Chapter 1: Summoned To An Another World
Tokyo, Japan. Year 2015.
It was already morning, but I hadn't slept a wink. I sat up in bed, my heart pounding harder than usual. Oh, right... today was the day. The day I'd finally tell her how I felt. I scoured every romance manga I had, trying to learn the perfect way to confess. I think I'm ready now.
Shizuka Nishida. My childhood friend, my protector, and the girl I couldn't get out of my mind. We've been friends together since kindergarten, then middle school and now we're in the same high school. Lately, my feelings for her have grown into something much deeper than friendship. But does she feel the same way?
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Probably not. Why would she? I'm nothing special—just some guy she's always helped when I was too weak to stand up for myself. She's kind to everyone, not just me. Still, she's the reason I go to school."
The thought of confessing made my stomach twist into knots. What if she rejects me? What if things become awkward between us? What if she breaks our friendship?
"No," I muttered to myself. "I have to try. She deserves to know how I feel."
After getting ready, I grabbed a quick breakfast. My eyes lingered on a framed photo of my parents on the shelf. "Wish me luck, Mom and Dad." My voice was soft as I touched the frame. They passed away in a car accident five years ago, leaving me to live alone. Since then my uncle—who also happens to be Shizuka's father—has been supporting me financially. Thanks to him, I've been able to live a stable life. I owe him and Shizuka everything.
As I was crossing the road, I spotted a girl in distance. She was so beautiful. Her white hair makes her even more beautiful. There was something familiar about her, but I couldn't quite place it. Her presence felt... significant somehow.
"Hey,Takahisa! Wait up!"
Her voice jolted me back to reality. I turned to see Shizuka running toward me. As she was walking towards me, her summer uniform flowing gently in the morning breeze. Sunlight caught the strands of her purple hair, making them shimmer like amethyst. Her eyes, usually a soft brown, sparkled with a mischievous glint as she smiled. For a fleeting moment, I was completely captivated, my tongue suddenly feeling thick in my mouth.
"Good morning,.....Shizuka," I breathed, my heart skipping a beat.
"Morning, Takahisa....You look so exhausted? Are you okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"Uh,....yeah. I am fine. Don't worry." I replied, trying to sound casual.
"Is that so? Don't tell me you were up late reading manga again?" She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at me.
"Well.....maybe. I was re-reading Tensura. It's addictive." I admitted, scratching the back of my neck.
Shizuka sighed dramatically. "I don't get it. What's so great about manga? You should be sleeping instead of wasting your nights on that stuff."
"You wouldn't understand. Manga is an art form." I feigned indignation.
"An art form, huh? Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night—or doesn't, apparently." She smirked.
"You know, if you tried it, you might actually like it." I grinned.
"Doubt it. But hey, at this rate, you'll never get a girlfriend if you keep those habits."
Her teasing stung more than I expected, but I forced a smile. "Who'd want me as their boyfriend anyway?"
Her expression softened slightly, a hint of guilt crossing her face. "Don't say stuff like that," she said quietly.
"Why not? It's the truth isn't it?" I said with a shrug.
She looked away, frowning. "Whatever, just don't stay up all night again, okay."
"Yeah, yeah,I know...." I muttered, looking anywhere but at her.
"No, you don't ! You're always like this—ignoring your health and then wondering why you feel so miserable!" She raised her voice, her frustration bubbling over.
"Okay, fine! I'll sleep more, happy now?" My words were clipped, almost sulky.
"No. You always say the same thing. Just stop staying up so late. I don't want to see you get sick." Her voice softened, but there was a weight in her words.
"Sick? Me? No way."I tried to sound confident, but my tone came out more defensive than I wanted.
She raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "Where's all this confident coming from, huh? I'm just trying to look out for you. Don't forget a few days ago, you fell down the stairs."
I winced at the reminder. "Oh, uh...It was just an accident."
"An accident.... huh? You stayed up all night that day too, didn't you?"
"Um...No....I didn't."
"Don't lie to me. I can see through you."
"I am not lying."
"Yes. You're"
"No, I wasn't."
"You're."
"Whatever. Just forget it." I muttered, looking away.
"Takahisa, you're acting weird today." She said suddenly, her tone softer now.
"Weird? How?"
"You're talking more than usual, and... I don't know, something feels off. Did something happen?"
"No....nothing happened." I lied, avoiding her gaze.
"You're lying again, aren't you? Takahisa, you should know—I can read you like a book. So, trying to hide something from me is pointless. Just tell me the truth."
"I did already told you—nothing happened, didn't you hear me?" My voice rose slightly, defensive.
"That's so rude—"
"Why do you even care?" I snapped, cutting her off. "It's not like it matters anyway."
Her eyes widened, hurt flashing across her face before she masked it with anger. "What's that supposed to mean? Of course, it matters! You're my friend, idiot!"
"Friend, huh? That's all I'll ever be to you, isn't it?" The bitterness in my voice surprised even me.
Shizuka froze, her expression shifting. Her usual calm demeanor cracked, replaced by something more vulnerable
"What is wrong with you today? Why are you being so—" She stopped herself, shaking her head in frustration. "Forget it. I don't want to talk about this anymore."
She turned abruptly and started walking away, her steps quick and determined.
I stood there, a knot of regret tightening in my chest. What's wrong with me today? Why did I say that to her? My thoughts raced. This was supposed to be the day I confessed, but I'd gone and ruined everything. What should I do now?
Before I could think it through, my body moved on its own. I grabbed her hand, stopping her in her tracks. Her hand was so soft and felt so warm. The warmth of her skin against me made my heart lurch. And a jolt of electricity seemed to course through me. I've never felt that way before.
"Hey! Takahisa, what are you doing? Let me go!" Her voice was sharp, but her face showed a flicker of something—confusion? Surprise?
"Wait, Shizuka! I'm sorry, okay. Please, just... don't go yet." I stammered.
"Why are you holding my hand? What's gotten into you?" she blinked her eyes.
"I… I just need you to listen for a second." I looked at her eyes.
"You could've just said that without grabbing my hand, you know." She glanced down at where our hands were still connected, her cheeks tinged with the faintest pink.
"Oh, uh, sorry!" I let go quickly, rubbing the back of my neck. "I didn't mean to... I just..."
"It's fine. Just don't make it a habit, okay?" Her lips curved into a small, teasing smile. "So, tell me what's all this about?"
"Shizuka, I—" My words caught in my throat as I noticed someone from our class approaching.
"What is it? Why'd you stop suddenly?" She looked curious.
"I'm sorry. I can't tell you here."
"Why not? What's the problem?"
"It's... personal. Can you meet me on the roof at lunch. Please." I avoided her eyes, my palms sweating.
Her lips twitched into a teasing smile.
"The roof, huh? Sound serious? Are you finally going to confess your undying love or something?" She smiled.
"W-What? No way! Why would you even—ugh, just... can you meet me there?" I stammered, my panic evident.
"Alright, alright. I'll be there. But you owe me an explanation, okay?" She laughed softly, shaking her head.
"Okay. Thanks. You should head to the school now."
"Why? Aren't you coming?"
"No. I have to stop by a shop first. There's something I need to buy."
"Oh. I can come with you, If you want."
"No, you'll be late for the school. Go without me, okay."
"Liar." she whispered.
"Did you said something?"
"No. It's nothing. See you later than." She smiled but it was different—like she forced a smile.
She walked away, and I stayed rooted in place, my thoughts a chaotic mess. We don't talk much at school, despite being childhood friends. The other students always gave me strange looks for hanging out with "the princess," as they called her. So, I tried to avoid her in class. Because I didn't want to cause problems for her, but sometimes, it made her angry. Today, though, I wondered if avoiding her all the time had been a mistake.
---
In School....
As I walked through the hall, the sound of my footsteps echoed faintly in the empty corridor. The usual chatter and clamor of students were absent, replaced by an almost eerie silence.
"Looks like class hasn't started yet," I muttered to myself, glancing at the classroom doors. A few were open, but they were empty. Did I come too early today?
I sighed, scratching the back of my head. "Guess I should've checked the time."
The realization hit me like a slow wave. That explained why Shizuka was so angry earlier when I joked about her being late. She must've known we were early all along.
"So, why didn't she just tell me?" I wondered aloud, furrowing my brows.
It was so typical of her—letting me ramble on, probably amused by how clueless I was. A small, reluctant smile tugged at my lips.
"I'll never understand that girl," I muttered, shaking my head.
When I reached the classroom, I saw Shizuka chatting with someone by the door. It was Ryouji Hoshikawa—the guy everyone admired. Smart, athletic, charming—he had it all. And unlike me, he didn't have to try. Everything just seemed to come naturally to him.
"Good morning, Shizuka." Ryouji greeted her with an easy smile, his voice carrying that casual confidence I could never muster.
Shizuka's face lit up as she smiled back. It wasn't the polite, reserved smile she gave most people—it was warm and genuine, the kind of smile that stirred something uncomfortable in my chest. "Good morning, Ryouji," she replied, her tone lighter than usual. "You're early today."
"Yeah, I had to come in for a practice match," he said, leaning against the doorframe with relaxed ease. "Coach says we've got a shot at winning the tournament this time."
Her eyes sparkled with interest. "Really? So, you're finally taking it seriously for once?"
"You could say that," he said with a laugh. "This time, I'm putting in the work. I mean, I can't let our school down, right? Plus, I've got a point to prove."
Shizuka chuckled, crossing her arms playfully. "Well, I never thought I'd see the day. Ryouji Hoshikawa, working hard? Wonders never cease."
"Hey, even I've got my moments," he said, feigning offense. "Besides, soccer's more than just a game. It's strategy, teamwork, and heart. And, honestly, I'd like to win for once—just to shut up the guys who think we're second-rate."
Her laughter softened into a smile, her tone more sincere now. "Well, good luck. I'll be cheering for you."
"Thanks," he said, running a hand through his hair. Then, his expression turned teasing. "By the way, Shizuka, are you trying something new? You're looking stunning today—like, more than usual. Did you change your hair or something?"
Shizuka blinked, caught off guard. "Stunning? That's not something I hear every day." She laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "No, I haven't done anything different. Maybe you're just in a good mood."
"Or maybe you just outshine the rest of us," he said, grinning.
She rolled her eyes and gave him a light punch on the arm. "Stop saying weird things so early in the morning."
Their laughter echoed in the room, the sound twisting in my chest like a knife. It was the kind of laugh Shizuka didn't share with me anymore.
I avoided the front door, slipping in through the back instead. It wasn't just to avoid being noticed—it was because no one ever noticed me, period. To most of the class, I was invisible. They talked about me like I wasn't there, laughed at me like I couldn't hear them. I sank into my seat at the back, watching them from afar, my heart heavy.
As they continued talking, I could see how easily the conversation flowed between them. There was an unspoken ease in the way they interacted—a kind of rhythm that didn't need words to sustain it. She leaned in slightly when he spoke, and he watched her intently, as if every word she said mattered.
My stomach churned. Was this what I was missing? Was this the kind of connection Shizuka wanted? Why can't I talk to her like him.
Then Ryouji glanced my way, his eyes narrowing slightly as he noticed me standing there. His expression hardened for just a moment before softening into a smile. But that brief flicker of something—annoyance, maybe?—didn't escape me.
"I saw you talking to Takahisa again?" Ryouji said, his tone light but with an edge I couldn't ignore. "You're always looking out for him, aren't you?"
Shizuka's smile faltered, and she crossed her arms. "What's that supposed to mean? Of course, I am. He's my friend."
Ryouji raised an eyebrow, his smile faintly teasing. "You're too kind sometimes, Shizuka. Not everyone deserves it, you know."
Her eyes narrowed. "If you're implying something about Takahisa, then stop right there."
Ryouji held up his hands in mock surrender, chuckling. "Alright, alright. No offense meant. I'm just saying you've got a big heart, that's all."
Shizuka didn't respond immediately, but her gaze softened, and she shook her head with a small sigh. "You're impossible, Ryouji."
Their banter ended, but the ache in my chest lingered. Watching them felt like witnessing a world I could never be part of—a world where I didn't belong.
After Ryouji finally left, Shizuka walked straight to my desk, her expression stormy. She slammed her hands down, making me flinch. "Takahisa, shouldn't you be at the store right now? What are you doing here?"
"I... uh... my work's done, so I came early," I stammered, avoiding her gaze.
"Done, huh?" She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "So, what did you buy?"
I froze. I hadn't even gone near the store. She must have figured it out. There was no point lying anymore.
"Actually... I didn't go to the store," I admitted, my voice barely audible.
She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "I already knew that."
"Of course, you did," I muttered, sighing. "I just... wanted to stay away from you, that's all."
Before I could say more, she cut me off. "Because of Renjiro, right?"
"Yeah," I admitted. "How did you know?"
"I saw him coming earlier. And honestly, I didn't expect a truthful answer from you."
I shrugged. "Well, you got one."
Her gaze softened slightly, but her tone stayed firm. "Takahisa, there's something I need to ask you."
"What is it?"
"What do you think about me? Who am I to you? I want the truth."
My heart raced at her question. What did I think about her? The answer was obvious, but saying it out loud felt impossible. The words caught in my throat as I met her piercing gaze. Shizuka wasn't just any girl—she was everything to me. My mind scrambled to find the right words.
"What do I think about you?" I repeated, trying to buy time.
"Yeah," she said, her tone softer now. Her usual sharpness was gone, replaced by a genuine curiosity. "I mean, you've been acting weird all morning, avoiding me, lying about going to the store. I want to understand what's going on with you."
"You're... important to me," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper
She tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "Important how?"
"You are so amazing, Shizuka. I —"
Before I could finish, the classroom door slammed open. A group of students walked in, their chatter shattering the moment.
I turned back to her, my voice low. "Shizuka, let's talk at lunch. I'll tell you everything then."
She hesitated before nodding. "Alright. But don't keep me waiting, Takahisa."
With that, she returned to her seat, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
---
Lunchtime...Rooftop
The rooftop was quiet, save for the faint hum of the city below and the occasional gust of wind rustling through the metal fence. My heart pounded as I leaned against the railing, gripping it so tightly my knuckles turned white.
"This is it," I muttered under my breath. "No turning back now. I promised I'll tell her everything."
The door creaked open, and I turned to see her. Shizuka stood there, the sunlight framing her figure, her purple hair catching the golden rays like a shimmering veil. She crossed her arms and tilted her head, an amused smile playing on her lips.
"Okay, Takahisa, you've got me here. Now spill it. What's so important you couldn't say it earlier?"
I opened my mouth, but no words came out. My throat felt dry, my chest heavy. Why was this so hard? Why can't I speak? What's wrong with me?
"Well?" she prompted, her tone playful but tinged with curiosity. "Don't tell me you dragged me all the way up here just to chicken out."
I took a deep breath. I was so nervous and shaking, forcing myself to meet her gaze. "No, I swear. Shizuka, I need to tell you something. Something I've been holding back for a long time."
Her playful expression softened, replaced by something more serious. She took a step closer, her brow furrowing. "What is it? Hey, are you okay? You're shaking."
"I'm fine," I lied, my voice trembling. "It's just... hard to say."
She waited patiently, her eyes never leaving mine.
"I... I don't know where to start," I confessed. "You're... amazing, Shizuka. You've always been there for me even when I didn't deserve it. Ever since we were kids. You've protected me, cared for me, believed in me even when I couldn't believe in myself. You're kind, strong and beautiful. Honestly I don't know where I'd be without you."
Her expression softened for a moment, and I saw a flicker of something in her eyes—surprise, maybe, or something more. She smiled faintly. "Of course. That's what friends do, isn't it?"
"Friends," I repeated bitterly, the word tasting like ash on my tongue. "Is that all we are, Shizuka? Just friends?"
Her eyes widened slightly, and she opened her mouth to speak, but I pressed on, unable to stop now.
"You mean everything to me," I said, my voice cracking. "You're the reason I wake up in the morning. The reason I keep going, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. But it's more than that. It's not just friendship, Shizuka. I am sorry but I don't think you as my friend anymore."
Her breath caught, and she took a step back, her cheeks flushing."What... what are you talking about?"
"I love you, Shizuka." I said, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I've always loved you for as long as I can remember."
The confession hung in the air like a fragile thread, so easily broken. Shizuka's expression froze, her eyes widening as she stared at me. Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.
"I know this is sudden," I continued, my heart pounding so loudly I could barely hear my own voice."And I know I'm not good enough for you. I know I'm just some weak, ordinary guy who can barely stand on his own. I'm not like Ryouji or anyone else. But I can't keep pretending I don't feel this way. I can't keep lying to myself—or to you."
The silence that followed was deafening. Shizuka stared at me, her lips parted slightly, her eyes searching mine for something I couldn't define.
"Takahisa..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I know I'm probably making things awkward for you," I said quickly, my heart pounding. "And if you don't feel the same way, I'll understand. I'll respect your feelings. But I had to tell you. I couldn't keep it bottled up anymore."
She looked down, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "Why now?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Why are you telling me this now, Takahisa? Why couldn't you have just... stayed quiet?"
"Because I couldn't," I said, stepping closer. "I couldn't stand the thought of never telling you. Of never knowing if there was even the slightest chance you might feel the same way."
She looked up at me then, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of emotions I couldn't decipher. "Takahisa... I... I don't know what to say."
Her voice was soft, hesitant, as if she were carefully choosing her words. My chest tightened. This wasn't the reaction I'd hoped for, but it was better than outright rejection. Maybe.
"You don't have to say anything," I said quickly, forcing a smile that felt like it might shatter. "I just... I just wanted you to know how I feel. That's all."
She shook her head, her purple hair swaying gently in the breeze. "No, that's not fair to you. You deserve an answer."
I swallowed hard, bracing myself. "Then tell me. Whatever it is, I'll accept it."
Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw tears welling up. But then she smiled—a sad, bittersweet smile that made my heart ache.
"Takahisa," she began, her voice trembling, "you're so important to me. More than you'll ever know. But..." She hesitated, the word hanging in the air like a blade poised to fall. "I don't think I can give you the answer you're looking for. At least, not right now."
"Why not?" I asked, my voice breaking despite my best efforts to keep it steady. "Is it because of Ryouji? Or someone else? Or... am I just not good enough?"
Her eyes widened in shock, and she reached out, grabbing my hands before I could pull away. Her touch was warm, grounding me in the moment.
"No! It's not that at all," she said fiercely. "You're not 'not good enough,' Takahisa. Don't ever think that about yourself. You're... amazing in your own way."
"Then why?" I whispered, the words barely audible.
She hesitated again, her gaze dropping to the ground. "Because I don't know how I feel right now. There's so much going on—school, family, life. And you're my best friend. If I give you the wrong answer and ruin what we have... I don't think I could forgive myself."
Her words felt like a gentle knife, cutting deeply without malice. I wanted to be angry, to argue, to demand something more. But I couldn't. She wasn't rejecting me outright, but she wasn't accepting me either. She was afraid—afraid of losing what we already had.
"I understand," I said finally, my voice hollow. "I won't push you."
"Takahisa, I have a selfish request. Will you fulfill it?" Shizuka's voice trembled, her hands gripping the hem of her skirt tightly. Her eyes glistened, shimmering with unshed tears.
I blinked, trying to steady my voice. "What is it?"
Her gaze fell to the ground as though searching for strength she couldn't find. "I know this is selfish. I know that after everything I've said, our friendship might never be the same. But... despite that, please promise me you won't pull away. That we'll still be... whatever we are now."
The words cut deeper than any rejection could have. I swallowed hard, my throat dry, as I forced a faint smile. A tear slipped from the corner of my eye, but I quickly brushed it away. "That's all? Okay... I promise. I won't let this change anything."
She finally looked up, her violet eyes meeting mine, filled with relief and something unspoken—regret, perhaps. "Thank you, Takahisa. That means more to me than you'll ever know."
We stood there in silence, the moment so fragile it felt as though even the faintest breeze could shatter it. Her smile, though faint, was bittersweet—a mixture of gratitude and guilt that mirrored the ache in my chest.
"Let's get back to class," she said softly, her voice steady now, though the weight of the moment still lingered.
"Yeah," I replied, my own voice hollow. I turned toward the door, trailing behind her as my heart screamed in protest.
But as we descended the staircase, each step felt heavier than the last. My chest tightened, and tears welled in my eyes despite my best efforts to hold them back. I thought I could handle this. I thought I was prepared for her to reject me. Then why did it hurt so much? Why did it feel like my heart was being crushed under an unbearable weight?
Don't cry, I told myself, biting the inside of my cheek to stop the tears. She doesn't like you the way you want her to. And why would she? You're weak. You can't even stand on your own without her help. Why would someone like her fall for someone like you?
Shizuka glanced back briefly, her expression unreadable, and I quickly wiped my face, forcing a smile. I couldn't let her see me like this. Not now. If she saw me crying, it would only make her pity me. And pity was the last thing I wanted from her.
But no matter how much I tried to suppress it, the pain remained, raw and unrelenting. Every step away from that rooftop felt like another nail in the coffin of something I'd never truly had.
Suddenly, The air around us grew heavy, cutting her off. A brilliant circle of light erupted beneath our feet, glowing with an intensity that made my vision blur.
"What's happening?" Shizuka shouted, clutching my arm in panic.
"I don't know!" I said, shielding my eyes from the blinding light.
The ground beneath us seemed to vanish, and an otherworldly energy enveloped us. My confession, my pain, my promise—it all hung suspended in that moment unresolved, as we were pulled into the unknown.
The light consumed everything, and the next thing I knew, we weren't on the staircase anymore.
---
A New World
We stood in a vast, ornate room surrounded by towering stone walls carved with glowing, otherworldly patterns. Crystal chandeliers hung from a ceiling so high it felt endless. The air carried a strange mix of lavender and metal, sending a shiver down my spine.
"What just happened? Where are we?" I whispered, my voice trembling.
Shizuka clung tightly to my arm, her usual confident demeanor replaced with visible fear. "This isn't real, right? This has to be some kind of dream… or a nightmare."
Her trembling pulled me back from my own confusion. Fear gripped me too, but seeing her like this—so vulnerable—stirred something else inside me. Shizuka was always the strong one, the one who stood up for me when no one else would. Now, at least, I had to be her strength.
I placed a hand gently on her shoulder and pulled her closer. "Don't be afraid," I whispered, doing my best to sound steady. "I'm here with you."
She didn't respond, just buried her face against my chest. Her body shook, and for a moment, all the chaos around us faded. Despite everything, a strange warmth spread through me. I'd never seen this side of her before—she was still the same Shizuka, strong and unyielding, but in this moment, she was just… a girl.
But the silence didn't last.
"What is this place?" someone shouted from the crowd. "Where are we?"
More voices joined in, a cacophony of panic and fear echoing through the room. Some students sobbed openly, while others frantically demanded answers.
"This has to be a mistake!" a boy near the front screamed. "I didn't ask for this!"
"Send us back!" a girl pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
Before anyone could make sense of the chaos, a group of figures in elaborate robes emerged from a side door. At the center was an older man with a commanding presence. He raised a hand, and the room fell silent, though tension still hung thick in the air.
"Do not panic, heroes," he said, his voice steady and deep. "You have been chosen by the Goddess herself and summoned here to save our world."
The words hung in the air like a heavy weight, met with a stunned silence before erupting into another wave of protests.
"Chosen heroes? What does that even mean?" Ryouji Hoshikawa demanded, stepping forward. His confident voice carried over the noise, silencing a few nearby. "We didn't ask for this. What gives you the right to drag us here?"
The old man remained calm, his expression unreadable. "You were not chosen by chance. The Demon Lords threaten our land, and only you possess the power to stop them."
"And if we don't want to?" someone shouted.
"Unfortunately, refusing is not an option," the man said grimly. "You cannot return to your previous world. You see… you were already dead."
The words sent a chill through the room.
"Dead? That's impossible!" Ryouji shouted, his voice faltering for the first time. "You're lying!"
"I assure you, this is no lie. Each of you perished in your world, and through the will of the Goddess, you have been brought here to fulfill your destiny."
A murmur of disbelief rippled through the crowd. Some students broke down in tears, while others stood frozen, unable to process the revelation.
Shizuka pulled back from me, her eyes wide with shock. "Dead?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
I couldn't answer. The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Dead? Was that why I felt so disconnected, so numb? My old world had been cruel, but… was I really gone from it forever? A part of me felt relief at escaping that life, but another part—a deeper, quieter part—felt hollow.
The old man raised his hand again, silencing the murmurs. "Now, allow me to explain. Each of you has been granted a unique ability, a gift from the Goddess. These abilities, along with your ranks, will determine your role in this world. To discover them, step forward and touch this orb."
He gestured to a glowing sphere on a pedestal, its light pulsing softly.
"When you touch the orb," he continued, "your status will be revealed on that board. Your rank, magic element and ability will be displayed for all to see. Once revealed, you can access your status at any time by saying, "Status Open."
Excitement flickered through the crowd despite the tension.
"Magic?" someone whispered. "We can really use magic?"
"This might not be so bad," another said, their voice tinged with cautious optimism.
The old man cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the lingering tension in the room. "Renjiro Matsumoto," he called out.
Renjiro, the ever-confident leader of our class, stepped forward with his usual smirk. His tall frame and sharp features were enough to make people take notice, and he carried himself like he had nothing to fear.
He reached for the orb without hesitation. The moment his hand made contact, the entire room seemed to hold its breath. The orb lit up brilliantly, glowing with a radiant light that cast shadows across the towering walls. It wasn't just a glow—it was a blaze, like the light of a small sun.
The board on the wall shimmered to life, and words etched themselves into the glowing surface:
Name: Renjiro Matsumoto
Rank: S
Magic Element: Light
Ability: Eclipsion
The old man's jaw dropped slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "An S-rank hero with Light magic! Truly remarkable! Sir Renjiro, your ability—'Eclipsion'—is one of immense potential. You are among the strongest ranks our world has seen."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
Renjiro glanced back at us, his smirk growing wider. "S-rank, huh? Guess I really am as amazing as I thought."
The crowd buzzed with excitement. Some of the kingdom's robed figures exchanged whispers, their faces lighting up with hope. "An S-ranker! Our prayers have been answered!"
"Hey, old man," Renjiro called out, his tone playful but curious. "Is S-rank the strongest rank, or are there others above me?"
The old man nodded, his expression serious. "An excellent question, Sir Renjiro. In this world, ranks are determined by your potential and power. They range from E, the weakest, to SSS, the pinnacle of strength. Achieving SSS-rank is exceedingly rare—even among heroes summoned by the Goddess, only a handful have reached such heights."
Renjiro's grin didn't falter. "So, I'm not the best yet. Good to know—I always did like a challenge."
The old man gestured for the next person. "Fujiwara Daichi," he announced.
Daichi, a quiet but dependable boy, stepped forward. Unlike Renjiro, he seemed hesitant, his brow furrowed with unease. He touched the orb, and its light flared again, though less intensely than before.
The board displayed:
Name: Fujiwara Daichi
Rank: S
Magic Elements: Fire
Ability: Flare Nexus
Another wave of excitement rippled through the room.
"Another S-rank hero!" the old man exclaimed. "Sir Daichi, you have Fire magic, and your ability, 'Flare Nexus,' grants you formidable offensive capabilities. Your strength will be invaluable in the fight against the Demon Lords."
Daichi's face remained stoic, but there was a flicker of pride in his eyes.
"Next," the old man continued, "Miyuki Takano."
Miyuki, a girl with short, vibrant hair, stepped up. She had always been headstrong and confident, and her steps didn't falter. When she touched the orb, it glowed a deep violet, the light pulsating ominously.
Name: Miyuki Takano
Rank: A
Magic Element: Shadow
Ability: Chaos Weave
"An A-rank hero with Shadow magic," the old man announced. "Miss Miyuki, your ability, 'Chaos Weave,' is rare and unpredictable, but with proper training, you will be a vital asset."
Miyuki raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "A-rank? Guess I'll just have to prove them wrong."
The crowd stirred again as more names were called.
Isamu Kuroda stepped forward confidently and revealed:
Name: Isamu Kuroda
Rank: S
Magic Elements: Spirit
Ability: Spectral Genesis
The old man's eyes gleamed. "An S-ranker with Spirit magic—truly extraordinary."
Ryouji Hoshikawa, ever the loudmouth, stomped forward next. When he touched the orb, the light swirled in intricate patterns, like threads weaving together.
Name: Ryouji Hoshikawa
Rank: S
Magic Elements: Ether
Ability: Intricate Tapestry
"Another S-rank hero!" the old man announced, visibly impressed.
Ryouji snorted. "Of course. Did you really think I'd be anything less?"
The list continued, with a mix of ranks and abilities:
Natsuki Maeda: Rank: B | Magic Element: Gravity | Ability: Gravity Flux
Hana Yoshida: Rank: A | Magic Element: Wind | Ability: Gale Force
Kaito Shimizu: Rank: S | Magic Element: Lightning | Ability: Thunder's Wrath
Riku Tanaka: Rank: A | Magic Element: Earth | Ability: Stone Sentinel
Hiroshi Sakamoto: Rank: B | Magic Element: Water | Ability: Tidal Surge
Takeshi Fujimoto: Rank: B | Magic Element: Fire | Ability: Inferno Burst
Ren Kobayashi: Rank: A | Magic Element: Ice | Ability: Frost Barrier
Akira Yamamoto: Rank: C | Magic Element: Metal | Ability: Blade Dance
Haruto Nagai: Rank: A | Magic Element: Shadow | Ability: Phantom Stride
Yuto Arai: Rank: S | Magic Element: Light | Ability: Radiant Blade
Shinji Hoshino: Rank: A | Magic Element: Sound | Ability: Echo Blade
Mizuki Hara: Rank: A | Magic Element: Water | Ability: Serpent's Flow
Sayaka Nakamura: Rank: B | Magic Element: Earth | Ability: Blossom Guardian
Aoi Kondo: Rank: S | Magic Element: Space | Ability: Dimensional Rift
Sakura Moriyama: Rank: B | Magic Element: Fire | Ability: Ember Waltz
Emiko Takahashi: Rank: A | Magic Element: Illusion | Ability: Mirage Veil
Some students were thrilled, others disheartened. The room buzzed with excitement and anxiety, the air thick with anticipation.
Finally, the old man called out the next name: "Shizuka Nishida."
She straightened, brushing her hair back as she stepped forward. Despite her earlier fear, her steps were steady, her expression unreadable. I could feel my heart racing, though I wasn't sure why.
When she touched it, the ball glowed brighter than anyone had ever seen before. The light was so dazzling that we couldn't see anything for few seconds. Everyone watched in stunned silence as the board displayed:
To be continued.....