The Unlikely Hero
In a quiet and peaceful village lived a simple boy named Simon. He was known for his dosile nature, seldom engaging in conflicts and constantly seen engrossed in his treasured books. To Simon, these books were gateways to vivid worlds he found enchantingly captivating.
One day, a bandit clan launched a fierce attack, turning their tranquil lives into a horrifying nightmare. The marauders showed no mercy, bringing cataclysmic destruction to the village, overpowering the villagers through brute force.
Despite the rampage, just as any protagonist from his cherished tales would, Simon decided to stand up to the marauders. In fact, it was ironic that he, the boy who feared even the smallest fights, was going to fight off an entire bandit clan. But he was fueled by the burning desire to protect his home. As foolish as it sounded, he believed in the inspiring stories he had read and had faith that he too could be a hero.
Simon sneaked into the bandit's main camp at midnight. He was underwater for what felt like eternity, but was no more than fifteen minutes. Emerging from the river, he found himself standing behind the main tent, the spot being hidden in an envelope of darkness. Simon had spent his days observing the bandit’s routine and knew that they retired to this tent after nightfall.
He had a plan, a tiny spark of an idea, which he hoped would work. His plan was to steal the mystical Jewel of Strength, a potent artefact the bandits carried with them. Legend said, the jewel bestowed great strength on the ones possessing it and Simon concluded, it was this jewel that aided the bandits in their decimation.
He felt sweat bead his forehead, as he crossed the sleeping tent area, his mind chanting a heartfelt prayer. Moving stealthily, the vulnerable boy reached the thermostat controlling the camp heaters. Recounting the science lessons about the instability of propane tanks from his books, he rerouted the leakage pipe towards the bandit's tent. Silently, he crept out, the jewel safely hidden in his pocket.
Just as the dawn started to break, and the first rays of sun kissed the horizon, a deafening explosion sounded from the camp. The tents, including the one with the sleeping bandits, were aflame. Chaos broke out, but the defenders were defenseless against an enemy they could not even see.
By the time the villagers came running towards the noise, the bandit camp was an ashen mess, the bandits fleeing in fear. Their terror mounted when they found their precious Jewel missing.
In the midst of the chaos, Simon came forward, revealing the Jewel to elders. There was disbelief in their eyes but, also growing respect. No one else had dared to confront the bandits while their heroic lad had outwitted them without throwing a single blow.
Simon became the savior, the unexpected and unlikely hero, admired by all. His name was inscribed into the annals of the village's history books, his legacy reminding everyone that you didn't need brute strength to be a hero, but a brave heart, quick mind and unwavering faith in the remarkable power of stories.
This story of Simon's audacity and courage was shared across generations. It was retold countless times, always reminding the villagers and their children that heroes come in all forms. More importantly, it taught them that even in the most seemingly ordinary people can lie extraordinary capabilities.
Simon, through his bravery, showed his people that even in times of peril, it's the spirit of courage, quick thinking and the will to protect your home that marks true heroism. And so, Simon's story went on to inspire many, who till date, remember him as their 'Unlikely Hero'.