[Welcome to the game Knight and Harbringer of Shadow.]
Rondo slowly peeled his eyes open. He turned his head, taking in the scenery around him. Towering mountains, vibrant green grass, and the scent of fresh air filling his nose. Rondo tried to take a step, but his legs felt incredibly heavy. The sound of his footsteps rang out like heavy metal striking the earth.
When he looked down, he finally realized why: his legs were encased in plate armor.
"Wait, my legs... my hands...?"
Rondo thought to himself, staring at his gauntleted hands and the shiny metal covering his limbs. Hanging at his waist was a medium-sized iron sword.
A moment later, a woman wearing long sleeves, a long skirt, and a tall pointed hat appeared in front of him. She turned to look at Rondo, and he walked over to her.
"Tira? Where's Kenta?" Rondo asked the woman in the mage robes.
Tira looked amazed, scanning Rondo's Knight costume.
"You're the Knight? Wow, that's actually really cool. I have no idea where Kenta is. Maybe he'll spawn in a second," Tira answered, patting the dust off her clothes.
Shortly after, a man dressed in simple clothes—like a common villager—appeared before them. But the man was incredibly muscular. Slung across his back was a bow, along with a quiver full of arrows ready for use.
The man looked around in confusion before noticing Tira and Rondo standing next to him.
"Wow, you look totally different, Kenta," Rondo said.
"Ugh... this bow is actually kind of choking me," Kenta said, adjusting the strap.
The three of them started walking, following the direction of the setting sun.
"Heh, you're so buff in here. Even though in real life you're kind of a dork, hahaha," Tira said with a mocking tone.
"You're just a mage, you'd better stay quiet. Nobody asked you," Kenta shot back.
"What did you say?!" Tira's voice pitched up. Her eyes suddenly glowed a vivid purple.
"Eh, she's the one insulting me, but she's the one getting mad," Kenta remarked.
"Hee... you guys are already fighting, ahaha," Rondo said softly.
They were so absorbed in their chatting that they arrived at a secluded village without realizing it. Above the entrance hung a large sign: 'Welcome to Eternia'. Inside, many people were busy with their daily activities. Some were hauling water with carts, some carried logs, and others were still trading at their stalls.
"You finally arrived before the sun completely set," said an old man with long white hair and all-white clothing, who suddenly appeared beside the three of them.
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They turned to look at the old man.
"Um, who might you be, old man?" Rondo asked.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Fharel. I am the chief of this village. You... the three of you were prophesied to come here. Tonight will be the most terrifying night of our lives if you are not here," the old man said, his mouth muttering rapidly as he spoke.
"Um... sorry, what do you mean by that?" Tira asked.
"Come, follow me into the village first. I will welcome you with tea and warm biscuits," Fharel said, walking away from them.
The three friends followed the old man into the village of Eternia. As soon as they entered, Rondo, Kenta, and Tira became the center of attention. The villagers looked at the trio with awe. Many were specifically impressed by Rondo's costume, looking fierce and mighty in his iron armor. Several village women admired Kenta's handsome face and thick muscles, while the men stared in admiration at Tira's beauty as a mage.
Fharel invited them into his house, which was built from layers of wood. Inside, the room was so dark that Fharel had to light a candle.
"Please, sit down first. I will prepare tea and some snacks," Fharel said. He walked toward the kitchen.
The three of them sat in a circle on wooden chairs.
"These chairs are rough. If only there was a soft sofa here," Tira said, rubbing her back.
"Geez, you think this is your house? We're in the middle ages," Kenta said.
"Ahaha, you guys. But seriously, aren't you curious why we got dragged here?" Rondo asked Tira and Kenta.
"Who knows. I'd rather just drink the tea," Tira answered.
"True, better to get some snacks. Maybe we're just supposed to hunt something? Like, hunt a specific mob or whatever?" Kenta replied.
"Yeah, that could be it," Tira said, snapping her fingers.
"Makes sense. But I don't know, I have a bad feeling about this," Rondo said.
Not long after, Fharel returned, bringing four cups and a teapot to their table. He poured the tea into the empty cups.
"Please, enjoy the tea. This is herbal tea made by the locals. We love drinking it because it makes us relaxed and calm," Fharel said, setting the teapot down gently on the table.
"Thank you," Rondo said. He removed his iron helmet. His face was no longer hidden by armor. He sipped the tea slowly, feeling the warmth and the relaxation just as Fharel had described. His friends followed suit, sipping their tea.
Once they were finished with their drinks, Fharel prepared himself to speak to them.
"Let me explain. Every one thousand years, a disaster comes to this earth to destroy a portion of humanity for the sake of eternal power. They are the Shadow Army. Usually, they come from the direction of the forest, hunting for humans to turn into shadow soldiers so they can slaughter other planets with ease.
People were panicked by the arrival of these shadow troops. Their numbers were massive, while the humans fighting back at that time were few. Fortunately, there was a Knight of Light, gallant and brave, who single-handedly drove them all away with his courage. The army retreated in defeat. However, they promised to return every one thousand years," Fharel explained, his mouth moving quickly.
"If that's the case, where did the Knight go? And why did you get a prophecy about the three of us instead?" Rondo asked Fharel.
"No one knows for sure where the Knight went. He vanished without a trace before the villagers could even thank him. He had already defeated the Shadow Army twice. But for this third time, it seems he is no longer here. I have read thousands of books and recited prophecies stating that a Mage, an Archer, and a chosen Knight would appear to protect the earth from the Shadow Army. The three of them will work together to exterminate those forces. You... you are undoubtedly the right people," Fharel explained.
"Then, why don't you just destroy the Shadow Army yourself?" Tira asked.
"I am merely a village chief with the gift of foresight, not a warrior, and certainly not the prophesied one. So, I beg you to protect this village with your strength. We will pay any price," Fharel answered.
The atmosphere suddenly shifted. The night turned pitch black, accompanied by the sound of thunder rumbling.
"It is time. I hope you understand what I have told you," Fharel said, looking out the window at the terrifying darkness. The villagers were no longer outside. Doors were locked tight.
"Alright then, we'll handle it immediately," Kenta said, standing up. Tira and Rondo followed, standing up as well.
"Very well, thank you. May safety bless you," Fharel said, rising from his seat.
Tira and Kenta walked out first. Rondo stayed behind a moment to put his helmet back on. As Rondo turned to leave, Fharel held him back for a second.
"I see something very precious in your eyes. Luck," Fharel said.
"What does that mean?" Rondo asked, confused.
"If you ever doubt yourself, try to split the earth and convince yourself in the Goddess of Light," Fharel answered.
"Um... okay, I'll remember that," Rondo said. He exited the door and started following his friends.
Rondo, Tira, and Kenta ran toward the west. They saw the surrounding scenery filled with towering trees. The wind began to blow violently. The darkness grew more intense. In front of them, a large UI popped up.
[Mission Objective: Defeat Shadow Army Wave 1/10]
From the darkness, wild boars began to emerge little by little, their bodies wrapped in shadow and their eyes glowing red.
