Chapter 2: The Truth Revealed
The grand hall remained eerily silent as the eight students processed the words of the man seated upon the throne. His presence was overwhelming, an aura of authority and dominance radiating from him.
Kazuki was the first to react. He clenched his fists and stepped forward, his voice sharp.
"Who are you? And where the hell are we?!"
The man in the dark robe beside the throne smirked slightly but said nothing. Instead, the king's piercing gaze swept over each of them before he finally spoke again.
"You are in the Kingdom of Shaar—the land that has called upon you."
Aya's face twisted in confusion.
"Called upon…? What do you mean? We were just at our camp, and suddenly—!"
The king raised a hand, silencing her instantly.
"You are no longer in your world. You have been summoned here, to this kingdom, as its new princes and princesses."
The weight of his words settled upon them like a crushing force.
Haruto frowned.
"Princes…? What kind of joke is this?"
Miko shook her head, stepping back.
"No way… this can't be real…"
Renji, the most composed among them, narrowed his eyes.
"And why exactly would a group of high school students be made royalty in a kingdom we've never heard of?"
The man in the dark robe finally spoke, his voice smooth yet firm.
"Because this kingdom needs strength. And you… have potential."
Yuma let out a nervous laugh.
"Potential? You brought us here without our consent for potential?"
The king's expression remained unmoved.
"It was necessary. Our kingdom has always been weaker than its rival, the Kingdom of Lux. But that will soon change—with you."
Silence followed.
Sachiko's voice trembled as she spoke.
"You're saying… we were chosen to help you fight?"
Rio, who had remained quiet the entire time, felt his stomach sink. Of all the things he had imagined happening on this camping trip, being forcefully taken to another world and made royalty in a kingdom at war had never crossed his mind.
"This… doesn't make sense," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
The king leaned forward slightly, his gaze landing directly on Rio.
"Then let me make it clear to you."
A heavy silence filled the room before the king's next words echoed throughout the hall.
"You are now members of the royal family of Shaar. From this day forth, you will train, fight, and rule as my heirs."
The students exchanged nervous glances.
Miko's voice wavered.
"And if we refuse…?"
The man in the dark robe chuckled.
"There is no refusal. You were brought here by royal decree. You belong to this world now."
Rio clenched his fists. This can't be happening…
As the realization sank in, the doors of the grand hall swung open. A line of attendants entered, bowing before the king.
"Take them to their chambers. Their training begins tomorrow."
The students had no choice but to follow.
As Rio walked behind the others, his mind raced with thoughts.
We were normal students just a few hours ago… and now we're supposed to be princes and princesses of a foreign land?
Something inside him whispered that this was only the beginning.
And whatever awaited them next… it would change their lives forever.
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End of Chapter 2