The Forgotten Heir

The cold wind carried the scent of smoke and ash as Adrian slipped through the ruined streets of Eldoria.

Every step away from the palace felt like another piece of his old life being left behind.

He pulled the torn hood of his cloak over his head, hiding the silver crest embroidered on his royal tunic. If anyone recognized him now, he wouldn't live to see another sunrise.

The prince who once rode through these streets in a golden carriage was now sneaking through dark alleys like a criminal.

The irony wasn't lost on him.

---

As dawn approached, Adrian reached the city gates.

The massive gates were open, but dozens of armored soldiers stood guard.

Their armor...

It wasn't Eldoria's.

The royal emblem of the Valerius family had been ripped away and replaced with the symbol of a black serpent wrapped around a crown.

Adrian's heart tightened.

"They've already claimed the kingdom..."

A soldier nailed a parchment to a wooden board.

Adrian blended into the crowd and read the notice.

> ROYAL DECREE

Prince Adrian Valerius has murdered King Alaric and Queen Seraphina in an attempt to seize the throne.

He is hereby declared a traitor to the kingdom.

Reward for his capture: 100,000 Gold Coins.

Dead or alive.

The crowd erupted into whispers.

"I always thought that prince looked arrogant."

"I can't believe he killed his own parents."

"Monsters hide behind handsome faces."

Adrian stood frozen.

His hands trembled.

"They're... blaming me?"

The lies spread faster than truth ever could.

The people who once cheered his name now cursed it.

The kingdom had already been turned against him.

---

[System Notification]

Host's reputation has fallen to the lowest level.

Current Reputation: Hated

Effect: Most NPCs will distrust or attack you.

Suggestion: Build your own reputation from zero.

Adrian sighed bitterly.

"So even the system knows I've lost everything."

---

Just as he turned to leave, a little girl no older than eight bumped into him.

She fell onto the ground, clutching a small basket of bread.

"Oh!"

The loaves scattered across the muddy road.

"I'm... I'm sorry..."

Before Adrian could help her, a soldier stormed over.

"You little thief!"

"I didn't steal it!"

"Liar!"

The soldier raised his hand to strike her.

Without thinking—

Adrian caught the soldier's wrist.

The entire street fell silent.

The soldier glared at him.

"You dare interfere?"

Adrian slowly released his grip.

"It was an accident."

The soldier sneered.

"And who are you to tell me what to do?"

Another soldier stepped closer.

"Wait..."

He narrowed his eyes at Adrian.

"Lift your hood."

Adrian's heartbeat quickened.

If they saw his face...

It would all be over.

---

[Emergency Quest Activated]

Protect the innocent without revealing your identity.

Reward: 300 EXP

Failure: Identity Exposed

---

Adrian looked around.

There were too many soldiers.

Fighting wasn't an option.

Running would only make him suspicious.

Then an idea struck him.

He picked up one of the fallen loaves of bread and smiled faintly.

"You dropped this."

He handed it back to the little girl before turning to the soldiers.

"I'm just a traveler."

One soldier scoffed.

"A traveler with noble manners?"

Another stepped forward to remove Adrian's hood—

But suddenly...

A loud explosion echoed from the marketplace.

"Fire!"

"Someone stop it!"

The soldiers immediately rushed toward the commotion.

Adrian blinked.

"...What just happened?"

The system chimed.

[Quest Complete.]

Reward Received: 300 EXP

Bonus Effect: A mysterious ally has unknowingly assisted you.

"Mysterious ally?"

Adrian looked toward the smoke rising in the distance, but whoever had caused the distraction was already gone.

Someone...

Had just saved his life.

---

The little girl tugged gently on his sleeve.

"Mister..."

Adrian looked down.

She held out the last loaf of bread.

"You helped me."

"You should eat."

Adrian hesitated.

It had been nearly a day since he'd eaten.

He accepted it with a grateful smile.

"Thank you."

The little girl smiled brightly.

"My mommy says heroes help people even when no one is watching."

Her innocent words struck his heart.

Hero...

Could he still become one?

Even after being branded a traitor?

As Adrian looked back at the burning capital one last time, he made a silent vow.

"One day... I'll clear my family's name."

"I'll expose the traitor."

"I'll reclaim my throne."

"And I'll become the king my father believed I could be."

With that promise burning in his heart, Adrian stepped beyond the gates of Eldoria.

For the first time in his life...

He entered the world with no title.

No wealth.

No kingdom.

Only a sword...

And a destiny waiting to awaken.

---

Next Chapter 3:

The First Dungeon

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