Chapter 15 – The Final Warning

【Brendon PoV】

I stood quietly in the middle of the village square.

People walked around, smiling and chatting.

It was peaceful.

But something felt strange.

Suddenly, a glow appeared in the sky.

I looked up quickly.

A bright, glowing bird made of magic flew toward me.

It landed softly in front of me and opened its beak.

A weak, shaky voice came out.

“Brendon, if you’re hearing this, I’m already dead.”

My heart froze.

That voice belonged to a guard from the city.

My friend.

“The city has fallen. The otherworlder can’t be stopped. He has the power of hypnosis. He can control people’s minds.”

I felt my throat tighten.

I clenched my fists, breathing faster.

The guard’s voice continued, growing weaker and weaker.

“Normal soldiers can’t fight him. Only you have the power to resist it.”

I swallowed hard.

I knew the otherworlder was strong, but this was worse than I imagined.

“Brendon, don’t bring Lyana. Don’t bring anyone else. He will use them against you.”

The voice paused, breathing heavily.

“You’re our only hope. Please hurry.”

Then the bird vanished, leaving silence behind.

I stood there, my body cold with fear.

My friend, the guard, had died sending me this message.

I couldn’t believe it.

The city had fallen.

Lyana walked toward me, carrying a basket of fresh apples.

She smiled, but then she saw my face and stopped.

“Brendon? What’s wrong?”

She sounded worried.

I wanted to hide it, but she needed to know.

“Lyana, something terrible happened.”

Her eyes widened.

She put the apples down gently.

“What is it?”

I took a deep breath.

“The city has been taken by the otherworlder. He has dangerous new powers.”

“What powers?” she asked softly.

I looked into her eyes.

“Hypnosis. He can control people’s minds.”

She stepped back a little, scared.

“That’s horrible… what will we do?”

“I have to go right now,” I said.

Lyana moved closer again, determined.

“Then I’ll come with you.”

I shook my head quickly.

“No, Lyana. You can’t.”

She looked hurt.

“Why not? I can fight too.”

I gently touched her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

“The guard said specifically not to bring anyone else. If the otherworlder controls your mind, I won’t be able to save you.”

She lowered her head sadly.

“But you’ll go alone?”

“I have no choice. Only my power can resist his hypnosis.”

Lyana squeezed her fists, shaking slightly.

“I wish I could do something.”

I gave her a small smile.

“You can. Stay here and protect the village. They need you.”

She nodded slowly.

“Please promise you’ll come back safe.”

I took a deep breath and forced myself to smile again.

“I promise, Lyana. I’ll come back.”

She handed me the basket of apples quietly.

“Take these. You’ll need strength.”

“Thank you,” I said softly.

I turned around and walked quickly to my small hut.

Inside, I grabbed everything I would need.

My sword.

Some food and water.

A cloak for the cold nights.

My hands moved fast, but my heart felt heavy.

When I stepped outside, villagers had gathered.

They looked worried and confused.

I faced them, trying to sound confident.

“Everyone, I have bad news.”

They looked at me quietly, waiting.

“The city is controlled by the otherworlder. I must go alone to stop him. Please stay strong and take care of each other.”

An old man stepped forward, smiling sadly.

“We trust you, Brendon. Be careful.”

I nodded gratefully.

“I will.”

As I walked away, I saw a small group of children watching me.

They looked serious.

A young boy approached nervously.

“Brendon, you’ll come back, right?”

I knelt down and smiled softly.

“Of course, I’ll be back. While I’m gone, protect each other. Can you do that?”

The boy nodded bravely.

“We’ll be strong for you.”

I patted his head gently.

“Good.”

I stood up and started walking away from the village.

Each step felt heavier than the last.

My friend’s last words echoed in my head.

He died sending me this message.

I wouldn’t waste his sacrifice.

“I promise,” I whispered, gripping my sword tightly.

The city was far away, but I couldn’t stop.

Not now.

Not when everyone needed me.

I had to stop this otherworlder.

I had no choice.