Ethan pushed open the heavy door, the creak of its hinges echoing faintly in the dimly lit hallway.
Beyond it was a modest yet elegant room, with two single beds neatly made with dark blue blankets.
A small table sat between the beds, holding a single unlit candle. The stone walls were bare save for a tapestry depicting a serene mountain landscape.
"Not bad," Max said, dropping his bag onto one of the beds with a dramatic sigh. "I half expected a dungeon or something."
Ethan managed a weak chuckle as he leaned against the wall, exhaustion catching up with him.
The events of the day felt like a blur — summoned to a new world, a war threatening to consume it, and the revelation that he was supposed to be a hero. It was almost too much to process.
Max flopped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"You know," he said, his tone unusually serious, "this is crazy. Like, next-level insane. One minute, we're in class, and now we're in some fantasy world with some glowing-eyed dude telling us we're supposed to save the day."
"Yeah," Ethan muttered, sitting down on his own bed. "Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it."
Max propped himself up on his elbows. "Do you think he's right? About you being the Hero of Prophecy?"
Ethan hesitated, staring at the floor. "I don't know, Max. I'm just a college kid. I don't feel like a hero. Hell, I don't even know how to swing a sword."
Max smirked. "Well, neither do I, so at least we're evenly useless."
Ethan snorted despite himself. Max had a way of lightening the mood, even in the most absurd situations.
"You'll figure it out," Max added, his voice softening. "You always do. And hey, I'll be right there, messing things up with you."
"Thanks," Ethan said, genuinely grateful.
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the day settling over them.
Finally, Max sighed and rolled onto his side. "Alright, I'm calling it. If we don't sleep now, we're going to look like zombies tomorrow. Goodnight, Mr. Hero."
"Goodnight, Max."
Ethan lay down, staring at the ceiling. The faint glow of moonlight filtered in through a small window, casting pale patterns across the room.
Despite his exhaustion, sleep didn't come easily. His mind raced with questions and doubts, but eventually, the steady rhythm of his own breathing lulled him into uneasy rest.
The next morning, Ethan was jolted awake by the sound of the door swinging open. Groaning, he sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"Good morning, heroes!"
The cheerful voice didn't belong to Max.
Ethan blinked, his vision clearing to reveal a young woman standing in the doorway.
She wore a fitted black and white uniform with a frilly apron, her long auburn hair tied back in a loose braid, her clothes hugged her curves nicely, not your everyday college girl that's for sure.
Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with amusement as she carried a tray laden with bread, fruit, and a steaming pot of tea.
Max, who had been snoring moments ago, was suddenly wide awake. He sat up so fast he nearly fell out of bed.
"Good morning to you, too," he said, flashing a lopsided grin.
The woman chuckled, setting the tray down on the table. "I see someone's already in good spirits. My name is Seris. I'm one of the attendants here."
"Well, Seris," Max said, leaning back against the headboard, "it's not every day you wake up to such fine company."
Ethan groaned, throwing a pillow at Max. "Can you not?"
"What?" Max said innocently. "I'm just being polite."
Seris laughed, her smile warm. "I see you two will be interesting additions to the castle. Eat quickly — the High Sage has requested your presence in the courtyard. Your trainer is waiting."
"Trainer?" Ethan asked, his stomach twisting.
Seris nodded. "Indeed. You'll need to learn quickly if you're to survive in this world. The Darkness won't wait for you to be ready."
Ethan swallowed hard, glancing at Max. His friend, however, seemed unfazed, happily digging into a piece of bread.
"Don't worry," Seris said, noticing Ethan's apprehension. "The trainer may be tough, but they're the best. You're in good hands."
Ethan wasn't entirely reassured, but he nodded. "Thanks, Seris."
With a final smile, Seris left, closing the door behind her.
Max stretched, grinning. "Well, if the rest of this world is half as nice as her, I think we'll be fine."
Ethan shook his head, grabbing a piece of fruit from the tray. "Focus, Max. We've got training to get to."
"Yeah, yeah," Max said, waving a hand dismissively. "Let me enjoy my breakfast first, oh fearless leader."
After finishing their meal, the two made their way through the castle's winding halls, guided by faintly glowing runes etched into the walls.
The air was cool and carried a faint metallic tang, a reminder of the magic that seemed to permeate everything in Eldralis.
When they stepped into the courtyard, Ethan's breath caught. The space was massive, bordered by high stone walls covered in ivy.
At its center was a sparring ground with various weapons neatly arranged on racks. A few wooden dummies stood off to the side, their surfaces scarred from countless strikes.
A figure waited for them, standing with arms crossed near the center of the sparring ground.
Ethan couldn't tell much from a distance, but the trainer was tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of authority that was impossible to ignore.
Max leaned toward Ethan, whispering, "I bet this guy eats nails for breakfast."
Ethan didn't respond, his eyes locked on the trainer as they approached.
When they were close enough, the trainer turned to face them. He was older, with a stern face framed by short gray hair.
A faint scar ran across his left cheek, adding to his intimidating presence.
"You must be the new recruits," the trainer said, his voice deep and gravelly.
Ethan nodded, his mouth dry. "I'm Ethan. This is Max."
The trainer's sharp eyes appraised them, lingering on Ethan. "So, you're the so-called Hero of Prophecy."
Ethan felt a lump in his throat but managed a weak nod.
The trainer snorted. "We'll see about that. I'm Captain Aldric. From this moment on, you're under my command. I'll be the one turning you from clueless boys into soldiers — assuming you don't die first."
Max raised a hand. "Uh, quick question. What happens if we decide this whole hero thing isn't for us?"
Aldric's eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer, towering over Max. "Then you'd better pray the Darkness kills you quickly, because if it doesn't, I will."
Max swallowed hard, his usual bravado faltering. "Got it. No quitting."
Ethan couldn't help but feel a flicker of nervous anticipation. This was going to be a long journey.