"The students gathered within the royal court, standing before the throne as they awaited the king's arrival. Guards stood watch behind each pillar, their presence adding to the solemn atmosphere. Meanwhile, the students quietly murmured among themselves, wondering what the king had summoned them here to hear.
Meanwhile, Haru stood uneasily among the students, glancing around at everyone who remained completely oblivious to the truth he had uncovered, including his own friends. His gaze shifted toward the guards, and a sense of distrust settled over him. But even then, he couldn't find the courage to speak up and reveal what he knew. Just then, Daiki tapped him on the shoulder and said.
"Hey, Haru, what's with the vibes, bro? You okay?"
Haru turned toward Daiki, trembling as he tried to force the words out. "I-it... it's..."
But before Haru could say another word, the chamberlain's voice echoed throughout the chamber, announcing the king's arrival, causing the students to fall silent.
"Hail, King Edward the Second!"
Then, all the guards shouted together, their voices echoing throughout the chamber. "Hail, King Edward the Second!"
King Edward entered the royal court, a man in his fifties with a thick brown beard. He wore a magnificent gray royal robe, its collar lined with white and gray fur, and a crown adorned his head. He approached the throne with measured steps, then took his seat. Commander Corvik stood beside him, awaiting his command.
King Edward II began to speak. "Ahem... Heroes from another world. For the past five weeks, we have watched as you trained and honed your abilities, blessed with a great gift from the gods. Those among you who are ready shall be permitted to venture beyond this castle, defeat the Evil Lord, and earn the title of heroes of this world!"
The students whispered excitedly among themselves, thrilled by the prospect of embarking on their own adventures and becoming heroes in another world. To them, it was as if they had become the protagonists of an isekai story, already imagining the adventures that awaited them. But Haru could only stare uneasily at the king, his heart filled with fear. He knew the truth behind the king's words, and he knew that the king had just lied to everyone.
"But only those whose names are called shall be granted permission to leave the castle and embark on the quest to save our world. The rest shall remain here, honing their skills until they, too, are ready to venture beyond these walls." King Edward turned his gaze toward Corvik. "Commander Corvik, if you may."
Commander Corvik bowed respectfully to the king before stepping forward to face the students. He took out a scroll and unrolled it, preparing to call out the names of those who would be permitted to step forward.
"Itsuki Suzuki, Minato Takahashi, Akari Shimizu..."
One by one, the students called by Corvik stepped forward. Excited cheers filled the royal court as the chosen students celebrated their chance to embark on their adventures. Yet Haru remained frozen, his breath coming faster and faster. He knew the truth. The moment those students stepped beyond the castle walls, they could be walking to their deaths.
Tatsu could see the fear in Haru's expression. Thinking that he might just be nervous, Tatsu gently reached toward his shoulder to comfort him, but before he could, Daiki interrupted.
"Oh, man! This is gonna be a blast!"
"Yeah! I can't wait to punch those monsters and bad guys with my own fists!" Kenji exclaimed, throwing a series of punches into the air, then looked at Tatsu. "What about you, Tatsu? Do you think you're chosen?"
"Oh, I'm definitely not it. They'll pick the best students among us. You and Daiki are much more likely to be chosen."
"Well... you're certainly right. What a shame, really."
Commander Corvik's voice echoed throughout the chamber as he called out Kenji and Daiki's names. "Kenji Hashimoto and Daiki Itou!!!!"
Kenji and Daiki were caught off guard by Corvik's shout, and the students around them laughed at how they hadn't even been paying attention to the Commander.
"Aaahh! C-coming, Commander!!"
"Y-yes, on our way!!"
They both laughed it off and headed toward the others who had been called. Commander Corvik frowned as he watched them go, letting out a weary sigh before continuing to call the names on his list.
"Hirito Ishikawa, and last but not least, Aoi Hayashi."
Tatsu's eyes widened in surprise when Aoi was chosen to go on the adventure. He watched her walk over to the group of eight students with Kenji before glancing toward Hirito, his gaming friend, who had been placed in the other group of eight students with Daiki.
Tatsu looked at the chosen students standing before them, divided into three groups of eight. Aoi, Kenji, Daiki, and Hirito were among them, while Tatsu remained behind with Haru and the other students who had not been chosen.
Commander Corvik closed the scroll after calling out all the names on the list, then stepped aside as the king prepared to address the students.
"Now that you have all chosen to embark upon this quest in the kingdom of Bratilnia, we have divided you into three groups, each consisting of eight outstanding heroes such as yourselves. Each group will also be accompanied by two officers who shall serve as your guides and protectors. While the rest of you shall remain here to further hone your skills and abilities until you are ready to embark upon the quest as well."
Then, the king rose from his throne and raised his arm, formally proclaiming the students who had been chosen for the quest.
"Go forth! Save our world from the evil entity and the monsters that have infested our lands! May the gods themselves reward you for your heroism, courage, bravery, and honor eternally!"
The students and knight officers roared with excitement throughout the court, their voices echoing with determination as they prepared for the quest to save the world. But Haru could only stand there trembling, knowing that the king's words were nothing but lies.
A few hours later, the first group of eight students and their two knight escorts mounted their horses and rode through the gates, venturing into the vast wilderness as they embarked on their quest. Behind them, the remaining students prepared their own equipment and horses, taking a final moment to bid farewell to their friends.
"Well, guys, good luck out there." Tatsu said, bidding farewell to Daiki and Kenji as they prepared to venture into the wilderness.
"Try to keep up with us, alright?"
"Yeah, don't worry, Tatsu! I'll keep an eye on your crush for you!"
"She's not my-" Tatsu sighed and shook his head. "Never mind. See ya, guys."
The three of them bumped fists before Kenji and Daiki headed toward their horses. They waved goodbye to Tatsu, and he waved back. Then he spotted Aoi standing behind her horse. She gave him a small wave and a sweet smile. Tatsu's face immediately flushed. He let out an awkward chuckle before quickly turning around and walking away.
As dusk approached, Haru stood alone in the hallway, his eyes trembling with fear. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, unsure of what to say, or whether he should reveal the truth to the other students in the castle.
"Haru."
Haru turned toward Tatsu after hearing him call his name, his expression still troubled as he approached him.
"Why didn't you come say goodbye to Kenji and Daiki? You've seemed really scared this whole time. Is something wrong, bro?"
"I-i-i-i-" Haru continued to stutter.
"Hey, calm down. We can talk about this whenever you're ready. For now, you can stay in my dorm since Kenji's gone on an adventure." Tatsu adjusted his glasses and gently patted Haru on the shoulder before heading toward his dorm. "Come on, Haru"
Haru turned his head toward Tatsu as he watched him walk toward his dorm. His lips trembled, but he stopped himself and took a deep breath.
"It's a lie."
Tatsu stopped in his tracks and slowly turned toward Haru. "What?"
"It was all a lie! The destined heroes, the gods choosing us, the time difference between our world and this one, it's all bullcrap! And they know it! They even admitted that Daiki, Kenji, Aoi, and all the other classmates who went outside the castle might not survive!"
"Wh-where did you hear about this?" Tatsu stared at Haru in disbelief.
"I-I heard it from Commander Corvik and Teba."
Tatsu grabbed Haru by the shoulder, his hands trembling as the truth sank in. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?! Our friends might die out there because of you! Why?!" He shouted in anger and desperation.
"I'm sorry, Tatsu!!" Haru cried out, hyperventilating as tears welled in his eyes. "I'm scared, okay?! I was scared!"
Tatsu stood frozen for a moment, stunned into silence. He slowly let go of Haru's shoulders and looked down the hallway, his expression hardening as he decided to confront Commander Corvik about the truth he had kept hidden from them.