BALLAD OF THE ORC PALADIN

The Weight of Destiny

The Guild Hall was even more imposing up close. As Kaito stepped through the massive stone archway, he couldn't help but feel dwarfed by the towering ceilings, the grand columns etched with ancient runes, and the endless hum of activity around him. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes filled the hall—humans, elves, dwarves, and even some more exotic races that Kaito had only ever seen in fantasy art. They gathered around quest boards, haggled with merchants, and boasted about their latest conquests.

It was a living, breathing hub of excitement. But beneath the awe, Kaito felt the stares. Wherever he went, people's eyes followed him, narrowing with suspicion, distrust, or outright hostility. His orcish appearance drew attention, and not the good kind. His tusks, green skin, and hulking form were reminders of the wars between orcs and humans that plagued this land.

Rogar, Leira, and Ilyana led the way through the crowd, drawing curious glances. Orcs in the Guild Hall were a rare sight, and Kaito could practically feel the tension mounting with every step he took.

"Stay close," Leira whispered, her voice low. "Orcs have a reputation, and not the kind that opens doors."

"I noticed," Kaito muttered, trying to keep his shoulders hunched to make himself seem smaller—no easy task given the sheer size of his new body.

They reached a grand staircase that spiralled upward, leading toward a series of rooms above. At the top, a wide wooden door stood open, a large golden emblem of the Guild etched into its surface. Leira motioned for Kaito to follow as they ascended, the noise of the hall gradually fading behind them.

When they entered the room, Kaito was greeted by a sight he hadn't expected—a council of sorts. Five people sat behind a long wooden table, each one garbed in ornate robes or armour that denoted their high rank. There was a balding man in gleaming silver armour, a bearded dwarf in ceremonial garb, and an elderly woman whose fingers crackled with faint arcs of magic. In the centre sat a figure that drew Kaito's attention most—a stern-looking man with a long, dark cloak embroidered with silver threads. His presence dominated the room.

Leira stepped forward, bowing slightly. "We seek an audience with the Guild Council on behalf of this... aspirant."

The dark-cloaked figure raised an eyebrow, his eyes locking onto Kaito with unsettling intensity. "An orc?" His voice was cold, flat. "What business does an orc have with the Adventurer's Guild?"

Kaito swallowed hard but stood his ground. "I'm not like the others. I came here to become a paladin."

For a moment, the room was silent. Then, the armoured man chuckled, his laughter sharp and dismissive. "A paladin? Orcs don't have the heart or the will for such things. What makes you think you could ever—"

"Enough, Valmir," the elderly mage cut in, her voice surprisingly calm. She turned her sharp gaze toward Kaito. "There's more to this than we see. This is no ordinary orc. The aura surrounding him... it's not of this world."

Kaito blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"

The mage stood, her frail form moving with a surprising grace as she approached. "There's something unusual about you, boy. I can sense it. You're not just an orc. There's a magic about you, something beyond the borders of this realm. Tell me—where do you come from?"

Kaito hesitated, wondering how much of the truth to reveal. But he had already decided to be honest, no matter how strange it might sound. "I'm not from this world. I was... teleported here. I don't know how or why, but one moment I was in my world, and the next, I woke up in this body. I'm human—on the inside."

The room fell silent again, but this time the tension was different. There was curiosity, and perhaps even something close to disbelief. Leira remained quiet, her face impassive, but the rest of the council exchanged glances, as though weighing his words.

The dark-cloaked figure—whom Kaito guessed to be the leader of the council—leaned forward. "This world is not kind to orcs, whether they are born here or not. Even if you come from another realm, you'll be judged by the body you wear, not the soul inside it."

"I know," Kaito replied, his voice steady. "That's why I want to become a paladin. I need to prove that I'm not a monster, that I can fight for the same justice and light as anyone else."

The armoured man, Valmir, shook his head. "It's impossible. The gods would never grant their blessing to an orc. The power of a paladin comes from divine favour, and no deity would choose an orcish vessel."

The elderly mage, however, seemed to consider Kaito's words carefully. "Perhaps not, but there are exceptions. And if he truly comes from another world, there may be more at play here than simple divine favour." She turned to the leader. "It might be worth exploring."

The leader stroked his chin, his eyes never leaving Kaito. "It's a gamble. But in these times... perhaps it's a gamble worth taking."

Kaito frowned. "What do you mean?"

The leader sat back, his face hardening. "The world is changing, boy. A darkness stirs in the east, in the forsaken lands of Valkra. Our scouts speak of strange movements, unnatural creatures gathering under a new banner. If war comes, it will not just be orcs we face, but something much darker."

He paused, his gaze narrowing. "The gods have been quiet for too long, and some say their silence is a warning. If what you say is true—that you come from another world—then perhaps there's a reason for it. A larger purpose."

Leira stepped forward, her voice low. "I've seen the eastern skies darken myself. Something is coming, something far worse than any orc raiding party. We can't afford to ignore that."

The elderly mage nodded in agreement. "If the gods have brought you here, it may be a sign. Perhaps this boy is more than he seems."

Kaito's mind raced. The idea of a larger purpose, of some dark force rising in the east—it all sounded like something out of a game, but this was real. He felt the weight of their words settling on his shoulders. This wasn't just about proving himself as a paladin. This was about a threat to the entire world.

The leader finally stood, his dark cloak sweeping behind him. "Very well. If you wish to prove yourself, you'll have your chance. There is an ancient temple to the north, long abandoned, but it is said to still hold the blessings of the old gods. If you can make the pilgrimage there and return with proof of the gods' favour, we will consider your request."

Kaito's heart leapt. "I'll do it."

Valmir snorted. "He'll be dead before he reaches the temple's gates. That place is cursed—no one has returned from it in years."

The leader gave Kaito a piercing look. "It will not be an easy journey, and you'll be going alone. The temple lies beyond dangerous lands, where beasts and bandits roam. But if you succeed, your claim will be heard, and perhaps the gods will see fit to grant you their blessing."

Kaito felt the weight of the task settle on him. He had never been on a quest like this—his experience with danger had been limited to video games and novels. But now, in this world of swords and magic, the stakes were real. If he failed, it could mean more than just his own death. It could mean the rise of a darkness that would consume the world.

He glanced at Leira, Rogar, and Ilyana, who had remained silent during the council's deliberation. They weren't coming with him. This would be his trial alone.

"I'll do it," Kaito said, more determined than ever. "I'll make the pilgrimage and return with proof."

The leader gave a nod, his expression unreadable. "Then may the gods watch over you, Kaito Nakamura."

As Kaito left the chamber, the weight of his mission pressed down on him. He was stepping into the unknown, not just in this new world, but into something far greater than he had ever imagined.

And somewhere, far to the east, the darkness stirred.