Chapter 1 – A Hero’s Start
A sign that signals the end of the current world and the beginning of the next, is the appearance of the hero who can alter the past. God gave Inanis Lucet, now called Tunc Messorem, the first hero this ability, but made humanity lazy through it and had it forcibly taken away and all of his changes reversed. Tunc was then tasked with giving the blessing to other chosen people when the world was going to change into its next phase. Several heroes have saved humanity while others have barely managed to save enough people because of their egos. Some heroes have even had their changes completely reversed like Tunc, but no one besides those in Heaven and Hell know of these people. Being a hero is both a blessing and a curse.
Benedetto Vuoto is the next person in line from a lower family in the Fedele clan. A band of bandits from the most powerful gang in the land of Eden. His family are held hostage and the leader of this small gang decides to play a fun game with them.
He holds a knife to Benedetto’s throat and tells him, “Kill one of your parents and I’ll let your other parent and you go. Chose neither and all of you die.”
Benedetto chooses the third option by slipping through the bandit’s grip, pulls out a hidden knife, and stabs the bandit in the head. The boy is known for looking for other possible answers to tough situations, which is one of the reasons why he’s chosen. His parents follow his lead and escape their captors and spilt up as they avoid the bandits. Our hero has put some distance between him and his assailants and is unsure of where to go now. We now join Benedetto’s point of view as Tunc visits him in a forest.
The legendary Tunc Messorem appears to me out of nowhere with his scythe and time shield. His half skeletal, half human reaper is intimating to me, but I have to be respectful.
He says to me, “Benedetto Vuoto, you have been chosen to be the next hero.”
“I have? But I’m from a lower family with few skills,” I respond.
“Many heroes have come from similar backgrounds and done better than people who had all the riches and skills you could have. Do you know the Meager Hero?”
“I’ve heard of him.”
“He was set in staying in dirty clothes and using less than optimal gear to prove that any person can be a hero. That man was such a stubborn bastard.”
“You appearing to me and making me a hero must mean that the present world is ending to make way for the new one. How much time do we have until then?”
“You have plenty of time, so we’re going to pace ourselves. You can go back in time to fix your mistakes, so I don’t know what you’re worried about.”
“That’s a relief.”
“But you shouldn’t use it too much or else you’ll end up like me.”
“That’s not a relief.”
“The talk of the town is Socia Agmina, isn’t it? The central government that keeps all three clans in check and cooperative?”
“That’s right. Parts of it are corrupt. They deal unevenly with certain clans, trade, and justice. Wait, are we honestly going after the central government first?”
“That’s correct.”
“You can’t start me out with something small? Taming all of the dragons in the world is easier than doing that.”
“Don’t worry, we’re going to take this step by step.”
“Hopefully the first steps are easy.”
“We’re going to start with the bandits that attacked your family.”
“The individual bandits or the entire organization?”
“The entire organization.”
“I thought you said we’re going to take this step by step!”
“This is the best way to get your foot into the door.”
“Is it too late to give back my blessing?”
“You could always try to get the other clans to your side, but you don’t exactly have a reputation yet.”
“Couldn’t I just go into their past and tell them something from it that would convince them I’m the next hero?”
“You would need to know the exact day, time of day, year, and location in order to do that. It’s more difficult to get that information unless you want to force it out of them and come back to prove your blessing. You’ll probably be killed several times while getting that information.”
“Oh, that’s right. I can’t truly die until my job is done. Does experiencing death get easier the more I go through it?”
“No, unless you’re strong in spirit like the Meager Hero or sadistic.”
“And somehow going after the most powerful group of bandits is the best option that’ll get me killed the least?”
“Yes.”
“They’re so notorious that they’ve taken the name bandit as they’re own and the others that don’t join them are called maggots.”
“I’ve got a special bit of information that will hit their queen in her weak spot that no one in Eden knows about.”
“They are led by a woman instead of a man, I forgot. So what is this weak spot?”
“She likes cats.”
“…ok. And?”
“And men dressed in cute cat-”
“No.”
“What? Haha, don’t like where I’m going with this?”
“Not at all.”
“I thought being a hero involved adventure, combat, and being influential?”
“A prostitute was a hero. She didn’t stay a prostitute but that’s how she started out. Your point?”
“It’s just that I didn’t expect my heroic journey to save humanity to start like this.”
“It started with you saving your family from a group of experienced bandits. I’d say that’s a heroic start.”
“Point taken, but still. There aren’t any other options?”
“You could try proving your strength against that beast of a woman, but you’re only average at using knives and throwing knives, right?”
“Right.”
“You would need to get incredibly strong in order to do that especially with how skinny you are. You could also use political influence to get them to join your side, but you’d need a lot of wealth and influence. She’d probably ask you to fight her anyways to prove you’re worth her time and respect.”
These are the only two other options? Damn…
“You could always go back and change your decisions later if you want.”
“It’s not that I’m worried about. It’s what that woman would do to me. She’d probably scar me for all eternity.”
“That’s actually a good point, but it’s still the best course of action I thought of. I even got you a little cat outfit ahead of time.”
“…”
“Doing what other people wouldn’t is being brave and part of being a hero.”
“It’s also for the mentally incompetent.”
“I know my information is correct while you know next to nothing in how to proceed with your blessing.”
“Fine. How am I going to carry my clothes and weapons?”
“I’ll be doing that. I’ll take them to my realm. It’s a place where I can teleport them in an instant to equip you with what you want.”
“Do I need to call you out to get my equipment?”
“You need only to think. I’ll be listening to your thoughts and communicating to you through it.”
“What if I need any other kind of help?”
“I can only give you advice. There are only a few rare situations where I can intervene.”
“…”
“Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“I’ll lead you to their hideout then. Come now. It isn’t far from here. It’s probably why those bandits chose to attack your family instead of going for richer targets.”
This is a great start to my heroic journey.
‘I can hear your thoughts remember?’
Oh, of course. This is going to take some getting used to. Can I have a robe to wear? I don’t want to embarrass myself as soon as I get there.
‘Sure.’
We arrive at the bandit’s hideout and there’s a guard outside. He gives me an odd look as if he knows what I’m wearing.
“What’s the most valuable treasure?” he asks.
‘The answer is glory,’ Tunc says in my head.
“Glory.”
“I’ve never seen you here before. You may enter.”
The bandit hideout is part bar, part training room with people sparing or just straight up fighting people on the other side of the bar. The Queen of the Bandits, Donna Travolgenta, sits on a throne in the back, center of the room with her ax and shield by her side. She looks at me with intrigue as I approach her.
‘Don’t get cold feet now.’
“What business do you have here?” she says.
‘Take it easy. Just tell her who you are and that you plan to work together.’
“I am Benedetto Vuoto and I am the next hero.”
The bandits in the room stop what they’re doing, and I can feel their stare. Donna smiles and stare closely at me.
“Is that so? Prove it.”
‘Now’s the time Benedetto.’
Are you sure?
‘Yes.’
…Fine.
“I know that you, Donna, love cats and love men dressed in cat outfits.”
I take off my robe to reveal my…cat outfit. To the shock of everyone in the hideout.
‘Hahahahaha!’
The hideout erupts in laughter, but Donna isn’t laughing, which worries me more.
“Be quiet everyone!” Donna says with her hands raised, “Benedetto is truly the next hero and an answer to my prayers. I told God that if a powerful man appeared to me and knew my secret then I would change my ways completely and believe in Him.”
Did God put you up to this?
‘He mentioned it, but He didn’t tell me to make you do this.’
I hope you’re happy-woah!
Donna picks me up and says, “Tell me what you want.”
“I uh. I need help taking down the Socia Agmina or at least change their ways, so I can save humanity.”
“Ohhhh. Now that’s something I can get behind. You truly are a blessing.”
“Thank you. Can you-”
“My blessing.”
“Your blessing?”
“I think you should stay with us for a while to show us how to be good people.”
‘Do it.’
“Okay, but can you let me change? I just got dressed like this for this occasion.”
“No.”
No?
“Celebrate my boys and girls because we not only obtained a hero in our crew, but we’ve also gained our ticket into Heaven!”
The bandits are happy for some reason and start celebrating with alcohol and song. I’m not one for alcohol but if I have to celebrate with them to prove my worth I will.
“Let’s let them have their fun,” Donna says as she takes me to a room behind the bar.
“Woah. Where are you taking me?”
“I also prayed to God for a husband.”
True or false?
‘True.’
What?! You think that was an important detail to include!
‘Hahahaha!’
“Woah there, Donna. I think it would be best to save that for marriage. We have to get to know each other better you know?”
“You’re into the more traditional way. That’s fine with me because I know you can make it up to me later.”
Whew!
“Are we going back to join your crew with the celebration or are we going to start with your redemption?”
“How about we relax for the rest of the day? It’s the middle of the afternoon.”
“That’s also a good idea. I’m exhausted after doing this. Is there a bed you can spare?”
“Nope. You’re staying with me.”
“Uhhhhh. Hey!”
She picks me up and puts me in her bed. Her arms squeeze me close to her huge chest, which is coming out of her cloth shirt. I try to separate myself a bit, but she doesn’t let me.
“Just relax. We’ll wake up tomorrow and get even closer.”
Donna falls asleep with a smile on her face within a matter of seconds. There’s no escape for me physically. Wait, I could get my knife and cut her throat. I could also find out an important day in her life and make sure she doesn’t become…this!
‘Are you sure you want to do that? They’re already convinced of your power.’
I didn’t do anything!
‘But they’re still useful, aren’t they? Use that brain of yours.’
I could use them to replace the government. I could also use them as my own personal army to intimidate people. There’s also the option of making them see being good as being the most profitable way of living. It rewards you in gifts better than mere gold and treasure.
‘There we go. Now wasn’t my suggestion the best?’
I don’t know that yet. I have to live through it first.
‘Have some faith. See you tomorrow morning.’
What? Since when do you have to sleep? I guess it makes sense since you’re still part human, but you have to leave me in a situation like this? She’s suffocating me with her body. Donna’s not even the type of girl I like. I like cute, adventurous girls not amazons…She does have a cute quality about her though. Dammit, that’s just my lower region talking. Stay down damn it! This is not the time to be up! I can’t help but feel a weird sense of comfort and discomfort. It’s soothing and somehow uncomfortable. I guess this is how it’s going to be for now.
Symbol of the Fedele
Chapter 2 – Changing the World, One step at a Time
“Time to get up. Come on,” Donna says as I get up in a haze.
“I’m up. Wait, what the hell?! Why am I naked?”
“I have a good armor set for you. It’s probably better than what you have. I don’t want my husband dying before we can get married. What’s your weapon of choice?”
“Knives,” I say as I quickly get dressed, “And stop staring at me like that!”
‘These weapons and armor do seem better than the ones you have.’
They do, but she didn’t have to strip me. Why didn’t you wake me up when she was?!
‘I wanted to see your reaction.’
I’m not your entertainment!
‘I know. I won’t wake you up unless your life is in danger.’
I count this as danger.
“I’ll let you look at me naked if it makes you comfortable,” Donna says as she strips.
“No, no, no, no! It’s fine!”
“Okay. Just say the word and I’ll show myself completely to you.”
“Anyways, I got a good idea on how the get the other clans to join us and teach your gang how to be better people.”
“Thinking big already? I like it. Tell me what you got in mind.”
“Since I’m from the Fedele, let’s start with them. We’ll deal with their biggest problems and make them owe us. I know a few people over there that can help us out.”
“You’re a better thinker than I thought. Do you want any of us to join you?”
“I don’t-”
“I’m coming with you regardless.”
“Won’t people recognize you?”
“I have a mask I can wear to disguise my face.”
She shows me a half mask that’s red with golden lines in it that are artistically drawn on it.
“That’s it?”
“We could hold hands and act like a couple.”
“Why?”
“Most people think I’m hideous and unable to be loved.”
“That’s not true.”
Sort of.
Donna laughs then kisses me. Her kiss is sweeter than I thought it would be. Maybe it’s the alcohol that she drank. Maybe it’s the femininity inside of her that’s showing.
“You’re so sweet Benedetto.”
“Uh, thanks. We should go now. The more progress we make the better.”
“Did you want my gang to do anything for you? Since I’m at your command, they’ll follow suite.”
“Get them to learn how to be better people from priests and other teachers. They are also to help people wherever they can and tell them that it was God and I who changed them.”
“As you command.”
“Oh, and there was this group of your bandits that attacked my family and I.”
“Say no more. Tell me what they looked like and I’ll have them punished.”
“I’ve already killed their leader, but as much as I’d like to have their heads, I’d like you and your men to forgive them. It’s a lesson to help all of you become better people.”
“That will also be done.”
Donna gives my orders to her men who accept them without question. They even appear to be happy about doing so. We then take a horse carriage to the city of Umile, which is where I’m from. Despite it having mostly lower-class families in it, it still is in the loop concerning current politics and even events happening behind the backs of the upper-class families. This makes it a good place for us to find events to stick my influence in, so I can gain more power. Once Donna and I arrive in the city, she immediately holds my hand.
“Too tight, too tight!” I say as my hand is being squeezed.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
‘Hahahahaha!’
I swear all you do is laugh.
‘Don’t worry. I’ll be there when you actually need it.’
I hope so.
“I think one of the friends of my family is out since it’s early morning. His name is Volante. He’s a cook who owns a popular restaurant here. Both upper-class and lower-class people eat there so he’s a good source of rumors and information,” I explain to Donna as I lead her there.
“The Fedele are the most faithful people to God. I’m surprised w-they haven’t done much to change the government,” Donna says.
“It’s a hard battle especially with the Cuchillos who have the most influence in the central government. You’re originated from the Fedele, didn’t you?”
“It’s what the other bandits say.”
“They seemed happy to change their ways. Why’s that?”
“We’re better people than the other bandits. These bandits, these people that took me in found me on the side of the road and trained me to be a strong and wise leader. We steal and pillage from those who we think deserve it. We do attract dysfunctional members every now and then like the people that attacked you and your family, but we do deal with them to the best of our ability.”
“You aren’t really helping your image by taking the name bandit for yourself.”
“I like it, but we’re sometimes called the Sparrows by people who know our true motivations.”
“The world is really ending if bandits are considered good people.”
“You seem to think I’m a good person, right? You would’ve given us a chance if you didn’t see the good within us and took my hand in marriage.”
“I honestly didn’t expect-”
“Benedetto?” a familiar voice says.
Stella, the one person I didn’t want to see, approaches us. She’s from a lower family like me and is a girl who I admitted to liking. She also admitted to having feelings for me, but we never officially started our relationship. I was supposed to after my family’s short trip but…
‘You attract more women than I thought.’
Shut up.
“Hello Stella,” I say with an awkward smile.
“Benedetto? Who’s this?”
“I’m his bride to be,” Donna says with confidence.
“I-uh. It’s true.”
Unfortunately.
“Oh, well I thought-”
“I’m his true love. Sorry girl, but God gave me this young man. I prayed for him and he appeared to me.”
“If that’s the case then, I guess I shouldn’t bother you. Excuse me.”
Stella walks away with tears in her eyes. I reach out to her and try to say something, but Donna tightly hugs me.
“It’s okay my love,” she says, “I’ll be a better wife than she could ever be.”
I hope you can or else I’m going to regret not killing you.
After letting me go, we finally make it to Volante’s restaurant. As soon as he sees me, he runs over to hug me.
“Benedetto, thank God you are alive!” he says, “Your parents have been looking for you!”
“They’re alive?! Where are they?”
“They went out looking for you along with some soldiers not too long ago. And who is this fine woman? I didn’t know you were into mature women.”
“I’m his bride to be.”
“Oh my that’s excellent! Vito! Bring me my painting board so I can paint of picture of this beautiful couple!”
“I don’t think that’ll be necessary Volante,” I say, “I’m just here to hear about what’s been going around. I’ll be off after that.”
“Then let me quickly sketch this picture to show your parents when they get back. Now show me a loving kiss you too.”
“Volante, I sai-”
Donna doesn’t let me talk as she kisses me while adding in a little tongue. It’s somewhat embarrassing doing this but feels bizarrely good.
After a few minutes, Volante finishes his sketch and says, “I’ll remember this by heart, so I can give you a full picture tomorrow.”
“Thank you so much,” Donna says.
“It’s no problem bella.”
“My name is Donna. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Same to you. So Benedetto, what happened with Stella?”
“She-”
“I’m his real wife. God arranged our meeting after I prayed for it.”
“Then it’s official!”
She keeps saying that, but I can’t help but feel it’s God’s will because of how we met.
“Haha, Volante. I’d really like to know what’s happening in Eden right now. It’s important that I get involved in it.”
“Why’s that?”
I whisper in his ear, “Don’t jump out in excitement, but I’ve been chosen to be the next hero.”
I have to hold him to get him from getting too excited.
“Don’t worry Volante, the entire clan will hear about it by the end of today. I need be involved in important things, so people can take me more seriously.”
“Why’s that?”
“We’re going after the Socia Agmina. We have to change or get rid of them.”
“Then you have my full support. Follow me. We need to be more discreet about this.”
We go to Volante’s kitchen.
He tells us, “Young girls and women have been disappearing from all three clans and it’s been worrying people for weeks. We think it has something to do with this new merchant company that sells lifelike sex dolls. There is this rumor of law enforcement officers causing trouble so that the news can gain popularity and the officers gaining prestige and pay for solving the troubles.”
“Interesting. That should take us the entire day to complete especially with my blessing,” I say.
“Good luck Benedetto. And don’t die before you two get married.”
“Don’t worry Mister Volante,” Donna says, “I’ll keep him safe.”
“God given and strong. You got a great wife Benedetto.”
“Thank you, Volante. I think so too.”
I guess I have a great “wife”. I’m not that good at fighting. Donna can do most of it for me and I could bring more Sparrows/bandits with me if need be. After saying goodbye and leaving Volante’s restaurant, I begin to see Donna’s Sparrows helping people in the streets along the way to the sex doll merchant. Some are helping the poor, others are offering advice or talking to priests, some are even defending people from aggressors.
“What did I tell you Benedetto? Give us a chance and we could be good people.”
“It seems so Donna. Tell one of your boys to find us some information about the news-officer rumor so we can deal with it as soon as we come back.”
“They’ll happily accept it. Are you sure you don’t want them to do it?”
“We need to do our part as well.”
“Right.”
Donna tells one of her men what’s going on and they gladly accept the job. We go to where this new merchant is selling sex dolls and we follow their supply carriage as it leaves. Since it’s relatively slow, we follow it on foot.
“What do you think we’ll find?” Donna asks.
“Hopefully nothing too bad.”
“Do you think it’s right for them to sell these dolls?”
“I think sex should be saved for marriage. Why? Did you want one?”
“I got you, don’t I?”
“For marriage I said.”
“I can wait, but you better prepare yourself for that day.”
Oh boy. That gave me the chills.
‘Oh boy is right. I’ll be praying for you on that day.’
I’ll need it.
“This place is far from most cities,” Donna says.
“Wait, I think we’re here.”
The carriage stops at a large cave in a mountain.
“Have you heard of a workshop in a mountains?” Donna asks.
“The Blighted sometimes like to make their dragon skin armor in them since that’s where most dragons live. Kind of like a slaughterhouse. Let’s go into the cave and see what’s going on.”
“Okay, but Benedetto?”
“Yeah?”
“You can let go of my hand now.”
“Oh.”
I didn’t even realize I was still holding onto her hand.
“I know you care about me, but I can take care of myself.”
“Of course. I’m sorry.”
‘I think someone is getting attached.’
I don’t think I am. I just didn’t realize I was still holding her hand.
‘Throughout that whole walk?’
Shh. We’re in the cave and I think I hear something. Donna and I stumble across some people applying makeup and…stuff for lack of a better word to the sex dolls. I can’t exactly tell what it is but they’re fixing up the dolls to make them look certain ways like; mature, young, pretty, cute, etc. There’s too many people here to take on at once, so we move forward through the cave and find a spellcaster resting as he refills the mana in his body. I sneak up on him and put my knife to his neck as Donna closes the door behind us.
“Hey buddy,” I tell him, “What are you guys doing down here?”
“I’m not telling you!” he says.
“How about you tell me?” Donna says as she reveals herself to him.
“The Queen of the Bandits?! Ok, ok! I’ll tell you. We’ve been kidnapping girls and using spells to paralyze and silence them to turn them into the dolls you see.”
“You bastard,” I say as I try to restrain myself from cutting his throat, “You’re going to turn them back to normal along with the ones already sold or me and my gang are going to erase you from existence.”
“Who are you?”
“I’m the new hero. How else did you think I got the Queen of Bandits on my side?”
“Oh my God.”
“Are there any more spellcasters like you?”
“A few.”
“Take us to them.”
The spellcaster takes us to his friends who are paralyzing young girls and women and he tells them to stop because of who we are with Donna as my proof.
“We should kill them here and now,” Donna says with the approval of the girls.
“As much as I’d like to, we still have to practice mercy.”
“Whatever you say sweetie.”
“Sweetie?” one of the spellcaster says.
“I’m going to be his wife. God sent him to me.”
It gets oddly quiet in the room.
“I’m sorry hero, but you got dealt a bad wife.”
“Donna! Don’t hurt him! He meant that as a compliment, right?”
“Ye-yeah! And let me compliment you on your foot. It looks like it crushed the skulls of many men.”
“It has.”
“H-ha. Is that so?”
After freeing the girls and getting the spellcasters to revert the girls and women back to normal, we go back to Umile and give them up to the authorities. They should be finding the other girls they’ve sold and reverting them back to normal. Donna and I go to her Sparrows and they tell us of a group of news reporters and bribed officers meeting up at a church in the forest between here and Munifico. We go there in the evening when they meet up and crash their meeting. My Sparrows and I walk into the church as if we own the place with our weapons drawn.
“Who are you?” says one of the officers.
The officers have their weapons drawn as well, but they seem to be intimidated by all my Sparrows and Donna. Probably scared of Donna the most.
“My name is Benedetto Vuoto and I’m the new hero. I’m here based on rumors that you officers are causing trouble so that these boys can get attention and you can get an extra paycheck. That wouldn’t be true would it?”
“What do you think? You can apparently go back into the past.”
“I can. I can also kill you before you were born. I can even make these bandits follow my lead. You know it’s the end of the world when bandits are better than the news and officers who are supposed to protect the people.”
“We’re not in the wrong! We still protect people and inform them of the truth. You’re not taking us in!”
“Have it your way then. Injury them but don’t kill them,” I order the Sparrows that do what I say.
There are no causalities and we take the officers and reporters to the capital of the Fedele, La Santa Vedere. In the center of the city, I present these people to the actual authorities who take them in once they confess their crimes along with telling them who we are.
“Is that true? Are you really the next hero?” one of the royal guards say.
“Yes, I am. Bring out the leaders of our country. I need to talk to them.”
The leaders of the Fedele come out almost immediately to hear what I have to say.
I start my speech by saying, “Fellow Fedele. My name is Benedetto Vuoto and I am the new hero. You know the world is ending because if you haven’t heard, I’ve been helping people in areas that the government hasn’t. I’ve freed the paralyzed bodies of young girls and women who were used as sex dolls. I gave you officers and news reporters who have been misleading the public and used their own messes to gain popularity and honor. The once feared bandits and their queen are under my rule as Sparrows who have been helping people across the country. You know the world is changing when bandits are bringing criminals to justice. All of this happened in just a day. And what good act worthy of attention has the government done in the past couple years? Nothing. They’ve done more harm than good as they’ve let things such as I’ve mentioned go on for far too long. I’m sure every one of you can mention something as well.”
People in the crowd start to mention things such as;
“Those damn Cuchillos are taking all the power for themselves and leave us with no representation!”
“The Blighted just keep to themselves and don’t help their fellow humans. All they care about is their own clan!”
“The church is heavily taxed, and the poor fill the streets because we don’t have the money to take care of them!”
“Richer merchants take our business and don’t give us a chance to make a living!”
The sounds of the crowd fill the city as they take my side.
I continue by saying, “You can hear the people. We are the Fedele. The most faithful people to God and yet, we’ve made the government our god by letting them dictate our lives. What’s next? Government dictated morality? Let us not make men into gods and give God His rightful place in this world! I am the next hero he has sent. Join me and we will survive the end of this world, so we can live in the birth of the next.”
After a cheer from the crowd, the leaders of the Fedele pledge their allegiance to me and everyone in the city bows to me.
‘It’s great, ain’t it kid?’
Yeah. It is!
‘Don’t let it get to your head or you might lose it all.’
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