Melvin's eyes slowly opened, and all he saw at first was darkness. He wondered if this was how it felt to be dead. Until the stars in the sky and a cool breeze sent his body shivering to bring him back to reality. Laying on the ground was his bruised and beaten body aching all over with his simple clothes covered in dirt.
On closer inspection, he realized he was no longer at death's door and was not in the worst condition. He sat up with his back against the nearest tree and took inventory of his current situation.
The bandits seemed long gone, and he was still somewhere next to the creek in the forest. "That's right, the creek!" He thought as he remembered the ring and the man that offered him his hand earlier; that must explain why he was still living, but what did it all mean? That's when he noticed the ring sitting on the index finger of his left hand.
A voice spoke in his left ear, startling him. "I see you have awakened, my lord." It sounded like a middle-aged man but somehow ancient at the same time.
"what do you want, and who are you?" Melvin responded hesitantly. "hehe," the voice chuckled, " don't worry, I am not here to harm you, your highness. I am just here to guide you on your journey for power."
Power? Your Highness? Melvin thought with increasing confusion. "Explain yourself," he demanded. Then, finally, he stood up and started walking toward the exit of the forest he was in while he waited for an explanation.
"With this ring, you are now the holder of the 5th seat at the council and now the next shadow king." The voice stated, causing melvin to stop in his tracks with his eyes growing wide, "That's Impossible!" He exclaimed. "Oh, but it is," The voice continued, "by taking the ring, you have inherited the rightful place in the 5th seat and all the powers of the shadow king."
The 5th seat...Melvin thought. There was no way this was possible. The council was home to the five most remarkable beings on this continent. Each is in control of one of the five countries, respectively. It was a meeting place for each leader to discuss the continent and its people's future.
In the north lay the ice queen known as Jess in the frozen mountain country of Yurick. She was known for her stunning beauty with a ruthless and cold demeanor.
In the South lay the hot and harsh desert lands of Gale which the Dune king ruled. He was known for his greed and was the ruler of the only country currently using enslaved people.
In the West, the fertile fields of Morin were the only country not ruled by tyranny but led by the Council leader Joseph. The land was rumored to be full of peace and liveliness.
And in the 4th seat, the King of the East rocky shores full of sea and trade lay Hook. The country was prosperous but full of pirates and dangerous waters.
Finally, The 5th country is the one melvin currently resides in. The land of Heath. This country had long since been without a king, as the last one disappeared without a trace before he was brought to this world. Leaving the 5th seat empty for centuries. The country had long since fallen to ruin, with all the nobles fighting for power and bandits like the ones he had encountered roaming around the land. The other countries refused to take over, saying it was cursed.
Everyone in this world was gifted with essence, A power that allows one to complete feats melvin once thought impossible. For example, some allowed people to brandish swords while using essence to use close combat abilities, while others permitted people to use long rang skills. But the four council members were on a whole other level than everyday citizens. They were thought to be divine beings who never aged with time.
As Melvin reached the edge of the forest and peered into the clearing, looking at the village he resided in, he spoke to the man that lived with the ring. "So you're telling me I'm now the owner of the 5th seat? And wouldn't that also make me the leader of Heath?"
"Yes, it would, my king...., Although," he added after a short pause, "you haven't even scratched the surface of your powers yet, so I would be careful claiming anything that could get you in a noose!." He laughed as he stated the predicament Melvin now found himself in.
Melvin sighed as he realized the target he would have on his back if the other rulers knew the position he now held, much less the people. For now, I will have to learn more about this "Shadow King" title and how I can use it to my advantage.