The dream world was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I found myself standing in a vast, open expanse, the air thick with an aura of power and ancient wisdom? I don't know. But it feels like so.
The ground beneath my feet was smooth and reflective, like polished obsidian, and the sky above was a swirling mass of colors and lights. It felt surreal, almost like being inside a kaleidoscope.
Before me stood a figure clad in golden armor, its brilliance nearly blinding. The sheer presence of this person was overwhelming, radiating a sense of majesty and authority that made me feel small and insignificant. Yet, there was something oddly familiar about him, something that resonated deep within me.
I wonder what it is.
But still.
One thing is for sure.
This man is super strong.
"So, you are the one they call Darius Caelum? The so-called lazy heir of the Village of Heroes?" The figure's voice carried an unmistakable arrogance, echoing in the vast emptiness around us.
I blinked, trying to process his words. "Who... who are you?" I managed to ask, my voice trembling more than I'd intended.
It can't be helped, okay? His presence is overwhelming me.
He chuckled, a sound rich with amusement and condescension. "You dare to ask the name of one so great? Truly, the audacity of a mongrel knows no bounds." He paused, his eyes that were a mix of red and gold narrowing as he looked at me with a mixture of disdain and curiosity. "Very well, I am the King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, the king of uruk. the one who stands above all others."
A chill ran down my spine.
Gilgamesh?
The legendary demigod king from ancient myths?
The stories I'd heard painted him as a figure of immense power and arrogance, a hero who had conquered countless foes and collected a treasury of legendary weapons.
The Demigod of Uruk that defeated several gods with tons of heroics?
But this couldn't be real... could it?
"G-Gilgamesh...?" I repeated, still trying to grasp the situation. "Why are you here? What do you want from me?"
Gilgamesh's lips curled into a smug smile. "Why, to test you, of course. To see if you are worthy of the legacy that bears my name." Without warning, he raised his hand, and a small golden portal materialized beside him. From it, a gleaming golden sword emerged, its blade shimmering with a dangerous light. "Defend yourself, if you can."
At that moment, he disappeared.
"Oh damn!"
I barely had time to react before Gilgamesh lunged at me, the sword slashing through the air with terrifying speed. Instinctively, I reached for my own weapon—a simple sword that had appeared in my hand as if summoned by my thoughts. I parried the blow.
Clank!
The clash of metal ringing in my ears.
The force of the impact nearly knocked me off my feet, but I held my ground, my mind racing. This wasn't just a dream—it felt too real, too vivid. I could feel the weight of the sword in my hand, the strain in my muscles as I blocked another strike. Gilgamesh was relentless, each attack precise and powerful, pushing me to my limits.
Damn. Am I going to die here?
"Is this the best you can do?" Gilgamesh taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "Pathetic. You won't even last a minute at this rate."
Yeah. Don't you ever know the thing about going easy to a child!?
"Hmph! A child!? I defeated a great demon when I was 5!" He continued his attack.
I gritted my teeth, frustration boiling inside me. I wasn't usually one to take things seriously—I preferred a laid-back approach to life, avoiding unnecessary trouble. The world is in enough trouble already, after all.
But this was different. Something about this challenge stirred a determination within me, a desire to prove myself.
I tightened my grip on the sword and struck back, aiming for Gilgamesh's exposed side. But he was unfazed, effortlessly parrying the blow and countering with a swift kick that sent me sprawling. The air was knocked out of my lungs, and I rolled to my feet, breathing hard.
Shit.
"You're holding back," Gilgamesh accused, his golden-red eyes flashing. "Why? Do you not understand the gravity of this situation?"
I wiped the sweat from my brow, struggling to catch my breath. He was right—I was holding back, unsure of myself and the reality of this encounter. But the more I fought, the more I realized that this was more than just a dream. The pain, the exhaustion, the adrenaline coursing through my veins—it was all real.
With a growl of determination, I pushed myself up and charged at Gilgamesh, swinging my sword with renewed vigor. I poured all my frustration and confusion into each strike, my movements becoming more fluid and precise. But no matter how hard I tried, Gilgamesh was always a step ahead, deflecting my attacks with a bored expression.
As if he's reading all of my moves.
"Enough!" Gilgamesh finally declared, raising his hand. I found myself frozen in place, unable to move. The King of Heroes shook his head, a look of disappointment crossing his face. "You have potential, but you are undisciplined and lazy. It is a disgrace to my name."
Anger surged within me at the insult, but before I could respond, Gilgamesh continued. "Nevertheless, you have been chosen for a reason. I am here to offer you a chance—a chance to prove yourself worthy of the legacy you carry."
I struggled against the invisible force holding me in place, my mind racing. "What are you talking about?" I demanded. "What legacy?"
Gilgamesh smiled, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "The legacy of the King of Heroes, of course. You are my reincarnation, Darius Caelum. The one chosen to continue my work in this world."
Huh?
Wait.
Did he just say reincarnation?
My eyes widened in shock. "Reincarnation? What do you mean?"
"You possess the potential to wield my power," Gilgamesh explained, his tone filled with unsettling certainty. "But power alone is not enough. You must also possess the will to use it, to protect this world from the dangers that threaten it."
He gestured to the space around us, and a vision appeared before my eyes—a world torn apart by chaos and destruction. At the center of it all was a dark, foreboding presence, a force of evil that seemed to radiate pure malice.
"Demons," Gilgamesh said, his voice grave. "They seek to destroy this world, just as they have in countless others. And you, Darius Caelum, are the key to stopping them."
A knot of fear formed in my stomach. "Why me?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I'm just a kid. I'm not some great hero."
Gilgamesh laughed, the sound echoing through the void. "Do not sell yourself short, mongrel. You have the blood of heroes in your veins, the potential to become something far greater than you are now. And you will not be alone in this fight. Weren't you born in a village called the Village of Heroes?"
With a wave of his hand, Gilgamesh summoned a stone tablet, inscribed with ancient symbols and runes. I could feel the immense power of the golden rule and a hint of his authority on the tablet. "This is the Gate of Babylonia," he announced, holding it out to me. "A grimoire that contains the power to summon and wield the weapons of fallen heroes. It is currently empty, save for my golden axe, but it will be filled as you gather the artifacts scattered across this world."
I stared at the tablet, my mind reeling. "And you expect me to just... accept this? To take on this impossible task?"
Gilgamesh's expression softened, just for a moment. "I understand your hesitation. But know this: the demons' ultimate target is your childhood friend, Iris. The princess of the Empire of Solis. Iris Elitharia Valtoria."
Huh?
Wait.
I felt a cold chill run down my spine.
"Iris?" I whispered, my heart clenching at the thought of her in danger.
"Yes," Gilgamesh confirmed, his voice solemn. "She is at the center of their plans. An anchor if you would. If you do not act, she will perish, along with countless others. This is your duty, Darius Caelum. To protect her, to protect this world."
I looked down at the tablet in my hands, the weight of the responsibility pressing down on me. I had always been lazy, preferring to take life easy and avoid unnecessary complications. But this... this was different. This was a call to action, a chance to prove myself and protect the people I cared about.
I looked up at Gilgamesh, my eyes filled with determination. "I accept," I said, my voice steady. "I'll do it. I'll gather the weapons and protect Iris, no matter what."
Gilgamesh's smile returned, a look of approval in his eyes. "Good. Then your journey begins now, Darius Caelum. Remember, you are not just a mere mortal. You are the reincarnation of the King of Heroes. Embrace your destiny, and show the world the true power of a hero."
But just before the dream began to fade, I heard him mutter something under his breath. But not quite clear.
"Ah... I guess I should've warned him about the obstacles he'll be facing in the future. But well, facing hardships is part of heroism."
"So long, Darius Caelum. Godspeed."
With those words, the dream dissolved into darkness, and I felt myself falling, my mind spinning with the enormity of what lay ahead. But amidst the chaos, one thought stood out, clear and strong.
I would protect Iris. No matter what it takes.
With that resolve burning in my heart, I awoke, ready to face the challenges of the new day and the destiny that awaited me.
Or so I thought.
"W-What is this...?"
Blood. Everywhere. Standing before me, lifeless, were my parents.
"Father...? Mother...?"