Blood of the Forgotten Gods

A Hero in the Making

The sound of boots crunching against stone echoed as Dan and Gareth made their way out of the square, weaving through the bustling crowd. The ceremony had ended, and the graduates were beginning to scatter—some with families, some with friends. Dan walked in silence, his thoughts swirling, Gareth chattering beside him. There was something both exhilarating and unsettling about finally being a militant, even if it was the lowest rung in the kingdom's army.

Gareth, full of energy, broke the silence. "So, how's it feel, Dan? You're a militant now—one step closer to being the 'big hero' you always wanted to be."

Dan smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. He wasn't sure if the title "hero" felt quite right. Sure, he had always imagined himself as the type who'd ride into battle, sword raised high, saving innocents from danger. But the reality of what being a militant meant was beginning to sink in. They were at the bottom of the army hierarchy, thrown into dangerous situations without the same protections or privileges the higher ranks enjoyed. And for the nobles? They were tools—nothing more than pawns in games of power and wealth.

Still, despite the doubts gnawing at him, Dan had a sense of duty. He'd worked hard to graduate, not just for himself, but for his family. His younger sister, Lina, and his mother needed him to help keep food on the table. And more than that, Ithos needed men like him. He couldn't shake the belief that, even in a broken system, there was honor in defending others.

Dan finally replied, half-laughing. "Hero, huh? I don't know if knocking a few bandits on the head makes me much of one."

"Maybe not today," Gareth grinned. "But give it time. One day you'll be saving maidens and slaying dragons."

Dan chuckled at the absurdity of it. Still, the idea of making a difference, even a small one, clung to him. Ever since he was young, he had imagined himself as someone who stood between the innocent and harm, someone who used his strength for the good of others. It wasn't about fame or glory—it was about doing what was right.

As they walked, Dan's thoughts drifted to his family. His father had been strict and demanding, always pushing him to work harder. But Thorne had instilled a sense of purpose in him. His mother, Tara, had taught him kindness, had shown him that there was strength in caring for others, even when times were tough. And Lina—bright, sweet Lina—had looked up to him for as long as he could remember. She had faith in him, faith that he could change things, even if in small ways.

Dan had joined the militant school for them, to help ease their burden. But he also did it for himself—to be someone who could stand tall with conviction and honor in a world that seemed to have little of either.

"You're thinking too much again," Gareth said, nudging him. "Always so serious, Dan."

"Someone's got to be serious around you," Dan replied, but his tone was light. "Besides, we have to be ready for what's next."

Gareth raised an eyebrow. "What's next? Probably being sent to some forgotten village to guard pig farmers. It's not like they're going to send us to the front lines on day one."

Dan shrugged. "Even if it's guarding pigs, we're still serving the kingdom. Someone has to do it."

Gareth groaned. "You and your duty. You're too good for this city, you know that?"

Dan grinned, not denying it. Gareth had always teased him about being too selfless, too concerned with the greater good. But it wasn't just about duty. Dan hated seeing people suffer. Whether it was a child crying in the street or an old man struggling to carry firewood, Dan felt an instinctive urge to step in, to help.