Kieran leaned against the half-repaired wall of his hut, squinting at the rapidly growing crowd outside. What had started as a quiet, albeit strange, morning had snowballed into an assembly of hopeful faces—farmers, tradesmen, and even a few aspiring adventurers clutching rusty swords and chipped axes.
"This is getting out of hand," Kieran muttered, watching Fredrick enthusiastically demonstrate his "broom technique" to a wide-eyed child. The boy clutched a mop like it was Excalibur itself.
Meliora, ever diligent, stood nearby with her parchment and quill. "Master, your teachings are inspiring the masses! This is but the first step toward building a legacy that will echo through the ages."
"Legacy? I just wanted to fix my roof and be left alone," Kieran grumbled.
Meliora's green eyes sparkled with mischief. "Even the most humble beginnings lead to greatness. Did not the hero Galvaris rise from obscurity to challenge the Twelve Demon Lords?"
"Galvaris had a flaming sword and a divine blessing. I have splinters in my fingers and a headache," Kieran replied, but Meliora had already turned back to her scribbling.
The villagers were waiting. Kieran knew that much. He sighed, stepping forward to address them.
"Alright, everyone, listen up!" he shouted, raising his hands. The murmurs quieted. "I'm not some grand sage or master—just a guy trying to survive. But since you're all here, I'll share a little something with you."
The crowd leaned in, anticipation thick in the air. Kieran racked his brain. What could he say that would both satisfy their expectations and, more importantly, not backfire?
"In battle, confidence is key," he said finally. "Sometimes, all you need to win is a proper stance."
Meliora scribbled furiously, and Fredrick nodded with the solemnity of a knight receiving holy orders.
"Watch closely," Kieran continued, striking a dramatic pose he vaguely remembered from a comic book back on Earth. One leg forward, fists clenched at his sides, and a smoldering glare at an imaginary foe. "This is called the Power Pose. It's the ultimate stance of intimidation."
The villagers gasped. A burly blacksmith attempted to mimic the pose but ended up looking constipated. A wiry farmer tripped over his own feet trying to strike the stance. Fredrick, however, executed it perfectly, his broom glowing faintly in approval.
"Amazing," Fredrick breathed. "Master, does this pose channel inner mana?"
Kieran blinked. "Uh, sure. Inner mana. Why not?"
Meliora nodded, writing furiously. "The Power Pose… a technique that channels inner mana to project strength and dominate the battlefield. Truly, your wisdom knows no bounds, Master."
Kieran stared at her. "That's… exactly what I meant," he said weakly.
+
Just as Kieran was considering faking a stomach ache to escape the madness, a new figure emerged from the crowd. A tall man with a patchy beard and a tattered cloak stepped forward. His sunken eyes darted nervously around the clearing.
"Master Sage," the man said, bowing low. "I seek your aid in a matter of grave importance."
Kieran resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Of course you do. What seems to be the problem?"
The man wrung his hands. "A shadow beast has taken up residence in the woods near my farm. It's been attacking my livestock and driving away travelers. Please, Master, I beg you to help us."
"A shadow beast?" Meliora's quill paused mid-scribble. "Those are rare creatures of the dark element. They're said to be incredibly dangerous."
Fredrick puffed out his chest. "Fear not, good sir! With Master's teachings, we shall vanquish this beast and restore peace to your farm."
Kieran's stomach sank. "Wait, who said anything about we?"
Meliora smiled sweetly. "Master, surely you would not abandon an innocent man in need. Your teachings must be tested in the field to prove their worth."
"They're… tested just fine right here," Kieran said, gesturing at the decapitated dummy and shattered roof beam.
But the villagers were already cheering, clapping the man on the back and singing Kieran's praises. He sighed, resigning himself to his fate.
+
An hour later, Kieran found himself trudging through the dense underbrush of the Mistwood, flanked by Fredrick and Meliora. The air was cool and damp, shafts of sunlight barely penetrating the thick canopy above. Every rustle and chirp sent Fredrick's hand flying to his glowing broom, while Meliora hummed a cheerful tune.
"Why did I agree to this?" Kieran muttered, swatting away a low-hanging branch.
"Because you are a great sage with an unshakable sense of justice," Meliora said without missing a beat.
"More like an unshakable inability to say no," Kieran grumbled.
They reached the edge of a clearing where the remains of a wooden fence lay scattered like broken bones. A faint, sulfurous smell hung in the air.
Fredrick gripped his broom tighter. "The shadow beast must be near. What's our plan, Master?"
Kieran glanced at the boy, then at Meliora, who had her quill poised expectantly. He sighed. "Alright, listen up. Fredrick, you're the frontline. Meliora, you hang back and… chronicle."
"And you, Master?" Meliora asked.
"I… supervise," Kieran said, hoping they wouldn't notice the tremor in his voice.
As if on cue, a low growl echoed through the clearing. A shadowy figure slinked out from the underbrush, its glowing red eyes fixed on the trio. The shadow beast was larger than Kieran had expected, its black fur rippling like smoke and claws gleaming like obsidian.
Fredrick stepped forward, his broom raised. "Fear not, Master. I will strike it down in your name!"
"Wait, Fredrick—!" Kieran began, but the boy was already charging.
Fredrick swung the broom with all his might. The beast leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the glowing weapon, and let out a piercing roar that shook the ground.
"Meliora, write this down," Kieran said quickly. "New lesson: Don't charge headfirst at things with claws bigger than your arm."
"Noted, Master," Meliora said, scribbling furiously.
The beast lunged at Fredrick, who barely dodged in time. Kieran's mind raced. He needed a way to turn this mess around, and fast.
"Fredrick!" Kieran shouted. "Use the Power Pose! Channel your… inner mana or whatever!"
Fredrick skidded to a halt and struck the pose with precision, his broom glowing brighter. The beast hesitated, growling warily as if uncertain about the sudden change in energy.
"It's working," Meliora whispered, eyes wide.
"Of course it is," Kieran said, masking his surprise.
Seizing the moment, Fredrick charged again, this time landing a solid hit on the beast's flank. The creature howled and retreated into the shadows, its glowing eyes disappearing into the forest.