Earth POV
At Tokai Junior and Senior High School, a teacher adorned in a formal uniform made her deliberate approach toward a particular classroom. In measured breaths, she inhaled and exhaled, a palpable mixture of anticipation and preparation marking the dawn of her inaugural teaching day.
'I am more than capable of this. I am ready.' The internal mantra echoed within her mind as she exhaled once more, a final affirmation before the task at hand. 'Alright, let's begin.'
With a composed demeanor, she turned the doorknob, granting entry to the unknown realm of her classroom and the students within.
"Good day, everyone. I am Rika Taneko, and I am honored to be your new teacher, starting from... today..." As her words trailed off, she slowly unveiled her gaze, only to be met with an unsettling void. The once vibrant and animated room stood eerily vacant, devoid of the spirited presence she had anticipated.
A jolt of bewilderment surged through her, etching a dumbfounded and confused expression upon her countenance.
"Where is everyone!?" The exclamation, a mix of disbelief and perplexity, escaped her lips in a moment of candid astonishment.
Stunned by the inexplicable absence of her students, Rika wasted no time. She reached into her bag with a sense of urgency and retrieved her phone, fingers moving with haste as she dialed the principal's number. As the phone rang, her heart raced, the anticipation of a response mingling with the growing sense of concern.
Little did she know, her students' absence was not a mere coincidence. A veil of secrecy shrouded the truth behind their disappearance, weaving a tapestry of mystery that would soon be unraveled, revealing a web of enigmatic circumstances that extended far beyond the confines of the classroom.
...
Unknown World POV
The scene unfolded in a dark, enigmatic haze, akin to an abyss of obscurity. Within this obscure void, the fabric of consciousness gradually began to weave itself, unveiling a realm where silence and darkness reigned supreme. As the veiled shroud of nothingness started to lift, faint, muffled conversations and ethereal whispers seeped into the ears of the awakening individual. Slowly, the contours of their surroundings began to take shape, forming a world of distinct sights and sounds.
'Where am I?...'
Emerging from the abyss of unconsciousness, the person's eyes blinked against the encroaching light, adjusting to their newfound awareness. The blurry images gradually sharpened, revealing a girl standing before them. She gazed at the person with concern, her azure pupils glittering with both worry and relief.
"Yuichi-kun!" her voice carried a mixture of worry and care, her voice cutting through the lingering haze.
As the person's groggy senses focused, it became evident that they were Yuichi, the very same who had experienced the mysterious occurrence involving the magic circle. Slowly, they took in the peculiar surroundings, the group of their 18 classmates standing in varying degrees of confusion. Their collective gaze swept across the unfamiliar setting, a room adorned with the intricate architecture reminiscent of a medieval era.
Statues stood sentinel in the corners, bearing witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. Banners adorned with the emblem of an unfamiliar kingdom's flag hung proudly, while armored figures stood sentinel at the imposing double doors, their presence imbued with a regal aura. The room exuded an ambiance of antiquity, a throne room evoking the essence of a royal court.
Yuichi's classmates stood in awe and bewilderment, their voices a chorus of astonishment as they attempted to comprehend their unexpected surroundings.
"Where... where are we?" one exclaimed, disbelief etched across their features.
A sense of uncanny confusion rippled through the group, magnified by the stark contrast between their familiar lives and this medieval tableau.
A blend of wonder and uncertainty painted their expressions, with some finding themselves lost for words.
Amidst the bewildered chatter, Mitsuki, the girl who had addressed Yuichi earlier, knelt down beside him. Her outstretched hand offered stability as Yuichi gradually rose from his almost prone position on the ground, his uniform bearing the traces of the enigmatic transition.
Mitsuki's voice was a calming presence amidst the chaos, her concern for Yuichi evident as she offered her hand.
"Here, let me assist you, Yuichi-kun." she spoke with a gentle yet reassuring tone.
Yuichi accepted Mitsuki's aid, his fingers interlocking with hers as he regained his footing. Dusting off his uniform with a series of patting motions, he looked up at her, gratitude dancing in his eyes.
"Thank you, Mitsuki-san." Yuichi expressed his gratitude, a warm smile gracing his lips.
"Are you really okay, Yuichi-kun?" Mitsuki's unwavering concern persisted, her eyes searching for any lingering signs of distress.
Genuine appreciation filled Yuichi's voice as he acknowledged her support, his gesture of patting her shoulder communicating his well-being.
"Yes, I'm completely fine. Your concern means a lot, Mitsuki-san." Yuichi's voice held reassurance that only a dependable friend could offer.
In Mitsuki's presence, Yuichi found solace amidst the unfamiliar, his smile echoing the trust and camaraderie that had blossomed between them.
"Ah! I can't see! My glasses!" Cried out a recognizable male voice, the urgency evident in his tone, as he sprawled on the floor, frantically searching for his misplaced eyeglasses.
Yuichi promptly knelt down, spotting the eyeglasses the person had been searching for. With a quick, considerate gesture, he retrieved the glasses and handed them over.
"Here you go, Kenji." Yuichi offered, handing over the glasses.
Kenji retrieved his glasses from Yuichi's outstretched hand and placed them on his face, his vision instantly sharpening as he once again perceived the world with clarity.
"Yuichi-san, I really appreciate your help." Kenji expressed his gratitude, his words laced with genuine thankfulness for Yuichi's assistance in locating his glasses.
"Whoever did this is going to be in trouble!" A man's voice filled with frustration echoed, and it was Kazuhira who spoke.
"I feel sick after that!" chimed in another guy, and it was Akihiko who spoke up.
Suddenly, the resonant voice of a man pierced the air, prompting all the students, including Yuichi and Mitsuki, to direct their attention toward the source. Their gazes converged on the imposing throne, where the king held court. Seated regally upon his ornate seat, an aide stood beside him, clutching a scroll of paper.
"Welcome, summoned heroes brought from another world." The aide spoke with humility, addressing the assembled students.
Seated upon the regal throne, the king exuded an air of majesty, his attire adorned with alternating blue and white stripes. His long, flowing white beard added to his distinguished appearance, and his captivating yellow eyes fixated on the students, his expression brimming with intrigue.
"Who are you? And why did you bring us here?" Kazuhira asked firmly to the aide in front of them.
The king directed his gaze toward his aide, signaling for him to proceed with an inquiry. Clearing his throat, the aide glanced at the parchment in his hand, preparing to address the matter at hand.
"I am honored to present to you, summoned heroes from another world, the 27th ruler of the esteemed Nivaria Kingdom, none other than King Aldric IV himself – the very sovereign who has beckoned you to Eldoria." the aide announced with deference, as he continued to read from the scroll.
"We have gathered you summoned heroes from another world here due to a grave crisis that threatens our world once more after five centuries. The tides of chaos have been steadily advancing from the western realms, where the recently ascended Demon Lord now reigns over Abyssumrex. Over the past few decades, our forces, as well as those of neighboring nations, have faced dire annihilation at the hands of this encroaching malevolence. Their nefarious actions have gradually unfolded, casting a shadow of darkness that threatens to envelope the entire world."
Yuichi's group of 18 classmates exchanged hushed whispers among themselves, their expressions a blend of surprise and curiosity in response to the aide's unexpected revelation.
"Wait, a demon lord? Is this like some kind of fantasy game?" A student whispered to their companion.
"This is absolutely absurd!" Another student chimed in with a hint of disbelief.
"As a result of this dire situation, humanity has been overwhelmed by the demonic forces. In response, we have devised a strategy to halt and eradicate the marauding armies led by the demon lord. This is precisely why we have beckoned heroes from another realm to assemble within the Nivaria Kingdom, destined to carry on the legacy of the legendary hero of all Eldoria, Aric." The aide further explained.
"And what makes you think we're capable of this?" One of the students questioned the aide.
The other students agreed and started whispering to each other.
"Because you, summoned heroes from another world, wield extraordinary powers beyond our own." The aide responded to his query.
"The army of the demon lord is making swift progress from the western front. If the current strength of the Principality of Valerios proves insufficient to halt their advance, our kingdom will likely face destruction next, and the rest of the world will subsequently follow suit."
However, the students' demeanor differed from what the aide had anticipated. Hesitation lingered among them in response to the aide's request, their hushed conversations with one another ultimately swaying their decision to decline the formidable undertaking.
Abruptly, the king rose from his seat, emanating a regal aura that commanded attention. The students' focus shifted entirely to the king before them.
"I comprehend your apprehension, summoned heroes from another world. Yet, our earnest requirement to restore global harmony rests upon the shoulders of heroes that are capable of halting the advances of the demon lord's malevolent forces." Proclaimed the king of the Nivaria Kingdom, his words leaving the students in a state of wonderment.
"We are in need of your assistance, summoned heroes from another world. I humbly beseech your aid, Aric's descendants, in my capacity as the monarch of the Nivaria Kingdom."
Yuichi's classmates found themselves in a state of bewilderment, prompting them to engage in hushed conversations once more. Amidst these discussions, they contemplated their ultimate choice – whether to shoulder the mantle of heroes or decline the weighty responsibility altogether.
Until, a young man with blonde hair confidently approaches the king, flanked by two fellow students.
"We'll agree to your request!" Kazuhira said confidently.
Yuichi's classmates were utterly astonished by Kazuhira's unexpected declaration, leaving them feeling overwhelmed by the significant responsibilities it entailed.
"What are you talking about, Kazuhira!? We did not agree on this!" The students expressed their disagreement with Kazuhira's statement to the king.
Kazuhira then turned around with his confidence and faced his classmates.
"Did you not hear him? He claimed that we are summoned heroes from a different world, and he believes we must take on the task of defeating the Demon Lord. Since we're already present in this situation, why not consider embracing the idea and proceeding with the mission?" Kazuhira confidently stated to his classmates.
"Are you crazy?! We're discussing confronting the Demon Lord here! We're putting ourselves in grave danger!" One of his classmates shouted in disbelief.
"Why are we always talking about the Demon Lord this and the Demon Lord that?" He scoffed. "Aren't we the heroes here? It's so cliché in these fantasy quests." Kazuhira responded with an air of arrogance to his classmates' constant chatter about the Demon Lord.
"Don't worry about death," Akihiko reassured, "we're the heroes destined to defeat the Demon Lord." He added Kazuhira's earlier words.
"They're just a bunch of scaredy cats!" Haruki chimed in.
Kazuhira and his friends eagerly awaited responses from their classmates, but their anticipation turned to disappointment as a heavy silence settled in the room. The air was thick with a sense of disbelief that seemed to reverberate internally within each classmate.
Afterward, Kazuhira turned back to confront the king once more, his expression filled with arrogance.
"We'll take on the role of heroes and defeat the Demon Lord you're worried about. Just get your best gear ready." Kazuhira confidently told the king, showing he was up for the challenge.
The king acknowledged his acceptance and signaled to his aide, who nodded and unfurled the scrolled paper in order to proceed with the declaration.
"In the annals of history, King Aldric IV, the illustrious 27th ruler to ascend the throne of the revered Nivaria Kingdom, has aptly bestowed upon your ethereal presence,
summoned heroes from another world, the distinguished title of 'Heroes' within the world of Eldoria, a recognition echoing through the annals of time." The aide declared his speech to the students.
The students found themselves consumed by a mixture of bewilderment and disbelief, their emotions swirling like a tempest within. The weight of an unfamiliar and daunting responsibility loomed over them, casting a shadow of uncertainty upon their hearts.
As they contemplated the path ahead in the enigmatic world of Eldoria, their minds grappled with the enormity of the role they were destined to undertake in shaping the destiny of this world.
'This is going to be hard...' Yuichi thought to himself while witnessing everything.