Dawn broke over the Hunter Guild's mountain fortresses, lighting its stone towers like burning gold. Inside the grand hall, banners of many races hung proudly — a symbol of unity, at least on the surface.
Aurel stood at the center of the chamber, hands folded behind his back, watching as the chosen recruits entered one by one.
He greeted them with a warm, heroic smile.
Aurel Veyron
"Welcome, my brave friends. Today, you become the first protectors of this new world."
They lined up before him:
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1. LYDRAN — A wolfkin berserker
Massive, loud, loyal.
Lydran
"Say the word, Aurel! My claws are ready to tear apart any threat!"
2. SILAEN — An elf healer
Calm, intelligent, always suspicious.
Silaen
"My purpose is to safeguard life. I hope that aligns with your intent."
Aurel's smile didn't waver.
Aurel
"Of course it does."
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3. ZIBBIT — Goblin scholar
Nervous but brilliant.
Zibbit
"I brought all my notes! Did I bring too many notes? I brought too many notes."
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4. RAVIN — Human swordsman
Young, ambitious, desperate for recognition.
Ravin
"I'll prove I belong here, Master Aurel."
---
Aurel stepped back, spreading his arms as if presenting something sacred.
Aurel
"From this day onward, you four will be known as… The First Vanguard."
They bowed — some excited, some uncertain.
Inside, Aurel's hidden thoughts twisted darkly.
Good. Heroes are powerful tools. People worship heroes. Nations trust heroes.
And heroes will lead armies exactly where I want them to go.
---
THE KINGDOM IN NEED
Later that afternoon, a messenger arrived from Kingdom Theral, breathless, cloak torn.
Messenger
"Master Aurel! Our borders are under threat from Kaldor! The king begs for aid!"
The team stiffened. A new war. A new test.
Aurel placed a gentle hand on the messenger's shoulder.
Aurel
"Calm yourself. You are safe here. We will help."
The messenger nearly cried with relief.
Aurel turned to his team, expression noble and grave.
Aurel
"The neighboring kingdom seeks war. They claim it is for territory…"
He paused.
"But I suspect a darker influence."
Silaen narrowed her eyes.
Silaen
"You sound certain.
Do you know something we don't?"
Aurel gave a perfectly timed sympathetic sigh.
Aurel
"Only that innocent lives will be caught in the fire if we do nothing."
Inside, he smiled.
Just as planned. A spark placed months ago between two kings… and now the flames rise.
And my 'heroes' will carry the torch.
He lifted his sword dramatically.
Aurel
"First Vanguard… prepare for deployment. Today, we march to stop a war."
Lydran roared in approval.
Ravin clenched his fists with determination.
Zibbit dropped half his notes.
Silaen still watched Aurel carefully.
Aurel turned away so they wouldn't see the truth flicker in his eyes.
And after this war… the world will trust the Hunter Guild even more.
Soon, every kingdom will depend on me.
Outside, storm clouds gathered — perfect for the architect of destiny.i