The night was quiet as Nobara sat at her desk, the dim glow of her study lamp illuminating her meticulous notes and textbooks. She had always been diligent, pouring her energy into academics and student council responsibilities. Yet, even with all her accolades, she often felt restless, yearning for something beyond the mundane rhythm of her life.
As she scribbled down her thoughts, a faint hum broke the silence. Nobara paused, glancing around. "What was that?" she muttered. The sound grew louder, a resonant pulse that made the air in her room feel heavy. Before she could react, a blinding light engulfed her, and the world around her warped. She let out a startled cry as she felt herself being pulled into a vortex, her room dissolving into a cascade of shimmering colors.
With a thud, Nobara landed face-first onto a cold, hard surface. "Ow!" she groaned, sitting up and rubbing her head. Her usually pristine hair was a mess, strands falling into her face. She hurriedly fixed it, her hands shaking slightly. "Where... where am I?" she whispered, her voice echoing. Blinking, she squinted at her surroundings—a grand hall adorned with intricate tapestries and glowing chandeliers. The air was thick with an unfamiliar scent, a mix of incense and something magical.
A group of regal figures stood before her, their ornate robes and crowns gleaming under the hall's light. The man in the center, clearly the king, stepped forward with an apologetic expression. "Welcome, noble hero, to our world. I must apologize for bringing you here without your consent."
Nobara blinked, trying to process his words. "Wait... what? Hero? Another world? Is this... some kind of dream?"
The king bowed slightly. "This is no dream, my dear. You have been summoned from your world to aid us in a time of great peril. Our enemies grow stronger, and we are in dire need of heroes—special individuals chosen by the gods and blessed with unique powers."
The realization hit her like a wave. This wasn't her room. This wasn't her world. Yet, instead of panic, a peculiar calm washed over her. Her lips curled into a small smile. "So, I've been brought to a fantasy world," she mused aloud. "Well... my old world was fine, but maybe this one will be better. A fresh start, perhaps?"
The king exhaled in relief, visibly relaxing. "Thank the gods you are not upset. Many are distressed when they first arrive. Your acceptance is a blessing."
Nobara chuckled softly. "Upset? No, I'm intrigued. This world seems... promising. Now, what's this about powers?"
The king gestured to a glowing crystal on a pedestal. "Come forward, and touch the crystal. It will reveal the gift bestowed upon you by the gods."
Curiosity piqued, Nobara approached the crystal. It pulsed with a soft light, drawing her in. "Just touch it?" she asked.
"Yes," the king confirmed. "Place your hand on it."
Taking a deep breath, she extended her hand, her fingers brushing against the cool surface. The crystal flared to life, bathing the room in a radiant glow. Gasps echoed around her as the light grew brighter, swirling with vibrant colors.
The king's eyes widened. "Incredible! You possess the power of the fairies!"
Nobara tilted her head. "Fairies? What does that mean?"
The court's magic expert stepped forward, an older woman with a staff adorned with gemstones. "Your gift is extraordinary, young hero. You have the ability to form pacts with fairies and borrow their powers. Fire, water, wind, and more—they will heed your call. This power is rare, versatile, and powerful. You've been blessed with boundless potential."
Nobara's eyes sparkled. "That... sounds amazing."
The king clapped his hands. "Bring the special fairy!"
A servant hurried in, carrying a small gilded cage. Inside was a tiny boyish figure with glowing wings, his mischievous eyes scanning the room. Nobara leaned closer, intrigued. "What's that?"
"This," the king explained, "is a special fairy who will guide you. He will train you, assist you in battles, and be your companion."
The cage door opened, and the fairy fluttered out, hovering before Nobara. "Hello!" he chirped, his voice bright and cheerful. "My name is Finn. And you are?"
Nobara smiled warmly. "I'm Nobara. Nice to meet you, Finn."
The fairy grinned. "Looks like we're partners now, Nobara!"
After the formalities, the king had her escorted to her quarters—a lavish room fit for royalty. Nobara gazed around, taking in the opulent furnishings and the massive bed draped in silk. "This... is definitely a step up from my old life," she murmured. But before anything else, she decided to explore the attached bath.
Her jaw dropped when she saw it—a sprawling space with marble floors, steaming pools, and scented oils. "This is a bath?" she exclaimed. "It's like a hot spring resort!" She slid into the warm water, letting it soothe her tired body. For the first time since arriving, she allowed herself to relax.
The next morning, Nobara woke to Finn buzzing around her room. "Good morning!" he chirped.
She groaned, rubbing her eyes. "Do you always wake up this early?"
"Of course! We've got work to do! You need a team, right?"
Nobara sat up, stretching. "You're right. If I'm going to survive and thrive here, I'll need strong allies."
As they left her room, Nobara noticed a young maid in the courtyard, practicing combat techniques. The girl moved with precision and speed, her strikes powerful and deliberate. Nobara stopped in her tracks, watching in awe. "She's... incredible."
Finn flitted to her side. "Looks like you've found your first potential teammate."
Nobara smiled. "I need to talk to her."