I hit the ground hard.
Dirt. Grass. Real sky.
For a moment, I just lay there, staring up at the clouds swirling overhead like indifferent gods watching from above. The weight of the crown pulsed on my head — not physically, but deeper, like it was settling into my soul.
Welcome to Velaria, Chosen Hero!
Time until Demon King's Awakening: 365 days.
Objective: Save the world before it's too late!
Below that, in red:
[Optional] Subjugate the world. Progress: 0%
I smiled at that one.
My surroundings came into focus. I was in a field, not far from a forest. In the distance, I saw the faint outline of walls — a city, maybe. A few farms closer by. Birds chirped, a breeze moved through the grass.
So peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Something was coming.
Initializing Starter Encounter...
Of course. Couldn't just let me breathe.
A screech tore through the air. From the forest's edge, three creatures emerged — twisted wolves with bone-like spines, glowing red eyes, and drool that hissed as it touched the ground.
Monster Identified: Corrupted Direwolves (Lv. 6)
Warning: You are currently Lv. 1
I cracked my neck. "So?"
Recommended Action: Run.
I didn't move.
The wolves sprinted toward me, fangs bared.
Solaria reappeared in a flash of light beside me, her voice panicked. "Run! You're not ready! You have no weapon!"
"Don't need one."
"You'll die!"
"I won't."
Trait Activated: Rogue Sovereign
Passive Bonus: +200% Aura Suppression Resistance
As the first wolf leapt, I raised my hand.
Darkness erupted — not flashy magic, not glowing fire. Pure presence. Like the air itself bowed.
The wolf froze mid-air.
Its eyes went wide.
Then it slammed into the dirt, spine shattering on impact.
The other two skidded to a halt.
One whimpered.
They turned and fled.
Battle Result: Victory
EXP Gained: 100
Level Up! Lv. 1 → Lv. 3
New Skill Acquired: Sovereign's Presence [Passive]
Description: All creatures instinctively recognize your authority. Weak-minded foes may flee without a fight.
Solaria hovered silently.
"You were saying?" I asked.
"That shouldn't be possible…" she whispered. "You… you haven't even equipped a class yet."
I grinned. "Maybe your system's outdated."
She flinched as if slapped. "I am an extension of the divine interface that maintains universal balance—"
"Yeah yeah." I waved her off. "Tell me about that city."
She hesitated. "That's Orvale. A mid-tier trade city under the rule of King Verin. If you go there peacefully, the system will trigger your official recognition as the Chosen Hero."
I raised an eyebrow. "Which means what?"
"They'll kneel," she said. "You'll be granted noble status, resources, training. You'll begin your journey properly."
I nodded thoughtfully.
"Sounds boring," I said. "What if I walk in and take over instead?"
"You—what?"
"Think about it." I gestured to the horizon. "I have power. Presence. I can grow stronger on my own terms. Why beg when I can conquer?"
"You were chosen to save the world, not enslave it!"
I shrugged. "I never agreed to your terms."
She looked at me like I was a monster. Maybe I was.
But I was free.
And that made me far more dangerous than any "hero" they expected.
Hours later, I stood at the gates of Orvale.
The guards were wary — but not alarmed. I wore a cloak now, hood up, the crown hidden. I wasn't here to start a war.
Not yet.
System Message: You are entering a protected settlement. Standard Hero recognition protocols can be activated.
Trigger sequence: "I am the Chosen Hero."
I remained silent.
Let's see what this place has to offer before I flip the board.