Miyuki carefully unfolded a map in front of Haruto. The map was not official or professionally drawn. It looked like she had drawn it herself from memory. The lines were uneven. The borders were incomplete.
This map was enough to understand the world around them. On the side of the map the Human Kingdoms were marked. The boundaries were not clear. Above the Human Kingdoms the Demon Kingdom stretched across the region. A wide stretch of land and danger separated the two powers.
Deep forests spread across the regions like a dark barrier. The forests hid dangers and unclaimed territories. On another side of the map the Elf Kingdom and another unknown territory were marked. There were scattered references to demi-human settlements near the forests.
Haruto studied the map carefully. His expression was serious. He thought to himself I need to reach the Human Kingdom. If I can find out which kingdom summoned me maybe I can return to my world.. His current strength was still too weak. With the systems power he had only just begun. At level one he would not survive a conflict with anyone stronger than ordinary threats.
Haruto looked at Miyuki. "Do you know which kingdom performs hero summoning?" he asked. Miyuki shook her head slightly. "I don't know " she said, "but my master might." Harutos eyes narrowed. "Your master?" he asked. Miyuki hesitated for a moment before nodding. "She taught me magic " she explained. "She knows things about the world."
Haruto tilted his head slightly. "But you said your village was destroyed " he said. "Everyone was killed... Except you." Miyuki explained quietly "She is not from my village. She came from another place. If we find her she might know what we need." Haruto looked back at the map. Traced a location near a mountain region. "So she lives around here?" he asked. Miyuki nodded. "Yes... Near that mountain."
Haruto remained silent for a moment thinking carefully. The world was still unfamiliar to him. Every direction carried unknown risks. Then he spoke again his tone slightly softer. "Are you sure you want to come with me?" he asked. "This journey is dangerous. You could die." Miyuki looked at him without hesitation. "I don't feel fear anymore " she said. "After forming the contract with you... I have else to go. You saved my life. I want to help you."
Miyuki hesitated briefly before adding, "Besides I've never seen a contract like this before. I don't even understand your skills or your magic." Haruto exhaled slowly. Then he spoke, his voice lower. "There's something you should know... I'm not from this world." Miyukis eyes widened in shock. "Not from this world...?" Haruto nodded. "I was summoned here by mistake. I was not the hero they intended to bring."
Miyuki asked, "Then... You are a hero?" Haruto answered firmly "No I'm not a hero. I was just dragged into the summoning ritual by accident. I want to return to my world." He paused for a moment then continued. "That's why I need to grow stronger.. I need information. Help me now.... I will find a way to go back to my world." Miyuki slowly nodded. "I don't know where your world is " she said softly ". I can see that you are not a bad person. I will help you."
A brief silence followed. Then Haruto folded the map carefully. "Then its decided " he said. "We go to your master first. She may know more about this world.... About the summoning." Miyuki nodded. Together they prepared to leave, stepping into a journey that would decide not their survival—but the fate of everything ahead.
The house had served as a place for the past week but now it was time to move forward. Miyuki stepped outside first. The morning air near the river was cool and fresh. Sunlight filtered gently through the trees reflecting softly on the flowing water. Haruto followed her out. Took one last look at the small house behind them. For a time it had been their shelter. Then he turned away.
Without saying anything the two of them began walking. Their path led deeper into the forest. The direction was clear toward the master village. Neither of them knew how long the journey would take. That no longer mattered. Step by step they continued forward walking through paths and silent forest.
Days passed as they traveled together. The forest seemed endless stretching in every direction with trees and thick shadows. The path was not clear. Sometimes they had to push through bushes or walk around fallen logs. So they continued moving forward. Eventually after days of traveling they had reached only half of the journey toward the master village.
When the sun began to lower in the sky Haruto finally stopped walking. "Lets rest for a while " he said. Miyuki nodded in agreement. Both of them walked toward a tree nearby and sat down in the shade beside its thick trunk. The ground was soft with fallen leaves and the cool forest air made the place surprisingly comfortable.
Haruto leaned back slightly. Glanced at Miyuki. She looked tired. Even though she tried to act normal the long days of walking had clearly drained her energy. Haruto crossed his arms. Looked at her seriously. "You should take some rest " he said. Miyuki blinked once. Looked at him. "You've been walking for days " Haruto continued. ". We've only reached halfway."
He glanced deeper into the forest. "I don't even know how far the rest of the journey is and you've never gone to your masters village before." Then he pointed lightly toward the ground. "So take a nap. I'll watch the area." Miyuki immediately shook her head. "No " she said firmly. Haruto raised an eyebrow. "You should sleep " she continued. "You've been walking too."
She straightened her posture slightly trying to look responsible. "I will guard the area. That is my duty." Haruto stared at her for a moment. Then he sighed. "Why are you acting like a knight protecting a king?" he muttered. Miyuki tilted her head. "…Because you're my master." Haruto rubbed his forehead. "That title is causing many problems."
For a moment both of them sat there silently. Then Haruto finally spoke again. "Fine. Lets do it another way." Miyuki looked at him curiously. "We take turns " Haruto said. "One person sleeps, the watches." He pointed at her. "You sleep first." Miyuki hesitated. ". " Haruto interrupted. "No arguing " he said. He pointed at the ground beside the tree. "Nap."
Miyuki stared at him for a moment. Then slowly she. Leaned against the tree trunk. "Fine " she said quietly. A seconds later she closed her eyes. At first she tried to stay awake.. The exhaustion from days of traveling quickly caught up to her. Her breathing slowly became calm and steady. She had fallen asleep.
Haruto glanced at her briefly. Then he looked around the forest. The wind moved softly through the leaves and distant birds occasionally called from away. For now the forest seemed peaceful. Haruto remained sitting quietly beneath the tree watching the surrounding area while Miyuki rested. Everything seemed calm. Too calm.
Harutos eyes slowly moved across the forest carefully observing the shadows between the trees. Then— he heard something. A faint sound reached his ears. Step… step… Harutos body stiffened slightly. At first the sound was distant. Barely noticeable.. As the seconds passed it became clearer. Footsteps. More than one.
Harutos eyes narrowed. The sounds were coming from ahead deeper inside the forest. Several figures were moving through the trees. He slowly turned his head in that direction focusing carefully. The footsteps were heavy pressing against the forest floor. Leaves and small branches cracked under their weight as they moved closer. Haruto remained completely silent.
His hand slowly moved closer to the weapon resting beside him. Whoever—or whatever—was approaching had not noticed them yet. For a moment Haruto considered waking Miyuki.. He waited. His sharp gaze remained fixed on the path between the trees. The figures were getting closer now. Closer…. Closer. Haruto listened carefully as the footsteps grew closer each one heavier and rougher than any human stride. They didn't carry the rhythm of a person all. Something, about them felt off almost unnatural. His eyes narrowed slightly as he frowned. Not human…