WHY ME!!

Chapter 8: A Call to Arms

WHY ME!!

Chapter 8: A Call to Arms

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Notice to Readers

Dear Readers,

I want to thank you for giving my story a chance, but I have an important message to share. After much reflection, I’ve realized that this story is far from what I hoped it would be. As a new and inexperienced writer, I made many mistakes in this book.

To grow and improve, I’ve decided to start fresh with a new book that reflects the lessons I’ve learned and the research I’ve done to create a better experience for you. I invite you to check out my latest work:

New Book: THE FALLEN HERO

This new story is the beginning of a journey where I aim to craft a world and characters that you can truly connect with. I’m excited for you to explore it and share your thoughts.

Thank you for your understanding and support as I continue to grow as a writer.

Warm regards,
[ @DJ_SIDDIQUI ]

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Argus closed the old book on The Great War and let out a deep, frustrated sigh. The ancient tale of battles and heroes felt heavy on his mind, stirring up more questions than answers. He stared out his bedroom window, looking at the quiet village beyond, now ghostly in its stillness. Just days ago, life here had been as lively as always—laughter, street vendors calling out their wares, children chasing each other down winding paths. Now, the entire village felt like it was holding its breath. News of a special-ranked monster lurking in the nearby forest had spread like wildfire, and now every door stayed tightly shut.

But that’s not the only thing bothering me, he thought, recalling his father’s strange, cryptic comments about “the war.” The Great War happened 500 years ago, he thought, frowning. There’s no way he could’ve been there, so what war was he talking about?

The mystery gnawed at him. And his mother’s hints about old scars on his father only deepened the puzzle. Who was his father, really? Argus shook his head, hoping a walk would clear his mind.

Three days had passed since the village chief’s announcement. By the third day, Argus couldn’t stand the silence any longer and decided to head toward the village just to escape the suffocating stillness at home. But he didn’t make it far before his curiosity was pulled elsewhere.

As he reached the square, he noticed a crowd had gathered once again. Anxiety buzzed in the air as villagers whispered to each other. The village guards stood at attention, their expressions grim, and it was clear they had news.

One of the guards stepped forward, his voice sharp. “We’ve spotted more monsters moving closer to the village,” he announced, his gaze sweeping the crowd. “They’re fleeing the forest, like something’s forcing them out… as if something's terrifying them. One of our own was attacked today—a pack of wild beasts came from nowhere, and…” He trailed off, swallowing. “He didn’t survive.”

A hush fell over the square as the villagers exchanged panicked glances. Gasps rippled throughout the crowd, fear evident in every face. Argus’s chest tightened as dread washed over him. If even the monsters are running, how much worse could things get?

The village chief, usually calm and reassuring, looked unusually tense as he raised a hand for silence. “People, we can handle this,” he declared, though the tightness in his voice betrayed his worry. “Our walls are sturdy, and we’ll increase the number of guards on patrol to make sure nothing gets through. But I need everyone to remain calm.”