We crossed over the lobby in the tower of the Paremal Order. Back down the spiral stairway from before. Soon enough we entered a council room of some kind. A chandelier light on the ceiling to illuminate the room. A horseshoe marble table and chairs with King Baeolmar were sitting at the centre.

“King Baeolmar, good morning.” I greeted them, followed by Ferilmah and Seraphina.

”Haruki, you’re here.” He said, “Seraphina, Ferilmah.”

“Father.” Seraphina smiled.

“My king.” Ferilmah added.

“The rest are almost here. Take your seats.” The king said.

We sat by Baeolmar’s side with me sitting in between him and Ferilmah. I could feel my pulse rising a little. I sucked in a deep breath of air. I could see this coming. I’m going to be put on the spot because I’m this so-called Solaris Hero.

Later, I was pretty much in complete bewilderment. Before me, were the Kings and Queens of the alliance.

First, there were the elves of the Western Alaerin Valley. They looked just like how I imagined them to be. Tall and long hair with pointed ears. Their eyes were like sparkling emeralds. There were two men and a woman. There was Ranger Tarron. He had long brown hair, a sleek bow, a quiver of arrows, and a forest-green outfit and cloak. The next one was Elder Kolvir, an older-looking elf with white hair and a similar green outfit and cloak. He held a wooden staff with a green gem on the top. And then there was Queen Saria, to say that she was beautiful would be an understatement. Her golden hair was like the finest threads of silk reaching her back. Her chin and cheekbones were sharp. She wore this rose-gold regal dress with a ruby circlet on her head. She had this cold gaze on us, like she was constantly judging us, or me specifically.

Second were the dwarves of the Northern Dynjana Mountains. Short in stature with thick beards that would make Santa Claus jealous. Three of them, just like the elves, and all of them were male. The one sitting in the middle was King Erik. His hair and beard were grey and he had deep blue eyes. His kingly robes were a mix of maroon and blue, and a white-silver crown was fitted on his head. The other two dwarves were brothers, Lorgrir and Anders. They almost look identical to each other except Lorgrir had brown eyes while Anders’ eyes were hazel. They wore chainmail armour and each had a menacing axe strapped to their backs. I sensed King Erik glancing at me with a raised brow.

Third, from the Eastern Lunaron Woods, were the fauna-folk, or the demi-humans. I mean seriously, these people have actual animal ears and tails. Three representatives, three women. There was Queen Ashina. Her wild black hair was tied in a ponytail. She wore this exotic deep blue dress with dark grey leggings. She gave off this alpha wolf aura with her black wolf-ears and tail along with those intense amber eyes. The other two women, Reika and Maevi, had the same wild look to them. Reika had short silver hair with wolf-like pointed ears and a fluffy tail while Maevi had long brown hair with cat-ears and tail. Both were dressed like those fantasy thieves. Brown and rogue-like cuirasses with short blades sheathed by their hips.

And then finally, there was us. King Baeolmar, Captain Seraphina, Grand Wizard Ferilmah, and I.

“Queen Saria, Queen Ashina, King Erik, welcome to the capital of Khorinus.” King Baeolmar stood up and addressed the alliance in the room. “We all know why we are gathered here. So let’s-”

“King Baeolmar.” An icy voice cut him off. We all turned to the Elf Queen. “Where are the heroes?”

“That’s right.” King Erik added, “We’re here to collect our share of the legion of heroes.”

Queen Ashina said nothing but from where I was sitting, I could tell that her expectations were not met.

King Baeolmar tried not to let the interruptions get to him. But nevertheless, he addressed them all. “That’s what we need to discuss now.”

“Something happened. Is that right, King Baeolmar?” Queen Ashina finally chimed in.

“Well?” King Erik asked.

King Baeolmar delivered the news. “The Virmalum Empire intercepted the summoning ritual. They pulled the heroes from the aethereal void to their side.”

King Baeolmar let them process the news, and their reactions were in accordance.

The Dwarf King got up from his seat. “You lost the heroes?!”

King Baeolmar shook his head, “The demon-kind took them from the aethereal void as they were on their way over here to Khorinus. We couldn’t have known it then.”

“And whose incompetence led to this folly?” Queen Ashina said, eyeballing him from the side. King Baeolmar gave her a look in return.

“Every hero is stolen from us?” Queen Saria asked, leaning over her seat.

“No,” Ferilmah stood up and took the opportunity to join the conversation, “Not all of them. We have one.”

“Only one?” King Erik's expression went flat.

Ferilmah turned to my direction, motioning me to get up. Everyone had their sights on me. Nervously, I rose to my feet.

“Everyone, this is Haruki Hoshino.” Ferilmah said.

“He is the Solaris Hero.” King Baeolmar added

The elves, dwarves, and fauna-folk had all kinds of expressions contorted in their faces. From shock, to doubt, and to dismissal. I felt an elbow nudging my side, I glanced at Ferilmah. Oh, right. I should introduce myself.

“Hello. I am Haruki Hoshino. Pleased to meet you-”

”By the allfather’s beard! Are you mocking us, Baeolmar?” King Erik interrupted me with a loud huff. “This wee laddie is the Solaris Hero?”

“He does not even have a strand of whisker on him, heh.” Lorgrir, the dwarf axeman, chuckled.

“Nor the strength to even lift a butter knife, I reckon.” Anders, the other dwarf added.

“I assure you.” Ferilmah said. “He is the Solaris Hero.”

“Grand Wizard, if this is a joke, it is in poor taste.” Queen Ashina glared at us. “The summoning ritual is supposed to summon soldiers. Warriors of high esteem. Not some juvenile ruffian who possesses nothing to deem him trustable.”

“Aye,” King Erik nodded, “Baeolmar, you may have faith in ‘em, but this lad is unproven.”

“Baeolmar,” The old elf, Kolvir, finally spoke up, “We elves have known the elemental heroes of old. Five hundred years ago, we stood alongside them. We fought alongside them. We’ve seen their glorious might first hand. This may be in your history books, but it’s only a generation for us. So forgive us if we find this revelation to be quite… disappointing.”

At that point, I was getting annoyed by these people who had been doing nothing but hurling jabs at me. But I had to keep it cool as per Ferilmah's instructions.

“Haruki,” King Baeolmar turned to me. “Give me your hand.”

I held it out to him, unsure of what he was going to do. He pulled out a metallic orb from his sleeve and dropped it onto my hand. It’s the seer stone!

The metal in the orb glowed bright once it came into contact with my fingers. Everyone fell silent as the golden light drew everyone's attention. I held my hand up high, the orb shone brighter and brighter like the Sun.

“Haruki!” Seraphina staggered back and called my name, shielding her eyes from the brightness. The rest had their astounded reactions, even the stoic-looking fauna-folk and elves were reeling back in shock.

“That’s enough, Haruki!” King Baeolmar grabbed my arm. He took the seer stone from me and the lightshow immediately disappeared. Everyone had their shocked looks still plastered on their faces. Except for King Baeolmar, Grand Wizard Ferilmah… and Queen Saria.

“Are you convinced yet?” King Baeolmar eyed everyone in the room. “Haruki is the Solaris Hero. And that means there’s still hope for us.” King Baeolmar said.

A moment of silence filled as the council processed the golden lightshow they just witnessed. The sound of a chair dragging across the floor brought my attention to Queen Saria standing up. She made her way over to us in this cold and calculating manner. She got right in front of me, staring right into my eyes. With a finger on my chin, she tilted my head up so she could see my face properly. Her fingers are so soft, sure. But lady, personal space!

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“Uh…” I mumbled, it was becoming incredibly awkward.

“The Solaris Magic resides in you,” Queen Saria spoke as she removed her finger from my chin, “But I do not see how you are worthy of it.”

“Saria.” King Baeolmar narrowed his eyes.

The Elf Queen ignored him and said, “No, you are not him. You’re not our Solaris Hero, and bearing the Solaris Magic is almost an affront to us.”

“My queen!” Elder Kolvir stepped in. Saria broke her gaze to look at the older elf. “Let him be.”

Saria sighed and returned to her seat. Meanwhile, I was standing there like some sort of chump taking tirade after tirade from these people. I turned to Ferilmah to show my frown. Ferilmah shook his head, silently telling me to keep quiet.

“Enough.” Seraphina stood up with her hands on the table, “We are not getting anywhere with this rebuke. All the while, the demon-goblin pact has the elemental heroes.” She turned her head to my direction and gave me a nod.

Thanks for backing me up. I thought.

“She’s right.” Someone else said, it was Tarron the elven ranger. “We cannot delay. The enemy has made their move against us. We need to respond.”

“And what do you propose we do?” Reiko, one of the two fauna rogues in the room, finally broke her silence.

“We rescue the heroes, of course.” Seraphina said it like it was a matter of fact.

“Rescue them?” Maeki, the other fauna rogue, answered. “You expect us to go deep into hostile territory? We are too stretched thin as is already. It would be complete folly.”

“What would you suggest, then?” Seraphina narrowed her eyes.

“I say we are done here.” King Erik’s puffy expression deflated. He turned to the two dwarves by his sides and said. “Boys, we are returning home.”

“What?” King Baeolmar instantly voiced his objection. “What are you talking about? We are not done here. We need to-”

“Baeolmar, I came here to collect our share of the elemental heroes. Nothing more.” The dwarf king said. I turned to King Baeolmar, confused by what he meant by collecting their share.

“Did Baeolmar not tell ya?” King Erik noticed me, “The elemental heroes were meant to be distributed amongst the races. To balance power between the dwarves, elves, fauna-folk, and men. The dwarves were supposed to take in the Lightning and Earth Heroes. But since that is not happening, I see no reason to remain here.”

I suppose it makes sense. Have the heroes placed in different factions across the alliance. But still King Baeolmar didn’t tell me about that.

He noticed that I was looking at him but focused his attention on the dwarf king. “And you don’t intend to help acquire our chances against the demons and goblins? You plan to hide in the northern mountains indefinitely?”

“It’s our mountains, Baeolmar. Unless I see a reason to extend my hand, I’ll look to my own borders. And how I defend my borders and my people is my decision.” King Erik said in some proud and stubborn way.

“And you,” He pointed at me, “A pretty golden light show is hardly enough to impress me. Keep that in mind.” The dwarves turned and they headed for the door.

The Elf Queen, Saria, got up as well. “I cannot fathom that I am in agreement with the dwarves. But there is no other reason for me to be here as well.”

“Queen Saria.” Ferilmah implored.

“Wizard,” The Elf Queen said, “Until the true Solaris Hero returns, defending our elven regions is the only thing we can do.”

“That’s not a strategy to win.” King Baeolmar said. Saria frowned at us, or me particularly, one last time before she took her exit.

“My queen, please.” Tarron said. He seemed to be the only elf trying to cooperate. But in the end, the Queen had the final say.

“We’re done here, Tarron.” Saria commanded. With that, the elves exited the council room.

This is all falling apart. This is supposed to be an alliance? It’s just a bunch of people squabbling and bickering. I thought as I watched the elves and dwarves leave.

Queen Ashina then took the opportunity to speak. “King Baeolmar.”

King Baeolmar let out a short exhale, almost sorrowful that she was about to up and leave like the others. “Queen Ashina?”

“King Baeolmar.” She stood up and looked him in the eye. “This isn’t looking good for anyone here. And to be frank, I did not come here just to collect the heroes that would represent the fauna-folk.”

Baeolmar remained silent, allowing the wolf-lady to continue, “I came here because my kinsmen are already under attack.”

“Under attack?” King Baeolmar asked, “The Virmalum Empire has crossed into the Eastern Woods? How can that be?”

Ashina then strode over to us and said, “I don’t mean an attack from demons or goblins, but humans. Men from your kingdom, Baeolmar.”

That got the expected responses from everyone, particularly the king in question.

“That is a very bold claim, Ashina.” Baeolmar stoically answered, his eyes narrowed at her. “A claim that can lead to unintended tensions and consequences.”

“It’s not a claim.” Ashina responded, “I have reports from witnesses. In villages located between the edges of Eastern Woods and the Kingdom of Khorinus, fauna-folk citizens are being kidnapped and sold off by unsavoury men.”

“And you think Khorinus citizens are responsible.” Seraphina raised a brow.

“I am saying that you must respond to these crimes against my people, Baeolmar. Since these crimes happened within Khorinus.” Queen Ashina said to King Baeolmar who had his arms crossed with a pensive stare.

“I thought the elemental heroes that were supposed to join the fauna-folk could help us. But now I’m left with asking you.” The Wolf Queen added.

Seraphina seemed unconvinced. “Wait. Just because these kidnappings happened by the edge of the borders, doesn’t mean Khorinus citizens-”

“No. She’s right, Seraphina.” Baeolmar stopped his daughter. “We need to stop this conflict within the races. The last thing we want is to escalate matters into outright war between ourselves. All the while, the true enemy sets against all of us.”

He turned to the Wolf Queen, “Ashina, if we task a troop to rescue these citizens and stop those responsible, will you aid us against the Virmalum Empire? Will you aid us in getting the other elemental heroes back?”

“Your troops?” Ashina glowered, “For all we know, they are in on this. I am asking for your help, Baeolmar.”

King Baeolmar’s eyes narrowed, displeased with Ashina’s implication of his soldiers. It was clear that Seraphina and Ferilmah shared his vexation. Yet, at the same time, they could not ignore the possibility; that their soldiers may be involved with this situation between the humans and the fauna-folk. But then, Baeolmar had an idea.

He said “Ashina, you know I cannot personally look into this matter. Not when I have to focus on the threat of demons and goblins. But we have someone politically neutral that can help you.”

“And who would that be?”

As if to create some dramatic aesthetic, the king turned to my direction and everyone followed suit.

Wait! What?!

“Eh?!” I squawked! I can't I actually squawked!

“Haruki can help you resolve this, Ashina.” Baeolmar said.

I tried to object, but King Baeolmar stuck his palm out to hush me. Seriously, this guy…

“Him? I do not know him at all.” Queen Ashina had a subtle snarl at the corner of her lips.

“But you know what the elemental heroes are.” Baeolmar took a step forward, “You can trust Haruki. You can trust the Solaris Hero.”

Silence lingered, I saw those canine ears twitching from the fauna-folk in the room. I guessed they did not exactly like how transactional Queen Ashina’s request turned out to be. However, in the end, it seemed fair and both sides would benefit.

“Hold on,” A female voice broke the silence, it came from Reiko. She pointed at me, “I want to hear it from him.”

I stiffened as everyone eyed me. Baeolmar was staring at me intensely, he was giving me that stare that would compel anyone to comply with him.

“I can do it. I’ll help.” I said whilst trying my best to compose myself. Oh man… Just what am I getting myself into?!

“It’s settled then.” King Baeolmar declared, “The Solaris Hero will rescue your people. In return, will you help Haruki in getting the elemental heroes back to aid us against the Virmalum Empire?”

Ashina relented. “You help us and we will help you however we can.”

Thank you,” Baeolmar bowed, “I’m grateful.”

“I’m entrusting you all to help my brethren. Please don’t make me regret this.”

“You won’t. You have my word.”

With that, the fauna-folk had left the council room. I instantly turned to the King, “Are you kidding me?! I have not agreed to this! Why are you putting me in the spot like this?”

Baeolmar, with arms crossed, let out a drawled sigh, “Haruki, did you not pay attention to what has transpired? The races in the alliance are scattered. The fauna-folk don’t trust you, the dwarves don’t think you are capable, and the elves don't accept you. We need to change that and unite the races if we’re going to hold firm and wrest the elemental heroes back to us. This is our first step, gaining Queen Ashina’s favour.”

“I don’t even know where to start. Or how to use this so-called Solaris Magic.” I fumbled on my words.

Ferilmah, from the side, gripped on my shoulder, looking me in the eye. ““Do you remember what I told you yesterday? Everyone will be counting on you because you’re the Solaris Hero. You will find a way, I know it. In time, you’ll understand.”

“What does that even mean?” I threw my hands up. But Ferilmah did not answer me.

Baeolmar turned his attention to his daughter. “Seraphina, you’re now assigned to assist Haruki. Your second in-command from the Silver Rose will take over your duties.”

“Yes, father.” Seraphina said and nudged me to the door. “Come on, let us see what you can do.”

***

King Baeolmar watched the youths as they exited the council room, leaving him with the Grand Wizard. The two brothers shared a look.

“I’m quite impressed that he managed to hold his tongue when the races spoke ill of him.” Ferilmah said under his breath. “Neither of us wouldn’t be able to.”

“The splitting of the alliance is the last thing we need now.” King Baeolmar crossed his arms with a frown. “We need Haruki to succeed. But I saw his hesitation earlier. He doubts who he is.”

Ferilmah sighed, “We are putting our burdens on a boy. It’s easy to forget that.”

That got Baeolmar to pinch his brows. He groaned, “A boy. Just a boy. How did it come to this?”

“Brother,” Ferilmah faced him, “Haruki will pull through. Remember, there is a reason why he is the Solaris Hero.”