Chapter 0:
Prologue: Himari Suvi
The Blessed Hero is Just an Ordinary Girl
Lapispire is a beautiful kingdom beaming with life where humans have done everything in their power to protect the peace. Magic has been the very tool that has unified Humans and the world around them. All living creatures that roam can use magic as a tool to either survive or assist others. The people worship the Four Gods of Origins who gave them life. Throughout history, the humans have been using their magic to live amongst the natural life of the lands they walk. Eventually the natural instinct to kill is forged and soon demons are born from the malice that remains.
Ambertown has seen its fair share of adventurers who tell their stories when they need to get through the mountains. The collection of knowledge made the fourth King open the Adventurers Archives which finished its building process by the seventh king. The history and magic of the kingdom is all recorded here.
The sunrise finally peaks over the town. The town continues its usual business serving the adventurers who pass through. In a modest looking inn, a girl returns with a cart full of fresh ingredients. Himari Suvi would always wake up right before the sun rose in order to prepare enough food for the guests at her grandfather’s inn. The chefs prepare breakfasts while Himari restocks the pantries for lunch and dinners. Himari’s grandfather, Howard, handles all the guest check ins and outs. He greeted her before returning his attention to a group of adventurers who are paying for an extra 2 nights.
Returning to her room, Himari opens her window and the crisp morning air flows through. She spends most of her days assisting with the shopping in the morning and serving food during dinner while her afternoons are hers to spend. Her parents passed away when she was very young and she has adapted this lifestyle most of her life.
After another successful shopping experience for the inn’s toiletry supplies, she rushes for the Adventurers Archives. Every few days she would spend her time reading all the new knowledge that gets shared and recorded. In the past few years she has read books on merchants' knowledge of medicine and dungeon locations by adventurers. She also loves to read reports on the magical creatures that roam the lands they share. Reading is her favorite pastime.
“A crystal dragon?! ‘Thought to be a myth, a crystal dragon was spotted flying towards the sea. Could their origins be from the deepest oceans?’ I can’t believe they’re real!” She leans back with a copy of a recent report raised. She is in awe of the sketch that was on the page. She checks the next reports and she freezes. Another Demon Lord has been spotted.
“Did ya hear that another Demon Lord appeared? Attacked a village of beastfolks.”
“That’s the 6th one this year!”
“Could it be that… The Demon King’s seal is breaking?”
“Quiet! We don’t want to alarm the people!”
Himari overhears the concerned adventurers. The Demon King could not be killed due to the amount of malice it has gained. So the first hero sacrificed himself in order to seal the Demon King. 200 years have passed since then and the original royal capital was abandoned. Building the new Kingdom of Lapispire. Most stay away from the old capital seeing it as a territory of curses.
Picking up a book on Elvin medicine she rushes home. The thought of a Demon King rising once again worried her. There hasn’t been a hero blessed by the 4 Gods of Origins since the third Hero who killed the last demon lord that survived the war.
Her grandfather welcomed her back as she rushed to her room. Now her head is full of worry. She wonders why no hero has been chosen yet. Villages are being attacked. The more blood spilled, the more malice energy the demons gain. Perhaps a hero has been chosen and is in a town furthest from most civilization. That thought calmed her mind a bit. She opens the book and continues reading until dinner time.
3 days have passed. A large number of adventurers who stayed in Ambertown have scattered to clear out the demons and maybe take on a Demon Lord. Even if a hero hasn’t risen, they can still fight to protect the peace. Their inn now has normal guests and some merchants so there are less things for Himari to do.
“Himari dear, have you ever considered traveling?”
“…I have but I won’t survive on my own. I can’t fight monsters let alone demons. I have to hire adventurers.”
“I see. Do you want me to pay them? I feel like you want to explore the world.” Her grandfather’s gentle words resonated with her. She does want to leave and find new places to explore but being unable to do well in basic magic has been a problem. She never trained to use a weapon either.
“No, don't worry about that. The Adventurers Archives has given me so much information about the world.”
“I see.” He gives her a gentle smile before returning to the front counter.
BOOOOM
A loud explosion echoed through town followed by the sound of mountain debris rolling down from the peak of the mountain. It hits the nearest buildings and the emergency bells ring loud.
Himari helps her grandfather up before opening the door to see what has happened. Smoke rising in the distance with flying monsters landing onto town. There are only a few adventurers left in town so they rush to defend the people while the townsfolk are evacuating southward. A passerby rushed towards Himari.
“Evacuate! A Demon Lord is attacking. He’s controlling the monsters!” Himari rushed back in.
”Grandfather! A Demon Lord is here! I’ll warn the guests!”
“Oh no… I will bring the rest of our medicine supplies in case people are in need.” Both agreed to split up.
Himari rushes down the halls. “Everyone! Evacuate southward! A Demon Lord has appeared! Do not worry about paying for your stay! Your lives are far more important!!”
One by one, the guests and merchants leave their rooms and Himari guides the elderly out.
CRASSSHHH
A gargoyle’s corpse crashes through the front door. An adventurer guides the guests out for safety. Passing by the corpse of the monster, Himari realizes her grandfather isn’t here yet and rushes to their storage.
“Hey where are you going??” The adventurer calls out to her.
“My grandfather is collecting our medicine supply! I’ll go get him!” She pleads to the adventurer.
“Grrr...Hurry up!”
She sees her grandfather on the floor with some broken medicine on the floor. The door being broken down caused him to fall from the force.
“Are you ok!?”
“Sorry… I dropped the medicine. We only have a few left…”
“That’s ok! Other inns are going to be doing the same. Let’s go!” Himari picks up the bag of medicine and helps him up. Slowly she takes him to the entrance.
“GAHHHH!!”
The adventurer was stabbed by something. His body being tossed to the side, a tall demonic man enters the building.
“So…weak. Is that really the best a human can do?” It talks.
“N-No…” Himari shakes in fear as a Demon Lord stands at the entrance of their inn.
“Hmm… Only two humans here? I thought I smelled more here. I’ll have to catch up to those pesky mice soon.”
“Aww. Now that’s cute. You are defending such a weak and old human rather than saving your own life. I congratulate you on your bravery, little human. I can let you run alone for now as a reward."
Himari stands on guard and her legs won’t stop shaking. She wants to protect her only family member. Her grandfather pleads with Himari to run but she refuses.
“Well. I gave you a chance to run so I can follow you to the other humans but I suppose there’s no helping it. This goodbye.” He lunges his arm towards Himari as she closes her eyes while screaming.
This was it...
Her life will come to an end. Even though what she is doing is noble, her grandfather is still in danger. In that moment she prays for the 4 Gods of Origins to help.
And with outstanding timing, light started to burst out of Himari. The Demon Lord jumps back from her.
“Stay away!!” A javelin made of light appeared and flew straight to the demon.
“Wait could it be-” The light pierces the Demon Lord before he could react leaving a large hole through his chest.
“Grrk!!” He collapsed and his body slowly disintegrated.
Himari’s breathing was heavy. She suddenly felt both tired and healthier. She turns to her grandfather to see that he is safe.
“Himari…"
“I don’t know what happened but I’m glad you’re safe!” She embraces him while crying.
“Himari. You were chosen…”
“What do you mean…?” She wipes her tears after helping him up. Turning around she sees a broken mirror.
Something is glowing through her shirt. Upon further inspection, the mark of the 4 Gods of Origins appeared on her chest. Years ago, when a hero was chosen, they gained a four pointed star marking their blessing from the Gods. Yet this was different. The symbol the kingdom used on their banners and a symbol seen in ancient texts of the 4 Gods of Origins lay on her chest.
“E-Ehhhhhh!?”
This is the start of Himari’s quest given to her by the gods. A new hero is born into the world.
***
Meanwhile in the royal capital, the Great Sage opens his eyes in shock. He nearly falls over before calling out for someone. A cleric dressed similarly to a nun walks towards the Great Sage and a half elf girl also rushes over.
“A H–H-Hero…! A hero has been chosen!”
“A hero…?” The cleric’s underwhelming tone may confuse others but she has a beautiful smile.
“Is it me?” The half elf girl stands proudly.
“I must inform his majesty! I require both of your assistance. I’m aware the distance is far but you two must go to Ambertown this instant! Bring the hero to our King.”
“Understood…!”
“Ehhh… As long as you add more to my pay.”
The two girls march out as the Great Sage grabs his staff and slowly leaves in the opposite direction. The Kingdom of Lapispire has some hope for the future.
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