Uthark walked through the towering gates of the new academy, his small frame weighed down by the heavy bags of weapons and combat gear slung over his shoulders. Beside him, his father Orkus carried the last of their supplies, his eyes fixed nervously on his son. The crisp morning air was filled with the distant sounds of training drills and shouted commands echoing from within the compound walls.
"How are you feeling, son?" Orkus asked quietly, his voice betraying a hint of unease. "Are you nervous about starting your training?"
Uthark swallowed hard and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. The truth was, his heart hammered in his chest like a war drum, but he refused to show weakness. "Yeah, I'm a little nervous, but I'll be fine, Dad," he said, trying to sound braver than he felt. "I've dreamed of being a superhero for as long as I can remember. I'm ready to fight for the universe."
Orkus nodded, though the worry in his eyes deepened. He wasn't sure if his son, only ten years old, truly understood the gravity of the battle ahead. The fate of countless worlds rested on Uthark's shoulders—he was the final defense against the creeping eldritch force devouring everything in its path.
They reached the main gates, where Orkus stopped and turned to face his son. Pulling Uthark into a tight, lingering embrace, he whispered, "I love you so much, son. No matter what happens, remember that."
A bittersweet tear slid down Orkus's cheek as he fought back his own fears. "I promise I'll visit whenever I can."
Uthark felt the warmth of his father's arms, a mixture of comfort and sorrow, and the weight of the moment pressed down on him like a mountain. "Go be a hero, son," Orkus said, his voice trembling but resolute. "You are our last hope."
With that, Orkus stepped back, giving Uthark a nod of both farewell and encouragement.
Taking a deep breath, Uthark stepped beyond the gates and into the sprawling campus. The training grounds stretched out before him, alive with the sound of clashing metal and fierce determination. He found his way to a classroom where several other children, all clutching similar gear, sat quietly, eyes flickering with a mix of excitement and fear.
Sitting down, Uthark felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. His hands trembled ever so slightly, but his mind was clear. No matter what came next, he knew he had to persevere. The universe depended on it.