"Woah!" I heard as my eyes slowly opened. Similar exclamations could be heard all around me, the sounds of people murmuring amongst themselves, seemingly marveling at something. My eyes, still foggy from sleep, were certainly not ready to focus on anything, but I forced myself to survey the room. What I saw was shocking enough to force my eyes open properly.
There were men in robes surrounding me, staring at me. Some were even pointing at me and making comments amongst themselves. Many seem totally speechless. Just as many seem to be cheering happily.
I heard a voice from beside me, saying, "Just what the hell is going on here?" I glanced over, only to see three others like myself standing next to me. When I say, 'like myself', I really mean that they seem just as clueless and confused as I am. Well, there's no way of saying exactly *how* clueless they were, but at the very least we were in similar situations.
I reached up to rub my head, still sore from the impact of the heavy book from before, and tried to figure out what was happening.
I had just been in the library, right? How did I end up here? And why? And, probably most important, where is here anyways? I turned my head to properly get a look at the room, and only became more confused. This certainly is not the library, nor is it a hospital, which means I didn't get concussed and end up here or anything like that. The room is made of heavy carved stone- something like brick, but carved out of big stones rather than made from clay. Like an old european castle. Definitely not any place I had been before. Hell, I'm not even sure you could find a place like this anywhere near my apartment.
I glanced down at my feet. I was standing on some sort of raised pedestal. The pedestal itself is painted in some sort of odd geometric pattern with a fluorescent material. Seriously, this place is straight out of some sort of cheesy fantasy!
As I was looking down, I noticed something else- I was holding something. A long, sturdy wooden pole, with a long sheet of paper hanging from it. There was kanji on the paper. I turned the pole so I could look at what was written on the front. 'Hero of the Ofuda?' Wait… This can't seriously be what I think it is, right?
I tried to put the staff down, but couldn't. The ofuda wouldn't allow me to set it down. However, when I tried putting it on my back, it stayed there, allowing me to leave my hands free at least. Could this seriously be-
My train of thought was interrupted by the man standing next to me, holding the mean looking wooden club. "Just where are we?" He asked, his voice cold and stern.
The men in robes responded in kind, though they didn't exactly answer his actual question. "Oh, great Heroes, please save our world!"
The guy with the club rolled his eyes. "That's not what I asked." How can he be so cool at a time like this? Luckily for my sanity, the one with the staff, who seems a bit more concerned, decides to speak up.
"What are you talking about? What do you mean, save your world?"
Still, isn't this a classic story beat? The 'call to action', or whatever? With every passing moment, I become more and more sure that I really am in some sort of story or something like that.
The robed man, the one who had been speaking for the lot, chuckles nervously. "Well, it's a difficult situation to explain. I'm sure you must be disoriented, to say the least. To sum things up, we've just completed an ancient ritual to summon you four, in hopes that you would come to our aid and save our world."
Hold on, what? I have to take some deep breaths, to try and re-ground myself. I'm not sure if I'm excited with all the possibilities or close to having a panic attack, but either way, my heart rate is way too high for my liking. "Summoned," The one in the staff says, "Mind elaborating on that?"
It's a good question, all things considered. Whether this is actually some fantasy story, or just the dream of my concussion addled brain or whatever else, it's good to have as much information as possible. Knowledge is power, or so the saying goes.
"Summoned, yes. Pulled from your world and into ours. Heroes, our world is teetering just on the brink of destruction. Without your help, everything will crumble around us. Please, lend us your power so we can survive!"
I was just about to speak up and offer my help, when the other three heroes began chiming in.
"I don't think so," the one with the staff said.
"Yeah, me neither." The one with the dagger said. Dagger? That doesn't really match any of the ones from the book… well, maybe that's the hunting tool?
The one holding the club over his shoulder says, a bit more diplomatically, "If we help you out, will we be able to go back to our homes? We can worry about all this disaster nonsense after we know that."
What kind of mindset do these guys have, anyways? Even if you aren't an otaku like me who would be excited for all the possibilities, it seems like it's basic manners to hear someone out, especially when they're genuinely begging for help. It really seems like a bad attitude to have.
I shoot them all a glare. When they look back at me, however, they seem to be all smiles, for whatever reason. What's got them so chipper? Are they seriously going to be the type of people who get off on kicking people while they're down? The tension in the room is super obvious, and it's growing by the minute.
What a bunch of jerks! Not only are they happy to use their newfound power for their own gain, they don't even seem to have any imagination. Imagine if we really were in some fantasy world! The adventures we could go on would be amazing, right? I felt like it was best to just hear these people out before making any sort of decision.
The guy with the club swings it off his shoulder, pointing it at the people in robes. "Seriously, you people should be wracked with guilt, not standing her proudly asking us for help. I mean, you yank us out of our homes without even asking for our permission into a world we know nothing about, and you suddenly expect that we'll just be happy to do whatever you ask of us? Get real."
To be honest, it's not the worst point. It's something these stories never really mention, but what if the heroes are perfectly happy at home? Of course, that doesn't necessarily apply to me, but still. Thinking about it in that light makes it seem very selfish to summon the heroes, no matter how dire your straits might be.
The staff guy nods along. "And even if we do save your world, aren't you just going to send us back home once you don't need us anymore? In my opinion, that just sounds like a job. One we aren't getting paid to do, anyways." His eyes are full of venom as he glares at the robed men.
The one with the dagger even chimes in, though he makes a show of sounding more reluctant. "I mean, really," He sighs, "You should at least consider our opinions on it before you do things like this. We're people too, you know.
So that's how it's going to be. They want to make their standing clear right at the start, and ensure they'll get a hefty reward for their contributions while they're here. I hadn't even thought about it, but now I somehow feel like I'm behind in comparison to them. Behind in what, I can't say. I decide to just keep my mouth shut for the moment and see how things end up going. It sort of reminds me of that western saying- 'Best to let people think you're dumb, rather than opening your mouth and proving them right.'
"Of course," The robed man who seems to be leading the bunch says, bowing his head, "We would like you to speak with the King. He will handle future compensation with you in the throne room."
The club guy slings his club back over his shoulder. "Whatever. I don't really care who we have to talk to, as long as things are settled properly." The other two murmur their assent. The robed man nods and opens the door, gesturing for them to head out. My new companions leave the room grumbling. Not wanting to get left behind, I follow them, looking around and marveling at the castle as I walk.
It really is like some european castle! Huge, vaulted ceilings, noble tapestries depicting dragons and knights. I catch a glimpse of a huge mess hall, with knights sitting inside eating. Even the air catches my attention as we make our way to the throne room. It feels fresh. It's like… when you've been sick for a while, and you almost forget what it felt like when you weren't sick. Then, suddenly, you can breathe freely again, and you instantly remember just how great it feels to breathe easily. I can't help but chuckle, a goofy grin spread across my face. Who couldn't be a bit happy, at a time like this? It's a dream for any self-respecting otaku!
I paused for a moment to look out one of the windows, and my breath caught in my chest. The world is absolutely stunning. Thick, puffy clouds float lazily through a crystal blue sky. The sun beams down warmly, illuminating a town that spreads out around the castle. It looks like it's been ripped from a travel show or next gen video games. People and carts move through the streets, going in and out of the stone and wooden homes and stores. If I had the time, I'd have stayed there for much longer, just studying the landscape and trying to see what I could learn. Sadly, I didn't exactly have that time, so I had to hurry along down the hall in pursuit of my new compatriots, who don't seem interested in stopping at all.
I head into the throne room behind the others through two huge wooden doors. Two lines of guards in shiny armor stand along a long red rug. At the end of that rug, there's a fancy throne. Currently sitting in that throne is an important-looking older man with long white hair and a proud beard. He leans forward to look at us, already making a bad impression on me. I hate people who look down on me, and he was both literally and figuratively doing so.
"Huh. So these four kids are really the Heroes, eh?" He raises one hand. "I am King Aultcray Melromarc the thirty-second! Ruler of this land! Heroes, allow me to look you in the eye!"
And the impression keeps getting worse. For someone who's apparently the king, why does he talk so loud? What sort of king needs to put that much effort into trying to sound powerful? The type of king I respect is a soft-spoken, understated guy who can be confident in his power without having to bellow orders.
"I feel an explanation is in order, is it not?" We all nod. Of course it is! "This country- nay, this whole world- is on the brink of total annihilation."
I take the chance to speak up. "We know as much. Your weird magicians told us that's why we were summoned." The king shoots me a weird look as I speak up. It sends a shiver down my spine, like this guy already hates me before he even heard my first word.
After that, the king went on for a bit, describing the predicament this world was facing. In this world, there's a prophecy. The prophecy pretty clearly states that huge waves of destruction are coming. They'll sweep over the world, razing it back into the stone age and leaving it without any signs of civilization. If the waves aren't repelled and the calamities associated with them pushed back, the world is guaranteed to meet its doom. Despite the prophecy being from ages and ages ago, it's certain that the time spoken of in the prophecy has arrived. There are two reasons the people are certain of this. The first is a large hourglass that sits in this city. Its sands are supposed to signal the time when a wave would arrive, and recently, its sands had begun to fall.
While the citizens had mocked the worry over this at first, the second sign had conclusively proven that the waves were finally coming. The legend said that, once the sands began to fall, there would be one month before the first wave. Sure enough, exactly one month later, a wave had arrived. A fissure had appeared in the skies of Melromarc, an opening to another dimension. Foul monsters began to pour out in massive numbers, destroying anything and everything in their path.
While the adventurers of the country had eventually managed to fend off the wave, the casualties were terrible. Loss of life and property was still being measured now, a few days after the wave. Not only that, but the next waves were told to be even worse than the first. Considering their country doomed, the King decided the only option was to go through the ritual and summon the legendary heroes to save the world. All things considered, I could see the logic there. If all the forces of your country couldn't stop it, you'd look for anything. And if you had the power to summon legendary, otherworldly heroes, you'd do it in a heartbeat.
Seriously though, with the King's explanation, it was becoming more and more clear just how different this world is. It's lucky that the weapons seem to be giving us some ability to understand them, since I'm pretty sure these guys aren't actually speaking Japanese. The looks that the people are giving the kanji on my ofuda tell me they probably can't read it.
"Alright," Says the one with the staff, "I understand where you're coming from. I'd probably make the same call. Still, are you saying you're commanding us to help you out?"
Seriously, how self centered can these guys be? After that desperate explanation, all they can think about is that they're being forced to do it? I'm feeling less and less respect for these guys with each passing moment. The club guy chimes in as well. (Really, we need to do introductions. I'm tired of all this 'club guy' crap by this point.) He says, "Seriously, regardless of your situation, you practically kidnapped us. What do I care about your world? Not like I have any connection to it."
The guy with the dagger snickers, barely even trying to hide it. Seriously, you're getting your kicks at a time like this? What's so fun about making fun of someone's genuine concerns, I don't know. Still, even despite my distaste for their attitude, I have to admit that they're asking some good questions.
I take my turn to speak up. "I don't necessarily agree with everything these three are saying," I try to make that sound as non-confrontational as possible, "But if we do help out your kingdom, do we get anything other than a warm and fuzzy feeling? Specifically, is there any way for us to get back home?"
Again, the King shoots me that creepy look. He grabs at a weird necklace with one hand as he listens to me talk. Seriously, I feel like this guy hates me before I've even gotten a chance to know him at all. What's up with that? "Yes, well, we are planning on compensating you all fairly, of course."
I nod happily at hearing that. Though I didn't get a direct answer to my question, I'm sure using that as an answer must mean they plan to send us home once we're done.
The king continued to speak, saying, "Naturally, we have arranged to give you proper financial support. We also intend to provide you with anything else you need through the course of your time here, no need to worry about that."
I was wearing a pretty dumb grin on my face as I heard that. Full financial support? Anything I could need? Seriously, who could turn down an offer like that? My enthusiasm is deflated slightly when I hear Mr. Club scoff.
"Tch, don't think you've bought me off. Still, if you can keep that promise, we won't be enemies."
Who talks like that? Where does this guy get off, acting all cool like that? Even as I'm doing that, the dagger guy adds, "Yeah, I'm not going to turn that down. As long as the money keeps coming, I have no problem working with you."
"Very well." I was surprised at how readily the King swallowed his pride. You'd think a king would object to being spoken to like that, but apparently not. "Well, heroes, it would seem introductions are in order."
I look over at the other heroes. I'm still reeling over this whole situation. I mean, our weapons are all the same as the ones from that old book I'd found in the library. Could we seriously be in the world of some book? It's unbelievable. Just like the story of some anime. Of course, I'm not super happy with being stuck with the Ofuda, of the four, but I can deal with it.
"Fine, I'll start. Name's Ren Amaki. I'm 16, and I'm in high school. Nice to meet you."
The Hero of the blunt instrument. Seriously, what kind of high schooler could act so smug? He's a handsome enough guy, I guess. About 160 centimeters, with long black hair and pale skin. He's got sharp eyes that seem to be perpetually scowling at everything around him. Pretty good poker face.
"Right! I'll go next, guys. My name's Motoyasu Kitamura. I'm 21 and in college. It's nice to meet you all!"
Hero of the Hunting Tool, Motoyasu. He's got serious big brother vibes, if you ask me. An easy, toothy grin that seems to put you at ease, sparkling blue eyes and long blonde hair that he's got up in a loose ponytail. He's tall, taller than me by a decent amount. He's definitely the type who'd have it easy with women- or with men, if he swings that way. Not my place to assume.
"Alright, it seems like it's my turn." The staff hero leans on his jeweled staff easily, seeming fairly comfortable already. "I'm Itsuki, Itsuki Kawasumi. I'm 17 years old, and currently a high school student. It's very nice to meet you all."
The Jewel Hero, by process of elimination. There is a fist sized ruby at the top of his staff, so it makes sense to some degree. He's got a calm, composed sort of face, like you might see on a math prodigy or a piano virtuoso. Someone who's always been sure of himself. That sort of vanity you can get when you know you're talented is clear in his face, with smooth skin and regal cheekbones. He's the shortest of us all, with wavy, medium length hair that has a slight green color to it, though it's pale enough that it could just be a trick of the light. He seems like the little brother to Motoyasu's big brother, weirdly enough. Seems like we're all Japanese. Then again, I feel like it would be weird for there to be a foreigner, though I don't know why I feel that way.
I sigh, stepping up to take my turn. "Hello, everyone. I'm Iwatani Naofumi. 20 years old, college student, nice to meet you all." The other three heroes give me polite nods. The King, on the other hand, looks like he'd gladly purge me from the earth where I stand if given the choice.
"Itsuki, Ren, Motoyasu," He pauses for a moment, and then says with some frustration, "...Naofumi. I will remember those names. Please, confirm your status for me. Give yourselves an honest and objective evaluation, please. That will be best for all of us."
Status? What the hell is he talking about? Luckily for my pride, it seems like the others are confused as well. Itsuki decides to ask first, "Status? How exactly would you go about checking that?"
Ren lets out a condescending sigh, which pisses me right off. "Seriously? I can't believe you guys haven't already been checking it. I opened it the moment we got here." He rolls his eyes. "Check your peripheral vision. Don't you see the icon?"
Man, does this guy think he's some kinda genius? Still, as I look off to the side of my visio, I *do* spot an odd little icon. "Just focus on it, and the menu will pop up. All you have to do is focus for a bit to select things." I focus on it for a moment, and sure enough, with a soft beep there's a menu popup. It's just like a game- a minimalist menu with a few tabs at the top, displaying my basic status.
Naofumi Iwatani
Class: Hero of the Ofuda
Level: 1
Equipment: Basic Ofuda (Legendary Weapon)
Other-World Clothes
Skills: None
Magic: None
Seriously, this is exactly like some kind of game menu. What in the hell is going on with this? "Level 1," I murmur nervously, "I don't really like that."
Motoyasu seems to agree. "Seriously! Are we really gonna be able to fight at level 1?"
Itsuki asks softly, "What is all of this, anyways?"
The King seems surprised. "What? Are you telling me you don't have status magic where you come from? In our world, status magic is commonplace. Everyone can use it, even those who are not magic users otherwise. It's a basic way to get an accounting of your abilities and status at any time."
Amazing. He says it as if it's totally normal, when I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around it. I can't imagine being brought up in a world where your abilities and capabilities can be quantified in numbers so casually like that. Still, it would make it a lot easier to focus on your weak points for sure.
"Aren't the numbers pretty low?" Ren says skeptically. Even him, who'd seemed so familiar with this system already, seems surprised. I flick over to my stats. The spread is… pretty average. It seems like all my stats are neutral- no specialties, but no weaknesses. I do notice that my magic ability seems to be higher than the rest. Still, it's a bit disappointing. I'd much rather be extraordinary in one than ordinary in all.
"You will need to strengthen yourselves and your weapons with time. Going on quests, fighting monsters, things like that will allow you to become stronger. Legends say that each weapon has its own methods for becoming stronger, but we have no way of knowing what those would be. You will need to discover that on your own."
"Wait, really?" Motoyasu seems shocked. "So these things aren't just strong right from the jump? We have to go out and make them strong?"
The king nods. "Of course. Legendary or not, the weapon can only do so much. It is up to you to become strong and use them to the fullest, so you can defeat the waves."
It seems like Motoyasu has more questions he wants to ask, but Ren cuts in. "That's not important right now. I feel like more questions can wait for later. We should focus now on getting ourselves as strong as possible, as soon as possible."
How exciting is this? This is practically a role-playing game's world! Complete with leveling and abilities! Who wouldn't be excited to find themself in this world, where they could reach their full potential! "So, we'll form a party then?" I ask. It seems like the most efficient way to quickly level, after all. With the four legendary heroes together, surely no challenge would be too much for us.
"Hold on, heroes." Says the King. "According to the myths, the legendary weapons interfere with each other's potential when they are within a certain distance. It is said that if the heroes form a party, they will not be able to become stronger."
I frown. "Wait, so you're saying if we work together, we won't be able to level up?" Sure enough, a pop-up has appeared in front of my eyes. 'Warning: The Legendary Weapons will experience adverse affects if used together. It is preferable to work individually.'
"Damn…," says Motoyasu, apparently seeing the same thing. "Guess it's true, then. No helping that." Still, it's crazy how game-like this game is. It doesn't really feel like a game, either. Everything feels so real. To be honest, I'm more inclined to believe this probably is some sort of reality. I mean, given that we're real humans, and we're here, it's reality from our perspective. No point thinking about it like a game when we're living in it.
I absentmindedly tapped through the help pages. There's tons of instructions on the weapons in here, but no time to read them. "So, we need to build up our own parties then?" The King nods.
"If you like, I can try to gather capable adventurers here who may wish to join with you. Of course, you have no obligation to accept them, or even to stay and meet them. Feel free to leave on your own and form your own party as you please."
We all nod. Seems pretty reasonable. "It is late. You should attempt to rest, heroes. Take a day of respite before your work begins."
We all bow our heads and thank him. Then a courtier comes to show us to our rooms. We all follow him, eager to start our adventures and get a night of rest. Sure, it might be worrying to think about my life being on the line, but at the moment, all I feel is excitement.