Chapter 0: The Higher One Is. The Taller One Stands.

A world of monsters and magic, ruled by three races, was where Moroides began.

A world of hazards and danger, a shared goal of survival from the hordes of monsters who ravaged everything, was why Moroides came to be.

The relations between the three races were peaceful, and the world was in balance, the three powers equal.

The humans, good with swords and magic alike, yet no strengths specifically to speak of. The jack of all trades between the three races. Their population was the largest, and spread across the world between many kingdoms and empires. Though, their hero had long since disappeared, a person equal in power to the third, and strongest, demon king. To them, the hero was worshipped as a god.

The demons, specializing in magic, their sorcery unmatched. Their population was limited, and they controlled only a single kingdom. But they were led by the sixth reigning demon king, who was strong enough to hold off an army alone, solidifying their place as one of the three races.

Demi-humans, a collective term used for anything that was neither human nor demon. The race consisted mostly of often humanoid species with populations not large enough to be recognized as an equal power by themselves. If the entire race came together, they would be more than a match for most of anything that got in their way. They were spread out in many demi-human towns and villages, or resided with the other races within their kingdoms harmoniously. The demi-humans relied on their skills and abilities, humans and demons alike recognizing and respecting their talent.

However, a world is never truly at peace.

In the face of peril, against a great threat to the three races survival, there rose a guild.

This guild consisted of the most talented people in their era, from soldiers to scholars, and adventurers alike.

Time and time again, they saved the world, every feat just adding more to their glory.

From Dragons, to Demon Kings, to Gods, they prevailed.

They became legends, eventually lost to history.

This is the story of the guild known as Moroides.

The guild has many tales from the worlds greatest people, but our journey starts with three.

The ones who started it all.

The brains.

The brawn.

The hero.

Chapter 1: A Fated Meeting

“Hey, Zone, I need some help over here! Woah!” A voice called urgently.

“One second, I’ll be there after I finish with this, Mom.” Zone said.

“Don’t take too long! This might fall apa-a-aa-art! Haha! Saved it! Zone, your mom’s a professional!” Zones mother yelled happily.

“I’m assuming you don’t need my help, then, if you’re a professional.” Zone said, tallying some numbers.

“Ack, I apologize! Please, Zone, Mommy needs a little help here!” Mom said frantically.

“I’m busy with a customer, Mom.” Zone said.

“Oh, don't mind me, dearie. Go and help your mother. I can wait.” A kind and frail old woman said.

“Thank you, Mrs. Zen. I’ll be right back.” Zone said, heading into the back.

“Such a nice young man.” Mrs. Zen said.

The door to the shop opened, and someone walked in.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“Who is?” The person who had just entered asked.

“Oh. The young man that works here with his family. This is their family's general store. He’s such a responsible boy. I wish I had a son like him. A bit too late for that now.” Mrs. Zen said, shaking her head slowly.

“Isn’t it normal for a kid to help out in their family's shop? Is there any particular reason you say that he’s nice?” The person inquired.

“The reason I call him a nice boy is because he always finds time to help others, even when he’s busy. He’s our villages’ treasure.” Mrs. Zen said.

“He does sound quite nice. Is he skilled in anything in particular? Like being an incredible swordsman?” The person asked.

“Why is a pretty young girl like yourself so interested in him? Oh! Are you thinking of pursuing him? Ah, to be young. He isn’t married, yet. So you have a chance. If you were to marry someone as nice as him, I have no doubt you’ll be able to have a cozy life in the future.” Mrs. Zen said, smiling warmly.

“I’m unfortunately too busy for marriage. I have a mission to complete. I’m looking across the land for talented people. My pendant brought me here to this village. It’s a magic artifact of great power, and it can seek out those with incredible potential. Do you know of anyone who fits that description?” the girl said, holding up a jade charm.

“Hm. In that case, you’re probably looking for Aria, Zone's older sister. She’s been good at fighting practically from birth.” Mrs. Zen said, sighing.

“Is she strong?” The girl asked.

“I’d say so, yes. She can take down a mountain bear with her bare hands, easily. That’s nothing compared to her other talent, too.” Mrs. Zen said.

A gleam appeared in the girl's eyes, a grin spreading across her face.

“Yes! That might be exactly who I’m looking for! Do you know where she is?” The girl asked, excited.

“No, but Zone might. You should ask him when he gets back.” Mrs. Zen said.

“What were you asking, Mrs. Zen? You needed me? How can I help?” Zone asked, walking back up to the counter from the back room of the shop.

“This nice young girl was just asking where Aria might be.” Mrs. Zen said.

“Aria? Why are you looking for my sister?” Zone asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m searching for people who have great talents and potential. I am on an important mission that I can’t accomplish alone. I wanted to ask your sister if she would join me on my quest.” The girl said.

“I’ll be with you in a second, then.” Zone said.

Zone finished helping Mrs. Zen with her bills, and focused his full attention on the girl.

"So? What do you say?" The girl asked.

“I’m sorry, excuse me if I’m a little bit blunt about this. I don’t even know your name. I don’t think I can trust my sister to a random stranger just because they asked. I don’t know what your mission is. And I’ve seen no verification on whether your statement is true, and you indeed are on said unknown mission.” Zone said, shaking his head.

“I’m The Hero. I’m on a quest to defeat the demon king.” The girl said smugly.

Zone froze, looking at her closely.

He saw a sword in a sheath, around her waist. On the left side, he noticed.

“That sword. Can you unsheath it and let me inspect it?” Zone asked, furrowing his eyebrow.

“Sure. My name is Sol, by the way.” Sol said, handing him the sword.

Zone spent a few minutes looking it over.

“This is indeed the hero's sword. That isn’t something that can be replicated or faked. So either you killed the hero somehow, and took their gear, which I doubt. Or you are, in fact, the hero. Do you have a magic wavelength identification card, by any chance?” Zone asked, giving back the sword.

Sol pulled a card out of her pocket, handing it to him.

“I see. I was mistaken, you are indeed the hero. It’s an honor to meet you.” Zone said, bowing.

He frowned, slightly irritated.

“You look upset, is something bothering you?” Sol asked.

“Well...It’s with the role the hero has. Currently, there is no war being fought between demons and humans or demi-humans at large. I see no point in instigating one by killing the demon king. It will just cause needless casualties on both sides. And despite the common belief that all demons are evil, some of them are even kinder than the average human. So I don’t agree with this mindless slaughter. Unfortunately, that doesn’t affect my sisters involvement in this, and is simply my personal opinion. As for my sister, I will leave that choice up to her.” Zone said, clenching his hand into a fist and looking away.

“Zone goes, I go. Zone stays, I stay. I don’t think Zone would agree to going on this kind of adventure, either. It’s not his thing. Sorry to disappoint you, Miss Hero.” Aria said, resting her hand on Zones head from behind, and grinning.

Zone unclenched his fist.

“I see... I don’t mind taking both of you. Zone raised an excellent point. I’m not good with talking, however, so I would need someone like him to turn to during delegations.” Sol said, thinking.

“I’m starting to wonder if the pendant was leading me to you, rather than your sister. Either way, I’ll ask you again. Would you two join me on my quest?” Sol asked.

Zone looked troubled.

“I’m sorry, Sol. I have my family and village to worry about. I’m not ready for that kind of adventure right now. Even if I was, I don’t know if I would go. There isn’t anything except losses on my side. So I again decline your offer. I wish you luck in your future endeavors, and would appreciate you keeping my words in mind, though.” Zone said, shaking his head.

A giant, earth shattering roar erupted before their conversation could end.