The next morning in this new world began with eerie silence. I lay on the luxurious bed, listening to strange birds chirping outside the window. My thoughts immediately drifted to my wife and child at home. What were they thinking now? Were they looking for me? Or was time flowing differently in this world, so they didn't even realize I was gone?
Suddenly a soft knock on the door broke my reverie.
"Excuse me, Sir," Amelia voice sounded polite from behind the door. I murmured softly to let him in.
Amelia bowed respectfully, his hands holding a silver tray with a damp towel and a glass of water.
"Mr Anton, breakfast has been prepared in the main dining room. His Majesty orders all honored guests to attend on time."
I just nodded slowly, trying to adjust to formalities I didn't fully understand yet. Amelia then led me out of the room, walking through a long corridor adorned with stone pillars and red carpet.
Each step felt heavy, not from physical fatigue, but from thoughts still filled with worry about Vira and my family in my original world.
When I arrived at the main dining room, the aroma of toast and bacon immediately greeted me. The room was so spacious, with a long table full of luxurious dishes, and at the end sat King Thorian, wearing the same purple robe as yesterday.
On the right side of the table, Eri and her group were already seated, laughing cheerfully while enjoying their breakfast. They looked so enthusiastic, wearing new training clothes with the kingdom's symbol on their chests.
"Good morning, Mr. Anton!" Eri greeted with a cheerful tone that made me uncomfortable.
"Ready to test your new powers?"
I just nodded briefly, taking a seat at the far end of the table from them. Every bite of food felt like stones in my mouth. My thoughts couldn't leave Vira. Yesterday, I saw how she was driven to the servant barracks. Was she at least getting breakfast this morning?
The table atmosphere suddenly quieted when King Thorian clapped his hands softly, his voice calm yet full of authority.
"After you finish eating," he said, looking at each of us one by one.
"you will begin training in the palace's eastern field. Eldrin will guide you to recognize and control your respective talent."
His tone changed slightly heavier. "This world is not friendly to the weak, so make the most of this opportunity."
I observed them one by one.
Eri looked overly enthusiastic, as if waiting for a chance to show off her power in front of everyone. Dito sat with a relaxed face and smug smile, clearly not taking all this seriously. Maya looked calm and graceful as usual, but her gaze was full of confident pride that worried me, as if she believed she could easily master this world.
Only Sari looked different.
The girl bowed her head, her fingers tightly clasped in her lap. Her face looked tense, her eyes moving restlessly every time the King spoke.
Among them all, perhaps only Sari truly realized how dangerous this world was, and how thin the line between life and death was in this strange place.
As an adult, I knew this world wasn't a place to be taken lightly.
And seeing how they treated Vira yesterday, my heart grew more anxious. If in the old world they could be that cruel without power, I couldn't imagine what would happen now, when that power was truly in their hands
I hoped they wouldn't underestimate this world. I didn't even know what was hidden behind this beauty place, what kind of creatures lived out there, or what dangers awaited us.
What I knew was, this place was real. And in a real world like this, one small mistake could bring disaster.
After eating finished, the table atmosphere slowly subsided after King Thorian rose from his chair and signaled for us to prepare for the next activity.
Servants came to clear the empty plates, while Eldrin had a brief discussion with guards at the side of the room.
From his serious expression, I could guess the conversation related to our training today.
Shortly after, Eldrin turned to us and said firmly,
"You, follow me. It's time to start training."
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and walked out of the dining room, his long robe fluttering behind him. We all stood up and followed his steps toward the training field outside the palace.
He looked at each of us one by one with a sharp gaze that immediately silenced the atmosphere.
"This training is simple, but important," he continued.
"Close your eyes, breathe slowly, and focus the mana and energy within you to your palms. Imagine the talent that was revealed yesterday, and let that power flow."
Eldrin raised his hand, showing an example. From his palm, soft blue light began to spin slowly, as if dancing to the rhythm of his breath.
"Don't force yourself. Feel the flow, not the pressure. Talent is part of your own body."
I tried to follow his instructions, moving the soil around me with my earth Talent. But my concentration kept breaking.
There, I saw a familiar figure. Vira.
She was kneeling, cleaning the stable with bare hands and a shovel. Her uniform was already dirty with mud and straw, her hair messy, and her movements looked weak. Every time she lifted the shovel, her body swayed slightly, as if running out of energy.
I couldn't hold back the question in my heart, why was she there? Why was my student, who yesterday merely talentless, now cleaning horse stables like a servant?
My chest felt hot. In this world, it seemed one test result was enough to determine a person's worth. The strong were praised and trained... while the weak were discarded without mercy.
I clenched my fists, trying to hold back the boiling anger in my chest.
Vira didn't deserve to be treated like that. Not in our world, and shouldn't in this world either
Before I could speak, a small laugh sounded from behind.
"Hey, look at that," Eri mocked while pointing toward the horse stable.
"She really suits that kind of work, doesn't she?"
Dito added in a belittling tone, "Yeah hahaha, in the previous world she often cleaned toilets. So no wonder her job is like that now."
My anger almost exploded, but before I could step forward, Eldrin's firm voice cut through the air coldly.
"Enough."
The atmosphere immediately silenced. Eldrin looked toward us with a sharp gaze before finally speaking in a firm yet calm tone,
"Focus on your training. Don't let trivial matters disturb your concentration."
I took a deep breath, holding back the urge to scold them, then tried again to focus energy on my palms, though my heart was still turbulent.
I took a deep breath, trying to hold back the urge to scold them, then focused energy on my palms again. But my concentration was shattered, my thoughts a turbulent storm. Against my will, my gaze drifted back to Vira in the distance.
The girl was still working cleaning the stable with a small shovel in her hand, her body seeming to tremble from exhaustion.
Suddenly, a middle-aged man approached. His silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and his brown eyes radiated a firmness hard to ignore. He wore a complete royal knight uniform with a dark blue cloak and a shining emblem on his chest. From his posture and authority, he was clearly no ordinary person.
He stopped right in front of Vira. He spoke to Vira, their voices too far for me to hear. But from what I saw, Vira just stayed silent, bowing without resistance.
Without many words, Vira obeyed, walking weakly beside him.
I watched their retreating backs, my chest feeling heavy. Who was that man? And where was he taking Vira?
Suddenly, Eldrin's voice sounded from the distance, cutting off my thoughts.
"Now, we will continue training in the garden," he said firmly, his voice echoing in the field.
"This isn't just a garden. Nature is an important medium for mastering your talent."
I frowned. Eldrin continued,
"Sari, with your Nature talent, you must learn to feel nature's energy, to communicate with a plants, and sharpen your instincts. But those of you with other abilities can't ignore it either."
His eyes shifted to Eri.
"Eri, your Sacred Magic may specialize in healing and protection, but it will find its true stability when harmonized with nature's own energy flow. Without this foundation, even your holy power risks becoming volatile."
Eldrin's eyes then sharpened as they fell on Dito.
"As for your Battle Rage Dito, yes it thrives on aggression. But Experiencing nature will teach you rhythm, stamina, and emotional control. Without that, your power could exceed control and endanger yourself."
His gaze then turned to me.
"Anton, your Terra Magic will be more effective when combined with natural elements around you. The soil, rocks, and minerals in this garden provide structure and energy you can manipulate for defense or attack. Learning from nature will sharpen your instincts, while strengthening defenses to protect the weak."
Finally, he turned to Maya.
"And Maya, your Aqua Magic will have a natural correlation with Anton's Terra Magic. Water and soil influence each other, water can soften soil, but can also be manipulated to form defenses or attacks if combined with soil. Training in the garden will teach you to work with natural energy harmoniously, not just relying on individual strength."
I bowed my head, absorbing Eldrin's words. Even for those considered strong, nature remained an important teacher, and combining strengths between one another could determine the outcome of battles or defenses.
Eri shrugged with a sneering smile, her tone casual.
"Alright, alright... then we'll train in the garden too, okay?"
Her tone sounded joking, emphasizing that she didn't truly take Eldrin's instructions seriously. Dito looked at Eri and laughed, also ignoring the seriousness of the situation.
Eldrin looked at them briefly, then sighed softly, indicating he would let their characters express themselves as long as training continued.
"Follow me," he said, while walking.
Then we were moved to the vegetable garden to train.
When we arrived at the spacious vegetable garden, sunlight penetrated through leaf gaps, forming light patterns on the damp soil. The soil smelled fragrant, a mix of wet earth and fresh foliage.
I looked around, then my eyes caught the figure I had long thought about. There was Vira, bent over, diligently pulling weeds, her face calm though her body looked tired. Her new task was clearly visible from the shovel and bag full of weeds she carried.
Watching her work like that made my blood boil. My heart was a tangled knot of anger and concern. While the man who took her away had clearly just given her new orders.
I swallowed, trying to calm myself, but it was difficult.
Seeing Vira like that made me feel helpless.
Thoughts about how she had to bear that burden, plus worry that hadn't disappeared since she left the horse stable, made my chest hot.
Eldrin stood before us, looking at each student firmly.
"Now, focus your magical power according to your respective talents," he said.
"In this garden, soil, water, and plants aren't just backgrounds, they are part of your talent. Don't just release energy randomly. Feel its flow, from roots to leaves, and from ground to sky."
Eldrin spoke of talent and potential, but my focus was stolen by Vira. My gaze was drawn to her relentlessly, haunted by the sight of her alone in her dirty uniform, hands covered in mud, forced to weed by herself. A helpless fury made my blood boil, shattering my concentration.
On the other side, Maya smirked sneeringly. As she began concentrating her water energy, instead of harmonizing with nature, her hands moved quickly, channeling her water magic directly toward Vira.
A large water ball formed and shot rapidly, hitting Vira with full force. The poor girl was thrown to the muddy ground with a painful scream.
"AAAAH!"
Eri's and the others' laughter echoed in the garden. Even Eldrin didn't react, just continued the lesson as if nothing happened.
Without thinking, I ran toward Vira. "Vira! Are you okay?"
She tried to get up, her body trembling violently and covered in mud.
"I... I'm fine, Sir." Her voice was hoarse.
"You don't look well. Have you eaten anything since this morning?" I asked Vira, my voice trembling seeing her pitiful condition.
Vira shook her head slowly, her eyes avoiding my gaze.
"I... I wasn't allowed to eat today. Captain Gregory said I had to finish all my work first."
Hearing that confession, my heart felt sliced. Worse than I suspected, she was truly starving since morning. Her pale face and trembling hands weren't just from cold, but from her empty stomach.
"Listen," I whispered, making sure no one heard.
"Wait in your barracks tonight," I said, leaning slightly closer.
"I'll try to bring you some food. I promise."
Her listless eyes suddenly brightened briefly, but then dulled again. As if she didn't expect much. That expression hurt more than her tears.
"ANTON! Return to your training!" shouted Eldrin from the distance.
"I will bring you food tonight. Wait for me." I whispered, before i had to go.
With a shattered feeling, I returned to the group. For the rest of the day, I had difficulty concentrating. The terra magic in my hands felt empty and meaningless. Every time I closed my eyes, what I saw was Vira's pale face, yet still trying hard.
My gaze fixed on her as she continued pulling weeds, working tirelessly even as sweat dripped from her forehead and her hands trembled. Seeing her like that, my chest felt hot between anger and worry. Thoughts about how heavy the task given to her kept disturbing me, breaking my focus.
Eri shouted, with a joking tone and sneering smile, quipping from the group's side.
"Hey, look at that hard worker. If you're that diligent, maybe the plants here will be afraid of you."
I flinched, but didn't turn. Just watched Vira who remained bowed, focused on her work, making me feel increasingly helpless. Eldrin occasionally scolded me for my lost concentration.
"Anton, pay attention to your training!" he shouted, reminding me that I still had to master my magic, though my heart remained restless.
When the day began to darken, Eldrin clapped his hands, signaling that today's training was enough.
Sweat dripped from my forehead, and my body felt tired, yet my head remained full of worry. At that moment, I saw Vira approached by the same knight, and she was taken away.
It seemed her task was finished. Realizing she had completed her task made my chest slightly relieved, though restless feelings still haunted.
"All of you, return to your respective rooms and rest. Tomorrow we continue with more intensive training," he said firmly, his voice echoing in the garden growing quiet.
I obeyed Eldrin's command and walked with heavy steps toward my room, yet thoughts about Vira and the helplessness that kept haunting me made my steps feel heavy. My heart was filled with desire to help her, even with small things.
When night fell and the palace was completely quiet, I dared to sneak out of my room. Carefully, I headed to the kitchen, hoping there was still leftover food for her.
Fortunately, on the preparation table remained several pieces of bread, cheese, and fruit. My chest felt slightly relieved, knowing I could bring something for Vira, though simple.
With trembling hands, I hid the bread, cheese, and fruit in my robe. As I was about to turn, an old man with white hair appeared before me, his gaze sharp and calming yet frightening simultaneously.
"Anton," his voice was heavy, yet not entirely angry. "What are you doing here at this hour?"
I flinched, my heart beating fast. Accidentally, my robe jerked, and the hidden food scattered to the floor.
"Nn—this... this is for me... I'm still hungry," I answered hastily, trying to sound convincing though my chest was pounding.
Eldrin looked at me sharply, his eyebrows furrowed.
"For you? You want me to believe that? In this palace, a person's value is determined by their contribution, Anton. You are haven't done anything that makes you worthy of facilities like this just for your own interests."
"And is this for the talentless one?" continued Eldrin, his voice rising, sharp, and piercing my chest.
I swallowed. "N—no... not for her... I... I'm just hungry..."
I tried to convince myself while trying to hold back the guilt pressing down. But in my heart, Vira's tired and pale face appeared clearly, making my chest feel squeezed.
Eldrin leaned toward me, his eyes seeming to read every intention of mine.
"Your compassion cannot replace rules, Anton. You must learn to restrain yourself, not follow every heart's impulse. Return that food now, and go back to your room!"
I bowed my head, frustration and dilemma swirling inside me. I wanted to give it to Vira. But before Eldrin, every step of mine felt wrong.
I held back trembling as I slowly wanted to return the food, but Vira's image appeared so strongly in my thoughts. I bit my lip, holding back nearly exploding emotions. My body trembled between worry and anger, trying to defy Eldrin's authority.
"But... I can't just stay silent seeing her starve!"
I cried out, this time louder. My voice trembled, but my determination was clear, as if wanting to pierce through Eldrin's authority. Even though my heart knew, this courage of mine could look like rebellion.
Eldrin bowed his head briefly, then let out a long sigh.
"Anton... this isn't about right or wrong for you or for the talentless one. You must learn to balance intention with reality. You're a Hero, and she is talentless. Your statuses are worlds apart, so just forget about her."
I frowned, my blood boiling.
"Talentless... talentless, talentless! You all keep calling her talentless! That's Vira! Her name is Vira! And a Hero? I... I don't want to be a hero! I don't care about that title—"
"ENOUGH, ANTON!" he snapped, cutting me off. his voice echoing and making me flinch.
"Here, what matters isn't names or sympathy. What matters is reality! You must learn to obey rules, or you will be destroyed!"
I took a breath, trying to hold back unceasing tremors. But every time I saw Eldrin's firm face, my chest felt tight.
"But... she's human too! You can't just call her talentless and ignore her!" I argued again, my voice braver this time.
Eldrin looked at me coldly, his eyes piercing.
"Anton, I've warned you! Here, rules and reality are more important than your feelings! If you keep resisting, you'll only bring ruin to me and yourself!"
I bit my lip, my blood boiling, but I couldn't retreat.
"I don't care about rules that call her 'talentless'! Her name is Vira, and I won't stay silent seeing her treated like that!" I shouted, almost screaming.
Eldrin approached, his voice becoming a deafening shout.
"Enough, Anton! I don't care about anyone! Here, what you must obey is training and discipline. Do you think this world will give place to feelings and compassion? No! In this world, the useless remain useless! If you continue to defy me, you will be destroyed!"
Eldrin's words were like hammers hitting my head. I swallowed, breath caught, and instantly all the courage I had earlier collapsed. My trembling hand moved slowly.
The food in my robe I took out again, the bread, cheese, and fruit I held awkwardly.
With a hoarse voice I said, "Okay... alright."
If I forced this, the result would be the same... Eldrin wouldn't care, and I would only sink deeper. I then placed everything back on the preparation table, one by one, as if each piece pulled away the remaining courage from me.
My robe felt lighter, but this chest grew tighter. Eldrin watched without blinking, his face flat, no mercy there, only enforced discipline.
I bowed my head, pressing my lips until they hurt, then turned slowly. My steps were heavy as I returned to my room, leaving the silent kitchen and the leftover bread that now seemed worthless. In my heart, that small promise still echoed. I surrender now, but I won't stop looking for another way to help her.
Each step toward my room felt heavy. My promise to Vira kept echoing in my head, making my chest tight. She must be waiting for me in the dark, cold barracks, her stomach growling, hoping I would come bringing something... without knowing that she was suffering.
But the reality was, I only gave her an empty promise. It hurt knowing that perhaps she had been disappointed too often by this harsh world.
the coppery taste of blood blooming as I bit into my dry lips.
Forgive me Vira...
I whispered in my heart, that sentence echoed without sound. I wasn't strong enough today. I couldn't keep my promise. It felt like there was a stone pressing on my chest, making each step feel piercing.
When I reached the room, I immediately fell onto the bed, my body collapsing without energy. My breath was heavy and irregular, while my hands still gripped the air as if trying to grasp something I couldn't hold.
My eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, letting chaotic thoughts swirl, filled with guilt and worry pressing on my chest. In that silence, I let all emotions flow.
Restlessness, anger, and unbearable sadness while imagining Vira's face, hoping one day I could redeem my helplessness.
Yet, behind that despair, a glimmer of determination slowly emerged. I might not be able to protect her now, but I promised myself, I would become strong enough for next time. So I wouldn't just be watching anymore, wouldn't have to surrender to harsh rules and discipline anymore.
Night enveloped, and in that silence, I closed my eyes, feeling pain, guilt, and determination mixing into one. Without knowing that the door of opportunity would be closed forever after this night.