Wandering Witch: Penance of a thief

Our knowledge is a receding mirage in an expanding desert of ignorance.

So, here I am, stuck in a dingy little cell in a kingdom prison, all my belongings confiscated like I'm some sort of criminal mastermind.

You might be wondering,

"What did this poor soul do to land in such a lovely vacation spot?" Well, pull up a chair, and let me enlighten you.

Let's rewind a bit. Picture this: I'm trudging through the blistering heat of a desert, my eyes squinting against the glaring sun as I head towards a kingdom.

"This place is hotter than a blacksmith's forge!" I mutter to myself, trying to keep my sanity intact.

Why would I willingly march across a scorching wasteland, you ask? Because, apparently, my father used to live in this kingdom.

Curiosity got the best of me.

"Father, why on earth did you choose to live in a kingdom in the middle of a desert? What were you thinking?" I sigh dramatically.

"What a pain."

With each step, I can't shake the feeling that this quest is as pointless as trying to teach a fish to ride a bicycle.

I don't know much about my father's adventures in this kingdom, only that he stuck around for a few months before mysteriously vanishing into thin air. Classic dad move, right?

But wait! What's that glimmering in the distance? An oasis! "Oasis!" I shout, racing toward it like a mirage-chasing lunatic.

As I reach the edge, I see the water—crystal clear and oh-so-inviting. Without a second thought, I plunge my face into the refreshing liquid.

But the taste… oh boy, the taste is like swallowing a mouthful of sand.

"What the—? Why does this taste like my last camping trip?" I blink in disbelief, and suddenly it hits me: this isn't water; it's a cruel trick of the desert.

"Agh! Damn it!" I shout, looking at my empty water bottle with despair.

"Rufina said there was an oasis here—was she pulling my leg?"

I grumble, thinking about my travel companions.

"I can't travel with Elaina because she's off gallivanting with Fran. Just my luck! I guess I'm destined to be the third wheel—or worse, the annoying mosquito buzzing around."

As I turn back toward the kingdom, I realize just how far I have to go.

"Great, just what I needed—a long walk back with no water."

I keep marching, hoping the end is just around the corner, but as the sun beats down, I start to feel woozy.

"Ugh… Damn it, is this really my limit? I'm out of food, out of water, and out of ideas!"

I mutter, my legs feeling like lead.

"I can't keep this up or I'm going to collapse right here. I'll be a sand sculpture before anyone finds me!"

Just as I contemplate my fate, a voice calls out from behind. I turn to see a horse-drawn carriage barreling toward me.

"Oh, thank the gods!"

But before I can wave my arms in distress, the world starts spinning, and the next thing I know, I'm face-down in the sand.

When I finally regain consciousness, I find myself sprawled across the plush seats of the carriage.

"Ouch... my head..." I groan, gingerly touching the throbbing spot. The last thing I remember is that oasis, and it's safe to say that desert mirages are not my friends.

"Are you awake?" a voice jolted me from my daze. It belonged to the man driving the horse-drawn carriage.

"Yes… thank you. And who are you?" I squinted at him, trying to make sense of my surroundings.

"My name is Jase," he replied, a friendly grin spreading across his face.

As I took in the cluttered interior of the carriage, I noticed various wares stacked haphazardly. Clearly, Jase was a trader of sorts.

"I'm Arche," I introduced myself, still feeling a bit fuzzy.

"Arche? Nice name!" Jase said enthusiastically.

"So, where do you want to go, Arche?"

"To a kingdom… if I'm not mistaken, its name is the Kingdom of Golden Sands."

I rubbed my temples, hoping my brain would catch up.

"Really? We're heading for the same kingdom!"

he exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

"My horse and I have been in high spirits for the past few days."

"I'm surprised your horse is still alive,"

I quipped sarcastically, arching an eyebrow.

"My horse is the greatest horse in the whole world, you know!" Jase declared proudly.

"She's been with me since I started trading."

"Your horse is your best friend, huh?" I chuckled, picturing him whispering sweet nothings to his steed.

"Yes! And always will be!" He beamed at the thought.

"I hope you don't plan on marrying her," I shot back, smirking.

To my surprise, he burst out laughing. I half-expected him to be offended, but his positivity was infectious.

"You remind me of someone…"

I mused aloud.

"Hm? If I may ask, who?" he inquired.

"My friend," I began, "he's a total idiot, but he's always optimistic about everything. Never gives up, either. He's basically the poster child for perfection."

"Really? He must be a great person, huh?" Jase replied, genuinely intrigued.

"Yeah, sometimes I'm jealous of him," I admitted, looking out at the endless desert that had led me here.

"You don't need to be jealous, Arche," he countered, his tone reassuring.

"Instead of wasting energy on jealousy, focus on yourself and work hard. That way, others might end up being jealous of you!"

I couldn't help but smile faintly.

"You've got a point."

"Ah! We've arrived!" Jase announced, pulling the reins as we approached a magnificent gate.

I blinked in disbelief. The kingdom was a stunning sight, shimmering in the sunlight. "What in the world…"

It was true; there was water—lots of it—surrounding the kingdom.

"There's a lot of water here…"

I marveled.

"Yeah, that was surprising…" Jase echoed, equally awestruck.

"Jase, you can drop me off here," I said, glancing at the towering gates.

"Hm… Okay."

He slowed the carriage to a stop.

As I hopped down, I fished a silver coin from my pocket and handed it to him. "Thank you, Jase."

"Arche—" he started to say something, but I waved him off and took off, eager to explore.

I wandered aimlessly through the kingdom, still reeling from Jase's unexpected wisdom. If he hadn't been here, I'd probably still be face-first in the sand.

After satisfying my thirst for adventure, I headed to the nearest restaurant to buy some much-needed food and drinks.

As I took my first bite, a wave of satisfaction washed over me.

"Ah… finally! I can eat!" I exclaimed, as if I'd just discovered the meaning of life in a bowl of stew.

Once I polished off my meal like a starving traveler, I stepped outside and was immediately struck by the sight of a colossal palace.

"Woah… the palace is huge!" I marveled, tilting my head back as I tried to take it all in.

"But I'm still confused—why is there so much water in this kingdom?" I mused aloud, scratching my head.

"They're going against the laws of this world," I added jokingly, glancing at the clear blue fountains that dotted the landscape.

My mind drifted back to my father.

"But what was he doing here…?" I wondered.

He had lived in this kingdom for several months, and yet I had no idea what secrets he was keeping.

"This is indeed an amazing kingdom…" I pondered, feeling a mix of admiration and frustration.

"But… is that all?" I sighed dramatically, trying to summon my inner detective. I decided to approach a group of locals.

"Excuse me, I'm a newcomer and I want to ask you something," I said, trying to sound more authoritative than I felt.

"Did something happen… like, twenty years ago or more?" I pressed, hoping for some juicy gossip.

"Hmmm?" One man, about my father's age, rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Ah! This kingdom was once attacked by someone named Roberto!"

"Roberto?" The name tugged at the edges of my memory, but I couldn't quite place it.

"Yes, but there was someone who managed to seal Roberto away, and now the kingdom is as safe as it looks!"

the man explained with a dramatic flair, like he was recounting a fairy tale.

"Okay… thank you, sir!" I said, taking my leave. "Roberto, huh?" The name echoed in my mind.

If I wanted to learn more about this mysterious Roberto—and my father—I knew there was only one place to go: the royal library.

"But I can't just waltz in there…" I thought, plotting my next move.

"Agh! If only he were here; I could ask him directly!"

Realizing I had no other option, I made my way to a tall tower near the palace.

"This must be the Royal Library,"

I muttered to myself, confidence building with each step.

As I approached the entrance, a couple of guards stopped me, their stern faces making me feel like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"Hey! Who are you?!"

one of them barked.

"This place can only be entered by members of the royal family and those invited," another guard chimed in, crossing his arms.

"Oh! Of course I'm invited!" I replied, reaching into my pocket with the confidence of a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat.

"Just let me check… ah, here it is!" I pulled out two pieces of paper, waving them in the air like a victory flag.

"This is the invitation letter, sir guards!" I declared. When the guards leaned in to inspect the papers, I seized the moment.

In a swift motion, I pressed the papers against their noses.

Little did they know, these weren't just ordinary papers; they were laced with sleeping pills.

The guards' eyes widened in confusion, and then—thud! They both slumped to the ground.

"Oh, I don't need to sing you a lullaby, do I? Sleep well, gentlemen!" I grinned, feeling rather pleased with my cunning plan.

With the coast clear, I slipped into the tower and was immediately surrounded by towering bookshelves.

"Where should I start?" I pondered, feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of books.

As I scanned the titles, I couldn't help but joke to myself,

"If I slipped a little porn book in here, who would even notice?" Just then, I turned around and froze, spotting an elderly woman eyeing me from the shadows.

"Um…" I stammered, realizing that my covert operation had just taken a turn for the awkward.

"Who are you?" the old woman squinted at me, her hands planted firmly on her hips as if she could scare me into revealing my secrets.

"I was asked by the king to retrieve the archives about Roberto," I blurted out, channeling my best "important official" tone.

"Since Roberto has been sealed for more than twenty years, the king wanted to ensure there's no possibility of him breaking free from his seal." Perfect excuse, right? I mentally patted myself on the back.

"Ah! Is that so?" The old woman nodded, but then pointed to the highest bookshelf in the tower.

"You'll find the book up there."

"You must be kidding, right?" I gawked at the towering shelf that seemed to stretch toward the heavens.

"How do I even get that?"

"Climbing the ladder, of course," she replied matter-of-factly, gesturing toward an absurdly long ladder.

"Seriously?" I stared at her, waiting for a hint of a smile or a wink.

But she was as serious as a rock in a rainstorm. "Huff… life is full of challenges, isn't it?"

With a resigned sigh, I began my ascent. "At least I'm not afraid of heights anymore,"

I muttered to myself, though the faint quiver in my legs told another story.

As I reached the top and began rifling through the dusty books, the ladder suddenly swayed beneath me.

"Oh no, no, no!" I gasped, the world spinning as the ladder gave way and I plummeted.

In a moment of sheer instinct, I whipped out my grappling hook. With a flick of my wrist, the metal tip latched onto a nearby beam. I swung through the air like a poorly aimed superhero.

"Intruder!" the old woman screamed, her voice cracking like a whip.

"Looks like my cover's blown!" I shot back, scrambling up the line with the grace of a cat in a bathtub. "See ya!"

I launched myself into the maze of bookshelves, adrenaline pumping through my veins. This chase felt oddly familiar.

"When was the last time I was chased?" I mused. "Hmm… maybe when I was chased by Elaina?"

As I burst out of the tower and dashed down the street, I glanced back to see guards hot on my heels.

"Oh? Are you my fans? Sorry, the signing session is over!" I called out, trying to inject a bit of humor into my panic.

I could hear them grumbling, their faces a mixture of confusion and irritation. "We'll get you for this!" one shouted.

"Just another day in paradise," I muttered to myself, sprinting away with a grin plastered on my face.

I sprinted through the narrow alleys of the kingdom, the sound of soldiers chasing me growing closer.

Without a second thought, I dropped a few things behind me—scattered fruit baskets, old mats, and some broken clay pots. 

"I'll pay for these later!"

All of it shook the city's calm, creating chaos that forced the soldiers to slow down, trying to dodge the obstacles.

But even with the hindrances, I knew they wouldn't stop. My panic tightened as I saw their shadows closing in. 

"Damn, it's been a while since I had a chase like this."

The urge to survive pushed me to run faster, ignoring the heat burning my skin.

Each step took me to a busier street, where merchants shouted their wares. I zig-zagged, trying to confuse them. 

"This place is so crowded..."

Sweat dripped down my forehead, but I wouldn't stop. Keep running, keep dropping things, keep surviving—only one goal in my mind: freedom from this chase!

This city was a labyrinth, and I knew every corner of it. But as my steps grew heavier, the soldiers' voices calling out became clearer.

Suddenly, I tripped over a rug in the middle of the street. Quickly, I tried to get up, but they were almost right behind me. 

"Ah, damn it..."

No other choice. In an instant, I glanced right and jumped into the market, hoping to create more chaos to confuse them.

With more soldiers appearing, panic surged through me. Their orders for people to move made the streets even tighter. 

"Um... we can talk about this, right?"

"Move aside! The street needs to be clear!" one of the soldiers shouted, and people started to scatter away.

Their faces were filled with fear, but I had no time to think about that. My mind was solely focused on finding a way out of this chase.

Both sides of the street were lined with soldiers pursuing me, dark shadows drawing closer.

In the chaos, I realized the items I had left behind weren't enough to stop them.

There was only one choice: create more confusion.

With all my strength, I launched myself toward a merchant's tent, tearing down some hanging fabric.

The cloth fell, covering the path and creating a confusing fog. In an instant, I leaped over the tent and continued running to the other side.

But the soldiers weren't giving up easily. They shouted, 

"Catch him! He won't escape!"

Now, every step felt heavier. It was as if the whole city conspired against me.

I had to think faster. Spotting a narrow alley ahead, I took a risk and sharply turned, hoping to lose them.

In my mind, I mapped out possible escape routes.

I dashed into the tight alley, my breath catching in my chest. But all my efforts seemed in vain.

At the end of the alley, I found myself cornered, with no way out. The sound of the soldiers' footsteps grew closer, marking the end of my run. 

"Damn... I'm trapped..."

"Over there!" one of the soldiers shouted, his voice echoing off the alley walls. Despair crept into my mind.

All the items I left behind, all the tricks I tried—none of it worked. Now, there was only a wall behind me and soldiers ready to catch me.

In an instant, I searched for something—anything—that could help me out of this situation. But the alley was empty, and panic burned within me.

As the soldiers closed in, I decided to stand tall, ready to face them. If this was my end, I wouldn't go down with my head bowed.

"Hey, let's finish this like adults," I called out, a wicked grin stretching across my face.

"Rock, paper, scissors!" I shouted, throwing out rock with all the confidence of a seasoned champion.

A thrill of victory surged through me.

"Scissors and swords are similar, right?"

And just like that, I found myself locked up in prison, all my belongings confiscated.

"Looks like rock, paper, scissors didn't work out too well, huh?" I sighed, leaning back against the wall of my cell.

"These prison clothes are quite comfortable, though. I hope they don't steal my underpants."

Just then, a couple of guards approached my cell. "Oh, do you guys miss me already?"

I quipped, a playful smirk dancing on my lips.

"We will interrogate you," one of them said, unlocking the cell door and leading me out in handcuffs.

I was taken to the interrogation room, where a single light bulb flickered ominously above us, casting shadows that danced on the walls.

"Hello, how are you?" I chirped, taking a seat at the table.

In front of me sat a scary-looking interrogator, his brow furrowed like he was constantly trying to solve a complicated math problem.

"Don't put on a scary face; you'll make me pee my pants!" I joked.

"Wow, you're brave, huh? Still have time to joke around at a time like this?" he shot back, his voice a low growl.

"My name is Jorvik, and I'll be interrogating you."

"Hmmm, yes please," I replied, scanning the room for an escape route. There had to be a way out of this awkward situation.

"From your diary, your name is Ace, right?" Jorvik asked, narrowing his eyes.

Lucky for me, I didn't use my real name. "Yes, Ace the Sin Redeemer," I replied, puffing out my chest dramatically.

"Then can you explain why you infiltrated the royal library?" he demanded.

"Looking for a cold place, and also I'm on a quest for a porn book,"

I shot back without missing a beat.

"Do you have any?"

"I'm serious! Tell us, or I'll have to use force!" he retorted, his patience wearing thin.

"So the scary-faced man had to resort to threats first, huh?" I teased, waggling my eyebrows at him.

"Okay… if you insist," he huffed, standing up from his chair. He marched over to me, grabbed my head, and slammed it down hard on the table. "Answer!"

"So rude! Are you married? I feel sorry for your wife," I shot back defiantly, determined not to spill any secrets.

He hit my head again, frustration written all over his face. "Don't talk about my wife!"

I spat a bit of blood from my lips, a smirk still plastered on my face.

"Sensitive topic, huh?"

"Answer my damn question!" Jorvik shouted, his voice echoing off the cold, stark walls of the interrogation room.

I simply stared at him, silence my only defense.

"Tch… I heard you were trying to find a book about Roberto. Why do you want to find out about him?" His frustration was palpable, but I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of a response.

"Hah, you already know what I'm doing. Why are you still asking? Aren't you just wasting time?" I taunted, my bloody lips forming a smirk.

"You still don't want to answer, huh?" Without warning, he slammed my head against the table again. Pain exploded in my skull, but I remained defiant.

My forehead throbbed, blood trickling down as I looked at him with a mixture of defiance and amusement.

"I can kill you, Ace,"

he growled, his eyes narrowing.

"Kill…?" I let out a harsh laugh, the sound harsh and mocking in the tense air.

"Then kill me." I locked my gaze with his, challenging him to follow through.

He retaliated by driving a fist into my stomach. The breath whooshed out of me, pain radiating through my core.

"You really want to be killed, huh?"

"Yes, kill me." I smiled faintly, a glint of madness in my eyes.

His hands trembled, betraying his uncertainty.

"You don't dare to kill me, right?"

"Life is something precious. I don't want to waste it, even if it's someone else's life," Jorvik replied, his voice shaking slightly.

"Because of your wife's death?" I probed, sensing the crack in his armor.

"How—" His surprise was evident, but I cut him off.

"It's simple. You don't want to talk about your wife, yet you preach about the value of life," I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "This is quite related…"

"...You're smart, aren't you?" His expression shifted from anger to astonishment.

"I prefer to be called a genius," I replied, casually propping my feet on the table, as if we were having a casual conversation rather than a life-or-death standoff.

"So you're not going to answer anything, huh?" Jorvik asked, his frustration simmering just below the surface.

"Yes…" I replied with a sly smile, relishing the game we were playing. The air was thick with tension, and I could sense the storm brewing within him.

"Okay… I'll put you in prison again," he declared, his voice laced with irritation. "You are wasting my time."

"See ya!" I shot back, a grin still plastered on my face as I was escorted away by the guard.

To be honest, I was starting to get bored in this prison. How many times could a guy be interrogated before it got repetitive?

I knew this was the perfect moment to show who really held the power in this place.

As we walked down the narrow corridor, I took a deep breath, preparing to unleash an attack that would free me from these restraints.

When the guard's attention wavered slightly, I gathered my strength and aimed a swift kick at his knee. The force of my strike caught him off guard.

He stumbled, and I seized the moment, jumping into a flip, using the momentum to my advantage. As I landed, I stomped down hard on his foot, causing him to fall.

"Ow, damn it!" he growled, trying to get back up, but I wasn't about to let him recover.

I dashed towards him, spinning my body to deliver a powerful kick to his back.

He crashed to the floor, but quickly began to crawl away. Without wasting a moment, I closed the distance, driving my foot into his jaw.

"You thought I'd give up? Think again," I taunted, my voice dripping with mockery.

With one final assault, I prepared to finish him off. Channeling all my acrobatic skills, I leapt high, bringing my body down with full force towards him.

BAM! His body hit the ground, and for a moment, everything felt silent.

The guard lay there, unmoving. I stood over him, feeling a rush of satisfaction at having taken him down.

"Time to escape from prison"

I took the key from the guard and unlocked my handcuffs, then I put the guard in jail and locked him inside.

But that freedom wouldn't last long; I heard heavy footsteps approaching from other guards.

In an instant, I was confronted by several guards. Their faces showed determination to recapture me.

Without hesitation, I stepped forward, ready to use everything I had.

With lightning speed, I launched a jab at one guard's face. The punch landed squarely, sending him staggering back.

Not giving them a moment to react, I followed up with a powerful hook, swinging my fist toward his temple.

He fell to the side, but there were more coming.

Another guard charged at me, trying to grab my arm. I spun around, using my momentum to deliver an uppercut that sent his chin flying.

He was knocked back, stumbling before hitting the ground.

But they didn't stop coming. A third guard lunged at me, and this time, I switched tactics.

I rolled to the ground and quickly applied a ground fighting technique. In a flash, I managed to lock his leg, forcing him to the ground.

He had no choice but to stop, and I slammed my elbow into the side of his head, rendering him helpless.

Yet the fight wasn't over. With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I got back on my feet and faced the remaining guards.

Without hesitation, I launched an explosive kick at one guard trying to close in, sending him crashing to the floor.

I felt a surge of energy as I took down each guard one by one.

Cross, hook, and a combination of strikes made me feel like an unstoppable fighting machine.

Finally, after defeating the last guard, I stood amidst the chaos. My breath was heavy, but I knew this was a step toward liberation.

"It's really time to get out..."

As I stumbled out of that prison, the fresh air hit me like a wave.

"How fresh! It's not this fresh in prison." I inhaled deeply, letting the sweet scent of freedom fill my lungs.

But as I stood there in my prison clothes, a thought struck me.

"Ah… I forgot about this." My attire was hardly the finest, but that was the least of my worries.

With guards still hot on my heels, I took off running again, darting toward the grand palace that loomed before me.

I dashed through the ornate halls, heart racing, until I burst into a vast room dominated by a majestic throne. There, perched upon it, was a man radiating authority.

I glanced back and saw the guards closing in. Without thinking, I sprinted toward the king, hoping he'd provide some cover.

But just as I reached him, one of the guards snagged my leg, sending me sprawling to the floor. I groaned, feeling the roughness of the stone beneath me. "Huff… I got caught again…"

"Please forgive our rudeness, your highness," one of the guards stammered, his voice laced with urgency.

"He is one of the criminals who managed to escape from prison!"

"Enough…" The king's voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. His piercing gaze swept over the guards, silencing their protests instantly.

"You all may leave. Let me speak with this… individual."

The guards reluctantly released their grip and retreated, leaving me breathless on the floor. I scrambled to my feet, brushing the dust off my clothes.

"Ohh… so you're the king of this kingdom, huh?"

"THAT'S SO IMPOLITE!" shouted one of the guards, his face flushed with indignation.

I couldn't help but chuckle; I was far too accustomed to casual banter—even with royalty.

"You're so noisy, aren't you? You'll make me deaf," I shot back, grinning.

"Enough from both of you," the king commanded, his tone brokering no argument.

"Um… can we start with introductions?" I suggested, trying to ease the tension. "My name is Ace, the sin redeemer, and I'm a former criminal! Now a criminal again!"

"Ace…huh?" The King mused, his voice deep and resonant, embodying the weight of his position. "I see."

"I am the king of this kingdom, my name is Oris!" He introduced himself.

I couldn't resist the urge to clap sarcastically.

"Eh… am I the only one clapping? You guys are disappointing the king."

My sly smile drew some disapproving glares, but I reveled in the absurdity of it all.

"So what do you want, Or—I mean, your highness?" I intentionally slipped his name, relishing the tension that rippled through the room.

The guards tightened their grip on their spears, their eyes narrowing in warning.

"I'm simply curious about you," Oris replied, his demeanor shifting slightly.

"I have a question for you."

I braced myself, ready to deflect with humor. I wasn't about to give this king any valuable information.

"Are you the son of that bounty hunter?"

His question struck me like a thunderbolt. I froze, surprise washing over me.

"...?! How—?!"

I stammered, caught completely off guard. Never in my wildest dreams did I think he would know about my father's old life.

"You guys look alike, don't you?" King Oris remarked, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"I was even surprised—I thought it was your father who had come here again!"

I blinked, still reeling from the fact that this imposing king knew anything about my father.

"My father is very famous, huh?" I managed a faint smile, my pride swelling a little.

"So that's the reason you let me go?"

"Actually, I have a task for you—a direct assignment from a king," Oris replied, his tone shifting from playful to serious.

Well, here it comes, I thought. I could already guess he was going to ask for something weird.

"Hmm… I'm ready!" I answered enthusiastically, trying to mask my skepticism.

"First of all, do you know anything about Roberto?" he asked, his gaze intense.

I shrugged, feigning ignorance.

"I wanted to find out about it, but they caught me instead."

I couldn't help but add a hint of drama to my voice, like I was the ultimate victim of circumstance.

"You infiltrated, damn it!" One of the guards barked, clearly annoyed. I smirked, feeling a small surge of satisfaction.

"Okay… then I'll explain." Oris leaned forward, and I was taken aback by his willingness to share.

Maybe King Oris was different from the last few kings I had encountered.

"Roberto once caused chaos in this kingdom. Many buildings were destroyed, and it was a real headache for us." He continued, his voice steady and commanding.

"But at that time, your father sealed Roberto, and this kingdom became peaceful as it is now."

My jaw dropped. My father could seal someone like Roberto? I felt a mix of awe and disbelief wash over me.

The image of my dad, the soft-spoken man who often forgot where he placed his glasses, suddenly transformed into a legendary figure capable of subduing monsters.

The soldiers and guards in the room stared at me, their eyes wide with shock. "You… son of…" one of the guards stammered, trembling slightly as he processed the revelation.

I couldn't help but smile proudly at their reaction. "Is that so~? Then what task do you want to give me~?"

I asked, my tone teasing and upbeat, almost like I was in on an inside joke.

I was riding high on the wave of newfound respect that came from being recognized as the son of a great man.

"I love you, Father! You make me look cool here!" I silently cheered, reveling in the unexpected glory that came with my lineage.

"Even so, your father said that the seal would not last forever, and Roberto's freedom from the seal could come at any time," King Oris continued, his tone grave yet oddly casual.

I blinked, caught off guard.

"Your job is to defeat Roberto," he stated, as if he were asking me to run an errand for a cup of tea.

I stared at him, my excitement from earlier crashing down like a poorly constructed sandcastle. "Huh?"

"HUHH?!" The volume of my own voice seemed to echo back at me in disbelief. "But why, Your Highness?"

"We don't know how long the seal will last, so it's best to finish him off," Oris replied, shrugging as if he were discussing the weather rather than a monstrous threat.

"Okay… I accept." A nervous laugh escaped my lips. I mean, how hard could it be to take down a legendary monster? But then reality kicked in.

Even my father had only managed to seal him. Could I really beat him?

"But, uh, can I have my stuff back?" I added, trying to keep my voice casual, like I hadn't just made the worst life choice since deciding to wear prison clothes in the first place.

"Good. If you succeed, you'll be released. But if you fail…" Oris leaned in closer, a smirk creeping onto his face.

"You'll be sentenced to death."

A chill ran down my spine.

"Huff… Okay, I really need to be serious now…" I muttered under my breath.

They returned my belongings, and I did a quick inventory. Everything seemed to be there—thank goodness!

"Hm?!" Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Jorvik could have read my diary. My face paled at the thought.

"AH!!! CALM DOWN, ARCHE!" I mentally screamed, feeling the blood rush to my head.

"I… don't like Elaina. I just admire her… remember that, Arche," I panted, trying to convince myself. "I… I…" My thoughts spiraled in confusion, leaving me even more flustered.

After putting my clothes back on, I stood before King Oris, my mind racing with trepidation and a dash of bravado.

"I am ready, Your Majesty."

"Okay, let me explain the plan first." Oris began, his demeanor shifting back to that of a king in command.

"First, you have to go to an empty desert field so that no one gets hurt."

"Right, I wouldn't want to accidentally roast a few villagers while taking down a legendary monster. That would be awkward," I quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

"Then, I will release Roberto's seal. You have to beat Roberto, and if you can't, I will help you."

Oris laid out the plan, looking decidedly unperturbed. It seemed he really wanted me to take down this Roberto guy.

"I would like to ask, Your Highness," I said, a glimmer of curiosity shining through my nerves.

"Hm? You can ask," he replied, looking amused.

"Does Roberto have any weaknesses?"

Oris pondered for a moment. "Weakness? Your father once said that Roberto had a gem in one of his body parts."

"Do you know where the gem is?" I leaned in closer, eager for any advantage.

"Your father won't tell me where it is."

"Agh! That old man always tells half-hearted stories!" I exclaimed, throwing my hands up in frustration. "He could at least throw me a bone here!"

Oris chuckled, a twinkle in his eye.

"Well, it seems you've inherited more than just his looks."

"Oh, great! Just what I need—a family legacy of cryptic advice and ridiculous expectations!"

But I understood why my father kept the gem's location a secret. He didn't want anyone trying to fight Roberto.

If someone knew where Roberto's weak point was, there would inevitably be someone foolish enough to challenge him.

"Huff… Okay…" I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "I'm ready."

Oris smiled, a flicker of determination in his eyes as he descended from his throne, brandishing a very flashy staff that sparkled like a disco ball. Seriously, was this guy a king or a party planner?

"Let's go. I have a special place for this," he said, gesturing dramatically, almost like he was about to unveil a grand masterpiece.

As we made our way outside the kingdom, Oris's expression turned serious.

"If you run away, I will chase you to the ends of the earth," he threatened, his voice low and filled with authority.

"Haha…" I laughed awkwardly, a chill creeping up my spine. He sounded dead serious, and I didn't doubt that he could probably follow through on that promise.

"Okay… I will remove the seal." Oris planted his flashy staff into the sand like it was a flag marking new territory.

He began to recite some strange incantations, his voice resonating with fervor.

I stood there, scratching my head, wondering if I was supposed to be impressed or just confused.

I had no idea what he was saying, but it sounded ancient and powerful—like something out of a spellbook you'd find in the back of a dusty old library.

After several dramatic gestures and a flair of his staff, nothing happened. The silence hung heavy in the air.

"…Fail?" I muttered, peering at him, half-expecting a firework display.

"Impossible…" Oris's demeanor shifted as a look of dread crossed his face. He turned sharply toward the kingdom. "Ace! We're going back to the kingdom!"

"Huh..? Okay!" My heart dropped as I quickly took out my broom and flew into the sky, Oris hot on my heels.

As we soared back into the city, a cacophony of screams and cries filled the air. Panic erupted below us like a shaken soda can.

"Damn it! Ace, you have to defeat Roberto! I'll evacuate the citizens!" Oris shouted, urgency dripping from his voice.

"Ah… Okay!" I nodded, understanding the dire situation.

It seemed Roberto had already begun his assault on the city. My stomach twisted with anxiety, and I felt a rush of adrenaline.

"Time to put on my hero pants… or, uh, my hero shirt at least!" I joked, trying to lighten my own mood. With a deep breath, I prepared myself for the battle ahead.

It was time to face Roberto and find out if I had inherited more than just my father's looks.

Just as Oris was about to leave, an enormous centipede burst forth from the ground, its many legs writhing like a nightmare on fast forward.

"What the actual hell…?" I gawked, this was not what I had in mind when I thought about epic battles.

"Roberto appears!" Oris shouted, his voice tinged with urgency.

"Roberto is a giant centipede?! Well, that's a plot twist!" I exclaimed, staring at the colossal creature.

I had been gearing up to fight a big, strong man, not a giant, leggy critter! "This is no time for jokes; he really is a giant centipede! Which genius came up with that name?!"

"Your father," Oris replied matter-of-factly.

"Father! You're always so bad at naming things!" I huffed, throwing my hands up in exasperation.

This was just typical. The guy had managed to seal a monster but couldn't think of a better name than "Roberto."

"Good luck, Ace! He hates you because your face looks like the person who sealed him," Oris said, giving me an encouraging pat on the back before rushing off to evacuate the residents.

"Great! Mistaken identity with a giant centipede—just my luck!" I groaned, trying to process the absurdity of my situation.

I took a deep breath and mounted my broomstick. "Next time, I'm asking for a name and species before I agree to any heroic acts!"

With that, I zoomed out of town, Roberto hot on my tail, his many legs flailing and making a sound reminiscent of a thousand tiny maracas.

I glanced back to see the giant centipede writhing in fury, which was probably how I looked when someone interrupted my snack time.

"Seriously, how does a guy named Roberto end up being a giant centipede? Did he lose a bet or something?"

I muttered to myself, trying to keep the mood light as I dodged between buildings.

"Next thing you know, I'll be facing off against a mythical fruit fly named Frank!"

As I flew into the open field, the centipede followed, its long body coiling and twisting like it was practicing for a worm championship.

"Hey, Roberto! How about a little chat before we throw down?" I yelled, trying to reason with the giant bug.

Roberto just hissed, clearly not interested in negotiation.

"No? Alright then, Its Showtime!" I shouted, tightening my grip on my broomstick.

"You're just big, How hard can this be?"

I muttered, trying to stay cool despite the fact that my legs were shaking.

Of course, Roberto didn't respond. He just stared with hundreds of black, soulless eyes and started to scuttle towards me, faster than anything that big had any right to be.

The dagger in my hand felt like a toothpick compared to the armored segments of his body.

Every time one of his many feet hit the sand, the ground beneath me trembled.

I darted forward, slashing at one of the segments with my dagger. Naturally, it felt like I was poking a rock. The blade sank in, but not deep enough to really hurt him.

Roberto let out a horrible noise, something between a hiss and a low growl that came from weird holes along his sides.

"Well... at least that got his attention," I muttered, stepping back slowly, trying to think.

"How am I supposed to fight this thing?!"

Roberto surged forward again, faster this time, and I barely jumped out of the way before getting crushed.

I rolled through the sand, covered in dust. As I stood up, I noticed something strange.

There was a faint, shimmering light coming from underneath one of Roberto's segments, right in the middle of his belly.

"A gem? Inside a centipede? That's... concerning and intriguing," I squinted at the glow. "Ah, a classic weak spot. Perfect! I love obvious weak spots!"

But the problem was, the gem was hidden beneath layers of moving segments, so hitting it directly wasn't going to be easy.

I tried again, leaping forward and stabbing my dagger near where the shine was. But Roberto's body twisted at the last second, and I was thrown back into the sand.

"Come on! Just hold still for a minute so I can stab you in the gut!"

Roberto, naturally, ignored my complaints and looked even angrier. He twisted around, his massive head looming closer, mandibles snapping with enough force to shatter bones.

I only had seconds to dodge, so I sprinted around him, trying to find a better angle.

"What's the point of this dagger if I can't even get close? I should've brought a giant hammer or something…"

His hundreds of legs kept stomping the ground, shaking everything around. Every time I tried to get near, his constantly shifting body blocked my path.

This centipede was way smarter than I'd given him credit for. I needed a plan.

I backed off for a moment, watching Roberto from a distance.

"Alright, this isn't over yet.But I promise you, I'm gonna slice your belly open and get that gem. Someday... maybe in an hour or two, if you let me."

Roberto hissed again, that same awful noise like a threat from the depths, and I knew this fight wasn't ending any time soon.

I still had to figure out how to strike the gem, and Roberto wasn't about to make it easy.

"Great. Who needs quick victories, anyway? I can play the long game... as long as I don't get eaten first."

The desert sun was relentless, as if it had cranked up the heat just to see me suffer. Sweat poured down my face, but now it was nearly gone.

My breath came in ragged gasps, and my body, exhausted, was starting to refuse every command my brain threw at it.

Roberto, the giant centipede, still looked fresh as ever, even more furious than before.

He continued to slither around me, his segmented body twisting and turning in ways that should've been illegal.

Every time I tried to strike, he was too fast, his massive form dancing across the sands like some grotesque ballet, kicking up a storm of dust and making it harder to see.

"Seriously, Roberto," I muttered, wiping the last bit of sweat from my brow,

"Don't you get tired? I mean, don't giant bugs like you need a break? Or water? Or, I don't know… something that makes you stop chasing me?"

The answer was clear: No. Roberto didn't look like he was slowing down anytime soon. In fact, he seemed to be getting faster.

He started pushing me back with every movement, forcing me closer to a massive boulder that loomed behind me.

The tiny dagger in my hand felt even more pathetic now, especially since I'd stabbed him multiple times with it, and all I'd managed to do was annoy him.

I found myself backed up against the boulder, trapped between the giant rock and Roberto's massive, writhing body.

His countless legs stomped the ground, each step making a small earthquake that rattled my knees.

His jaws opened wide again, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth that promised an ugly, painful death.

"Okay, this is getting less funny," I grumbled as I backed up further, my spine pressing against the cool stone.

"Well, maybe still a little funny—but mostly terrifying."

I tried to catch my breath, but every gulp of air was laced with panic. Every strike I'd delivered to Roberto had been useless.

Still, my eyes were drawn to that glimmering jewel lodged deep in his underbelly. That had to be the weak spot—classic. But getting close to it was another story altogether.

"Come on, centipede," I called out, trying to crack a joke despite my mounting terror.

"We could totally solve this peacefully, right? Maybe you eat something else… like this rock? It's crunchy, full of calcium!"

Naturally, Roberto ignored my offer. His massive jaws clicked together menacingly as he surged forward, and I could feel the wind from his snapping mouth whip across my face.

"Okay, I'll beat you now." I muttered, though the tremble in my voice betrayed me.

But what choice did I have? It was either attack or get chewed up like a snack.

With the last bit of strength I had, I dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding those snapping jaws.

Roberto slammed into the boulder with a force that made it crack and crumble. Dust and debris filled the air, making it even harder to see through the mess.

Coughing and stumbling, I tried to run, but my legs felt like lead. I tripped over a chunk of rock half-buried in the sand and hit the ground hard, my dagger flying from my grasp.

"Damn it…" I cursed under my breath, struggling to get up, but my body refused. Roberto, of course, wasn't going to give me time to rest.

He was already bearing down on me, his many legs stomping the earth, kicking up more sand as he came.

"Well, this is it. Death by giant centipede named Roberto. What a story that'll make in the afterlife."

My eyes darted to Roberto's belly once more, spotting that glittering gem buried beneath his segments.

That had to be the weak point, but it might as well have been a mile away at this rate. His jaws were getting closer, and I knew I was running out of time.

"If this is my last day,"

I muttered under my breath,

"At least I can say I fought a giant centipede. Sure, I'm losing, but hey, it's still an epic story."

But in that moment, just as the jaws were about to snap down on me, something inside me stirred.

Maybe it was survival instinct, maybe it was the last flicker of courage, or maybe it was sheer stupidity. I forced myself to stand, even as my legs trembled like leaves in the wind.

"Alright, Roberto… this time, you're gonna listen to me."

As I managed to stand with shaky legs, something clicked in my mind about the various tools I had on me.

I might not be a hero with a massive sword or shiny armor, but I wasn't completely unprepared.

My gaze shifted to the small bag at my waist—the one that held all sorts of gadgets that could come in handy. In desperate moments, sometimes luck can be on your side.

"Roberto, you may be big, strong, and—I'll admit—pretty terrifying,"

I said, forcing a grin despite my heavy breathing.

"But you know what? I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that you probably don't have."

I reached into my bag and pulled out a small bomb—homemade, of course. Not too lethal, but enough to give a creature the size of this giant centipede a shock.

I gripped it tightly, pulled the pin, and threw it right under Roberto's advancing body.

The small explosion rattled the sand, knocking into Roberto's lower body. The creature let out a long hissing noise, its massive form jolting backward. Some of its segments turned black and scorched from the blast.

"Yep, there we go," I said, smiling with satisfaction, though I was slightly surprised that such a small bomb was effective. But I knew it wasn't enough.

Roberto was still moving, albeit slower now, and its jaws remained open, ready to snap at me with deadly intent.

I wasted no time. Quickly, I dodged to the side and pulled out the grappling hook that was tied to my waist.

This little tool had saved me in tough situations before, and it wouldn't be any different this time.

I swiftly anchored the hook to a large rock in the distance and shot upward, gliding into a safer position on the sandy ledge.

Roberto turned, its long body following my movement. But now I had the high ground. From this vantage point, I could see its wounded belly more clearly.

And most importantly, the gem was now a little more exposed due to the damaged segments from the explosion.

"All right, you may be big but you're not exactly nimble, Roberto!" I shouted as I tightened the grappling line to stabilize my position.

"And now, you're about to face more than just a dagger."

I pulled out some binding wire from my bag, a simple tool but incredibly effective.

Carefully, I swung it, wrapping one of Roberto's massive legs to the nearest rock.

The creature hissed angrily, trying to pull its leg free, but the wire was strong enough to make it struggle.

"Great! Now you're trapped like a bug in a spider's web!" I almost laughed at the sight of such a massive creature looking so frustrated. But I knew it wasn't over yet.

I pulled more wire and threw it again, this time binding several of its wounded segments.

Roberto tried to thrash about, its body writhing with immense strength, but every movement only served to tighten the bonds around it.

"You look uncomfortable, Roberto!"

I yelled from above.

"Am I being too rough, or are you just not used to being tied up?"

Roberto began to lose momentum. Its movements slowed, and the damaged segments of its shell became visibly fragile.

My bomb and binding wires were making it increasingly difficult for the creature to move.

But I knew that one wrong move could allow it to break free and take revenge.

That's when I decided to launch a final assault. I slid down using the grappling hook, aiming directly at a point closer to its belly.

From this position, the gem embedded in Roberto's abdomen was clearer, even though it was still partially obscured by its writhing segments.

"All right, time to get serious!" I shouted as I leaped toward it, my dagger raised high.

I stabbed down, my blade striking hard. Roberto let out a long roar, its body writhing wildly, but I managed to slice a bit around the gem. Small cracks began to form in its shell.

"Yes, right on target! Just a little more... just a little more!"

But even though it was badly hurt, Roberto wasn't giving up yet.

It was still moving, albeit sluggishly, trying to swipe at me with its massive tail.

I was flung back, tumbling onto the sand, but this time I landed relatively well, despite feeling like my ribs were about to break.

I gasped for air, but at least I was still alive. Roberto looked pained, but its weak point still wasn't completely shattered.

I struggled to my feet again, my body covered in dust and bruises.

"Seriously, Roberto... you're quite stubborn, aren't you?"

Even though I had wounded Roberto, he was still strong enough to threaten me.

However, there was no way I was going to give up now. This time, I needed to change my strategy.

"It's time for the final phase," I said, digging into my bag and pulling out several small bombs.

"You might be tough, but I've got enough explosives to keep you company!"

With speed and precision, I began throwing bombs one after another at Roberto's massive body.

Each explosion added to the pain he was undoubtedly feeling.

Boom after boom, the blasts struck his body, causing his already damaged shell to chip away, and the pained hisses continued to escape from his mouth.

"Come on, Roberto! Just a little more! I've put too much time into this grooming session!"

I shouted while continuing to throw bombs.

The creature writhed in agony, sending waves of dust swirling around us. In the chaos, I decided to use one final attack that might truly bring him down.

I reached for the last bomb in my bag, and with all my strength, I hurled it straight into his open mouth.

"Boom appeti!" I yelled as I threw the bomb with all my might.

The bomb landed squarely in Roberto's mouth, and a tremendous explosion erupted inside him.

He let out a tortured hiss, his massive body jolting and thrashing as if fighting against an unimaginable pain.

But it wasn't enough yet. I had to ensure he couldn't escape any longer.

"It's time to tie you up, centipede!"

Quickly, I grabbed the binding wire and tightly secured his massive legs.

Roberto struggled, but he was now too weak to fight back.

Once I had him tied up, I positioned myself near his belly. Taking a deep breath, I focused on the gleaming gem nestled within his abdomen. This was the moment I had been waiting for.

"This is for all the pain you've put me through, Roberto!"

I shouted as I raised my dagger high, gathering every ounce of courage.

"Now, for the weak point!"

With a sharp motion, my dagger plunged towards the gem in his belly.

As the blade struck, a hissing sound erupted from Roberto, and his shell segments began to crack further.

The gem trembled violently, and I knew I had hit the exact weak point.

Roberto let out one final roar that shook the ground, his body convulsing as if falling into unimaginable suffering.

He fought once more, but the binding wire I had applied kept him from moving freely.

Finally, in one last desperate effort, his massive form collapsed to the ground, crashing in the silent desert.

I panted, trying to calm myself. The dust began to settle, and a serene atmosphere enveloped the area.

"Wow, so this is what an epic battle feels like," I said, smiling as I wiped the sweat from my brow.

"Who would've thought I could take down a giant centipede? I'll tell this to Elaina if I meet her again"

Though I had won the battle against the giant centipede, my body felt as if it had been run over by a cart full of bricks.

"Fuck…." I groaned, collapsing onto the massive, slimy body of Roberto. "I'm so tired…"

As I lay there, staring up at the sky, I suddenly heard a sound that made me groan internally: clapping. I turned my head to see Oris standing there, a proud smile plastered across his face.

"You're really great, Ace…" he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

"Or should I call you Arche?" he added, raising an eyebrow.

"Huh?!" I shot upright, shock written all over my face. "How did you—?!"

"While I was evacuating the residents, someone named Jase asked about your condition"

Oris explained, crossing his arms.

"He mentioned your characteristics clearly."

"Ugh… Is that so?" I grumbled, still feeling the weight of exhaustion. "So, I'm not in jail anymore, right? I was bored in there."

"Of course not! And I even have a big gift for you!" Oris announced, grinning like a kid with a shiny new toy. "But you have to wait. In the meantime, I will give you a happy life in this kingdom!"

I couldn't help but smile widely at his words. "Luck is finally on my side!" I exclaimed, picturing all the amazing things I could do with my newfound freedom.

Turns out, my "happy life" included a ridiculously luxurious temporary residence.

I felt like I had accidentally wandered into a palace, complete with gilded furniture and more pillows than I knew what to do with.

Honestly, I was starting to think I was part of the royal family—minus the crown and the royal etiquette lessons, of course.

For the next few weeks, I luxuriated in my new life, indulging in every comfort. Finally, I could rest without fear of some calamity sneaking up on me. But, of course, fate has a way of messing with my plans.

One day, I was dragged out of my cozy abode and into a bustling square where it seemed the entire kingdom had gathered. I entered the crowd, trying to figure out what the fuss was about.

Oris stood on a stage, looking every bit the part of a king as he cleared his throat and prepared to speak.

"My honorable people,"

"Today, we gather to remember an extraordinary event, one that will be etched into the history of our kingdom."

"A victory that not only freed us from a nightmare that haunted us for so long but also lifted the hopes of the entire kingdom."

"Roberto, the giant centipede, a creature that for years had been the source of our deepest fears, has finally been defeated."

"This beast, one we all dreaded would one day break free and destroy everything we hold dear, kept us living in the shadow of terror. Yet no one dared to challenge it—until today."

"It was Ace, a wanderer, who came to our kingdom. A man with no land, no title, but a heart far greater than anyone could have imagined."

"Ace, though burdened by sins of his past, possessed unmatched courage and unshakable resolve."

"He was neither noble nor a celebrated knight. He was simply a man, carrying the weight of his own guilt, who faced a beast no one else would dare approach."

"With wit and bravery, he stood alone under the scorching desert sun, confronting Roberto, the seemingly invincible giant."

"With his strong hand, Ace swung his blade, threw bombs that pierced Roberto's thick shell, and after an exhausting, grueling battle, he brought the giant centipede down."

"There were no cheers, no applause when he claimed victory. Only the silent desert bore witness to the death of the monster that had tormented us for so long."

"But today, we all stand here, alive to witness that victory. A victory that freed us from the fear that bound us for ages."

"Ace came as a stranger, but today, he leaves us as a hero. To honor his courage and sacrifice, I, the King of this realm, proudly announce that we have erected a statue."

"This statue will stand tall in the main square of the kingdom, not just as a tribute to Ace but as a symbol of the bravery and determination he displayed."

"Every time we pass by this statue, we will be reminded that no matter our origin or the burdens we carry, each of us has the potential to become a hero."

"True honor doesn't lie in titles or birthrights but in the actions we take and the courage we show when the world needs us most."

"And with that, I invite all of you to witness this moment in history."

I watched as King Oris walked towards the front of the statue, still veiled in thick cloth.

His steps were steady, full of dignity, his face radiating pride like a leader who had just guided his kingdom through the darkness.

Around me, the citizens gathered, their breaths held in quiet anticipation.

With a firm hand, Oris raised his arm, signaling to the crowd.

"My people, behold our hero!"

His hand moved slowly, reaching for the rope hanging beside the statue, and with one graceful motion, he pulled.

The white cloth that covered the statue fell away, revealing it fully.

The crowd erupted in cheers immediately. I gazed at the statue. There I stood, immortalized in stone, my face calm, reflecting the courage and determination I had felt in that moment.

At my feet lay Roberto, the giant centipede, lifeless, serving as a reminder of the fierce battle that had brought freedom to the people.

Oris looked at the statue for a moment, then turned back to the crowd with a meaningful smile.

"With this, we celebrate our freedom from Roberto's terror, and we honor the hero who has brought light back to our land."

"Long live our kingdom! Long live Ace, the hero!" he proclaimed, and the cheers and applause echoed through the square.

I stood there, watching as the townsfolk gazed up at the newly erected statue with gratitude and admiration.

Their smiles shone like the sun, while I remained silent, my heart swelling with a joy I had never felt before.

For the first time, I was treated like a real hero, and I felt like I might just faint from sheer happiness.

But in that crowd, they didn't know who I really was. I was just "Ace the hero," not Arche the guy who often made a mess of things.

"Well… I don't want to be too popular," I muttered to myself, trying to maintain an air of cool nonchalance while practically bouncing on my feet from excitement.

I caught sight of Oris in the corner, his smile broad and approving. It was as if he were saying, Do you like it?

I responded with a grin of my own, nodding vigorously. "I love it!" I could feel my cheeks warm at the thought of being celebrated.

Who wouldn't want a statue in their honor? Maybe I could even charge admission for selfies with it later.

Since that day, the kingdom would have a new hero in their history books—me. The very thought of it sent my spirits soaring.

Just the idea of my name being scrawled alongside epic legends was enough to make me giddy.

I mean, who doesn't love a little praise?

I certainly did! And let's be honest, you all love it too, right?

Though, I had to admit, not everyone wanted to be a hero. I understood why some folks preferred to keep their heads down.

The greatest obstacle to being heroic is the nagging doubt—What if I make a fool of myself? But true heroism, I realized, lay in resisting that doubt.

The wisest people know when to push through those fears and when to hold back.