My name is Ozul, having turned 18 recently, today really, an assassin from the modern age, kidnapped and transported to a world filled with magic, mystical creatures, and science far more advanced than the age I had come from.
I was brought to a room, lined with guards at the wall, their armor advanced with a medieval appearance, their swords without a blade, the gaps of their visors glowing red.
Beside me, there were 3 other people in this place.
A female blondie with a height of 151 cm, tied into a side ponytail.
She could be classified as a bottom-heavy in body shape, as I noticed she gripped her thighs with great force, her face filled with anger.
The other woman was far taller, with long strawberry blonde hair with slightly less thicker curves. She appeared rather calm in this situation, but I noticed the look in her eyes. They were focused, analytical, and observant.
The last was a guy who was quite handsome, I will admit, his black hair slightly spiky with a muscular build.
We all wore hospital gowns.
I wasn't sure if it was the case, but maybe everyone else had experienced the same thing I had, the same torture I felt.
Before us, sitting on a large throne that radiated authority, decorated in gold, shone upon by the sun through the glass roof, and in the seat, a fat man sat.
Balding, pointy ears, decorated in gold rings and jewelry, with a cigar in his mouth.
"So these are the ones you summoned? Usually, there are about 10 or more, no?"
A man dressed in a green cloak bowed his head to the emperor.
"I apologize. There was an unpredictable dimensional storm. Unfortunately, we could only get these four, but I assure you, our spell takes individuals with skills that can assist us."
"Very well, you are dismissed."
"Yes, my king."
The man walked off with the rest of his subordinates, leaving us unsure of our fates.
I wanted to leave, but even with my current skills, I could not.
They wore armor that looked impossible to break, held weapons that gave me an uneasy feeling. Overall, this was not a favorable situation.
"Alright, it's time to clear up the tension."
The king clapped his hands together, sending a shockwave that jolted us awake.
"My name is Alistair von Morvane. I am the emperor of this city, Harlem City. We have summoned you from different worlds due to a crisis currently."
No one said a word.
I couldn't blame them.
What the hell is he even talking about?
"I'm sure you're probably thinking 'What the hell is he even talking about?'"
"...!!"
"Need not worry, unfortunately, I can't teach it all to you, so instead, you will be assigned to different educational institutions we have set up in this city. There, you will learn all that is needed to help us in our quest to defeat the demon king."
"...um, do you take us for fools or something? I'm not a kid; this is just the typical isekai plot. You obviously kidnapped us. Stop trying to make up stupid fantasy shit, or else I'll beat you down."
Strawberry blondie spoke, pointing at the emperor in anger.
I admired such courage.
I could never do something like that, even if I desperately wanted to.
"She's right, I'm not a stupid teenager, I'm a 21-year-old woman."
From what I can tell, she may have been the spoiled brat type, maybe, maybe worse.
"...right, I should have shown you a little proof of my words. How's this?"
In the moment he raised his hand, blue particles coated it.
I was stunned to see something that didn't obey the laws of physics.
That should not be possible, yet somehow this man was doing this.
I felt my body get lighter and then I noticed...
I'm...levitating!?
...we were all lifted into the air, our feet no longer touching the ground as if we were in space.
"What the hell is this!? How are you—!?" Strawberry hair said.
"Magic, dear, magic."
Gently setting us down, I caught my footing, but such an experience actually felt amazing.
That...was cool.
"I'm a very busy man, so I can't waste any more time. Please use the bedrooms if you wish. Tomorrow, you will be brought to the schools and colleges that you are assigned based on your age and experience in life. Your belongings will also be given to you tomorrow, so don't worry about where they are. Does anyone else have any questions?"
I had plenty, but I couldn't even speak, so I kept my hand down.
"No one? Alright, guards, escort our guests to their temporary rooms. Make sure they feel safe."
And just like that, I was now sitting in the bedroom of this place.
It felt...weird.
I felt...uncomfortable sitting in such a place.
The familiar hard surfaces I slept on were gone, now replaced by soft cushioning.
The newspaper used as blankets, now replaced by a smooth, furry cloth.
The only thing I felt familiar with was the shower, and I took a long shower.
The feeling of the raining warm water on my bare skin was just as incredible as it always was.
But now I had various options for soap and even shampoo.
"..."
So many kinds. Mana–infused? GMO-free? 12–in–one soap? Scented Body Cleanser? Antioxydrates? Enriched with Vitamin E? I don't know the differences.
Despite my confusion and lack of knowledge when it came to certain hygiene, I decided to take the mana-infused. I didn't know what the term meant, but it sounded healthy.
Using the soap on my body, it tingled slightly, but it felt good.
The mix of warm water and this soap made me feel sleepy, but I quickly slapped myself awake.
I could not be so foolish as to fall asleep in an unfamiliar place.
I had almost let myself fall prey to such luxuries I had lacked in my life before.
I didn't know where I was, but all I knew was that this indeed was not my world anymore.
The city was quite big, with buildings that didn't look like those from my modern era, but reminded me more of Victorian buildings.
No tall skyscrapers or anything like that, but flashy architecture designed to show off.
But most importantly, I kept thinking about the box cutter.
I wanted my box cutter back.
I needed it back.
It's the only thing I have left of her.
But all I could do was wait until tomorrow.
I hadn't left my room at all, staying inside, looking out the window, reading books I couldn't understand, for the language was not something I was familiar with.
The next day, a person came to my room, assigning me to a high school since, apparently, adulthood in this world was 21 for their law.
I thought that was weird, but what could I say? I came from a world where 18 was when one reached adulthood.
I was assigned to...Gustov Academy, a school that trains those in swordsmanship, magic, and other fields.
I was given my tracksuit, the Box Cutter, and a school uniform that would be mine to wear.
Being the standard navy-blue blazer and pants with gold shoulder straps and a white dress shirt, and black shoes.
Finally, I have it back, and this school uniform. I've never worn one before. Actually, I've never gone to school before. My mom taught me.
Carrying my tracksuit in a bag I was given, I was led out of the main building by guards.
This place was truly a beauty to the eye.
Seeing all these different buildings and their shapes was impressive and all, but what really sold it was the people.
I saw many people who looked human, but their ears were pointy, some with horns, others with tails.
Their clothes all felt modern for my age, or with slightly different styles.
Carriages were pulled by not animals, but mechanical ones, powered by a battery I could not know.
Finally, I had reached the school, and it was a big institution.
I couldn't even describe how big it was, even if I wanted to.
"Here is your phone. It will translate any materials, serve as a map for these buildings, and other features, I'm sure you can discover during your free time."
The man left me at the gate, now on my lonesome.
I would have rather walked off, but how would I know if they were spying on me or not?
If they had magic or whatever it was called, who knows what they could do?
In the end, I decided to comply.
The map was a very large one, with five floors and rooms in the double digits.
The dorm was the neighboring building connected to the school building by a bridge.
I entered through the dorm building, and quickly, I was able to find my dorm.
It was a simple, small room: a single window, bed, desk, a calendar on a screen, and everything else I needed.
So this is my room. It looks nice.
Throwing my bag over to a random corner, I was about to take a seat when someone I had stopped near my door.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"..."
I turned over to the student.
Whether she was senior or not, I could not tell.
"You're a freshman, you should be at the entrance exam."
Entrance exam?
"Hurry up! As your senior, I'm telling you it is important you are there."
I still didn't understand why it was important, but it's not like I knew this world well.
The best I could do was follow what everyone was telling me so I could blend in better.
"Follow me, I'll bring you there."
She was quite average in appearance, wearing the school uniform as well, but instead of pants, it was a white skirt with white thigh-highs.
During the walk, we hadn't spoken for a while until now...
"So, which sector are you from? Are you an elf, an elvenoid, a vampire, what is it?"
"..."
I really wanted to speak, but any attempt would sound like baby noises.
I didn't need to make myself look weird, that I already was.
"...cold shoulder, huh? That's fine. The first day is usually the most stressful. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get used to it."
...maybe.
Little did I know how big this place truly was.
There was an entire small stadium for everyone to participate in fights.
People were sitting alone in the seats by the bars, some who looked like teenagers, others who looked like adults, and there were also teachers.
Immediately, I could tell everyone here was a threat to my life.
"Go down there, join the other students."
She walked off, leaving me alone once again.
Doing as she said, I stood alongside the other students.
Some looked like they were in their 20s, others looked younger.
The field was quite big, big enough for combat between three people maximum.
In the front, a man wearing a white suit walked forward, his pink hair stylish, his top hat fabulous in color, and an owl by his side on his shoulder.
"Greetings, greetings, my little students. Everyone here has come here for a certain reason. Whether for strength, wisdom, legacy, desperation, whatever it was, now you're here, and you must prove you are capable. Today will be a simple mock battle, One–on–one to show off to your seniors and teachers. Based on today's results, it will determine which classes you will take, so give it your all, but don't overdo it. Let's start off with this first battle! Let's see here, oh! Ozul versus Theodore Draines!"
I'm first!? I had hoped to see what this magic stuff was before I had to fight.
"Everyone else, leave the battleground."
As he said, everyone had cleared out until only Theodore and I were left.
"What have we here? A muscular giant with bones as dense as dragons versus a scrawny boy with a baby face. Ain't this an interesting matchup?"
He floated around as if he were a cartoon character, playing around and playfully mocking us for entertainment.
He underestimated me, but then again, when an assassin is underestimated, they can usually get the jump on their enemies, so if anything, I was glad.
My eyes met this man, and my body acted with instinct, trying to force me to run.
What the hell? Why do I feel scared? I've fought people in bigger weight classes than me. Is it because he's not human?
He was quite tall, I would say maybe 8 feet or more. Honestly, I couldn't tell because of the sheer difference in our height, especially since I was not short by any means.
"I hope we have a good fight. No hard feelings, right?"
Theodore raised his hand for a handshake.
I still felt wary of him, but it was best to keep up appearances for now.
I nodded, returning the gesture.
"Before that, take the weapon you prefer."
Snapping his fingers, a table of different tools appeared in front of both of us, both small and big.
Without hesitation, I took the curved dagger, and to my surprise, Theodore took the giant mace.
A mace, that should be heavy to slow him down.
Walking to the edges of the arena, the table was gone, having poofed into glitter, and I was ready to fight.
"Keep in mind that injuries will be healed, whether close to death or dead, so don't worry about dying."
...they let people kill during the entrance exam? I wonder how many people have gotten traumatized after being killed.
"Ready...?
I gripped my dagger, getting into a stance.
"Set...!"
Theodore released steam from his nostrils like a bull ready to charge at their red flag.
"FIGHT!"