The capital gates loomed tall, carved from black iron and etched with runes that shimmered faintly in the daylight. Beyond them stretched a forest of endless green, the first glimpse of the world Kofi was meant to protect.
He adjusted his sword belt nervously. It still felt strange at his hip, heavy and awkward. Darius walked ahead of him, silent as ever, while two other knights escorted them.
The mission was simple—on paper. A nearby village had sent word of strange beasts prowling too close to their fields. Kofi would join as an observer, his first step beyond training.
"You're pale," Darius muttered as they passed the gate.
Kofi forced a laugh. "I've never even been camping before. Now I'm walking into monster territory."
"Stay close," the knight said. "And don't try to play hero."
The road wound through the forest, sunlight breaking through the canopy in scattered beams. Birds called overhead, and the smell of damp earth filled the air. It was almost peaceful—until Kofi noticed a figure standing in the road ahead.
It was a young woman, cloaked in green, a staff strapped to her back. Her long ears peeked from beneath her hood, marking her as an elf.
One of the knights raised a hand in greeting. "Lady Lyra. You answered the request as well?"
The elf inclined her head. Her eyes, sharp and clear like emerald glass, settled on Kofi. "So this is the human 'hero' you summoned?"
Kofi swallowed. "Uh… yes. I'm Kofi."
Lyra's lips pressed into a thin line. "You look fragile. Will you protect us—or will we end up protecting you?"
Her words stung, but Kofi didn't protest. She wasn't wrong. His hands still trembled when he held his sword.
Darius grunted. "The boy's rough, but he has potential. You'll see."
Lyra didn't look convinced.
—
By nightfall, they reached the village. It was small, a scattering of wooden homes and fields trampled by something large. Villagers rushed to greet them, fear in their eyes.
"It comes at night," an old farmer whispered. "Glowing eyes in the dark. Killed two sheep last week. If it's not stopped, it'll come for us next."
Kofi felt his stomach knot. This wasn't training anymore. This was real.
That night, they kept watch on the edge of the fields. The air was cold, and Kofi's breath misted as he gripped his sword. Every rustle of leaves made his pulse quicken.
Then he saw them.
Two glowing red eyes in the darkness.
A beast emerged, taller than a man, its body covered in matted fur, claws glinting like knives. It snarled, saliva dripping from jagged fangs.
Kofi froze. His body screamed at him to run.
"Hero," Darius barked. "Move!"
The beast charged.
And for the first time, Kofi raised his blade against a monster.