In the grand hall of the Royal Palace, four strangers stood before a vast, ornate throne, tension thick in the air. Marble pillars loomed overhead, sunlight gleamed on golden accents, and tapestries whispered with the promise of magic and mystery. The hall was filled with hushed anticipation as the eyes of royal advisors, guards, and nobility fell upon these bewildered newcomers. Each had come from a world entirely different from this one, plucked from their lives without warning, and now they faced a king.

The king rose from his throne, his gaze regal but intense. "Four Great Heroes, welcome!" he proclaimed, his voice echoing off the marble walls. "I am King Uzuma Jizonoha, ruler of the Grand Kingdom of Jizonoha, and you—Raeji Tofuyu, Arisa Koyama, Shin Fujin, and Toki Kaguyama—have been chosen as this kingdom's heroes!"

Toki, a lanky, scruffy twenty-year-old who looked as if he'd just rolled out of bed, blinked as his mind raced to catch up with the current situation.

Shin, a muscular, tattooed guy with a striking streak of blonde in his hair, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Mr. King? You said we've been chosen as this world's heroes, right?" His voice was gruff, like someone who'd had a few too many run-ins with the law. "How exactly?"

King Uzuma's eyes sparkled with purpose. "You four have been summoned to conquer the 500-floor Great Dungeon at the heart of our kingdom. Each month, monstrous creatures spill from this dungeon in waves, attacking and destroying everything in their path. If the final floor is not reached and the dungeon conquered, our kingdom itself is at risk of falling."

The four heroes looked at each other with varying degrees of awe and shock. The King continued,

"To assist you," the king announced, lifting a small chest from his side, "we will now grant each of you a unique class, one which bestows upon you powers unlike any you've known." He opened the chest to reveal four shimmering, pure-blue orbs. "These are Class Granting Orbs. They will reveal and form into your respective weapons."

A sense of energy crackled in the air as the orbs floated up, each one pulsing with anticipation. One by one, the orbs drifted before the heroes, illuminating their faces.

The first orb hovered before Arisa, a fierce-looking girl with a quiet determination in her gaze. As it settled in her hands, it morphed into a long, slender sword with an ornate hilt. "Arisa Koyama," the King announced, "your hero class is Sword Saint!"

The room stirred with awe. Arisa tightened her grip on her weapon, her face showing both resolve and surprise.

Next, Raeji's orb transformed into a gleaming bow with silver and emerald accents. "Raeji Tofuyu," the King declared, "your class is Archer!" Raeji held the bow with a confident grin, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

Shin's orb took shape into a heavy tome bound in dark leather, brimming with magical runes. "Shin Fujin," the King's voice held reverence, "your class is Sorcerer!" Shin smirked, thumbing through the pages with an almost cocky air.

Then, the last orb floated in front of Toki. He held his breath as it began to change shape, his mind racing with visions of swords, spears, or maybe even a mystical staff. But as the orb shimmered and solidified, it took the form of… a frying pan.

A hush fell over the room.

The king's face faltered with confusion and disdain. "Toki Kaguyama… your class is… Chef?"

Silence. The air was thick with disbelief, and Toki could feel the weight of a hundred disapproving stares.

Shin burst out laughing, a low, mocking chuckle that quickly turned into full-blown guffaws. Raeji joined in, smirking, while Arisa only gave a look of worry. The palace guards exchanged glances, some outright snickering. Here they were, summoning heroes to save the kingdom, and one of them was… a cook?

Toki's face burned. He looked down at the pan, which felt heavy in his hand—not with power, but with the sting of humiliation. Why him? Why this?

"Ah, so Chef Kaguyama here is going to save us with his… cooking skills?" Shin mocked, his grin sharp. "Maybe he'll fry up some eggs for the monsters!"

But as Toki stood there, gripping the pan with simmering frustration, he couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, there was more to this than met the eye.

The laughter and ridicule around him faded, and Toki felt himself slipping back into the memories of his life before this strange, mystical place. For a moment, he was no longer in a grand hall, holding an absurdly impractical weapon and facing a kingdom's worth of expectations and scorn. He was back in the cluttered, cramped break room of his old job—a third-rate company that seemed determined to grind him down.

At twenty, Toki Kaguyama's life had been a series of compromises and small defeats. He'd graduated high school with sub-par grades, never the kind to stand out in anything—academics, sports, or even among his friends. College hadn't been an option, not with his family's finances. Instead, he'd taken the first job he could find, a tedious position with low pay and long hours. Most days he felt like a cog in an endless machine, a machine that seemed to sap the life out of everyone it touched.

Yet he kept going. Even if the work was soul-crushing, even if he barely scraped by on his meager salary, he held on, hoping that one day something would change. That maybe he'd find a better job, maybe save up enough to try something new. But hope was hard to hold onto when he received the news.

Toki could still remember the bleak, sinking feeling when he'd read the company's announcement. They were going under, and soon he'd be out of work entirely. He could already feel the weight of unpaid bills, the whispering anxieties that gnawed at him day and night. That morning, he'd pulled on his old sneakers, threw on a worn-out hoodie, and went for a jog around his neighborhood to clear his head.

Jogging was his one small escape, a ritual he'd started in high school. When the stress became too much to bear, he'd jog until his muscles ached, feeling the rush of endorphins dull the constant pressures of life. That morning had been no different—until the world had shifted, colors swirling around him, and he'd found himself standing in an unknown place, face-to-face with a king.

And now, here he was, holding a frying pan.

As the jeers and laughter echoed around him, Toki clenched his jaw, the sting of humiliation mingling with the ache of his past struggles. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he was tired of feeling useless, tired of being underestimated. Yes, his class was Chef, and yes, he was now wielding a frying pan as his only weapon, but if he could survive scraping by in his old life, why couldn't he survive here? If nothing else, this new world was offering him a chance—a strange, ridiculous, frying-pan-wielding chance—to start over.

He forced himself to look up, meeting the king's gaze and the sneering faces of his so-called fellow heroes. Maybe they saw him as nothing more than the kingdom's cook, but Toki felt a spark in him he hadn't felt in years. It was a fragile thing, but it was there—a flicker of defiance, of the tiniest bit of pride.

"Hey," he called out, raising the pan just a little, surprising even himself. "You all laugh now, but just you wait. When the monsters come, you're going to be really regretful you belittled me!" The words tumbled out before he could second-guess himself.

Somewhere in the crowd, a few guards stopped laughing, exchanging uncertain glances. Maybe it was the way Toki said it, or maybe it was the fire in his eyes. He wasn't sure, but a ripple of curiosity seemed to spread through the room.

And for the first time, Toki began to wonder if maybe, just maybe, this absurd second chance was his chance to become more than he'd ever been.

Toki stormed down the castle corridors, gripping the handle of his frying pan so tightly his knuckles turned white. Palace guards and nobles glanced his way, some smirking, others whispering behind his back.

"Let 'em laugh," he muttered, his voice low and bitter. "I didn't ask for this, didn't ask for their 'blessing.' A frying pan… that's all I get? Fine by me. I'll make it work."

He passed a guard who was openly grinning, and Toki shot him a glare. "What?" he snapped, brandishing his pan slightly. "Don't think I can handle myself out there? I've been taking care of myself for years back in my world without your precious 'hero' titles."

The guard raised an eyebrow, barely hiding his amusement. "Oh, I'm sure the monsters will be trembling in fear at your… culinary skills."

Toki's eyes narrowed, his frustration reaching a boiling point. "Keep talking. When I'm out there, fending for myself, don't be surprised when I come back stronger than you ever expected." He jabbed his index finger toward his chest. "I'm used to being underestimated." he said while passing by.

As he neared the massive castle doors, footsteps echoed rapidly behind him. He stopped, glancing over his shoulder, surprised to see Princess Ashina Jizonoha hurrying toward him. The princess was graceful, with an aura of both elegance and quiet resolve, her silver hair catching the light as she moved with purpose. She had the look of someone who rarely left the castle but held strength nonetheless.

"Toki Kaguyama," she called out, her voice gentle but insistent. "Wait!"

Toki sighed, turning to face her. He expected more mockery, maybe a final attempt to convince him to stay under the kingdom's thumb. But to his surprise, Ashina's expression held no ridicule—only kindness.

"Before you leave," she began, catching her breath, "I wanted to offer you something. I know… I know you don't trust the kingdom's intentions. But out there…" She gestured to the bustling kingdom beyond the castle doors. "It's dangerous, especially for someone without allies."

Toki raised an eyebrow. "I appreciate your concern, Princess, but I'm done taking handouts."

Ashina shook her head. "This isn't about the kingdom's expectations," she said softly. "It's about your survival. I don't think the people here have treated you fairly. So, consider these a gift, from me, personally."

With that, she reached into the sleeve of her elegant gown and pulled out two items. First, she handed him a weathered scroll wrapped in crimson ribbon.

"This," she explained, "is a Familiar Summoning Contract. It allows you to call forth a random companion from the familiar realm. Summoning yourself a powerful lifelong ally."

Toki took the scroll, feeling the aged parchment beneath his fingers. A familiar, he thought. Having someone—something—at his side in this strange world didn't sound so bad. He nodded, tucking the scroll into his jacket pocket.

Ashina then pulled out a small, worn satchel, an unassuming shade of brown with faint etchings that glimmered when the light caught them just right.

"This is an Endless Satchel," she continued, handing it to him. "It may look small, but it has an enchantment that allows it to carry almost anything you put inside. You'll find a magic map within it that adjusts to show your surroundings. This should help you navigate unfamiliar lands."

Toki took the satchel with a tentative smile, amazed at its lightness despite the supposed depth it held. "I… I don't know what to say. Thank you, Princess."

Ashina returned his smile, her eyes warm but a little sad. "Just promise me you'll be careful. I know you'll find your way—just trust yourself, no matter what others think." She reached out, resting a delicate hand on his shoulder. "Sometimes, even the most unassuming paths lead to greatness."

Toki felt a swell of gratitude and respect for her. Bowing slightly, he replied, "I'll make good use of these, I promise. Thank you… truly."

Ashina nodded, stepping back as Toki turned and pushed open the heavy palace doors. Sunlight spilled in, bathing him in a warm glow as he stepped out onto the grand staircase leading down to the kingdom's bustling streets. The sounds of vendors hawking their goods, the chatter of townsfolk, and the distant clang of blacksmiths working metal filled the air. It was vibrant, alive, and so different from his dreary life back home.

As he walked down the stairs, Toki glanced back one last time to see Princess Ashina standing in the doorway, her slender hand raised in a wave. She smiled, a silent encouragement, before turning back and closing the castle doors behind her.

With a deep breath, Toki adjusted the strap of the Endless Satchel on his shoulder, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The kingdom didn't want him as their hero? Fine. He'd make his own path, on his own terms.

The bustling streets of the Kingdom of Jizonoha were alive with energy. Toki weaved through crowds of adventurers, merchants, and townsfolk, all with their own unique features. He passed by elves with long, flowing hair and pointed ears, their eyes shimmering like precious gems. Dwarves with heavy hammers slung over their shoulders trudged along, their gruff voices booming through the streets. Demi-humans with different ears and tails dashed past him, laughing with a carefree spirit.

The building architecture around him reminded Toki of ancient Japanese buildings, with wooden beams and even some having paper sliding doors. Some structures were multi-tiered, with rooftops that curved upward in elegant arches, and paper lanterns hanging along the streets, lighting the way as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The kingdom's culture felt rich, its history seeped into every corner of the bustling market district.

As Toki continued strolling, he couldn't help but feel like a tiny fish in an ocean of fantasy. The weight of his frying pan against his side, however, kept him grounded. He checked his magic map once again, noting the winding streets, the landmarks, and the nearby fields outside the city. He was already getting used to this new world's strange ways, but the lingering sting of the king's insult and his fellow heroes' scorn still made him feel like an outsider.

"Hmm… Maybe I'll check out this place," Toki muttered aloud, spotting a large building with a large sign that read "Adventurer's Guild." It was a two-story structure, and from the looks of it, it had seen many years of use. Given the crowds outside and the mix of races walking in and out, it seemed like a good place to start.

As Toki pushed the door open, a wave of noise greeted him: the sound of laughter, clinking mugs, and the chatter of adventurers exchanging stories. The guild was lively, with tables filled with mercenaries, warriors, and mages—some celebrating their latest conquests, others discussing strategies for their next quests. The atmosphere felt exciting, but a bit intimidating, too.

"Looks like a fun bunch," Toki muttered under his breath as he wandered deeper into the guild. His eyes were drawn to the large quest board on the far wall, where quests were pinned for all to see. The quests ranged from hunting monsters to delivering supplies, to escorting travelers through dangerous lands. His stomach rumbled a bit at the sight of the lists of rewards—gold coins, enchanted weapons, rare materials—but he had no money yet. First things first, he needed to become an official adventurer.

As he approached the quest board, his eyes scanned the pinned requests. There were a lot of dangerous missions: Slay the Black Fang Wolf, Clear the Goblin Cave, Protect the Caravans. But one caught his attention: Slay 10 Rage Boars and bring tusks as proof. The pay wasn't great, but the task seemed manageable for someone like him, at least if he could find a way to make it work.

"Ooh! This is a good start!," Toki muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "Now, to sign up as an adventurer…"

He approached the receptionist, a young woman with short brown hair and bright blue eyes and a welcoming smile. She was sorting papers behind the counter but looked up when she saw Toki walking toward her.

"Hello, sir!" she greeted warmly. "How can I assist you today?"

"I'd like to register as an adventurer please!," Toki said, his voice firm. "I've seen a quest for Rage Boars. I want to take it."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, her smile faltering for just a moment. She slid a form across the counter.

"Alright, just fill this out, and we'll get you registered. Name, Age, Race, and Class."

Toki grabbed the pencil, feeling oddly nervous as he filled out the form. When he reached the "Class" section, he paused. Chef. Would she laugh, too? Would she look at him like everyone else did? He glanced up at the receptionist, who had already started entering details into the guild's system.

She glanced at the form when she saw the word "Chef" and blinked a couple of times. "Chef?" She raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to be an adventurer? I mean, I'm not saying you can't, but… are you sure you're not looking for the Merchant's Guild instead? They specialize in, well, food and supplies."

Toki's eyes narrowed slightly. "Nope, I'm sure I want to be an adventurer, ma'am. I'll take whatever the job throws at me. You can't judge a book by its cover, right?"

The receptionist hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "Alright, if you say so…" She scribbled something on the form, then handed it back to him. "You're listed as 'Support.' But hey, every adventurer has their own skills. Maybe your cooking will come in handy."

Toki smiled, the spark of determination still burning in his chest. "Thanks, ma'am."

She didn't say much more as she worked on transferring his details into a glowing Guild Card. After a moment, she handed it over with a smile. "Here you go, sir. Your rank is F Rank. Keep at it, and you'll rise in ranks. You can check the quest board for available missions. My name is Michelle by the way, it was nice to meet you, and hope to meet you again soon, sir."

Toki took the card, feeling it pulse with some kind of magic, then slipped it into his pocket. "Thanks again, Ms. Michelle."

He stepped back from the counter, glancing at the quest board. Rage Boars, huh? It was a start. He quickly signed up for the quest and walked toward the door, but then, before heading out, he decided to check the contents of his Endless Satchel.

He pulled the bag's opening wide, reaching inside. His fingers brushed against something cool and soft, and he pulled out a few items: 5 Health Potions, 3 Mana Potions, and the Familiar Summoning Contract he'd almost forgotten about. His eyes lit up.

"Well, why not? Let's see what this does."

Toki went outside of the guild and read the instructions on the contract, feeling the weight of magic behind the words. "Integrate your Mana into the summoning contract, and your Familiar will show before you."

He closed his eyes, drew a deep breath, and concentrated. He could feel his mana flowing within him, a steady, warm current of power. He extended his hand and focused, letting his mana surge outward, directing it into the contract.

The paper glowed bright white, and then—a small shape began to take form before him. It started as a swirl of light and slowly solidifying into something small but undeniably alive.

Toki gasped. Now resting on his shoulder was a tiny dragon, but it wasn't made of scales or fire, no—it was made entirely of mud. Its body was soft, earthy, and its eyes were two glimmering little specks of light. The dragon's claws were made of clay-like material, but it had a kind of charm that made Toki smile.

"Oh hey, lil guy! Woah, you're a small looking dragon... made entirely out of mud... but you look cute!" He reached up with one hand and lightly petted the dragon's head. "Hmm… for a name… how about… 'Clay?' I think that sounds good! What do you think, lil guy?"

The tiny dragon let out a soft, squeaky sound, a sound somewhere between a chirp and a growl, almost as if it was agreeing. It snuggled into the crook of Toki's neck.

"Ok, Clay! Off to our new adventures, starting with you and me, buddy!"

With a grin on his face, Toki bounded out the door, feeling more alive than he had in a long time. The kingdom of Jizonoha was vast and dangerous, but for the first time in a long while, Toki felt like he had a real purpose. The wind whistled past his ears as he and his new, adorable companion sprinted toward the distant horizon—ready for whatever challenge awaited them.

Their journey had just begun.