"Cedric? what in the world is this about? You almost gave me a heart attack!" Sancio turned around to acknowledge the man who spoke to him.

"Son, you are way too young to have a heart attack. Just follow me, this is important." Cedric simply admonished Sancio.

Cedric wore a stony face on, Sancio immediately saw that as a bad sign.

He wore a white robe. intricate designs presented themselves across the ornate embroidery. It was an attire only worn in Ceremonial Occasions.

The contrast against Sancio's simple attire was not to be understated.

Sancio grumbled, but he followed none the less. Cedric's robe making Sancio confused.

'Isn't this just a meeting with Cedric?'

Where his thoughts as Sancio walked withing the rich interior of the church. even Sancio had to admit the church has something going for it.

Sancio was already tense do to being called to go to the church. But the fact that he was being lead deeper and deeper withing the halls made him stiff as a board.

Cedric stopped Infront of a seemingly ordinary door. Sancio could hear voices from the other side, it seemed to resemble a type of preaching.

Cedric slowly opened the door, making the prayers clearer to Sancio. the young voice permeating into Sancio's ears.

"-must step up to take the responsibility of saving the world. please bless this great kingdom as we have faith in you."

Cedric broke Sancio's daze with a with a gesture for him to go inside.

Sancio hesitated. For him this was a completely unexpected occurrence, although he is in a church.

Inside in the middle of the room, The Pope and his acolyte were both standing with a gesture of prayer, their eyes closed as they in front of an altar, Light shining down on them.

At the end of the acolyte prayer, The Pope picked of where his apprentice stopped. his wise and distinct voice reverberation through the walls.

"In the crucible of discord where demons and humanity shall fall under once again, the reluctant hero shall ascend as the harbinger of culmination. With eyes unveiled to truths long concealed, they shall forge an equilibrium where chaos once reigned."

The acolyte couldn't help but look on in admiration as his teacher spoke.

Their words did not stop when Sancio entered. even when Sancio arrived right in front of them, they kept going.

"With conviction burgeoning from the marrow of their being, they shall embark on the pilgrimage ordained by the cosmic weaver. Reluctance shall give way to resolution, hesitance morphing into fortitude as they step into the shadowed corridors of the unknown."

The Acolyte continued with even more vigor, after his teacher's showing.

Once again, Sancio was left wondering why they are so passionate. the two people in front of him seemed to completely ignore his existence, lost in their practice.

the nuns acted the same way. ignoring him in favor of their faith.

The Pope opened his eyes for the first time since Sancio entered.

"Holy son, step up, as this is your calling." His grand voice once again resonated in the room against the walls.

The Pope is wearing an orange robe with golden patterns etched into it. The symbol of the church of light located around his chest. it looked like a cross on top of the sun.

His papal tiara completed the look as The Pope called Sancio over.

Once again Sancio hesitated.

Seeing his hesitation, the acolyte became upset. "Come on, how dare you leave the pope waiting you-"

The Pope put a hand in his disciple's head, calming his aggravated acolyte.

The Pope then extended his hand towards Sancio. The motion was so awe inspiring Sancio found his body moving by itself, going behind the altar.

Sancio found himself found right before the Pope, and before he knew it the pope had his hand atop Sancio's head.

"Now, I shall pass you the Prophecy of the hero. 'The Guiding Light'"

Sancio had so many questions. after so many years why did they allow him back in the church? What is this 'prophecy of the hero' the Pope is talking about?

What in the world those that have to do with him?

A wave of energy came through Sancio, calming his erratic thoughts. it was an ability the Pope used often. villagers described it as a calming ray of light.

He had just used that ability on his apprentice and now on Sancio as well.

" a ...Prophecy? of a hero? me?" Sancio asked. even though his panic had settled, His confusion was in an all-time high.

Dread built up withing him.

Sancio has read many stories of heroes of the past suffering through hardship. having their loved ones killed, framed by their kingdom, and dying miserable deaths. through all the shine and glory, Sancio was able to see through the real reality of heroism.

Sancio being 170cm in height, was dwarfed by The Pope standing at over two meters of height. the pope's face which showed wisdom as expected of his age looked at Sancio as he removed his hand.

The Pope's old, dignified face looked scary, making his already awe aspiring appearance that much more magnificent. it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

The acolyte behind him grumbled at Sancio for daring to ask questions.

"Cedric, please come inside and close the door." Cedric who was still standing outside of the room, followed the pope's instructions.

The dread kept increasing, Sancio felt it was he clenched his hands.

"Now Sancio, you are here to carry out fate's wish, where you shall embark on a journey of greatness and represent the triumph of holiness over sin."

He now wanted to scream, deny, and refuse, but none of the words would come out.

There was something not letting him express his emotions. maybe it is part of The Pope's ability?

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it is like being trapped in you on mind. a terrifying prospect.

Atop the altar, a 2-meter book manifested itself. Slowly opening and going through the pages while in the air. until it seemed to have arrived at the penultimate page.

No one except Sancio was surprised by the wizardry going on in front of him.

But although it had a lasting impression, it seemed to be completely empty...

"This is a copy of the holy book of prophecies. A book given by God two thousand years ago. These prophecies helped the world to prepare for great disasters in the ages where they were needed." The Pope explained shortly. "Every page symbolizes an era of the world. and this page has the prophecy written for this era."

The Pope likes to teach kids many things about the world. Many of his preachings remained in Sancio's mind to this day.

However, Sancio still has a lot of questions, but The Pope continued.

"Now let the prophecy manifest! and show the Hero candidate his calling!!!"

Light shined down even brighter. a pulse of energy ran across the room as words started to appear on the huge book.

A deep, ancient voice started reading the words out loud.

In the epoch when the tides of existence intertwine and the veils of destiny shimmer, a scion of the illustrious once shall emerge from obscurity's shroud. From the lineage of those who once basked in glory and fell from grace, this descendant shall bear the echo of their lineage and the weight of their fate.

A singular anomaly among the fabric of kin and circumstance, destined to traverse the path of virtue, straddling the chasm between prudence and recklessness. Amongst their people, they shall stand as a paragon, marked by destiny's hand to heed the clarion call of the Church.

But as celestial hands unfurl, the ember of their origin shall be ignited, compelling them toward an odyssey unforeseen. A departure from the sanctuary of the familiar, a homestead they clasp with zealous devotion. The bonds of home shall intertwine with the threads of divine duty, weaving an intricate tapestry of divine allegiance within.

With conviction burgeoning from the marrow of their being, they shall embark on the pilgrimage ordained by the cosmic weaver. Resolution shall give rise to fortitude as they step into the illuminated corridors of sacred truth.

Enshrined within their lineage, the legacy of past glories and sorrows entwined, their spirit shall confront the echoes of antiquity. A formidable reckoning shall kindle within them the courage to unshackle the chains that bind the realms in turmoil.

In the crucible of devotion where demons and humanity entwine, the virtuous hero shall ascend as the harbinger of divine will. With eyes unveiled to truths long sanctified, they shall forge an equilibrium where sacred decree once reigned.

Yet the price of this grand reparation shall be inscribed into their very essence. The lineage that grants them strength shall become the vessel of vulnerability. The relic of past greatness shall fuel the flames of inner strife, a dichotomy to be surmounted lest it consumes.

As the winds of destiny beckon, let the seeker of truth and purpose read the signs and portents etched upon the scrolls of old. Let this prophecy be a torch that illuminates the path, for it heralds the emergence of the virtuous hero—a beacon to disperse the shadows, and the key to eternal unity. Amidst the currents of time, they shall foster values that exalt the Church's wisdom, even when it pits them against their own kingdom's desires. Through authenticity, prudence, and righteousness, they shall stand as a testament to divine providence, navigating a world where truths may be both illuminated and concealed by the faithful.

throughout it, Sancio knew better than to pose his questions in this moment. The words resonated withing him even though he desperately wanted to reject his.

Everyone stared in awe as the words manifesting withing the book came to an end.

everyone was amazed.

all except Sancio.

It spoke of glory, of greatness, of …Destiny!

Everything Sancio did not want.

"I suspect you are the hero spoken of in the gospel." The Pope analyzed Sancio for his reaction, finding it to be less than desirable.

"Bullshit!" Sancio exclaimed, finally action upon the suffocating feeling and letting out his emotions. "I have no qualities of this so called hero I-"

"IMPUTENCE! How dare you curse at the home of God!? if you weren't a hero's candidate you would be guillotined!" The Acolyte snapped at the audacity Sancio was showing in the place he has always seen as sacred.

"Oh yeah? I wonder how you would drag me to a guillotine with those twig-like arms? Dumbass femboy." Sancio snapped back, laughing at the Acolyte.

Anger was evident on the young apprentice's face. this was the first time some talked to him like this. this feeling of humiliation makes him snap.

An aura of anger started to envelope him. his eyes started to shine a menacing orange as the acolyte approached Sancio.

"I WILL-"

"Shhhh." a chill came over the two boys as The Pope slowly shushed them.

Looking at his Acolyte with a cold face. "That was completely unprecedented towards the hero candidate. your anger is too blatant and predictable. "

The boy was already kneeling in front of his master shaking profusely in fear.

"Go pray in front our lord's statue for six hours to calm down and think over your actions. no food or water until you are done. Am I understood?"

The Acolyte gave a weak 'yes' as he, still trying and falling to maintain a straight back, left the room. He made sure to glare at Sancio before he left.

The Pope then turned towards Sancio, giving him cold sweat behind his back.

"No crass language in the house of our lord." He stated. Sancio could only nod profusely, not being able to withstand the pressure.

Letting out a sigh The Pope began.

"What doubts do you have Sancio?" The Pope gestured towards the book with his golden sleaves. "What makes you say you are not the hero?"

Sacio spung up Immediately taking the opportunity say his faults with the prophecy.

"First, it speaks of reluctance to leave and of course who would want to leave their home? To leave everything he has ever known behind? not many!" Sancio pointed towards the book.

At this moment the pope's gaze drifted toward Cedric who was already kneeling on the floor.

Sancio continued. "It says about me being a descendant of great people while I'm anything but! I'm but a humble orphan! although Il may have yellowy hair that no one else has, I'm still an ordinary nobody. No way I've descended from a group of great and respected people."

Sancio felt like he is missing details after witnessing this interaction.

The Pope now has a frown on his face.

Sancio now feeling something was terribly wrong still confidently spoke. "And finally, I have no qualities of a hero! I-I don't care about saving people I don't know. I wish to just live a normal life!"

The pope now had a menacing glare toward the now trembling Cedric.

"You didn't tell him?"

"I'm sorry, your holiness... I didn't want to destroy his dreams with my own words".

The Pope shook his head. "You act too cowardly with matters such as this one, be thankful this quality didn't transfer towards your leadership."

Sancio didn't know what to say.

The Pope turned his head. "I can't say anything about willingness to leaving someone's home, as the vagueness of the prophecy is a given, and it is our duty to decipher it. However, Ever since you were born, we knew you were the hero."

The Pope dropped a crucial piece of information. Sancio subconsciously felt his world break apart a little.

Cedric was staring at Sacio with wide eyes. gaging his reaction.

It was the worst-case scenario.

"Pops What didn't you tell me?" Sancio never felt his emotions take him over like it has now.

Sancio considered Cedric his father, Cedric was his guiding light, his savior, the one whom he aspired to be.

Although he doesn't show that affection anymore. Sancio still considered this man to be his father. still unaware that his world was slowly falling apart his feelings kept on growing rampant.

It was Cedric who housed him when he had nowhere to live. it was Cedric who taught him how to be a man.

His education, his connections, and his life. was all thanks to Cedric.

"He wants to hear it from your mouth Cedric."

The Pope recognized the this was the opportunity to kill and denial he has of the truth. so, he pressured Cedric.

Cedric, who is now standing, didn't dare to look at Sancio in the eyes. "Sancio son..." he started in a weak voice.

"Ever since... I held you in my arms as a baby for the first time... I knew-"

Sancio's dread reached its tipping point as Cedric took a break from his sentence.

"I was told to specifically groom you to have qualities of a hero."

*Bang*

Running out the door Sancio sprinted across the church halls and towards the exit which would normally be considered blasphemy.

But no one stopped him.

Cedric had tears on his eyes. Emotion showed in his face. Cedric Hearthstone rarely showed his emotions and there were few exceptions.

He felt an intense sadness for not telling Sancio earlier. his conscious eating away at him.

But The Pope had no sympathy to give.

"I don't say this to people often, but you're too hopeless, it was the same with your wife. but at least you got to the point." The Pope shook his head, at the pathetic sight.

"You're dismissed. Make another meeting with Sancio tomorrow so we can fill in some details. My Skyfire Carriage has already arrived, and the phoenix is resting from the long flight. I've scheduled Sancio to be at the kingdom's capitol in three days. That is all." The book disappeared from atop the as The Pope exited the room.

Leaving with The Pope, Cedric hoped Sancio would come to peace with being a hero. setting out to pray to the statue of his wish.

But of course, things aren't going to be so easy.