Humanity's Hero Of Despair

Expecting the unexpected should become my new life motto.

This thought of mine proves itself immediately.

Someone outside the throne room is making hurried footsteps. One of the Shadow Squadrons runs out the door to greet this mysterious person. In a matter of seconds, the figure who is running appears in front of us, his cloak caked with mud. His face has the look of someone who has seen too much.

He looks around the crowd desperately for Maura Lotus. Once he spots my sister, he runs up to her, gasping for air as he places his hands on his knees.

"Leader, I bring urgent news. The Eradicators retreated, but not for long. They're gathering in secret and reports show they are within striking distance of us. We have two days before they can launch an all-out assault on the Tarondar Palace, Stonelight, and Mistfall. This time, they won't be surprised," the messenger explains to her in a voice loud enough we can all hear.

Gasps and murmurs fill the room.

King Grey stands up from his throne. Zephyr, the new General of Tarondar, looks like he could burn the world down.

King Grey shouts to everyone, "Everyone! We must prepare now. Fortify every wall, every street. We will make it impossible for them to reach us. Zephyr and Maura, you both are in charge of setting up squads in defensive positions with the HLH. Nico, take the HRC members and help set up defenses within Mistfall."

"Mistfall might be the first one attacked because it isn't known to be easy to defend and easy to sneak into. Justus, please help the innocent citizens in Stonelight know what is happening. Everybody else, help set up magical barriers!"

The room surges into action as people shout orders and start forming plans. Even my body is moving at a speed my brain can't keep up with. We are all tired from the fight we just had to do, but we don't want it all to be for nothing.

The HRC members and I quickly travel to Mistfall. This place is my home. It is now my domain. I have to protect it.

"Earth mages please set up traps along some trails and by nearby trees. Water mages who specialize in ice, please create some frozen traps. Wind mages take your positions at the top of trees to scout out for enemies and to blow away any attacks from the air. We may not have much time. Move it now!" I shout with determination as everyone quickly understands the assignment.

My body is getting too tired as I run around various positions in Mistfall to make sure everyone is doing a good job. As soon as we place some lookouts covering every angle from the treetops, I become more relaxed. At least a surprise attack won't catch us off guard. We have two days at max before they can reach us, anyway.

I am panting hard before I have to sit down with my back against a tree. Luckily, a water mage finds me and runs over to me with a cup of water.

"Here is some water, your lordship," the water mage says eagerly for me to take the cup.

"Thanks," is all I say as the water mage goes back to work.

It feels very weird being called a lord. Even though I made lots of friends now, talking with people has become none easier. Especially because King Grey put me into a higher social standing than the others now. I am sure it was his way of thanking me for all my hard work. It's just I didn't have the heart to refuse it. The only thing I could say was to just give me some upgrades for my log cabin, but I didn't need a mansion.

My joints groan in protest as I stand up. The dust disappears quickly off my clothes as I dust myself off. There aren't many residents around Mistfall, though the ones who are here know of me since I was a kid.

My footsteps lightly crunch the leaves as I go from house to house to explain the situation. The reactions I get are a mix of horror, shock, and despair. They believe I can protect them, though, and some even want to help the war effort.

My ability to refuse them is impeccable because I decide I will not put them in harm's way.

Many of the non-light mages who are under Eradicator rule who are living normal lives don't know how to use their magic properly, and we don't have enough time to train them. At most, they help with building barriers and carrying weapons. Mistfall is now in full motion. It is one vast blur of activity.

I have several experienced earth mages who know how to be stealthy scout on ahead deeper into the forest to forewarn us of any Eradicator movements. While they do that, I stop by my family's home to rest. The door opens with the familiar creaking sound. Last time I was here, it was with Ivy when I discovered my mother's letter.

The day I learned the truth.

The living room and the kitchen look very barren. There are no signs of life besides me in my house. It has been a while since I have been here. Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I had never left the home to go to Keeper Academy. If I had just run away.

Is it wrong of me to think about what could've happened?

There is no time today to fantasize. The past is the past, and it's now up to me to carry on the dreams and hopes of others. My friends and people who look up to me. The innocent humans. The world is so much bigger than I had ever thought. In a way, I am glad I can be of use, even though I am not sure if this is the right way to go about it.

As I look out at the window into the mist, I wonder about who I really am inside. My sister has figured out this ancient magic pretty well, but I don't understand why I don't.

Never mind.

That is a dumb statement. My sister has been learning how to fight and win back humanity from the Eradicators ever since they manipulated my memories. She had a lot more time to train and train with others to understand herself better. I resolve to do the same.

Since I am already in my house, I quickly clean the kitchen and living room. It makes me happier to have a clean home. Especially since I will live back in my family's home for the foreseeable future.

This place is the home of the "Baron" Nico Lotus, according to everyone else.

One mage knocks on the door.

"Your lordship, King Grey and the Knight Captain have requested your presence in the former noble library in Keeper Academy."

"Understood," I reply.

Did they find something useful up there?