Riku F. suddenly got a "news" notification on his phone, just like Riku L. did on his watch before. He picked up the phone, looking at it. He read every piece of what happened to Riku L. and grit his teeth, clenching his other fist in slight anger. It explained everything that Seto's team had done to Riku L. as well as how Roco saved him and revealed his magic.
Riku L. was currently back at his house, patching up his wounds. He had learned to do this from always getting beat up at school on his world. He was a bit of a smartass to the people who picked on him; he really knew how to get under their skin. Unfortunately this only ended up getting him a butt kicking. "At least getting beat up all the time gave me a useful skill... Ouch..!" He groaned as he bandaged his bruises.
He received a message from Riku F. as he was bandaging himself up and decided to finish before checking it. It didn't take him too long before he took a look at F's message. "Are you alright? I kinda forgot to mention most other heroes hate me because they think that I think highly of myself and all that crap."
L. replied, mocking F's earlier text. "Aw, how sweet, you care."
"Shut up." The reply came instantly, as if F. already knew what the text said before reading it.
Riku L. chuckled a bit before responding. "Yeah, I'm fine. It could've been much worse if not for Roco. I'll get them back when I awaken your magic again, no worries."
"You really were dumb, trying to take them on without magic. Even I'd have trouble fighting all three of them at once."
"Well next time I won't wear anything metal so Seto won't be able to use that magnetic magic he used on me before or whatever. It's kind of ironic how that girl Aina with light magic can be so cruel. Not to mention Kana with her awesome speed and power along with being able to turn her body into metal." Riku L. thought to himself for a moment and sent another text before F. replied. "You said the other heroes all hate you. What does the term hero mean here?"
"Oh, right. Keep forgetting things are different here. The term hero is a type of job you can have in that world. People take on quests, such as defeating monsters causing trouble, gathering things for people, etc. for money and whatnot."
"For real? Well, in my world, the term hero means someone who's admired or idealized because of the good things they've done for people..."
"Well, it means the same thing there, it's just the word we use for that job description. Heroes are technically doing good things for other people, even if it's for money."
"True I guess, still...those guys didn't seem all that heroic."
"I understand. They're a tough group, but they're not the best of people. No hero really is..." Riku L. stared at the message with a frown. "Well, get some rest. Looks like we'll both need it before we start exercising again."
"Right, sleep well I guess." Riku L. replied before leaning against the wall, thinking about the last thing Riku F. told him before deciding to head to bed.
Riku F. sat awake, staring out the window, recalling a few memories of his past when he was in his own world. He recalled the first time he met Seto and his party for the first time when he was preparing to go on a quest for money. He recalled how poorly they treated him, like he was a weak newcomer. They had challenged him to a fight and he destroyed them all with his magic. He stared at his reflection in the window, his expression blank, shaking his head before going to sleep.
Riku L. awoke the next day, feeling good as new. The wounds he had received weren't that severe and the medicine in the world he was in worked wonders. "So the ads they're showing are actually true in this world..." He muttered before standing up and stretching. He even did a couple push ups and sit ups.
"I really hope I unlock my magic soon. I'd be able to do so many cool things..!" Riku sighed, envious of those who could use magic. He recalled Seto, Kana, and Aina's abilities, as well as the events of the previous day. "...What's so great about using magic to hurt others and prove you're better than them..? Guess I won't be making any friends in this world after all." He chuckled and smiled wryly, though it slowly faded and his face became blank for a moment.
Riku quickly shook his head and stood up, finishing his light exercise. "Guess I better get ready for the day." He smiled again before showering, eating, and getting dressed in his training clothes.
Roco arrived on time as always and Riku hopped on his back. "Let's hope they're not waiting for me or something... Hopefully we don't see them again afterward either, otherwise how am I supposed to train everyday?" He spoke quietly to himself as Roco flew off, now used to the feeling and staying calm, just sitting on Roco's back with his legs crossed.
Lost in thought, Riku didn't realize Roco was actually going a completely different direction than usual, and didn't notice until they landed. "Hm? That was much quicker than usual. What's the deal Ro-" He paused as he looked up and saw a hooded figure standing a few feet in front of them, not to mention they were surrounded by mist.
Riku got chills sent up his spine. "What's this feeling..? Do I...no, does F. know this person..?" He thought to himself as he kept his eyes on the strange figure. He was so chilled he didn't even realize he was now sitting on the ground instead of Roco's back.
Riku F. slowly awoke the next day, a nurse coming in to check on him and telling him he was good to go, warning him to be more careful and not get into any more fights. He reluctantly nodded as she spoke and stood up, heading out without another word. He signed out as well of course, having no guardians, he had to do it himself. Oddly enough, the bills for his treatment were paid, but he didn't think to question it.
Riku F. decided to eat out today for breakfast on his way home, realizing cooking in his condition might not be the best. He messed around with his phone on the way to the restaurant he had decided on, checking the weather. "It's supposed to be cloudy all day huh..? But no rain? Weird..." He mumbled to himself as he entered the breakfast shop, grabbed a quick breakfast, and walked out.
He ate on his way home, throwing the trash away at a nearby trash can, yawning a bit as continued to walk, looking at the ground mostly. What he didn't realize was that there was literally no one else around as he walked, even the stores seemed empty. Mist started to appear on the ground and around him as he walked. He blinked, looking up and around, noticing there was a sudden thick fog around the entire area.
"What is this? There's no magic in this world..." He looked forward suddenly as he heard the sound of footsteps coming his way. What revealed itself was a hooded figure, just like the one Riku L. was currently looking at.
The two boys spoke in unison, both equally confused. "Who are you?"
"Do not be afraid. I am not your enemy." The hooded figure said, a woman.