Riku's mind was still reeling from the weight of it all. He blinked a few times, trying to wrap his head around the idea that everything he knew had been flipped upside down. "So... this really is another world," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
The reality of it hit him in waves: the magic, the monsters, the kingdom of Aethrion. His old world seemed like a distant memory now. For a moment, he felt a pang of nostalgia for the simple, familiar world he'd left behind. But that quickly faded, replaced by a rush of excitement. This new world—this new adventure—was his to explore.
As Aina cracked an egg into the sizzling pan, the familiar sound of cooking breakfast filled the air. Intrigued, he followed the scent downstairs and into the kitchen. There, he found Aina moving gracefully, her hair catching the morning light as she prepared breakfast. She stirred a pot with focus, her movements precise and practiced, a soft hum escaping her lips. The sight of her in the kitchen, framed by the golden morning, was mesmerizing.
"Good morning," he said, breaking the silence.
Aina jumped, her face flushing as she spun around, almost spilling what she was holding. "Since when have you been standing there watching me?" she asked, flustered.
Riku scratched his head with a grin. "I just woke up. But… you're really good at this," he said, admiringly.
She turned back to the stove, her cheeks still rosy. "Thank you," she replied shyly.
A moment later, Riku's expression softened. "Aina… I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused. But I promise, I'll repay you someday."
Aina rolled her eyes with a smile, then teased, "Yesterday, you were acting all mysterious and distant. And now you're this mushy? You're definitely a strange one, Riku."
He chuckled, and they moved to the table. Aina served a spread of dishes he'd never seen before, but the sight alone was mouth-watering. Not wasting a moment, he dug in, eyes widening as the taste burst through him.
"Do you… like it?" Aina asked with a little hope in her voice.
Riku nodded, still chewing, his eyes watering with joy. "I'm… about to cry," he managed, the words muffled by food. "It's amazing."
She beamed. "I'm glad! My mom taught me most of what I know. She was incredible."
Riku froze for a second, guilt creeping into his gaze. "I'm… I'm sorry," he said softly, remembering the painful memory he'd glimpsed.
She raised an eyebrow. "Sorry? For what?"
Realizing his slip, Riku quickly forced a laugh. "Haha! Oh, it's nothing, really. Don't worry about it."
Aina shook her head with a smirk. "You really are weird."
After breakfast, Aina looked at him seriously. "So, what's your plan now, Riku?"
He thought for a moment, then asked, "Would it be alright if I… tagged along with you?"
She eyed him curiously. "Sure. But don't slow me down or get in my way, alright? I'm serious when it comes to work."
He gulped, but nodded. "Got it. I'll try to keep up."
As they stepped into the bustling streets of Aethrion, Riku's eyes widened, taking in the lively energy. There were humans, demi-humans, and other beings he couldn't even name yet, all going about their day in this vast kingdom. Children ran through the streets, shopkeepers shouted offers, and adventurers strode by, each wearing various armors and symbols of rank.
After a short walk, they arrived at a large, stone building—the Adventurers' Guild. Inside, adventurers greeted Aina with enthusiasm.
"Good morning, Aina!"
"Hey there, beautiful Aina!"
"Morning, Aina!"
But as they noticed Riku beside her, curious murmurs filled the air. "Who's the new guy?" they whispered, giving him wary looks.
Feeling a bit out of place, Riku slinked into a corner, shoulders slumping. Aina noticed and walked over, tilting her head. "Why the gloomy face?"
"Ah, it's nothing… don't worry about me," he replied, his tone betraying his disappointment.
Aina chuckled. "Hmm… would taking the adventurer's test cheer you up?"
His eyes sparkled instantly. In his mind, he envisioned a grand moment—him taking the test and blowing everyone away with his powers, like the heroes he'd read about. His heart raced with excitement as he replied confidently, "Yes! Bring me that magical ball or whatever! I'm ready."
Aina gave Riku a quizzical look. "A magic ball? What do you think this is—some kind of cliché isekai?"
Riku blinked, taken aback. "Excuse me?"
Aina chuckled and pointed across the room at a grand, intricately carved statue of the kingdom's goddess. "See that statue over there? That's where we test adventurers. You just need to stand before it, and your abilities will be revealed."
Riku's expression froze. He quickly straightened up and tried to play it off. "Uh… I think I'll pass on that, actually."
Aina tilted her head, sensing something strange in his sudden reluctance. But before she could press him, he spoke up again, seemingly changing the topic. "Actually, I have a question. Is there a library around here?"
Surprised, she raised an eyebrow. "A library? Seriously?"
He nodded, his gaze steady and determined. "Yeah, a library. I… have a few things to look up."
"Well," she began, still somewhat puzzled, "the academy nearby has a library. You can access it there."
Without hesitation, Riku placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Aina. I'll see you later."
And just like that, he turned and left, disappearing into the crowd before she could say anything else. She stood there, watching his retreating figure with a mixture of amusement and confusion.
"Huh," she mumbled to herself, shaking her head. "He's definitely… unique." She glanced back at the statue before heading off to take on her next quest, wondering what other mysteries lay beneath Riku's strange demeanor.
Riku walked swiftly through the streets, making his way toward the Royal Academy. As he drew closer, the towering building came into view—ornate and majestic, with towering pillars and stained-glass windows that glinted in the daylight. His heart pounded in his chest. For the first time, he felt a tangible sense of excitement. A library in another world—it felt like a treasure trove of secrets waiting just for him.
Stepping through the academy's grand entrance, he passed by students in uniform, each busy with their own affairs. He could feel a slight tinge of envy; they all seemed so comfortable in this world, so at ease in their roles. Yet here he was, a stranger with powers he could barely understand, let alone control.
Finally, he reached the library doors and took a deep breath before pushing them open. Inside, he found row upon row of bookshelves stretching up to the high ceiling, filled with tomes that held the knowledge of this world. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and ink, and a peaceful silence blanketed the room.
Riku slowly walked through the aisles, running his fingers along the spines of books, letting himself take in the magnitude of it all. He felt a thrill of anticipation. This was his chance—not only to learn about this world but also to learn about himself and the mysterious power he held.
For a brief moment, Riku forgot about the strange encounter with Aina, the fears, the uncertainty. Here, surrounded by countless books, he was finally in his element.