The morning after the celebration, Marcus awoke to the familiar sounds of roosters crowing, the breeze rustling through the trees, and the gentle hum of farm life. The quiet comfort of his home brought a smile to his face. For once, there were no urgent quests, no enchanted forests to explore, and no magical creatures demanding his attention. It was just him, his turnips, and a clear sky above.
As he made his way outside, Marcus breathed in the fresh air and admired the simplicity of his farm. The rows of turnips gleamed in the early sunlight, and in the distance, he could see Dave, already busy with his own crops.
Marcus stretched and picked up his old hoe, ready to tend to his land. The soil was rich, the turnips looked healthy, and for the first time in weeks, he felt a sense of peace settle over him. It was a far cry from the chaotic journey he had endured, but this was where he belonged—among his crops, away from the noise of heroics.
*Ding!*
Marcus froze, eyes narrowing. "No," he whispered. "Not again."
*Ding!*
**New Quest Alert: Meet with the Council of Light in Turnipton Square. Urgent business awaits!**
He groaned, dropping the hoe back to the ground. "Can't I have just one day? One single day without being dragged into something ridiculous?"
Despite his protests, he knew there was no point in fighting it. Marcus reluctantly dusted off his hands, threw on his familiar jacket, and made his way toward the village square, muttering the whole way. "This better not be about turnips."
As Marcus arrived, he found a small crowd gathered, murmuring excitedly. At the center stood the Council of Light—a group of solemn, robed figures who looked completely out of place in Turnipton's rustic surroundings. Their silver cloaks shimmered in the sunlight, and their expressions were stern, as though they were about to announce something world-shattering.
Marcus sighed. "Here we go."
The tallest of the council members, an older man with a silver beard, raised a hand to quiet the villagers. "People of Turnipton," he began, his voice echoing through the square. "We have come to recognize a great hero among you. One who has fulfilled the ancient prophecy and protected not only this village but the entire land."
The villagers turned to look at Marcus, who raised his hands in protest. "No, no, let's not get ahead of ourselves. I just did what anyone would do, and—"
"Marcus Griddle," the councilman interrupted, his eyes gleaming, "you are the Hero of Light. Your deeds have reached far and wide, and the world knows of your bravery. It is time for you to accept your rightful place among the legends."
Marcus felt his stomach drop. "Legends? No, I'm no legend. I'm a farmer! A farmer with very stubborn turnips!"
The councilman ignored his protests and stepped forward, holding out a golden medallion that glowed with an ethereal light. "This medallion represents your bond with the Light, and it shall grant you power beyond imagination."
The crowd gasped in awe as the medallion hovered between them, its glow pulsing. Marcus took a step back, shaking his head. "I don't want more power! I just want to farm! Can't someone else be the Hero of Light?"
The councilman smiled, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Once the Light chooses, it cannot be undone. Your destiny is set."
Marcus glanced at the medallion, then at the villagers. He could see the pride in their faces, the hope they had that he would accept this new role. Even Dave, leaning against a post, gave him a thumbs-up, as if to say, *Go on, you've got this*.
But Marcus wasn't sure he did.
Before he could object again, the medallion floated closer, pressing gently into his chest. A warmth spread through him, and suddenly, everything became clear. He felt the Light within him—not a burden, but a guide, a quiet voice telling him that he could be both things: a farmer and a protector.
The councilman nodded approvingly as the medallion settled into place. "The Hero of Light walks among us once more."
Marcus sighed, rubbing his temples. "Great. Just what I needed."
The villagers erupted into cheers, crowding around Marcus to congratulate him, offering handshakes, hugs, and pats on the back. Even Beatrice appeared, her eyes shining with pride. "You've always been destined for greatness, Marcus. I knew it."
"I really don't feel that different," Marcus muttered, though he couldn't help but smile a little at the affection from his friends and neighbors.
As the celebration around him continued, Marcus felt a familiar tug in his mind.
*Ding!*
**New Quest: Restore balance to the lands of the West. Your journey begins tomorrow.**
Marcus stared up at the sky, exasperated. "I was afraid of that."
But for now, just for today, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment. Surrounded by friends, with the weight of the world temporarily lifted, Marcus Griddle, the Hero of Light, smiled. Tomorrow could wait.
After all, he still had turnips to tend to.
The (Real) End.