Myuk stood in the dimly lit dungeon, his heart racing with confusion and disbelief. The regal lady’s words echoed in his mind, reverberating like the toll of a distant bell. “Summoned hero?” he whispered, the phrase feeling foreign on his tongue. He looked around, taking in the ancient stone walls and the flickering torches that cast dancing shadows across the floor. The air was thick with an aura of magic, a sensation he had never experienced before.
“Where am I?” Myuk finally managed to ask, his voice barely above a murmur.
The lady stepped closer, her emerald eyes sparkling with compassion and urgency. “You have been summoned to Elandor, a realm filled with magic and wonder but also darkness and despair,” she explained, her voice smooth like silk yet imbued with a weight that hinted at the gravity of their situation. “Our land is under siege by an evil force, and we have searched far and wide for a hero to help us reclaim our light. You, Myuk, have been chosen.”
Elandor. The name rolled off her tongue like a melody, and Myuk felt a flicker of hope ignited within him. For the first time in years, he was free from the oppressive weight of his past life. Here, in this new world, he could be someone different. He could escape the taunts and the pain that had haunted him for so long. The thought was intoxicating.
He took a deep breath, inhaling the cool, damp air of the dungeon, and allowed himself a moment to revel in the sensation of liberation. The shadows that had clung to him like a shroud began dissipating, replaced by the promise of something greater.
But before he could fully embrace this newfound freedom, the lady gestured to one of the knights standing nearby. The guard, clad in glimmering armor that reflected the torchlight, stepped forward, holding a crystal that pulsed with an otherworldly glow. Its surface shimmered like the surface of a calm lake under the moonlight, and Myuk couldn’t help but feel drawn to it.
“What is that?” Myuk asked, curiosity piquing his interest.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
The lady’s expression softened slightly. “This is a crystal of potential. It will reveal your magical abilities, Myuk. Touch it and lets us see what gifts lie within you.”
Myuk hesitated for a moment, doubt creeping into his mind. He had never considered himself unique, never believed he possessed any extraordinary talents. But the chance to prove himself, to finally be someone worth believing in, was too tempting to resist. With a deep breath, he stepped forward and reached out toward the crystal.
The crystal felt strangely warm beneath his fingertips, starkly contrasting with the cool, damp air that clung to the dungeon’s stone walls. The faint scent of earth and something ancient lingered in the air, adding to the moment''s weight. As his fingers brushed against its surface, a surge of energy coursed through him, and the crystal began to glow. At first, it was a brilliant white light, illuminating the entire chamber and casting flickering shadows on the walls. Myuk’s heart raced with excitement; perhaps he was indeed remarkable. Maybe he was the hero Elandor needed.
But as quickly as the light had burst forth, it dimmed, fading to a weak, dull purple hue. Myuk’s heart sank. A heavy weight of disappointment replaced the vibrant energy that had filled him moments before.
The lady’s eyes narrowed, lips pressing into a thin line as the crystal’s light faded. Disappointment etched across her regal features, and for a brief moment, Myuk thought he saw a flicker of pity in her gaze before it hardened into cold disdain. “We summoned someone useless!” she shouted, the words slicing through the air like a blade.
Myuk felt as if the ground had been ripped from beneath him. Useless. The word struck him like a physical blow, its sharp edges piercing through the fragile hope he had begun to nurture. His heart dropped into the pit of his stomach, and he suddenly felt small and insignificant.
Memories of harsh words and cruel laughter from his past surged through his mind. ‘You should just die,’ the voices of his tormentors echoed, merging with the lady’s declaration. Myuk clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms as a familiar wave of despair washed over him. He wasn’t unique. He wasn’t the hero. He was just as worthless here as he had been back on Earth.
The promise of a new life, of being someone different, crumbled around him. The shadows of his past, which had begun to lift, descended again, wrapping around him tightly. And in that moment, the weight of his worthlessness became unbearable.