The sun had just risen over the quiet village, casting a soft golden light over the small houses. The sound of birds chirping filled the air, and the breeze gently moved the leaves on the trees. Luke stood at the edge of the village, breathing deeply as he prepared for another day of training.
His father, a skilled blacksmith, was already working in his forge, hammering away at metal. The smell of burning wood and hot iron mixed in the air. Luke had always looked up to his father's skill with weapons, but Luke's destiny wasn't just to make weapons—he was meant to use them.
Ever since the monsters attacked and destroyed half of their village when Luke was only eight, he had sworn to become strong enough to protect his people. Every day, he trained hard to get ready for the day when he would face the monsters again.
But today, something felt different.
The wind suddenly shifted, and Luke heard a strange noise—a low growl that made his heart race. He looked up, and the sky seemed darker than it should be. Luke's instincts told him something was wrong. Without thinking, he grabbed his sword and ran toward the village entrance.
When Luke reached the village's edge, he saw the creature. It was huge, towering over the buildings. Its dark scales shimmered in the light, and its red eyes burned with rage. The monster let out a loud roar that shook the ground.
Luke's heart pounded in his chest. This wasn't just any beast—it was a demon, and it was attacking the capital city.
Luke didn't waste time. He grabbed his sword, the one his father had made for him, and ran toward the capital. He had trained for years for this moment. He wasn't a boy anymore; he was a warrior.
As he reached the gates of the capital, the demon was already causing destruction. Buildings were being torn apart, and people were running in fear. Luke didn't hesitate. He charged straight into the fight.
The demon turned to face him. It roared and swung its claws, trying to strike him down. But Luke was fast. He dodged the attacks and fought back with all his strength. His training had prepared him for this moment, and he fought like he had done a thousand times before.
After a long battle, Luke saw his chance. With a swift strike, he drove his sword into the demon's chest. The monster let out a final roar before falling to the ground, lifeless.
The capital fell silent.
Luke stood over the fallen beast, breathing heavily. His hands shook as he pulled his sword out of the demon's body, blood staining the blade. Around him, people stared in awe.
From behind, a voice called out to him.
"Well done, young warrior."
Luke turned to see the king walking toward him, surrounded by guards. The king's eyes studied him closely.
"You've saved this city," the king said. "I'm impressed. You are no longer just a boy with a sword. You are a hero."
Luke swallowed hard. The king's words felt heavy. He had always dreamed of this moment, but now that it was here, he felt unsure.
The king placed a hand on Luke's shoulder. "You've earned a place in my court. Help us rid the world of these demons."
Luke felt torn. He had trained for this day, but what about Sophie? She had gone to study masonry in another country, and he hadn't seen her in years. He thought back to the last time he saw her.
"I'll be waiting for you, Luke," Sophie had said. "You'll be a hero, but don't forget—strength is not all that matters. Wisdom is just as important."
Luke smiled softly at the memory. He knew he had a duty to protect the kingdom, but he couldn't forget the promise he made to Sophie.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Luke said, his voice steady. "I will fight to protect this kingdom. But I won't forget my promise. I'll return for her."
The king nodded. "Then go, and become the hero this world needs."