Some people die surrounded by loved ones, or rescuing others in a noble sacrifice. My death was less noble.

“Listen, Death, I get that this is your domain and all but the hero of legend CANNOT be someone who died of boredom. He literally has no heroic deeds to his name. How am I supposed to condone laziness in my representative?”

Hm? A voice in the darkness…

“Look, you asked for a soul on short notice. If you want one with backstory, sure, you’re the boss anyway. But I don’t do returns.”

Death was…cavalier.

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“Ugh, fine. Leave it here and go.”

 A cold wind momentarily filled the abyssal darkness before vanishing into the void.

“Now, you.” I felt like something was staring at me. “You know as well as I do that you aren’t hero material. So instead of the usual ’Take these gifts, brave hero’ I’m going to be frank.”

I balked at this. Internally, of course. Sure I could be a hero, probably.

“My world is under a dire threat from an infestation of dungeons and I need to send down a champion to clear them out. There isn’t much I can do directly on that plane. Your job is to assist in any way possible. You will not try to outshine him or her.  They are the Hero, you are the Support. I will be watching.”

I felt a massive will dismissing me and my consciousness began to fade. Wait…

“How will I know who the Hero is?” I gasped, finally managing to say something.

The voice hitched slightly and I felt the will try to pull me back, but it was too late.

I was gone.