I found myself kneeling in the throne room, having followed the lead of Mernel and the woman. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had a single idea of what to do, where to stand, or where to kneel.
But there was something weird about the room.
I raised my head up just enough to peek at the throne and saw a red veil hung across it, separating the throne from the rest of the room. Was the king too ugly to show himself? Perhaps he had a sickness and didn't want to be seen in a vulnerable state? Or maybe he simply wanted to seem cool by acting mysterious?
Whatever the reason, it made it easier to converse now that I had one less pair of (visible) eyes to worry about.
Mernel spoke up next to me, my earlier view of him vanishing as he addressed the king formally. Who could've guessed that the old man wasn't just a dork?
"Your Majesty, the summoning was a success. The hero is at your attention."
There was a tense silence for a moment before the sound of a woman was heard behind the veil.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Elysandria, 32th Hero of Aleria! I am Queen of Elysandria, Elisabeth Bernt Ravenshield III. First, I would like to apologize for abruptly summoning you to our realm. It is understandable if you are furious about that, but we are in dire need of your help."
'It's a Queen? Is this country a… what was it called, matriman… fuck it. I don't remember.'
I only managed to trail into mumbles, overthinking what to give as an appropriate response, or if I was even meant to respond. Luckily, no one seemed to hear my meek mumblings, and if they did it was probably ignored.
"Once every few centuries, a powerful creature descends on our world." She continued. "They're not exactly hostile, but their path of destruction is unpredictable, and often catastrophic. Last time, ignoring one wiped out four nations in a single day. These creatures are called Lumenari."
'Wait, severalkingdoms in a day?? And they wanted me to fight a monster like that!? Fuck nah!'
"Now, there is a chance you will not face a Lumenari." She continued. "Heroes are summoned every few decades, while those creatures only descend upon us once every few centuries."
'Thank god!'
'Let's hope lady luck is on my side.'
"That said, the risk is still real. Around the time we are able to summon heroes like you, a flood of monsters rises from the underworld into our realm. That is what we call Doomsday. Your task will be to help hold them back."
She let the words hang in the air before continuing. "Do you have any questions, Hero?"
"Y-yeah…" I stuttered out an answer after realizing that it was my cue to actually answer. "Do I get some kind of ability?" I added almost quietly, which was met by yet another silence.
"Forgive me, I did not hear what you said. Could you speak up louder?"
Before I could shrink down in embarrassment, Mernel tapped on my shoulder and gave me a reassuring nod, before speaking up.
"Lord Kernt was curious about whether he was to receive an ability to aid him in his quest to protect our world?"
'Thank you for the save, Mernel! Maybe you aren't such a bad guy after all!'
"Correct. As a summoned hero of our world, you have already been imparted with gifts – abilities bestowed upon you by Ucliat, the Creator himself. You will be taken to the testing chamber, where they shall be properly assessed."
'Ucliat, huh? I was expecting this world to believe in several gods, but I guess only believing in one is more common.'
'I hope whatever I got is easy enough to use…'
Behind the red veil, I caught a faint movement. Someone stepped forward, receiving something from the queen before emerging into view. In their hands was a thick, engraved book, its surface faintly etched with patterns that almost looked like they were shifting.
She walked over and then handed the book over to me, which I took hesitantly after receiving a reassuring nod from the woman next to me.
"This is a guidebook for heroes, made by the previous heroes throughout history. It was the idea of the 24th hero, Light Kagami. After that, the heroes who came after have continued to add their own knowledge into these books. I hope you will find them useful on your journey."
'Alright, what the hell…? Which weeb was it that decided to name himself 'Light Kagami'? The name isn't even right! Let me guess, they had an ability similar to the Death Note too?'
And wow was the book thick. Probably around 400 pages (which, to someone who barely reads, is a lot).
I looked down at the book, running my hand over the intricate golden letters across the red cover. It was titled "A Guide For Heroes."
'Simple enough', I thought until I opened the book.
I recognized the letters, sure, but I sure as hell couldn't read them.
Japanese.
'Why Japanese?! Were all heroes summoned from Japan? That just makes things hard.'
"Uh, I can't understand this…" I muttered to Mernel next to me, still not wanting to raise my voice much.
He turned to me in confusion. "You can't read it? How come? Isn't it the language of the heroes?"
This man was either stupid or loved to generalize. And here I thought he was supposed to be some kind of smart man. Well, I can't blame him for being confused.
"Well, in my world, there are different languages in most countries. This one is very different from the one I grew up with."
The queen seemed to have caught wind of my words and spoke up.
"Do not fret, Hero Erdan. If you do not understand the context, one of the heroes has also imparted a translated version of it. It is in a language called Ingleesh, if i'm correct. I've heard It's quite common in your world."
As she spoke, the same servant from earlier walked over and handed me a second book, taking the Japanese one. As I opened the one I was given, I could finally understand the context.
But perhaps receiving the Japanese version had been a sign to stay ignorant, because the first few lines I read made me second-guess if this truly was a helpful guide:
'Great hero! Have you been destined to save the world, but find yourself clueless about where to begin? Don't worry, because I, Light Kagami, will impart my veteran knowledge onto you. Be grateful, peasant!'
'PS: There is no video-game-like interface, so give up on that idea.'
My first impression of him had already gotten worse, and I haven't even met the guy. At least that last sentence was helpful. Now I knew not to shout 'Open System' and hope it would work.
I quickly flipped through all the pages, hoping to get a general clue about what the book was about.
Nothing. Literally nothing.
The damn book was empty beyond the first page!
I quickly flipped through to the last page, or at least attempted to. The pages kept increasing, book getting thicker the more I browsed. I quickly closed the book, and it shrunk down to it's 'original' size.
"Well? Do you understand the context now, hero?" Elisabeth's voice rang out.
I quickly closed my book and blinked. "What? I–I mean, yeah, it did. Thanks for the book," I paused before adding, "Your Majesty."
'It'd be too awkward pointing out another fault...'
I saw her silhouette give a small nod of acknowledgement, and let out a sigh of relief at her acceptance.
"Now, do you have any questions to ask, hero Kernt?" she then asked.
"No, not at the moment, your majesty." I responded, louder than before this time to avoid having to repeat myself. "Or actually…"
I hesitated, before continuing, "Will I be able to return home after I finish my mission?"
There was silence for a moment before she spoke up. "…Yes, it is possible. There are records of heroes that have found ways to return to their home using the remains from Lumenari. Others have remained here, serving our kingdom and improving our livelihood."
She then paused before continuing. "I will not prevent you from returning to your homeland once you complete your mission, but if you choose to stay here, know that you are more than welcome to reside in our kingdom. We will do our utmost to aid you in your journey and what comes after. If you still choose to return home, we will provide you with the necessary supplies."
"Alright, thanks for answering…"
So I had to become their slave and do their bidding before I could return home?
'What a pain in the ass.'
But I also felt conflicted. Did I truly want to return home? I did live a decent life there and had a loving family.
The only regret I had was vanishing without being able to tell them I wasn't kidnapped or dead in a random ditch somewhere. I had many siblings, and my family had lately had it a bit rough with economy, so perhaps having one less mouth to feed would make it a bit easier for them.
"If you have no further questions," Queen Elisabeth then continued, "Mernel and Kina will accompany you to the testing chamber. I will meet you later in the evening for a private chat."
After the queen dismissed us, Mernel and Kina stood, bowed in almost perfect synch, and left the chamber. I quickly followed suit, trailing after them awkwardly.
===
We arrived in a circular room with black stone walls stretched before me, with faint blue sigils imprinted into the floor like veins. At its center was a giant construct: a cross between a pillar and an altar, etched with runes that thrummed like a heartbeat.
"This is the Core Seal," Mernel explained, gesturing to a circular imprint at the center of the construct. "It's an inferior version of the real deal, used for an early assessment of your abilities. The Church has monopoly on the original Core Seal. We'll measure it fully soon enough."
"It'll sting a little," Kina added lightly. "But you're a strong boy, aren't you? You won't pass out or anything." She had a playful lilt to her tone, clearly teasing me.
"Yeah… thanks for the warning."
I took a deep breath, then walked up and pressed my hand onto the imprint. For a second, nothing happened, until I felt a force slam into my head.
A wave of warmth surged up my arm and slammed straight into my brain. Words and symbols appeared in an instant, so sudden that even my vision became unfocused for a few seconds.
I staggered back, clutching my head, almost knocking my glasses off. "Ow! What the hell?"
Kina chuckled softly. "That's the Core Seal for you. It force-feeds you information of the abilities Ucliat has given you. For an otherworld like you who are yet accustomed to the environment, it must've been overwhelming. Good job keeping your composure."
Mernel nodded approvingly. "Your current abilities have now been registered into your core."
"My core?" I repeated, adjusting my rims. "Is it like my soul?"
"Not just that. It's your soul, yes, but also similar to a second-heart. The core is what boosts an ordinary person's immune system. It's also where mana is stored and circulated throughout the body."
Kina pressed a finger to my sternum. "Your core is a hell of a lot more efficient. A hero's core can store a larger amount of mana, and learn Spells within a few years if they put in the effort. You'll also recover twice or thrice as fast if you suffer any injuries."
"But be careful." She warned, pressing more firmly. "You aren't immortal. Don't get a full head and put yourself in danger because of it."
Mernel stepped forward, placing a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder. "Don't scare the young man. I think he understands the risks."
Mernel then faced me as Kina took a step back. "What Kina said is true. There have been records of heroes who charge into battle head-first because they thought that fate favored them. We simply wish for the best."
"Yeah, no, I understand." A pause. "Soo… is it done now? I only got Skills, but I thought I'd get Spells too."
Mernel cleared his throat, adopting a more scholarly tone. "Spells are different from Skills. For a better explanation, I'll give you a quick rundown of how abilities work."
He held out two fingers. "Abilities are usually divided into two main categories: Skills and Spells."
"Unlike Skills, Spells requires deep understanding of the core mechanics." Kina continued, her tone shifting as she began explaining. "They're formed through structured imagery and usually supported by incantations to stabilize the casting. With enough control, some spellcasters can shorten their incantations, but it demands extremely precise mana control and mental focus. It is high-risk, high-reward."
"So, you just imagine something visually, and you'll be able to use a Spell, right? If I imagine how water is built up, can I use a water Spell?"
She shook her head. "It's far harder than you think. Spells can only mimic elements, and because of this, you'll have to learn how each Spell is constructed from scratch. For example, using a water Spell won't create actual water, just a cheap copy of it. Here, it'll be easier if I demonstrate it quickly."
Closing her eyes, she held out her palms in front of her, muttering a chain of alien words under her breath.
"Trovak… enshari… korim… thalos…"
Faint, colorful particles began to fade into view, growing in since and brightness with each word. It slowly gathered around her, gathering in front of her.
"Affarto!"
A small orb of clear liquid, was floating above her fingertips. It was around the size of a fist, yet a faint trickle of sweat ran down her forehead.
It was mildly interesting, if not a bit underwhelming.
I had been expecting something more… flashy. Maybe it was asking for too much.
"Elemental Spells like these is the closest humans and many other races can come to spell-casting." She explained, a faint edge creeping into her voice. "Other types of Spells, like Illusion magic, would be far too much for our minds to maintain, let alone cast."
She shot a brief glance at Mernel. "But there are a few exceptions, of course."
"Can I touch it?" I asked, already reaching out a finger.
The tiny orb immediately splattered and disappeared when I tried to reach out. Kina's arms dropped to her side, a deep exhale escaping her. Catching her breath, she wiped the sweat from her brows.
"An otherworlder, your body will most likely be unaccustomed to foreign mana." She tapped my chest again, lighter this time. "It might've looked like water, but that was pure mana. Touching it would make your core destabilize momentarily. It wouldn't be life threatening, but you'd most likely get a headache… or vomit."
'The magic system is more serious than I thought…'
I frowned slightly. "Alright, I got that using Spells early on is a no-go, but what about Skills? Do I have to know the details of those two?"
"Skills are more complicated." Mernel explained. "They may or may not consume mana, and some can activate on their own under certain conditions. However, Skills cannot be learned through regular training. They're either gained by meeting their specific requirements or granted as divine blessings."
Then smiling at me, he added, "Since you're a hero, the requirements are much more lenient, and you'll find yourself gaining Skills more easily than ordinary folk."
To summarize the rest of what they said, the Skills I currently possessed were bestowed upon me by Ucliat 'based on the purity of my core' – whatever that meant – or granted by requirements I already had met back in my original world.
One of them, [Dismantle], allowed me to dismantle anything I touched at will. All it could dismantle right now were small items, and the amount of times were limited to three times a day.
There were a few other Skills as well. It wasn't like a menu popping up, but more like a sudden knowing, like recalling a memory I'd always had.
[Appealing Presence] (Passive)
Slightly softens first impressions if the person is neutral, though it does not override reason or strong emotions.
[Language Comprehension] (Passive)
Rewires the brain to comprehend anything spoken or written in this world's main language, Algon.
Then there was my [Reflex] Skill that would help me avoid visible obstacles faster than normal. Not by a lot, but every second may count in this world.
After that whole ordeal, I was guided back to my room, with Kina explaining a couple things I didn't quite understand about the abilities.
I also received an interesting gift. Something the previous hero had left for the next hero, me! Considering the fact that he was summoned decades ago, I wondered what it was that could last so long and still be in decent condition.
And then I saw the last thing I expected to see: a person.
So now, I stood awkwardly at the doorway of the large room I was given, unable to focus on anything other than coming up with a way to greet my new… roommate. Who was, by the way, locked in a small cage, barely clad in anything but a piece of cloth.
You see, the previous hero, Yosuke Minato, had thought it was a good idea to enslave someone and then abandon them for years as a 'gift' for the next hero while he returned back to his world. At least according to Mernel, who clearly didn't have a high opinion of him when he told me about a few of the previous heroes.
It was disgusting that this kind of thing was allowed, but I had already expected to see similar things since… well, since people has always been scum, no matter time or place. The fact that I found myself being detached and not having a real opinion of this made it clear that
I set down my stuff on a nearby desk, items I'd received from Mernel and Kina, along with other things passed down from older heroes, and a few 'welcome gifts' from the Queen herself. I felt like a younger brother inheriting hand-me-downs from my siblings, which wasn't exactly far from the truth.
I glanced over at the cage once more, opening my mouth to say something, then closing it again. How am I supposed to react in this situation? This person had probably gone through a lot, so being too familiar or kind might have the opposite effect. I took a deep breath, gathering what little courage I had.
I walked over and knelt in front of the cage, doing my best not to make direct eye contact with the pair of dark, blank eyes staring straight into my soul.
After a bit of fumbling around and quick glances at the cage, my hands finally found the lock. Then, using my Dismantle Skill, I managed to break it, letting the pieces clatter to the ground. A faint, electric feeling ran up my arm like a physical backlash, my hairs standing. It dissipated in that same moment, leaving me wondering if it was safe or not to use it again.
I then opened the cage and took a few steps back to give her some space to get out.
She remained there for a few moments before slowly crawling out and then standing up on shaky legs. My eyes widened slightly at her full appearance, but I quickly glanced away as I noticed that all she wore was a slightly oversized tunic that barely covered enough.
A part of me couldn't help but think about the way her chest looked since she clearly didn't wear a bra. Though I quickly pushed those thoughts away. I quickly looked away, reminding myself to not ogle like some pervert.
She seemed to be around my age, maybe a bit older. Late teens at most, which made no sense since Mernel had said that she'd been around for decades.
She was shorter than me, with a toned and lithe body. Small black horns peeked out of her short silver hair, one broken in half. I was curious about that, but I knew better than to ask about it.
But what really caught me off-guard wasn't the horns or her perfectly shaped bazongas. It was the fact that she was black too! A bit lighter than me, but still. In a strange world where everyone else I'd met so far looked straight out of some medieval European history book, that was… unexpected. Welcome, but unexpected.
I didn't really recognize her race. I could at least deduce the fact that she wasn't fully human since she has horns. It would probably be a bad idea to assume the fantasy races I know of are the same in this world though.
'Better to be safe than sorry' is one of my mottos!
There was a long silence before she finally spoke up in a low, hoarse voice, as if she hadn't spoken in a while. "Are you… are you my new Master?"
"I guess so…?" I said, not quite sure myself. I didn't exactly want to own a person, but it wasn't exactly that bad if she herself didn't mind it.
"There are… uh, clothes in the closet. At least that's what Mernel told me…" I then mumbled, quickly glancing around the room before averting my gaze and pointing at the corner of the room, not wanting to accidentally look at her barely clothed figure. "You can take it… if you want. I-I mean, pick out an outfit…"
I felt her gaze on me for a bit longer before I could hear her starting to walk toward the closet I'd pointed out. She was probably surprised at my sudden generosity. Maybe she was distrustful. Maybe she thought I was trying to gain her trust just to use her for my own gain.
I've seen enough to foresee any of these possible concerns she might have, and I would try my best to gain her trust. Alright, maybe I wouldn't try my best. Going with the flow is more my style.
I never really put much effort into things, including relationships. Others tended to maintain them instead, so I never really saw any reason to do much on my end. I've only recently realized how my way of thinking was flawed, and how others may have expected more than just friendliness from me.
And now, in this new world, it was the perfect chance for me to finally start anew and live life correcting the errors of my past… or something grand like that.