Far from Drakenveil, in the golden halls of King Aldebrand's palace, a different kind of gathering took place.
The floor glowed with the remnants of an ancient ritual circle, still crackling faintly with magic. Inside it stood five bewildered figures, dressed in strange clothes, their eyes darting wildly as they tried to comprehend their new surroundings.
Nobles and priests filled the chamber, gazing at the newcomers as if angels had descended from the heavens. Trumpets blared, and banners of Aldebrand's kingdom unfurled from the balconies.
The king himself rose from his throne, his jeweled crown gleaming beneath the torchlight. His voice was rich, commanding, full of false reverence.
King Aldebrand:
"Rejoice, noble court! The gods have answered our prayers. Heroes from another world stand before us, chosen to deliver us from evil!"
The heroes exchanged confused looks.
Hiroshi Takeda, the young swordsman, instinctively placed a hand on his hip where no blade hung.
Emily Carter, adjusting her glasses, blinked rapidly, overwhelmed by the grandeur around her.
Darius Stormwind grinned in disbelief, muttering under his breath, "Just like an RPG…"
Lysandra, the pious one, had already fallen to her knees in prayer, whispering thanks to the gods.
The king's voice thundered again, echoing against the marble.
King Aldebrand:
"Heroes, your destiny is clear. The Witch-Empress of Drakenveil spreads her shadow across the land. She enslaves her people, drinks the blood of the innocent, and defies the will of the divine. You have been called to strike her down!"
The court erupted in applause, cheers rising to the vaulted ceiling.
Hiroshi clenched his fists, determination lighting his eyes.
Hiroshi:
"If that's our mission… then we'll do it. We'll protect this world from her."
The other heroes nodded—some eagerly, some with hesitation. All except Emily, who frowned faintly, unease tugging at her heart. Something in the king's speech rang hollow… but the crowd's worship drowned out her doubts.
The nobles hailed them as saviors. The priests proclaimed them holy champions. The people would remember this night as the moment hope returned.
But far across the mountains, in the empire of Drakenveil, Empress Maria sat upon her dark throne, preparing to bear the weight of the villain's crown.