Ren stood there, pondering his options.
"So… how does this work? Do I get to choose something like magic spells or is it all randomized?" he asked, barely concealing his excitement.
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "I must say, you're taking this very calmly. Most people I send were panicked and scared out of their minds. But you—you're just… different."
Ren shrugged, "Well, I'm well-read."
Seraphina tilted her head curiously. "Oh? And what makes you so certain you'll even get to choose spells?
He chuckled. "Let's just say I've seen my fair share of fantasy tropes. So, are there other people like me in this world? Transmigrators I mean?"
Seraphina rolled her eyes. "Infinite worlds exist, but no, this one is all yours. You'll find it pretty similar to what you've read about 'otherworlds' on Earth."
And yes you can choose the elements of your choice but... Seraphina smirked, folding her arms as she leaned back on her golden throne.
"You know what? I'll do you a favor. You can have access to all the elements that exist in that world."
Ren's eyes widened, barely hiding his excitement. "Wait, really? I can just… use everything?"
She rolled her eyes, giving him a sarcastic glare. "Just don't go blowing up the world itself, alright?"
Ren held up his hands with a mock-serious expression. "Got it, sure, I promise.
She clapped her hands, signaling the end of the conversation. "Now, ready to get transmigrated?"
Ren gave an exaggerated, sarcastic nod.
"Sure hit me with your best spell"
Seraphina muttered some mystical gibberish, and before he could process anything, everything faded to black, he blinked and open his eyes to find himself lying flat on the ground, in the middle of dense jungle,
"Perfect. Just.... Perfect."
Seraphina's voice echoed in his mind. "I've left you a little gift so you won't be alone. His name is… Peanut."
Just as she spoke, a large, sturdy horse trotted up to him and gave a dignified nod, as if acknowledging his new master.
Ren let out a laugh, lying back on the ground and staring up at the sky as fluffy clouds were drifting by,
I wonder what Mom's thinking right now. How's she handling the news of my 'disappearance'?
....Guess I'll never know.
He sighed. "Hope she'll be okay."
Sitting up, he looked at Peanut and grinned. "Alright, buddy, looks like it's just you and me in this new life." Ren patted the horse's head, and Peanut whinnied in response, looking oddly pleased.
"In situations like this, we're supposed to find the nearest town, right?" Ren mused, glancing at Peanut as if the horse could answer.
"Let's hope there's a map—or a few friendly elves."
Ren climb onto Peanut's back, giving the horse an awkward pat. "Alright, giddy-up!"
Peanut took off at full speed, and within minutes, Ren had tumbled off the saddle, it happend a solid six times. By the time he spotted a town on the horizon, he was covered in dirt and bruises but grinning like a maniac.
Peering ahead, he muttered, "Hope there are beautiful elves waiting."
Peanut snorted as if to say, Keep dreaming, buddy.
___________
After walking for 15 minutes, they reached the city gate. Merchant carts lined up outside while guards checked the identification of those entering.
Ren sighed, scanning the scene.
"I've read this scenario too many times. We have to lie, say we're from some tiny village or something," he muttered, glancing down at Peanut. The horse gave him a nod, as if it understood.
Ren smirked. "Alright, let's get this over with. It's our turn next."
As they approached the gate, a guard stepped forward and asked for identification. Ren immediately put on his most innocent face and started his nonsense.
"Oh, we're just humble travelers from a small village in the west. It's my first time leaving the village, you see. Just two adventurers on a grand journey....blah blah blah..."
The guard stared at him for a moment, then waved him through after enduring about five minutes of Ren's nonsense.
"You can pass," the guard said, sounding both confused and polite.
Ren glanced back at him as they walked away. "Haha, it always works."
As they entered the city, Ren was taken aback by the grandeur of the place. He squinted up at the towering knight statue surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens and pristine fountains.
"Wow, okay, I didn't expect this level of luxury," Ren said, looking around, clearly unimpressed.
"What is this, a medieval theme park? This place practically screams, 'We've got money and we're not afraid to show it.'"
He gestured dramatically to the gardens.
"If this isn't a backdrop for some overly dramatic royal romance, I don't know what is. You've got the fountains, the statues, and don't even get me started on the smell—it's like they pumped 'fresh flowers' into the air just to make sure you know you're in the land of the rich and elite."
Ren took a deep breath, as if savoring the scent. "Ah yes, fresh air mixed with a hint of 'I have too much time and money on my hands.' Classic."
Looking around more, Ren noticed groups of people strolling along the cobblestone streets, some talking in hushed tones while others hurried by, clearly with important places to be. A large marketplace was bustling nearby, with exotic goods on display—shiny trinkets, colorful fabrics, and foreign fruits.
"Yup, definitely a Jumanji vibe here," Ren muttered to himself,
"Except instead of wild animals, I'm expecting rich merchants trying to sell me overpriced 'ancient artifacts' or magical potions that definitely won't work when I need them."
He sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "Can I just roll the dice and fast forward to the part where we get into some crazy fight or find out I'm stuck in a deadly game? I mean, what's the point of exploring the city if there's no chaos waiting around the corner?"
As they walked further, Ren noticed a group of children laughing and playing near a street performer, who was juggling flaming torches. Ren's eyes narrowed in skepticism.
"Oh great, a fire-breathing clown. Because nothing says 'Welcome to the city' like playing with fire."
He glanced at Peanut, who was looking around as if it had seen something equally strange.
"Yeah, we're definitely not in Kansas anymore, huh?" he said, rolling his eyes.
"But at least you're not being expected to juggle anything—unless you want to try your hoof at it, buddy?"
Ren turned back to the performer, who was now juggling even more torches.
"Wait, are those real flames? Fantastic, I guess that's my cue for some actual chaos. What next, a giant snake appears and tries to eat us? This is starting to feel like some twisted theme park attraction."
He shook his head, fully aware that the situation was spiraling into pure absurdity.
"Alright, let's find an inn before this whole city starts to feel like one big carnival. God, I hope there's not a maze somewhere in this mess."