[Welcome to the game Knight and Harbinger of Shadow.]
Rondo slowly opened his eyes. He glanced left and right at the scenery. Mountains towered high, the grass was so green, and he could smell fresh air. Rondo tried to take a step. But, his legs felt a little heavy. The sound of his footsteps even sounded like iron hitting the dirt.
When he looked down, that's when he realized his legs were covered in iron.
Huh, my feet... my hands...?
Rondo thought, staring at his shiny, metal-covered hands and feet. He also had a medium-sized iron sword hanging at his waist.
A moment later, a girl wearing long sleeves, a long skirt, and a pointed hat appeared in front of him. She turned to Rondo, and he walked closer.
"Tira? Where's Kenta?" Rondo asked the girl.
Tira looked pretty amazed seeing Rondo in his Knight gear.
"You're the Knight? Wow, so cool. No idea where Kenta is. He'll probably spawn in a sec," Tira replied, dusting off her clothes.
A moment later, a guy in simple clothes like a normal villager appeared. The guy was super buff. He had a bow on his back and a quiver full of arrows, ready to go.
The guy looked around, confused. Then he spotted Tira and Rondo standing next to him.
"Wow, you look totally different, Kenta," Rondo said.
"Ugh... but this bow strap is kinda choking me," Kenta said, adjusting it.
The three of them started walking, following the setting sun.
"Heh, you're so buff here. But in real life you're kinda scrawny, hahaha," Tira teased.
"You're a mage, so just shut up. Nobody asked you," Kenta shot back.
"What did you say?!" Tira yelled. Her eyes started glowing purple.
"Sheesh, you started it but you're the one getting mad," Kenta muttered.
"Hey... you two are fighting already, haha," Rondo said softly.
They were so busy talking, they didn't even notice they'd reached a small village. A big sign above the entrance said 'Welcome to Eternia'. Inside, lots of people were busy doing their own thing. Some were hauling water with carts, others were carrying logs, and some were still selling stuff at stalls.
"You finally made it, just before the sun set completely," said an old man with long white hair and all-white robes, who had suddenly appeared right next to them.
They all turned to him. "Uh, sir... who are you?" Rondo asked.
"My name is Fharel. I'm the village chief. You... I foresaw the three of you would come. Tonight will be the most terrifying night of our lives if you're not here," the old man said, his lips barely moving.
"Um... sorry, what's that supposed to mean, sir?" Tira asked.
"Come, follow me into the village. I'll welcome you with some warm tea and biscuits," Fharel said, already walking away.
The three of them followed the old man into Eternia. As soon as they entered, Rondo, Kenta, and Tira became the center of attention. All the villagers stared at them, amazed. Some were in awe of Rondo's fierce armor. A few of the village girls were admiring Kenta's handsome face and muscles. Meanwhile, some of the village men were admiring Tira's beauty as a mage.
Fharel then motioned for them to enter his house, which was made of wood. Inside, the room was so dark Fharel had to light a candle.
"Please, sit down. I'll go prepare that tea and some snacks," Fharel said, walking off to the kitchen.
The three of them sat down on the wooden chairs.
"These chairs are rough. Wish they had a soft couch here," Tira said, rubbing her back.
"Jeez, what'd you expect, your house? This is like the middle ages or something," Kenta said.
"Haha, you two... Anyway, aren't you guys curious why we were dragged here?" Rondo asked.
"I dunno. Let's just have the tea first," Tira replied.
"Yeah, really. Let's just eat. Maybe he just wants us to hunt something for him, you know?" Kenta added.
"Oh, yeah, that could be it," Tira said, snapping her fingers.
"True. But I dunno, I've got a bad feeling about this," Rondo said.
Not long after, Fharel came back carrying four cups and a teapot. He poured the tea into the empty cups.
"Please, enjoy. It's an herbal tea the villagers make. We like it, it's very relaxing and calms the nerves," Fharel said, setting the pot down gently.
"Thank you," Rondo said. He took off his metal helmet. His face was finally uncovered. He took a slow sip and felt the warmth and relaxation, just like Fharel said. His friends did the same.
After they finished their tea, Fharel got ready to talk.
"Let me explain. Every one thousand years, a disaster comes. It tries to wipe out a bunch of humanity, all for eternal power. They are the shadow armies. They usually come from the forest, looking for people to turn into more shadow soldiers. So they can slaughter other planets easier.
"People panicked when the shadow armies showed up. There were so many of them, and only a few humans to fight back. Luckily, there was a brave knight of light. All by himself, he drove them all away. The armies retreated. But... they always promise to come back, every thousand years," Fharel explained.
"So where'd the knight go? And why did your prophecy pick us?" Rondo asked.
"Nobody knows where he went. He just vanished, before the villagers could even thank him. He beat the shadow armies twice. But for this third time... it seems he's not around. I've read thousands of books, and I read a prophecy. It said a mage, an archer, and a chosen knight would appear to protect us. That the three of them would work together to destroy the armies. You... you have to be them."
"Then why don't you fight them yourself?" Tira asked.
"I'm just a village chief who can see the future a little. I'm not a warrior, and I'm not the one in the prophecy. So, I'm begging you. Protect this village with your strength. We'll pay you whatever it costs," Fharel replied.
Just then, the sky turned pitch black and thunder started to rumble.
"It's time. I hope you understand what I've told you," Fharel said, looking out the window at the dark, scary night. The villagers were all gone from the streets. Every door was locked tight.
"Alright, then. We'll go face them," Kenta said, standing up. Tira and Rondo stood up too.
"Okay, thank you. May you be safe," Fharel said, standing up with them.
Tira and Kenta walked out first. Rondo was still putting his helmet back on. Just as Rondo was about to leave, Fharel stopped him.
"I see something very valuable in your eyes. Luck," said Fharel.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rondo asked, confused.
"If you ever doubt yourself, try to split the earth, and put your faith in the goddess of light," Fharel answered.
"Um... okay, I'll remember that," Rondo said. He walked out the door and followed his friends.
Rondo, Tira, and Kenta ran west. They looked around and saw nothing but tall trees. The wind started blowing hard. It got darker and darker. Then, a big UI popped up in front of them.
[Objective: Defeat the Shadow Army wave 1/10]
Out of the shadows, wild boars started to appear, one by one. Their bodies were covered in darkness, and their eyes were glowing red.