Chapter 57
A New Era
“Wake up.” A beautiful voice that sounded like a melody rang in my ears. Rather than put me on alert, it made me even more sleepy. I roll around in my bed trying to find a way to fall deeper into unconsciousness. A gentle breeze brush against my skin as I tried to get more comfortable. Confuse by this out of place sensation. I jump out of my bed to see I was standing in a flower field.
“What?” I stare blankly at the purple sky trying to figure out where I am and how I got here. Slowly, as the haze faded away, I begin to realize what happened. “You know Athena. You can at least warn me before you drag me here.”
“Sorry.” Her voice sounded close, yet at the same time distance. It was like she was everywhere and she probably is.
“It’s fine.” Now fully awake, I sat down so I could enjoy the view. No matter how many times I come here, I’m always left in awe by the scenery. The blue world in which I live my entire life on hang just above me, nearly devouring the entire sky. The more I look at it the more I find it absurd that I’m supposed to protect this world.
“It’s been awhile since you called me here. Is something wrong?”
“I was going to ask you the same thing. There seems to be a lot on your mind.”
“You can tell from all the way up here? Wow, you really are a god?”
I’m not a god.”
So, says the disembodied voice.
“If I was a god, I would understand everything, but I don’t. There are things I don’t understand and people I can’t comprehend. And it’s because of my naivety that so many people have suffered. Her voice seems to grow more distance the more she talked. “So, if something is bothering you, please tell me, and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
I really don’t want to talk about my worries since what’s on my mind might make Athena doubt herself even more.
“So, I met Anna.” I immediately wanted to slap myself the moment those words left my mouth. I couldn’t make it more obvious that I was trying to change the topic.
“I know.”
I figure she would say that. Still, I hope that she would at least act surprised since she’s been telling me for a while that I should meet her for some reason.
“So, what do you think of her?” Even though I couldn’t see her, her presence felt closer. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Athena studying my face, eagerly waiting for my response.
“She’s weird just like you said, but she’s really cute.”
“Cute huh?” Athena’s laughter echo in my head. “I don’t think she’ll be happy if she heard you said that.”
“Yea, she’ll probably won’t.”
“So, are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?”
I exhale deeply, unsurprised by her unwavering concern. I guess I have no choice but to tell her. Our relationship might become strain if I keep my worries to myself.
“We’re living in an era without villains. While there are occasional monster and bandit attacks, adventurer and knights can easily deal with them. Tell me, Athena, why did you choose now to pick a hero? Why did you pick me?”
For a moment, silence fell upon us. As I waited for a response, two slender arms wrap themselves around me. “Are you doubting yourself?” Caught in her embrace, I was once again reminded just how dangerous Athena is. Everything about her is soothing and made me want to confess everything that bothers me.
“No, just confused. A hero’s duty is to bring peace, yet no demon needs slaying or princess in need of rescuing.”
“So, you need to vanquish an enemy to feel like a hero?”
I wish she didn’t rephrase what I said. It makes it sound like I’m a serial killer.
“Isn’t that what all the heroes did before me did? Their job was to defeat the Demon King and anyone that might threaten the world.”
“True,” Athena lets out a sigh that seems to be filled with regret. “In the past, I indiscriminately hunted anyone that I consider a threat to this world. Now, that the world finally achieved peace, I can’t help but find myself wondering, what would’ve happened if I tried to talk to him instead.
Him? She must be talking about the Demon King. I read in the history books the two had a complicated pass. Given how nice Athena is she’s probably going to forever regret killing The Demon King, despite all of his evil deeds.
“You shouldn’t worry about the past. It’s not like you can change it. Wait, can you?” I look back at Athena who gave me a gentle smile. “No, I can’t time travel.”
“That's a shame. I was going to ask you if you could erase some embarrassing moments from my past for me.”
“Didn’t you just say not to worry about the past?” Athena dug her long and slender finger deep into my shoulders.
“I was just joking!” I try to grab Athena’s hands, but for some reason, my arms wouldn’t move, actually, I can’t feel them at all.
“W-what?!” I scream upon looking down. Both of my arms were missing. “What happen?!”
“It seems you’re waking up.” Seeing Athena calmly analyzing me. I once again remember that I’m in a dream.
“I seriously don’t think I can ever get used to this.” Realizing I’m not in danger I laid down and waited to be woken up. “Athena, before I go, can you tell me why you pick me?”
“You really want to know, huh?” A teasing smile spreads on her face. “I guess I have no choice but to tell you.” Athena turned away from me and looked up at the world that hangs above us.
“I chose you because I hope you can teach me what I could’ve done better back then.”
.
.
.
“Teach you what you could’ve done better?” Once again, I’m sure Athena was talking about The Demon King. “But he’s dead. How can I teach her what she could’ve done better if he’s already gone?” That thought ran through my head as I slowly rose from my bed.
Honestly, it’s amazing I can even think clearly right now. Usually, when I wake up, I would instantly fall back to sleep. I guess being suddenly thrown into another world would immediately wake anyone up. The noises outside wasn’t helping either.
I headed towards the window to see a group of horses dragging a pumpkin-shaped carriage down the street. No doubt the carriage belongs to a noble. Only they would ride something so flashy. A murmur swept through the crowd as more carriages rode through the street.
Looks like something big going on, it’s very rare to see so many Nobles moving about in public.
“Oh well.” A yawn escapes from my mouth as I climb back into bed. “I’m off today, so I don’t need to worry, right?”
“Wrong.” My cover was suddenly pulled off me. A man with a short blonde ponytail dress in a fancy black suit look down at me with disappointment in his eyes
“Alex, how are you doing?”
“Did you forget what today was?” Somehow that didn’t sound like a question. It felt more like a threat. If I say no, he’ll probably turn me into an ice sculpture.
“Yes, of course, I remember! How could I forget?” I gave Alex, a wide grin hoping he’ll believe me. Of course, he didn’t. Letting out a disappointing sigh, he heads towards the door.
“Today the day we start preparing for the festival.”
“Wait “THE” festival? Isn’t that until next year? Why are we starting so early?”
“No idea,” Alex says as he shrugs his shoulder. “I guess they’re planning something big for the next one.”
“Big huh?” I don’t like the sound of that, especially since I’m always the center of attention in the festival.
“Hurry up and get dress, I’ll be outside.”
“Right.” I let my shoulders slump the moment Alexander close the door. It was exhausting just thinking about how big the festival was going to be. I have no choice but to go. Since I’m this generation hero, I can’t skip out on the “Demon King’s end” festival. As the name suggests, it’s a festival that celebrates the death of the Demon King. Naturally, it’s a big event. Almost every human city participates in it. And somehow this next one going to be even bigger? I don’t mind parties. I just don’t like being in the center of attention. Last year they had me sit on a carriage and ride through streets while thousands of people threw flowers and confetti at me. It took me a whole day to get all that stuff out my hair.
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Shaking that thought out of my head, I hopped to my feet and threw on some clothes. Since I’m going to be dealing with nobles today, I can’t wear my cloak I use to hide. So instead I put on a white shirt with a black vest and matching black pants. Thanks to my hair being white, I look more like a butler than a noble. Oh well, at least I don’t look like a bum anymore.
“Alright, Alex, I’m ready.” I open the door to see the hall was empty. I scratch my head as I slowly close the door behind me. Knowing him, he probably got bored and went outside. I bet the next time see he’ll say something like...
“You’re late,” Alexander said as he impatiently tapped his foot.
“Yea, I figure you’d say something like that.”
“Huh?”
“Nothing, let’s hurry up and go before people recognize us.”
More and more people eyes fell on me as they lost sight of the nobles who were traveling up the mountain.
“Hey isn’t that…”
“Let’s go, like now!” I push Alex into the carriage and then jump into it myself. The horses quickly pulled us away, before the crowd could notice us.
“See? This is why I wear a cloak. People treat me like I’m so kind of celebrity.”
“You are one. Athena herself choose you to wield her power. So of course, people will treat you like a higher being.”
“I guess that makes sense.” Although, I don’t feel like I’m someone important.
I look out the window to take my mind off the subject. If there’s one thing I like about this city is the beautiful view you get the higher you go up. Not only could I completely see the lower district and the wall that protect us, but even the forest that surrounds the mountain. The endless view reminded me of the overwhelming feeling I felt when I was first drag into her world. Why did you pick me and what exactly am I supposed to do? Were the first thoughts that came to my head when she chose me. And funny enough, even though she gave me an answer, those same thoughts are still going through my head.
I’m not looking for recognition or achievement. It just feels weird that everyone is treating me like I’m someone special when I haven’t done anything special.
“Hey Alexander, is there anything I should be aware of?”
“What do you mean by ‘aware’?” Through the window glass, I could see Alexander was giving me a suspicious look.
“I don’t know, you're kind of tight with knights and the adventurer guilds, so I was wondering if you heard anything concerning, like an orc raid or something.”
“Itching for a fight, huh?” The suspicious look Alexander gave me turn into a smile.
“No, not really. I just want to do my job. Which is to protect people, right?”
“Yes, protecting people is the primary job of a hero, but you know you have another one, right?”
“What would that be?”
“Be a symbol. When you’re not fighting bad guys, you should be motivating the people around you. So quit frowning, if someone sees a person as strong and important as you look distraught, they’re going start to panic.”
“So basically, you want me to smile.”
“Basically.”
I open my mouth and clench my teeth so I could give Alex the biggest and most unnatural smile. “Well, how do I look? Do I look like the symbol of hope now?” Alex shakes his head at me, unimpressed with my antics
“Speaking of symbol. How’s your love life?”
“It’s good I guess, I mean I’m not in a relationship.”
“Still single? Oh boy.”
“Huh? What do you mean oh boy?
“It’s nothing.” Alexander quickly turns his attention to the window to avoid eye contact with me.
“Alex…”
“!!!!” I quickly duck underneath the seat as soon as I heard the awful sound of a thousand fangirls screaming in excitement.
“Relax, they’re not after you.”
“Really?” I peek out the window to see a huge crowd gathered around a building surrounded by a brilliant light. “A barrier? Don’t you think that’s a bit too much?”
“I wonder how the crowd will react once they find out you’re still single.”
“…You think it’s possible to add another one.
“!!!” The crowd once again goes wild as a couple of nobles step out their carriage. The two nobles whip their long shiny hair at the crowd which made them scream in joy. I feel like this meeting is turning into a fashion show.
Our carriage stopped at a red carpet that leads directly up a large set of stone stairs and into the building. On top of the stairs, two knights in shining armor pointed their white glowing shields straight ahead, which created a thin wall of light that separated us from the curious onlookers.
“I wish we didn’t arrive so late.” Because we were the last to show, every eye fell on us.
“You can only blame yourself. I told you to go to sleep early yesterday.”
I did, but as soon as I fell asleep, I was suddenly dragged into another world. Unfortunately, even though he’s aware of Athena existence, he probably won’t believe me if I tell him.
“You ready?” Alexander offers me his hand as he opens the door.
“Not really. But we can’t keep everyone waiting, can we?” As soon we step on the carpet my ears were pierced by loud cheers. Resisted the temptation to plug my ears, I put on my force smile and wave back to the crowd.
“Joseph! Show us your sword!”
“I can’t. I kind of left it at home.” I could summon it, but their request will become crazier if I listen to them.
“Take your shirt off!”
I guess their request will escalate regardless of what I say.
“Joseph, are you still single?” I stopped dead in my tracks. I knew this question would eventually come, but somehow, I still wasn’t prepared for it. I looked at Alexander who shrugs his shoulders at me. I guess I’m on my own.
“Yes, I mean no. I’ve already been taking.” The crowd lets out a loud gasp.
“What’s her name? Is she a noble?” My mind once again went blank from their question. I should’ve just said yes. No, if I said yes then, even more, people would be stalking me. If I want to get out of this mess, I need to convince them I have a girlfriend.
“No, she’s not a noble.” Another huge gasp went through the crowd. I have no idea why I told them that. I could’ve easily satisfied them by saying she’s a noble. Yet for some reason, my mind is only focused on one girl at the moment. “Her name is Ann…”
“Silence!!!” My voice was drowned out by a booming sound that made everyone cover their ears. “Well, well, if it isn’t the hero. I should’ve known. You’re the only person that can make such a ruckus.” Standing on top of the stairs was a noble with who has her hair wrapped in a bun.
“Elizabeth?” I look up at the girl confused. I’m pretty sure that the girl that is glaring at me is my childhood friend.
“What’s with the dumb look? Did you think I wouldn’t catch you cheating on me huh?” The crowd begins to murmur amongst themselves.
“Cheating? How am I cheating, when we aren’t even…”?
“Silence!” The crowd once again fell silent. “Stay right where you are, you need to be properly punished.” Fast but carefully, Elizabeth ran down the steps while making she didn’t trip on her blue dress. As she reached the third last step, she jumps towards me.
Am I supposed to catch her? I open my arms expecting her to fall into them. Just as I was about to catch her, she plants both her feet into my face.
“Huh?” I looked dumbly at the girl who fell. It seems everyone else was confused too. We all stare silently at the girl that just drop kick me.
“Ouch.” She rubs her back in pain. Her cheeks turn flush the moment she looked at me. “And that’s what you get for cheating on me!” Jumping to her feet, she grabs my arm and drag me into the building
“Wait, Elizabeth!”
“Shut up and follow me!” She continues to drag me away until she ran out of breath.
“You mind telling me wants going on now?”
“Not until you tell me what the hell you’re made of! I put everything I had into that kick and you didn’t even budge.” Elizabeth rubs a red spot on her arm. “Seriously, how can someone as tough as you still be so awkward around crowds?
“You can blame my teachers for that. They were too busy trying to teach me how to fight, then how to give speeches.”
“I guess it really doesn’t matter. Now that they think we’re dating they shouldn’t bother you for a while.”
"Ah, so that was all an act. I get it now, but why did you kick me?”
“Because you arrive late.” A small mischievous smile form on her face.
“Right, sorry about that.”
“It’s fine. Now, you mind telling me who this 'Ann girl is?”
“Ann?” Elizabeth once again gave me a cold glare. She’s really good at playing the jealous girlfriend.
“You was going to say name before I interrupted you.”
Ah, she’s talking about Anna, I honestly have no idea why she was the first girl that came to my head, I guess because I was talking about her with Athena. Now that I think about it, why did Athena want me to meet Anna?”
“Joseph, what are you hiding?” Elizabeth narrows her eyes at me.
“Nothing, ‘An’ isn’t a real person, I just made it up to get everyone off my back.” Jeez her acting so good that I accidentally lied about Anna’s existence. Now it actually feels like I’m cheating.
“Really?” For some reason, her voice perked up. “Well then, I guess I’ll have to continue being your pretend girlfriend.”
“Are you sure?” A frown immediately forms on her face.
“What? You don’t want me to be your pretend girlfriend?”
“No, I mean I’m okay with it, but you’ll lose suitors too if people think we’re dating.”
“That’s fine with me. I’m not really looking for a relationship right now. Especially since we’re now starting preparation for the celebration.”
Right, the celebration, I was too busy trying to dodge the crowd, I momentarily forgot about it.
“C’mon.” Elizabeth wraps both her arms around mine. “Everybody waiting for us.”
“R-Right.” Does she not realize what she’s doing? I look forward trying to ignore the soft sensation that has enveloped my arm. As we approach a giant close door, I dreaded the overexaggerated reaction I would get when the nobles see Elizabeth tightly clinging to my arm.
“Heh.” A large smile spread on Elizabeth's face when we stop at the door. “You’re in for a big surprise.” Before I had a chance to say anything, she pushes the door open. With such a loud entrance, I thought everyone would be looking at us, yet it seems there was something else in the room that caught their attention. It didn’t take me long to find what stole their attention. They stuck out like a sore thumb. In the corner of the room far away from everyone was a group of dark green skin men.
“Orcs!” I bent my knees and prepared to lunge at them.
“Wait, Joseph!” Elizabeth tightens her grip on my arm. “They’re our guess.”
“What do you mean guess?”
“It means we invited them here,” Alexander said as he enters the room.
“And here I thought you knew nothing about this meeting.”
“Don’t get mad at him. I told Alex to keep it a secret from you so I could surprise you.”
“You definitely got me. Never expected a group of barbarians would be interested and creating a party.” Both Alex and Elizabeth giggle amongst each other.
“Of course, they wouldn’t come here for a party, this meeting is much, much bigger than that. Why don’t you take another look around.” Taking Elizabeth advice, I took another look around the room. At first, I didn’t I see anything special. Just a bunch of nobles sipping expensive wine, while trying to ignore the poorly dress orcs in the back. After scanning the room for a few more minutes, I notice some pointy ears in the crowd. I’m somewhat disappointed that I didn’t notice the elves hidden in the room, usually, they’ll be the first thing you notice in a crowded room, because of their incredible beauty. But then again most of the nobles in here aren’t lacking in the beauty department.
“Noble, Orcs, and Elves? This is turning into an interesting meeting.”
“There’s also some dwarves in here too, but I guess it no surprise that you didn’t notice them. They ‘re kind of small after all” Elizabeth whispers to me, probably so the dwarves wouldn’t here.
“What exactly are you guys planning gathering all these people?”
“We…” The door loudly closes behind us, cutting Elizabeth off.
“All eyes on stage please!” The room became darker and bright lights beam on a red curtain in front of the room, grabbing everyone attention. A quiet murmur began to form, as we all waited for something to happen.
“Isn’t this exciting? An unusual wide grin spread on Alex's face. “This is probably the first time in history that every race sat in a room without trying to kill each other.
“I’ll admit, this is something.” I'm amazed the orcs aren’t attacking anyone, and the elves and nobles aren’t auguring about who’s prettier.
“Pay very close attention, Joseph.” Elizabeth once again happily wraps her arm mine. “This is the start of a new era.”