The Wrong Hero Has Been Summoned
Chapter 5: Section c

Chapter 5: Section c

Luther stared at Luna for a long moment, his jaw tight. The words wouldn’t come easily.

"I don’t do well with teamwork," he said finally, his voice low. "Where I come from, trusting others usually ends badly."

She crossed her arms. "Well, you’re not there anymore. You’re here, with us."

"Yeah." He looked away. "That’s the problem."

Vess sighed loudly from the table. "Are you two going to eat or just stare at each other all day? The food’s getting cold."

Selene smiled and started setting out plates. The tension in the room eased slightly.

He sat down at the table, still not completely comfortable. "So what’s the plan now? We still need to get to the capital."

"So you’re staying with us then?" Luna asked, sitting across from him.

He shrugged. "Seems like the smart move. For now."

She narrowed her eyes but didn’t push it. "Fine. We leave after breakfast."

Vess looked between them and shook her head. "You two are impossible."

As they ate, he looked at Selene, seeing how she was not eating like the others.

"Did you think about?" He asked. "Still want to come?"

She nodded. "Yes. I’ve packed my things already."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Wait, she’s coming with us?"

"Is that a problem?" He challenged.

She smiled thinly. "Not at all. Just surprised you’d invite someone else along. Didn’t think you were the friendly type."

"I’m not," he muttered.

After breakfast, they gathered their supplies. Luther stood outside, watching the broken section wake up around them. People moved through the streets, their faces tired but determined.

"Ready?" Selene appeared beside him, a small bag over her shoulder.

He nodded. "Yeah. Where are the others?"

"Coming. Luna wanted to thank my neighbors for helping them yesterday."

He frowned. "That’s... nice of her."

"She’s a good person," she said. "So are you, I think. Deep down."

He snorted. "Don’t count on it."

Luna and Vess joined them, and they started walking. The silence between Luther and Luna was still tense, but no longer hostile.

The four of them walked toward the gates that separated the broken section from the other sections. The huge metal doors loomed ahead, guarded by strange-looking soldiers.

"So how exactly do we get through?" Vess asked, eyeing the guards nervously.

Luther dropped the back on his shoulder "With these. I have enough gold for all of us."

Luna’s eyes widened. "Where did you get that much money?"

"Let’s just say I am a good fighter" he said with a small smile. "A very good fighter."

Selene looked at the bag with surprise. "That’s enough for all four of us? It costs 100 gold coins each!"

He nodded. "More than enough." ’I also stole some coins when I was looking for Luna, not proud of it but hey, it works.’

As they approached the gates, the guards straightened up. Their armor looked different from normal soldiers - darker, with strange markings that seemed to glow faintly.

"State your business," one guard demanded, his voice rough.

"We want to pass through to the next section," he said, holding up the bag of coins.

The guard’s eyes narrowed as he looked at each of them. His gaze lingered on Selene. "You. Girl. You’re from this section, aren’t you?"

She nodded nervously. "Yes, but I’m leaving. I have permission."

"Permission?" The guard laughed. "The only permission you need is gold." He held out his hand to Luther. "400 coins. Now."

He counted out the coins and dropped them into the guard’s palm. The man tested a few between his teeth, then nodded to his partner.

"Open the gates!"

With a loud creaking sound, the massive doors began to swing open. Beyond them lay a path leading to the next section - one that looked much cleaner and wealthier than the broken one they were leaving.

Selene took a deep breath, her eyes wide with wonder. "I’ve never been outside before."

He glanced at her. "thrilling right?"

She smiled at him, pure joy on her face, "yes! Thank you so much for this."

"Hehe, you are welcome."

’Why does he treat her so nicely but treat us like shit?’ Luna thought, signs of jealousy showing on her face.

As they passed through the gates, Selene took one last look at her home, then squared her shoulders and followed the others. The doors closed behind them with a heavy thud.

The path ahead stretched for about a mile before reaching another wall - the entrance to the next section. The landscape between was bare and empty, a no-man’s-land between territories.

"We should reach the next gate by noon," he said, setting a brisk pace.

Luna walked beside him, still keeping a slight distance. " so, we are heading for section c huh. I heard they don’t care for money, you just need to prove yourself and you can enter. Question is, how do we prove ourselves?"

"Well, we will have to wait and see what they say 1st. So much work, this is annoying." I

She studied his face, trying to read his expression. "You find everything annoying, don’t you?"

"Pretty much," he replied with a shrug. "But we need to get through to reach the capital."

They walked in silence for a while, the empty space between sections stretching before them. The sun beat down, making the journey uncomfortable.

Selene looked around with wide eyes, taking in everything. "I can’t believe I’m finally outside! The sky looks so different from here."

Vess smiled at her excitement.

As they approached the wall of section c, they could see it was different from the broken section. These walls gleamed in the sunlight, made of some kind of metal that didn’t rust. Guards in shining armor stood at attention by the gates.

"Remember," he said quietly, "let me do the talking."

Luna rolled her eyes. "Suuure, whatever you say, boss."

He shot her a look but said nothing.

When they reached the gates, a guard stepped forward. Unlike the guards from the broken section, this one stood tall and proud.

"State your business in section c," the guard commanded.

Luther stepped forward. "We’re travelers heading to the capital."

The guard looked them over carefully. "We don’t grant entry based on gold. You must prove your worth."

"And how do we do that?" He asked, his hand resting casually near his sword.

"The trial of skills," the guard explained. "Each of you must show what talents you bring to our section. Those who have nothing to offer are not welcome."

Vess frowned. "What kind of skills are you looking for?"

"Combat. Magic. Crafting. Medicine. Anything useful," the guard replied. "You will be taken to the trial grounds where the judges will evaluate you."

Luther glanced at his companions. Luna nodded slightly, ready for whatever came next. Vess looked nervous but determined. Selene’s eyes were wide with excitement mixed with fear.

"We accept," he said.

The guard signaled to others, and the gates began to open. "Follow me."

Inside, the difference was striking. Clean streets lined with beautiful buildings stretched before them. People walked about in fine clothes, looking healthy and well-fed. Nothing like the broken section.

Selene gasped. "It’s beautiful."

"Don’t get too comfortable," he warned quietly. "Nice places often hide ugly truths."

They were led to a large circular arena where a crowd had gathered to watch the newcomers being tested.

"Welcome to the trial grounds," a woman in elaborate robes announced. She sat with several others in a raised platform. "I am Judge Elara. You will each demonstrate your skills, and we will decide if you may pass through our section."

Luther stepped forward. "And if we fail?"

Elara smiled coldly. "Then you will be sent back the way you came."

"Who’s first?" another judge asked.

Before Luther could volunteer, Luna stepped forward. "I’ll go."

She walked to the center of the arena as the crowd watched closely.

"State your name and skill," Elara called out.

"I am Luna," she announced clearly. "My skill is combat."

A murmur ran through the crowd. Judge Elara nodded to someone, and a warrior entered the arena, carrying a sword and shield.

"Then prove it," the judge said.

Luna smiled, cracking her knuckles. "With pleasure."