Aldoria: Am I a hero...or not?

{{Near the World Tree's Root - Morning}}

Lucien stood beside Kael, arms crossed, as the young warrior adjusted his packed belongings. The time had come.

"Go home, Kael," Lucien repeated. But this time, there was something different in his voice. A rare softness.

Before Kael could respond, Lucien added, "But before you leave, go to the blacksmith. You need proper equipment."

Kael nodded. "Alright, but don't tell me I have to pay for it. I'm broke."

Lucien scoffed. "Idiot. Just go."

{{Elven Blacksmith – Morning}}

The forge burned bright as Kael entered, the scent of heated metal filling the air. An elder elf, his arms thick with muscle, glanced up from his work.

"You're the human Lucien trained," the blacksmith said. "He's been expecting you."

Kael blinked. "Expecting me?"

Without another word, the blacksmith reached under the counter and pulled out something wrapped in fine cloth. He unwrapped it, revealing a beautifully crafted sheath.

It wasn't just well-made, it was flawless. Intricate golden patterns ran along its dark leather surface, and the metal fittings shimmered with faint engravings of runes. It felt almost alive.

Lucien entered the shop just as Kael picked it up.

"It's my gift to you," Lucien said.

Kael looked at him, stunned. "You had this made… for me?"

Lucien nodded. "A warrior's blade deserves a worthy home."

Kael clenched the sheath, feeling the weight of the gesture. "Thank you, Master."

Lucien smirked. "If you want to thank me, eat with me one last time before you leave."

Kael grinned. "If you're paying, then sure."

{{Lucien's Home – Night}}

The meal was simple yet hearty, a mix of elven greens, roasted meat, and spiced wine. They ate in silence at first, savoring the moment.

Then Lucien spoke.

"I saw you having nightmares."

Kael tensed, his grip tightening around his cup. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Lucien studied him for a moment, then leaned back. "There's a legend among the elves. A tale whispered to frighten children."

Kael raised a brow. "A legend?"

Lucien nodded. "There was once a hero. A man who led humans, elves, dwarves, and many others against an unspeakable evil. He was revered… unstoppable. But he had a secret. He was not of this world."

Kael felt something in his chest tighten.

Lucien continued, his voice lower now. "Some say he was a reincarnated soul, someone who lived another life before this one. But when his past self consumed him, he fell into darkness.

"One night, he massacred his entire town. The smell of blood stretched for miles. The wails of the dead echoed through the land."

Kael felt his breath hitch.

Lucien took a sip of his wine, then said, "When the hero realized what he had done… he took his own life."

Silence.

Lucien's gaze locked onto Kael's. "Some believe his soul still lingers, trying to atone for his sins."

Kael swallowed. "And you think this has something to do with me?"

Lucien shrugged. "Who knows? Like I said, it's just a legend."

Kael forced a chuckle. "Yeah… just a legend."

Lucien smirked. "Good. Now let's stop talking and eat."

And so, they continued their meal.

{{Elf Kingdom's Castle Gates – Morning}}

Kael adjusted his belongings as Lucien led him toward the massive castle gates. Beyond them lay the path home.

As they neared, a large crowd had gathered in the plaza. The elven king and queen stood on a high platform, addressing their people.

Kael listened halfheartedly until his eyes locked onto someone in the royal procession.

A girl.

No.

A princess.

His breath caught in his throat.

It was her.

The girl he had saved from the kidnappers.

She was watching him too, recognition flickering in her eyes.

After the speech ended, the king and queen descended from the platform, personally greeting those departing through the gates.

Kael noticed how the elves parted respectfully as Lucien approached. The queen smiled, and the king extended a hand.

"Lucien, it has been a while," the king said. "It is good to see you again."

Lucien nodded. "Your Majesty."

Kael smirked. "Didn't know you were that important, Master."

Lucien elbowed him in the ribs. "Shh."

Before Kael could say anything else, the princess stepped forward.

"Father, Mother," she said, her voice soft yet firm. "This human… he saved me."

The king and queen turned to Kael.

"You did?" the queen asked.

Kael scratched his cheek. "Uh… yeah, I guess?"

The king studied him, then nodded. "Then you have our gratitude."

"There's no need for that," Kael said. "I just did what anyone would."

The princess took a step closer. "At least allow me to introduce myself. I am Princess Elara. And you are?"

"Kael," he said. "Kael Valor."

Elara smiled. "Kael… I won't forget it."

Kael found himself smiling back.

Before he could say anything else, Elara reached into a pouch at her waist and pulled out a small leather pocket.

"This is for you," she said. "Consider it a token of my gratitude."

Kael took it, confused. "A… pocket?"

Elara giggled. "Not just any pocket. It's enchanted. It can hold far more than its size suggests."

Kael's eyes widened. A pocket with near-infinite storage?

Elara smirked. "Now you don't have to carry all your things like a pack mule."

Kael chuckled. "This is too muc–"

"Think of it as a payment for a debt," Elara interrupted. "I told you I'll pay you for your help, right?."

Kael shook his head. "You really don't have to."

Elara met his gaze. "I had to."

Kael sighed but smiled. "Alright, alright. Thanks, Princess."

She rolled her eyes. "Elara is fine."

He nodded. "Alright. This won't be the last time we meet, Elara."

She smiled. "I look forward to it."

Lucien cleared his throat. "Alright, enough flirting. You have a journey to start."

Kael turned to him.

This was it.

Kael took a deep breath. "Thanks, Master. For everything."

Lucien smirked. "Try not to die, idiot."

Kael grinned. "No promises."

And with that, he stepped through the gate.

{{Portal Path – Between Worlds}}

As Kael walked through, he felt the shift in space, the magic carrying him closer to home.

His mind raced.

How would they welcome him back?

With anger?

With sadness?

With relief?

He clenched his fists.

No matter what, he had changed.

He would face whatever awaited him.

And so, Kael Valor returned home.