A dull ache throbbed in Nikos's body as his eyes fluttered open. The warm scent of herbs filled his nose, and the soft murmur of voices reached his ears. He blinked against the dim candlelight and realized he was lying on a bed, bandages wrapped around his arm and torso.
"He's awake!" a voice called out.
Before Nikos could process what was happening, a crowd of villagers swarmed around him. Some were carrying bowls of food, others clutching flowers and garlands. The children, the same ones who used to run from him, now giggled in excitement.
"You were incredible!" one boy cheered.
"You saved us all!" an old woman added.
Nikos forced a grin, rubbing the back of his head. "Heh… yeah, well, someone had to take care of that oversized lizard."
The room erupted in laughter. But Nikos couldn't shake the unease settling in his chest. He remembered these same people avoiding him, whispering behind his back. How many times had he heard them call him a troublemaker? How often had they scolded him for his pranks, dismissed him as nothing more than a nuisance? Now they were calling him a savior. The change felt… hollow.
By evening, the village was alive with celebration. A great feast was prepared in Nikos's honor. Meat sizzled over open flames, barrels of fresh cider were rolled out, and the air was thick with music and chatter. Tables overflowed with fruits, roasted vegetables, and bread as the villagers laughed and danced around the bonfire.
At the center of it all sat Nikos, the so-called 'Aetherborn.'
The village chief stood, raising his cup. "Tonight, we celebrate not only our survival but the return of our savior! Nikos is the Aetherborn, the one who will protect the world from darkness!"
The villagers cheered, lifting their drinks in unison.
Nikos smiled, but beneath that smile was a storm of emotions. Me? A savior? The Aetherborn? He barely understood what had happened. One moment, he was just some village prankster, and the next, he was supposed to carry the fate of the world. What if this was all a mistake? What if he failed them?
As the celebration continued, Nikos quietly slipped away into the darkness, seeking a moment of peace.
He wandered to a quiet hilltop, the night breeze brushing against his skin. He stared at the sky, lost in thought. "What the hell am I supposed to do now…?"
"You could start by not running away from your own feast," a familiar voice said.
Nikos turned to see Ali, sitting beside him, tail wagging.
"Not in the mood," Nikos muttered.
Ali tilted his head. "You're scared, aren't you?"
Nikos scoffed. "Pfft, scared? Me? Never. I just—" He sighed. "I never asked for this. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do."
Ali's usual playful tone softened. "I know it's a lot. But think about it—those people down there, the ones who used to look down on you? They're looking up to you now. You protected them, Nikos. And they believe in you."
Nikos exhaled, rubbing his face. "I don't even believe in myself."
Ali nudged him. "You don't have to, not yet. But trust me, you're meant for this. And you're not alone."
Nikos looked at him and chuckled. "That's surprisingly deep for a talking dog."
Ali smirked. "I have my moments."
Then, something about Ali's words gnawed at Nikos. He frowned. "Wait… how did you know what the villagers said? You weren't even there."
Ali's tail froze mid-wag. "Oh, uh… lucky guess?"
Nikos narrowed his eyes. "And earlier, when I was fighting the dragon… it was like I could hear your voice in my head."
Ali coughed. "Yeah, about that…"
Nikos's eyes widened. "Wait a second… YOU CAN TALK!?"
Ali blinked. "Oh. Right. Forgot about that part."
Nikos jumped up. "You're not just some random stray, are you?"
Ali grinned. "Took you long enough. I was going to tell you sooner, but, y'know, dragon attack and all."
Nikos narrowed his eyes. "Alright, talk. Who—no, what are you?"
Ali's playful demeanor faded slightly. "I'm your guide. And this journey of yours? It's bigger than you think."
Ali explained everything.
The war that raged long ago. The gods who sealed the Dark Lord away. The relics—five powerful artifacts scattered across the world, the only weapons capable of truly destroying the Dark Lord. And the Aetherborn—the chosen warrior who would rise to stand against the darkness.
Nikos listened, his heart pounding as Ali spoke of the Flameblade, the relic that had responded to his mark.
"The Dark Lord will return," Ali warned. "And when he does, this world will burn. If you don't find the relics before he rises, no one will be able to stop him."
Nikos let out a breath. His hands clenched into fists. "So… I need to find them all?"
Ali nodded. "Every single one."
Nikos closed his eyes for a moment, letting it sink in. Then, he opened them with a look of determination. "Alright. Let's do this."
Ali grinned. "That's the spirit."
The next morning, Nikos and Ali stood at the village gates, their bags packed. The entire village had gathered to see them off.
The same people who once pushed Nikos away now cheered for him. Even the ones who bullied him stepped forward, bowing their heads.
One of them scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Uh… sorry for being a jerk."
Nikos smirked. "Took you long enough."
The village chief stepped forward, placing a hand on Nikos's shoulder. "May the gods watch over you, child."
Nikos nodded. "I'll make sure this world doesn't fall apart."
Ali stretched, yawning. "Enough of the emotional goodbyes. We've got a long road ahead."
Nikos turned to him. "Yeah, yeah. Where are we going first?"
Ali wagged his tail. "To the Kingdom of Aquaen. The Water Realm awaits."
Nikos sighed, adjusting the strap of his bag. "Great. I just recovered, and now we're going to a place full of water? Hope they have towels."
The villagers laughed, and with that, Nikos and Ali set off.
As they walked away, Nikos glanced back at his village one last time. He clenched his fist, feeling the weight of his new destiny pressing against his palm. He wasn't just a prankster anymore. He was the Aetherborn.
And his journey had only just begun.