Chapter 2: A Not So Royal Summons

Summary: Not all summons are made equal.

The first thing I noticed was that my wounds were gone and I could stand up just fine. The second thing I noticed was the circle drawn on the floor, looking like some sort of magical sigil as its shine slowly faded. The third thing should've admittedly been the first: I wasn't alone in the dark room.

Four more people were in the circle with me, looking about as lost as I probably did. And besides them, a bunch of hooded figures faced us, surprise thick on their faces.

'What the hell?' I thought.

The other four all wore normal clothes, but there was one key difference between us: they had equipment. A sword, a spear, a bow, and a shield, all silver with gold accents and new looking. Perfectly round jewels were embedded in each one, all of different colors. The sword's was blue, the spear's red, the bow's orange, and the shield's was green.

"Why are there five of them?" One of the hooded people whispered.

"What's all this?" Spear let out.

Confusion permeated the room, and everyone just looked around at each other cluelessly. Just when I was about to open my mouth and demand an explanation, Sword did it first.

"Where are we?" He asked.

The hooded person which I assumed was in charge whispered something to a girl by his side. She looked a bit younger than me, but it was hard to tell since the robe hid her body and face pretty well. She nodded her head vigorously and scurried away through the crowd. She opened a heavy looking door behind them, just enough to slip through, and someone pulled it shut the moment she was out of the room.

When she was gone, the leader of the hoods turned his attention to us.

"Oh heroes! Please save our world!"

"What?!" The other four cried out in unison.

I didn't even make a peep. Something didn't add up right, the man went from stone cold and calculated to pleading and groveling too fast.

"What is that supposed to mean?!" Spear again. The guy seemed to have a short temper.

"There are many complications in this situation," Robe continued, "but to offer a simple answer to your question, we have just completed an ancient ceremony and summoned you…four Heroes."

"Summoned?" Sword asked. Was he hard on his hearing?

"Wait," I spoke up. "You said four, but there are five of us."

Robe looked away from the four heroes, making eye contact with me. Anger welled up behind his stare for a brief moment, but it gave way to grief in the next. He looked conflicted.

"Something must've gone wrong with the ritual, but I assure you we will look into it. At any rate, our world teeters on the brink of destruction. Heroes, please lend us your strength."

He just blew me off so casually, I couldn't believe his nerve. Robe made it sound like summoning me from my world by accident was the most mundane mistake one could make.

'But then again, I died, didn't I?' I thought, doing my best to calm down. 'Is it really so bad to be given a second chance, even by accident?'

And okay. Maybe I didn't die, maybe Baldy just put me in a coma or something. Still, the frenzied look in his eyes as he went for the last strike made me doubt that. He didn't hold back at all, and he inflicted plenty damage on me before that as well. Even if I had survived, I'd have been a wreck for the rest of my life. So instead of that, here I was, on my feet and completely fine even if by accident.

Shield looked over to the others one by one, and then at me. Out of the five of us, he seemed like the only one with a level head and a cool attitude towards our predicament. I took in a deep breath and calmed down as well, and seeing it he gave me a slight smile.

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to…" He began to reply, but the other three guys spoke up quickly.

"I don't think so."

"Yeah, me neither."

"We can go back to our world, right? We'll talk about your problems after that."

"Don't you feel any guilt for calling people into your world without their permission?"

"Besides," Bow said, "even if we save you and bring peace to your world, you'll just send us back home, right? That just sounds like a job to me."

He glared at the robed men, and I wondered for a second what the hell kind of situation I landed into. I won't deny that I lost my cool for a moment, but at least I regained my composure fast. Everyone else, on the other hand, seemed out for blood.

Then, the realization finally hit me. This was another fucking world, one with magic powerful enough to bring over people from parallel dimensions. My pulse rose, and I looked around frantically. The robed men were sorcerers, and who knew what other spells they had at their disposal. If we pissed them off, they could likely kill us all in a heartbeat. The walls of the room were made of sturdy stone and there were no exits save for the door behind the robed men, so we were trapped.

'Fuck,' I thought. 'That's not an accident, they summoned us in this room so we couldn't escape if things went south.'

That was all of the confirmation I needed that they were ready to kill us at the drop of a hat. My instincts told me to make a run for it, to push past them while I still had the element of surprise on my side, so I tensed up and got ready to bolt. Shield caught my shoulder however, and he looked into my eyes for a long moment. No words were exchanged, but his message was loud and clear: don't try anything, we're outnumbered and you'll fuck up.

'What was I thinking?' I realized as I relaxed. 'There are likely more of them outside, and they sent that girl ahead as well. I won't make it far.'

"I wonder how much you've considered our opinion on this. I wonder how it could be worth our while? Depending on how the conversation goes, keep in mind that we might end up enemies of your world."

I didn't catch who said that, but it made me snap at attention. Were they idiots? Did they not realize just how deep in shit we were? Neck deep didn't even begin to describe it, we were six feet under and they were digging even further.

"Yes, well, we would very much like you to speak with the king. He will discuss future compensation with you in the throne room," Robe answered, looking on edge.

Did we have an advantage over them after all? I didn't feel any different from before, so I couldn't tell. Until I found out more, I decided to be smart and play along. While I agreed with the sentiment of the others, I wasn't dumb enough to voice my opinion from the start. There would be plenty of time to make enemies later.

"Whatever."

"Fine."

"I don't think it really matters who we talk to, but whatever."

Shield sighed hearing their responses, but he also kept quiet. The robed men opened the door and led us out of the room, into winding corridors made of the same sturdy stone. We were in a castle, I realized, a medieval looking one. Through the large windows, a town centered on the castle was visible. If nothing else, the place was certainly interesting, carrying a heavy fantasy vibe.

The other three took off ahead, following on the heels of Robe, but Shield stayed behind with me. Still, the others shot us strange looks every so often, mumbling something between themselves.

"What's their problem?" I whispered to him.

"Don't know," he answered.

"Thank you for stopping me back there," I continued. "You know, from running off. You saved me."

"No problem," he said with a smile. "By the looks of it, we're all new here. It's a good idea to stick together for the meantime."

"Where'd you get the shield from, by the way? I assume we all woke up at the same time, so the sorcerers didn't give you the equipment."

"It just…appeared on me," Shield answered. "And that's probably the case for the others as well. No one gave them to us, so I figured the weapons were part of the summoning ritual."

"Makes sense," I said in a defeated tone. "If I was summoned by accident, I wouldn't get anything."

Shield looked at me funny for a moment, like he measured me up from head to toe. When he was done, he spoke up.

"I thought that maybe you have some unusual weapon, but by the looks of it you really are empty handed."

"I would've felt the weight of a weapon on me," I answered, looking down at myself. "Don't think I would've missed something like that."

"I don't know about the others, but the shield is as light as a feather," he said, bringing it up. "It's strapped to my arm and I still needed a moment to notice it."

Our chatter was cut short by Robe, who stopped in front of another large door.

"This is the throne room, the king is inside," he said.

We lined up behind him, and he opened the door wide for us. An older man waited inside, sitting on a throne against the far wall. The girl that scurried away earlier was by his side, talking to him, and he pointed a finger in our direction.

"That one?" The king asked, his eyes fixating on me.

"Yes, your highness," the girl answered.

"Very well, I will handle it from here." He dismissed the girl, who returned to Robe's side and fell silent as they exited the room. "Heroes!" The king called. "We have a lot to discuss, but first I need to talk to…"

He trailed off, pointing at me again. I realized he wanted me to introduce myself, so I stepped forward and bowed.

"Kenji Hiroto, your majesty."

"Kenji," he repeated. "On behalf of my sorcerers, you have my deepest apologies. We don't yet understand what happened, but you weren't supposed to be here."

"Even so, I am ready to serve," I answered, hoping to get in his good graces.

I didn't particularly care about their world or saving it, I'm no hero. What I am though is an adrenaline junkie, and I saw an easy dose within my grasp. If he enrolled me with the others, I'd see plenty battle and lots of excitement.

"Your courage is admirable," the king answered, though his words carried little confidence. "But you are no hero. You are an ordinary man, like the rest of us."

That got on my nerves. It was the truth, but the truth often stung like that.

"I will not allow you into my army, to risk your life in vain. The heroes are here, they will bring peace."

I didn't like the way he said that. He sounded exactly like my parents, disappointed by the mere sight of me. With my head still bowed, I gritted my teeth to stop myself from lashing out.

"Your majesty, I…" I tried, but the king didn't allow me to plead my case.

"My verdict is final," he said in a cold tone. "We have no resources or time to waste on training a commoner."

"Then send me back home!" I demanded, yelling as I pushed myself straight.

The king sighed.

"That's not possible," he answered.

"What?!" Spear screamed from behind me.

The four heroes kept silent up until then, but it looked like they finally decided to talk. And talk they did, over each other at increasingly higher volumes, trying to make themselves heard. They complained and threatened and said a lot of things, but I couldn't focus on them. I was too busy having an existential crisis. Not only was I brought to another world for nothing, I was now stranded here without a purpose.

"Quiet!" The king yelled, making everyone shut up. "I will get to you four as well. As for you, Kenji, do not worry. You will not need for anything, I will see to it that your life in our world will be comfortable. I will make arrangements to house you at the best Inn in town and…"

He enumerated a few more things, like food and other basic necessities, but that only angered me further. I wasn't expecting a room in the castle by any means, but a measly room in an Inn for all of my troubles? And the worst part was the way he said it, like I was a useless piece of trash that needed his help.

"No," I answered forcefully, and a glint of wrath escaped me through my words despite my best efforts. "I'm not a beggar in need of your handouts. If I'm not allowed to earn my keep, I'd rather not get it at all."

"Kenji!" The king yelled after me as I turned to leave, but I was done listening.

I was never one to ask for help, no matter how hard life kicked me down. I didn't plead with my parents when they kicked me out, I didn't rely on the few friends or extended family I knew, I earned my keep. Everyone still thought I was useless, they made up their minds so I couldn't prove them wrong no matter how hard I tried, but at the very least I myself knew. I never asked for anything from anyone, and I wouldn't start now. New world be damned, I'd find my way in it or die trying.

The four heroes looked at me as I walked past them, with surprised expressions plastered on their faces. The other three got out of my way, but Shield reached out for me for a moment.

"Good luck saving the world," I said, dodging his hand and leaving the room.

Robe was outside, hidden behind the door, and he made no attempt to talk to me. The girl, however, rushed away from his side and followed me.

"Mister Kenji, please," she tried, but I shot that down real quick.

"Beat it, kid."

"You…don't even know how to leave the castle," she said matter of factly.

I stopped abruptly, and she collided into me from behind.

"Lead me out."

"Please, you have to listen. The king only wants to help."

"He wants to protect his reputation, more likely," I spat back. "And yours as well, since you botched the ritual."

"Even so, you need a home and food," she kept trying.

"I'll find my own. Your kingdom is bound to have jobs."

"You really won't listen to reason, will you?" She said in a defeated tone. "Fine, follow me."

She took the lead and I went after her, winding at seemingly random through the castle. The thought that she led me into a trap crossed my mind, to dispose of me before I got out and let their dirty secret loose, but at that point I didn't care anymore. They could hunt me down anyway, so I'd at least punch a few of them before they'd get me. A final rush of adrenaline.

"My name is Helia," she introduced herself.

"I don't care."

At that, Helia's shoulders deflated. And okay, I could've been gentler, I'll be the first to admit. By the looks of it she was only an apprentice, so the fault most likely wasn't hers. With that in mind, I decided to go easier on her from then on out.

"At least let me give you some new clothes," she offered.

"There's nothing wrong with my clothes."

"They stand out too much, people will figure out…"

I wanted to burst again, but I remembered my decision. So I still did it, but with fewer…colorful words than I would've used otherwise.

"There you go. You guys just messed up the lives of five people, and your first instinct isn't to help, it's to hide your mistake. Are you afraid that people will figure it out? That they might react negatively?"

Helia spun on her heels, so fast that her hood fell away on her shoulders. It revealed a head of blonde hair that turned red at the ends, and orange eyes filled to the brim with anger.

"I'm trying, but it's hard to help someone that doesn't want to be helped!" She yelled. "You don't know the first thing about our world, but you still act like a complete idiot! Go ahead and tell everyone that we messed up, see if we care!"

"Then why…"

"Because I want to help. Because you don't know anything about our world. If word gets out about you, you don't know who might come looking for you. They will all fear the heroes for their reputation and the protection of the king, but you just kicked that away so you're on your own. There's nothing to stop anyone from enslaving you as a trinket."

Her rant left me speechless, but it sent my mind racing. Mainly about her statement regarding enslaving, was that a thing here? This world was more fucked up than I thought.

"Fine, give me new clothes," I said after a moment of deliberation. "The last thing I need is someone putting a collar around my neck."

"Exactly," Helia said, taking off again. "If you don't want our handouts that's fine, but this isn't a handout. You didn't ask for it, I'm offering it."

To be fair, the king offered without me asking as well, but the difference was in the tone. In the intent behind the action. His words felt cold and hollow, manipulative. Slimy almost. Helia, on the other hand, seemed genuine, so I humored her.

"True," I mumbled. "I can just consider it payment for what happened."

A set of clothes in exchange for having my life ruined? Great deal. Whatever.

We left the castle proper and got into the yard outside. A tall wall surrounded the place, but there were a few smaller houses inside of the perimeter as well. Helia led me to one of them and showed me inside.

"I can't give you royal garbs, so clothes for the servants will have to do. I'll talk with the servant master later, she'll understand."

"Servants? You mean slaves?" I asked.

Helia gave me a lopsided look.

"No, they're hired. They're just not royalty. Wait here."

She scurried off, returning a few minutes later with a small backpack.

"Go in there to change," she told me, pointing at a door.

I went inside, finding an empty room. Well not quite empty, seeing as it contained some furniture like a bed and a wardrobe with a tall mirror. Opening up the bag, I saw it contained a set of brown leather clothes. Nothing fancy, but not too shabby either, like something you might see in a run of the mill medieval movie or something, worn by your run of the mill peasants.

I undressed, but stopped as soon as my shirt was off.

"What the hell?"

I walked up to the mirror and took a closer look. As my eyes focused on my chest, my hands went over and touched the smooth object to confirm its presence. It felt warm against my fingertips, at the same temperature as the rest of my body, but it was clearly foreign.

Another round jewel, like I'd seen embedded in the equipment of the heroes. Besides the purple color, it was pretty much identical.

"What the hell?" I let out a little louder than I intended.

"Is everything okay?" Helia asked from outside.

I didn't know what to do, or even what to believe anymore. Was I a hero after all? Did the ritual go fine? Should I tell anyone, or should I keep it to myself?

"Come in for a sec," I told Helia after a moment, deciding to share my findings with her.

She didn't seem like a bad person, not like the rest of them. Which wasn't a big achievement by any means, being slightly better than dirt wasn't something to brag about, but at least I could trust her. Hopefully.

"Listen, just cause I'm helping you doesn't mean…"

"My god, I'm not trying to get into your pants! Just get in here!"

"Fine, fine."

She walked inside, closing the door after herself, and she let out a loud gasp as soon as her eyes landed on my exposed chest and the jewel embedded in the middle of it.

"What?!"

"That's what I'm trying to find out as well," I let her know.

She approached me slowly, with hesitant steps.

"That's…a holy weapon core," she said, her voice quivering as she reached out a hand to touch it. "How?"

"I have no idea. Maybe the ritual worked after all, it just happened to summon an extra hero this time."

"That's not how the ritual works, that's not how any of that works. We don't create the weapons, they always existed. We merely summon their users."

"Okay, so there is a new weapon then."

Helia frowned.

"It's a fake, it has to be," she answered. "New holy weapons never appeared before, that's not how it works. And this isn't even a weapon, it's embedded into your body."

I chuckled.

"So maybe I am the weapon."

"Don't be silly," she cut my amusement short. "This is serious. Something went horribly wrong, the two of us probably can't even begin to comprehend it."

"Let's get some help then," I proposed. "Go tell the grand wizard, or whatever Robe is."

Helia paused.

"Who is Robe?"

Oh yeah, that was only the nickname I gave the guy.

"The man that led you guys back in the summoning room."

"He won't know either, I doubt anyone does."

I raised an eyebrow after hearing her.

"Why are you so sure of that?"

"If they did, you either wouldn't be here or they would've known about that…" as she said it, she jabbed a finger at the jewel, "...by now."

"Okay, makes sense. So what do we do? You know about it now, so whatever happens, you're an accomplice from here on out."

Helia got flustered, and she jumped back as if my words burned her.

"Wait a second, I'm not," she defended herself. "I gave you some clothes and led you out of the castle grounds, but I didn't see anything."

"Fine," I said with a chuckle. "I was kidding, I won't drag you down with me."

She breathed a sigh of relief.

"As for what to do, it's up to you. I'll lead you back to the king and the royal sorcerers if you want to tell them."

I thought it over for a bit, but ultimately I decided against it.

"Show me the way out, and don't tell anyone anything, okay? I assume the king and the sorcerers will keep my accidental presence under wraps, so let's keep it that way."

"Okay. Finish changing, I'll wait outside."

Helia left the room, and everything that went down so far replayed in my mind. I was a stranger in a strange land, with no one but myself to count on. I could've groveled before the king and used my new finding to maybe convince him to let me join, but that wasn't my style. Instead, I would take on the world by myself, unraveling it one mystery at a time.

Now that was a thrill, and its allure pulled at my heartstrings like nothing had ever done before in my life.

With my new clothes on and my old ones stashed in the backpack, I left the room and found Helia outside in the corridor. We didn't talk much as she led me to the castle's gates, to a raised drawbridge that we needed to wait for.

"Are you sure about this?" She asked me when the bridge touched down on the other side and I took off walking.

"Yeah," I answered. "This is exciting."

"Okay, good luck."

"See you around."

New world, here I come.