[The fifth century became known for the conflict between the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom. The war lasted for decades—some say centuries.
I am Kento Saito, one of the soldiers of the Northern Kingdom... and perhaps the weakest among them.]
[Location: The Northern Kingdom]
[Time: Morning]
(Kento was leaning against the outer walls of the royal castle, exhausted from training, when a large, broad-shouldered man approached him.)
Man: Still here? I thought you'd quit this job two years ago.
Kento: No... I didn't.
Man: And why not?
Kento: Because...
Man (laughing): You know what? I don't even care. A failure like you doesn't need a reason in the first place.
(The man walked away laughing, leaving Kento standing there, tears slowly rolling down his cheeks.)
"A man like me doesn't have reasons? Is it because I'm weak? Because the weakest soldier once defeated me so easily?"
(Kento stood up and began running around the castle walls, trying to wipe his tears while forcing a smile.)
"You know what... I'll make all that part of the past. From today on, I'll keep moving forward, I'll grow stronger, and I'll show everyone that I—Kento Saito—will become the strongest man in the land!"
---
[Location: The Southern Kingdom]
[Time: Morning]
(Haruki Takeda woke up with a cheerful face filled with optimism. He walked through the marketplace, greeting people as he made his way toward the royal castle.)
Haruki: Good morning!
Commander: Ah, Haruki. Did you sleep well?
Haruki: Yes, sir.
Commander (laughing): Well, the weakest soldier in the Southern Kingdom shouldn't die from sleepiness, right, men?
(The soldiers burst out laughing. Although it hurt Haruki deep down, he smiled and laughed along.)
Soldier: Come on, relax. We're just teasing you.
Commander: Yeah, our weakest soldier is still stronger than the strongest of the Northern Kingdom's generals!
Haruki (smiling faintly): Right... I'll do my best.
Commander: Alright then, let's begin our usual training.
(Kento and Haruki finished their training around the same time, each heading home with excitement for the next day, both saying the same words to themselves: "I'll do it.")
(The next morning, both woke up, brushed their teeth, and got ready. As they stepped outside, they noticed a crowd gathered near the royal notice board.)
---
[Northern Kingdom's Announcement:]
(Important Notice: I, King Kazuma Arai, hereby declare the following—A strange portal has been discovered on the border between our kingdom and the Southern Kingdom. It appears to be a portal to another realm, though we are uncertain. For the safety of our people, I have sent a team of elite soldiers to investigate. Your safety is my highest priority.)
Kento: I've got a bad feeling about this…
---
[Southern Kingdom's Announcement:]
(Alert: I, King Jin Himura, announce that a strange portal has been detected near our borders. Though I suspect the Northern Kingdom's involvement, I cannot confirm it. A team of our best soldiers has been dispatched to investigate. Once we learn more, I'll inform everyone immediately. With my regards.)
Haruki: The Northern Kingdom, huh? Sounds interesting.
---
[A week later]
[Location: Northern Kingdom]
[Time: Noon]
(A new notice was posted near the royal castle: "Important Announcement: A Meeting Between the Two Kingdoms Will Be Held Tonight.")
Kento: Are they even allowed to do something like this? Strange...
---
[Location: Southern Kingdom]
[Time: Noon]
(The same announcement appeared.)
Haruki: Is this because of the portal? Guess we'll find out soon.
---
[Time: Evening]
[Location: The Kingdoms' Meeting]
(Inside a grand meeting chamber with a long table and many chairs, the most important figures of both kingdoms gathered to discuss the mysterious portal.)
Kazuma Arai: Who would've thought we'd ever share a table, Lord Himura?
Jin Himura: We're not friends, so spare me the small talk. You're the one who called this meeting—get to the point.
Kazuma Arai: Fine. Lord Onizuka, explain the situation.
Onizuka: Yes, Your Majesty. As you all know, a mysterious portal appeared last week along the border between our kingdoms—
Jin Himura: Are you certain your kingdom isn't behind this, King Arai?
Kazuma Arai: Are you accusing me, Lord Himura? I wouldn't do that if I were you.
Onizuka (nervously): G-gentlemen, please calm down—
Jin Himura: And what if I don't, Your Majesty?
Kazuma Arai: Then you won't like what happens next.
Jin Himura: Is that a threat?
Kazuma Arai: Consider it a promise. Guards!
Jin Himura: Soldiers, be ready!
(Suddenly, a loud voice echoed as a man entered the room.)
Stranger: Enough, you two old fools!
Kazuma Arai & Jin Himura: Yuto Shinoda!
Yuto Shinoda: In the flesh. Surprised?
Kazuma Arai: W-what are you doing here?
Yuto Shinoda: Lord Onizuka informed me of the meeting. He asked me to attend... just in case things got out of hand.
Jin Himura (smirking): A wise choice, Onizuka. Who better than the strongest man alive to keep the peace?
Onizuka (relieved): Shall we continue now?
Jin Himura: Hmph, whatever.
Kazuma Arai: Proceed.
Onizuka: After the portal appeared, both kingdoms sent elite units to investigate... but none have returned. It's been over a week.
Kazuma Arai: So what are you suggesting?
Onizuka: I suggest... we sacrifice two soldiers.
Kazuma Arai: Forget it. I've lost enough of my best men already. I won't lose more over some.
Jin Himura: I agree with King Arai. I'm not sending more troops.
Onizuka (grinning): Who said anything about elite troops?
Jin Himura: What do you mean?
Onizuka (laughing): Let's sacrifice the weakest!
---
[End of the meeting]
[Two days later]
[Time: Morning]
[Location: Northern Kingdom]
(Kento woke up early and went to the castle for training as usual, dreaming of becoming the kingdom's strongest soldier. But when he arrived, he found a strange crowd near the announcement board.)
Crowd: W-what?
Soldier: Why him of all people?!
Kento: Move! Let me see what's going on!
Soldier (bitterly): Look who's here—the chosen one.
(The board read: "Special Summons: By order of King Kazuma Arai, Soldier Kento is to report to the royal castle immediately.")
Kento (thinking): D-did I do it? Has the king finally noticed me...?
(He entered the castle, escorted by royal guards.)
Kazuma Arai: Welcome, Kento.
(Kento knelt down.)
Kazuma Arai: Stand up. No need to be formal—you're the chosen one.
Kento: I-it's an honor, my king! There's so much I want to say to you.
Kazuma Arai: Oh? I'm listening.
Kento: My dream has always been to stand by your side... to be your right hand! Meeting you today feels like the start of that dream.
Kazuma Arai (smirking): Touching... but unfortunately, that won't happen.
Kento (shocked): W-what?
Kazuma Arai: Let me be honest with you, Kento. I can't stand hearing any more nonsense. You may be weak, but your dreams are... disgustingly big.
(Kento stared in disbelief.)
Kazuma Arai: You've heard about the soldiers we sent to the portal, haven't you?
Kento: Yes. They never returned... probably dead by now.
Kazuma Arai: Correct. And you've heard of the meeting that took place?
Kento: I have.
Kazuma Arai: Then here's the truth—we decided to send the weakest soldier from each kingdom. Congratulations, Kento. You'll get to enter the portal yourself. Who knows, maybe you'll die in a way that finally teaches you how far your dreams are from reality.
Kento (furious): You're... sending me to die? And you laugh about it? What kind of monster are you? You're no king... you're a pig! No—pigs have more honor than you!
Kazuma Arai (calmly): Thank you. Guards... hit him.
(A guard struck Kento with the hilt of his sword, knocking him unconscious.)
Kazuma Arai: Take him to the portal.
---
[Location: The Portal]
[Time: Night]
(Kento woke up with his hands tied, mouth gagged, and eyes covered. The king ordered the blindfold removed.)
(He opened his eyes to see the massive portal before him—a dark violet portal pulsing with energy unlike anything ever seen.)
(He looked to his side and saw the other chosen soldier, clearly exhausted, beaten, and hopeless.)
Jin Himura: Untie their hands and mouths. Then... throw them in.
(Their restraints were removed—and before either could speak—they were shoved into the portal.)
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[Location: ???]
[Time: ???]
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