The Wrong Hero Has Been Summoned
Chapter 29: Letter

Chapter 29: Letter

Luther could not believe what he just heard. "its over? How, why? I haven’t lost yet." He was trying not to show it but he was very pissed off. And the man could see right through him.

Lord Varen leaned back in his chair, a hint of sympathy in his expression. "You were unconscious for three days after your match. The healers weren’t sure when you would wake up, so the tournament continued without you."

"Three days?" His anger gave way to shock. He didn’t realize he was out for so long.

"Yes. Your injuries were... unusual. The healers had never seen anything quite like it." He studied him carefully. "The wound itself wasn’t just physical - there was something else to it. Something they couldn’t fully understand."

He clenched his fists. All his preparation, all his fighting - for nothing. "So who won?" he asked finally.

"A hunter from the northern region. Skilled, but nothing compared to what you showed in your match against Korg." He stood up and walked to a small table where he poured two glasses of water. He offered one to Luther. "Many believe you would have won had you been able to continue."

He took the glass but didn’t drink. "I should have been given a chance."

"Rules are rules, unfortunately. But that’s why I’m even more interested in having you join my guild." He returned to his seat. "Your potential is clear to everyone who witnessed that match."

Luther took a sip of water, trying to calm himself. "Did anyone figure out what happened to Korg?"

"He has no memory of the final moments of your battle. The tournament officials are calling it a case of mana overload - when a fighter pushes beyond their limits and loses control." His eyes narrowed slightly. "But we both know it was something else, don’t we?"

He said nothing, just stared back at the guild leader.

"Very well," Varen said after a moment. "Keep your secrets for now. My offer stands. The Crimson Blade could use someone with your... unique abilities."

"I’ll think about it," he said, standing up. "Where are my friends? The ones who were with me?"

"They’ve been waiting for you to wake up. They’re probably in the dining hall now. One of them - Luna, I believe - has barely left your side these past three days."

He nodded and turned to leave.

"One more thing," he called after him. "Whatever happened in that arena... whatever you faced... it wasn’t a one-time occurrence. You might want allies when it happens again."

He paused at the door but didn’t turn around. "Thanks for the warning." Then he walked out, closing the door behind him.

As he made his way through the hallways, looking for his friends, he thought about everything that had happened. The demon, the goddess’s visit, and now learning he’d been unconscious for three days. Things were getting more complicated, and he wasn’t sure if joining a guild would help or just restrict his freedom.

’Three days wasted,’ he thought bitterly. ’And that damn demon got away.’ He paused and punch the wall in anger, cracking it. "Fuck!" He ran a hand through his hair and leaned against the wall. "There goes my chance to enter the academy."

He decided to push those thoughts aside, right now he needed food, and to find Luna and the others. After that, he’d figure out his next move. The tournament might be over, but there are always ways to get what you want.

He made his way toward the dining hall, following the sounds of people talking and eating. The place was busy with hunters and spectators from the tournament.

As he entered, he spotted the girls sitting at a table in the corner. They hadn’t noticed him yet.

"Hey," he said, walking up to them.

Luna jumped to her feet, her eyes wide. "Luther! You’re awake!" Before he could say anything else, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug.

Selene and Vess quickly joined them, both smiling with relief.

"We were so worried," Vess said. "How are you feeling?"

"Hungry," he replied, gently freeing himself from Luna’s embrace. "Really hungry."

They laughed, and Selene immediately pushed a plate of food toward him. "Sit down and eat. We have a lot to tell you."

He sat and began eating. The food tasted amazing after three days of nothing.

"So," he said between bites, "I heard I missed the rest of the tournament."

The girls exchanged looks.

"Yeah," Luna said softly. "They couldn’t wait for you to wake up. The healers weren’t sure what was wrong."

"Did they say anything about Korg?" he asked.

"He woke up the next day," Vess answered. "Claimed he didn’t remember anything from the end of your match. They’re calling it mana overload."

He nodded, thinking about the demon that had possessed Korg. "And who won the tournament?"

"Some guy from the north," Selene said, waving her hand dismissively. "Nobody interesting. Everyone was talking about your match though."

"Great," he said, unable to hide his disappointment. "So what now? That was our only chance to get a chance to enter the academy."

Luna brightened up. "Actually, no! The academy sent a representative to watch the tournament. After your match with Korg, they were very impressed. They left this for you." She handed him a sealed letter.

He took it, looking at the official seal of the Academy. "They want me to join?"

"Open it and see," Vess encouraged.

He broke the seal and read the letter. His eyes widened slightly.

"Well?" Luna asked impatiently.

"They’re offering me a spot," he said, still reading. "Not just as a student, but as some kind of special trainee. They want me to start in two weeks."

The girls cheered.

"What about you guys?" he asked, looking up from the letter.

"We got in too!" Luna said excitedly. "Not the special program, but we’re all going to be students. They did it as a favor, to be on your good side."

He smiled, feeling better. Maybe things weren’t so bad after all.

"Oh, and Lord Varen came to see you several times while you were out," Selene added. "Did he find you?"

"Yeah, we just spoke. He wants me to join his guild."

"The Crimson Blade? That’s one of the best guilds around," Vess said, impressed. "Are you going to accept?"

He took another bite of food, considering the question. "I don’t know yet. I need to think about it."

’Lier, he is not going to join.’ Luna thought, looking at him with a smile.

Just then, the dining hall door opened, and a familiar figure walked in. It was Korg, looking pale but otherwise recovered. His eyes scanned the room until they found Luther.

The hall went quiet as he walked straight toward their table. He stopped in front of him, his face unreadable. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he extended his hand.

"Good match," he said simply. "I don’t remember much of the end, but I know you fought well."

Luther hesitated, then shook his hand. "You too."

Korg nodded once, then turned and left without another word.

"That was... unexpected," Luna said when he was gone.

"Maybe," he replied, watching Korg’s retreating back. "But I doubt he remembers anything about the demon."

"About that," Selene leaned in, lowering her voice. "We came to a conclusion that they were probably hiding in the stands."

He continued eating, unbothered by her words, "Yeah, I saw them."

"Oh, you saw them..." Luna paused after processing, "you what!?"