What happened? Where am I? What's-
"What's going on?"
It was light all around me. I've been here before. This world's version of god, the old man, was in front of me again. At least I wasn't a floating soul this time, just a floating coporeal duck.
You! Old man! What happened?
"It's been some time young hero."
Some time? It couldn't have been that long.
"Lad, you were in that dungeon for five years."
Five years?! It couldn't have possibly been that long!
"Since you hatched, yes. By now you've realized you're not the man I intended you to be."
No kidding!
"That being said, you've probably got more training in those five years than you would have in most of your life time as a human. Speaking of which, I don't know if you know how long a duck lives on average, at least from your world."
Oh, I uh… hadn't considered that.
"Well, from your world, the average only live from five to ten years. In this world, maybe fifteen to twenty. You know, if left alone. Unfortunately, your duck mother and siblings on this earth were attacked when you were still an egg and you were the only one to survive." explained the old man.
So that's what happened. So you're saying my life is already one fourth of the way done?
"Well, there were things that I did not forsee. You as a duck. But also, you falling into the depths of a very dangerous dungeon and surviving. While you were still in the egg, you fell into a living creature that absorbs and kills everything it comes across. Except, you. The magical gift I gave you resonated in such a way that you absorbed that power for yourself, making you even stronger." The old man laughed and smiled in disbelief.
"And here you are, still alive. One of this world's ordinary creatures, battling and slaying beasts far beyond normal means. So, no. You're not normal. I can't say how long you'd live if you just kept a quiet ordinary life. But I knew, the hero in you would come out. Why the moment someone was in trouble, you jumped in to help."
Right… Lyra! Something happened. Was I knocked out? What happened?! Can you tell me old man?
"You know, I don't appreciate that old man stuff. An ogre mercenary hit you with such force, your magic couldn't fully protect you. As things haven't exactly gone to plan up to this point, this is the one and only time I will interfere, to an extent. I'm just going to educate you on a couple of things I think you have wrong."
What do you mean?
"Your magical senses won't work as well up here. Because the monsters up here are smarter than those running on survival instincts in the dungeon. Which is exactly what you were going on when you were in there, you just also had the intelligence to develop yourself. While that is good and was very beneficial, the creatures that survive on the surface have done so through means of their own."
Right. I didn't sense the impending attack from this ogre. What do you mean mercenary?
"Exactly, other monsters, creatures and even humans can mask themselves just as you've learned. To detect them, you'll still have to develop your skills more. If I were to give you a hint, it's that defense isn't really your strong suit. As for the mercenary thing, that means he was bought by humans to carry out this order to attack these people."
So that's it… they're in trouble then! I'll just have to get stronger!
"Don't forget little hero, you're still a duck. No matter how strong you get, there is no answer to mortality. You can and will still die."
No need to be a downer about it.
"I do not say this to hurt your feelings. I say it because this is the only time we will speak like this again. It was my mistake that you ended up as such, but bringing you here was me tipping the scales already. So, I can no longer offer you help or aide. There are no second chances. If you die, it's over."
I think I understand. but if I'm here to balance the scales, that means there's an evil force I have to go against and ultimately…
"Ultimately, it may cost your life yes. I do not wish to see this world fall, but I can only watch as the times passes now."
So if I'm the embodiment of good or the hero in this world then…
"Yes, there is one that is evil. A true villain. Unfortunately, I can not tell you the being's name, for I do not know. Chances are they're human, but that's all I can offer. Our time is over now hero Duc."
Human… wait! How wouldn't you know? What-
"Stick with the girl." said the old man waving his hand.
I slowly started coming to. Shadows were clashing in front of me as I laid on the ground. I managed to move my head and saw Lyra was down next to me. Finally, I was able to get to my feet and regain focus.
All of the men had been slaughtered by the ogre, except Gavin. He was holding his own, or so it seemed. Upon closer look, I could tell his armor has been smashed inward and blood was leaking from his side and mouth. He let a war cry out as the ogre charged for what would be a final attack.
Gavin used all his remaining might and the speed he had over the ogre to thrust upwards with his sword. The blade collided with the ogre's throat and plunged upwards into the brain in what seemed like an instant. But as the ogre was charging Gavin, the momentum of it's body ran him over. It was like seeing an animal get hit by a car.
I slowly waddled towards Gavin, expecting the worst. His body was beaten, torn, and twisted badly. He was breathing hard, but he was breathing. I got closer to him and he acknowledged me.
"Duc… Protect her." he said, reaching his hand out towards me as I nodded in agreement.
I promise.
A gust of air blew towards me out of nowhere, but those were the last words Gavin let out as his breathing stopped, his eyes wide opened looking in Lyra's direction.
I heard a scuffle behind me. It was Lyra frantically getting to her feet. She rushed over.
"Gavin? Gavin! No no no!"
She placed her hands over his body and green wavelengths started shimmering through the air. It seemed Lyra was attempting to heal Gavin. But, he was already gone…