The forest gradually thinned as Remus followed behind Iris, the dense canopy giving way to wider paths and scattered sunlight.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Remus was still stealing glances at her—at the armor, the sword, the effortless way she moved. Even the way she stepped over roots and uneven ground felt… trained. Like she belonged to this world.
Unlike him.
"So…" Remus finally broke the silence, rubbing the back of his neck. "You said people get… transversed here sometimes. What happens to them?"
Iris didn't slow her pace.
"Most of them adapt," she said calmly. "Some become adventurers. Some take up trades. Others…" she paused briefly, "…don't last very long."
Remus swallowed.
"Yeah… makes sense."
A world with creatures such as giant wolves wasn't exactly forgiving.
"Since you'll need to survive here," Iris continued, "I'll explain the basics."
Remus straightened slightly.
"Okay. I'm listening."
"This world is called Aurelion," Iris began. "A land shaped by mana—the fundamental energy that exists in all things."
"Mana…" Remus repeated.
"Yes. It flows through the air, the earth, living beings… everything. Those who learn to control it can perform what you would call magic."
Remus's eyes lit up instantly.
"So magic is real."
"Very real," she replied. "But it's not something you just use. It requires training, control, and affinity."
"Affinity?"
"Each person is naturally inclined toward certain types of magic," Iris explained.
"The main categories are elemental—fire, water, wind, earth—but there are also rarer branches like lightning, light, shadow, and even spatial magic."
Remus leaned forward slightly as he walked.
"So it's like classes in a game?"
"That's a strange way to put it," she said, glancing at him. "But not entirely wrong."
He grinned.
"I knew it."
"However," she continued, "unlike your 'games,' power here comes with consequences. Overuse of mana can exhaust you… or even kill you."
"…Right. Noted."
"The people of Aurelion generally fall into different professions," Iris went on.
"Let me guess—adventurers are one of them."
"They are," she nodded. "Adventurers take on requests—slaying monsters, exploring dungeons, escorting caravans. It's dangerous work, but it offers freedom and wealth."
"Sounds perfect."
Iris gave him a look.
"It's also where most people die."
"…Still sounds kinda perfect," Remus muttered.
She ignored that.
"There are also knights, who serve kingdoms directly. Mages, who dedicate themselves to mastering mana. As well as merchants, blacksmiths, healers… and countless others."
"Is there like… a ranking system?"
"Yes. Adventurers are ranked from F to S."
Remus's grin widened.
"Of course they are."
"F-rank is for beginners," Iris continued. "S-rank are individuals capable of changing the course of battles—or even wars."
Remus let out a low whistle.
"Guess I know where I'm aiming."
Iris didn't respond, but there was the faintest hint of amusement in her expression.
As they crested a hill, Iris suddenly stopped.
"We're here."
Remus stepped up beside her—
—and froze.Before him stood a massive city, surrounded by towering stone walls that stretched as far as the eye could see. At its center rose a grand citadel, its spires piercing the sky.Roads branched outward like veins, filled with movement—people, carts, guards.
"…Whoa," Remus breathed.
"Welcome to Volaris, the capital city of Aurelion," Iris said.
"This…" he struggled for words, "…this is amazing."
"Breathtaking isn't it?"
"Yea...it is."
The gates alone were enormous, guarded by armored soldiers carrying spears. As they entered, Remus was immediately overwhelmed.Voices echoed from every direction.
Merchants shouted from stalls lined with strange fruits, glowing crystals, and weapons of all kinds. Adventurers in armor passed by, some laughing, others covered in dirt and blood.A few robed individuals walked past, faint sparks of light flickering around their hands.
Remus turned in circles, trying to take everything in.
"This is actually real…" he whispered.
"Yea," Iris said. "This is your reality now."
They walked through crowded streets, moving deeper into the city.
"That building," Iris pointed ahead, "is the Adventurers' Guild."
Remus followed her gaze.
A large stone structure stood proudly at the center of a plaza, a massive emblem engraved above its entrance.
"That's where you'll register if you ever decide to become one."
"Oh, I'm definitely doing that."
"I figured."
After guiding him through several streets, Iris stopped in front of a clothing shop.
"You know, in this world, you can't walk around dressed like that," she said, gesturing to his hoodie and lounge pants.
"Yeah… I guess so," Remus agreed, scratching the back of his head.
Inside the shop, Remus was quickly fitted with simple but sturdy clothes—dark trousers, a fitted shirt, and a light cloak.
When he stepped out, he looked exactly like someone from that world.
"Well?" he asked Iris, who had stayed outside the shop.
"That'll do," she said with her arms crossed.
"That's it? No 'you look amazing'?"
"No."
"…Tough crowd."
She handed him a small pouch.
Remus blinked.
"What's this?"
"Gold coins. Enough to get you started."
He hesitated.
"I can't just take this."
"You have to," she said firmly. "You'll need it more than i do."
"…Alright then."
He took it.
"Thanks... for everything."
"You're welcome."
They stood at a quiet intersection. For the first time since they met, Iris seemed slightly distant.
"I have to report back to the guild," she said. "I've got information that the guild master needs to know."
"Oh… right."
Remus scratched his cheek.
"Guess this is where we split, huh?"
"For now."
He looked at her.
"…Will I see you again?"
Iris turned slightly, her violet cape shifting with the movement.
"If you're able to survive long enough as an adventurer," she said, "our paths may cross again."
A faint smirk touched her lips.
"So try not to die too quickly."
Remus grinned.
"No promises."
She shook her head lightly before walking away, her figure disappearing into the crowd.
Remus stood there for a moment, alone. Then he looked down at the pouch in his hand, then up at the city.
"…Alright," he muttered, a slow smile forming."Let's see what this world's got."
And with that—
Remus Kaine took his first step into his new life.