Chap 3: Hero Summoning

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In a grand chamber adorned with towering windows and a magnificent golden chandelier, one could find majestic columns etched with intricate magical symbols. The room was veiled in darkness, but occasional streaks of moonlight danced through the expansive windows, casting stripes of illumination upon the polished marble floor.

Within this captivating setting, a remarkable gathering took place. Hundreds of mages stood in unity, forming several interconnected circles while tightly holding hands. The air hummed with a mystical energy as they recited an enchanting incantation, their voices blending into a mesmerizing chorus. At the heart of the room, a luminous purple circle with delicate pink engravings floated, its motion gentle and undulating.

Kneeling at the center of this ethereal spectacle was Aurianna, her cloak billowing around her as an unexpected breeze rustled through the chamber. Strangely, a wispy, mist-like essence emanated from her back, merging seamlessly with the radiant purple light. The breeze escalated into a fierce wind, swirling vigorously along the periphery of the circle. The intensity of the purple glow grew, building up an air of anticipation. Then, with a resounding boom akin to thunder, both the wind and the circle vanished abruptly, leaving behind a luminous aftermath.

As the mystic display subsided, the chamber revealed three bewildered teenagers standing before the assembled crowd. Their faces were etched with astonishment, their legs trembling in trepidation as they surveyed their unfamiliar surroundings.

With a soft voice and a forced smile, Aurianna addressed the newcomers, her words carrying a blend of warmth and urgency. "Welcome, esteemed heroes from another world. I am Princess Aurianna, and we are in dire need of your assistance." The trio of freshly summoned heroes stared at her in awe, their cheeks flushing with a mixture of admiration and bashfulness.

Observing the unfolding spectacle from a distance within the room, King Girsal couldn't contain his delight, a wide grin adorning his face. Satisfied with the successful summoning, he swiftly turned on his heel and made his way elsewhere, his steps brimming with purpose.

Caught off guard and bewildered by the astonishing scene that enveloped them, a tall, cream-skinned boy with short orange hair and deep orange eyes named Kent couldn't help but blurt out, "What the hell is going on?!" His eyes darted around the room, trying to make sense of the extraordinary surroundings.

In response to Kent's bewildered outburst, Aurianna, emanating a calm aura, explained the situation with a hint of solemnity. "Well, you've been summoned from your own world to ours for a significant purpose. We require your aid in combating the relentless onslaught of demons and monsters, who have been inflicting terror upon our people."

Unconvinced and displaying a hint of skepticism, a muscular brown-skinned boy named Derek, boasting a scar across his eye, raised an objection. His short yellow hair complemented his dark brown eyes, reflecting his determination and resilience. "And what does any of this have to do with us?" he retorted, his voice tinged with a note of defiance.

"It has nothing to do with you specifically. You were picked at random but nevertheless we are in need of your power, " Aurianna's response carried a sense of detachment from personal selection, yet she emphasized the urgent necessity of harnessing their unique abilities. Behind her smile, however, a layer of seriousness underpinned her words, hinting at the gravity of the situation they found themselves in.

Interrupting the somber atmosphere, the final member of the trio, a fair girl named Cindy, expressed her doubts in a hushed tone. Her long, dark brown hair cascaded around her, partially obscuring her black eyes, which peered out from behind a pair of glasses. Clad in an eye-catching, vibrant school uniform, she possessed an alluring figure. "Well, I don't think I can contribute much. I'm just a regular high school student," she murmured, her apprehension palpable.

Responding to Cindy's concerns, Aurianna offered a reassuring gesture, shaking her head gently. "Please don't worry. Heroes summoned from other worlds possess an extraordinary capacity for rapid growth. As you aid us in our quest, we will ensure your safe return home."

However, Derek, his face clouded with worry, interjected with a genuine concern for his well-being. "But what about our safety? I'd rather avoid meeting an untimely demise," he voiced, a distinct frown creasing his brow.

Kent, unable to resist injecting a touch of joviality into the conversation, playfully scolded Derek. "Oh, come on! Don't be such a spoilsport. Think of it this way—we get to live out our manga fantasies and battle demons and monsters. It's like stepping into the pages of our favorite manga series!" With a hearty slap on Derek's back, Kent attempted to lighten the atmosphere, his excitement shining through.

Aurianna found herself pondering about mangas, intrigued by the animated discussion taking place among the heroes. ‘Mangas? I wonder what they mean, these heroes truly speak strange words,’ she mused, her curiosity piqued.

In the midst of the conversation, Kent, wearing a self-satisfied expression, boldly volunteered, "I don't mind lending a hand." He confidently strode towards Aurianna, extending one hand towards her. Perplexed, she gazed at his outstretched hand, trying to decipher his intentions. As Kent caught sight of her hesitation, he subtly gestured towards her own hand, prompting her to tentatively reach out.

With a mixture of confusion and apprehension, Aurianna slowly extended her hand, unsure of what was about to transpire. Kent delicately took her hand and, in a rather ostentatious manner, planted a gentle kiss on it. Internally cringing at the exaggerated gesture, Aurianna suppressed her true feelings, not wanting to upset the heroes or cause any discord.

Despite her discomfort, Aurianna chose to restrain her reaction, conscious of the need to maintain harmony among the group of important individuals.

The man in white robes directed his inquiry towards Aurianna, "So, Princess, what are their respective classes?" Aurianna turned to face him, meeting his gaze. She quickly assessed the situation, ensuring her actions went unnoticed by the heroes. Concealed by her back turned to them and her voluminous coat, she deftly retrieved a handkerchief from her pocket and hurriedly wiped the hand that Kent had just kissed.

Aurianna then turned to Iona and got straight to the point. "Kent is a Hero, Derek is a Divine Knight, and Cindy is a mage."

A puzzled expression settled on Kent's face as he inquired, "How do you know our names?" He couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration at Aurianna's apparent lack of interest or even a simple thank you for his gesture. He couldn't help but think, 'Aren't beautiful princesses supposed to swoon over heroes when they meet them? That's how it goes in all the stories I've read!'

Nonchalantly, Aurianna replied, shedding light on her knowledge, "Well, I can see it on your status."

Cindy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she exclaimed, "Oh, so it's like a video game! That's really cool!" Aurianna couldn't help but feel perplexed once again by the unfamiliar terminology these heroes used. Nevertheless, she decided not to dwell on it, choosing instead to let it slide and focus on the present situation.

The heroes, now gathered around, were greeted by a stunning woman with a flawless ivory complexion. Her luscious brown hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail, and her captivating hazel eyes radiated warmth and kindness. With a charming smile gracing her lips, she addressed the heroes, "Would you mind introducing yourselves to us, heroes?"

Aurianna, adopting proper etiquette, curtsied gracefully and introduced herself, "Concubine Iona." The woman's smile only grew wider as she acknowledged Aurianna's greeting.

Derek, demonstrating politeness, offered a respectful bow, and introduced himself, "I'm Derek."

Cindy, still slightly taken aback by the unusual circumstances, stammered shyly, her gaze fixed on Aurianna, "A-and I'm C-cindy." She blushed, overwhelmed by the presence of such ethereal beauty. As the initial strangeness of the encounter began to dissipate, Cindy found herself increasingly captivated by Aurianna's radiant charm.

Kent couldn't help but sport a proud smirk as he declared, "And the name's Kent, by the way." His self-assured demeanor was unmistakable.

Iona, with an air of authority, posed a crucial question, making sure to emphasize the gravity of the situation, "So, are you all in agreement to aid us in our battle against these ferocious demons?" She emphasized the word "ferocious" to highlight the perilous nature of their foes. "Not only will you be instrumental in saving our Kingdom, but you will also be rewarded with unimaginable riches!"

The heroes exchanged glances, forming a tight circle as they engaged in a brief but thoughtful deliberation. With a firm handshake shared between the three of them, they turned back towards Iona. Locking eyes with her, they nodded in unison before speaking resolutely, "Yes!"

The room erupted in joyous cheers upon hearing their unanimous decision. The heroes were then escorted to a private palace, their new abode, where their intensive training would commence. In the coming days, they would face grueling challenges, honing their skills and fortifying their resolve in preparation for the impending battle against the formidable demons that threatened the Kingdom.

Under the guidance of the magic knights, Kent received instruction on wielding a saber, while Cindy sought the tutelage of the mages to refine her magical abilities. Derek, on the other hand, honed his swordsmanship skills through training with the Shieler knights. Aurianna, staying true to her supportive role, tirelessly assisted those on the front lines. After teleporting back to her chambers using a handy teleportation scroll, she often found herself utterly drained from the exertion.

Once the heroes had gained a measure of readiness, Aurianna took up the task of escorting them through a series of treacherous dungeons. Their objective: to conquer the formidable monsters lurking within. Despite facing numerous perils, the heroes would occasionally meet their demise. Fortunately, Aurianna possessed the power to revive them, ensuring that their journey did not come to an abrupt end. However, such a miraculous revival came at a cost—the heroes would suffer a temporary setback in the form of a level loss.

***

In the grand halls of the palace, Aurianna hurriedly made her way through the corridors, exchanging greetings with a few female knights along the way. Seeking solace, she reached her chamber and sank onto her bed, releasing a deep, weary sigh. In her hand, she held a small, intricately carved green jade stone shaped like a cube. That day had been particularly arduous within the unforgiving depths of the dungeons.

Kent's life had been in constant peril, narrowly escaping the clutches of a menacing sandworm on multiple occasions. The tremendous effort exerted by Aurianna to revive him had left her feeling drained and fatigued. Her newly appointed personal knight stood watchfully nearby, ensuring her safety as she performed her healing duties.

However, duty called once again. Aurianna's father, King Girsal, sought a report on the progress of the heroes, and she couldn't afford to disappoint. Letting out another sigh, she tapped the cube in her hand, activating its enchantment and revealing an image of King Girsal.

Without even glancing at Aurianna, King Girsal inquired with a stern tone, "How much have the heroes grown? When will they be fully prepared?"

Aurianna, maintaining her composure, replied with unwavering determination, "They will be ready in approximately seven months. Through relentless battles in the dungeons, they have already reached an impressive level 200. Meanwhile, I find myself at a modest level of 156."

As Aurianna listened to her father's response, she couldn't see his face since he wasn't facing the screen, but his voice resonated with unmistakable joy. "Good, then continue supporting and aiding them. In four months, they will join us in the battle against the demon army."

Puzzled by her father's decision, Aurianna couldn't help but question his reasoning. "Why did you summon these heroes, father? Our own army is formidable enough to confront the demons. Our knights, each surpassing level 200, possess incredible skills. Furthermore, summoning heroes is against the law-"

Before she could finish her sentence, King Girsal abruptly slammed his hand on the table, abruptly cutting her off. Aurianna felt a chill run down her spine as she witnessed his sudden outburst, his fierce gaze penetrating through the screen.

"I won't entertain any further discussions on this matter! That decision is mine to make!" King Girsal's voice boomed, commanding authority. However, he quickly softened his tone, attempting to reconcile with his daughter. "I'm sorry, my dear daughter, but you must understand that our chances of swiftly defeating the demons are much greater with the assistance of these heroes."

Seeking reassurance, Aurianna pressed on, "And once they succeed in defeating the Demon King, they will be sent back to their world, right?"

Her father's response was brief and somewhat dismissive, "Yes, they will be sent home. Now, good night, Aurianna." With that, King Girsal abruptly ended the call, leaving Aurianna alone with her thoughts, grappling with the weight of her father's decisions and the uncertainty that lay ahead.

Time flew by swiftly, and within the span of four months, a vast assembly of men and women gathered at the heart of Sandeph, ready to march forward. Leading the charge were Ralph and Aurianna, mounted atop colossal lizards with six spider-like legs, known as Droles. These peculiar creatures carried them effortlessly, traversing the terrain with remarkable agility.

Every now and then, Ralph would cast smug glances in Aurianna's direction, leaving her puzzled. She couldn't quite decipher the source of her unease, nor the reason behind his peculiar expressions. Perhaps he was just being his odd self, she thought, dismissing his looks as mere quirkiness. Accompanying them were a group of men and women adorned in ornate suits of armor, riding their own Droles, creating an impressive spectacle.

Kent, the owner of a radiant white sword that emitted a mesmerizing glow upon contact, bore an air of pompousness. As people enthusiastically waved at him and beautiful ladies blew kisses his way, he responded with flamboyant winks. Aurianna simply rolled her eyes at his ostentatious display, well aware of his penchant for attention-grabbing antics.

In the midst of the bustling crowd, a young girl approached Aurianna, clutching a delicate flower in her hand. With a wave of her hand, Aurianna halted her mount, causing the flower to float effortlessly towards her. She gracefully took hold of it, breathing in its fragrant aroma, and offered the child a warm and captivating smile. The sight of her kindness and grace enraptured the onlookers, their admiration for Aurianna growing with each passing moment.

With their forces assembled and spirits high, the group stood poised to embark on their arduous journey. The destiny of the kingdom hung in the balance, as they prepared to face the daunting threat of the demon army. Determination etched on their faces, they set forth, united in purpose and ready to confront the perils ahead.

"Please make sure to return safe and sound, Saintess!" The child shouted with a mix of excitement and bashfulness before scurrying back into the jubilant crowd.

Aurianna, standing tall and confident, raised her voice to address the eager onlookers. "Fear not, my dear people of Sandeph! I promise to return to you unscathed. But I ask that you keep us in your prayers and beseech the protection of our revered goddess, Paige," she proclaimed, waving her hand gracefully in response to the resounding cheers.

As the crowd dispersed, Aurianna's gaze scanned the surroundings, searching for a familiar face, but to no avail. Frustration crept into her voice as she muttered, "It's all my father's fault for disregarding the warnings of the church! Now we won't receive their support in this war."

Kent, brimming with confidence, interjected with a sly smile directed at Aurianna. "Forget about those cowards. Who needs those dim-witted priests when we have a remarkable Saintess like you?" His declaration was met with cheers from the knights who stood behind him, echoing his sentiment.

Aurianna's brows furrowed upon hearing his words, and she swiftly responded, her tone tinged with exasperation. "Don't be so rude, Kent! Even though I possess the power of a Saintess, I'm not an all-powerful being. My mana is limited, and I can only perform a certain number of healing and revival spells each day."

She hoped to convey to Kent and the others that her abilities, though formidable, had their limits. Aurianna understood the weight of her responsibilities and the expectations placed upon her, but she also recognized the importance of setting realistic boundaries. She was determined to give her all in the upcoming battle, utilizing her divine powers to aid her comrades, but she knew she couldn't perform miracles without constraint.

"Hey, don't worry about it. You've got this," Kent reassured her with a confident grin, but his attempt at comfort only deepened Aurianna's frown.

Derek, standing nearby, clicked his tongue in annoyance as he observed the adoring crowd showering him with flowers. However, the moment their attention shifted to him, his expression transformed into a charming smile, causing hearts to flutter among the enamored ladies.

Detecting the shift in their behavior, Aurianna cast a keen side-eye towards the three heroes. Cindy, positioned behind a knight, held a wooden staff adorned with a sizable gemstone at its apex—a clear indication of her mage class.

"Maybe I'm just overthinking things," Aurianna murmured under her breath, attempting to dismiss her earlier concerns. With determination etched upon her face, she joined the ranks of the marching forces as they made their way out of the High Land, embarking on their daunting journey.

As they ventured forward, the land unfolded before them, displaying a varied tapestry of landscapes. Towering mountains, dense forests, and vast plains stretched out, a testament to the diverse challenges that awaited them on their path. Aurianna couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation as they advanced deeper into unknown territories. The heroes' presence drew attention from both friend and foe alike. Villagers lined the streets, waving flags and offering words of encouragement, while creatures of darkness lurked in the shadows, observing their every move with malevolent intent.

After days and nights of relentless marching, their determined footsteps led them to a desolate, blackened landscape. The stench of blood hung heavy in the air, assaulting their senses.

Aurianna couldn't help but gasp, her hand instinctively rising to cover her mouth in shock, as the gruesome sight before her unfolded. Corpses impaled on spears dotted the barren terrain, their lifeless forms being scavenged by monstrous birds with three heads.

"Foul creatures!" Kent spat out with a fierce scowl, his anger palpable in his voice.

As whispers of horror circulated among the group, Aurianna's attention was drawn to the peculiar sight of pebbles jumping erratically and the ground trembling beneath their feet. She realized, with a growing sense of dread, that the demonic forces were amassing in the distance.

Innumerable demons materialized, emerging from the shadows with a menacing presence. They assumed a multitude of forms, ranging from beasts to hybrid creatures with human and animal features. Some humanoid figures stood tall, their elongated ears and ominous horns serving as harbingers of their dark nature. Adorned in imposing suits of armor, they exuded an aura of malevolence.

Ralph, ever the valiant leader, seized the opportunity to rally their forces. Raising his sword high, he pointed it defiantly at the seething mass of demons, unleashing a defiant proclamation. "Demons! Today marks the end of your wicked reign! We stand united with the hero! Surrender now or face the fate of the monstrous abominations you are!"

"You humans think you can enslave us? Think again!" A demon, his fiery red hair and imposing horns making him stand out, ascended into the sky and bellowed defiantly. His eyes, with their black sclera and piercing red irises, gleamed with an unyielding resolve. Clad in shimmering silver armor, he extended his hands towards the human forces, his voice thundering through the air. "Let the charge begin! Fight for our freedom!"

His words echoed across the battlefield, igniting a fierce determination within the hearts of his demon comrades. With a resounding roar, the demon army surged forward, their collective fury fueling their every step.

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