《Heartpoint - An Isekai Masterpiece In Action!》 Chapter 0: The Breach In a world far, far distant from us, where kingdoms thrived under radiant suns and shadows stretched across untamed lands, there stood a barrier like no other¡ªa testament to human ingenuity and resolve. The Great Wall of Zorion loomed across the horizon, a colossal masterpiece of stone and steel that seemed to stretch on forever. Its sheer size defied comprehension, disappearing into the hazy distance where the curvature of the earth met the sky. No one standing atop the wall could see its end, for it extended so far that its towers and battlements faded into a shimmering mirage. Built as both a fortification and a declaration of strength, the wall had guarded the southern border of the Kingdom of Zorion for centuries, its presence unyielding and eternal. The wall¡¯s surface, constructed from dark, ancient stone, bore the faint scars of battles long past. Intricate carvings and runic etchings adorned its towering facade, said to imbue it with protective enchantments. Every few hundred meters, massive watchtowers rose, crowned with deep blue, curved roofs that glinted in the sunlight. These towers were fitted with beacons, ready to light up the wall in a fiery warning should danger approach. Crimson banners bearing Zorion¡¯s emblem¡ªa radiant golden sunburst encircled by elegant geometric patterns¡ªfluttered proudly in the wind, a symbol of unity and vigilance. Behind the wall lay the Kingdom of Zorion, a land of peace and prosperity. Unlike its war-driven neighbors, Zorion was known for its stability and wealth, earned not through conquest but through its fertile agriculture and thriving banking system. Its people lived in harmony, secure in the knowledge that their kingdom sought not to expand, but to perfect the art of living. At its heart stood Zion, a city as serene as it was beautiful, where cobblestone streets wove between elegant homes, bustling marketplaces, and stately halls of governance. Zorion¡¯s influence came not from its size but from its reputation as a beacon of diplomacy and trust. To the south of the wall, however, the world was untamed. The Open Lands stretched endlessly, a vast expanse of rolling grasslands, jagged cliffs, and shadowy forests. Wild beasts roamed freely, their cries echoing in the vast emptiness, and danger lurked in every shadow. It was a land that tested the brave and consumed the unprepared, a stark reminder of the chaos that Zorion¡¯s wall held at bay. On the wall, a group of knights sprinted along the stone pathway, their urgency palpable. Their polished steel armor reflected the midday sun, each piece adorned with engravings of intricate patterns that spoke to Zorion¡¯s masterful craftsmanship. Crimson sashes crossed their torsos, adding a regal touch to their otherwise practical attire. Their helmets, crowned with plumes of red and gold feathers, gleamed in the light as they moved. Long capes fluttered behind them, and the rhythmic clatter of their boots echoed against the stone, a sound that carried their haste. ¡°Sir Luis Amador!¡± one of them shouted, his voice rising above the wind. The group came to a halt before a lone figure standing at the edge of the southeastern tower. Luis Amador turned at the sound of his name. Standing tall at 6¡¯2, he was a young man in his early twenties, his athletic frame and composed demeanor giving him a presence that demanded attention. His sharp features¡ªa strong jawline, high cheekbones, and piercing blue eyes¡ªwere framed by unruly black hair that fell beneath the brim of his wide-brimmed hat. His expression, though calm, carried a spark of readiness, as if he were always prepared for what lay ahead. Luis¡¯s attire blended elegance with practicality. A high-collared white coat, trimmed with intricate gold embroidery, hugged his frame, its hem flaring slightly as he moved. A crimson sash was tied at his waist, and a plume of the same deep red adorned his hat, completing the striking ensemble. His trousers, slim and neatly tailored, were tucked into polished brown boots that reached just below his knees. Across his back, he carried a longbow of impeccable craftsmanship, its carved details both beautiful and deadly. A quiver filled with silver-tipped arrows hung at his side, a quiet promise of his precision and skill. ¡°What is it?¡± Luis asked, his smooth voice carrying both authority and composure. ¡°Something is coming!¡± one of the knights said, his tone urgent. ¡°From the southeast¡ªit¡¯s moving fast. Faster than anything we¡¯ve seen!¡± Luis¡¯s relaxed demeanor shifted instantly. His piercing blue eyes narrowed, and his posture straightened, the change in his presence undeniable. ¡°Take me there,¡± he ordered, his voice sharp and commanding. Without hesitation, he began to move. His long strides carried him forward with incredible speed, his coat billowing behind him as he passed the knights who struggled to match his pace. The air around him seemed to hum with purpose, his every step precise and unwavering. It was clear to all who saw him that the Kingdom of Zorion¡¯s Arknight was ready to meet whatever approached head-on. Luis Amador raced across the Great Wall with the grace and speed of a seasoned warrior. His long coat flared behind him as he closed the distance to the southeastern section, where smoke and chaos filled the air. The closer he got, the more the reality of the breach became clear. A gaping hole marred the once impenetrable wall, its stone shattered and torn apart as if by some monstrous force. Scorch marks and deep gouges lined the edges of the break, and debris was scattered across the ground.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. The scene beyond the breach was a nightmare. Bodies of knights and workers lay in grotesque heaps, their armor twisted and flesh mangled as though something had torn into them with ravenous fury. Blood soaked the earth, pooling in the cracks between the stones, and torn banners fluttered limply in the wind. Limbs and viscera littered the ground, the aftermath of a savage attack that left none alive. It was as if whatever had breached the wall had devoured the life out of the place, leaving only gore and silence. Luis came to a halt, his sharp eyes scanning the carnage with a cold, calculating gaze. He unslung his bow with practiced ease, the weapon gleaming faintly in the dimming sunlight. Reaching into his quiver, he drew a single arrow, its tip reflecting the light like a blade honed to perfection. Without a word, he nocked the arrow and stepped to the edge of the broken wall. Beyond the breach, the forests of Zorion stretched into chaos. The trees swayed unnaturally, their branches creaking and snapping as something large moved beneath their canopy. Then, Luis saw it¡ªa massive shadow darting between the trunks, its speed and size unnaturally terrifying. It scurried with a primal hunger, its form indistinct yet menacing, and every instinct in Luis¡¯s body screamed that it was far from human. His hands were steady as he pulled the bowstring back, his movements deliberate and precise. His piercing blue eyes shifted, the irises flaring with colors that seemed alive¡ªorange and black, swirling and sparking like flint igniting an inferno. The air around him grew heavy as an otherworldly energy coursed through him, channeling into the arrow. The shaft began to pulse with orange-white energy, the light rippling along its length like liquid fire. A deep, resonant hum filled the air, as if the arrow itself was consuming the surrounding sound, holding it within as it grew impossibly dense and heavy in Luis¡¯s hands. The tip of the arrow began to glow, a blinding white-hot light that seemed to vibrate with barely-contained power. The pressure was immense, the energy radiating from it distorting the air around the arrow, as though reality itself bent under its force. The knights behind Luis instinctively stepped back, their faces pale as the air grew thick and oppressive. Luis exhaled sharply and released the arrow. It shot through the air like a meteor, trailing a brilliant streak of orange and white that illuminated the darkened forest. The sound of its release was deafening, a thunderous roar that echoed across the breach as the arrow tore through the trees. It moved faster than the eye could follow, an unstoppable force that seemed to carve a path through the very air. The arrow struck its target, vanishing into the shadow beneath the trees. For a brief moment, there was silence¡ªa stillness so profound it was as if the world held its breath. Then came the explosion. The impact erupted in a blinding burst of light and fire, an inferno that consumed everything in its radius. Trees were obliterated, their trunks splintered into shards that flew in every direction. The ground buckled and cracked, a shockwave rippling outward with such force that even the knights on the wall staggered, bracing themselves against the vibrations. A deafening roar filled the air as the explosion expanded, its heat and brilliance visible for miles. The sheer destructive force left a massive crater where the shadow had been, the surrounding forest reduced to ash and smoldering ruins. Luis stood motionless, his bow still raised as the aftermath of the explosion settled. His face was cold, his expression unreadable, as if the destruction he had wrought was nothing more than a routine exercise. The swirling colors in his eyes faded, leaving only his piercing blue gaze fixed on the smoldering devastation. Behind him, the knights exchanged nervous glances. One of them, barely above a whisper, leaned toward his companion. ¡°That¡¯s why they call him the Explosion Arknight.¡± The knights whispered behind him, but Luis raised a hand, his voice calm but sharp. ¡°Be quiet,¡± he ordered, his eyes fixed on the smoldering remains of his strike. The forest before him was a scene of utter devastation¡ªtrees obliterated, the ground cracked and scorched. Yet, despite the destruction, he couldn¡¯t see any signs of movement or life where the creature had been. For a long moment, Luis stared into the wreckage, his sharp blue eyes scanning for even the faintest shadow. The swirling colors in his eyes had faded, but the tension in his jaw remained. Whatever it was, it didn¡¯t seem to have survived. Still, doubt lingered in his chest like a persistent ember. After a moment, he straightened, turning his back to the devastation and facing the knights. His voice carried the same unshakable authority as before, cutting through the tense silence. ¡°Go. Send an alert to the king immediately. Tell him the wall has been breached by an unknown entity. I want reinforcements dispatched here as soon as possible.¡± The knights nodded quickly, their boots echoing against the stone as they turned to carry out his orders. Before they could leave, Luis added, ¡°And bring builders. This section of the wall needs to be repaired immediately. Have some soldiers reassigned here to change the guard. We can¡¯t leave this breach undefended.¡± He glanced back at the bodies scattered across the blood-soaked ground, the sight grim and sobering. His voice softened, but his tone was no less resolute. ¡°Find out the names of the men who died here. Their families will need to know what happened. They deserve that much.¡± The knights hesitated for only a moment, then bowed their heads and hurried off, their armor clanking as they disappeared down the wall. Luis watched them leave, the sounds of their movement fading into the distance, leaving him alone amidst the eerie quiet of the broken wall. He looked out at the forest again, his fingers instinctively brushing the edge of his bow. The question lingered in his mind, refusing to let go: What was that thing? The unease gnawed at him, but there was no answer. The shadow was gone, and the forest was silent. But what Luis didn¡¯t know was that the creature had survived. Deep in the shadows of the forest, it scurried onward, its massive, unnatural form moving swiftly beneath the cover of the trees. Its movements were quieter now, more calculated, as if it had learned to avoid detection. The devastation Luis had unleashed was nothing short of extraordinary, but it wasn¡¯t enough to destroy the thing that had breached the wall. Whatever it was, it was still alive. And it was still moving. Chapter 1: A Day In The Life Of Souta Tanaka! The sound of my alarm cut through the stillness of my room like a knife. A loud, obnoxious beep-beep-beep that dragged me from the depths of sleep into the cold reality of Thursday morning. I groaned, rolling over to smack the snooze button, but missed on the first try. My palm hit the wooden nightstand instead, and I winced. Great way to start the day. Peeling my face off the pillow, I squinted at the clock. 7:15 AM. Right on schedule. The faint hum of the neighborhood stirring to life reached my ears¡ªbirds chirping, distant sounds of car engines, and my neighbor¡¯s dog barking like it had something to prove. For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling. The same cracked white paint I¡¯d been staring at for years. Eighteen. Today, I officially turned eighteen. An adult, technically. Not that I felt any different. My reflection in the cracked mirror on my desk sure didn¡¯t look any older when I finally dragged myself upright and slid on my glasses. Just the same old Souta Tanaka. I shuffled toward the mirror, my glasses fogging slightly from the shift in temperature. There I was. Black, perpetually messy hair that refused to cooperate, round glasses that magnified my plain brown eyes, and a face so ordinary it might as well be a default avatar in a game. My cheeks were a little fuller than they should be, my stomach spilled over the waistband of my sweatpants just enough to remind me of all those late-night instant noodles, and I had a slouch that no amount of nagging from my mom had ever managed to fix. I wasn¡¯t ugly, I guess. Just¡­ average. A face only a mother could call handsome, if we¡¯re being generous. Below average in height at 5¡¯6¡±¡ªnothing impressive, but enough to blend in the back row of group photos. The only thing I¡¯ve got going for me is that I don¡¯t have acne. Small blessings, right? Yawning, I rubbed my eyes and turned toward my room. The morning sunlight streamed through the small gap in my curtains, highlighting the chaos that was my sanctuary. Anime posters lined the walls, their vibrant colors clashing against the dull beige paint. My bookshelf sagged under the weight of manga volumes, light novels, and old school textbooks I probably should¡¯ve returned last year. The desk was no better¡ªa shrine to procrastination covered in empty soda cans, tangled controller cables, and a half-eaten bag of chips that might¡¯ve been there since last weekend. I shuffled past a stack of game cases on the floor, nearly tripping over a figurine box. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Asuna,¡± I muttered, setting it back upright. ¡°You¡¯re safe.¡± Kicking aside a crumpled hoodie, I opened my closet and stared at my school uniform. The blazer hung there, pristine, as if mocking me. I grabbed it and started getting dressed, pulling the white shirt over my head and fumbling with the buttons. My stomach peeked out for a second, and I sighed. Eighteen years old and I still couldn¡¯t say no to second helpings. Or third. Or dessert. By the time I had the uniform on and semi-presentable, my room looked slightly less chaotic, though that wasn¡¯t saying much. I glanced at the clock again. 7:40 AM. Plenty of time to scarf down breakfast and catch the train. As I grabbed my backpack, my gaze lingered on my desk. A pile of unopened manga from yesterday¡¯s haul stared back at me. It¡¯d be waiting for me when I got back. Something to look forward to, at least. ¡°Happy birthday, Souta,¡± I muttered under my breath, slinging the bag over my shoulder. The words felt heavy, like they belonged to someone else. Eighteen. An age where people expect you to start figuring things out, to make big plans for your future. But for me? It was just another Thursday. The faint buzz of my phone pulled me out of my thoughts as I grabbed it from my desk. The screen lit up, revealing the wallpaper I¡¯d carefully chosen a few weeks ago¡ªa radiant photo of Selena Sawyer. She was perfect, at least to me. Blonde hair that shone like sunlight, eyes that seemed to see into your soul, and that smile¡ªequal parts angelic and mischievous. Not to mention her figure, which seemed like it had been sculpted by the gods themselves. She was my idea of perfection, both in looks and the bubbly, carefree personality she always seemed to have in interviews. Of course, she was a million miles out of my league. No, scratch that. She wasn¡¯t even in the same galaxy as me. Girls like her? They didn¡¯t end up with guys like me¡ªguys who spent their days gaming, reading manga, and occasionally wondering if a treadmill might be worth investing in (spoiler: it wouldn¡¯t). I sighed, locking the screen and tucking my phone into my blazer pocket before heading downstairs. The warm scent of something sweet hit me before I even reached the kitchen. My stomach growled on instinct as I turned the corner to find my mom at the stove, flipping pancakes in a pan. Pancakes? I blinked, confused. Normally, breakfast at our house was a very traditional affair¡ªsteamed rice, grilled fish, miso soup. The kind of balanced, wholesome meal I was sure would¡¯ve been better for me. But today, in honor of my birthday, my mom had gone rogue. A stack of golden-brown pancakes sat on a plate at the table, topped with a pat of butter slowly melting into the warm surface. A small dish of syrup glistened nearby, and there was even a bowl of whipped cream. She was plating up the final pancake as I entered. ¡°Good morning, Souta,¡± she said with a smile, setting the pan aside. ¡°Happy birthday.¡± I froze, staring at the feast in disbelief. ¡°Pancakes? Like¡­ American pancakes?¡± She laughed softly. ¡°I thought you¡¯d like something different today. It¡¯s a special occasion, after all.¡± ¡°Yeah, special¡­¡± I muttered, sliding into my seat and picking up my chopsticks out of habit before quickly swapping them for a fork. I should¡¯ve said no. I should¡¯ve thanked her, grabbed a bowl of miso, and promised myself I¡¯d start eating healthier. But the scent of the pancakes was too much. The golden edges were crispy, the centers fluffy and soft. The syrup gleamed like liquid gold as I poured it over the stack, watching it seep into every crevice. As soon as I took the first bite, I was done for. The pancake practically melted in my mouth, the sweetness of the syrup blending perfectly with the buttery richness. I added a dollop of whipped cream to the next piece, and it only got better. My resolve to lose weight didn¡¯t stand a chance. ¡°You really outdid yourself,¡± I said between bites, my words muffled by a mouthful of pancake. ¡°Thank you,¡± she replied, her smile warm as she cleaned up the counter. ¡°I wanted to make something you¡¯d enjoy.¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. I wolfed down the last bite, glancing at the clock on the wall as I wiped my mouth with a napkin. 8:05 AM. Crap. I was cutting it close. ¡°I¡¯ll be late!¡± I exclaimed, practically leaping out of my chair. ¡°Slow down,¡± my mom called as I grabbed my bag and slipped on my shoes in record time. ¡°You¡¯ve still got a few minutes.¡± ¡°No time,¡± I said, hopping on one foot to shove my other shoe on. ¡°Thanks for breakfast! See you later!¡± Just as I reached the door, she called after me. ¡°Oh, Souta! I have something for you later¡ªa present.¡± ¡°A present?¡± I paused, half out the door. She nodded, her expression mysterious. ¡°When you get back. Have a good day.¡± I didn¡¯t have time to ask more. ¡°Thanks! You too!¡± I called, before rushing down the stairs and out into the street. As I made my way to the station, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the present might be. My mom was never one for surprises, which only made this all the more curious. But whatever it was, it would have to wait. For now, the day was just beginning¡ªand if I didn¡¯t hurry, I¡¯d miss the train. --- School was exactly the same as it always was: a monotonous series of motions I went through because I had to, not because I wanted to. Nobody cared who I was, and honestly, I didn¡¯t blame them. I wasn¡¯t one of the cool kids, the sporty kids, or the smart kids. I wasn¡¯t even the weird kid everyone avoided. I was just there. A filler character in the background of everyone else¡¯s lives. The only reason I still showed up every day was because of my dad. If it were up to me, I¡¯d have dropped out ages ago, but that wasn¡¯t an option. My father¡¯s voice echoed in my head as I walked through the school gates: ¡°You¡¯re not going to be a failure under my roof. You go to school, no excuses.¡± He didn¡¯t exactly hide his disappointment in me. I could see it in the way his eyes hardened whenever he looked at me, how he sighed whenever I mentioned my grades or my lack of friends. But as long as I went to school and kept my head down, he wouldn¡¯t do more than glare. And so, here I was, walking the same halls, sitting in the same desks, going through the same routines, day in and day out. By the time PE rolled around, I was already counting the minutes until I could leave. PE was the worst. It wasn¡¯t just the physical part¡ªthough that definitely wasn¡¯t my strong suit¡ªit was the way the other guys looked at me. They didn¡¯t even need to say anything. The way their eyes flicked to my stomach, the way they smirked when I wheezed after a couple of laps, it was enough. But I could handle that. I was used to it. The mocking laughter, the whispered jokes, the occasional shove¡ªit didn¡¯t sting the way it used to. What I couldn¡¯t handle was messing up in front of the girls. Even if none of them cared about me, even if none of them even knew me, the thought of them seeing me collapse after two minutes of running or fail to climb the rope during an exercise made my skin crawl. So, I pushed myself. Not because I wanted to, but because I didn¡¯t want to look any worse than I already did. Every step burned, every breath felt like fire in my lungs, but I kept going. By the end of the session, I was drenched in sweat, my face flushed red, and my chest heaving. But at least I made it through without completely humiliating myself. The other guys didn¡¯t hold back with their usual jabs. ¡°You good there, Tanaka?¡± one of them called, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he mimicked my heavy breathing. I ignored him. Words were just words, and I¡¯d heard them all before. The bell that signaled the end of the day felt like a mercy. I grabbed my bag and left without a second glance at anyone, walking through the school gates like it didn¡¯t even exist. The moment I stepped outside, school stopped mattering. The classes, the teachers, the people¡ªit was all left behind the second I turned the corner. I kept my head down, walking home at a steady pace. The streets buzzed with life as usual¡ªkids laughing, bikes whizzing past, the faint hum of distant traffic¡ªbut it all blurred together. I didn¡¯t look at anyone, and nobody looked at me. When I finally reached home, I let out a breath I hadn¡¯t realized I¡¯d been holding. When I walked through the door, the first thing I noticed was the quiet. Dad wasn¡¯t home yet, and that was always a good thing. No lectures about responsibility, no awkward silences over dinner, no passive-aggressive sighs when he looked at me. Just peace. I kicked off my shoes and dropped my bag by the door. Before I could even call out, my mom appeared in the hallway, a warm smile on her face. ¡°Welcome home, Souta,¡± she said, her voice as gentle as always. ¡°How was school?¡± ¡°Same as usual,¡± I muttered, not wanting to get into details. ¡°Tiring.¡± ¡°Well,¡± she said, her smile widening, ¡°maybe this will brighten your day. Your birthday present is upstairs. I put it in your room.¡± My head shot up. ¡°Really?¡± She nodded, and I didn¡¯t need any more encouragement. ¡°Thanks, Mom!¡± I shouted, already halfway up the stairs. My chest felt lighter as I climbed, excitement buzzing in my veins. It was a Thursday, and I needed something exciting to break up the monotony. I practically kicked open my bedroom door and froze. Sitting neatly on my desk was a small, wrapped box with a ribbon on top. I didn¡¯t waste any time ripping it open, my hands trembling slightly as I tore through the paper. Inside was a game case. The title gleamed in bold, golden letters: Heartpoint. My jaw dropped as I stared at the cover art. A towering castle loomed in the distance, surrounded by lush forests and sprawling villages. In the foreground, a figure in gleaming armor stood with a glowing sword in hand, their cape billowing dramatically behind them. It was classic RPG wish fulfillment¡ªa fantasy world full of adventure, battles, and, if the tagline was to be believed, ¡°unparalleled freedom of choice.¡± ¡°This¡­ is awesome,¡± I whispered to myself, flipping the case over to read the description. The promise of a sprawling world to explore and save, epic battles, and companions to recruit sent a thrill down my spine. I could already imagine it: me, as the overpowered hero, slicing through monsters, commanding armies, and¡ªof course¡ªwooing the in-game characters. I snickered at the thought. My first in-game wife? Easy. She¡¯d look just like Selena Sawyer. Maybe I¡¯d even name her Selena. The game had no idea what it was in for. Then my gaze shifted, and I noticed something I¡¯d missed before. Sitting next to my console was a brand-new VR headset, sleek and shiny, with all the latest tech. My heart skipped a beat. ¡°No way,¡± I muttered, picking up the headset. I flipped it over in my hands, admiring the design. I didn¡¯t even know my mom knew what VR was, let alone got me one. This was next-level. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the best!¡± I shouted down the stairs, my voice echoing through the house. ¡°Enjoy it, Souta!¡± she called back, her tone light and cheerful. I didn¡¯t need to be told twice. I set the headset down and started setting everything up. My fingers moved quickly as I connected the cables, adjusted the straps, and booted up the game. The console hummed to life, the title screen of Heartpoint glowing on the screen as soft orchestral music played in the background. I grabbed the VR headset and slid it on, adjusting it until the world around me went dark. My pulse quickened as the game¡¯s logo appeared, followed by a blinding flash of light. I was ready to escape into a fantasy. To become the hero I¡¯d always dreamed of being. To live out my biggest, most ridiculous fantasies in a world where I could be anyone I wanted. What I didn¡¯t expect¡­ was to awaken in another world. Chapter 2: A Whole New World The first thing I noticed was the vast, unending expanse of space surrounding me¡ªan infinite void filled with stars and swirling galaxies, glowing softly against the dark, boundless canvas. It was breathtaking, almost surreal, as though I¡¯d been torn from reality and placed in the middle of the universe itself. Then, I realized something was off. I couldn¡¯t feel my body. No hands, no feet¡ªnothing physical. I felt light, weightless, almost like I¡¯d become a spirit, drifting aimlessly through this celestial sea. Panic began to creep in, but before I could think too much about it, my attention was drawn to it. A figure loomed ahead, massive and ethereal. It wasn¡¯t just a being¡ªit was the being. Its form radiated light, pure and brilliant, cascading outward in shimmering waves that danced like flowing water. Its body seemed made of translucent threads of energy, rippling and weaving together with a grace that left me stunned. Surrounding its head was an aura so radiant that it rivaled the brightest stars, casting an almost divine glow that felt warm, despite the endless void. Wings. I saw wings¡ªvast, unearthly wings that stretched endlessly behind it, formed of glowing, liquid-like strands of light. They didn¡¯t just sit still; they pulsed gently, as though they were alive, shifting and flowing in mesmerizing patterns. Every movement it made was slow and deliberate, yet impossibly elegant, as if the figure were in perfect harmony with the universe itself. I couldn¡¯t look away. My thoughts, my fears, everything faded as I stared. Its presence filled the space, not with words but with something deeper, something that pressed into my very soul. I felt small in its presence¡ªnot in a humiliating way, but in awe, like I was standing before something far greater than anything I¡¯d ever imagined. It turned its gaze to me. I didn¡¯t know how I knew¡ªit had no face, no eyes that I could see¡ªbut I felt it. The moment its focus fell on me, it was as if the universe itself had stopped to take notice. A warmth spread through me, a light that seeped into the deepest parts of my being, yet I couldn¡¯t move. I couldn¡¯t speak. All I could do was float there, caught in its endless glow, as its presence consumed everything around me. I looked at it. It looked at me. The figure didn¡¯t speak in words, not in any way I could explain. Instead, it broke into my mind like a flood of sensations¡ªimages, emotions, and something deeper, something I just knew. It wasn¡¯t like hearing a voice or even thinking my own thoughts. It was as if the understanding was placed directly into me, bypassing everything I¡¯d known about how communication worked. It felt¡­ alien, invasive even, but not in a bad way. Just different. I recoiled instinctively, trying to shake it off, but the knowledge settled in, undeniable and clear. This is not a game. The words weren¡¯t words, yet they echoed through me all the same. I felt my stomach churn as the realization hit. My breathing¡ªif I was even breathing¡ªgrew heavier. ¡°What¡­ What do you mean this isn¡¯t a game?¡± I stammered, my voice trembling in the endless void. The being pulsed, light rippling outward like a living ocean. It didn¡¯t need to explain further; the meaning was already there, unraveling inside me. I hadn¡¯t opened a game. I¡¯d opened a portal¡ªa portal to a world that needed me, one in a galaxy so far from my own it might as well have been a different reality altogether. My thoughts raced, a jumble of confusion and panic. ¡°A portal? What? Why me? Who¡ªwhat even are you?¡± We are the one who formed you, who knew you from the womb, and who watched your every step, the being answered, and I felt the weight of those words in my chest, heavy and undeniable. You are here because The Origin has chosen you. The mention of ¡°The Origin¡± stopped me cold. My mind tried to reject it, tried to rationalize it away. ¡°The Origin? Like¡­ the creator of everything? The one who made the universe? A God?¡± The being pulsed again, and I knew the answer without needing to hear it. Yes. ¡°No, no, no,¡± I muttered, shaking my head. ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong guy. I¡¯m not the hero type. I stock shelves. I spend all my free time playing games and reading manga. I¡¯m not exactly ¡®chosen one¡¯ material.¡± You are needed, it said, the message wrapping around me like a blanket. There is a world in peril, a world that cannot survive without your help. ¡°But why me?¡± I pressed. ¡°I¡¯m not a hero. I¡¯m not special. I¡¯m just¡­ me. Why not someone smarter? Stronger? Braver? Someone who actually knows what they¡¯re doing?¡± The being didn¡¯t seem offended, its light steady and patient. My doubts and confusion didn¡¯t faze it in the slightest. As I questioned, the answers came¡ªnot in detail, but in truths I couldn¡¯t ignore. The Origin had a plan, one that required me specifically. Why? That part wasn¡¯t clear, but the being didn¡¯t seem concerned about my disbelief or lack of qualifications. It didn¡¯t feel like it was forcing me. Instead, it waited, letting the weight of its presence sink in as I struggled with the idea of leaving behind everything I knew. I thought about my life at home¡ªmy dad¡¯s disappointment, my dead-end days at school, my unspoken dreams that never seemed to go anywhere. There wasn¡¯t much to hold on to. No future, no girlfriend, no chance of becoming anyone significant. Nothing but the same, dull routine. And yet, there were things I¡¯d have to leave behind. My mom. My room filled with manga and games. The familiar, predictable rhythms of life, even if they were miserable at times. Could I really give all of that up for something I didn¡¯t fully understand? But then again, I thought about the chance this was offering me. The kind of chance that Otaku NEETs would literally jump in front of an automobile for. This wasn¡¯t just escaping into another story¡ªit was living one. It was everything I¡¯d dreamed of, everything I¡¯d read about in countless light novels. A fantasy come to life. I hesitated for just a moment longer, weighing everything. And then I made my choice. ¡°I¡¯m not saying I believe all of this,¡± I muttered, crossing my arms. ¡°But¡­ I mean, I¡¯m not exactly doing anything worthwhile back home. So, sure, let¡¯s say you¡¯re telling the truth. Let¡¯s say This Origin guy is really giving me this chance.¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°What happens next?¡± You take the step, the being replied. And walk in faith. I frowned. ¡°Walk in faith? That¡¯s it? What about powers? Am I gonna get some cool ability? Magic? Super strength? Something?¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. The being seemed almost amused, its light rippling softly. Faith is all you need. I groaned, throwing my hands in the air. ¡°That¡¯s not a power! That¡¯s not even close to how this is supposed to work! This isn¡¯t how Isekai adventures go! I¡¯m supposed to get a cheat skill or a legendary weapon or¡ª¡± The light flared suddenly, cutting me off mid-rant. Everything around me¡ªthe void, the stars, the being¡ªshattered into blinding brilliance. I barely had time to flinch before the world disappeared, and with it, every last trace of the figure. Then, just as suddenly as it had all begun, I opened my eyes. And I was somewhere new. The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the light¡ªa soft, golden glow that blanketed the world in warmth. The air smelled fresh, like spring after a rainstorm, and a gentle breeze carried the faint, sweet scent of flowers. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the sight of a massive cherry blossom tree towering over me, its pale pink petals dancing in the wind. I was leaning against its thick, knotted trunk, the rough bark pressing into my back. Above, the branches stretched out wide, shading me from the sun as petals drifted lazily to the ground. All around me, a vast meadow stretched out in every direction, painted in vibrant greens and dotted with splashes of color¡ªwildflowers in pinks, blues, and yellows swayed gently in the breeze. A crystal-clear stream snaked through the grass nearby, its water sparkling as if tiny stars had fallen into it. It looked like something out of a dream or a painting, like the idyllic setting of some fantasy world. Which, I guess, it probably was. I sat up slowly, my muscles stiff from lying on the ground. A quick glance down confirmed my suspicions: I was still the same short, pudgy guy I¡¯d always been, wearing the same school uniform¡ªwhite shirt, black trousers, tie, blazer, glasses. None of it had magically transformed into some epic hero gear or battle armor. I patted my chest and stomach, half-hoping I¡¯d find abs under my shirt. Nope. Still squishy. Figures. I stood up and dusted myself off, squinting against the sunlight. It was a little hot¡ªwarmer than I¡¯d expected. Not uncomfortably so, but enough to make the blazer feel like overkill. Shrugging it off, I folded it neatly and placed it by the base of the tree. It seemed smart to leave it there for now. If I got lost or ended up doubling back, it might help me find my way. Turning around, I noticed the road behind the tree. It was a dirt path, uneven and dusty, winding its way through the meadow and out toward the horizon. It stretched far in both directions, disappearing into the distance, flanked by rolling hills and clusters of trees. It looked like the kind of road you¡¯d see in a medieval village, the kind traveled by horse-drawn carts and wandering adventurers. My first thought was how out of place I¡¯d look walking along it in my school uniform. If I was going to survive here¡ªwherever here was¡ªI¡¯d need to figure out how to blend in. I loosened my tie a little, letting it hang loosely around my neck, and rolled up my shirt sleeves. Not much of a disguise, but at least it made me feel a little less like I¡¯d wandered straight out of Japan. For a moment, I just stood there, staring down the road, wondering which way to go. Both directions seemed endless, stretching into nothingness. Then I felt it again¡ªthat pull. The same kind of force that had brought me here. It wasn¡¯t words or even a thought, but an instinct deep in my soul. It told me to wait by the side of the road. I couldn¡¯t explain it, but it felt¡­ right. Like it was guiding me, the same way it had guided me earlier. With a resigned sigh, I walked to the edge of the road and sat down, leaning back on my hands as I gazed out over the endless expanse. ¡°Guess I¡¯m hitchhiking now,¡± I muttered to myself. Not that I had any other options. The breeze picked up, carrying with it the faint rustle of leaves and the gentle babble of the stream. For the first time in what felt like forever, I didn¡¯t feel trapped or weighed down by anything. I didn¡¯t know what was coming, but for now, all I could do was wait. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting the meadow in shades of warm gold and deepening shadow. I sat there by the road, the air cooler now, carrying the soft rustle of the cherry blossom petals that occasionally drifted by. The peaceful serenity of the place made it easy to lose track of time. But it had been hours. I could feel it. My stomach was grumbling, and the patience I didn¡¯t have much of to begin with was wearing thin. Sighing, I got up, brushing the dirt off my trousers and stretching. The blazer I¡¯d left under the tree seemed like a good idea now, so I walked back to retrieve it. Just as I stepped back onto the road, tugging the blazer over my shoulders, I saw it. At first, it was just a shape in the distance, cresting the far hill on the dirt path. But as it came closer, the details sharpened, and my breath caught. It was a carriage, but unlike anything I¡¯d ever seen before. Lavishly ornate, its golden frame gleamed in the fading sunlight, intricate carvings of flowers and swirls decorating every inch. Deep blue curtains trimmed with gold hung on its windows, swaying gently with the motion of the vehicle. Lanterns adorned its sides, their soft glow adding a magical touch against the growing dusk. And at the helm sat an old man, sharply dressed in a black suit with a top hat, his white gloves gripping the reins with precise control. But it wasn¡¯t the carriage or the old man that truly captured my attention. It was the creatures pulling it. They were velociraptors¡ªat least, that¡¯s the closest thing I could compare them to¡ªbut they were the size of horses, their sleek, muscular bodies covered in glistening scales of green and blue. Their powerful legs churned the dirt beneath them as they charged forward, their claws digging deep into the road with every step. Their harnesses were made of leather adorned with silver buckles and gemstones that caught the light as they moved. Their eyes, bright and intelligent, gleamed like polished amber. I froze, half in awe, half in disbelief. This was it¡ªthe first true fantasy I¡¯d seen since arriving in this strange world. My brain scrambled to process it all as the carriage came to a smooth stop in front of me. The old man atop the carriage tilted his head, looking down at me with an air of curiosity. ¡°Well, now,¡± he said in a refined accent, his tone calm but commanding. ¡°What¡¯s a young man like you doing here on the road, all alone?¡± I opened my mouth, but the words caught in my throat. After a moment, I managed to stammer, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m lost. And confused.¡± The old man raised a brow, looking me up and down. ¡°Lost, you say? Hm.¡± He adjusted his hat slightly before calling over his shoulder. ¡°M¡¯lady, it seems we¡¯ve found a young man, perhaps a few years your junior. He appears¡­ uncertain of himself.¡± A soft, sweet voice responded from inside the carriage, carrying a tone of warmth and authority. ¡°Does he seem like a threat?¡± The old man glanced back down at me. ¡°Tell me, lad, do you carry any weapons? A blade, perhaps?¡± Before I could even think of an answer, I felt it again¡ªthat pull deep within, that instinct that had guided me here. Without hesitation, I reached into my blazer pockets and turned them inside out, then patted down my trousers to show they were empty. ¡°No weapons,¡± I said, holding my hands up. The old man studied me for a moment before nodding, seemingly satisfied. ¡°Unarmed,¡± he announced toward the carriage. ¡°He doesn¡¯t seem dangerous.¡± ¡°Then he can join us,¡± the woman replied, her voice soft but firm. ¡°Let him in.¡± The old man motioned toward the carriage door. ¡°Go on, then. Get in. We haven¡¯t got all night.¡± Hesitant but with no better options, I stepped to the side of the carriage, reaching for the handle. When I opened the door and climbed in, my breath caught in my chest again. Sitting across from me was a girl, no¡ªa woman, just a few years older than me, dressed in an elegant gown of white and gold. Her long blonde hair cascaded in waves down her shoulders, glinting like spun sunlight, and a delicate golden tiara adorned her head, nestled among soft curls. Her sapphire-blue eyes sparkled with a warmth that felt otherworldly, framed by long lashes that gave her a serene, almost divine beauty. Jewels adorned her dress and earrings, catching the fading light and casting soft, colorful reflections. I stared, utterly captivated. She looked exactly like Selena Sawyer, my celebrity crush¡ªbut in this world, she was a fantasy princess, as if she¡¯d stepped straight out of a dream. Her every detail, from the curve of her lips to the soft glow of her skin, was flawless. Her gaze met mine, and she smiled¡ªa small, kind smile that made my chest tighten and my thoughts scatter. ¡°Welcome¡± she said, her voice as sweet as honey. I could do nothing but stare. Chapter 3: The Plot Begins Up close, her beauty was even more overwhelming¡ªevery detail of her face and attire was perfect, almost too perfect to seem real. For a few moments, I sat there awkwardly, staring at her like an idiot, before finally forcing myself to snap out of it. ¡°My name¡¯s Souta Tanaka,¡± I blurted, breaking the silence. My voice cracked slightly, and I cleared my throat, trying to steady myself. ¡°Uh¡­ thanks for letting me ride with you.¡± She tilted her head slightly, her golden curls brushing her shoulder as she smiled again. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Souta. My name is Princess Zia Zorianz.¡± I blinked. ¡°Princess?¡± I repeated, my voice a mix of disbelief and surprise. ¡°You¡¯re a princess?¡± Her lips curled upward, a faint trace of amusement in her expression. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to toot my own horn,¡± she said lightly, ¡°but yes, I am. I must say, I¡¯m a little surprised. It¡¯s not often I meet someone who doesn¡¯t know me.¡± I scratched the back of my head, trying to play it cool even though I felt like my brain was short-circuiting. ¡°Uh, yeah¡­ sorry about that,¡± I said awkwardly. ¡°I guess I¡¯m just¡­ not from around here.¡± Her eyes narrowed slightly, a curious look crossing her face. ¡°Not from around here? Then¡­ are you from The Zaurelias Empire, perhaps? Your name doesn¡¯t sound like one from the Kingdom of Zorion.¡± The Kingdom of Zorion. The name rang in my ears, and I realized that must be where I was now¡ªthis strange, fantasy-like kingdom. I hesitated for a moment, scrambling for an explanation. ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ really know where I am,¡± I admitted finally. ¡°I just¡­ woke up near the road where you found me. I don¡¯t remember anything about where I came from, just my name.¡± It wasn¡¯t exactly a lie, but it was close enough to the truth. No way I was going to drop the ¡°I¡¯m from another world¡± bomb on her right now. That would probably freak her out¡ªor worse, make her think I was crazy. Her expression shifted from curiosity to concern, her sapphire eyes softening. ¡°You don¡¯t know where you are?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with worry. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ troubling. You must have gone through something terrible.¡± I shrugged, trying to downplay it. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m just trying to figure it all out.¡± She leaned forward slightly, her tone gentle. ¡°Well, whatever it is, I¡¯ll help you. You¡¯re clearly in need of assistance, and I¡¯m not one to turn away someone in need.¡± For a moment, I just stared at her, taken aback by how kind she was. Here she was¡ªa literal princess¡ªoffering to help a complete stranger she¡¯d found on the side of the road. It wasn¡¯t just her beauty that was stunning; it was her warmth, her compassion. The driver¡¯s voice cut through the moment, calm and steady. ¡°We¡¯re approaching the woods of Luminaria Glade, M¡¯lady.¡± I glanced out the window, noticing the terrain beginning to change. The meadow was giving way to towering trees, their branches arching high above to form a canopy that filtered the golden light into soft, dappled shadows. Curiosity got the better of me, and I turned back to Zia. ¡°Where are we headed, anyway?¡± I asked. ¡°I¡­ guess I never really asked.¡± Her eyes widened slightly, and she laughed softly. ¡°Ah, forgive me. I should have told you sooner. We¡¯re traveling to the quaint village of Ham-Seyal. There¡¯s someone there I need to meet.¡± I nodded slowly, taking it in. Ham-Seyal. The name sounded like it belonged in a fantasy RPG, but it wasn¡¯t hard to picture it¡ªa rustic village with cobblestone streets, wooden cottages, and maybe a marketplace bustling with merchants. Something about it felt¡­ important, though I couldn¡¯t explain why. As the trees of Luminaria Glade began to surround the carriage, I leaned back in my seat, watching the shadows flicker across the carriage walls. In my mind, I couldn¡¯t help but think about what that spirit thing had said¡ªthat this world needed me. Maybe this was part of the journey I was meant to take. Maybe this meeting in Ham-Seyal was the first step in whatever grand plan I was supposed to fulfill. For now, though, I tried to focus on the moment. The soft hum of the carriage wheels against the dirt road, the occasional snort of the raptor-like creatures pulling us, and the serene presence of the princess across from me were enough to keep my thoughts grounded. The princess leaned forward slightly, a glimmer of excitement in her sapphire eyes. ¡°Look out the window,¡± she said softly, her voice carrying a sense of awe. ¡°This is Luminaria Glade, the most beautiful woodland in the Kingdom of Zorion.¡± I turned my head to the window and felt my breath catch in my chest. What I saw wasn¡¯t just beautiful¡ªit was otherworldly. Towering trees stretched endlessly into the sky, their trunks glowing faintly with golden veins of light that pulsed softly, as if alive. Between the trees, the air was alive with luminous fairies, their delicate wings leaving sparkling trails of light as they flitted through the glade. The ground was a carpet of glowing mushrooms, their soft blue and white hues creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Flowers, some as bright as stars and others shimmering with an ethereal glow, clustered in patches, adding bursts of vibrant color to the forest floor. Above, the full moon shone through the canopy, its silvery light mingling with the warm glow of the fairies¡¯ trails. The air seemed to hum with energy, a faint, soothing vibration that made the entire forest feel alive. Every part of the glade seemed to flow with a rhythm, as if the trees, flowers, and fairies were part of some grand, unseen orchestra. I leaned closer to the window, mesmerized. While the velociraptors pulling the carriage had been incredible in their own way, this was something else entirely. It was magic¡ªreal, undeniable magic. My heart raced as I took it all in, the awe almost overwhelming. Zia smiled at my expression. ¡°During the night, the fairies light up the glade using light mana,¡± she explained, her voice filled with reverence. ¡°It¡¯s said to be one of the oldest forests in the kingdom, and the mana keeps the evil at bay.¡± ¡°Mana,¡± I repeated under my breath, the word clicking in my head. It had to be the energy or power system of this world. If I was going to survive here, I¡¯d have to figure out how to use it¡ªand master it. But before I could ask about mana, something else she said stuck out. ¡°Wait¡­ evil? What kind of evil?¡± Her smile faded, and her gaze dropped to her lap. For the first time since I¡¯d met her, the warmth in her expression was replaced by something darker. She hesitated before whispering, ¡°Demons.¡± A chill ran through me at the word. I opened my mouth to press further, but the look on her face stopped me. Whatever these demons were, it was clear she didn¡¯t want to talk about them. I sank back into my seat, suddenly hyper aware of the soft hum of the forest around us. The beauty of the glade was still stunning, but the thought of demons lurking somewhere in this world made it hard to relax. The carriage continued its steady pace, the rhythmic sound of wheels crunching against the dirt road grounding me as we passed through the glade. The glowing mushrooms and shimmering fairies began to thin, the light fading into the distance as the trees gave way to open fields once more. As we emerged on the other side of the forest, I couldn¡¯t help but glance back, the memory of the glade burned into my mind. I''m so excited for this magical world!You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. The carriage rolled to a steady halt, the raptors snorting softly as the driver adjusted his reins. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived, M¡¯lady,¡± he announced, his voice cutting through the still night. I glanced out the window and saw the faint glow of lanterns illuminating the cobblestone streets. The village was nestled between rolling hills, its half-timbered houses clustered closely together. Though the architecture felt distinctly European¡ªat least the way I¡¯d seen it depicted in fantasy novels and anime¡ªthere was an air of tranquility that made it feel¡­ otherworldly. Water from a small stream wound its way through the village, its soft trickle adding to the serene atmosphere. Flowerbeds and vegetable gardens dotted the area, their colors muted in the pale moonlight, and stone bridges arched gracefully over the flowing water. But something felt off. Despite the picturesque setting, the village was eerily silent. There were no bustling sounds of late-night activity, no distant chatter, not even the occasional bark of a dog. Just the faint hum of the lanterns and the rhythmic creak of the carriage wheels as we began to move through the village once more. ¡°This is Ham-Seyal?¡± I asked, breaking the silence as I turned to Zia. She nodded, her golden hair catching the moonlight. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s usually much livelier during the day, but at night¡­ people prefer to stay indoors. It¡¯s safer that way.¡± I frowned but chose not to press further. Instead, I decided to steer the conversation somewhere lighter. ¡°You said your name was Princess Zia Zorianz, right? So, where are you from?¡± ¡°My city is called Zion,¡± she said, her voice carrying a note of pride. ¡°It¡¯s the heart of the Kingdom of Zorion¡ªbeautiful, bustling, and full of history.¡± ¡°Zion,¡± I repeated, the name striking a chord in my mind. Back home, the word was loaded with meaning¡ªa symbol of hope for some, controversy for others. It was strange to hear it used so casually here, almost like a regular city name. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ interesting.¡± She tilted her head, curious. ¡°What¡¯s so interesting about it?¡± I hesitated, realizing I couldn¡¯t explain without revealing too much about my world. ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± I said quickly, scratching the back of my head. ¡°It just sounds¡­ important.¡± ¡°It is,¡± she said with a soft smile. ¡°To me, it¡¯s the most important place in the world. It¡¯s where my people live, where my family¡¯s legacy lies.¡± I nodded, looking out the window again. The carriage descended a gentle slope, the village expanding below us. The lower part of Ham-Seyal was flatter, its buildings slightly more spread out, with small farms and workshops lining the edges. A waterwheel turned lazily in the stream, its creaking blades blending with the occasional hoot of an owl. The glow of the lanterns seemed softer here, almost as if the lower part of the village was tucked away in its own quiet pocket of the world. For someone like me¡ªsomeone who¡¯d spent his whole life in Japan¡¯s crowded cities¡ªthis was like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale. Sure, I¡¯d seen pictures of European towns online, but this was exactly what I¡¯d imagined an isekai village to look like. Quaint, peaceful, and just a little mysterious. ¡°So,¡± I asked, turning back to Zia, ¡°who are we here to meet?¡± Her lips curved into a playful smirk. ¡°He¡¯s a very famous man. The lord of this area.¡± ¡°The lord?¡± I echoed, raising an eyebrow. ¡°That sounds¡­ important. Who is he?¡± She leaned back in her seat, clearly enjoying herself. ¡°Oh, I think I¡¯ll keep that a surprise. You¡¯ll meet him soon enough.¡± I frowned, not entirely satisfied with her teasing, but before I could press further, something strange happened. It was subtle at first, a faint hum in the back of my mind. Then it grew stronger, clearer, until I felt it¡ªhim. It was the spirit from before that had guided me so far. It whispered to me, not in words but in a feeling, a truth that settled into my soul. The one you¡¯re about to meet is vital. He is a key to what lies ahead. My breath hitched, and my chest tightened as the message sank in. This wasn¡¯t just a casual meeting. Whoever this lord was, he wasn¡¯t just some local noble. He was important¡ªcrucial, even. The spirit¡¯s presence faded as quickly as it had come, leaving me with the weight of its message. I glanced back out the window as the carriage rolled deeper into the village. The cobblestone streets glistened faintly under the lantern light, and the stillness of the night felt heavier now, almost expectant. Whatever lay ahead, I knew this wasn¡¯t just a stop on the road. This was the next chapter of the story I¡¯d somehow found myself in. The carriage descended the final slope, and there it was¡ªan estate unlike anything I¡¯d ever seen before. The manor loomed over the village, its grandeur almost surreal. Tall spires pierced the night sky, their pointed roofs glinting faintly under the moonlight. A massive central dome dominated the structure, surrounded by intricate Gothic-style architecture that radiated elegance and power. The walls were lined with stained-glass windows, their intricate designs catching the faint glow of lanterns from within. Beautifully manicured gardens stretched out in front, featuring perfectly symmetrical flowerbeds and hedges. A large fountain stood at the center of the driveway, water cascading gracefully into its basin, reflecting the silvery light of the moon. It was a sight straight out of a fantasy tale. The carriage came to a halt in front of the grand double doors, which were adorned with elaborate carvings of vines and mythical creatures. Before I could fully process the sight, the doors swung open, and someone stepped out onto the wide stone steps. She was tall¡ªeasily a few inches taller than Zia; who was my height so she was unfortunately taller than me as well¡ªand carried herself with a confident, almost predatory grace. Her long golden brunette hair flowed like silk, her feline ears twitching slightly as they caught the cool breeze. Her fiery amber eyes glowed faintly in the dark, and her sharp gaze made me feel like she was assessing every inch of me. She was dressed in an outfit that struck a perfect balance between ornate and functional. Golden accents glinted against white and earthy tones, and a thick fur collar added a regal touch. A long tail swayed lazily behind her, the same color as her hair. She looked wild and composed all at once¡ªa mix that was hard to ignore. The driver hopped down from the carriage and opened the door for Zia. He bowed slightly as he helped her step out with his usual practiced grace. I followed, clumsily stumbling onto the cobblestone, still awestruck by the sheer scale of the manor and the striking figure now standing before us. The woman¡¯s sharp gaze shifted to me, narrowing slightly as she spoke. Her voice was calm but carried a clear edge of authority. ¡°Princess Zia, Lord Yohei Kingston is waiting for you in the dining hall.¡± Zia gave her a warm smile. ¡°Thank you, Leo.¡± The woman¡ªLeo¡ªnodded but didn¡¯t take her eyes off me. ¡°And who¡¯s this?¡± Zia stepped slightly in front of me, her presence softening the tension in the air. ¡°This is Souta,¡± she said lightly. ¡°He¡¯s a friend of mine in need of Lord Kingston¡¯s assistance.¡± Leo¡¯s amber eyes flicked over me again, as though she were analyzing every detail. Her tail swished once, sharply. ¡°Is that so?¡± she muttered. ¡°Yep. That¡¯s me,¡± I said quickly, offering an awkward wave. ¡°Souta Tanaka.¡± Leo raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t comment on my nervous introduction. Instead, she let out a small huff and crossed her arms. ¡°Fine. If the princess vouches for you, I¡¯ll allow it. But don¡¯t expect any special treatment. You¡¯re here as a guest, and that¡¯s all.¡± I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Definitely a tsundere, I thought to myself, barely hiding my smirk. It was almost funny how perfectly she fit the archetype. The driver cleared his throat, breaking the moment. ¡°I¡¯ll handle unloading the princess¡¯s luggage and return as planned in a few days.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Zia said warmly, nodding in gratitude. The driver gave a respectful bow before turning back to the carriage. Meanwhile, Leo motioned for us to follow her. ¡°This way,¡± she said simply, her tone leaving no room for argument. Zia walked beside me as we approached the massive double doors. The intricate carvings seemed to shimmer faintly in the moonlight, and the air grew heavier as we neared the entrance. I couldn¡¯t help but glance at Zia, my curiosity getting the better of me. ¡°Who is Leo?¡± I whispered. Zia smiled, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. ¡°She¡¯s Lord Kingston¡¯s apprentice. Brilliant, loyal, and¡­ well, not the easiest to get along with.¡± I glanced ahead at Leo, who was striding confidently toward the doors, her tail swaying behind her. That last part was painfully obvious, but I decided not to comment. As we reached the grand entrance, Leo pushed the doors open with ease, revealing the warm glow spilling from within. I hesitated for just a moment, the sheer size and grandeur of the building overwhelming me. My breath caught, and my chest tightened. I didn¡¯t fully understand it, but I knew this wasn¡¯t just some random encounter. Meeting Lord Yohei Kingston wasn¡¯t a coincidence. This was another step in the journey I¡¯d been brought here to take. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, following Zia and Leo into the largest house I¡¯d ever seen. Chapter 4: Exposition Dump The manor was the kind of place that made you feel like you didn¡¯t belong the second you walked in¡ªwell, at least it made me feel that way. The air was cool and lightly perfumed with something floral and citrusy, and everything from the vaulted ceilings to the polished marble floor screamed wealth. Chandeliers dripping with crystal bathed the room in soft light, and every wall was adorned with oil paintings or intricate carvings. Even the banisters along the grand staircase looked like they cost more than my entire neighborhood back home. ¡°This place¡­¡± I muttered, my voice trailing off as my eyes darted from one incredible sight to the next. Leo¡¯s voice cut through my awe like a blade. ¡°Try not to get drool on the floor, Souta. The servants don¡¯t clean up after lost puppies.¡± I turned sharply to glare at her, but my face was already burning. ¡°I¡¯m not drooling!¡± I snapped, though my voice came out more defensive than I wanted. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ taking it all in.¡± Leo¡¯s tail flicked lazily behind her as a smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth. ¡°Sure you are. You¡¯ve got that wide-eyed, lost-little-boy look. Honestly, I¡¯d be more surprised if you had seen a place like this before.¡± ¡°I might¡¯ve,¡± I muttered, though the words felt weak even to me. ¡°You don¡¯t know that.¡± Leo snorted, her amber eyes gleaming with amusement. ¡°Right. Sure you have.¡± Zia stepped in with a soft, soothing tone. ¡°Leo, that¡¯s enough. He¡¯s obviously been through a lot, and teasing him isn¡¯t helping.¡± Leo rolled her eyes but didn¡¯t argue. Instead, she tossed me a sideways glance that felt like a challenge. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll leave him alone. For now.¡± I let out a breath I hadn¡¯t realized I¡¯d been holding and gave Zia a grateful look. ¡°Thanks,¡± I mumbled. She smiled warmly, her sapphire eyes kind. ¡°Of course. You¡¯re a guest here, Souta, and you should feel comfortable. I can¡¯t imagine how difficult it must be, not knowing where you are or how you got here.¡± Her words were genuine, and they hit harder than I expected. I looked down at my shoes, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. ¡°Yeah¡­ It¡¯s been weird,¡± I admitted. ¡°But I¡¯m managing.¡± Zia nodded thoughtfully. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. And don¡¯t worry¡ªwe¡¯ll do what we can to help.¡± Leo sighed loudly, her tail swishing with exaggerated impatience. ¡°Are we going to stand here all night, or are we actually going to meet Lord Kingston?¡± ¡°Patience, Leo,¡± Zia said with a soft laugh. ¡°We¡¯re going.¡± Leo didn¡¯t respond, but the flick of her ears suggested she wasn¡¯t thrilled about being told to wait. Without another word, she turned and led us down the long corridor. The dining hall was like something out of a storybook. A massive table stretched nearly the length of the room, its surface gleaming under the light of golden candelabras. It was covered with an incredible spread¡ªroasted meats, fresh fruits, steaming soups, and pastries so perfect they looked more like art than food. The aromas filled the air, making my stomach growl loudly enough that I was sure everyone heard. And at the head of the table sat him. Yohei Kingston. He didn¡¯t look like I¡¯d imagined. I thought he¡¯d be an older man¡ªsomeone with gray hair, maybe a beard, and a stern face. But the man before me seemed almost ethereal, like he didn¡¯t belong to this world. His long, dark teal hair cascaded over his shoulders like flowing water, streaked with shimmering shades of blue that caught the light with every movement. His sharp features¡ªhigh cheekbones, a perfectly straight nose, and full lips¡ªwere framed by a faint, otherworldly glow. But it was his eyes that stopped me dead. They were an electric, piercing blue, like the depths of an ocean, and they seemed to see straight through me, even though his expression was calm and welcoming. He wore a flowing robe in shades of azure and cream, the fabric patterned with swirling designs reminiscent of waves. Despite the elegance of his attire and the power he radiated, there was something inherently laid-back about him, as if he had all the time in the world. ¡°Well,¡± Yohei said, his voice smooth and relaxed, ¡°it seems I have unexpected company tonight.¡± Zia stepped forward with her usual grace. ¡°Lord Yohei Kingston,¡± she said, her tone respectful but warm, ¡°this is Souta. He¡¯s¡­ well, he¡¯s lost and doesn¡¯t remember how he got here.¡± Yohei tilted his head slightly, his gaze shifting to me. I felt it immediately¡ªlike he was looking right through me, not in a menacing way, but in a way that made me feel like he already knew everything about me. ¡°Lost, huh?¡± he said, his lips curling into a faint smile. ¡°Interesting. Tell me, Souta, how does someone like you end up in a place like this?¡± I hesitated, fumbling for words. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t really know,¡± I admitted, my voice quieter than I wanted. ¡°I just¡­ woke up near the road.¡± Yohei studied me for a moment longer before leaning back in his chair. ¡°Fascinating,¡± he said simply. Then he gestured to the table. ¡°Well, you¡¯re here now. Sit, eat, and let¡¯s talk. I¡¯d like to hear more about your journey.¡± I nodded stiffly and moved to take a seat near the middle of the table, trying not to trip over my own feet. Zia settled gracefully beside me, while Leo stood a few steps behind, her arms crossed as she watched everything with a sharp, unreadable expression. As I awkwardly adjusted my chair, Yohei¡¯s gaze lingered on me, his smile growing slightly. ¡°You seem tense,¡± he said lightly. ¡°Relax, Souta. You¡¯re among friends here.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I muttered, avoiding his eyes. ¡°Thanks.¡± Leo snickered softly, and I turned to glare at her. ¡°What?¡± I asked, my voice defensive. ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± she said, her tone dripping with amusement. ¡°You¡¯re just¡­ fun to watch.¡± I groaned, sinking a little lower in my chair. ¡°Glad I can entertain you.¡± Zia placed a gentle hand on my arm, her touch soothing. ¡°Don¡¯t mind her,¡± she said softly. ¡°She¡¯s like this with everyone. It¡¯s her way of showing she cares.¡± ¡°I doubt that,¡± I muttered, though the corner of my mouth twitched upward in a reluctant smile. Yohei chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. ¡°This is going to be an interesting dinner,¡± he said, his electric blue eyes gleaming with amusement. ¡°Now, let¡¯s eat. Stories are best told over a good meal.¡± I glanced at the feast laid out before me, and for the first time since stepping into the manor, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I wasn¡¯t as out of place here as I thought. The meal began quietly enough. Platters of food were passed around, and I did my best not to embarrass myself by fumbling with any of the dishes. Everything looked incredible¡ªroasted meats with golden-brown skins that glistened with juices, colorful salads with exotic-looking vegetables, and pastries so delicate they practically melted in my mouth. I¡¯d barely taken a few bites before I realized how ravenous I was, and for a while, I focused on eating, letting the silence of the room settle around me. Even Leo, who hadn¡¯t held back her jabs earlier, seemed uncharacteristically quiet as she nibbled on a piece of bread. Zia, sitting to my right, ate with the kind of poise you¡¯d expect from a princess¡ªsmall, deliberate bites that somehow still looked elegant. Across the table, Yohei lounged comfortably in his chair, occasionally sipping from a goblet of what looked like wine, though the color was a deep, shimmering blue. As the meal wore on, it was Zia who finally broke the silence, setting down her fork with a soft clink. ¡°Lord Kingston,¡± she began, her tone polite but carrying a sense of urgency, ¡°I believe we should discuss the reason I¡¯m here.¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Yohei raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. ¡°Straight to the point, I see. Very well, Princess. Why don¡¯t you enlighten me?¡± Zia glanced briefly at me, as if gauging how much she could say in front of a stranger, but after a moment, she continued. ¡°Luis Amador, your apprentice, recently reported an attack on the Great Wall.¡± Yohei¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but I noticed a flicker of something in his eyes¡ªconcern, perhaps? ¡°The Great Wall,¡± he repeated, his voice quieter now. ¡°What kind of attack?¡± ¡°We assume a Beast from the Open Lands,¡± Zia said, her tone grim. ¡°He described it as¡­ stronger than anything he¡¯s encountered before. It breached the wall, Lord Kingston. It was seemingly defeated but with a breached wall and possibly more beasts that could be this strong. The Kingdom of Zorion cannot afford to ignore this.¡± My fork froze halfway to my mouth as I listened, my mind racing. Beast? Open Lands? A breached wall? This was starting to feel like one of those pivotal moments in a game where the characters dump a ton of lore all at once. Except this wasn¡¯t a game¡ªit was real, and I was smack in the middle of it. Yohei sighed, setting his goblet down with a soft thunk. ¡°And I¡¯m guessing this is where I come in?¡± Zia nodded. ¡°Unfortunately, yes. The Kingdom only has one active Arknight right now, and while Luis is formidable, he¡¯s only one man. We need you, Lord Kingston. Even if it¡¯s just for a little while.¡± He leaned back in his chair, his electric blue eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°So, the Kingdom sends its favorite princess to convince an old man to come out of retirement. I should¡¯ve guessed.¡± Zia¡¯s lips twitched into a small, apologetic smile. ¡°It¡¯s not just the Kingdom asking. I¡¯m asking. You were¡ªand still are¡ªone of the strongest Arknights in the world. If anyone can help us now, it¡¯s you.¡± Yohei let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. ¡°Flattery, Princess? Really?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not flattery,¡± Zia said firmly. ¡°It¡¯s the truth. The Kingdom still needs you.¡± For the first time since I¡¯d met her, Leo was silent, her sharp amber eyes watching Yohei intently. The playful banter she¡¯d thrown my way earlier was gone, replaced by a seriousness that made the air feel heavier. Even the servants, who moved around the edges of the room refilling goblets and clearing plates, seemed quieter now, their footsteps muffled against the marble floor. I swallowed hard, suddenly hyper aware of the weight of the conversation. They were talking about a kingdom on the brink, about defenses failing, and about one of the strongest warriors in the world being called back into action. And here I was, some random guy with no clue how I¡¯d ended up here, sitting in on a discussion that felt like it was pulled straight out of a legend. It was like watching a cutscene in a game¡ªone of those moments where all the key players gather to explain the stakes before the real action begins. But I wasn¡¯t just watching; I was here, and I could feel the importance of every word spoken. I leaned back slightly, my mind racing as I tried to process everything. The Great Wall. Beasts. Arknights. Yohei Kingston was apparently one of them, and from the sound of it, they weren¡¯t just any ordinary warriors. The way Zia spoke about him¡ªwith that mix of reverence and urgency¡ªmade it clear just how vital he was. But there was one thing I still didn¡¯t understand, one thing that nagged at me like an itch I couldn¡¯t scratch. I shifted in my seat, glancing nervously between Zia, Yohei, and Leo. It was a stupid question, probably, but I couldn¡¯t stop myself. ¡°What¡­ what exactly is an Arknight?¡± I asked, my voice cutting through the heavy silence. The room went still. Zia froze, her sapphire eyes widening slightly as she turned to look at me. Yohei¡¯s hand paused mid-reach for his goblet, and even Leo, who had been leaning casually against the wall, straightened up, her sharp gaze snapping to me. All three of them stared at me like I¡¯d just asked what the sun was. The weight of their silence pressed down on me, and I suddenly felt very, very small. I swallowed hard, my palms damp against the edge of the table. Whatever I¡¯d just walked into, it was bigger than I¡¯d realized. Yohei¡¯s laughter filled the dining hall, light and carefree, breaking the thick silence that had fallen after my question. His deep, resonant chuckle bounced off the walls, and I could feel my face heating up as even Zia began to giggle softly. I glanced at her, and she quickly covered her mouth with a gloved hand, her sapphire eyes sparkling with amusement. Then came the last laugh¡ªLeo¡¯s. It wasn¡¯t a loud, boisterous laugh like Yohei¡¯s or a refined, delicate one like Zia¡¯s. No, it was sharp and quick, a single burst that sounded almost mocking. She crossed her arms, her golden tail flicking behind her as she smirked. ¡°Of course he doesn¡¯t know,¡± she muttered, shaking her head. ¡°I should¡¯ve seen this coming.¡± I squirmed in my seat, my face burning with embarrassment. ¡°I mean¡­¡± I started to mumble, but Zia leaned in, her voice soft and reassuring. ¡°Don¡¯t feel bad, Souta,¡± she said kindly. ¡°You mentioned you had amnesia, remember? It makes sense you wouldn¡¯t know.¡± Yohei waved a hand dismissively, his blue eyes glimmering with humor. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Souta. Just a bit surprising. It¡¯s not every day someone doesn¡¯t know what an Arknight is.¡± Leo snorted, clearly less forgiving. ¡°With respect, Master,¡± she said, her voice tinged with exasperation, ¡°you shouldn¡¯t have to explain something so obvious.¡± ¡°Well, then,¡± Yohei said with a playful grin, leaning back in his chair and gesturing toward Leo, ¡°why don¡¯t you do the honors?¡± Leo blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yes, you,¡± Yohei replied, his grin widening. ¡°You¡¯re so confident it¡¯s obvious, so enlighten our guest.¡± Leo sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. ¡°Fine,¡± she muttered, straightening up as if preparing to deliver a lecture. ¡°Listen up, Souta. This is the last time I¡¯m explaining something this basic.¡± I nodded quickly, eager to soak in whatever information she was about to throw at me, though her tone still stung a little. ¡°Arknights,¡± she began, her voice steady and firm, ¡°are the defenders of the earth. Demon killers.¡± Her last words came out sharp, almost biting, and the room seemed to grow colder at the mention of demons. Even Zia¡¯s smile faltered slightly, her gaze lowering to her hands. Leo pressed on, unbothered by the shift in mood. ¡°Arknights are rare¡ªvery rare. They¡¯re individuals with a natural connection to mana, which grants them abilities that ordinary people could never dream of. These abilities range from enhanced physical and mental capabilities to manipulating elements or¡­ stranger powers that are not demonic in origin.¡± She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. ¡°And,¡± she added, her tone taking on a slight edge of pride, ¡°Arknights aren¡¯t bound to just one race. Humans, elves, dwarves, demi-humans like me¡ªanyone with a strong connection to the mana grid can become one.¡± It took me a moment to process what she¡¯d said. Humans, elves, dwarves, and demi-humans? I glanced at Leo, suddenly realizing for the first time that her tail and ears weren¡¯t just for show. She wasn¡¯t just some uniquely talented human¡ªshe was an entirely different species. My mind reeled at the thought of other beings¡ªelves and dwarves¡ªwalking around somewhere in this world. And here I was, sitting between a princess and a demi-human like it was the most normal thing in the world. Leo noticed my wide-eyed look and smirked again, clearly amused by my reaction. ¡°Yes, Souta,¡± she said dryly, ¡°dwarves and elves exist too. Try to keep up.¡± I quickly averted my gaze, embarrassed again, but I didn¡¯t ask more questions. The word ¡°mana grid¡± had caught my attention, but I didn¡¯t want to push my luck by asking for another explanation. I figured I¡¯d learn more about it later¡ªafter all, this was just the beginning, right? Leo continued, her tone growing more confident. ¡°Arknights are the most famous warriors in the world, respected and revered for their strength and courage. People like Master Yohei, Luis Amador, or¡ª¡± she straightened slightly, puffing out her chest¡ª¡°me, an Arknight in training, are rare.¡± That last bit didn¡¯t escape me. The subtle change in her tone, the way she emphasized herself¡ªit was clear she was proud of her status, and maybe even showing off a little. I didn¡¯t say anything, though. No need to add fuel to her already blazing ego. When she finished, I nodded, absorbing the information. ¡°I see,¡± I said slowly. ¡°So, Arknights are, like¡­ the ultimate heroes?¡± ¡°More or less,¡± Leo replied, crossing her arms. ¡°Though it¡¯s not a title you just hand out. It takes skill, training, and an innate connection to mana. Not everyone can be an Arknight.¡± I hesitated for a moment, then turned to Yohei. ¡°Do you think¡­ I could be one?¡± The room went silent again. Leo froze, her golden eyes narrowing as her tail lashed sharply behind her. For a moment, she looked like she was about to explode, but Zia quickly placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering her a playful smile. ¡°Calm down, Leo,¡± Zia said softly. ¡°It¡¯s just a question.¡± Leo huffed, clearly annoyed but choosing to stay quiet. I could practically feel her frustration radiating from across the table. Yohei, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed. He chuckled, his blue eyes glinting with amusement as he leaned forward, resting his chin on one hand. ¡°You, an Arknight?¡± he said, his voice light and teasing. ¡°Well, it¡¯s certainly possible. But there¡¯s only one way to find out.¡± I blinked, leaning in slightly. ¡°How?¡± He grinned, as if dealing with a curious child. ¡°We¡¯ll check with the local nymph tomorrow. He has a way of sensing these things.¡± A nymph? My heart skipped a beat. I had no idea what a nymph looked like in this world, but the word alone sent my imagination racing. I pictured something ethereal, beautiful, and completely otherworldly. The idea of meeting a nymph was enough to get my blood pumping, but what really got me excited was the possibility of finding out if I had some kind of special power. This had to be the moment. The moment where The Origin¡ªwhatever it was¡ªrevealed my destiny. Sure, I wasn¡¯t exactly a ¡°faith is enough¡± kind of guy, but maybe this was the payoff. Maybe I¡¯d finally get something that made sense, something tangible. ¡°Thank you!¡± I said, my voice bursting with excitement as I grinned at Yohei. ¡°I can¡¯t wait.¡± Yohei laughed softly, shaking his head. ¡°We¡¯ll see, Souta. We¡¯ll see.¡± As I sat there, practically vibrating with anticipation, my mind buzzed with possibilities. Tomorrow couldn¡¯t come fast enough. If this was a story, then this was the part where my powers would awaken. I was sure of it. After all, faith wasn¡¯t a power. Right? Chapter 5: The Decision An hour later, after the last bites of the meal had been devoured and the conversations had wound down, Leo led us down the long, dimly lit corridors of the manor. Her footsteps were steady and measured, the soft swish of her tail occasionally brushing against the floor as we walked in relative silence. The warmth of the meal had settled in, and I felt both full and strangely relaxed, but my mind was still buzzing from everything I¡¯d learned. ¡°So, how was the meal?¡± Leo asked, her voice breaking the quiet as she glanced back at us over her shoulder. There was an edge of teasing in her tone, but it was softer than earlier. Zia smiled, clearly in a good mood after the dinner. ¡°It was delicious,¡± she said, her voice warm and content. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve had a meal like that in a while. Master Yohei¡¯s chef really knows his craft.¡± ¡°Yeah, definitely,¡± I added quickly, still full from everything they¡¯d laid out. ¡°The food was incredible.¡± Leo made a noise that sounded almost like a snicker. ¡°I¡¯m glad you liked it. Though, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re too busy gawking at everything to really appreciate it, right?¡± I shot her a look. ¡°Hey, I was just taking it all in,¡± I said, feeling a little defensive. ¡°It¡¯s not every day you find yourself in a manor like this.¡± Leo just shrugged with a smirk, her amber eyes gleaming. ¡°Sure, sure. Whatever you say, lost boy.¡± I wasn¡¯t sure if I should be offended or amused, but I chose to ignore her for now. Zia chuckled softly at the exchange, her eyes twinkling with mirth. ¡°I think Leo¡¯s just jealous that you liked the food more than her company,¡± Zia teased, her smile playful. Leo rolled her eyes, but the small flush of color on her cheeks betrayed her. ¡°Don¡¯t get too comfortable, Zia,¡± she muttered, ¡°or I¡¯ll make sure you regret it.¡± Zia only laughed, clearly unbothered by the playful jabs. ¡°I think I¡¯ll take my chances,¡± she said lightly. Leo didn¡¯t respond, but she turned her attention to the doors at the end of the hall. ¡°You¡¯re almost there,¡± she said, gesturing toward two rooms on opposite sides of the hall. ¡°Zia, your room is on the right, with the balcony. You¡¯ll have a good view of the gardens.¡± Zia¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°A balcony!¡± she exclaimed. ¡°I¡¯ve always loved balconies. There¡¯s something so peaceful about sitting out and looking over the grounds.¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve always wanted a balcony,¡± I said, unable to stop myself from joining in. I was definitely more used to cramped city apartments back home¡ªthis manor was like nothing I¡¯d ever seen before. Leo glanced at me with a sly smile. ¡°Sorry, no balcony for you, Souta. You¡¯ll be lucky if your room has a window that doesn¡¯t face the wall.¡± I shot Leo an exaggerated glare, feeling a bit embarrassed at the teasing. ¡°Great, I get the fancy room without the view,¡± I muttered under my breath. Zia, however, seemed to sense my discomfort and quickly came to my defense. ¡°Well, if you ever feel like looking out over the garden,¡± she said, her voice soft, ¡°you can always come to my room and use my balcony. I¡¯ll give you permission, of course.¡± The offer caught me off guard. ¡°I can¡¯t just walk into a princess¡¯s room,¡± I stammered, suddenly realizing just how kind Zia was being, offering such a thing so casually. Zia smiled gently, her eyes sincere. ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± she said, her tone almost shy now. ¡°If you ever want to take a break or get some fresh air, you¡¯re welcome to come up. Just knock first, okay?¡± I nodded quickly, feeling my cheeks warm. ¡°I won¡¯t¡­ I won¡¯t just barge in,¡± I said, still processing how thoughtful she was. Leo seemed to sense the shift in the air and shook her head with an exaggerated sigh. ¡°You two are a real pair of softies, aren¡¯t you? Fine, I¡¯ll leave you to your rooms. Remember, though, the doors don¡¯t open on their own.¡± With a final smirk, Leo turned on her heel and started to head down the hall, no doubt eager to return to her own duties. I watched her go for a moment before turning to Zia, still feeling a little awkward about everything.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. As Zia and I stood outside our rooms, the quiet of the manor wrapped around us. After the laughter and conversation of dinner, everything felt oddly still. The weight of the day hung in the air, but Zia, sensing my lingering unease, broke the silence. ¡°So, Souta,¡± she began gently, ¡°what do you remember from your life before all this?¡± I paused, feeling the lump in my throat tighten. The truth was, there wasn¡¯t much to remember. My past had been nothing extraordinary, just ordinary life, but I didn¡¯t feel like talking about it now. ¡°Nothing worth thinking about,¡± I replied, trying to sound casual. She seemed to understand immediately, her gaze softening. ¡°I see,¡± she murmured, her voice gentle. ¡°You don¡¯t have to talk about it if you don¡¯t want to.¡± I gave her a small, grateful smile. ¡°I¡¯m just excited to be here,¡± I said, trying to push past the heaviness of my past. ¡°Feels like I¡¯ve got a new chance at life.¡± Her smile widened at my words, and I could see a flicker of something in her eyes, something wistful. ¡°I wish I could say the same,¡± she replied, her voice quieter now. ¡°I¡¯m glad for you, Souta. Really.¡± I looked at her curiously. ¡°Why? You¡¯re a princess. You have everything.¡± Zia¡¯s expression faltered slightly, and she lowered her eyes, her voice dropping even more. ¡°It¡¯s a secret, so keep it to yourself, okay?¡± she said, glancing back up at me with a serious, almost vulnerable look. I nodded quickly, intrigued but respecting her privacy. ¡°Of course,¡± I said, not wanting to press her. Zia took a deep breath, her smile returning, though it seemed strained. ¡°I¡¯m getting married soon,¡± she said softly, the words coming out more like a confession than a statement. My heart dropped in my chest. I didn¡¯t say anything, but the news hit harder than I expected. I forced a smile, trying to act happy for her. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ great,¡± I said, though my voice felt hollow. ¡°I¡¯m sure whoever he is, he¡¯s a lucky man.¡± Zia hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. ¡°He is a great man, someone I respect. But... it feels like I¡¯m being rushed into it for the Kingdom¡¯s sake. My father insists on it, and I¡¯m expected to fulfill my duty.¡± She sighed softly. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to explore, to see the world more. I¡¯ve always dreamed of adventures, but my father is very strict. This was the last trip I was allowed to take by myself before I get married.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her. Here she was, a princess, with so much responsibility on her shoulders, and yet she longed for the freedom I had. I wanted to cheer her up, to help ease the burden she carried. ¡°At least you¡¯re marrying someone you respect, right?¡± I said, my voice coming out a little more strained than I intended. ¡°And, you can see these next couple of days as a vacation, right? An adventure before the real duty begins.¡± Zia¡¯s smile softened, her eyes brightening a little at my words. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she agreed, her tone lighter. ¡°I¡¯ll have to make the most of it. Thank you, Souta. I really appreciate that.¡± I smiled at her, feeling a little relieved to see her so much happier. Then, she added, ¡°You¡¯re a true gentleman, Souta. Any woman would be lucky to have you.¡± I felt my face flush at the compliment. ¡°Th-thank you,¡± I stammered, not knowing what to say. My heart skipped a beat, but I tried not to let it show. Zia stood, smoothing her dress down, clearly ready to end our conversation for the night. ¡°I¡¯m going to get changed,¡± she said, a teasing glint in her eye. ¡°I can¡¯t spend any more time in these sweaty clothes, being a lady and all.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± I replied, feeling a little awkward as she turned toward her room. ¡°Goodnight, Zia.¡± ¡°Goodnight, Souta,¡± she said, her voice warm. ¡°Don¡¯t make yourself a stranger, okay? You¡¯re a future Arknight after all.¡± Her words left me a little stunned as she closed the door behind her. I stood there for a moment, my chest tight, trying to collect my thoughts. She was kind, funny, and beautiful in a way I couldn¡¯t quite explain. My heart fluttered in my chest, but I pushed the feeling aside. I couldn¡¯t let myself get too caught up in it. But then, as I stood there alone in the hall, a sudden chill ran down my spine, an eerie, unsettling feeling that had nothing to do with the cool air of the manor. It was as if something had shifted, like the weight of the world had gotten heavier. I shook it off, dismissing it as nothing more than my nerves. With a final deep breath, I turned toward my room, stepping inside and closing the door behind me. The feeling lingered, but I ignored it as I began to unpack my thoughts for the night. Something told me the next few days were going to be far from ordinary. I glanced around my room, taking in the simple yet comfortable aesthetic. The soft golden light spilling through the window gave the space a warm, inviting feel. It wasn¡¯t extravagant, but it was more than I had ever expected to have in a place like this. There was a large bed in the center, a wooden desk covered with a few books and papers, and a wardrobe beside the wall. Everything was in its place, neat and tidy. The eerie feeling that had been following me all day still lingered in the air. I couldn''t shake it, but I pushed it aside as best as I could. I wasn¡¯t going to let it get to me. I pulled off my shirt, tossing it onto the chair and slipping into my vest and pants. I caught my reflection in the mirror briefly, trying to ignore the fact that I still felt... out of place. After all, here I was in a foreign world with a mission I didn¡¯t fully understand. But that didn¡¯t matter¡ªI was going to get strong. I was the main character, right? I was going to become an Arknight. I was going to prove that I was worthy of Zia¡¯s attention, worthy of her love. She seemed like someone who respected her fianc¨¦, but not necessarily loved him, and that was where I came in. I was chosen by The Origin¡ªGod, or whatever the being was. If she didn¡¯t love me yet, well, maybe she would. Or maybe she already did. After all, I was going to be strong, and strong men in nearly all Isekai''s could do anything. Chapter 6: The Nymph The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, painting the room in warm hues of gold and pink. I opened my eyes and immediately felt a jolt of excitement course through me. This wasn¡¯t just any morning¡ªthis was the morning. Today was the day I¡¯d meet a nymph, maybe find out if I had what it took to be an Arknight, and possibly uncover what The Origin had in store for me. Throwing off the covers, I sat up and swung my legs over the side of the bed. The floor was cool under my feet, but it didn¡¯t bother me. I stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh as I glanced around the room. It was still surreal to wake up in a place like this¡ªa room in a grand manor with more luxury than I¡¯d ever experienced back home. I stood and headed to the wardrobe, pulling the doors open with a small smile. The clothes inside weren¡¯t fancy, but they were definitely a step up from what I was used to. I grabbed a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, slipping them on quickly. As I buttoned up the shirt, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My hair was its usual mess, and I still looked like the same Souta Tanaka as always, but something about today felt different. Special. Like maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªI was finally stepping into the kind of life I¡¯d always dreamed of. A knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. ¡°Souta,¡± came Leo¡¯s sharp voice from the other side. ¡°It¡¯s time for breakfast. Don¡¯t make me drag you out of there.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, I¡¯m coming!¡± I called back, shaking my head with a small laugh. Typical Leo. I ran a hand through my hair, gave my reflection one last glance, and headed for the door. Today was going to be amazing¡ªI could feel it. Leo was leaning against the wall when I stepped out, her arms crossed and her tail swishing lazily behind her. Her sharp amber eyes immediately flicked over me, taking in my freshly combed hair and slightly wrinkled shirt with a raised brow. ¡°Well, look at you,¡± she said, smirking. ¡°Managed to dress yourself without setting anything on fire. I¡¯m impressed.¡± I frowned, already bracing for whatever jab she had lined up. ¡°Was that¡­ a compliment?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck,¡± she replied, falling into step beside me as we walked down the hallway. ¡°It¡¯s just surprising. You¡¯ve got the air of someone who struggles with basic coordination.¡± ¡°Wow,¡± I said flatly. ¡°You¡¯ve really got a way of lifting someone¡¯s spirits, you know that?¡± Leo snickered, her ears twitching. ¡°Oh, come on. Don¡¯t take it so seriously. I¡¯m just saying you don¡¯t exactly scream ¡®future Arknight.¡¯¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°And what does that look like, exactly? Should I walk around with a glowing sword and a dramatic cape or something?¡± ¡°More like you should stop slouching and figure out which end of the sword to hold,¡± she shot back, her grin widening. ¡°Right,¡± I muttered, shaking my head. ¡°Good to know you¡¯ve got all the faith in the world in me.¡± She glanced at me sideways, her amber eyes glinting with amusement. ¡°Faith is earned, Tanaka. So far, all I¡¯ve seen is a guy who talks big but hasn¡¯t done anything to back it up.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll back it up,¡± I said, narrowing my eyes at her. ¡°Just wait.¡± Leo laughed, a sharp, quick sound. ¡°I¡¯ll believe it when I see it.¡± ¡°Good,¡± I said, crossing my arms as we continued down the hall. ¡°Because I¡¯m going to prove you wrong.¡± She stopped abruptly, turning to face me with a smirk. ¡°Is that so?¡± I nodded, standing a little taller. ¡°Yeah. Just watch.¡± Leo tilted her head, her tail flicking thoughtfully. ¡°Alright, Tanaka. You¡¯ve got my attention. But just so you know, proving me wrong isn¡¯t easy.¡± ¡°Good,¡± I said again, matching her smirk. ¡°I like a challenge.¡± Her grin widened, and for a moment, her sharp edges softened just a little. ¡°We¡¯ll see if you¡¯ve got what it takes,¡± she said, turning back toward the dining hall. ¡°But don¡¯t expect me to go easy on you.¡± I followed her, the banter leaving me strangely energized. Despite her sharp tongue, I could tell there was more to Leo than just snark. And while I didn¡¯t know exactly how I was going to prove myself, one thing was clear: I wasn¡¯t going to let her doubt stop me. As I walked into the dining hall with Leo, the first thing I noticed was Zia. She was seated at the table, absolutely devouring her breakfast. Her plate was piled high with scrambled eggs, bacon, bread, and fruit, and she was eating with a speed and intensity that was almost mesmerizing. Her usual graceful demeanor was nowhere to be found¡ªright now, she looked more like someone who hadn¡¯t seen food in days. ¡°Uh¡­¡± I started, raising an eyebrow as I took my seat. ¡°You sure you¡¯re okay, Princess? It doesn¡¯t exactly look¡­ healthy how much you¡¯re eating.¡± Zia paused mid-bite, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk as she stared at me. She quickly swallowed, her face turning a little red. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ really hungry today,¡± she said defensively, picking up a piece of bread and taking a smaller, more measured bite. Leo snorted, plopping down into her chair. ¡°Yeah, sure, Zia. That¡¯s not the fourth helping you¡¯ve grabbed or anything.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not!¡± Zia shot back, pouting as she held her bread protectively. ¡°I didn¡¯t eat much last night, okay? I was nervous about today!¡± I smirked, leaning back in my chair. ¡°Nervous? About what? You¡¯ve got a feast in front of you and the most amazing company imaginable.¡± I gestured dramatically to myself. Zia rolled her eyes but couldn¡¯t hold back a small smile. ¡°Yes, because you¡¯re so intimidating, Souta.¡± Yohei, sitting calmly at the head of the table, chuckled softly. ¡°I think it¡¯s best we let the Princess eat in peace, lest she decide to throw something at one of you.¡± Zia glanced at Yohei with wide eyes. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°Oh, you would,¡± Leo cut in with a sly grin. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it. Remember the incident with the apple?¡± ¡°That was years ago!¡± Zia exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch. ¡°And he deserved it!¡± ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Leo said, clearly enjoying herself. ¡°And I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll say the same about Souta here if he doesn¡¯t watch his mouth.¡± I laughed nervously, holding up my hands in surrender. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m just trying to keep things light. No need to weaponize breakfast.¡± Yohei shook his head, smiling. ¡°Enough, all of you. We have a busy day ahead. After breakfast, we¡¯ll meet with the Nymph; Leo.¡± I blinked, the banter forgotten as my attention shifted. ¡°The Nymph?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Yohei confirmed, setting down his cup of tea. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ a bit of a recluse, but he lives here. If anyone can determine whether you have what it takes to become an Arknight, it¡¯s him.¡± I glanced at Leo, a grin already forming on my face. ¡°Wait a second¡­ you¡¯re not talking about this Leo, are you?¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Leo froze mid-chew, narrowing her eyes at me. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Well,¡± I said, adopting an exaggerated thoughtful expression, ¡°sharp tongue, mysterious vibe, lives in a fancy manor¡­ sounds like a nymph to me.¡± Zia burst out laughing, covering her mouth with her hand as she tried to compose herself. Even Yohei cracked a smile, though he tried to hide it behind his teacup. Leo, however, was not amused. ¡°Do I look like some magical woodland spirit to you?¡± she asked, her tone dangerously low. I shrugged innocently. ¡°Hey, if the shoe fits¡­¡± Without missing a beat, Leo grabbed a piece of bread and launched it at me. I barely dodged, the bread landing with a soft plop on the floor behind me. ¡°Careful,¡± I said with a smirk. ¡°Food fights aren¡¯t very Arknight-like.¡± Leo leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms as her tail swished in irritation. ¡°You¡¯re lucky we have bigger things to worry about, Tanaka.¡± ¡°Like what?¡± I asked, still grinning. ¡°Like meeting the actual Nymph,¡± Yohei interjected smoothly, cutting through the tension. ¡°I suggest you finish eating, Souta. You¡¯ll want to be at your best.¡± I nodded, turning my attention to the spread in front of me. The food was delicious, as always, but my thoughts kept drifting to what lay ahead. A nymph? A recluse who could tell if I had what it took to become an Arknight? It sounded like something out of a dream¡ªor a nightmare. But one thing was for sure: I couldn¡¯t wait to find out. As we finished breakfast, Zia leaned back in her chair, letting out a satisfied sigh. ¡°I think I might have overdone it a little,¡± she admitted, patting her stomach lightly. ¡°But it was worth it.¡± I smirked. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to take another plate for the road? You¡¯ve got room, right?¡± She shot me a look, though there was no real malice in it. ¡°I think I¡¯ll survive without it, thanks.¡± Rising from her chair, she stretched her arms above her head, her usual graceful demeanor returning. ¡°I think I¡¯ll go for a little wander before we leave. Clear my head a bit.¡± Yohei nodded approvingly. ¡°Take your time, Zia. The morning is still young.¡± She gave him a small smile before turning to me. ¡°Good luck, Souta. Meeting Leonidas can be¡­ interesting.¡± With that, she glided out of the room, leaving an air of calm elegance in her wake. Leo, on the other hand, stood with far less ceremony, her chair scraping against the marble floor as she pushed it back. ¡°I¡¯ve got training to do,¡± she said briskly, brushing imaginary crumbs off her pants. Her sharp amber eyes flicked to me for a moment. ¡°Try not to embarrass yourself too much, Tanaka.¡± I rolled my eyes but kept quiet as she strode out, her tail swishing behind her. I had to admit, her intensity was almost impressive¡ªalmost. Yohei remained seated, sipping his tea leisurely as the hall grew quieter. Finally, he set his cup down with a soft clink and turned his piercing blue eyes to me. ¡°So, Souta,¡± he said, his tone light but laced with curiosity, ¡°are you ready to meet Leo?¡± I nodded quickly. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m ready. Let¡¯s do this.¡± He chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°For the sake of confusion, let¡¯s refer to him by his full name¡ªLeonidas. It¡¯s best we keep the two Leos distinct.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± I said, though I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of person this ¡°Leonidas¡± was. The name alone made him sound impressive¡ªor intimidating. Yohei rose from his chair, his movements graceful and deliberate. ¡°Good. Then let¡¯s not keep him waiting. Follow me.¡± I stood and adjusted my vest, feeling a nervous energy building in my chest as I trailed behind Yohei. The dining hall doors swung open as we exited, the cool air of the corridor washing over me. Yohei led me through a narrow, hidden passageway concealed behind an unassuming bookshelf. The moment we stepped inside, a cool rush of air greeted us, carrying a faint metallic tang and the scent of old stone. The walls were rough-hewn, carved with faint markings that glowed softly in the dim light. Every step I took echoed in the narrow corridor, making it feel like we were descending into a place that hadn¡¯t been disturbed in years. ¡°This place always gives me a sense of nostalgia,¡± Yohei said, his voice bouncing off the stone walls with ease. He turned back to glance at me, his ever-present grin firmly in place. ¡°Not many people get to see it, you know. Consider yourself one of the lucky ones.¡± I didn¡¯t answer right away. My eyes were fixed on the glowing symbols etched into the walls. They weren¡¯t like anything I¡¯d ever seen before. At first glance, they seemed like random patterns, but the longer I stared, the more they seemed to shift, almost like they were alive. Every time I tried to focus on one, it slipped away, leaving me more curious than before. ¡°What are these markings?¡± I finally asked, unable to help myself. ¡°Old magic,¡± Yohei replied, running his hand lightly along the wall as we walked. ¡°Nothing you need to worry about. They¡¯re just... safeguards, in a sense. They keep this place hidden.¡± ¡°Hidden from what?¡± I asked, narrowing my eyes at the faintly glowing script. He smirked but didn¡¯t answer, instead coming to a stop at a large wooden door at the end of the passage. Without hesitation, he pushed it open, and we stepped out into the open air. I blinked, my breath catching as I took in the sight before me. We were at the very top of the manor, standing in an open observatory surrounded by an intricate railing. The roof above was a dome of glass, but the panels were retracted, giving us an unobstructed view of the world below. From here, I could see everything¡ªthe sprawling town of Ham-Seyal in the distance, its cobblestone streets and timbered houses glowing faintly in the morning light. Rolling fields stretched beyond the town, dotted with patches of forest and winding streams that sparkled like silver ribbons. Closer to the manor, I caught sight of Zia, as beautiful as ever; strolling gracefully through the garden, her golden hair catching the sunlight as she inspected the vibrant flowers. Not far away, Leo was training with her weapon of choice¡ªa massive mace. My jaw dropped slightly as I watched her swing it effortlessly, her movements precise and powerful. ¡°She uses a mace?¡± I muttered under my breath. ¡°Why does that somehow make sense?¡± ¡°You seem surprised,¡± Yohei said, drawing my attention back. His smile had grown a little wider. ¡°Leo¡¯s not one to hold back. She¡¯s always been... intense.¡± ¡°That¡¯s one word for it,¡± I muttered, still watching as she smashed her mace into a wooden training dummy with a force that sent splinters flying. ¡°Remind me not to get on her bad side.¡± Yohei chuckled, placing a hand on the railing and leaning forward slightly. ¡°Well, as entertaining as that is, we have business to attend to.¡± He straightened and raised his voice slightly. ¡°Leo, it¡¯s time to come out. Show yourself.¡± I looked around, confused. ¡°Wait, she¡¯s down there. What are you¡ª¡± Before I could finish, a soft, glowing light began to form in the center of the observatory. It started as a faint shimmer, like sunlight on water, but quickly grew brighter, illuminating the entire space. I stepped back instinctively as the light condensed into a humanoid shape, its form radiating a soft, ethereal glow. When the light finally faded, a boy stood before us¡ªor at least, he looked like a boy. His features were youthful and ethereal, almost too perfect to seem real, with large, luminous eyes the color of glimmering starlight. His short, silver hair seemed to shimmer faintly, catching the light in soft waves, as if it were spun from pure moonlight. His clothing was nothing short of breathtaking¡ªa gleaming, translucent ensemble that seemed to be crafted from light itself, adorned with intricate patterns resembling constellations and geometric shapes. The delicate armor-like accents along his shoulders and chest glistened with a crystalline quality, casting soft, iridescent reflections with every subtle movement. Each detail of his attire exudes elegance, from the star-shaped embellishments that glowed faintly like embedded gemstones to the gentle flow of sheer fabric that floated behind him, almost like a cape caught in an eternal breeze. The entire ensemble seemed alive, as though it pulsed with the energy of the cosmos, making him appear both calming and unsettling¡ªan entity not entirely of this world, as if he were a fragment of the night sky come to life. I blinked, taking an involuntary step back. ¡°He¡¯s... a kid?¡± The boy¡ªLeo, apparently¡ªrolled his eyes, crossing his arms with a huff. ¡°Oh, great,¡± he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Another one who can¡¯t believe what he¡¯s seeing. Let me guess¡ªyou were expecting a wise old sage or something?¡± I opened my mouth to respond, but Yohei cut in, his tone light and teasing. ¡°Now, now, Leonidas. Is that any way to talk to your elders?¡± Leonidas narrowed his eyes at Yohei, his expression unimpressed. ¡°Elders? Don¡¯t make me laugh. I¡¯m older than you, Yohei.¡± ¡°Not in this form, you¡¯re not,¡± Yohei shot back with a grin. ¡°And it wouldn¡¯t hurt to show a little respect.¡± Leonidas rolled his eyes again, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like ¡°idiot.¡± Then his gaze shifted to me, and his expression grew even more skeptical. ¡°And who¡¯s this? Another stray you¡¯ve picked up?¡± ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not a stray!¡± I protested, though the words felt weak even to me. Yohei clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grin never faltering. ¡°This is Souta. He¡¯s here to figure out if he has what it takes to be an Arknight.¡± Leonidas arched a delicate eyebrow, looking me up and down with a critical eye. ¡°Him? An Arknight?¡± He snorted, clearly unimpressed. ¡°Sure. Why not? Let¡¯s just hand out the title to anyone who shows up.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± I said, bristling at the insult. ¡°I might surprise you.¡± Leonidas smirked, the faintest hint of amusement in his otherwise grumpy demeanor. ¡°You¡¯d better. Otherwise, this is going to be a waste of my time.¡± Yohei laughed, stepping back and gesturing between us. ¡°Well, this should be fun. Leonidas, let¡¯s get started. Souta, try not to embarrass yourself too much.¡± I can¡¯t guarantee that...