Erupting from the depths of unconsciousness, Leonardo slowly opened his eyes. His vision was filled with a thick canopy overhead, letting only small trickles of sunlight break through. Realising he was lying outside, he quickly prostrated himself and anxiously scanned his surroundings. Relief hit him when he spotted Evangeline and Albert dining casually at a makeshift stone table nearby.

  Albert noticed the rustling and turned grinning.

  “You really know how to party, boy!” he bellowed, laughing so hard he choked on his bread, erupting into coughs before clearing his throat.

  Leonardo held his head, patches of the previous night flashing in and out like a jigsaw puzzle missing half its pieces.

  “I should’ve paced myself better,” he groaned.

  “I doubt you even remember what happened,” Albert snorted.

  “I doubt he wants to,” Evangeline teased, smirking.

  “Oh god. Just lay it on me,” Leonardo sighed.

  And so, the two filled him in on his drunken escapades. To their surprise, Leonardo wasn’t particularly shocked.

  “Sounds about right,” he muttered. “But more importantly… that woman from last night—she mentioned an ‘order’. What was she talking about?”

  “Order of the unity vanguard,” Albert said, tone darkening. “Buncha anti-hero nutjobs. Don’t Leave sleep over em. “

  “They’re a bit more complicated than that,” Evangeline chimed in. “They believe the ‘hero’ is a failed ideal. Every ten years, they elect three leaders—who each control their own sect. So, the organization shifts based on whoever’s leading.”

  “Sound like crappy management” Leonardo added.

  “Well, currently the three sects are split: one wants to use the swords democratically to fight the Demon King, one believes no one should ever hold such power, and one… wants to ‘unite humanity’ under their rule.”

  “I don’t get that last one.”

  “A guy pretending to be a unifier leads them,” she said, lips curling into a frown. “But really, he’s just a power-hungry manipulator. And thanks to the group’s laws, they can’t remove him.”

  “Well… this order sounds like a bunch of rubbish.”

  “You’d be surprised,” Albert chuckled grimly. “They’ve got agents in nobility, armies, guilds… You name it.”

  “Great,” Leonardo muttered, running a hand through his hair. “And I just publicly outed myself as the hero.”

  “It’s okay,” Evangeline said with a smile. “Word may be spreading, but from now on we’ll just be more discreet.”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Leonardo’s stomach chose that moment to growl loudly.

  Albert chuckled and patted the stone seat beside him. “Come on, grab some food.”

  Leonardo joined them, feasting on warm bread and eggs.

  *****

  With breakfast done, they packed their things. When it came time to mount up, Leonardo approached Evangeline’s horse cautiously, unsure if she was still mad about last night. But she cheerfully helped him up.

  Albert was already mounted on his goliath of a horse. Once they were all set, the trio rode out.

  After a while on the road, Leonardo spoke up quietly.

  “Hey, Eva.”

  “Hm?”

  “I… sorta remember upsetting you last night. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. I was just worried. If you really want to make it up to me—just be more careful, okay?”

  “I will,” Leonardo promised, nodding.

  The rest of the journey was marked by a mix of idle chatter and peaceful silence.

  *****

  After hours of travelling the part would find themselves approaching the edge of a new barrier. Upon passing through it, they were greeted by a sign: Miloncroft.

  Unlike any place Leonardo had seen before, the town was bursting with racial diversity. Walking the streets were lizardfolk, towering orange-skinned giants, fish-like humanoids, and everything in between.

  Leonardo’s jaw dropped. He barely noticed when they reached the stables to tie up their horses.

  “You alright squirt?” Albert asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “I knew this world had goblins and demons… but I wasn’t expecting this many… not humans.”

  “You know I’m not fully human, right?” Evangeline said, confused.

  “Wait—what?!”

  “I’m half-elf. You never noticed?”

  “No???”

  She parted her thick waves of gold locs to reveal pointed ears.

  Leonardo’s mind short-circuited.

  Albert laughed. “Well, I’m actually part giant.”

  “Seriously?”

  “’Course not. Don’t believe everything people tell ya!” he barked, slapping Leonardo hard on the back.

  Albert led them to a local inn and, as usual, covered the cost. In the lobby, he gathered them.

  “I’m gonna register you two as adventurers,” he said.

  “Oh! I almost forgot about that,” Evangeline said cheerfully.

  “Why do I have to register? I’m literally the chosen one.”

  “Because we’re hiding that you’re the chosen one,” Albert replied. “Normal folk aren’t allowed near the eastern wilds. Adventurers? Whole different story.”

  Leonardo sighed. “Fair enough.”

  Albert left, and a moment later Leonardo’s stomach roared again.

  Evangeline giggled. “You don’t even need to say it. Let’s find food.”

  *****

  Miloncroft's streets were a dazzling blend of species and culture. Shops sold food tailored to different races—Insect Stew for reptilefolk, Water Inns for amphibians, and more.

  Leonardo walked stiffly, doing his best not to offend anyone by staring.

  Eventually, the two found a quiet tavern at the edge of town and got seated.

  Over their meal, Leonardo finally asked, “Hey Eva… what happened when I blacked out during the demon fight?”

  “Oh right! I forgot to tell you—sorry! You… got possessed by King Arthur.”

  “...Huh?”

  “Yeah. Like, full-on Arthur Pendragon.”

  Leonardo jumped to his feet. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?!”

  “I was worried. You needed rest. And then… I didn’t know how to bring it up.”

  Leonardo sat down slowly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.”

  “It’s okay. Truth is, I don’t really know what happened either. Merlin left some notes, but my father locked them away before we left…”

  Leonardo frowned.

  “But who needs dusty notes when I’ve got the world’s best spellcaster by my side?” he grinned.

  Wow you can cast magic, I think I’d rather know about being fucking possessed I don’t know

  Evangeline smiled softly. “Well, if that’s the case… it’s about time I taught you some more spells. Things will only get tougher from here.”

  Possession? What possession? We love magic.

  After the meal, they returned to the inn. Albert had secured them a spot in the upcoming adventurer trial. With their next task clear, the trio retired to their rooms for the night.