an opportunity of a life time! I need to get my hands on one of them, and then I’ll finally have a disciple worthy enough of what I have to offer!

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

It looked like the two by my side had similar ideas, with even the normally blank-faced Jeffrey showing excitement. This is going to be fun. Everyone in The Empire will be in scrambles for a while.

I may be well known in the Empire, but with the opportunity to take an otherworlder under your wing, I doubt anyone would willing report their sightings outside of their own territories… So what to do… It’s time to brainstorm!

I grabbed Jeffrey by the arm, and led him to the side of the hallway, outside the reach of prying ears. That pesky woman also tagged along, unable to take the hint. Well, I suppose she may have some input.

“Jeffrey, you know what this is?” I asked the man. He looked down at me in confusion.

“We have an opportunity to guide the next heroes! We can’t let that job fall in the hands of some self-serving, small-time noble!” I paused, to let the big fellow digest the words. He nodded in agreement, his eyes gaining a glimmer of understanding.

“We were trained in the finest academy the Empire has to offer, and graduated with outstanding praise. Only we can truly lead these heroes on the right path,” I said with heartfelt words. The National Academy is easily the greatest educational institute this continent has ever seen. Ultimately the heroes will enter it, but outside of that curriculum it should be us who guide them on the right path.

“I suggest we work together! If I find a hero suited to melee combat, he’s all yours and if you find one with an affinity to magic, then I’ll be the mentor.” I continued. Jeffrey not only has an intimidating appearance, but also has the title and authority to pry out any information the different region lords may withhold.

“What about me?” asked the pestering fly that had been listening to our private conversation. Does she have no shame? I glared at the woman, Marvin quivering with irritation.

“And what, exactly, can you bring the table?” I asked sarcastically. She may have decent fighting potential, and hold a degree of beauty, but the sharp tongued woman had no people skills.

“Be quiet fatty. Jeffrey, can I join in as well?” she asked, her voice initially harsh when throwing an insult my way, but changing drastically to the latter, softly spoken pleas.

This seductress thinks she can get Jeffrey to break like that? HA! She’s sorely mistaken if she thinks that The Captain of The Royal Guard is some pushover who’ll-

“Ok.” Said Jeffrey. He was looking at Sera with a slightly uncomfortable expression as she grew uncomfortably close with those upturned eyes. Jeffrey, you fool! This was going to be an adventure of just us men! He quickly caught sight of my disapproving glare.

“Ed. We were all peers at the academy.” He explained. To trust someone just because they happened to know you for the better part of two decades… Jeffrey, you have a lot to learn.

“Don’t look so glum fatty~. Without me, you’d never be lucky enough to actually find a hero on this vast continent.” Gloated Sera, spouting some of her usual nonsense. Jeffrey however seemed to take her comment at face value, and looked over inquisitively.

“The Northern tribes have the ability to predict the future to an extent, although not as accurately as the oracle. I can just go and ask for a favour, and then we’ll have a place to start.” She said, eyes sparkling as they looked towards Jeffrey, like an animal in heat, desperately attempting to impress her prospective partner.

“Well let’s go!” I said, with the roaring spirit of adventure burning bright in my soul. I’ve been growing soft in the big city for far too long! I remember those old days fighting on the new frontiers with my comrades in arms. Now those were the days.

My reminiscing was cut short by the sound of Sera clearing her throat. She looked at me with disbelief.

“Fatty, we can’t just leave.” Said Sera, eyes narrowing as she pondered something.

“Why not?! Where’s your adventuring spirit, woman?!” I replied. This is why Jeffrey and I should have gone alone! This woman never had that raw, primal need for adventure that we men thrive on.

“Oh, and I suppose you don’t mind Jeffrey being trialled for treason, then?” spat back Sera.

Oh… I suppose the witch does have a point. Jeffrey is in charge of the security of the Palace and The Emperor himself; leaving would be neglectful and essentially a crime against the Empire.

“Not to mention, I have classes to teach at The Academy,” added Sera, in the same condescending tone. Why does she need to bring down the mood like that? Who cares about some silly, little lecturing job, when you can become a name for the History books?

“I see… Just call in sick” I said. I mean, why not?

All of my assets come from investments, so I don’t exactly have anything I need to do… Actually, I have been taking care of that new plant from the deep wilds of the elven territories. It needs to be fed human flesh every 4 hours or it’ll go on a rampage and seek out its own prey… can’t believe I nearly forgot about that.

“Fatty what herbs have you been eating? Jeffrey’s never caught a cold in his entire life, and I’m a witch; we don’t get ill,” nagged Sera. Herbs? This woman would dare slander me like that? What does she take me for, some common degenerate? My body is a temple, and needs to be fed only the finest foods and drinks. The idea that I would take recreational drugs… SLANDER!

“Well come up with something better!” I retorted.

All the while, Jeffrey stood awkwardly to the side, neglecting to defend his best friend… Jeffrey, I thought I taught you better than that.