The young hero group couldn’t help but frown as they stared at the figure in front of them.

The figure tilted its head, the blue light in its eyes flickering.

"You can call me, Aeon. It is a pleasure meeting you, this generation's heroes.”

The figure's words sent a chill through the group. Thoran's fireball flickered in the air, casting an eerie light on the field.

“Aeon? What do you want from us?”

Rasiel demanded, summoning Aegis and Gungnir in each hand respectively. Lightning crackled around him and his aura increased rapidly. He even activated [Demon Slayer] despite his opponent not possessing even a hint of demonic energy.

For some reason, he felt uneasy, as if he was facing a massive predator and he was a lamb ready for the slaughter.

Aeon remained calm, almost amused.

“You don’t have to be that guarded, Rasiel Dragonlance. The same goes for the rest.”

As Aeon spoke, he moved his hand, creating a complex magic circle in what seemed like an instant. Thoran’s fireball quickly vanished from sight, his spell dismantled. As for the aura surrounding Rasiel, it remained the same, but the God Spirits couldn’t say the same, as they quivered in fear.

“Impossible!”

Thoran shouted, manifesting another fireball, this time ready to strike at Aeon, but once again, the spell was dismantled and the mana used turned into ambient mana.

Even Rasiel tried to use Gungnir to attack the figure, but Gungnir refused to follow his actions. He tried to communicate with it, but he got no answer.

Aeon observed their reactions with a composed demeanor.

“There is no need for hostility. I am not here to fight you. I’m here to help you.”

Nobile, still pale and clutching her staff, stepped forward cautiously.

“Help us? You have hidden your identity and seem to have an ulterior motive, how are we supposed to believe you?”

Aeon tilted his head to the other side at those words, his body posture relaxed.

“You guys are not only arrogant due to your background but also tend to act before thinking. To be honest, I’m surprised that you didn’t take the dungeon core, since you lot did… never mind. Anyway, if I wanted to harm you, I would have simply set up a trap as soon as you came out.”

Rasiel's grip on his weapons tightened, but he lowered them slightly.

“Before we agree to talk to you, please return the God Spirits to their proper state.”

“I didn’t do anything to them. We just had a small talk, so they just refuse to fight me after knowing who I am.”

His words only caused more confusion to the group. God Spirits weren’t that easy to command or even talk to. Especially Aegis and Gungnir. They usually only communicated with the current heir of the Dragonlance Aspect.

They didn’t listen to anyone else and would undoubtedly fight even their previous owners without any issue. They would follow the will of their current wielder no matter what.

“Shit.”

Rasiel couldn’t help but curse, getting confused looks from the least of his companions.

“What happened? Is what he said true?”

Saria couldn’t help but ask, worry in her voice. It was the first time she had heard of Rasiel cursing. Throughout their entire journey, even through the worst fights, he didn't swear once.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“I just got confirmation from Aegis. They told me to not fight no matter what and listen to him.”

Thoran frowned, not wanting to accept the situation.

“To hell with that, why would we believe a total stranger?

Aeon sighed, his voice still distorted, while his figure flickered.

“I’ll just have a small conversation with you guys, you don’t have to take my words to heart. After that, we will split up.”

Pausing slightly, Aeon scratched his head, as if he was annoyed.

“Fine, let’s get started. You’ve all made great progress, but there are things you need to know, dangers ahead that you aren’t prepared for yet.”

Rasiel and the rest exchanged wary glances, the tension palpable. Despite their mistrust, they couldn’t deny the power Aeon displayed. Rasiel finally nodded, signaling the group to listen.

“First,” Aeon began, “you need to understand that not all allies are true, and not all enemies are obvious. The path ahead is riddled with manipulation and deceit. The future of this realm depends on your ability to discern truth from lies.”

Thoran crossed his arms, still skeptical.

“That’s pretty vague advice.”

Aeon’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded, understanding that being too vague would only harm them.

“Fine, let me be more specific. In the coming months, you will be given a few opportunities by various nobles of all empires and even some from your own families. Don’t listen to any of them. They are conspiring with the demons, all of them. Don’t even trust your close relatives.”

The group was taken aback, the implications of Aeon’s words sinking in. Saria, the most perceptive among them, stepped forward.

“How do you know this? And why should we believe you over our own families?”

Aeon's image distorted slightly, creating a thin mirage around him.

“I can’t tell you that sadly. You just need to know that you should stay alive. Your survival is far more important than you guys realize. The old generation is weak and has already fallen for great temptations. If you follow their advice, you will be led to your doom.”

Rasiel tightened his grip on his weapons, the weight of Aeon’s words heavy on his mind.

“You’re asking us to turn our backs on everything we know.”

“I’m asking you to protect your world,” Aeon corrected gently. “To become the heroes you were meant to be. This is the burden you must bear to save countless lives. You were chosen by your aspects for a reason. There is no free meal in this world.”

The group stood in silence, the gravity of Aeon's words sinking in. They had always known their path wouldn't be easy, but this new revelation added layers of complexity and danger they hadn’t anticipated. Trust was a precious commodity, and it seemed they would have to tread carefully, even among those they once thought allies.

Saria was the first to speak up.

“Assuming we believe you, what exactly do you suggest we do?”

“You’ve already completed the first step, so just continue. Follow the examples of the first generation of heroes.”

“That’s it?”

Thoran, frowning with skepticism, couldn’t help but doubt.

“More or less. The first generation left behind clues, hidden in the places they once visited. You must find these clues to understand the full scope of your mission and to gain the power needed to face the coming storm.”

Rasiel’s eyes narrowed. He had just realized that the information they had about the heroes was limited. They were only told about the dungeon and nothing else.

“And where do we start?”

He couldn’t help but ask, feeling an impending sense of danger. He understood that if Aeon’s words were true, they would be facing some very difficult times.

Aeon’s form flickered again, and he raised his hand. A shimmering map materialized in the air, glowing with a strange hue.

“Here. The first clue is in the ruins of Anchora, the ancient city that was the capital of the world while the demons had yet to invade. It’s still located inside Baryngoria, so you won’t have any issues with politics. Be careful; the dangers there are unknown, but you should be able to acquire something valuable there.”

The map floated towards Rasiel, who grasped it cautiously. As his fingers closed around the parchment. He quickly opened the map and the others quickly joined him, staring at it with curiosity.

“I get that you’re trying to help us, but what do you gain from this?”

Thoran, who had quickly memorized the map stared directly at Aeon's figure. He wasn’t sure what to believe at the moment. Unlike Rasiel, he had many trust issues.

However, what Thoran and the rest of them didn’t expect was for Aeon to burst out laughing.

“Gain? Nothing. I gain nothing from this. I’m wasting precious time trying to educate you. This isn’t to benefit me, but Roia as a whole. This is for the survival of our world.”

The group exchanged wary looks. Rasiel took a deep breath, his resolve firming.

“We’ll do it. We’ll go to Anchora and find the first clue. But know this, Aeon—if we find out you’re leading us astray, we will come back for you.”

Aeon’s smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from this generation’s heroes. Trust your instincts, stay united, and remember—only by working together can you overcome the trials ahead.”

With that, Aeon’s form flickered one last time before vanishing completely, leaving the heroes alone in the field. The silence was heavy, and the group exchanged looks of confusion.

“What the fuck was that?”

Kothog exclaimed as he was left confused. He couldn’t comprehend the entire conversation, since his mind went blank halfway.