During the peaceful summer when Shizuka was five years old, her father Taisuke embraced the role of a traditional househusband, taking care of domestic duties, while her mother Asuka pursued work outside the home to provide for the family.
Taisuke has truly mastered the art of cooking as a househusband. Each dish he lovingly prepares is a masterpiece of flavors that tantalize the taste buds and linger in the memory. His daughter is particularly fond of his perfectly cooked chicken curry, which delivers a harmonious blend of spices and tender bites. Taisuke's culinary prowess reflects his deep love for cooking and his steadfast dedication to nourishing his family with wholesome, delectable, and fulfilling meals.
Shizuka's excitement was palpable as she eagerly declared, "It's time to eat!" With fervor, she grabbed the food and hastily stuffed it into her mouth, savoring every delicious bite.
Asuka's voice was stern as she scolded her young child, "Eat slowly. You'll get indigestion eating like that!" She couldn't help but worry about her child's well-being, especially when she saw her daughter choking from swallowing without chewing. On the other hand, Taisuke couldn't resist a chuckle when he witnessed his daughter's comical struggle.
When the mother and child returned home, they were astonished to discover that Taisuke had taken charge of preparing dinner, despite the fact that Asuka had been tasked with cooking for the evening. Shizuka, who had become accustomed to her mother's lackluster curry, felt a sense of relief knowing that she wouldn't have to endure it that night. Thanks to Taisuke's culinary expertise, they all savored a delightful meal together.
"Water! Water!"
"See? I told you!"
The dining table was the centerpiece of their home, glowing with a warm light that highlighted every corner of their cozy sanctuary. They gathered around it for what seemed like hours, completely engrossed in each other's company, oblivious to the passage of time. As the sun set and darkness filled the room, the soft glow of the dining area created a sense of intimacy and security. The summer evening wrapped around them, turning every moment spent together into a cherished and lasting memory.
Asuka turned to Shizuka with a warm smile and asked, "Hey, Shizuka, why don't you share your aspirations with your father?"
Taisuke was completely caught by surprise when he learned that his daughter was discussing her future plans. He hadn't anticipated her contemplating this so soon, but he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for her. His affection for his daughter shone through in his voice as he exclaimed, "Really? My dear daughter is already considering her future? That's absolutely wonderful!"
Taisuke's curiosity was evident as he asked, "So, what do you aspire to be?"
Shizuka's eyes grew wide as she stared blankly at her parents, trying to remember what she had said to Mommy. "Uhm," she uttered, struggling to recall the conversation.
Asuka's smile was warm and comforting as she turned to address her daughter. "You mentioned to me earlier that you aspire to become a hero, didn't you?" she said, her voice gentle and encouraging.
Taisuke stared at his wife in confusion and surprise, his eyes wide and his eyebrows furrowed. He couldn't quite comprehend what she had just said, and the confusion was evident in his voice as he asked, "Hero?"
Taisuke then shifted his puzzled look to his little daughter.
"Oh, right!" In a swift motion, Shizuka leaped off the wooden dining chair and gracefully positioned herself in front of her parents, as if she had taken an imaginary stage.
"In my heart burns a flame of determination to become the greatest hero that the world has ever seen. My unwavering resolve is fueled by the desire to rid this world of all that is evil and unjust. I know that my battles will be many and my foes will be fierce, but I am undaunted. I will strike down the goblins that prey upon innocent lives and defeat the dark forces that seek to enslave us all. And when the ultimate evil, Lucifer, sets his sights on our world, I will stand firm in defense of all that is good and right."
Taisuke watched his daughter Shizuka deliver her speech with great enthusiasm. He couldn't tell what was going through her mind, but he cheered her on nonetheless, proud of the confident young child she had become. Asuka sat beside Taisuke, beaming with pride as she clasped her hands together, captivated by her daughter's every word. Her heart swelled with joy seeing her daughter shine on her imaginary stage, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for the beautiful family they had created together.
"And therefore, I, Fujino Shizuka, will save all of you!" The little girl, exuding poetic grace, lowered her head in a bow as her parents' applause filled the room.
"See? That wasn't so bad! You did really well," Asuka said with a smile of pride. She had suggested to her daughter to enroll in a Dojo school a while ago, and now it seemed like she was ready to take on the challenge.
"Yes! I'm ready!" said young Shizuka with great enthusiasm.
~ ~ ~ ~
As the curtains of her imaginary show drew to a close, Shizuka's eyes drooped, and she finally drifted off to sleep on the cozy couch. Meanwhile, Taisuke stood by the kitchen sink, rolling up his sleeves and scrubbing the dishes, the sound of running water filling the peaceful silence of the night.
Asuka carefully lifted her slumbering daughter into her arms and tiptoed back to her room, taking care not to wake her. Once she had tucked her daughter into bed, she made her way back to the kitchen, her steps soft and quiet in the stillness of the night.
"What can you say about our daughter's dreams? Isn't it funny that she didn't know anything about that world yet wanted to become a hero?" Asuka chuckled while Taisuke was washing the dishes.
"Yeah. It's weird. I wonder what Mother would say if she heard about this?" Taisuke softly laughed.
Asuka quietly walked up to her husband, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind while he was diligently scrubbing the dishes in the sink. She leaned her head against his back, feeling the warmth radiating from his body, and closed her eyes, enjoying the intimate moment they were sharing.
Taisuke turned around to face his sweet wife and returned her embrace with equal tenderness. She held him tightly, and her words were like a warm embrace, "I wish we could stay like this forever." As she whispered in his ear, her voice was filled with a deep sense of contentment and love. Taisuke closed his eyes and savored the moment, feeling a wave of gratitude for the life they had built together. He felt the warmth of her body and the softness of her skin, and he knew that he was home. For a few precious moments, the two of them stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. It was a moment that neither of them would ever forget, a moment that would stay with them forever.
"Me too. I promise you we'll be like this until death, Asuka." With a soft touch, he leaned in and tenderly whispered into her ear, before pressing his lips gently against her cheek, leaving a delicate and affectionate peck.
"I hope so." Beaming softly, she replied.
Shizuka's childhood had been filled with love and warmth from her father. She knew he loved them deeply, but everything changed one day when he suddenly disappeared without a word.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
As Shizuka's eyes slowly fluttered open, she was met with the harsh reality of her surroundings. The floor beneath her was cold and rough, made up of hard bricks that dug into her skin. She tried to shake off the grogginess and confusion, slowly coming to the realization that she was trapped in a large, cubic room. The space was dimly lit, casting eerie shadows that danced around her. The ceiling towered high above her, disappearing into the darkness, leaving her feeling small and insignificant. The air was thick with tension and fear, and as her vision cleared, she could see that she was surrounded by numerous armed individuals, their pistols pointed directly at her. She felt trapped and vulnerable, unsure of what fate awaited her.
"Wh . . . Where am I?"
"She's Awake."
"Identify yourself, alien!"
Awakened by the loud noise around her, Shizuka jolted awake and sat up in floor, her heart racing with adrenaline-fueled alarm.
What's happening? Where is this place? Am I dreaming?
"Stop moving!"
"What?"
Shizuka's eyes darted around the room, taking in the scene before her. The people around her were all dressed in identical battle attire - a sleek green turtle-necked sleeve paired with black slacks. Their faces were obscured by black hoods, making it impossible to identify anyone in the room. As she turned to look behind her, her eyes fell upon the ominous black portal she had entered through, a stark contrast to the otherwise monochrome surroundings.
This is where I came from, So this place is . . .
"I said, Identify yourself!" One of the troops nervously yelled, aiming pistol at the defenseless girl.
"Well. . . Uhm. I'm . . ."
"Fujino Shizuka." An old lady suddenly appeared behind the guy who was asking for the teenager's identity.
"Granny . . . I mean, Old hag!" Shizuka happily expressed.
"Takiko-sama." Startled by the unexpected and sudden arrival of the elderly woman, the group of soldiers promptly lowered themselves, demonstrating their deepest reverence for her presence.
Takiko spoke in a reassuring tone, her usual calm demeanor unwavering. "You don't need to worry," she said, "because she's in my company."
"Roger!" They quickly unaimed their weapons at the young girl at ease.
"Old Hag! I'm glad you're safe!"
Granny Takiko scoffed without words.
"No. We're glad you were safe."
"What a nice way to welcome you in Eden Land." Hakken and Ayashiro emerged from behind Takiko, revealing themselves as they joined the scene.
"Guys!" Shizuka gladly expressed.
As they stood amidst a circle of armed soldiers, it became clear to Shizuka that these troops were not just any ordinary soldiers, but rather the members of Lost Mjolnir - a government guild known for acting as the Kaishi country's elite law enforcement agency. Their assigned duty was to guard the portal that linked Earth and Eden Land, making sure that no unauthorized entry was made through this gateway between the two worlds.
It took several minutes for the identification process to complete, during which they recorded every personal detail of hers meticulously. Only after completing this rigorous procedure, they finally granted access to the four of them to enter the mystical world of ki, known as Eden Land.
Takiko strolled leisurely alongside her granddaughter Shizuka. The two were accompanied by Takiko's devoted students, Hakken and Ayashiro.
"Old hag, about what happened earlier. . ."
"This isn't the right time, Shizuka. Let's talk about it later."
". . . Alright" They made a silent agreement not to discuss the events leading up to their arrival in this world. Despite this, Shizuka found it hard to ignore the nagging disbelief she felt at the thought of her father's unexpected welcome. Nevertheless, she knew she had to push past these doubts and strive to live up to the expectations placed upon her.
The scene is set inside a towering 50-story building known as The Sapphire Star Tower, bustling with a throng of people moving around. Upon entering the bricked walls of this tower, one can find the mysterious portal, also referred to as the dark gate. This portal connects the parallel universes of Earth and Eden Land, and has been secured by the council's construction of this tower a few years ago. The tower was built with the sole purpose of safeguarding the gates of both worlds and maintaining the equilibrium between them.
This towering structure serves as a vital hub for the customs, facility, and maintenance services for both people and Divine Knights alike who are passing through the dark portal. It is manned by an elite group of Divine Knights, all of whom have achieved the coveted C-B Rank. In addition to the Divine Knights, there are also several non-Divine-Knight workers who are stationed within the facility. The building's purpose is similar to that of an airport on Earth, providing crucial services and amenities to travelers. However, what sets this tower apart is the heavy presence of the cops' guild, Lost Mjolnir, whose members act as primary security personnel to maintain order and ensure the safety of all who enter and exit through the portal. Overall, this is a highly secure and well-staffed facility that plays a vital role in facilitating the smooth movement of people and Divine Knights across different worlds.
As Shizuka stepped outside the building, she was accompanied by her escorts. It was her first time experiencing the outside world of Eden, and she was immediately struck by the stark contrast it presented. Despite being located within the commercial area of Sapphire City, the surroundings were vastly different from modern cities on Earth. The houses here were predominantly built of wood or bricks, while the larger buildings were constructed using concrete. The bustling streets were alive with people, each one moving about their daily lives amidst the unique architecture that characterized the city.
In this world, horses are the primary mode of transportation. Similar to the early years on Earth, trains and ships are available for traveling long distances, but the absence of cars and planes makes horses a necessity for most people. The streets are often filled with the sound of hooves clattering on the pavement as people go about their daily business.
"Why did you bring that stuff?" Ayashiro irritatedly asked, pointing out her receptionless phone.
"Mind your own business, dummy!" Feeling embarrassed, Shizuka quickly hides her smartphone.
"You can use this trashcan if you want?." Hakken, knowing the limitations of the smartphone in a world where superpowers reign supreme, decided to dispose of it in a nearby trashcan beside the entrance of the towering building.
"Shut up! I won't throw this away!"
"If you say so."
"Hah! Do you think that tiny thing would save you in a world full of fighting?"
"I said shut up and mind your own business!"
Despite her best efforts, Shizuka's attempts to fix the device by restarting it were in vain. She felt frustrated and disappointed as she had been relying on it to function properly. As she pondered her next steps, she couldn't help but notice that the technology in this world seemed to be lacking advanced features. She reluctantly put the phone in her backpack, resigned to the fact that there was little else she could do.
As they emerged from the towering brick structure, a vintage horse-drawn carriage with a roofless compartment pulled up to a halt before them. The coachman, who appeared to be aged, was steering the four-wheeled carriage with precision and care, as if he had been doing so for years.
"Welcome to Sapphire City!" he said.
"Where do you want to go?" The coachman added.
"Divine Knights Academy, Mister," Takiko replied.
"Alright! Hop on!"
As they stepped onto the carriage with its sturdy wheels, the horses started to navigate through the lively and bustling streets of the Sapphire city. Shizuka was instantly enchanted by the vibrant marketplace that surrounded them. It resembled a typical bazaar that could be found on Earth, with vendors vying for attention by showcasing their merchandise, while customers bargained over prices. The atmosphere was filled with the constant buzz of people chatting and engaging in commerce, which enveloped them in an immersive sensory experience. Shizuka found herself contemplating what unique attributes set this world apart from her own, as she soaked in the sights and sounds of this fascinating place.
As they rode on the wheeled carriage pulled by the steady gait of the horses, Hakken sneeringly remarked, "First time seeing stockades?"
Shizuka's face contorted into a disappointed pout as she gazed around the surroundings. "Of course not," she muttered under her breath, "this place is just like the other world." She had hoped for a new and exciting dimension, but instead, she found herself in a familiar, unremarkable environment.
The three of them chuckled.
Granny Takiko's words wereS straightforward and to the point as she spoke to Shizuka. "Once you start living here, Shizuka, you'll notice a remarkable change." Her tone was confident, and it was evident that she believed in the transformative power of the place they were in.
Shizuka responded with a hint of disappointment, her lips slightly downturned in a pout.
Shizuka's sightseeing in a new world might be more enjoyable if it wasn't for the heavy backpack she had been carrying this whole time. Before coming to this world, the three Divine Knights had casually brought their weapon gears placed on their waists and backpacks, but not as stacked as what Shizuka had brought.
She had brought the clothes she needed, the toiletries, water, snacks, and the most important thing coming into this world: her wooden sword.
"I'm ready!" She claimed confidently.
"I hope you won't regret this," Takiko mumbled, taking a deep breath.
The carriage started moving at an average speed as if the coachman was touring them. Though upset about the other world, the pleasant city view of Sapphire City attracted Shizuka's eyes. The tranquility of their surroundings and the gentle summer breeze ease their ride. The sound of hoofs of the loping gaits of the horses astonished Shizuka as it was her first time riding one.
"Not bad." Trying to hide her feelings, Shizuka was actually feeling excited.
"Enjoy while you can." Takiko bluntly warned Shizuka without showing emotion.
"Like I said, old hag, I'm prepared. Whatever it takes, I'll live here and get stronger. This place is where I belong!"
"What are your plans then?" Hakken randomly asked.
"I'll gather the dragons!" Shizuka confidently expressed.
"Dragons?"
"Yes. Just like what the Red-Eyed Princess did. She conquered her dragons and saved the world. Thus, all I have to do is find the dragons and use them as my familiars to fight evils!" Shizuka got that idea since she had been playing fantasy games back on earth.
"Tch!" Ayashiro clenched his teeth, apparently not liking Shizuka's carefree response.
"Hey, driver, stop the wheel." Though irritated, Ayashiro kept his composure.
"What are you trying to . . .?"
Ayashiro quickly jumped off the horse carriage and landed on the ground without noise. The coachman immediately ceased his horses from loping.
"Hey, dumbass! What are you trying to do?" Shizuka confusedly threw her glare at Ayashiro.
"Come back here, dummy!" Hakken exclaimed, confused as well.
Granny Takiko blurted no words and deeply sighed as if knowing what was on Ayashiro's mind.
"Fight me, Shizuka." Standing firmly on the asphalt road, Ayashiro randomly challenged the girl, giving her a cold glare.