[ WP ] You are a `` hero '' in a fantasy world , but as you `` adventure '' , you are slowly realizing YOU are the antagonist .

I always did take solace in isolation. Reliance on others left some things to chance. I do not like leaving things to chance. Though I was the king's steward and general, I did not partake in frivolous undertakings with my charges. I ate alone. I trained alone. I hunted alone. My only interaction with my subordinates involved exercises, orders, and briefings. But I was still satisfied for a time. I had grown up with Xero after all. When he was just a sickly prince he was my closest and only companion. We would rummage through the forest together, causing a panic throughout the woodland squirrels and birds. When a cub and her mother tore into Xero's ankle, I stopped them with a blow to the head and the longest sprint of my life. When Xero was still healing, I was the one who carried him on my shoulders so he could still watch the morning sun rise above Mt. Nitas. I still remember the day I turned 13. Xero stole his father's sword so he could knight me while our families slept. Though not bound by blood, we were bound by something stronger. A tried and true brotherhood, one tested by adversity. We were inseparable. 
 
 But time went on, and as King Tolrin took his final breath Xero was still too busy learning about himself to govern an entire nation under him. So again I protected him. As his steward I began projects to improve our world. The smaller villages received funds for bridges and aquaducts. The larger received protection for their caravans and trade routes. I began distributing our mages throughout the cities, loaning them as miracle workers of sorts to increase funds for the treasury. Many requests for the king asked for a `` magic touch.'' The common folk still believed magic could do what hard work could n't; a sentiment I did not agree with, but appealed to nonetheless. 
 
 When Xero had awoken from his youthful stupor and saw all around him flourished, again he came to me weeping, thanking me for my work. I could not accept those thanks. To me, this was simply another task set before me to protect my sickly brother. I still saw that messy mop of unkempt hair on his head rather than a bejeweled crown. My eyes beheld my brother first, and my king second. And so we lived for many years in peaceful prosperity. Xero eventually met Garena, the second daughter of King Veritas at some hunting celebration, and they wed shortly after. It was a happy time. Everything seemed more vibrant. 
 
 But one night, as I slept soundly in my quarters, Xero came to me in a solemn mood. He could not produce an heir, and requested one last thing of me. He asked that I find an heir who would suit the throne. Someone strong like me, one confident enough to rule and one fair enough to stay ruler. I chuckled to myself at the idea, a king like me would not be much of a king after all, but I agreed to put his mind at ease. So it was that night I packed for my search and prepared my gear for the trek into the reaches of the kingdom. 
 
 When I left the kingdom years ago to venture the world alone, I did not plan thoroughly. I let chance slip through one last time. Leaving the palace gate unlocked was not planned. An assailant sneaking inside as I departed was not planned. My king dying that night was not planned. 
 
 But I would not hear the news until I was far from the kingdom's walls. It was only in a tavern in Ur that the news finally reached me through the loudmouthed barkeeper's drawling tone. Then he told me of the events that followed. How the queen grieved for months. How my disappearance the same night sparked suspicion. How a warrant for my arrest had been issued. I was now wanted for the murder of my only friend. 
 
 But that did not concern me. Instead my desire was to complete Xero's wishes, and to find his killer and bring him to my own personal justice. I traveled, hiding my identity while working through the slums of the kingdom's underworld. I heard snippets and chatter, piecing together the fragments as I built my own network of eyes and ears. Eventually I discovered him. Manus the Devil, an aptly earned name. He was quite possibly the most powerful magician in the 6 kingdoms, and a swordsman that could rival me. I knew in my quivering age I stood no chance. In a bout alone I would fail. 
 
 So I waited. In my lair I waited. Adventurers, bounty hunters, and glory seekers all came to me, seeking my head for the queen's reward. I swiftly dealt with each of them. My age began to fail me, my body only keeping its strength through the magic I weaved through it daily. But whispers began to surface, whispers of a group of 4 young misfits gifted with power rampaging across the continent taking bounties wherever they came, headed by a swordsman said to be wielding the sword of the gods. Rumours of their leader's kindness and generousity spread throughout the land. The bounty rewards they received they refused, instead giving the money to the ailing and poverty-stricken. And soon the whispers led to me, their next target in their adventures. 
 
 I feel their steps coming forth through my cavern. The one in front must be their leader, his armour making a light clanging as he walked. He should fix that soon, noise does not mix well with the element of surprise. The mage behind him uses her staff as a walking stick, a bad habit which should be fixed as well, wears down the base too much. The muscled one seems a tad too excited, should learn restraint in his emotions. And lastly the elven one in their rear walks with a gait in her step. She's too loose, it may be a hindrance if they're ambushed. 
 
 But I look forward to this moment. If my beliefs hold true, these 4 will succeed where I have failed. They will take vengeance for me and you Xero. I have taken the necessary steps to lead them to Manus. Now I only wait and pray. I will be their final test before their true trial begins. I'm coming now Xero, wait for me, we'll watch the morning sun again.
