Some people in this world are made to accomplish great things a saying we all tell ourselves, but we sometimes forget that those who don't accomplish great things they end up being forced to do the same job over and over again or completely throw their lives away.
In this world, there exists a variety of unique and interesting creatures all of them spread across the many continents. Despite the diversity we all live in a somewhat neutral economy. Well, that was the case until the new Demon King struck the elven continent in an attempt to steal valuable mana crystals.
In this world, which ever particular race who has the highest affinity with magic essentially controls the flow of mana crystals and the added bonus of gaining overall control of the land.
Mana crystals are rare items that are usually hard to come by. These crystals are extremely valuable because they can give non-magic users the ability to use magic albeit only temporary, while for people who already have an affinity for magic, mana crystals usually enhance ones magic capabilities.
This is extremely dangerous because this could give any race an increase in their armies, and it could potentially ruin the system we've already developed. That's why we gave the crystals to the elves because of their usual peaceful nature, and because they already had a greater control of magic.
But now since demon kind stole a few mana crystals they had already enhanced their soldiers strengths and struck the beastfolk continent and now how partial control over its inhabitants. This was highly predicted due to the fact that beastfolk have little to none magic affinity. This also increases the danger for all humans because humans happen to be right before the beastfolk when it comes to magic affinity.
When we realized this, the king had decided to call upon heroes from another world in an attempt to stop the Demon King.
That's where I come in. I am Al a simple mage, but not just any mage but one of the few greatest mage in the kingdom mainly because of my high mana capacity and for my magic degrees. I act as the summoner who summons heroes from otherworlders.
As I was in the throne room preparing to cast my spell, my staff was in position and the king and his guards all watched in anticipation. On the ground an intricate glowing magical circle had appeared before me. The runes were complex and took on intricate patterns. As I poured all of my mana and focused on the overall intention of the spell, a bright burst of light engulfed the room. I continued pouring all of my mana until the silhouette of a three people had emerged.
In the aftermath, we all carefully examined the heroes but a subtle disappointment arose from they're appearance as from inspection they appeared younger than initially intended. I already knew that using the wouldn't pick the heroes, and fate usually does but I still hoped for atleast someone older or someone with actual experience. Although if fate did choose these three heroes they could be capable to defeat the Demon king and his general albeit with enough training they could be strong enough to beat
"Greetings heroes" The king said. The heroes who were all still trapped within their daze turned their attention towards the king. They kept their distance from the king and the knights and expectantly listened to the king. Yet their eyes held a hint of defiance.
"Heroes we have summoned you today because a great tragedy has be fell our world and we need your assistance to take down the treacherous Demon king and his army before we all suffer." As the king continued his plead towards the heroes. I felt a slight sting when he said 'we summoned you' as if it were a group effort but for the greater good and for the kingdom I'll ignore the statement. Right now our intentions is to gain the heroes trust and hope they aid us in the battle against the Demon King.
"So heroes will you aid us in our battle and help save our kingdom?" The king asked. After the king's plead a silence befell the hall. The heroes were still skeptical of the entire scenario until one of the heroes stood up and stood infront of his friends. The determination that flickered in their eyes was a huge contrast to the fear I initially saw when they arrived.
"So why did you summon us specifically?" The heroes asked. Before anyone responded the second hero also stood up, but remained in their same position. "A-And where are we?" The hero asked, although they sounded a bit hesitant they managed to voice their question.
The king nodded his head in understanding and cleared his throat. "Heroes, I understand your concerns and I can assure you there's no reason to be afraid." He reassured the heroes. Although the king may have said that but everyone around knew the dangers and fears of the threat up ahead. "And I can tell you're all still confused and lack the necessary knowledge of our world, which is why you'll be staying here in the palace and you will be accommodated. And if you have any questions please consult my trusty mage and he will answer."
*Cough Cough
"My apologies my liege, my throat just felt a little raspy" I said. It was completely obvious the cough was in complete shock of the news. I felt a tiny flicker of rage and annoyance at the king for leaving the heroes in my hands. My initial job here was to summon heroes from another world, and I would be handsomely awarded for my deed and take off. But the king had to involve me in taking care of them.
"Is there a way to send us back to our world?" One of the heroes asked. I could tell they had no intention of saving us and they also could've had families and friends back in their world. The harsh reality is I've only discovered how to summon people and or objects from other worlds but returning them back is still an uncertain guarantee.
As I was about to inform the heroes of my sad news. The king glared right into my eyes, it was like a silent conversation in which he ordered to me remain silent, I humbly nodded and remained silent. "Yes there is, but it involves returning back sacred rare crystals from the Demon King's castle." The king said with smirk stretched upon his face. I had no idea what the king was planning to do with the mana crystals but I knew whatever he may have wanted with them was probably for ill intent. "Great heroes, I ask again, will you aid us in the battle against the Demon King"
"We'll do it" One of the heroes responded. "We'll help you defeat the Demon King, so we can go home." As the heroes accepted, I know I should've been overjoyed but something told me that this was just the start of something unexpected. I forced a smile on my face so nobody would get suspicious over my inner turmoil.
The king's smile grew wider at the heroes acceptance. "Thank you dear heroes, you'll be doing our world a great favor." The king said. He swiftly turned to me. "Dear Al, would you escort the heroes to their new living quarters"
I gave a slight nod to the king and replied. "Yes, my lord" I directed my attention to the three heroes that stood before me. "Heroes, if you will, please follow me."
As the heroes nervously glared at me, they hesitantly followed behind me. As I guided them through the castle walls and lead them towards their chambers. "Wow, this like one of those fantasy novels" one of the heroes murmured. "Fantasy... novels?" I asked.
"Yeah, fantasy novels" The hero confirmed. I still couldn't place together the words they used. I understood the concept of a novel, but what was 'fan-ta-see'. I shook my head and snapped out of my curiosity, and proceeded with my tour. Soon enough I noticed the heroes slightly relax around me and gazed at the scenery in awe. I lead them further along around the castle gardens and the armory.
After our long tour I lead them towards their rooms. Where they'd finally rest and be fully prepared for their training.
The following day, the morning sunlight filtered through the castle, the sound of birds chirping and flying about echoed through the air. The castle walls were filled with servants bustling through the corridors, their movements seemed panicked and rushed.
The three heroes had met me on the training grounds for their magic instructing. I viewed and gauged each of their expressions and they all appeared to be the anticipated excitement. If the heroes are to defeat the demon king and his generals, they'll need every bit of training they need. I proceeded to take a deep breath and faced the heroes with a smile stretched across my face.
"Greetings heroes, I trust you've all adjusted to your new lives" I said. As the heroes eagerly nodded in response I couldn't help but notice they're uncontained excitement.
"Well, from now onwards, I'll be your magic instructor" I announced. "From my knowledge and based on the intel you have given me, magic is nonexistent and fictional in your world, right?"
The heroes nodded in response. I couldn't help but smirk, that surge of hope igniting within me grew stronger than before. "Alright, let me explain" I cleared my throat. "In this world certain races have traces of mana. All of you being otherworlders, you wouldn't necessarily be able to use magic let alone have any mana levels, but when heroes are summoned their magic capabilities are unlocked and they receive a special blessing from the gods themselves"
The heroes carefully listened to my explanation, their eyes held a fiery determination that held no bounds. "Is there any questions thus far?" I asked. The heroes all looked at each other until one spoke up to ask.
"Is there a way to determine one's mana level, like in an RPG?" one of the heroes asked
As soon as the question was asked I tilted my head in confusion "RPG?" I repeated the strange words in a questioning way. What was an RPG? My brain couldn't decipher the phrase nor comprehend what it was. "Yeah, Role-playing game" The hero responded. The hero said it as if it were a basic principle.
Role-playing game? What were these games that they were talking about? And how did it involve magic in a world that's said to be without magic. The heroes noticed my confusion and they probably realized the futility of explaining a foreign concept to me. "It's okay, you don't need to understand." One of the heroes reassured.
"Well, to answer your question, there is a way to measure one's mana capacity that involves crystal ball." I explained. "But the problem is crystal balls are rare and difficult to come by and only a few skilled mages can use them, and sadly the castle has no crystal ball at our disposal"
After my explanation I noticed an awkward silence between the heroes and I, so I decided to take it upon myself to begin teaching the heroes magic. "Well, since there isn't any follow-up questions, I'll begin teaching magic" I announced. Almost instantly the heroes seemed excited.
"Well, using magic is somewhat difficult at first because you need to be able to sense and control the mana residing within your body." I explained towards the heroes. "As such, Today's training involves controlling your mana flow." I said.
"Hey, Al was it?" One of the heroes intervened. "But can't we just learn how to summon fireballs or create stone golems instead of learning how to control our mana?" The hero asked.
How do they know about those spells yet they clearly stated magic doesn't exist in their world? Do I question them? Do I just ignore it? I should probably remain silent until I learned more about them.
"Well, to answer your question, in order to use those spells you need to know how to channel your mana and direct it around your body, hence the reason for this training" I explained to the hero. "Okay, but can't you at least show us one spell?" The hero pleaded.
"I'll do so… in due time" I said.
"Why not now?" The hero continued their pleading.
"Because I know simply, that once I demonstrate the spell you'll recklessly attempt to replicate it, and hurt yourselves within the process. There is no living person who can use magic by simply replicating what they saw." I stated.
The young hero pouted at my response. I couldn't help but sympathize with the young hero. I too understood the pain and struggle from being let down sometimes. "I do know of way, one can learn magic but what I'm about to show you is for educational purposes and in no circumstances may you touch anything, understood?"
The three heroes' eyes lit up and they eagerly nodded their heads.
That day feels almost like a distant memory now. Little did I know that, that very day would mark the start of something greater a force of power that not even I could comprehend. One that could corrupt the land as we know it