The Wrong Hero Has Been Summoned
Chapter 9: Rest

Chapter 9: Rest

The crowd, which had been cheering just moments ago, fell quiet. Many looked at each other, shocked that someone would dare speak to them like that.

Elara’s face turned red with anger. She stood up from her seat, her hands gripping the railing until her knuckles turned white.

"You’ve passed the test," she said through clenched teeth. "But don’t think this means anything. You got lucky."

Luther laughed, wiping more blood from his face. "Lucky? Is that what you call it?"

He walked slowly back to his friends, limping slightly. Luna rushed to his side, helping him stay upright.

"You idiot," she whispered. "You almost got yourself killed."

"But I didn’t," he replied with a grin. "And now we all get to pass, right?"

Vess shook her head but couldn’t hide her smile. "That was impressive. Reckless, but impressive."

The crowd started talking again, their voices growing louder. Some pointed at him, others argued about what they’d just seen.

"How did he beat three Guardians?" "Did you see how he moved?" "What kind of fighting style was that?"

Selene looked around nervously. "Maybe we should go before they change their minds."

He nodded, wincing as pain shot through his ribs. "Yeah, good idea. I could use a drink and some food. Fighting makes me hungry."

As they turned to leave, Elara’s voice stopped them. "Wait."

She walked down from her platform, approaching Luther with narrowed eyes. The crowd went quiet again, watching.

"No one has ever defeated three Guardians before," she said, studying him. "Who are you? Really?"

He met her gaze, his yellow eyes fading back to normal. "Just a traveler. Nothing special."

She didn’t look convinced. "Those moves... that fighting style... I’ve never seen anything like it."

"Maybe you need to get out more," he replied with a shrug.

Some people in the crowd laughed, quickly covering their mouths when she glared at them.

"You and your friends may pass," she said finally.

He gave her a mock bow, wincing again at the pain in his ribs. "See ya."

As they walked toward the exit, the crowd parted for them, people whispering and pointing.

"That was some show," Luna said quietly. "But you might have made an enemy."

He smiled, despite the blood and bruises. "Story of my life. Come on, let’s find somewhere to rest before I pass out."

They left the arena, the sound of the crowd fading behind them. His victory had earned them passage, but it had also brought attention they might not want.

As they walked through the streets, looking for an inn, people stared and whispered. Word of the fight had already spread.

"Great," Vess muttered. "So much for keeping a low profile."

He laughed, then immediately regretted it as pain shot through his chest. "That was never an option, shit like that never works."

Selene spotted an inn ahead. "There. Let’s get inside before you really pass out."

They hurried toward the building, Luther leaning on Luna for support. tension between them completely forgotten or being put at the side for now. Behind them, the arena still buzzed with excitement over what they witnessed.

The inn was packed, but the moment Luther and his companions walked in, a hush fell over the room. Conversations stopped mid-sentence as heads turned to stare at the bloodied man who had just defeated three Guardians.

"Great," Luna muttered. "More attention."

Luther straightened up, trying not to show how much pain he was in. "Just act normal."

Vess snorted. "Says the guy covered in blood."

The innkeeper, a stout woman with graying hair, approached them cautiously. "You’re the one from the arena," she said, eyeing Luther. "Word travels fast in this place."

"We need a room," Selene said quickly. "And some food, if you have any."

The innkeeper hesitated, then nodded. "Three silver for the room, extra for food."

He reached for his coin pouch but winced as pain shot through his side. Vess stepped in, handling the payment while Luna kept him steady.

"Second floor, third door on the right," the innkeeper said, pocketing the coins. "I’ll have food sent up."

"Thanks," he said, already heading for the stairs.

By the time they reached the room, he was barely staying upright. The adrenaline from the fight had worn off, leaving only pain and exhaustion.

"Sit down before you fall," Luna ordered, guiding him to the bed.

The room was small but clean, with two beds, a table, and a window overlooking the street. He collapsed onto the nearest bed, groaning as his bruised body hit the mattress.

"Think you can use that healing power one?" he asked, his words barely coming through.

Luna stepped forward, pushing her sleeves back. "I can help but as you know, I am not that good at this yet, but it should take care of the worst of it."

"Better than nothing," he said, closing his eyes.

As she worked on his wounds, her hands glowing with a soft golden light of divine power, Vess stood by the window, keeping watch on the street below.

"People are still talking about you," she said. "Some are pointing at the inn."

"Let them talk," he replied, too tired to care.

A knock at the door made them all tense. Luna approached cautiously, hand on her dagger, before opening it to reveal a young server with their food.

"Here you go," the server said, eyes wide as they stared at Luther. "Are you really the one who beat the Guardians?"

"Thanks for the food," Luna said firmly, taking the tray and closing the door before the server could ask more questions.

The smell of hot stew and fresh bread filled the room. Despite his pain, his stomach growled.

"Food first, then rest," he said, pushing himself up.

They gathered around the small table, eating in silence for a while. The stew was thick and hearty, exactly what they needed after the day’s events.

"So," Luna said finally, breaking the silence. "What was that fighting style? I’ve never seen anything like it."

He took a long drink of water before answering. "Just something I picked up back home. Mix of a few things."

"It was effective," Vess said, tearing off a piece of bread. "But reckless."

He shrugged, then immediately regretted the motion. "Got the job done, didn’t it?"

"At what cost?" Selene asked quietly, looking at his injuries. "You could have been killed."

"Wouldn’t be the first time," he muttered.

They all looked at him, waiting for him to elaborate, but he just continued eating.