The chirping of birds woke me up, a clear and pure sound, so far removed from the noise of the city that, for a moment, it felt unreal.
In the distance, Yuna was already on her feet. Her figure stood against the horizon, and her green hair swayed gently in the breeze.
For a second, I just watched her. She seemed to fit perfectly in this place, as if she were an extension of the forest itself.
—Good morning —I said, my voice still hoarse from sleep as I stretched to shake off the drowsiness.
She turned to me with a calm smile that seemed to mirror the serenity of the surroundings.
—Good morning, Haruto. How are you feeling?
—Surprisingly well —I replied, letting out a sigh as I observed the trees towering high and majestic—. Everything here feels... different. More alive.
—It's a place blessed by nature —she remarked, her tone a blend of respect and caution—. But don't be deceived. Where there is beauty, danger often lurks as well.
Yuna turned and pointed to a path that disappeared into the trees.
—We should keep moving. My village isn't far, but we still have a bit of a walk ahead.
I nodded silently. We gathered our things and started walking, leaving the makeshift camp behind.
The forest seemed to come alive with every step. Sunbeams filtered through the leaves, painting patterns on the ground, while the birds' songs filled the air.
The breeze carried the whisper of leaves and the melody of birds, but it also bore a subtle sense of unease.
—Yuna —I finally said, breaking the silence—. Yesterday, you mentioned that Mizuki brought me here because the world needs a change... but why me? I'm not a warrior; I'm not special.
—I'm just a loner who likes to read and buy manga from secondhand shops.
Yuna stopped and turned her gaze toward me. Her eyes, calm yet resolute, seemed to search for something within me, something I couldn't see in myself.
—I don't know what those "manga" you keep talking about are, but listen to this: not all heroes start off strong or powerful. —Her voice was calm, but there was a firmness to it that captured my full attention—.
—The goddess Mizuki never makes a mistake when choosing someone. What you see in yourself now is not what she saw.
She paused briefly, as if carefully choosing her words, before continuing.
—There's something in you that even you haven't discovered yet. Something that's waiting to bloom.
She turned toward the forest, pointing at a young tree whose leaves swayed gently in the breeze.
—You're like this tree. Sometimes, all it takes is a wind pushing it in the right direction for it to grow stronger, sinking deep roots and reaching heights it never imagined.
Her words echoed in my mind, deeper than I had expected.
I stayed silent for a moment, watching the tree she pointed to. Maybe she was right. Maybe there was something in me I didn't yet understand.
Yuna kept her gaze fixed on the tree for a few moments, as if she were seeing something beyond what I could perceive.
—Haruto —she said softly, as though hesitating to speak—. You know, there's something about you that reminds me of...
She paused, shaking her head slightly before looking back at me.
—Forget it. Maybe it doesn't make sense. Let's keep moving.
Memories of a distant conversation with her mother began to take shape in her mind, like a breeze carrying echoes from her childhood.
She was only four years old. It was a beautiful morning like this one, the sun filtering through the leaves as her mother held her warmly.
—Daddy always says I'm a spring wind. Why?
—Yuna, my dear daughter, that's because you were born on a spring night —her mother replied, her voice soft and warm, like a safe haven—.
—A night of a full moon shining at its highest, more beautiful than any we had ever seen. The goddess Mizuki blessed us in that moment, and that's why we gave you such a special name.
Little Yuna tilted her head curiously, her eyes sparkling with innocence.
—Daddy says it must be fate and that Mizuki never makes mistakes.
—That's right, your daddy is correct.
Her mother looked up at the sky, as if she could see through time and destiny.
—Someday, she will send someone from beyond this world. Someone who will bring the change this place so desperately needs. I'm certain their paths will cross, and together, they will guide Celestaris toward a bright future.
—Will it be hard, Mommy? —the little girl asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and innocence.
—Yes, my child —her mother answered, softening the words with a smile full of love—. It won't be an easy path. But when the time comes, you'll know it in your heart, as if you had been waiting your whole life to meet that person. That's why you must be ready.
Little Yuna clenched her fists with a determined smile.
—Yuna promises to become the strongest in the whole village!
That memory remained etched in her heart as a silent but unshakable promise. Her mother's words still echoed in her mind, filled with hope and certainty.
Maybe… this was the moment her mother had spoken of. Maybe Haruto was that person.
The thought sent a deep shiver through her, but she couldn't share it—not yet. Everything had its time, and for now, all she could do was watch, trying to understand if destiny had truly brought them together.
Yuna blinked, brushing the memory aside like someone dispelling a lingering shadow. With a slight shake of her head, she returned to the present.
Haruto's voice, filled with curiosity and a hint of uncertainty, broke through the distant echoes of her childhood.
—Maybe you're right —I murmured, my tone reflective—. Perhaps this place will give me the chance to improve.
Yuna watched him closely, her eyes shining with a mix of surprise and something deeper. There was something in his tone—a determination that resonated with her in a way she couldn't ignore. That spark… that desire for change.
Her thoughts drifted once again to a hidden corner of her memory: a conversation with her mother under the silver glow of a full moon.
Her mother's warm voice echoed in her mind: "When that moment comes, you'll know it immediately. It will feel as if your heart had been waiting for it your entire life."
Now, looking at Haruto, she couldn't help but wonder: had that moment finally arrived?
—It will —she said finally, her smile warm yet firm—. But remember, becoming someone better isn't just about wanting it; it's about working hard to achieve it. This world is full of challenges, Haruto, and it won't be easy.
She paused, as if carefully choosing her words.
—But I'm here to help you. You don't have to face it alone.
I nodded, letting her words sink into my mind. There was something in her tone that gave me strength, as if those words were not just a promise but a certainty.
She was right. This wasn't a game, nor a dream, and certainly not a fantasy. Here, the consequences were real, and if I wanted to survive, I would have to push myself harder than ever before.
—Thank you, Yuna —I said, giving her a sincere smile. For the first time since arriving here, I felt something within me begin to change.
She nodded gently, her gaze returning to the path ahead.
—We should keep moving. There's still a long way to go before we reach the village —she said, resuming her steady pace—. When we get there, we'll speak with my father. He'll know how to guide you.
As we walked, I felt curiosity begin to consume me. The magic, the powers I had seen in Yuna... they were a mystery I couldn't ignore.
I took a deep breath, and after a few moments of silence, I gathered the courage to speak.
—Yuna, would you teach me about magic?
She seemed somewhat surprised by my request. Her eyes searched mine, finding a determination she hadn't expected. It was as if I had already decided there was no turning back.
—Well, you see… Ahem —she cleared her throat, clearly caught off guard, but soon regained her usual tone, trying to sound more serious—.
—To know if you can use magic, you first need to determine if you possess an "elemental affinity." Only those with affinity can use magic.
—For example, we elemental elves are primarily divided into four branches that control the elements: Wind, Water, Fire, and Earth. —Her tone was clear, almost instructional, but there was something in her gaze that revealed a quiet pride—.
—Additionally, there are the Light and Darkness elves, who are a bit more… special, let's say.
—Each person's affinity with their element determines the tribe they belong to. I, for example, am a Wind Elf. That means my elemental affinity is Wind, and theoretically, I can't learn magic from other elements because I was born with only the "Wind" element.
—So does that mean you could teach me to control the wind if I had an affinity for that element? —I asked, feeling a surge of excitement.
The idea of learning magic made me feel like I was living a dream I hadn't even realized I had.
Yuna looked at me, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. She couldn't help but imagine me as a silver wolf cub, excitedly wagging its tail at the prospect of something new. The image was so unexpected that she had to suppress a laugh.
It's like having a puppy in my hands, she thought, amused, though she tried to maintain her composure.
—Yes, I could teach you.
—But learning magic isn't just about wanting it; it also requires dedication and focus.
—Magic is an extension of ourselves, and to master it, you must understand your connection to the elements.
As she spoke, her tone gradually regained its usual seriousness, but there was a special warmth in her gaze. Despite her effort to stay professional, I could tell she was enjoying the moment as much as I was.
Even with my excitement, she knew that learning magic was a serious and challenging process. But in that moment, she also realized she was willing to guide me.
I felt a shiver of anticipation. Not only was I in a new world, but I also had the chance to learn something truly extraordinary.
—I'm ready for the challenge —I declared, letting determination fill my voice.
She watched me for a few seconds, assessing my resolve. Then she nodded slowly, her expression shifting. Her usual warm smile was replaced by a more serious demeanor.
—First, we need to find out your affinity. That can be seen on your "Status Map" —she explained.
—Status Map? —I asked, clearly confused.
—It's normal that you don't know about it. Just repeat after me: "Show Status Map." It will appear in front of you.
I frowned but decided to follow her advice. Taking a deep breath, I said clearly:
—Show Status Map! —I exclaimed.
Before me, a hologram glowed with an ethereal intensity, projecting into the air like a fragment of pure magic.
Before me, a bright hologram appeared, projected into the air with an ethereal intensity. "Haruto Kibou, Lv.2" floated at the top, alongside a series of symbols and numbers that seemed to come to life.
My attention was drawn to a hexagon in the center, where six points glowed simultaneously, each representing an element.
—That's your elemental core —Yuna explained, watching with amazement—. Normally, only one of these lights up. I've never seen anything like this before.
Her words filled me with questions. What did it mean to have all the elements active? Was it an advantage or a problem?
When I touched the icon, it expanded, enlarging the six-pointed hexagon, each point representing an element: Wind, Water, Fire, Earth, Light, and Darkness.
In the center, a seventh icon remained neutral.
—This represents your elemental affinities —Yuna added, a note of caution in her voice—. It's extremely rare. Usually, only one or two elements glow, indicating your affinity… but in your case, all of them are active.
—Why are they all glowing? —I asked, my voice trembling between confusion and awe.
She frowned, leaning slightly toward the hologram, as if trying to unravel a mystery.
—That means you could potentially learn any type of magic without limitation.
—So I could use magic from all the elements? —I asked, a mix of excitement and confusion in my voice as my mind tried to grasp what that truly meant.
Yuna nodded slowly, though her gaze shone with both admiration and caution.
—It's possible, but it won't be easy. Each element requires a unique focus, and mastering them all can be exhausting—both for your body and your mind. But you have the potential.
Her words hung in the air, opening a door I hadn't known existed. It was an uncertain path, filled with challenges, but also with possibilities I couldn't ignore.
—Do you think I could summon something like your bow? —I asked, letting my curiosity overpower my caution.
Yuna observed me silently for a moment, her eyes studying me carefully before answering.
—It's possible, but not as simple as it seems —she replied finally, her tone calm yet firm—. Summoning requires a special connection with the object you want to bring.
Without a word, Yuna opened a small, fine leather pouch she carried at her waist. It seemed simple yet elegant.
With a fluid motion, she pulled out a folding wooden table, two stools, and a complete tea set.
I stood there, mouth agape. How was it possible for all of that to fit in such a small pouch?
Yuna noticed my expression and let out a soft laugh, her smile brightening as she calmly set each item in place.
—It's a magical dimensional pouch —she explained, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world—. Very useful for trips like this.
I tried to process what I had just witnessed as I closed my mouth and regained some composure.
—A... dimensional pouch? —I asked, incredulous.
—That's right. It can store far more than it appears to —she replied calmly, as she unfolded the table and arranged the utensils with the grace of someone who had done it a thousand times before—. Now, relax. I'll prepare some tea.
Within minutes, the table was set between us, adorned with delicate porcelain cups and a steaming teapot that filled the air with a warm, floral aroma.
Every movement Yuna made was meticulous and precise.
As she poured tea into the cups, she lifted her gaze, her eyes meeting mine, radiating a calmness that began to soothe me.
—Here you go —she said finally, offering me a cup.
I took the cup and sipped, letting the warm flavor of the tea ease some of the tension in my mind.
The aroma and tranquility of the moment helped me relax, though my curiosity still burned brightly.
Across from me, Yuna seemed completely serene and focused as she sipped from her own cup.
There was something about her demeanor that exuded confidence, as if she were prepared to answer the questions swirling in my mind.
I knew I was about to learn something fundamental, something that could completely change my understanding of this world.
—"Materialize" allows you to summon objects you've owned or studied in detail —Yuna explained—.
—It relies on precise visualization and consumes mana, especially the first time you summon something.
—And I need to know it in detail? —I asked, intrigued.
—Exactly. Without a clear image, the spell will fail —she responded firmly—. That's why it's useful, but it requires practice and care.
With a gesture, Yuna mimed the action of summoning something with her hands, as if reinforcing her words with a visual demonstration.
I took another sip of tea, letting Yuna's explanation sink into my mind. This spell wasn't just practical; the strategic possibilities it offered were nearly limitless.
—Once summoned, you need to enchant the object with "Materialize Lock" to store it in your inventory. If you ever decide to get rid of it or give it to someone else, you use "Materialize Release" —Yuna explained, her tone instructional yet full of patience.
I set the cup aside and leaned back slightly against a tree trunk, feeling my imagination run wild.
This spell ignited a spark of excitement in me that I hadn't felt in a long time—a sense of infinite possibility in a brand-new world.
I had read so many manga in my life, many of which described weapons with such vivid detail that I could almost feel them in my hands.
Now, the thought of trying to summon something made me tingle with anticipation, as if all those fantasies were about to become reality.
—Maybe… could I give it a try? —I murmured softly, more to myself than to Yuna, who watched me calmly.
Without waiting for a response, I slowly stood up, inhaling deeply as I tried to focus my mind.
—I want to try something —I said at last, letting excitement and curiosity guide my actions.
Yuna's green eyes followed my every move, reflecting a mix of interest and confidence, as if she wanted to see what I was capable of.
I closed my eyes, concentrating on the image that began to take shape in my mind.
My breaths grew slow and deep, as if each inhalation sharpened the clarity of my thoughts.
I visualized the pistols that had always fascinated me in a manga from my teenage years.
They were more than just weapons: they were a symbol of skill and determination, wielded by a gunslinger who faced every danger with a smile and unwavering purpose.
As I replayed every detail in my mind, the design of the pistols seemed to take on a life of its own.
The grips, adorned with intricate engravings, seemed to radiate an energy that embodied both power and precision, as if they were coming alive in my imagination.
This world, though unfamiliar, was already offering me something my previous one never could: a chance to prove to myself who I could become.
—Materialize! —I shouted, letting my voice pierce the silence, filled with a determination that came from the very depths of my being.
At first, nothing happened. A threatening void began to grow in my chest, as if failure were waiting to claim me.
But I didn't stop.
I clenched my eyes shut even tighter, focusing on every detail: the elegant lines of the metal, the curves of the grips, the vibrant duality of red and blue—Aka-Oni and Ao-Oni, the demons from Japanese folklore that these pistols represented.
Then I felt it. An indescribable force pulled at me from deep within, as if the spell was drawing out something essential, something I didn't even know I had.
A high-pitched hum rang in my ears, followed by a growing pressure in my chest.
It was as if the world itself resisted, pushing back against my attempt to materialize something that only existed in my mind.
I squeezed my eyes shut, clinging desperately to the image of the pistols.
Every line, every curve, every metallic glint remained vivid in my mind, even as I felt something invisible trying to hold me back.
Finally, it happened. A flash of red and blue light shattered the darkness, illuminating the forest with a vibrant, tangible glow.
My hands trembled as the pistols began to take shape in front of me.
Every detail was as vivid as I had imagined: the metallic sheen under the light, the firm weight resting in my hands, and the subtle energy that seemed to radiate from them, almost as if they had a life of their own.
In that moment, all the exhaustion vanished, replaced by a wave of accomplishment and satisfaction.
This wasn't just magic; it was a confirmation that, in this world, I could achieve something truly extraordinary.
Time seemed to stand still as I stared at the pistols in my hands.
They weren't just weapons; they were the tangible manifestation of my determination and growth.
Aka-Oni, the red pistol, radiated a fiery energy, while Ao-Oni, the blue one, exuded an icy power. Both seemed to pulse with a life of their own, as if responding to my will.
—Aka-Oni and Ao-Oni... —I murmured, unable to tear my gaze away from the pistols, which vibrated with energy in my hands.
—Materialize Lock! —I exclaimed firmly, carefully following Yuna's instructions.
When I turned, I found her eyes fixed on me, a mixture of surprise and approval reflected in her expression.
It was as if she hadn't expected me to succeed on my first try, and the slight curve of her lips confirmed her satisfaction.
—It seems you did it —Yuna said with a small smile, though her gaze held a hint of curiosity as she studied the unusual weapons in my hands—. Not bad for a first attempt. It's clear you had a vivid image of those things.
—They're called pistols —I replied, carefully lifting the weapons as I admired their perfectly recreated details.
Yuna tilted her head slightly, her expression betraying a lack of familiarity.
—Pistols? —Yuna repeated, genuine fascination in her voice. She leaned forward slightly, studying the weapons with a mix of awe and respect.
—They're weapons from my world. They shoot projectiles at high speed.
Her green eyes narrowed, examining the pistols with genuine interest.
—Interesting… They seem small, but I can feel an intense energy emanating from them. Perhaps they're more powerful than they appear —she remarked, extending a hand toward Aka-Oni before hesitating, as if unsure whether it was safe to touch them.
The euphoria of my success overwhelmed me briefly, a warm sensation coursing through my body like a flash of triumph. But as quickly as it came, it faded, replaced by a wave of weakness that struck me like a torrential flood.
I felt my legs give out, the ground rushing toward me as the overwhelming emptiness in my chest stole the last spark of my energy.
The pistols, which had initially felt light and perfect in my hands, began to grow unbearably heavy, as if they were draining every fragment of my life force.
It was as if the cost of summoning them had been too much for me to bear.
—Haruto? —Yuna asked, her voice filled with concern as she knelt beside me. I tried to respond, but my lips wouldn't move.
The buzzing in my ears grew louder, and the world blurred around me. The pistols, now unbearably heavy as if draining my life force, glowed faintly before vanishing.
—Haruto! —Yuna exclaimed, catching me carefully. Her gaze, steady and clear, was the only thing anchoring me to reality.
Everything around me crumbled into a whirlwind of shadows, but I could still feel the warmth of her hands before the darkness enveloped me.
The coldness of the ground was the last thing I felt—a haunting contrast to the warmth of her touch—before everything descended into an overwhelming silence.