CHAPTER 3: The Summoning of Heroes
"Heroes, we have summoned you because our world is in grave danger," a voice spoke, cloaked entirely in black. There were three of them, their faces hidden in the shadows.
Alex knelt on the cold, stone floor, confusion and disbelief warring in his chest. "What… what's going on?" he asked, his voice barely steady, eyes darting between the dark figures.
"We'll lend our service… for adequate compensation," one of them said coolly.
Alex's gaze shifted. To his left, four other figures stood tall, confident, fully upright. He was the only one on his knees, and it only amplified his unease.
"Take us to your king," the shortest of the four demanded.
"Of course, right this way, Masters," the black-cloaked trio responded. They moved toward a wide staircase, descending with deliberate precision, guiding the heroes. Alex followed silently, trying to grasp the situation, every nerve on edge.
The steps echoed through a massive hall, walls adorned with intricate tapestries and polished stone that gleamed in the dim torchlight. As they advanced, Alex caught sight of the other four heroes more clearly — one with black hair, one with vibrant orange, one blonde, and the last with dark brown. The boy with orange hair looked far younger than the rest, almost fragile by comparison.
Alex forced his expression into neutrality, pulling his hood up to mask the shock twisting inside him. Wordlessly, he rose and followed, hiding any sign of the turmoil inside.
At the end of the corridor, they emerged into a vast hall, its ceiling towering impossibly high, the floor lined with polished marble. A grand throne sat at the far end, a red carpet stretching from its base. On the throne, a man wearing a golden crown radiated authority, his presence commanding silence as the murmurs of the gathered attendants faded.
"Welcome, Heroes," the king said, his voice warm and welcoming, causing even the murmuring attendants to fall silent.
"You have been summoned because our world is in grave danger. A plague known as the Abyssal Wave is spreading, threatening countless innocent lives," the king continued, his eyes scanning the gathered heroes.
"If it pleases Your Majesty, may we know the names of the summoned heroes?" he asked, pausing for their introduction.
The youngest, with bright orange hair, stepped forward. "Air. Rae Itusuki, sixteen years old."
The blonde-haired boy followed. "Fire. Aiden, Your Majesty."
Next, the black-haired hero stepped forth. "Water. Doma Reese."
Finally, the dark brown-haired figure introduced himself. "Earth. Jin Komado."
"Excellent," the king announced, his joy barely contained. "Now…"
Before he could continue, Rae raised a hand, pointing toward the hooded figure. "Your Majesty, what about him?"
The king's expression shifted subtly as Alex — now standing as the final hero — was addressed.
"Wood Elemental," one of the cloaked mages spoke, causing a ripple of whispers to pass through the hall.
All eyes turned toward Alex. He hesitated, refusing to speak at first, the weight of attention pressing down on him. Silence filled the hall until he finally stepped forward.
"Zodac," he said, voice steady. More murmurs erupted, some intrigued, others wary.
A mage who had summoned them kept a close watch on Zodac. His lips curved into a subtle, almost sinister smile. "He must be hiding something," the mage thought.
"I'm sorry, sir, but may I request that he remove this… headwear? It is inappropriate before the king," the mage said, bowing slightly while catching the king's attention.
The king's eyes narrowed, now focused fully on Zodac. "Remove it," he ordered, voice firm, all the hall's attention zeroed in.
Zodac remained still, hood shadowing his face, refusing to comply.
"Dude… take it off," Aiden, the Fire Elemental, spoke, frustration creeping into his tone.
"Don't make us look bad," Rae added, his youthful voice tinged with impatience.
"Come on, there's no shame in your hair. Just take it off," Jin said, more aggressive than the others.
The king's patience waned, his voice darkening. "It seems we have reached an impasse. If you do not remove it willingly, my knights will see to it."
At his command, the knights drew their swords, their spears coming to bear, the cold steel glinting under the torchlight. The hall held its breath as all eyes remained locked on Zodac, the hooded Wood Elemental, standing defiant amidst the tension.