Zorat was now very much invested in whatever was going on with this kingdom, as soon as the lady in front of them mentioned a demon king.
However, he chose to continue observing in the meantime. He felt that more exciting things would surely soon ensue. And not even a second after having that thought, he heard a familiar confident voice.
"Fair maiden. Did you say you need a hero ?" Roberto asked the lady in an expectant tone.
As soon as Roberto had heard the word 'Hero', it seemed to have triggered something in him. As a kid growing up, as well as knowing in his bones that he is from a long-lost royal lineage, he believed someone as awesome as he is, was supposed to save the world at least once or twice.
"Yes, my dear hero. We need 'you' to save our world." The beautiful lady responded in an endearing tone and even bowed slightly.
The other students watching this exchange were thinking that maybe Roberto was about to follow up with some constructive questions that would assuage their present anxiety.
However, Roberto had thoughts of his own. He was now certain that this was infact his destiny. He is destined to shine. Shine as bright as the sun, he thought. Roberto has finally found his purpose.
"Say no more, fair maiden… for I, Roberto Wells, the ever handsome, will be your hero," Roberto added, brushing his sleek orange hair backwards and raising his chin to the skies.
"Hero, my ass. Roberto, are you fucking insane ?. we dont even know where the fuck we are. These people literally kidnapped us!" A female student, Julia, who's also Roberto's girlfriend, yelled as she pulled him by the hand towards her.
Julia had always been Roberto's apologist, ever since they started dating. He had his good qualities, she knows, but his ego was higher than Mount Everest.
"And you." Julia turned towards the lady.
"Who the hell are you ?. And where in the world are we ?" She added frantically, voicing the pressing thoughts going through the minds of all the other students present.
Most could already tell what they were seeing was real. The king, the knights, and the lady who looked like a saintess. But they were trying their hardest to remain logical. How could a thing such as transmigration be real? They thought.
Zorat, too, was busy with his thoughts. He could feel a certain familiar vibration from the lady in front of them and all the others of the royal court.
It was very familiar to him, yet different at the same time. Though he was restless about something else. Something he needed to take care of as soon as possible. He couldn't wait for these people to be done with all the irrelevant questions. He yawned and placed both his hands in his pockets, and just waited.
"Fear not, Hero. You have all been brought into the world of Arleria by our benevolent goddess. And this is the kingdom of Ursula. One of the four kingdoms of Arleria." The lady explained patiently, already expecting such questions.
A goddess, is it ?.
Hmmm. They called me a god as well.
I would like to meet this goddess if I get the chance. hehehe.
"Another world. I see. Just as I suspected. We are no longer in our home world, correct ?" A bespeckled student, exuding unusual calm unlike the others, asked the question in a calm tone. He had on a black long-sleeved T-shirt, brown pants, and a black trench coat.
Zorat immediately remembered this person as Jacob. Another popular guy on their campus, rumored to be from a very wealthy background, and he is also very academically inclined, with grades only second to the class president.
"Yes. The goddess Arleria has brought you all to our world to vanquish the demon king and all his agents."
"I am Saintess Sylvara. The mouthpiece of the goddess. Her devoted servant. We mean you no harm." Saintess Sylvara intoned endearingly, and Jacob asked no further questions, giving the others space to ask their own.
He preferred to observe more than interfere. He only did so this time to get a read on Saintess Sylvara's response. And he could tell she was lying about something. Though he pressed no further.
"Okay. Can we perhaps be sent back ?" A different student who had been quiet all this time spoke up.
He had short grey hair and light brown eyes, with a simple white t-shirt, blue jeans, and canvas. A very casual outfit, but on this person's toned and sculptured physique, it looked effortlessly elegant.
Zorat recalled this person as Andrew. The captain of the university basketball team, an all-around people person. He's loved by most on campus and commands such effortless grace that most trust and rally together with him.
Andrew is greatly troubled at the moment. Unlike the other students who all had parents and extended family; its just him and his little sister, who is only seven years old. Their parents died in a car accident a few years back, and if he is here, who was going to take care of his sister ?.
"Yes, dear hero. You can certainly return to your world." Saintess Sylvara responded with a warm smile. And before Andrew could give a follow-up question, another voice cut in.
"Really?!' A female student asked in surprise. She had on a white crop top, with fitting women's jeans that highlighted her curvy build, and blue sneakers to match.
This was Ariana. The class president. And also Andrew's good friend. She knew Andrew's sister well and was also worried about how she would cope in his absence.
"Of course, dear hero. Right after the demon king has been defeated. You will all be granted a chance to make a wish. Anything you wish for will be granted by the goddess Arleria."
Zorat almost laughed at such ridiculous assertions. Now he was one hundred percent certain that these people were playing some sort of long game and lying to these students.
Even I couldn't grant whatever someone wished for.
Even Lumrheal will find it hard.
Something smells fishy.
But one thing is certain. That familiar power I have been sensing is definitely real.