Kaito lay on the small bed in his assigned room, staring at the ceiling. The events of the past day replayed endlessly in his mind the accident in his world, the summoning circle, the priest's words, and the magic ball that had pulsed with unfamiliar energy. He could hardly believe any of it was real, yet here he was, in a castle that seemed torn straight from a fantasy tale.
A sharp knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Hero Kaito," came a steady voice. It was one of the armored soldiers. "The council awaits. His Majesty requests your presence in the great hall."
Kaito pushed himself up, nerves tightening his chest. "The king…?"
"Yes. Follow me."
The soldier guided him through the castle's winding corridors. The walls were decorated with banners depicting crests of different kingdoms, tapestries of old wars, and paintings of kings long past. Every step echoed against the marble floor, magnifying Kaito's unease.
Finally, the doors to the main hall came into view massive wooden gates reinforced with steel and engraved with golden runes. With a groan, the doors swung open, revealing the council chamber within.
The hall was vast, lined with tall pillars and bathed in light from crystal chandeliers. At the far end, upon elevated thrones, sat five kings, rulers of five different kingdoms. Their attire alone spoke of their identities one wore shining golden armor, another draped himself in flowing robes of deep blue, a third wore a crown carved of obsidian, the fourth carried the look of a seasoned warlord, and in the center, on the grandest throne, sat the King of Aldoria.
The king of Aldoria rose slightly, his voice carrying authority yet warmth.
"Welcome, Heroes. We have awaited your arrival."
The group of eight outsiders, including Kaito, stood in silence before the thrones. The priest who had guided them earlier stepped forward. With a deep bow, he addressed the rulers.
"Your Majesties, these are the chosen ones summoned by the divine circle. Each of them has been bound to the energies of this world. I present to you the Heroes of Aldoria."
The five kings regarded them with intent gazes. Finally, the King of Aldoria spoke again.
"Our world is in peril. Monsters multiply in numbers unseen before. They raid our villages, devour our crops, and slaughter the innocent. To fight this tide, we called upon you outsiders blessed with extraordinary gifts." His voice thundered through the hall, commanding respect.
"You are our Hero's" the king continued. "You are free to travel across our five kingdoms. None shall bar your passage. We will provide what you need money, food, housing, and weapons. All we ask in return is this, form your teams, grow in strength, and eradicate the monster threat. When the war is over, the circle will return you to your world."
The words struck the outsiders like a storm. For many, this was not a curse but a blessing a chance at power, wealth, and a destiny far greater than what they had left behind. Some already whispered with excitement.
The king gestured to the priest. "Tell us, then. What powers do these Heroes possess?"
The priest stepped forward once again, holding the same parchment on which he had recorded the results of the magic ball. One by one, he began to read.
Dylan
Skills: Fireball, Heat Resistance, Blade Arts
Monster Essence Slots: 5
Unique Skill: Flame Conjuration (Can summon and control fire)
Sophia
Skills: Tracking, Herbalism, Archery
Monster Essence Slots: 5
Unique Skill: Beast Control (Commands creatures of this world)
Liam
Skills: Speed Boost, Weapon Mastery, Mana Control
Monster Essence Slots: 5
Unique Skill: Lightning's Fury (Lightning manipulation for speed and attacks)
Harper
Skills: Stone Skin, Weapon Forging, Endurance
Monster Essence Slots: 5
Unique Skill: Earth Manipulation (Controls stone and soil for offense and defense)
Ethan
Skills: Martial Arts, Intimidation, Endure Pain
Monster Essence Slots: 5
Unique Skill: Titan's Strength (Extreme physical power beyond human limits)
Maya
Skills: Herbal Knowledge, Barrier Magic, Agility
Monster Essence Slots: 5
Unique Skill: Water Healing (Using water heal any type of woonds)
But when the priest reached the final two names, his voice faltered.
Aria
Skills: Quick Step, Dagger Proficiency
Monster Essence Slots: 2
Unique Skill: None
Kaito
Skills: Corebound Summoning
Monster Essence Slots: 1
Unique Skill: None
"Kaito… and Aria…" He hesitated before clearing his throat. "they were merely caught up in the hero summoning."
The words echoed in the hall like a curse. Silence followed, heavy and suffocating. The kings exchanged skeptical glances, and the air grew tense.
"Not hero's?" the king of the obsidian crown sneered.
The king of Aldoria frowned. "If they hold no gift (unique skill and ability to hold more than 3 monster Eccence), then they cannot serve as Heroes. We cannot waste resources on them."
Kaito's chest tightened. He had half-expected this. His whole life had been filled with rejection and invisibility. Why should this world be any different? He clenched his fists, unable to speak.
One of the other summoned Liam stepped forward. He pointed at the girl, Aria. "If she has no powers, Then I'll take Aria as my first teammate," he said confidently.
The kings deliberated briefly before nodding. "Very well. If one of you will take her, she may remain."
The king of Aldoria looked back to the group. "And what of this Kaito? Does any team wish to take him?" he asked. Silence answered him. No one stepped forward.
The Heroes glanced at one another, some shaking their heads, others simply ignoring his presence.
"Too weak"
"Better to let him go."
The words whispered among them cut like blades.
Kaito stood frozen. No one wanted him. Not in his world, not here. He was unwanted everywhere.
Aria cast a glance toward Kaito, but her eyes quickly shifted away. She said nothing. Not a word of protest. Not a shred of gratitude.
At last, the king of Aldoria gave a dismissive wave. "Then it is settled. Kaito, you shall leave the castle. We cannot house one who brings nothing to the fight."
The priest looked at Kaito with pity, but said nothing. The soldier who had once guided him remained silent, bound by duty.
Kaito lowered his head, shame burning in his chest. He wanted to scream, to fight back, to demand why he had been brought here at all if he was worthless. But the words never formed. His throat closed, his heart felt heavy, and his legs moved on their own as soldiers escorted him away from the grand hall.
Behind him, the others celebrated their gifts, laughing, planning their futures as mighty Heroes. The girl he had saved stood beside Liam never once looking back.
Kaito's steps echoed down the empty corridor. Alone again. Abandoned again. Unwanted again.
But deep within him, where despair and rage mingled, a spark began to glow faint, but unyielding.