How I Became The Villain

Kade paced nervously in the war chamber, his fingers tapping the edge of the glowing map. The enemy's forces were pressing closer to the eastern ridge, and the tension in the castle had risen to a fever pitch. He stared at the markers shifting across the map, his stomach knotting.

"Why do I have to deal with this?"

he muttered to himself.

"Why can't they just give up already?"

The doors opened, and Vala entered, her footsteps echoing in the silent chamber. Her armor glinted faintly in the dim light as she bowed slightly, her icy gaze fixed on Kade.

'My lord,'

she said.

'The enemy forces are advancing on the eastern ridge. They are led by Drelan the Radiant, a hero renowned for breaking strongholds and rallying his troops.'

Kade sighed, running a hand through his hair.

'How close are they?'

'They will reach our defenses by dawn,'

Vala replied.

'Thadric's fortifications are holding for now, but Drelan's forces are sizable. Their numbers and tactics will overwhelm us without intervention.'

Kade froze, staring at her.

'Intervention?'

he repeated, his voice cracking.

'You mean… me?'

Vala inclined her head slightly.

'Your presence on the battlefield would crush their morale. The enemy fears your power.'

Kade let out a shaky laugh.

"Power? Right. Let's pretend I know how to use any of that."

'Your appearance alone would suffice,'

Vala said.

'But a demonstration would send a clear message.'

Kade groaned, slumping into his chair.

"Why me? Why not Vala? Or Brug? They love this kind of stuff. I'm just here to survive."

He finally stood, forcing himself to nod.

'Fine. Let's… do this.'

***

The eastern ridge was alive with chaos. Enemy troops surged forward in waves, clashing with the castle's forces at the fortified line. The air rang with the sound of swords clashing, arrows whistling, and the cries of soldiers on both sides.

Kade stood at the crest of the ridge, his dark armor feeling heavier than ever. His commanders flanked him, their expressions calm and focused as they watched the battle below. He, on the other hand, could feel his legs shaking.

"I don't belong here,"

he thought to himself.

"Why am I here? This is suicide."

Below, Drelan the Radiant led the charge. His golden armor shone brilliantly, his sword raised high as he rallied his troops. Even from a distance, his booming voice carried over the battlefield.

'Kaedus the Eternal!'

Drelan shouted.

'Face me, tyrant, and answer for your crimes!'

Kade stiffened, his stomach twisting into knots.

'He's talking to me, isn't he?'

he muttered.

'Yes, my lord,'

Vala said, her tone calm.

'They await your response.'

Kade turned to her, his voice a frantic whisper.

'What do I even say to that?'

'Anything will suffice,'

she replied.

'Your presence alone speaks volumes.'

Kade stepped forward hesitantly, raising his hand.

'Uh… your bravery is… noted?'

he called out, his voice cracking.

'But maybe you should… go home?'

The enemy troops hesitated for a moment before bursting into laughter. Drelan pointed his sword toward Kade, his golden armor blazing as he charged.

'So be it, tyrant! Prepare to fall!'

Kade took a step back, his heart pounding.

"I'm going to die. This is it. They'll write a tragedy about me, not a legend."

As Drelan closed in, Kade flailed his arms in panic.

'Stop!'

To his astonishment, a massive surge of dark energy erupted from his hand, sweeping across the battlefield. The wave slammed into the front line of enemy soldiers, scattering them like leaves in a storm. Even Drelan stumbled, his advance halted.

Kade blinked, staring at his hand.

"What just happened? Did I… do that?"

The battlefield fell silent for a moment as everyone processed what had just occurred. Then Drelan rallied, his golden sword glowing brighter as he advanced again.

'You will not intimidate me, Kaedus!'

he roared.

Kade raised both hands instinctively, and a barrier of shadowy energy appeared in front of him. Drelan's sword struck it, sending ripples of light and darkness across the battlefield. The clash sent shockwaves through the air, knocking several soldiers off their feet.

"What is this? How am I doing this?"

Kade muttered to himself.

"I don't know what I'm doing!"

Drelan lunged again, and Kade sidestepped awkwardly, nearly tripping over his own feet. He thrust his hand forward, more out of desperation than intent. Another burst of energy surged outward, this time forming jagged spikes that shot toward the enemy troops. The soldiers scrambled to dodge, their formation breaking as the spikes tore through the ground.

Drelan growled, his glowing armor dimming slightly.

'You're strong,'

he admitted.

'But you cannot defeat me!'

Kade stumbled backward, shaking his head.

'I'm not trying to defeat you!'

he shouted.

'I'm just trying not to die!'

He tripped over a rock and fell flat on his back. As Drelan moved to strike, Kade waved his arms wildly, shouting incoherently. A massive column of shadow erupted from the ground, engulfing Drelan and lifting him into the air. The hero struggled, his golden light flickering as the shadows tightened around him.

Kade scrambled to his feet, staring in disbelief.

"Did I just… win? What is happening?"

The enemy troops hesitated, their morale crumbling as their leader was held aloft like a captured bird. One by one, they began to retreat, their confidence shattered.

Vala stepped forward, her voice calm but carrying an edge of approval.

'The enemy is retreating, my lord. Your display of power has broken them.'

Kade turned to her, his hands trembling.

'Display of power? I don't even know what I'm doing!'

Vala gave him a faint smile.

'You went easy on them, my lord. Most would not have survived your strength.'

Kade's jaw dropped.

'Easy? That was easy? I thought I was going to die!'

Brug stomped forward, his booming laugh filling the air.

'Brug wanted to smash them, but you smashed them harder, my lord!'

Kade shook his head, his legs finally giving out as he sat heavily on a nearby rock.

"This can't be my life now,"

he muttered to himself.

"How am I supposed to survive being this dangerous?"

The battlefield was quiet once more, the only sounds the faint rustle of the wind and the retreating footsteps of the enemy. For now, the ridge was safe, but Kade couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.