The towering gates of the royal castle creaked open, revealing a grand hallway drenched in gold and crimson banners. Velvet-lined floors muffled their steps as the six heroes were led inside, their escorts silent but formal. Jack couldn't help but feel like a total impostor.
He whispered under his breath, "This is like Buckingham Palace if it had a baby with Hogwarts."
Andre, walking beside him, chuckled. "No cap, this place wild. Look at those chandeliers, bro. You could flex your whole paycheck just for one lightbulb."
Sofia smirked. "We're in another world, and you're worried about lightbulbs?"
"I mean... priorities."
Jack laughed nervously, pulling on the stiff collar of his new formal robe. They were all wearing finely tailored clothing now, robes that shimmered with embroidery and magical runes. Jack felt like a fraud in royal cosplay.
As they approached the royal banquet hall, two tall oak doors opened. The crowd inside turned to look at them—nobles, knights, mages, all dressed in their finest. The King and Queen sat at the far end of the room, with the Prince and Princess flanking them.
Selvarra was already there, seated near the Queen, looking completely at ease in the midst of political giants.
The announcer declared, "The six chosen champions of Eldoria, heroes of the prophecy!"
Jack muttered under his breath, "I still don't even know what the prophecy is."
Austin leaned in. "You'll find out. Sooner or later."
As they took their seats, Jack found himself in between Sofia and Andre. Beatrice, Arabella, Harold, and Howard sat nearby at a different table.
The food was insane. Roasted game, glowing fruits, floating glasses of wine. Jack was about to dig in when Andre elbowed him.
"Yo, bro," Andre nodded toward the table where Beatrice and Arabella were seated. "You pulled baddies already?"
Jack blinked. "Wait, what?"
Austin leaned back with a smug smile. "I kinda like the blonde one. She's got this cold, mean-girl energy. I dig it."
Enrico raised his goblet. "Nah bro, the mamacita with the red hair? Fire. Literal and figurative."
Natalya rolled her eyes. "You guys are such simps."
Sofia sipped her wine. "Yeah. Focus on the banquet, Romeo."
Jack chuckled awkwardly but said nothing.
After a few more courses and awkward toasts, a bell rang. The King stood.
"Citizens of Eldoria," his voice boomed with authority, "Today we complete what began with a whisper of fate. The six bearers of destiny stand before us. We declare them now—the official heroes of the Eldorian Kingdom."
The crowd erupted in applause. Trumpets blared. Fireworks of light danced in the air above their heads. Jack blinked.
"Wait—official heroes?" he muttered. "I didn't even sign up."
Austin leaned over with a smirk. "You in now, buddy. No backing out."
Beatrice clapped politely, eyes flicking toward Jack. Arabella didn't clap—she just stared at him with a strange expression. Was it pride? Concern? Jealousy?
The banquet continued, but Jack felt like the room had just gotten heavier.
Later, in the hallway leading to their royal guest chambers, Jack walked alone. Selvarra appeared beside him, as if out of nowhere.
"You're wondering what this all means," she said.
Jack nodded slowly. "Yeah. And why everyone keeps looking at me like I'm supposed to be special."
She gave him a knowing look. "Because you are a hero, And the hero always bears the heaviest burden."
Before he could ask more, she vanished into the shadows.
He returned to his room, only to hear Arabella and Beatrice arguing quietly just down the hall.
"I'm just saying," Arabella whispered, "you're getting too close to him."
"You're one to talk," Beatrice shot back. "You act like he belongs to you."
Jack froze.
"I don't care what you think," Arabella snapped.
"Well, I do," Beatrice replied, and stormed away.
Jack leaned against the wall, letting out a breath. "This is gonna be a long stay."
Out the window, the city of Evendale sparkled in the moonlight, unaware of the weight now resting on the shoulders of six strangers from another world.
Later that evening, the stone halls of the royal guest wing were silent, except for the muffled laughter and chatter echoing from a distant corridor. Jack sat on the edge of the lavish bed in his assigned room, staring blankly at the polished marble floor.
Too clean. Too quiet. Too... royal.
He stood up with a sigh, running a hand through his messy hair. "Nope. I can't. This is too much."
He grabbed his jacket, walked over to the door, and opened it—only to nearly jump out of his skin.
There was a girl standing right in front of him.
Not just any girl.
Silvery hair cascading down her shoulders like moonlight. Piercing emerald eyes that seemed to hold galaxies. She wore a simple yet elegant gown—nothing loud, but still more regal than anything Jack had ever seen in his life.
And no guards. No attendants. Just her.
"Uh—" Jack blinked. "Did I just—am I in your room? Did I mess something up again?!"
The girl tilted her head slightly, a soft smile forming on her lips. "No, you're in the right room. I was... waiting for you."
Jack's brain hiccupped.
"W-waiting for me?"
She nodded. "I wanted to meet the last of the six. The one everyone's talking about."
Jack stared. "Wait... hold on. Don't tell me... are you—?"
She stepped forward and offered a graceful bow of her head. "Princess Seraphine Wintermere. But you may call me Sera."
Jack blinked twice, then stepped aside slowly. "Would it be disrespectful if I said I didn't see that coming?"
Seraphina let out a gentle laugh. "Then I'd say you're refreshingly honest."
The moon hung low above Evendale, casting silver light over the marble courtyards and winding ivy-covered terraces of the royal castle. Jack walked beside Seraphina through a quiet corridor that led into an open garden terrace. The sound of laughter grew louder with each step.
Out there—by the fountain surrounded by warm lanterns and wine—were the others.
Andre was sitting on the edge of the fountain, arms waving around dramatically. "Bro, and then I was like, 'You really think goblins are scary? Try the DMV in Florida.'"
Sofia choked on her drink. "You're not wrong though."
Austin leaned casually against the marble, glancing toward the approaching pair. "Yo. Look who finally came out of his royal cave."
Enrico turned his head, eyes widening a bit. "Oho... and with the princess? Jack, my man, are you even trying to leave some girls for the rest of us?"
Jack rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not like that."
Andre elbowed Austin. "Bro's out here pulling literal royalty. Respect."
Seraphina just smiled gracefully. "You all are quite… energetic."
Jack chuckled and leaned toward her. "They're like this all the time. You get used to it."
She nodded. "I look forward to it."
Then Jack saw them—standing just a few feet away under the soft light of the lanterns: Arabella in her crimson cloak, arms crossed, gaze sharp. And Beatrice beside her, holding a wine glass, quiet but watching.
He glanced at Seraphina. "Excuse me for a bit?"
"Of course," she said.
Jack took a breath and walked over.
Arabella spoke first, raising a brow. "So. Walking with a princess now?"
Jack held up both hands. "I didn't plan it. She literally appeared behind me like a ghost."
Beatrice sipped her wine. "Convenient ghost."
Jack sighed. "You guys jealous or something?"
Beatrice's eyebrow twitched. "Jealous? Please."
Arabella stepped forward slightly. "We're not jealous. Just… noticing. You attract odd company."
Jack leaned in a bit, smiling. "So you were watching."
Beatrice looked away. "I was bored."
Jack smirked. "Well, I missed you two. These new guys? Too much energy. And Enrico keeps calling Arabella mamacita."
Arabella rolled her eyes. "If he calls me that again, I might set his hair on fire."
Jack grinned. "See? This is why I hang with you two. Keeps my life thrilling."
They didn't say anything, but the corners of their lips twitched in the faintest hints of a smile.
The soft murmur of the garden faded into the background as Jack stood between the two noblewomen who had become… more than just traveling companions.
Beatrice, swirling her wine lazily, looked over at him. "So, Jack… what now? Are you really going to take on this whole 'hero of Eldoria' thing? Or are you just going to wing it like always?"
Her voice wasn't harsh—just honest.
Jack glanced away, eyes scanning the flickering lantern light that swayed above the courtyard. Before he could respond, Arabella stepped in closer, her voice soft but sure.
"If that happens… if you do accept it," she said, "then you can protect me, right?"
Jack turned to her, catching something vulnerable behind her usual fire. Before he could speak, Beatrice cut in sharply.
"Don't sympathize yourself, Arabella. Let him decide on his own. He's not here to play savior."
Jack raised both hands slightly, then let them fall to his sides. "Actually… I don't know."
His voice was quiet, but honest.
"I don't know if I want this 'hero' job. It's... heavy. It's political. It's not who I was." He looked down for a second, then back up—his gaze locking with Arabella's. "But you know what is clear to me?"
He took a step closer to her.
"My promise to you. I said I'd find a way to undo that curse… and I meant it."
Arabella's eyes widened just slightly, and a faint pink crept across her cheeks. She looked away, brushing a strand of red hair behind her ear.
Beatrice chuckled softly and said, "Well… I guess that's the answer you wanted, Arabella."
Arabella said nothing, still flustered.
Then Beatrice took another sip, as if remembering something. "Oh, by the way—my father and mother are in the city. They arrived yesterday. Do you… want to meet them?"
Jack blinked. "Oh. The Lancaster family? Uh, sure."
Beatrice added, a little too casually, "My younger sister's also here."
Jack tilted his head. "You never told me you had a sister."
Beatrice smirked, her voice teasing now. "She's… energetic. You'll see."
Jack looked between the two girls, suddenly nervous. "Am I supposed to dress up for this?"
Arabella raised a brow. "Maybe don't wear the shirt you slept in."
Beatrice rolled her eyes. "Just don't be weird. Or say anything embarrassing."
Jack gave a lopsided grin. "Great. No pressure."
Jack followed Beatrice and Arabella through one of the arched corridors of the palace, flanked by tall stained-glass windows and golden sconces. Everything about the capital still overwhelmed him—especially the way nobility moved through it like it was nothing. But as they neared a grand set of ivory doors, he started feeling that weight in his chest again.
"Wait," he said, pausing. "So your family's here—in this palace?"
Beatrice glanced back, brow raised. "Of course. We're guests of the royal family. Why wouldn't we be?"
Jack scratched the back of his neck. "I guess I just… didn't realize your family was, you know… that big of a deal."
Arabella smirked. "You didn't know?"
Beatrice folded her arms and gave Jack a look. "You think someone like me was just wandering around Eldoria with a couple of guards for fun?"
Jack blinked. "Well—kinda? I mean I knew you were a noble, but I didn't think that noble."
Beatrice exhaled a quiet laugh. "Jack… my family rules over Redharth."
"Okay, yeah. And… what does that mean exactly?"
Arabella nudged him playfully. "He doesn't know," she said to Beatrice.
Beatrice rolled her eyes, then leaned slightly closer. "Redharth is one of the oldest and most militarized cities in Eldoria. Economically, it rivals Porthaven. We're known for training the best warriors, mages, and strategists in the kingdom. If you studied at any of the top academies—whether it's swordplay, arcane arts, or even statecraft—it's likely based in Redharth."
Jack's brows raised. "Wait—like, all of them?"
Beatrice nodded. "All. We also house the largest and most complete library in Eldoria. Redharth values knowledge and strength. We're not just nobles—we're soldiers. Builders. Historians. That's why I know more than most people in this room."
Jack gave her a blank stare. "So you're like… a boss-level princess of a military city."
Beatrice smirked. "Something like that."
Jack shook his head slowly. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"
"You never asked," she said coolly.
Arabella chimed in, half-smiling. "She wanted to see how long you'd stay clueless."
"Mission successful," Jack muttered.
Just then, the doors opened, and a well-dressed attendant gestured them inside. The room was elegant but warm, with a deep crimson carpet and gold-draped windows. At the far end stood two figures: a tall, stern-looking man in a decorated dark uniform with a cloak that bore the Lancaster sigil, and beside him, a poised woman with silver-streaked hair and eyes that mirrored Beatrice's.
Beatrice exhaled softly. "Come on. Don't say anything dumb."
"I'll try," Jack muttered.
"And don't flirt with my sister."
"…Wait, what?"
Just then, a younger girl bolted from the side room—her hair is as blonde as Beatrice's, her expression full of excitement. "Bea!"
Jack blinked. "That's your sister?"
The girl stopped in front of Beatrice, wide-eyed and full of energy. "You're actually back! And—who's this?"
Beatrice sighed. "This is Jack."
Jack offered a small, awkward wave. "Hey."
The girl looked him up and down, then smirked. "You look weird."
Jack blinked. "Thanks?"
Beatrice muttered under her breath. "This is going to be a long night."
The young girl giggled, then stood upright and gave an overly formal curtsy. "Sophia Lancaster. Youngest daughter of House Lancaster, second in line to Redharth."
Jack raised a brow. "Second in line? So if—"
Beatrice immediately cut him off. "Don't finish that sentence."
Lord Lancaster stepped forward. His presence was heavy—like someone used to commanding armies, not just rooms. His voice was deep, composed. "So this is the outsider. Jack Craneson."
Jack straightened up on instinct. "Yes, sir."
Lady Lancaster stepped beside her husband, eyes sharp with a hint of curiosity. "We've heard of your arrival. And your… peculiar energy signature."
Jack wasn't sure what to say to that. "Yeah. It's been… weird."
Lord Lancaster nodded once. "We respect strength in Redharth—but we respect intention more. You walk with two noblewomen, yet carry yourself like a stray."
Jack blinked. "I… guess I do."
Beatrice stepped slightly in front of Jack, her voice cool but firm. "He's more than a stray. He saved us from goblins in Porthaven. And he's promised to undo Arabella's curse."
There was a brief silence. Lord Lancaster studied Jack's face for a long moment—then gave a small nod. "Promises made in this world carry weight, Jack Craneson. Do not speak lightly."
"I won't," Jack said.
Lady Lancaster turned her attention to Beatrice. "We'll speak later. There's much to prepare for."
Beatrice gave a polite nod, then motioned for Jack to follow her back out. Sophia stayed behind with her parents, but not before giving Jack one last mischievous grin.
Back in the hallway, Jack rubbed the back of his neck. "So… that was intense."
Beatrice sighed. "That was polite for them. Consider yourself lucky."
"I didn't know your family ran the military Hogwarts of Eldoria."
"Please never call it that again," she said, barely hiding a smile.
They rejoined Arabella, who stood by the tall windows overlooking the massive palace gardens. "So?" she asked. "How was it?"
Jack gave a thumbs up. "No one stabbed me. So… pretty good."
Arabella chuckled. "Then you're officially one of us."
Beatrice smirked. "Don't get used to it. The real trials haven't even started."
Jack looked between the two of them—one from a city of power, the other from a city of politics—and realized just how far he still had to go.
But somewhere deep down… maybe he was starting to feel like he belonged.
Sophia stood by the window, watching Jack walk away with her sister. She muttered under her breath, almost too softly to hear, "So that's what the Sixth Hero looks like…"
There was a pause.
Then—
"W-What did you just say?" Lord Arthur Lancaster's voice cracked, his eyes going wide behind his stern exterior.
Sophia blinked. "Uh… nothing, father."
"No, no, no—Sixth Hero?" Arthur repeated, louder this time, suddenly pacing. "THE SIXTH HERO?!"
Lady Bianca Lancaster raised an eyebrow. "Arthur, what in the bloody hell are you doing? Why are you stuttering like a child?"
Arthur turned toward her, waving his hands like an excited scholar. "Bianca! He's the sixth hero! The last one! The one with the highest recorded mana output we've seen in five centuries! And Beatrice—our daughter—is walking beside him like it's nothing!"
Lady Bianca placed her hand on her forehead. "Oh gods, he's doing the voice again."
Arthur continued mumbling, animatedly pacing the room. "We have the sixth hero in our house. I'm making sure he's going to be my son-in-law. Imagine the lineage, the potential magical bloodline—"
Sophia giggled, and Lady Bianca rolled her eyes. "He always gets like this around ancient prophecies and bloodline theories."
Arthur suddenly straightened up, cleared his throat, fixed his coat, and walked toward the door with the stiff, noble posture of a proper lord.
Jack, Beatrice, and Arabella were casually chatting when the doors opened and Arthur Lancaster stepped out, his usual sharp and commanding presence returned—though a faint pink still colored his ears.
"My apologies," he said with a bow, "It appears I did not properly introduce myself earlier, young man."
Jack blinked. "Oh—no worries, sir."
"I am Arthur Lancaster, Lord of Redharth and commander of the Eastern Defense Pact."
Beatrice crossed her arms. "Now you're being formal?"
Arthur gave her a side-eye and continued. "This is my wife, Lady Bianca Lancaster."
Bianca stepped forward with regal poise and a surprisingly warm smile. "It's an honor, Jack Craneson. You've already made quite the impression in court."
Jack scratched the back of his head. "Thanks… I think?"
Arthur cleared his throat again and looked at Jack for a little too long.
Beatrice narrowed her eyes. "Don't say it."
"I didn't say anything," Arthur replied—then whispered under his breath, "son-in-law material…"
Beatrice facepalmed.
Arabella chuckled and leaned close to Jack. "Welcome to the noble circus."
Arthur Lancaster clasped Jack's hand with a dramatic sense of purpose, giving it an unnecessarily long shake. His eyes were sparkling behind his noble mask.
"My boy," Arthur said, nodding, "You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment. A real, honest-to-the-gods prophesied hero in the Lancaster residence!"
Jack gave a nervous chuckle. "Uh... I'm just kinda here, sir."
"Oh no, no, no," Arthur leaned in, whispering like a crazed scholar. "You're not just here, you're in the center of destiny's wheel, you're the variable that resets the equation of fate, you're—"
"Dad." Beatrice interrupted, dragging a hand down her face. "You're doing the prophecy monologue again."
"I wrote the prophecy monologue!" Arthur replied with pride.
Bianca crossed her arms beside him. "And you performed it in the bathtub. Naked. With a sword."
Jack coughed.
Arabella was trying not to laugh, but her red face betrayed her.
Arthur, fully unbothered, took a deep breath and stood tall. "Jack Craneson, do you like libraries?"
"Uh... sure?"
Arthur's face lit up like a child. "We have the biggest one in Eldoria! Five floors! Secret passages! One hallway that only opens if you solve a riddle in Old Runes! I installed it myself with a talking gargoyle named Kevin!"
Jack blinked. "Did you say Kevin?"
Bianca sighed. "He feeds it cookies."
Arthur turned dramatically to Jack again. "But more importantly, we also have the most elite academies in the entire kingdom! Swordmasters! Arcanists! Strategists! Our city doesn't just build soldiers. We forge them. The entire economy runs on brilliance, discipline, and war! Redharth doesn't send students to war—we send legends."
Jack looked genuinely impressed now. "Damn... I had no idea you guys were this stacked."
Beatrice smirked. "I told you I'm not just some noble lady."
Arthur pointed dramatically between Jack and Beatrice. "A genius daughter. A fated hero. Are you feeling the chemistry, Bianca?"
"Arthur. Breathe."
He did. Briefly.
"Right! Yes. I am composed. I am noble." He turned, tripped on his own foot, then stood like nothing happened. "If you'll excuse me, I'll go weep tears of joy in the hallway."
He strutted off—regal on the outside, internally losing his mind like a fangirl at a concert.
Jack watched him leave. "He's... awesome."
Bianca chuckled softly. "That's why I married him."
Arabella wiped a tear from laughing. "Now I'm scared to introduce you to my dad."
Beatrice sighed, "Gods help us all."