Ethan's steps faltered as he walked into the blinding light beyond the golden doors.
When his vision cleared, he found himself in what looked like an ornate throne room. Massive columns lined the space, etched with glowing runes. A faint hum of energy filled the air.
Max trailed behind him, muttering under his breath. "This place just gets weirder and weirder."
Ahead of them, Eltharion stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his golden robes gleaming in the room's soft light. His presence dominated the space, making it impossible to ignore him.
"Come closer, Ethan," Eltharion said, his voice steady but commanding. "There is much you must know."
Ethan exchanged a glance with Max, then reluctantly stepped forward. His heart was still racing, and his mind reeled with questions he couldn't yet form into words.
Eltharion gestured, and the air around them shimmered. Images began to form, floating like projections.
There were sprawling cities, dense forests, towering mountains, and vast deserts. But there was also destruction — villages in flames, shadowy creatures consuming everything in their path, and people running for their lives.
"This is Eldralis," Eltharion began, his tone grave. "A land of unparalleled beauty and wonder, but also one of danger and despair. For centuries, the people of this realm — humans, elves, dwarves, and countless other races — have lived in uneasy balance. But that balance has been shattered."
Ethan's gaze was drawn to one of the images: a black mist creeping over a battlefield, swallowing soldiers whole.
"What… what is that?" he asked, his throat dry.
"The Darkness," Eltharion said, his glowing eyes narrowing. "A malevolent force that seeks to consume all of Eldralis. Its origins are unknown, but its intentions are clear — destruction, chaos, and the end of everything we hold dear."
Max let out a low whistle. "No offense, but this sounds way above our pay grade."
Ethan shot him a look. "Not helping, Max."
Eltharion continued as though he hadn't heard. "The Darkness corrupts everything it touches — land, creatures, even people. It twists them into monstrous forms, bound to its will. Our armies have fought valiantly, but the tide of war has turned against us. Entire kingdoms have fallen."
Ethan swallowed hard, his chest tightening. "Why me?" he asked, his voice quieter than he intended. "Why not someone who actually knows how to fight?"
"You were chosen by the summoning ritual," Eltharion said. "It is an ancient magic that selects individuals based on qualities unseen by mortal eyes — courage, resilience, and the potential for greatness. You, Ethan, are the Hero of Prophecy."
Ethan blinked. "Hero of Prophecy? You've got to be kidding me."
"I assure you, this is no jest," Eltharion said. "You possess the potential to wield immense power. But that power must be nurtured, honed. The path ahead will not be easy, but it is one you must walk if Eldralis is to survive."
Max raised a hand, his expression skeptical. "And what about me? I wasn't exactly part of this summoning ritual. Did I just get dragged along for the ride?"
Eltharion's gaze shifted to Max, his expression unreadable. "You are an anomaly. It is exceedingly rare for someone to be brought here without being chosen. Perhaps fate has plans for you as well, though what they are remains to be seen."
"Great," Max muttered. "Love being a cosmic accident."
Ethan's head swam with the weight of everything he'd just heard. This was too much — too sudden.
A new world, a war, a prophecy? He didn't feel like a hero. He felt like a kid in over his head. Well that's what happened when you read too much Manhwa.
Eltharion seemed to sense his turmoil. "Take a moment to compose yourself. Then, I will show you something that may help."
He turned slightly, gesturing with one hand. "Speak the word 'Status.'"
Ethan frowned. "Status?"
In an instant, a translucent screen appeared before him, hovering in the air. It was filled with text, glowing faintly in the same ethereal light as the room.
⭐ ⭐
[Name: Ethan Carter]
[Age: 22]
[Class: Hero of Prophecy]
[Stats]
<Strength: 12>
<Titles: None>
⭐⭐
"What the…" Ethan's voice trailed off as he stared at the screen.
Max's eyes widened. "No way. Let me try." He cleared his throat. "Status!"
A second screen appeared beside Ethan's, displaying similar information.
⭐ ⭐
[Name: Max Harris]
[Age: 22]
[Class: Arcane Vanguard]
[Stats]
<Strength: 8>
<Titles: None>
⭐⭐
Max tilted his head. "Okay, not gonna lie — this is pretty cool."
Eltharion nodded approvingly. "The Status screen is a manifestation of your potential. It reflects your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. As you grow stronger, so too will your stats. Your class and titles will shape your journey."
Ethan stared at his screen, the words blurring together. "Hero of Prophecy," he muttered. It sounded so far removed from the ordinary life he'd led just hours ago.
"Your journey will be perilous," Eltharion said, his voice drawing Ethan's attention back. "You will face challenges that will test every fiber of your being. But know this — you are not alone. The people of Eldralis will stand with you, if you prove yourself worthy of their trust."
"And if I can't?" Ethan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Eltharion's gaze softened, just slightly. "Then this world will fall."
The weight of those words settled heavily on Ethan's shoulders. He didn't feel ready — how could anyone be ready for this? But deep down, he knew there was no turning back.
Max broke the silence with a nervous laugh. "Well, Ethan, guess you're stuck being the hero. I'll be here cheering you on — or, you know, trying not to die."
Ethan couldn't help but smirk, despite the overwhelming situation. "Thanks, Max. That's… comforting. At least no more Basketball,"
Eltharion stepped back, his glowing eyes fixed on Ethan. "Your training will begin at dawn. Rest now, for the days ahead will be unlike anything you have ever known. Your instructor will be ruthless as desperate times call for desperate measures but for now, you guys can take rest in that room,"
Eltharion raised his palm and a door appeared, a golden door that led to the room that they would rest and the next instant, he vanished leaving the young men in awe.