Godslayer's Legacy

As Kael walked through the village, the morning events churned in his mind. The confrontation with the Divine Chosen replayed their smug faces, their casual dismissal of him, stoking his anger with every step.

How could they be stopped? The Divine Chosen were powerful, wielding fragments of Thalios's divine gift. To challenge them seemed like an impossible dream.

He barely noticed where his feet had taken him until he heard the familiar, soothing sound of Amna's voice. Always calm and melodic, that voice washed over him like a balm, momentarily soothing the storm of emotions roiling within him.

Kael spotted Amna under an ancient oak tree, sitting on a low stone, surrounded by a group of children. They sat cross-legged in front of her, wide-eyed and completely captivated by the story she was telling. It was a scene Kael had witnessed countless times, yet it never failed to bring a small smile to his face.

Amna had always been a light in Edrin; her bright eyes and natural grace drew people in. She had a gift for storytelling, bringing ancient tales to life with a passion that made even the oldest legends feel new.

Her amber eyes shimmered with warmth and wisdom as she spoke, her dark curls framing her face like a crown. Even in her simple green and brown dress, she radiated a presence that was impossible to ignore.

Today, she recounted one of the village children's favorite stories—the Last Stand of the Titans. Kael slowed down, leaning against a nearby tree to listen, drawn in by the familiarity of the tale and Amna's voice.

"And so, the Titans, in their final stand against the Gods, fought with all their strength," Amna said, her voice rising with intensity as her hands mimicked the battle she described. "Oranos, the Worldbreaker, led them. His mighty mace could split the earth and shake the mountains, and the very ground trembled with every swing. The Titans—giants of stone and fire—stood united."

The children's eyes widened, and they held on to every word. Kael, too, felt a familiar excitement stir within him. However, he had heard this story countless times before. Something in Amna's telling made it feel fresh and alive, as though the ancient battle was happening right before their eyes.

"But the Gods feared the Titans," Amna continued, her voice dropping slightly. "They saw their power and knew they couldn't control them. And so, the Gods, led by Zephryx, the Sky Sovereign, struck against the Titans. Zephryx cut through the skies with his cloak of lightning and sword made of the storm. His thunderous voice echoed across the heavens, calling forth the storm to bring down the Titans."

The children gasped, picturing the clash of ancient beings. Amna's hands moved in sweeping gestures like she could conjure the storm herself. Kael's chest tightened as he remembered the divine power of the Chosen. Even in stories, the gods held so much strength.

"The Titans fought with courage and honor," Amna went on, her voice filled with admiration. "But they were betrayed from within. Phyrax, the Titan of Stone, turned against his own kind, lured by the false promises of the gods. With the Gods' divine power and Phyrax's betrayal, the Titans began to fall, one by one. It was a dark day, the sky filled with sorrow, the earth splitting in grief as the Titans—creators of mountains and rivers—were overpowered."

A heavy silence fell over the group. The children sat, their faces etched with sadness at the defeat of the mighty Titans. Amna's face softened as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper.

"But," she added, her tone shifting to one of hope, "the Titans were not gone forever. It is said that their legacy lives on. Just as the Gods have their champions, those among us carry the Titans' strength in their blood. They are called the Godslayers—inheritors of the Titans' power. One day, they will rise and stand against the Gods to seek justice for the Titans and restore balance to the world."

The children exchanged wide-eyed glances, whispering excitedly among themselves about Godslayers. Kael couldn't help but feel a similar excitement tugging at his heart. The idea of inheriting the power of the Titans, of standing against the gods and their cruelty—was a fantasy that had always spoken to something deep inside him.

Amna glanced at Kael as she finished, a soft smile playing on her lips as she noticed him leaning against the tree. But before she could greet him, one of the children, a boy with a mop of dark hair, jumped up eagerly.

"Miss Amna! If I were a Godslayer, I'd challenge Zephryx and take back the skies!" he declared, his fists clenched as if preparing for battle.

Amna laughed, her voice light and full of affection. "I'm sure you would, Jorin. But remember, it's not just strength that makes a hero—courage and heart."

Another child, a girl with golden curls, tugged at Amna's dress. "Do you think the Godslayers are out there somewhere? Maybe they're already planning to challenge the gods."

Amna crouched down to her level, her eyes kind. "Perhaps, Mara. Maybe one day, you'll see someone rise up and bring the balance the Titans dreamed of."

The children's chatter grew more animated as they discussed who among them could be a Godslayer. They talked about defeating the gods, saving villages, and freeing the world from the grip of the Divine Chosen. It was the kind of hope a child's heart could easily hold.

Amna finally rose, gently urging the children to head home. "Now, off with you before your parents come looking for you. And remember, the Titans' legacy lives on, but it's up to each of us to keep their stories alive."

The children nodded, still buzzing with excitement as they waved goodbye. "Bye, Miss Amna! Tell us another story tomorrow!"

Amna smiled warmly, watching them scamper off, their voices fading as they disappeared down the village path. Only when they were out of sight did she turn her attention entirely to Kael, still leaning against the tree, his expression thoughtful.

"You're quite the storyteller," Kael said, pushing himself away from the tree with a grin. "You've got them believing they'll take on the gods themselves."

Amna laughed softly as she approached him. "They're children. It's good for them to dream big, especially in times like these." Her eyes softened as she studied him. "But you, Kael. You're different. I've heard about your run-in with the Divine Chosen this morning."

Kael's smile faltered, and he shrugged, trying to downplay the tension. "I just spoke my mind. Someone had to. They keep pushing us, and no one stands up to them."

Amna's expression turned serious, a crease forming between her brows. "I understand your frustration. But you have to be careful. The Divine Chosen don't tolerate defiance, especially from someone as young as you. Unless you're one of the Godslayers, Kael, you're taking a dangerous risk."

Kael let out a small laugh, but her words weighed on him. "A Godslayer? That's a tall order. Besides, how would I even know if I were one? Is there some way to tell?"

Amna's gaze softened as she stepped closer, lowering her voice. "The stories say that those who carry the Titans' legacy feel it—a unique pull that sets them apart. It's not just about power; it's about bravery, the willingness to stand against impossible odds. Sometimes, the Titans' essence is awakened through encounters with their relics."

Kael's eyes drifted toward the distant mountains that lined the horizon. Her words sparked something within him, echoing the stories he'd grown up hearing. Could there be more to him than the village boy known for his stubbornness and quick wit?

He shook his head, chuckling. "It sounds like something out of a dream. But if anyone's foolish enough to challenge a god, it's probably me."

Amna smiled, though there was a trace of concern in her amber eyes. "Just promise me you'll be careful. We need you here, Kael. The village can't afford to lose you to a fight that isn't yours to win—at least, not yet."

Kael nodded, his expression serious. "I'll be careful, but I can't stand by while they keep taking from us. If there's even a chance that I can do something, I have to try."

Amna placed a gentle hand on his arm, squeezing it reassuringly. "I know. But sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is wait until the right moment."

He smiled, feeling a bit of the tension lift. "Alright, I'll wait. But when the time comes, I'll ensure they remember who stood up."

Amna's expression softened into a smile, a mix of pride and worry. "When that time comes, Kael, maybe I'll tell your story to the next generation."

Kael laughed, a lightness returning to his mood. "Just do me a favor and make me taller in your story."

They shared a laugh, the morning's tension fading in the warmth of their friendship. The weight of Kael's growing responsibilities still pressed down on him. Still, with Amna's support, he felt a little more grounded, ready for whatever was to come.