Merlin addressed the class with a sharp clap of his hands. "Alright, students. Now that we've settled introductions, we'll move on to your next topic."
Kaiho, still shaken from earlier, sat in silence, his mind wandering. That guy… while everything was going crazy—people drawing swords, ready to kill each other—he didn't even flinch. What was his name again? Sai… Sai… oh yeah, Saito.
After classes ended, Kaiho spotted Saito quietly leaving the classroom. I should go talk to him.
"Hey!" Kaiho called out, jogging to catch up. "I'm Kaiho. Nice to meet you."
Saito glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Saito," he replied curtly.
"So… are you from Japan?" Kaiho asked cautiously.
Saito froze for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "How did you…? Wait, are you also from Japan?"
Kaiho grinned. "Nah, I'm from India."
"India, huh?" Saito muttered, looking slightly surprised. "That's a first. I haven't heard of many Indians getting isekaied."
Kaiho chuckled. "Yeah, I've watched a lot of anime too, so I get it. Most of the isekai characters are Japanese—or maybe Korean."
Saito's expression shifted, growing serious. "Can you step aside for a moment?"
Kaiho blinked, confused. "Huh? Oh no, I've seen this kind of thing in anime before…" he thought, his imagination running wild. Is this the part where he tries to shut me up because I know his secret?
He glanced at Saito again. He doesn't look like the type to hurt someone, but then again… this place is full of weirdos.
"Nah, here's fine," Kaiho said, trying to act casual.
Saito's tone became firm. "I insist."
Kaiho hesitated, looking around nervously. "It'll be fine! I've got Lucky and Nat to back me up."
He turned, expecting his friends to be nearby. "F—where are they?!"
Kaiho followed Saito into the restroom, the air thick with tension.
Saito glanced at the mirror, avoiding Kaiho's reflection. Crap… I brought him here, but now what? I don't even know how I got here myself!
A Few Months Ago
I'm Saito, your average Japanese guy… well, a bit of an otaku. Saito's inner monologue was calm as he recalled the events that led him here. One day, while walking home, minding my own business, a rift in space and time opened right in front of me. It was like one of those dungeons straight out of the manhua I used to read.
His thoughts drifted to one manhua in particular. What was the guy's name again? Sung something? The guy with the gaming system… anyway, no time to think about that now.
Saito rubbed his temples as he remembered how things spiraled out of control. Next thing I knew, I was standing at the entrance exam for something called "God's Academy." My plan was simple: fail the exam, avoid drawing attention, and find a way back home.
But things didn't go as planned. Suddenly, a giant black dragon appeared out of nowhere, and my jacket got caught on its claws! Before I could figure out what was happening, I ended up here… surrounded by people with ridiculous, monstrous abilities.
Saito groaned at the memory. How am I supposed to survive in a place like this?
Present
Back in the restroom, Saito leaned against the sink, his thoughts racing. Maybe if I beg him to let me go, he won't kill me for being weak or something. He doesn't seem that dangerous, right?
Meanwhile, Kaiho stood awkwardly by the door, his own thoughts in turmoil. I really hope he doesn't kill me. He might think I'm some kind of threat. I don't even know what his power is yet!
The two exchanged uneasy glances, both too wrapped up in their internal fears to say anything.
Kaiho stood awkwardly in the restroom, his mind spinning. Say something, Saito. You're the one who dragged me here!
Saito's thoughts were equally chaotic. I need to say something. Maybe if I act strong, I can survive this. My original plan was to beg him, but what if that backfires and he sees me as weak?
Finally, Saito broke the silence. "Hey."
Kaiho straightened up, trying to seem more confident than he felt. "Yeah." Okay, stay calm. Be confident, Kaiho thought.
Saito's eyes darted to Kaiho's arms, taking in his muscular build. Holy crap, his muscles are huge. One punch from him and I'm dead. No, no, no. Keep it together. Don't lose your composure!
Saito hesitated but finally said, "Would you… uh, keep it a secret that I'm from Earth too?"
Kaiho raised an eyebrow, surprised at how simple the request was. "Yeah, sure."
Without warning, Saito placed a hand on Kaiho's shoulder, his movements stiff and awkward. "Then… see you around," Saito said hurriedly, turning on his heel. Crap, why did I put my hand on his shoulder? What if he attacks me from behind now?
As Saito walked away, his mind screamed at him. Don't look back. Don't look back. Don't look back…
Kaiho exhaled deeply once Saito was gone. Huff… Why are his eyes so intense? It's like he's trying to kill me with a glare.
His gaze softened as he reflected. Honestly, his face looks like a nursery kid tried to draw a person. But that expression… it's terrifying.
Before Kaiho could make sense of the situation, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Yo, Kaiho!" Lucky called out, grinning as he walked in. "What are you doing here?"
Kaiho turned, exasperated. "Where were you guys?"
Lucky shrugged. "We were at the canteen. Eating, obviously."
Kaiho sighed, rubbing his temples. I can't rely on these guys for anything.