Meanwhile, on Earth...
It might seem like several hours had passed since Ephraim disappeared, transported to another world, but here, only a minute had gone by.
After receiving Ephraim's text warning her about the book, Mikha glanced at her phone, a skeptical eyebrow raised. She thought he was just messing with her, not taking the warning seriously. The text lacked clear instructions on what she should or shouldn't do, which only fueled her curiosity further.
Deciding to put it aside for now, she focused on her household chores, but the thought of the mysterious book lingered in the back of her mind. Once she finished her tasks, she planned to delve into the book, eager to uncover whatever secrets it held.
She lived alone, having only recently graduated. Mikha moved out to explore job opportunities in the bustling city, taking on the role of bookstore clerk at her aunt's shop as a favor. Her aunt had a commitment and asked her to fill in, and Mikha had yet to secure a permanent position.
Unlike Ephraim, who had spent years in solitude, Mikha had only been in the city for a few months. However, she quickly grew familiar with its streets and nightlife. She often ventured out to bars at night and spent her days applying for jobs that offered both decent pay and enjoyment. So far, she hadn't found a suitable role, but she felt no urgency. Young and confident in her abilities, she knew her worth.
Back in her apartment, Mikha checked her phone for any important messages. Remembering Ephraim's chat, she wondered what had happened to him and checked for any new updates. Tilting her head slightly in curiosity, she typed out a message: "Be careful about what?"
After a few moments of waiting for a reply and receiving nothing, she set her phone aside. Her thoughts turned to the mysterious white book. Initially, she hadn't been very interested in it, but Ephraim's warning piqued her curiosity. She decided to take a quick look at it—if it didn't hold her interest, she would simply stop reading and set it aside to lend to him later.
Mikha picked up the book, and just like Ephraim before her, she found herself tracing the contours of its surface. It looked like the complete opposite of Ephraim's black book. The cover had a pristine white background, accented with hints of black and yellow along the edges. Strangely, there were no titles or writings on either the front or back cover.
After admiring the book's pristine appearance for a few seconds, Mikha opened it. Just like Ephraim, she was greeted by a single word on the first page—"Saint." To her surprise, she could read it clearly, even though it felt like she wasn't supposed to understand it.
As she muttered the word, her surroundings were suddenly enveloped in a blinding white light. In that fleeting moment, she caught a glimpse of the book in her hands. The front cover had transformed, now adorned with dove-like wings, reminiscent of angelic imagery—a representation of purity that seemed intrinsically linked to the word "Saint."
Unlike Ephraim, however, Mikha didn't experience any headaches or pain. Instead, a warm sensation washed over her, enveloping her in a gentle embrace that felt as if it were nourishing her soul.
It didn't take long for Mikha to awaken from the dreamlike state of traversing the void. As she opened her eyes, she found herself in a beautifully decorated room, the elegance of which felt almost surreal.
A respectful voice, imbued with a sense of holiness, echoed softly in the air. "You're finally awake, Saint candidate. Welcome to Highenfell."
Mikha blinked, her mind racing. "Hmm?"
In that moment, fragmented knowledge flooded her consciousness, granting her a general understanding of her surroundings. She realized she had been transported to a different world, one far removed from Earth. Highenfell was its name, and with this revelation came an overwhelming sense of awe and trepidation.
If Ephraim were here, he'd undoubtedly file a complaint against the world for what felt like unfair treatment. "Is this discrimination against male and female transmigrators?!" he would exclaim.
She had it easy, waking up inside a cozy human settlement, while he was still lost in a random forest, struggling to survive. He had faced random headaches and fought for his life mere moments after arriving, all without any explanations.
Mikha felt a wave of confusion wash over her, unsure of what was expected of her in this strange new world. For a moment, she seemed lost, grappling with the gravity of the situation. But she quickly steeled herself, reminding herself that panicking wouldn't help.
Mikha took a deep breath, her mind racing with possibilities. She felt a strange mix of excitement and trepidation about the journey ahead. "I need to figure out what it means to be a Saint candidate," she thought, her resolve solidifying. "And what role I'm meant to play in this world."
With newfound determination, she rose from her seat, ready to face whatever challenges awaited her. The thought of Ephraim lingered in her mind—he might also be in this world, just as she was, given their shared connection to the mysterious books and the warning he sent her.
She would try to find Ephraim; it would be easier for the two of them if they could help each other. The fact that they came from the same world was also a significant factor. She would discover the secrets of Highenfell and uncover her true potential. These were the goals she set for herself.