It's been a week since I slayed the dragon. My name seems to be known by most everyone in the kingdom now! The common folk whisper my name in taverns, merchants give me friendly nods as I pass, and even the city guards smile with a hint of awe. Part of me revels in the fame—who wouldn't? But the weight of my newfound reputation is a double-edged sword. Strangers ask for my help, some seek to challenge me, and there are always those who envy. But these are the least of my concerns.
The god of balance's warning is always on my mind. His voice, calm yet commanding, echoes in my thoughts: "Balance must be preserved, champion. The death of a dragon cannot go unanswered." I can still feel the chill in the air when he spoke to me. It wasn't just a warning—it was a promise. Apparently, the god of dragons, Sylvannis, has it out for me. His pride wounded by the death of one of his kind, he has sent an ancient blue dragon to "deal" with me. I can almost imagine the beast, wings dark as thunderclouds, eyes like bolts of lightning, searching for me with a storm in its wake.
But I am not without allies. The god of magic, Arcarnis, has taken an interest in me. I've felt his presence in quiet moments, a warm glow that floods my mind with clarity, and occasionally, whispers of arcane knowledge that I never knew before. He is a being of curiosity and knowledge, his favor a double-edged gift. His blessings have given me access to powerful spells, one of which is the "Infernal Emberblade." A spell that allows me to engulf a weapon I touch in infernal flames—flames that don't harm me or anyone I designate but sear my enemies with hellish fire. I tested it on a practice dummy, and the flames roared to life, dancing and writhing like living serpents of crimson and black. It's a dangerous gift, but one I will need.
Despite the looming threat of Sylvannis' wrath, life has continued. I've been bettering my relationship with Felicity and Kai, my companions who have become something of a makeshift family to me. Felicity is sharp-tongued and clever, but beneath her confident exterior, there is a kind soul. We've spent late nights talking, and I've learned about her dream of becoming an artist. Recently, she picked up drawing, and to my surprise, she's getting really good really quickly. Her sketches of landscapes and creatures are filled with life, and she even made a quick sketch of me one day—smiling, standing victorious over a defeated monster. I laughed when I saw it, but the warmth in my chest lingered long after.
Kai, on the other hand, has thrown himself into a new obsession—Aetherstrike. It's a sport played in a zero-gravity bubble, where players use magic and acrobatics to control a floating, magical orb and score goals. Watching him play is mesmerizing—he twists and spins with a grace I didn't know he had, launching himself through the air with ease. He's becoming something of a star among the local players, and even though I'm not as passionate about the sport, his excitement is infectious.
But beneath the joy of friendship and the thrill of my newfound fame, there is always darkness. I recently got news of a tragedy—a bard, part of the adventuring party that was supposed to journey to Mount Telebeth, died the other day. She was killed by a demon of some sort. Some whisper that it was an assassin, a creature sent with purpose rather than a mere wild beast. The thought chills me. If demons are hunting adventurers now, then the threat of the Demon King is more real than ever. I hear murmurs from the guilds and the townsfolk—the Demon King is getting rowdy, his minions growing bolder. Because of this, they have informed me that I need to get to G-Rank quickly if I want to stand a chance against what is coming.
To prepare myself, I've thrown myself into training. My workouts have been paying off even more than I expected. My body has changed—I now have a solid, muscular build, with a strong back and defined arms. My once shaggy black hair has finally found a style that looks good, falling just above my shoulders in a slightly wild but charming way. I've also gotten a lot taller, towering over most people now. The reflection in the mirror is that of a hero, a warrior—someone ready to take on whatever comes.
But physical strength is not enough. I have also begun studying the arcane texts left to me by Arcarnis' guidance. I pour over ancient tomes, learning more about spellcraft, understanding the weave of magic that binds this world. I've learned to channel the Infernal Emberblade with greater control, letting the flames dance across the weapon's edge without consuming it. I even managed to alter the color of the flames once, turning them a deep, ethereal blue, but I cannot yet replicate the effect. There is always more to learn.
Felicity and Kai have become my pillars of support. On quiet evenings, we gather in the common room of our rented inn, sharing meals and stories. Felicity doodles in her sketchbook while Kai talks excitedly about his latest Aetherstrike match, his energy never failing to lift my spirits. They don't know it, but their presence keeps me grounded.
But I can't ignore the shadows gathering. There are whispers of cultists worshiping the Demon King, rumors of villages going silent overnight, and travelers disappearing along the forest roads. I know that danger is coming—Sylvannis' dragon is somewhere out there, searching for me. Demons stalk the land, and even the gods themselves have taken an interest in my fate.
This fame, this power—it is a blessing and a curse. The closer I get to becoming a true hero, the more enemies I seem to make. But I cannot back down. I refuse to let fear dictate my path. I will grow stronger, not just for myself, but for those who have come to rely on me.
Tonight, as I sit here writing in this journal, I can hear the distant cheers of an Aetherstrike match in the arena nearby. Kai is likely soaring through the air, laughing, while Felicity might be in her room, sketching the twilight sky. I will join them soon—after all, even heroes need to laugh and rest.
But the shadow of the ancient blue dragon looms ever closer, and the weight of the gods' attention presses on me. I must be ready. I must be stronger.
For now, I will enjoy these fleeting moments of peace. Tomorrow, the fight continues.