The salty breeze filled the air as Mazuka stood at the edge of the bustling port, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon. The ship, bound for Nefaria, was nearly ready to set sail. Supplies were being loaded, and the crew rushed around, preparing for the long journey. Yet, Mazuka's thoughts were elsewhere—focused on the weight of the task ahead.
He closed his eyes for a moment, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. *I've always wanted to be a hero.*The thought echoed in his mind. Back in his old world, it had seemed impossible—just a childhood dream. But now, after being summoned to this strange new land, it was his reality.
The responsibilities that came with it were overwhelming, but there was something deeply satisfying about knowing he had the power to make a difference. For as long as he could remember, he had craved this—being the one people turned to, the one who could save the world.
His hand brushed against the hilt of his sword as the familiar weight of it grounded him in the present. He wasn't at full strength yet—his system said he was at 60%—but with every battle, every victory, he inched closer to becoming the hero he had always wanted to be.
A voice cut through his thoughts. "Mazuka, quit staring off into space," Mayra snapped, walking up beside him. Her twin daggers gleamed under the sunlight as she adjusted them on her belt. "We're about to set sail, and you look like you're daydreaming."
Mazuka chuckled, shaking his head. "Just thinking about what's next."
Mayra crossed her arms, giving him a sideways glance. "You're always thinking ahead. Try focusing on the now for a change."
"I know what I'm doing," Mazuka replied, his gaze returning to the ship. "We're getting stronger, bit by bit. Nefaria's the next step. Once we regroup there, we'll push forward. I need to be ready for what's coming."
Aya, who had been silently standing a few steps behind them, clutched her staff nervously. "D-Do you think Nefaria will really help us?" Her voice was soft, laced with uncertainty. "They wouldn't have invited us if they didn't believe in what we're doing… right?"
Mazuka glanced back at her, offering a reassuring smile. "They know what's at stake. The Demon King is a threat to them too. They'll help us because they have no other choice."
Aya nodded, though her grip on her staff tightened. "I-I hope you're right…"
Mazuka turned back to the horizon, his thoughts once again consumed by the road ahead. He had always dreamed of being a hero—of saving the world. Now, he was closer than ever to fulfilling that dream. But with each step forward, the stakes only grew higher.
Failure was not an option.