Blinking my eyes open…
As I regain consciousness, I find myself in an unfamiliar place—towering stone walls, glittering chandeliers, men clad in armor, and a man seated upon a throne, wearing a crown and luxurious attire.
Stomp.
"Attention, brave heroes! You are now in the presence of the great King Istaroth Ageis, the merciful and kind protector and well-being bearer of the Kingdom of Ashyn!"
King Ageis: Welcome, heroes from another world. Our world is in great peril, and the last hope of saving it from the Demon Lords lies with you.
A boy shouts, "Huh?"
What kind of crap is this? Where are we?
Middle Age Man says: You are in the Kingdom of Ashyn, on the continent of Antracia. Its people need you. You have all been summoned because each of you possesses a skill capable of saving humanity from the Demon Lords.
Another boy grins.
So you're saying we're in a different world, and you want us to be heroes? —Sweet.
A girl scoffs.
Are you kidding me? We're normal people. We don't have powers to do that kind of stuff.
King Ageis waves his hand: Great Wizard Euros will explain your abilities.
Great Wizard Euros: Ke-ke-hehe. E-everyone was summoned b-because you all have great potential. Heroes, you will drop your blood on this crystal—it will reveal your s-skills. Now, let's not wait everyone please gather around the crystal. Ke-ke-hehe.
Everyone gathers around the crystal.
Euros: Now, heroes, prick your finger and drop your blood onto the crystal.
A boy steps forward, excited.
Show me, show me my absurd skills! Hehe.
A bright light shines as a glowing display appears.
Euros:Oh!Haruto Aoyama. Skill: Wizard King. Spectacular what a wonderful skill! Ke-ke-hehe.
Haruto: Heh. I knew it. I always knew I had something greater in me! Hahaha!
Another boy pushes him aside.
Move, nerd. Let me see what skill I have.
He drops his blood onto the crystal.
Euros: Ke-ke-hehe. Kaito Shimizu. Skill: Sword King. wonderful what a truly magnificent skill.
Kaito: Oi, Haruto! That's what you call a real skill!
Haruto: Pfft. A simple skill, perfect for an unintelligent monkey like you.
Kaito: Huh? You wanna fight, Haruto?
Euros: U-umm, heroes—
Thud. Thud. Smacking the boys in the head. Ow Ow
Girl: Shut up, you two idiots, and let me see my skill.
She drops her blood onto the crystal.
Euros: Ohhh! Aoi Fujimoto. Skill: Holy Priestess. Ke-ke-hehe. T-Truly goddess-blessed skill.
Aoi: What kind of skill is that, old man?
Euros: Ke-ke. Holy Priestess is second only to the Hero class—a t-truly goddess-blessed skill only one one in a century.
The crowd erupts in excitement.
"Blessed by the goddess!"
"A miracle!"
Euros: Now now— Everyone.
suddenly a blinding light suddenly shines.
Euros: Wonderful! Amazing! Ren Takahashi. Skill: True Hero.
King Ageis clapping: Wonderful! Such marvelous skills! Truly the blessings of Goddess Elaris. Really today goddess has blessed us with these heroes, humanity will rid itself of those abominations known as the Demon Lords!
The hall erupts in cheers.
"Huzzah!"
"Hurray!"
A hesitant voice cuts through the celebration.
U-umm… I haven't seen my skill yet.
Euros:Huh? Ke-ke-hehe. My lord, it seems there is another summoned one.
Aoi: Who's this old man?
Man:Ghhh— Old man?! I'm not even in my thirties!
Euros: C-come f-forward and drop your blood.
Man: Ah… yes.
Drip.
The light flashes.
Euros: Takumi Kanemori. Skill: None.
Silence fills the hall.
King Ageis:Angerly Guards! Apprehend this man at once!
Swords and pikes press against my neck.
Takumi: Ah—! What's happening?! Why?!
King Ageis: Silence, you cursed creature! Euros, how was this abomination summoned?
Euros: M-my lord, there must have been an error during the summoning. There must be cursed being in one of the sacrifices.
King Ageis: Enough.
Takumi: There has to be a mistake!
King Ageis: A mistake? There is only one mistake here— YOU.
Such a tormented soul, unloved even by our merciful Goddess Elaris. Forsaken of all blessings.
Takumi: Are skills really that important?
Euros: Silence, wretch! To lack a skill is to be less than human. Be grateful our merciful king even allows you to speak.
Takumi: If I have no skill, then send me back to my world!
Euros: My lord, shall we k-kill him and free him from his agony?
Takumi:No! No, no, no—!
I look desperately toward the others.
Please… help me. Save me.
Kaito: Huh? Why should we?
Haruto:Pfft—hahaha! Look at yourself, old man. This is a fantasy world. Do you really think someone without skills can survive?
I look around, trembling.
Rio:Eww. Don't look at me, old man.
Ren: It's your fault for being born so miserable.
Shocked and broken, I panic—pushing the guards and trying to run.
Thud.
Takumi: Why… me?
I collapse.
King Ageis: Vern?
Knight Commander Vern: My lord, I do not believe we should kill such a weak creature.
King Ageis: Hmm. Guards, throw him in the dungeon. I will decide his fate later.
Guards: Salute. Yes, my lord!
They drag me away.
King Ageis: Vercil, take the heroes to their rooms. Ensure all their needs are met.
Advisor Vercil: Yes, my lord.
...
..
.
Blink.
My eyes open.
Takumi:Huh- Where am I…?
I peer through the small window on the door.
Takumi: Hello? Is anyone there? Where am I?
Guardbangs the door: In prison idiot, now shut the hell up and go to sleep. No one here.
I sit in the corner, staring through the barred window.
Takumi:Ah—another prison. So it wasn't a dream. Why… does this only happen to me?