Kaelan sat in his classroom, Class 1-2, when his friend Ali approached him, holding two tickets. "Will you come with me to karaoke?" he asked eagerly. Kaelan shook his head. "No," he replied, feeling the urge to be alone.
Disappointed, Ali left for karaoke with another friend, Miyamura. Kaelan remained in the classroom, the silence enveloping him. Suddenly, a bright light circled around him, catching him off guard and filling him with a mixture of surprise and terror. Before he could comprehend what was happening, he lost consciousness.
When Kaelan regained awareness, he found himself in a vast void, an endless expanse of darkness. Confused, he was soon met by a figure who claimed to be a god. The air around him felt both heavy and weightless as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. The void was unlike anything he had ever experienced—dark, empty, infinite, and silent. Then, a radiant figure appeared, radiating warmth and light that broke the oppressive stillness.
"I am a god," the figure said in a deep, resonant voice. "You have been chosen. This world is in grave danger. The demon king stirs, threatening to plunge all into darkness. You, too, carry the spirit of a hero, one capable of defeating him."
Kaelan felt the intensity of the god's gaze, calm yet purposeful, and an unfamiliar weight settled on his shoulders. A responsibility he had never imagined bearing. The god continued, explaining that he would guide Kaelan, but the battle would ultimately be his to fight.
As the god's words sank in, a newfound resolve began to build within him. The path ahead was uncertain, yet a sense of destiny surged within him—he was meant for this challenge, to stand against the darkness and protect a world that felt strangely familiar, as if it were home.
The void around him began to fade, and the god's final words echoed in his mind: "Awaken, hero. Your journey begins."
With that, Kaelan felt a rush of sensations flooding back to his body. His limbs felt heavy, yet warmth surrounded him—solid ground. He opened his eyes to find himself lying in a grassy field under a vast, starlit sky. The crisp air carried the faint scent of pine, and the distant murmur of a flowing river reached his ears.
He sat up slowly, absorbing the scene around him. Rolling hills stretched out in every direction, illuminated by the silver glow of moonlight. The world felt both strange and familiar, a blend of dream and reality. Yet clarity washed over him—he was alive and present in this world that awaited his strength.
The god's final words echoed in his mind, a reminder of the purpose now bestowed upon him. He was to face the demon king, a threat lurking in the shadows.
Taking a deep breath, Kaelan rose to his feet. The journey had begun, and he sensed he might not be alone in this battle. Somewhere in this world lay allies, secrets, and challenges waiting to be discovered. With each step, he would uncover the power within him to stand against the darkness and protect this realm from doom.
He steadied himself, letting the cool night air fill his lungs. Determination replaced the shock and confusion. If he was indeed a chosen hero, there was no time to waste. He needed to find his bearings, learn about this world, and prepare for what lay ahead.
As he scanned the landscape, a faint glow on the horizon caught his attention—perhaps a small village? It was not far, and the soft lights beckoned like a welcome beacon in the dark. With resolve strengthening within him, he decided to head toward it, hoping to find shelter, information, and perhaps even his first ally in this new world.
The grass brushed against his legs as he walked, each step feeling like the beginning of a grand tale. Despite the peaceful silence surrounding him, an unsettling feeling crept over him, as though he were being watched. He glanced over his shoulder but found only open fields and starlight. Shrugging off the sensation, he pressed onward, more determined than ever.
As he approached the village, the scent of wood smoke filled the air, accompanied by the faint sounds of laughter and conversation. The warmth of the village contrasted sharply with the lonely, ethereal void where he had met the god, grounding him in this new world.
He stepped onto a narrow dirt road winding between cozy cottages and bustling shops. A few villagers turned to look at him, their expressions curious yet friendly. An elderly woman waved, and a group of children laughed and played nearby. The village buzzed with life, and for a brief moment, Kaelan allowed himself to feel safe.
A middle-aged man in simple traveling clothes approached him with a friendly smile. "Haven't seen you around here before," he said, studying Kaelan with interest. "Passing through, or are you looking for something more?"
The question hung in the air, open and full of possibility. Kaelan hesitated. How much should he reveal? Should he share his purpose or keep his mission hidden? The choice was his, but he sensed that every decision would shape the path ahead.
Deciding to keep the truth to himself, Kaelan replied cautiously, "I am from a land far to the east. I'm looking to settle down in the next city ahead. Can you show me the road there?"
The man nodded thoughtfully, his curiosity shifting to a warm smile. "A traveler from the East, eh? You don't see many around here. You're in luck. The road to the next city isn't hard to find, but it's a good journey from here—half a day's walk if you keep a steady pace." He gestured down the path Kaelan had come from, pointing toward the opposite direction. "Just follow the main road out of the village, and when it forks, take the left path. It'll lead you through the forest and straight to Rivermoor.