Mochizuki Kakeru was having a particularly unremarkable day. As he walked home from school, his mind drifted between thoughts of upcoming exams and the latest video game he was eager to play. Life was predictable and safe, if a bit monotonous. He liked it that way—ordinary was comfortable.
"Sup', readers," Kakeru suddenly said, glancing around as if he could see an invisible audience. "I guess you're wondering why an 'ordinary student' like me is talking to you. Well, don't get too excited. I'm just your average guy from Japan. Nothing special about me at all."
This was, of course, Kakeru's humble perception of himself. The reality was quite different. Despite his self-effacing attitude, Kakeru was the most handsome guy in school, with a fan club that secretly admired him from afar. His grades were consistently above average, and he was well-liked by both teachers and peers. He just never saw himself as anything extraordinary, which was perhaps his most endearing quality.
But in the blink of an eye, Kakeru's world turned upside down. A bright, blinding light enveloped him, and the familiar streets of his hometown disappeared. When the light faded, he found himself standing in the center of a grand, ornate hall. Around him were robed figures chanting in an unfamiliar language. His heart raced, and he fought the urge to panic.
"Uh, okay, this is definitely not ordinary," Kakeru mumbled, his eyes wide with shock. "Where am I? And who are these people?"
One of the robed figures, a woman with a serene expression, stepped forward. "Welcome, Hero, to the land of Elaria (TN: This is the name of their world, not the place/kingdom he was summoned from). We have summoned you to aid us in our time of dire need."
Kakeru blinked, trying to process her words. "Hero? You must have the wrong guy. I'm Mochizuki Kakeru. I'm just a student, not some legendary hero."
The woman smiled gently. "You have been chosen by the ancient ritual to save our world from the great evil that threatens to engulf it. Your powers will awaken in due time, and you will come to understand your role."
"Great evil? Ancient ritual? This has to be some kind of prank," Kakeru said, looking around for hidden cameras. "Come on, guys. Very funny."
As if to prove her point, the woman raised her hand, and a glowing circle of light appeared beneath Kakeru's feet. He felt a surge of energy course through him, and his hands began to glow with a faint, golden light.
"Okay, maybe this isn't a prank," Kakeru admitted, staring at his hands in awe. "But seriously, I'm not cut out for this hero stuff. I can barely handle a group project at school, let alone save a world!"
Another figure, an elderly man with a long beard, approached. "You may feel unworthy, young hero, but the prophecy has chosen you. You possess a power within you that is beyond your understanding. It is your destiny to face the Demon King and save Elaria."
Kakeru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Destiny, huh? I always thought destiny was just something people used to explain stuff they didn't understand. But I guess if my hands are glowing, there's no denying something weird is going on."
"Please, follow us," the elderly man said. "We will explain everything and begin your training."
Kakeru followed the robed figures through the grand hall and out into a vast courtyard filled with blooming flowers and lush greenery. Despite his apprehension, he couldn't help but be awed by the beauty of this new world.
"So, what's the first step in hero training?" Kakeru asked, trying to sound enthusiastic. "Do I get a cool sword or something?"
The woman chuckled. "Patience, young hero. First, you must learn about the powers you have been granted and how to control them. Your journey will be challenging, but with perseverance, you will grow stronger."
Kakeru took a deep breath, trying to quell the doubts swirling in his mind. "Okay, let's do this. I may not feel like a hero, but if I've been given a chance to make a difference, I'll give it my best shot."
As Kakeru began his training, he couldn't help but think about how much his life had changed in an instant. From an ordinary student in Japan to a summoned hero in a fantastical world, his journey was just beginning. And though he was filled with uncertainty, he couldn't deny the spark of excitement that had ignited within him.
"Hey, readers," he said, glancing around again as if addressing his invisible audience, "I guess this is where my story really starts. Stick around, will you? Maybe we'll both learn a thing or two about what it means to be a hero."
With that, Mochizuki Kakeru, the self-proclaimed ordinary student with low 'self-esteem', took his first steps on a path that would lead him to confront great evils, discover hidden strengths, and ultimately, fulfill a destiny far greater than he could have ever imagined.