I slipped out before dawn, when the castle was still shrouded in darkness and most of its inhabitants were asleep. The few guards on duty paid little attention to a servant boy heading toward the kitchens—which is exactly what I wanted them to think.
My "preparations" hadn't taken long. I had nothing of value except the clothes I'd arrived in and a small bundle of food I'd managed to squirrel away from yesterday's meals. The kitchen staff had grown accustomed to my presence over the past few days and barely glanced up as I snagged a stale loaf of bread on my way through.
The real challenge was getting beyond the castle walls. The main gates would be guarded, but the elderly gardener had mentioned a small postern gate near the east wall that was rarely watched. Used mainly by servants to dump kitchen waste and garden clippings, it would be my ticket to freedom.
I found it exactly where he had described—a weathered wooden door nearly hidden behind a tangle of vines. The rusty key hung on a hook nearby, practically advertising that security here was an afterthought. No one expected servants to flee the relative comfort of the castle.
And no one would expect the "useless hero" to venture out alone.
The door creaked as I pushed it open, the sound unnervingly loud in the pre-dawn stillness. I froze, listening for any sign that I'd been discovered. When no shouts came, I slipped through and pulled it closed behind me.
And just like that, I was outside the castle walls.
The capital city of Lumeria spread out below me, still mostly dark except for the occasional lantern light marking the watchmen's routes. Beyond the city lay rolling hills, forests, and somewhere in the distance, mountain ranges shrouded in mist. It was beautiful and terrifying all at once.
I had no map, no weapon, and no plan beyond "get away from the castle." The realization of how unprepared I was nearly sent me scurrying back through the postern door. But the memory of Lord Braxton's dismissive words steeled my resolve.
*You are a liability.*
Well, I wouldn't be their liability any longer.
I made my way down the sloping path that wound from the castle toward the city. If I hurried, I could lose myself in the morning market crowd before anyone noticed I was missing—if anyone bothered to notice at all.
As the sun began to rise, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, the city came alive. Shopkeepers unlocked their doors, bakers set out fresh bread, and farmers arrived with carts laden with produce.
I pulled up my status window as I walked, a habit I'd developed over the past few days.
```
[HERO STATUS]
Name: Lora Takashi
Level: 1
Class: ???
HP: 100/100
MP: 0/0
Strength: 10
Agility: 12
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 14
Luck: 8
Skills: None
```
Still no change. But now the zeros and question marks didn't sting quite as much. Away from the constant comparisons to the "real heroes," maybe I could figure out my own path.
The market square was bustling by the time I arrived, filled with colorful stalls and even more colorful characters. I blended in with the crowd, just another face among many.
"Fresh apples! Straight from the Verdant Orchards!" called one vendor.
"Enchanted trinkets! Ward off bad luck!" shouted another.
"Maps of the realm! Don't get lost in the wilds!"
That last one caught my attention. A map would be essential if I hoped to survive out there. I approached the stall, where an old man with spectacles too large for his face was arranging parchments.
"How much for a map?" I asked, then realized I had no money. None at all.
The map-seller peered at me over his spectacles. "Two silver for the basic roads and settlements, five silver for one with terrain details, ten for one with noted monster territories."
I patted my pockets uselessly, as if coins might materialize. "I don't... I can't..."
"No coin, no map," he said simply, turning to another customer.
Reality was setting in fast. In my haste to escape, I'd overlooked the most basic necessities. I needed money, or I'd be starving by nightfall.
As I stepped away from the stall, deep in thought, I bumped into someone—a girl carrying a basket of herbs, now scattered across the ground.
"I'm so sorry!" I knelt immediately to help gather them.
"It's fine," she said, though the tightness in her voice suggested otherwise. "Just be careful with the moonleaf—it's rare and bruises easily."
I carefully picked up a silvery leaf that seemed to shimmer in the morning light. "This?"
"Yes." She took it from me gently. "Three days to find, three seconds to ruin."
"I really am sorry," I said again, helping her collect the last of her herbs. "I was distracted."
She looked at me properly for the first time—a girl about my age with striking features. Her ears, I noticed with shock, came to slight points at the tips, and her eyes were an unusual amber color.
"You're not from around here," she said. It wasn't a question.
"Is it that obvious?"
A small smile. "Your clothes. Your accent. And the fact that you apologized instead of cursing at me for being in your way." She stood, basket reorganized. "You're new to Lumeria."
"Very new," I admitted.
She studied me for a moment longer. "Looking for work?"
The question took me by surprise. "Actually, yes. I need to earn some money."
"Can you read?"
I nodded.
"Know anything about herbs and remedies?"
"Not really, but I learn quickly."
She seemed to consider this. "My guardian is looking for an assistant. The pay is small and the work isn't glamorous, but it includes meals and a place to sleep."
It sounded too good to be true. "Why would you offer this to a complete stranger?"
"Because good help is hard to find," she replied pragmatically. "And because you have honest eyes." She extended her hand. "I'm Elise."
"Lora," I said, shaking her hand. I decided not to mention anything about heroes or castles.
"If you're interested, follow me. If not, good luck out there." She turned and began weaving through the crowd.
I didn't hesitate. Following Elise might be a risk, but it was better than my current plan of "wander until something happens." I fell into step beside her as she navigated the busy streets with practiced ease.
"Is your guardian a healer?" I asked, noticing the medicinal nature of many herbs in her basket.
"Among other things," she replied cryptically. "Mostly she helps people who can't afford the royal physicians."
As we moved away from the market district, the buildings became more modest, the streets narrower. The smell of freshly baked bread gave way to less pleasant urban odors.
"Not what you expected from the glorious capital?" Elise asked, noticing my expression.
"I haven't seen much of it, to be honest."
"Well, this is the real Lumeria. The part the castle residents pretend doesn't exist." There was an edge to her voice, resentment simmering just below the surface.
We turned down an even narrower alley, then stopped before a small shop with a weathered wooden sign displaying a mortar and pestle. Bundles of dried herbs hung in the windows, and the air around it smelled strongly of mixed botanicals.
"This is it," she said, pushing open the door. A small bell tinkled, announcing our arrival.
The interior was dimly lit but surprisingly spacious, with shelves lining every wall, filled with jars, bottles, and bundles of mysterious substances. A long wooden counter separated the front of the shop from a work area cluttered with equipment.
"Elise? Is that you?" called an aged but strong voice from somewhere in the back.
"Yes, Granna. And I've brought someone who might help with the shop."
An old woman emerged from behind a curtain, wiping her hands on a stained apron. Her white hair was tied back in a practical bun, and her face was a map of wrinkles, but her eyes were sharp and clear as she assessed me.
"Hmm," she said, circling me slowly. "Strong enough for lifting, looks like he can read. Not from Lumeria, judging by those strange clothes."
I shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny.
"What's your name, boy?"
"Lora, ma'am."
"Lora," she repeated, as if tasting the name. "Unusual. Where are you from?"
I hesitated. "Far away. Very far."
She raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Running from something?"
"Not exactly," I said carefully. "More like... looking for something."
"Aren't we all?" She chuckled. "I'm Mathilda, but most call me Granna Mat." She leaned closer, studying my face. "You have a story, I can tell. But it can wait. Hungry?"
As if on cue, my stomach growled loudly. I hadn't eaten since the night before.
"I'll take that as a yes," she said. "Elise, show him where he can wash up. Then we'll eat, and discuss what kind of work I need done."
Elise led me through the shop to a small courtyard in the back, where a pump stood over a stone basin.
"Wash thoroughly," she instructed. "Granna's strict about clean hands touching her remedies."
As I splashed cold water on my face, I couldn't believe my luck. Food, shelter, and work—all within hours of leaving the castle. Maybe my luck stat was better than the system showed.
"So," Elise said as she arranged her freshly gathered herbs on a drying rack, "what's your real story, castle boy?"
I froze mid-splash. "What makes you think—"
"Your hands," she said simply. "Too soft for a farmer or tradesman. And your posture. You stand like someone used to being watched."
"I wasn't there long," I admitted, seeing no point in total deception. "Just a few days."
"As what? You don't look like a noble, and you're too awkward to be a trained servant."
I dried my hands on the cloth she offered, considering how much to reveal. "It's complicated."
"It always is." She shrugged. "You don't have to tell me. But Granna will know if you're lying, so don't bother trying with her."
Back inside, Granna Mat had set out a simple meal of bread, cheese, and a fragrant stew. My mouth watered at the sight of it.
"Eat," she commanded, pushing a bowl toward me. "Then we'll talk business."
I didn't need to be told twice. The stew was delicious, rich with vegetables and herbs I couldn't identify. As I mopped up the last bits with a piece of bread, I felt more centered than I had since arriving in this world.
"Now then," Granna Mat said once I'd finished, "here's what I need: someone to organize my inventory, prepare basic ingredients, deliver remedies, and help with heavy lifting. The pay is three coppers a day plus meals and the loft upstairs to sleep in. Fair?"
I had no idea if that was fair or not, having no concept of this world's economy, but it sounded reasonable. "Yes, ma'am. Very fair."
"Good. Elise will show you the basics today." She fixed me with a penetrating stare. "I don't care where you came from or what you're running from, as long as it doesn't bring trouble to my door. Understood?"
I nodded solemnly.
"One more thing," she added. "Some of my customers are... different. Not always welcome in other parts of the city. You'll treat them all with respect, regardless of race, status, or appearance."
"Of course."
She studied me a moment longer, then nodded, apparently satisfied. "You'll do for now. Elise, show him the storeroom. Those shelves won't organize themselves."
The rest of the day passed in a whirlwind of activity. Elise taught me the names of dozens of herbs and their basic properties, showed me how to properly dry and store them, and explained the shop's organization system—which, to be honest, seemed to exist mainly in Granna Mat's head.
By evening, my arms ached from moving heavy jars, and my head spun with new information, but I felt oddly satisfied. For the first time since arriving in this world, I was doing something useful.
As Elise showed me to the small loft above the shop—a simple space with a bed, a chest, and a window overlooking the alley—I caught myself smiling.
"What's funny?" she asked.
"Nothing," I said. "Just thinking that this morning I had no idea where I'd end up, and now..." I gestured around the modest room. "It's not what I expected, but it feels right somehow."
She gave me an appraising look. "Granna says people find her shop when they need it most." She turned to leave, then paused at the top of the ladder. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be busier."
Left alone, I sat on the edge of the bed and opened my status window again.
```
[HERO STATUS]
Name: Lora Takashi
Level: 1
Class: ???
HP: 100/100
MP: 0/0
Strength: 10
Agility: 12
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 14
Luck: 8
Skills: None
```
Still unchanged. But for the first time, it didn't bother me as much. Maybe being a hero wasn't about flashy magic or impressive stats. Maybe it was about finding your place in the world and doing what good you could.
Or maybe I was just tired and philosophical after a long day.
As I lay back on the bed, staring at the wooden beams above me, I couldn't help wondering about the five heroes back at the castle. Were they training hard? Had they noticed I was gone? Did they care?
And what about that strange feeling during the training incident—that momentary connection to something cold and powerful? Had I imagined it?
My eyes grew heavy as fatigue overtook me. Whatever answers awaited me in this world, they would have to wait until tomorrow.
Just before sleep claimed me, I thought I saw a shadow move strangely across the wall—not following the natural sway of the lantern light, but with purpose, almost like it was watching me.
I blinked, and it was gone.
Just my imagination, I told myself as consciousness slipped away. Just my imagination...
But deep in my dreams, shadows gathered, whispering secrets I couldn't quite understand. And somewhere in those shadows, something waited patient, ancient, and very, very interested in the boy who shouldn't be here.