“She’s out of control!” Tanvi wailed as she swung on the chandelier, while a burritoed Starr continued to roar at her.

  Okay, in the dragon’s defense, there was little bark to Starr’s bite. Her roars were like a puppy’s yips— adorable and endearing more than terrifying. But Tanvi was not convinced.

  In a rather comical attempt at self-defense, she batted at the young dragon with a broomstick. Starr took this as an invitation. She flew in and swooped around Tanvi, the cat girl screeching and waving the broom faster and wider. Kai face-palmed as her poor disciple cried out her name. The sight was chaotic and hirious, if not a little pitiable.

  “Easy, girl,” I urged, stepping forward to approach the upset dragon. Just as I said something, her head perked up as if she recognized my voice. When she turned over her shoulder, her mood changed in a snap of a finger. All of that hostility melted away, and she flew into me with plenty of affection and love to spare.

  “Heh, yes, yes, I missed you, too,” I muttered, patting her scaled back in an attempt to soothe her. She cooed, nuzzling against my chest. Tanvi dropped down from the chandelier, her cheeks visibly flushed. She dusted herself off and gred at Starr who was now contently curling up in my arms.

  “Devilish little imp she is!” she hissed and then hmphed. “She nearly burned my hair off!”

  “Sorry about that. She was probably anxious when she noticed that I wasn’t around.”

  “I had her caged, but she chewed through it!” she barked, pointing at the cage in question along the corner of the room. Actually instead of feeling guilt, I felt pride in knowing that Starr could do such a thing. It probably took her some time, but the girl showed tenacity and dedication.

  “Heh, what can I say? She’s a little clingy, this one.”

  I’d seen this girl before back when I’d been tied up by Buliba and her warrior women. She was kind of hiding behind Kai so I couldn’t see much of her, but up close, I got to admire her for the full busty and beautiful woman she was.

  The leopard girl was shorter than Kai, only about as tall as my shoulder, if not a bit shorter. The spots of fur on her fleshy skin were a deep, rich shade of honey yellow with hints of brown and bck patterns along her body and limited areas on her face. Two tipped ears perked up on her head, crowning her long bouncy blond hair. Her eyes were a shade of emerald green, and she had a small button nose that sat perfectly over her full pink lips.

  “Clingy is a word for it,” Tanvi huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. Kai was fighting back ughter, but she intervened before Tanvi could say another word.

  “Tanvi, you’ve met Lucien already.”

  She smiled. “I have, but he wasn’t dressed nor was he awake, or deemed the prophecy of the people!” she said to me with a wink. And then she bowed. “It’s an honor to meet you, Lord Lucien.”

  “Yeah, it’s just Lucien.” I nodded with a friendly smile. “And the honor is mine.”

  “Mind if I call you Lu?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Great! Because Lucien is too long for me. About the same amount of sylbles as my full name. Too many in my opinion.”

  “Tanvi, you will be temporarily accompanying Lucien during his travels.”

  “Heh… I’m sorry, what?” she said sheepishly, then tucked her lips inside her mouth as she squinted at her superior.

  “I must be with my mother. Lucien has made her feel better, and my presence will aid her healing. But he cannot travel alone with Starr. You’re the most suitable person to accompany him in my pce. Again, this is only temporary.”

  Tanvi blinked in surprise, then gnced at me, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “B-but I... are you sure, my priestess?”

  “Absolutely,” Kai replied, her gaze steady and confident.

  Tanvi seemed to defte a bit, her shoulders dropping as she sighed in defeat. “Alright, I understand….” And then, she did a complete 180 and jumped on her tiptoes while squeezing my arm. “Just kidding! Of course I want to come! A man who has proven himself by healing Mother Sylena is a man I’d be honored to party and raid with!” She went down on one knee and pced a hand over her chest. “I am at your disposal, my liege.”

  Well, she was certainly an interesting character.

  Kai watched the exchange with an amused smile on her lips. “I thought you might say that. It’s going to be hard work though, Tanvi. You must help Lucien excel and level up.”

  “I can do that! I promise, my priestess!” Tanvi said excitedly as she bounced back on her feet.

  Starr turned around and hissed at her, a warning that she was getting too close.

  It was clear that Starr was going to be the jealous type, but that wasn’t going to stop my solo hype girl from celebrating her new task.

  I smiled at her enthusiasm as she turned back to me and said, “We’ll make a good team, Lu! I guarantee it!”

  We were ready to embark on our adventure, right after we stopped by the seamstress’ shop for my armor. It was a pretty sick looking piece of armor too, tailored from head to toe, with gold polished metal accents covering a base of bck leather. I had to admit, I felt rather badass just looking at it.

  “Dang, Lu! You’re gonna be unstoppable in that!” Tanvi excimed, her emerald eyes filled with awe and admiration as she appraised my new armor.

  I ughed at her enthusiasm. “I hope so, Tanvi.”

  As the seamstress was making the final adjustments on my armor, she gave me more details on it. Not only did it come with its standard buff in fortitude, but it also had a yer of enchanted draconic scale interwoven into the lining which provided resistance to magical attacks.

  “Wow,” I muttered, inspecting the intricate detailing on the ptes. “You don’t joke around here, do you?”

  Usindi ughed softly. “Not when it comes to protecting our own, Lucien.”

  With my armor customized and finished, and Tanvi and Starr beside me, I felt ready to face whatever may come. The rest of our morning was spent stocking up on necessary supplies— a few potions, tonics, and a day’s worth of food. We couldn’t take too much seeing as the vilge was in more need than we were of basic necessities. After that, we mapped out a rough traveling pn with the help of Kai, marking dungeons we could raid to get me leveling up quickly.

  After Kai took care of her mother for a few days, Tanvi was to swap out with her and watch over the sect. While that would have been an honor for her on a regur day, today she didn’t seem so thrilled about it. At least not as enthusiastic as she was when Kai assigned her the task of being my traveling partner.

  She tried to hide the disappointment in her face with a bright beaming smile. I guess she expected to stay with me for a little longer than a few days.

  By the time it was early afternoon, it was time to leave the vilge of Grusnabi. Down the main square, women and children sang, cheered, banged conga drums, and danced with tambourines as we walked down the cobblestone path. Some of the older vilgers sprinkled sacred herbs over us, their voices lost in the vilge’s celebration of our departure.

  “It’s for protection and blessings for our journey,” Tanvi said as she leaned over my shoulder.

  Voices of Grusnabi continued filling the air with praise and warmth. Tanvi looked back at them, waving enthusiastically and shouting goodbyes, her voice bubbling with excitement. Starr, on the other hand, was on edge as she perked her head up from my arms, her eyes jerking back and forth with her snout in the air, picking up different types of smells.

  Tanvi and I locked eyes for a split second, both understanding the gravity of what we were about to undertake. Starr caught our gaze and squawked loudly, breaking the moment. It was her peculiarly charming way of reminding us that we were not alone in this journey, and that she was with us too.

  At the end of our walk was a stone arch where Elder Athoz and High Priestess Kai waited for us. Elder Athoz raised a hand, and all of the noise gradually subsided, repced by a hush of curiosity. This was the first time I saw the leader of the Ecuzni sect, a sage woman who radiated wisdom and security among her people.

  She turned to me with a stern yet reassured expression and nodded with a smile. My chest fluttered as I cracked her a sheepish grin. For some reason, I felt small before her, even though she was giving me wholesome and friendly energy.

  Kai stood to the right of her along the other column of the arch, her eyes focused on the crowd that began to thicken around us.

  Elder Athoz stepped forward first, with an old parchment clutched in her hands. Her voice echoed across the hushed crowd, a loud boisterous voice that demanded all of the attention. She recounted the prophecy that was foretold to them years ago—the emergence of a warrior who would bring a resurgence of life to their wilted nd.

  “My beloved sisters and young brothers, the time has finally dawned upon us. We are gathered here today on the promise of our goddess Amossira. For many decades, centuries even, she has blessed us with bounty for our devotion to her and upholding her will. We spread love, unity, and harmony under her nurturing eye. Create a better world, and I will nurture you, your children, and their children for many generations to come. Spread your seeds among the nd, and I will spread harvest from sun up to sun down. What marvelous gifts she has blessed us with for our servitude? Abundant and eversting! But now, a harrowing darkness threatens to engulf all that we hold dear. For a decade, it has pgued us, crippled us, and starved us from everything we’ve worked so hard on. Our goddess has been dormant, as have all the gods. She hasn't heard our cries, our suffering, but she has warned us about the darkness, hasn't she? She’d prophesied the beginning of the end, but we didn’t prepare. We became so dependent on her riches, that we failed to sustain ourselves in times of hardship. We’ve let this darkness encroach our homes and take our lives. But we won’t be victims anymore! She now beckons us to rise from our own ashes, to find the strength within ourselves and face the darkness. But she did not expect us to do this alone.”

  The crowd started to murmur, reassured by Elder Athoz’s powerful words. She unfolded the parchment in her hands and spoke in her native nguage, and I understood every word of it. “Amossira’s prophecy tells about a hero who would arrive at the first light of dawn, as bare as the sun and as bright as its rays. A hero who would cut through our trials and tributions and set forth a new era of perseverance and prosperity. A hero, seemingly ordinary, who would harness the power to conquer all wickedness and free our nd from its relentless grip.” She looked up from her parchment, those white milky eyes making the crowd quiet again. “The goddess has brought us our ray of hope.”

  Elder Athoz then tilted her head toward me, her smile gleaming with hope and pride. “Lord Lucien Barros. He is our warrior, our champion, chosen by Amossira herself to cleanse our sacred nds from the depths of the infernal abyss,” she decred, a wave of appuse roaring through the crowd. “This warrior will journey through treacherous nds, face hordes of demons, and restore our nation to its full glory. Today, my sisters and young brothers, we send off this brave soul with our full support. We give him our hearts and our strength, our prayers and our faith.”

  The crowd erupted with a cheer, their words of support and faith circuting in the air. The enormity of my task was hitting me again, but so was the overwhelming support I was receiving.

  High Priestess Kai then followed with a speech of her own as she held something that looked like a small stone mortar in her hands. The High Priestess seized everyone’s attention as she approached me in her angelic beauty. Honestly she looked like a bride before an altar. “Lucien,” she began, her voice clear and calm. “You carry within you the spirit of our goddess. Amossira’s resilience against adversity shines brightly inside you. You are the seed that will sprout in our desote grounds, the rain that would quench our arid soils, and the sunlight that will bring forth new life. You are the living embodiment of our goddess’ divine power, sent not only to restore life and vitality to our blighted nds, but to be the head of our nation, a true leader among our people.” She extended her arm toward the crowd, and whispered to me, “Remember their faces and their faith in you. You are not alone, Lucien. I believe in you. We believe in you.”

  Kai took her thumb into the mortar that had a thick burgundy paste inside of it. It looked like cy mixed with water, the application of it on my forehead warm to the touch. I had no idea what she drew up there until she finished. The priestess had just appointed me a member of the Ecuzni Sect!

  My chest fluttered as drums beat and women chanted. I bowed respectfully to the priestess, but with every party, there had to be a party pooper….

  The moment I saw General Buliba pull away from the crowd, I knew trouble was right around the corner. With her sharp eyes on me as she sported that cheeky grin she swung her hair away from her shoulders and challenged the High Priestess with a slow appuse. “Congratutions, priestess. Your prophecy has come! Our knight in shining armor, or should I say dame? After all, you’ve told us for years that our hero was a woman. Can’t be too sure with these unclear prophecies, huh?” She taunted with a snicker. “But, you can’t expect everyone to put their faith in a man who hasn’t shown us much of anything to go off of, can you?”

  What was Buliba doing? She’d already seen me use my [Fertile Charm]. Why was she still calling me a fraud?

  Kai sharpened her gre at Buliba. I could tell that she didn’t want to address her but she knew that Buliba wouldn’t rest until she did. “Who are you to speak on behalf of the people, general? The goddess chooses as she sees fit. It is not our pce to question her ways. If she has chosen Lucien Barros, then it is because he is the one destined to fulfill this prophecy.”

  “Pretty sure it’s just because he’s her son.” The vilge square erupted into murmurs and gasps of shock. “Oh? You didn’t know?” She grinned. “Lord Lucien is the son of our beloved goddess Amossira!” Her words reverberated through the vilge, Buliba single handedly stirring everyone up.

  “Everyone, settle down,” Kai ordered, but they refused. They were getting rowdy. It was clear that Elder Athoz and the High Priestess weren’t pnning on telling everyone about my secret identity. It wasn’t a request from me, but a request that I supported 100%. Not only would it cause confusion, seeing as all of the titans, gods and goddesses have been missing for a decade, but it would also put a lot of pressure on me. For one, it would raise expectations to an unattainable level; there was only so much a man, or a half-god for that matter, could do at level 5. And two, it would make me a target for those who held contempt for the gods.

  As the crowd’s muttering grew louder, Buliba fshed me a sadistic grin, satisfied with the chaos she had created. She continued to fan the fmes of confusion and betrayal, shouting about the supposed deception from the High Priestess and Elder Athoz. She had such a commanding presence that it wasn’t surprising her words were inciting such a response. Kai gnced at me, her eyes whispering an unspoken apology.

  I took that as my chance to recim the scene. “I requested that Elder Athoz and High Priestess Kaitarra keep this part of me a secret,” I stepped up and said, “But unbeknownst to them, a nosy birdy was eavesdropping on our conversation.” The crowd hushed a bit as I finally addressed them. “I didn’t want anyone knowing because I wasn’t sure how everyone would receive the news. I’m a newcomer, not only to Grusnabi, but to the world of Etheryn.” I paused. “So, allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Lucien Barros. I’m a 21 year old American college senior. I’m from Earth, and I’ve been told that Etheryn is a sister pnet of Earth. I’m not a Seiddayan, as many of you assume I am. I want to clear the air and the board and give you hard facts and solid truths, because that’s the only way to start a retionship—by being honest. So thank you General Buliba for giving me the opportunity to be honest with all of you.” I bowed, Buliba crossing her arms over her chest and sucking her teeth.

  She didn’t like that I turned her chaos into my advantage as I continued to win over the crowd with my words. “I only dropped here st night from a portal tear from my world to yours. It was one of the roughest nights of my life. I was lost, confused, and I didn’t know where to put myself when my codex told me the truth about my mother. Yes, as you, I had no idea. Back home, her name was Demri. To me, she was just Mom. I wouldn’t think in a million years that my mother was an actual goddess of the universe, and a deity that the Ecuzni Sect worshiped. But I believe in fate, and given the circumstances that brought me here being less than pleasant, I was destined to fall into the arms of the Grusnabi people. I will not stand here and tell you to wholeheartedly accept me for who I am, and I will not promise you that I will become the savior that you’ve been praying for. All I can do is promise to you that I will do my damn best. It’s up to you to decide if you’ll have me or not. Back on Earth, I was just a regur guy. There was nothing particurly special about me. I worked a crappy job and did tutoring part time. I blended in with the background where no one could notice me, and I lived in a small apartment, trying to make ends meet. I wasn’t anyone noteworthy, I didn’t stand on riches or fame, and I certainly had no divine powers that were accessible to me. But all of that has changed when I fell through that portal, and I have to adapt to this new reality.”

  I paused, swallowing hard as I watched the crowd’s reaction. To my relief, I saw nods of understanding, even a few smiles lighting up faces that were previously knotted with confusion and anger.

  “To be honest with you,” I continued, “I’m scared. As exciting as all of this is, I’m still afraid of failing. This is all new to me—the magic, the prophecy, the power to be had, and being the son of a goddess…. But one thing that I do know from my old life is this—I never give up. I’m one stubborn SOB, always have been, and always will be. I admit, being her son had no merit to me. Partly because I was in denial, and the other part, in pure shock, honestly. At one point I started fooling myself in saying that it was no big deal, but it is. After seeing so much in my short time being with you all, I’ve learned a lot. My mother was a nurse before that so-called car accident. I don’t know where she went, and I wish I did have answers for you on where she is, but what I do know is that she is definitely a savior, always ready to give assistance in any way she can. I guess you could say that my helpful nature is something I got from the goddess of creation and fertility, and I’m pretty damn proud of it. So, if you will—allow me a chance to prove myself to you.”

  Slowly, everyone appuded, their boisterous cheers growing louder. I saw Buliba falling back into the crowd with a smile of her own, but it wasn’t resentment. I couldn’t read her, because I swear it looked like she’d pnned this to move in my favor from the very beginning.

  Okay, the girl was officially confusing as fuck.

  Regardless of her intentions, I was grateful for it.

  “Our hero will be departing Grusnabi today to embark on his divine mission,” Kai said. “He will venture into uncharted nds, face formidable foes and navigate countless trials, all for the sake of our people and our homend. I know the news of his connection to our divine mother may come as a shock for most, but his title is no farce. In fact, he has fertilized a section of our field, and also given a healing hand to my mother Sylena, who is slowly recovering in her medical ward, and has done so without items or trickery.”

  More whispers fell on the crowd. Kai emphasized that I did all of this at a low level of five, the vilge clearly impressed. I could see the glimmer of pride in the eyes of the people. Most importantly, I saw hope. Hope that after years of hardship they would finally have a fighting chance.

  “Lady Tanvi will temporarily take my pce by his side while I tend to Mother Sylena during her recovery. Let us send Lady Tanvi and Lord Lucien off with goodwill and blessings of fortune,” Kai procimed as she turned to me. “May the spirit of the gods of the light guide you and keep you safe.”

  Well wishes rumbled through the crowd, their faith in me growing stronger. As cheers echoed around me, a sense of calm washed over me. I was overwhelmed by the support they showed, and so was Tanvi, who relished in all of the excitement.

  “Ready to kick some ass, Lu?” she asked me with a grin, her energy aching for adventure. She was already in her light leather gear, and double daggers strapped to her sides.

  I nodded, taking a deep breath to compose myself. Starr slithered up my arm and settled comfortably on my shoulder, her eyes fiery and determined.

  “Yeah…. I’m ready.”

  Kai turned to me and took my hands into hers lovingly. She looked up into my eyes deeply and whispered, “Be careful out there, Lucien. And come back to us in one piece.”

  I stroked her smooth knuckles with my thumb and nodded. “Your smile is enough reason for me to come back unscathed,” I promised her, a hint of a joke easing the seriousness of our conversation. She caught onto the joke but blushed, trying to hide her smile after she let go of my hands.

  She looked down at Starr, who was staring at her with those big emerald eyes. When the priestess reached over and patted her affectionately on the head, Starr didn’t break out in a protective temperament.

  “Ah, the small beast has taken a liking to me.”

  “She senses you’re a great caretaker, Kai,” I complimented. “Now go out there and do what you do best. I’ll be back soon. Together, we’ll restore Grusnabi.”