As the next day passed, I went to meet the others, and on my way I started thinking about myself—about how, back in my life, I was always the smart, good-looking, rich kid everyone wanted to be friends with, the one people liked to say they hung out with, and how much I hated that. I was more than that; I had a personality, I was someone who could have achieved far greater things than this, yet no matter what I did, it was never enough for people. They wanted perfection, not a person, so I wore a fake costume—pretending to be who they wanted to see—until the whole thing made me feel like an imposter.
As soon as my mother died, I sank into depression, and after that, my life turned into hell.
Luckily, I had Alexander's book now, but a flashback of our last conversation played in my head—him always telling me to copy the Fate Dragon's power so I could use it to get back home. I guess my dream of becoming king of this shithole is gone now, so I'll just focus on getting back on my feet.
When I walked into the Adventurer Guild, I met Amelia.
Xiver: Where are the others?
Amelia: Before that, we need to make sure we buy you a magic staff and a sword.
Xiver: Why?
Amelia: You're pretty advanced in magic—a staff would assist you—and the last sword you had was cheap.
Xiver: Hmm… okay.
Amelia: Hahaha, always agreeing as usual.
Xiver: …
Amelia: Still not very talkative, huh?
As we walked through the shops, nothing caught my attention until I saw a black sword.
Amelia: Huh? That sword? I mean, it's normal, but fine—let's grab it and leave. I'll signal Tea and Martha so we—
Xiver: About that… I don't think today is a good idea.
Amelia: Huh? But you said—
Xiver: I'm really sorry, but I have some business related to my father.
Amelia: Wha—uhm… no, no, you're right. You should take care of that first. Sorry.
Xiver: Don't be. But I might need a favor.
Amelia: Huh?
Xiver: I need to use your signal to call someone.
Amelia: Oh—yeah, go ahead.
I took her signal and walked into the hallways.
Amelia: Hey, where are you going?
Xiver: Sorry, it has to be private.
Amelia: Oh—sorry. Go ahead.
Once I was out of Amelia's sight, I signaled Tea.
Tea: Yeah, Amelia?
Xiver: Tea, it's me.
Tea: Huh? Why are you calling from Amelia's signal?
Xiver: I don't have one, so I'm borrowing hers.
Tea: Get to the point.
Xiver: We've done it. We completed the sacrifice.
Tea: What?!
Xiver: Yes. Come to the address I'm sending you now.
Tea: Y-you actually did it…?
Xiver: Yes, and we need you now.
Tea: I'm coming right now—send the address.
After lying to him, I sent the location, returned Amelia's signal, and headed to the place I had given Tea—it was on the forbidden road.
Later, as I headed into the kingdom to meet Sara, I thought about the book. The moment I reached into my bag, panic hit me—it wasn't there. I searched my bag and pockets desperately, until Alexander appeared, holding it with a smug smile.
Alexander: You should be more careful.
I took it back, sighed in relief, then met Sara, and together we headed toward the forbidden road.
On the way, she asked how we planned to get there.
Xiver: On foot?
Sara: Are you stupid? We can't walk that far.
Xiver: I'm not very good with divine magic.
Sara: Hmm… what magic rank are you?
Xiver: I don't know.
Sara: Let me check.
Xiver: I didn't know you were powerful enough to decide my rank.
Sara: Only Lion ranks can do that, but sadly I'm just a divine user—useless in combat, but great at support.
A blue aura flowed from her hands, and soon my mana responded—red energy mixed in, my hand turning purple.
Sara: Wow… you've come a long way for this rank.
Xiver: So?
Sara: Rhinoceros.
I smiled widely, realizing how much stronger I had become.
Sara: I've never seen you smile like that.
I blushed.
Xiver: I'm just proud I've gotten stronger.
Sara: You talk differently to me than before.
Xiver: Huh? Oh—because now I know you're a real person.
Sara: Stop saying that. This is a real world—just different from yours. Still… I'm glad you're showing me your true self.
Xiver: Because I feel happy talking to you.
She blushed.
Sara: You can't just say things like that… but thank you. I enjoy talking to you too. For now, I'll use my magic to get us there.
Xiver: What kind?
Sara (laughing): I'll just use my sister, Jack—duh.
Xiver: What?! You can do that?
Sara: Of course. She's my sister.
She summoned Jack, and we headed onto the forbidden road. I hoped Tea would arrive safely. Along the way, we talked about ourselves—I learned Sara was summoned in her late twenties, though she now looked nineteen, making her nearly forty. She could've been a mother by now. As for me, I was summoned at twelve… so mentally, I guess I was twenty-four.
I also learned her real name was still Sara, and that she had lived a terrible life—forced into a marriage she never wanted. I understood why she wasn't eager to return to what she called the real world.
For a one-hour trip… I think we'll be okay.