The Forgotten Hero's Rise

Chapter 9: The King's Summons

The grand halls of Eldoria Castle loomed before them, its towering spires piercing the sky like unyielding sentinels. The aftermath of the battle lingered in the air smoke rising from the outskirts of the city, the scent of charred stone and blood still fresh. Despite their victory, Ren couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him.

His newfound power had awakened something dangerous. And worse, someone was watching him.

Vaelin led the way through the castle gates, his expression unreadable. Lyra followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the corridors with her usual sharpness, while Sylph, the fourth of their group, moved with an almost eerie silence. Unlike the others, Sylph had remained mostly on the defensive during the battle, her role more of a strategist than a front-line fighter.

"Straight to the throne room," Vaelin muttered, nodding toward the guards stationed along the massive double doors.

The soldiers, recognizing the heroes, stepped aside without a word. With a heavy creak, the doors swung open, revealing the King of Eldoria seated upon his grand golden throne.

King Alden was a man of formidable presence broad-shouldered, with streaks of silver running through his dark hair. His deep-set eyes flickered with intelligence and wariness as they landed on Ren.

"You've returned," the king said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "And I hear the battle has been won."

Vaelin stepped forward, kneeling briefly. "Yes, Your Majesty. The invasion was repelled, but… it was no ordinary attack. A summoner was behind it. They controlled the portal and unleashed the creatures upon us."

The king's face darkened. "A summoner?"

"Not just any summoner," Lyra added, arms crossed. "They knew Ren. Or rather, they were expecting him."

A heavy silence fell over the throne room. The king's gaze lingered on Ren, scrutinizing him as if searching for something hidden beneath the surface.

Ren shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know why they knew me. But during the fight, I… I unlocked a power I didn't understand. It wasn't normal magic. It was like"

"like something ancient," Vaelin finished for him. "Something that shouldn't exist in this era."

The king's fingers tapped against the armrest of his throne. "Then the rumors may be true."

Ren frowned. "Rumors?"

Alden exhaled, rising to his feet. "For centuries, there have been whispers of an ancient power lost to time. A power that could rival the gods themselves. If you've awakened something beyond ordinary magic, then we must tread carefully."

Sylph, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke, her voice soft yet firm. "What do you suggest, Your Majesty?"

The king's expression hardened. "I will send word to the Grand Magus in the capital. He is the only one who may be able to explain what is happening to you, Ren. In the meantime, you and your companions will remain within the castle walls. I do not believe the summoner will act again so soon, but if they do… I want you ready."

Ren clenched his fists. More waiting. More uncertainty. He hated feeling powerless.

But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning.

Far beyond the castle walls, hidden within the shadows of a ruined temple, the summoner kneeled once more before the golden-eyed figure.

"The boy is beginning to question his power," the summoner reported.

The figure chuckled darkly. "Good. Let him struggle. The more he fights against fate, the sweeter his fall will be."

Lightning crackled across the sky as the unseen puppet master whispered to the shadows.

"Soon, hero… soon, everything you cherish will be mine."

The weight of the king's words settled over the room like an unshakable fog. Ren's fists clenched at his sides as questions swirled in his mind. A power that could rival the gods? A lost force from an ancient time? None of this made sense, yet the truth was undeniable—he was changing. And whoever the summoner served had been waiting for that change.

Before Ren could ask more, the heavy doors to the throne room swung open. A tall man dressed in deep blue robes strode in, his staff clicking against the marble floor with each step. His long silver hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his piercing violet eyes held the wisdom of centuries.

Vaelin exhaled sharply. "The Grand Magus arrived faster than expected."

The Grand Magus Elric, Eldoria's most powerful and knowledgeable mage, stopped before the throne and bowed slightly to the king. His gaze then shifted toward Ren, his expression unreadable.

"So," Elric murmured, "it is true."

Ren stiffened. "You know something, don't you?"

The Grand Magus studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Come with me, all of you. There are things you must understand… and truths you are not yet prepared for."

The king gave a solemn nod. "Go with him. Whatever knowledge he holds may be the key to your survival."

Ren exchanged glances with his companions before following Elric out of the throne room. The air grew thick with anticipation as they walked through winding corridors, torches casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. Finally, they arrived at the Royal Archives, an ancient chamber filled with towering bookshelves, mystical artifacts, and relics of forgotten ages.

Elric motioned for them to sit around a large circular table. He waved his hand, and the torches dimmed, replaced by a glowing orb of magical light floating above them.

"You wish for answers," he began, his voice low and grave. "Then listen well. For this tale is older than the kingdom itself."

He raised his staff, and the air shimmered, forming a magical projection.

"A thousand years ago, the world was not as you know it. Magic was boundless, wild, and untamed. But at the heart of that chaos, four Celestial Heroes arose each gifted with a power unlike any before them. They were said to be chosen by the gods themselves, wielding abilities that could shape the fate of the world."

The image shifted, revealing four figures standing atop a battlefield, their weapons radiating immense power.

"But power breeds conflict. The Celestial Heroes were betrayed. One among them succumbed to darkness, twisting his gifts into something monstrous. A great war followed, shaking the very foundations of existence."

Ren leaned forward, his pulse quickening. "What happened to them?"

Elric's expression darkened. "The records claim that three of the heroes perished… and the fourth vanished, their power lost to time. But some believe that their bloodline endured, hidden among ordinary people, waiting for the right moment to awaken."

Vaelin's eyes widened. "You think Ren is one of them?"

Elric slowly nodded. "His sudden surge in power. His ability to see the flow of magic. The way the summoner recognized him. It all aligns too well."

Ren's breath caught in his throat. "So what does that mean for me?"

"It means," Elric said gravely, "that the enemy we face has been waiting for your return. They have planned for it. And if you do not master your power quickly, you will not only lose your life… but you may doom us all."

A chilling silence filled the room.

Ren swallowed hard. He had always dreamed of being a hero, of wielding magic and standing against evil. But this? This was something far greater and far more terrifying than he had ever imagined.

Lyra exhaled, breaking the silence. "Well. No pressure, huh?"

Sylph, quiet as ever, finally spoke. "If that's the case, we can't afford to waste time. Ren needs training. Proper training."

Elric nodded. "Then we begin at dawn."

Ren closed his eyes, steadying himself. The path before him was uncertain.

Somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled.

And in the shadows, unseen eyes continued to watch.