After a year and a half of rigorous training and learning the language of this new world, the day finally arrives when we're sent to the land we've been summoned to protect.
"Shiro, I urge you to control your emotions. You are far stronger than you realize," Kokono advises, her voice calm yet firm. "Híroÿ, you will become a protector. Do not let evil seep into your heart." With a simple snap of her fingers, we're thrust into our new reality.
I awaken beside a long, winding river, sunlight filtering through the trees above, casting dappled patterns on the ground. Stretching, I notice Kyoko and Sangui curled up beside me, their forms shrunk into adorable chibi versions. "I've never seen them like this before," I say, amused. "Looks like I can keep them around all the time now."
I turn my gaze to Híroÿ, who is just beginning to stir, along with his companions. Behind them, a sprawling town comes into view, with small buildings clustered together and a towering castle in the distance. "Looks like that's the first place we should visit, Shiro," Híroÿ says as he surveys the scene.
I nod in agreement, but just as we prepare to move, a sudden wave of bloodlust washes over me, setting my nerves on edge. Before I can react, a fireball streaks through the air toward us. Híroÿ and I leap back, narrowly dodging the attack. We quickly scan the area, trying to locate the source.
From the shadows, a monstrous creature emerges—a grotesque amalgamation of a tiger's head, a minotaur's massive body, and legs too small for its size, yet built for speed. Without hesitation, I draw my weapon, morphing my sword into a bow, and fire three blazing arrows at the beast. It dodges with alarming speed, reappearing behind me in an instant. I roll out of the way just as it swings a massive sword, and Híroÿ counters with a swift strike from his scythe. The clash of metal rings out, and Híroÿ leaps back to gain distance.
Seizing the opportunity, I unleash three fireballs, each one finding its mark and staggering the creature. Híroÿ finishes it off with a bolt of lightning that pierces through its chest, sending the beast crashing to the ground. It dissolves into black dust, leaving behind a puddle of foul-smelling sludge.
"That was a lower-class monster," Híroÿ says, eyeing the remains as they slowly dissipate. "And it still took both of us to bring it down."
"A lower-class, and it was still a challenge?" I muse with a slight smile, the thrill of the battle still coursing through me. "Looks like things are going to get interesting." We exchange a glance, silently agreeing that this world is going to be far from easy.
The journey to the town's entrance is short, but the sight of the bustling streets and the towering castle in the distance fills me with anticipation. As we approach the gates, a group of armored guards steps forward to block our way.
"Halt! There's an entrance fee and proper registration required," the head guard announces, his voice gruff and commanding.
"Sorry, but we've just arrived," Híroÿ replies, irritation creeping into his tone. "We don't have anything to pay with."
"Outsiders, huh? We don't know where you belong, so you're not entering," the head guard retorts, drawing his sword as ten other knights follow suit, their weapons glinting in the sunlight.
I feel a familiar surge of anger rise within me. "You've drawn your swords first. Are you prepared to face the consequences?" I ask, my eyes narrowing, the faintest hint of purple flickering in them. They've provoked me, and now, I'm more than ready to show them the consequences of their actions.
Without another word, I draw my sword and rush the head guard. With a swift movement, I slip my leg behind his and drive the hilt of my sword into his chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. The next two guards barely have time to react before I kick them both in the chest, knocking the wind out of them.
Three more guards charge at me, swords raised. I take a quick step back, spinning to the left to avoid their strikes. Dropping to the ground, I slide under their blades, using my hands to stop my momentum and push myself up in a fluid motion. I spin on my hand, using the force to kick the three guards in quick succession. As they reel from the blows, I backflip, landing gracefully behind the remaining guards and knocking them out with a swift roundhouse kick.
As the last guard collapses, Híroÿ shakes his head, exasperated. "I think you took that too far," he says, glancing down at the groaning bodies of the guards.
"They drew their swords. They should've been ready for what came next," I reply with a shrug, nonchalantly wiping my blade clean.
Before we can continue, two figures emerge from the gate. One is a tall man clad in silver and gold-plated armor, his long silver hair flowing down his back. His bright blue eyes are sharp and commanding, his posture straight as a rod. The other is a man holding a long wand crafted from ancient wood, topped with a glowing orange stone. His fiery red hair and eyes are matched by his vibrant cloak of blue and red.
"We mean no trouble," the silver-armored knight says, his voice calm and measured. "It seems our knights have caused you some trouble." He gestures to the fallen guards.
"They shouldn't have drawn their weapons. I wouldn't have had to put them down otherwise," I reply, taking a seat on the ground as my frustration fades.
"We only wish to enter your town. We've just arrived and lost all of our supplies on the way," Híroÿ adds, his tone diplomatic.
The red-haired magician nods. "We would gladly take you to an establishment where you can register properly. Please, follow us."
Not sensing any malice from either of them, I nod in agreement, and we follow the two knights into the town.
As we walk through the bustling streets, I take in the sights and sounds around me. Colorful ribbons hang from rooftops, and food carts line the streets, filling the air with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked meals. The town is alive with activity, and for a moment, I almost forget the challenges that lie ahead.
After a short walk, we arrive at the towering castle we had seen from a distance. Guards stand watch at the front gate, their eyes tracking our every move as we approach. This is where our journey truly begins.