Volume 1. Chapter 17: Ken’s Thoughts

What a strange, amazing day. It feels like I’m stuck in some kind of dream that just keeps going, refusing to end. I was just waiting for the light to turn green at the crosswalk - and now… forests, ancient gates, monsters, and Lily. Even after everything that’s already happened, I still haven’t fully processed where I am. Is this really real - and for the long haul? If so, I need answers. The faster I figure out what’s going on, the sooner I can understand what to do next.

The forest has become a reminder that this new world of mine is full of danger, and without Lily, I wouldn’t have made it. Her presence… She literally saved my life. I can still see her precise movements when she cut down that monster, and it’s hard to believe I wasn’t watching a movie or playing a game - I was right there in the middle of it. I don’t just want to acknowledge it - I want to accept that Lily isn’t just some girl with a sword. She’s someone I can truly rely on.

I wonder… maybe those priests who accidentally summoned me here buffed my luck stat? I mean, how else can I explain meeting someone like Lily first? Being with her - it feels like genuine luck. In this foreign world, with its strange rules, monsters, and darkness, Lily shines like a guiding star. Her determination, her strength, her incredible sense of duty - it all gives me something solid to hold onto.

And the way she gets flustered when I tease her! It’s such a funny contrast - a strong, fearless warrior who isn’t afraid of monsters, yet blushes and stammers from a simple joke. I’m definitely not used to people reacting like that to my words, but with Lily, it’s… charming. She doesn’t seem to know how to defend herself against my teasing, and she’s got no counterattack either. It’s a softness I’m not used to - but it makes me smile.

What else? Oh right, maybe the priests boosted my charisma too. How else would Lily even agree to help me? I feel bad for her, honestly. She lost her parents, her best friend… they were her whole world. Now she lives alone, following the path her father set out for her. Even with her strength and determination, that must be hard to carry. When she talked about her father and their last moments together, there was such honesty and pain in her eyes that I wanted to do something - anything - to support her. Words… they’re so often empty, but I want her to know I truly appreciate everything she’s done for me.

Strangely enough, Lily and I are a lot alike. She doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life, and doesn't know where to go from here. All these years she’s just followed her father’s guidance, fulfilled her duties, and helped her village. Her whole life has been built on that sense of obligation. She helps people not for glory or recognition, but because it’s part of her core - her inner truth. She has this moral compass that always points her forward. But I get the feeling it’s hard for her too - to find something that brings her real joy. I’m not even sure of my own place, my own goals or dreams. Maybe that’s why I understand her so well.

She really is an amazing person. Genuine, kind, with a strong sense of justice, yet unbelievably gentle. And beautiful, let’s be honest. I’ve seen plenty of girls, but none have left an impression like she has. Every look, every movement of hers feels meaningful. Maybe that’s what draws me in - that inner strength mixed with a softness she doesn’t even seem to realize she has.

It’s hard to believe, but I already feel like I owe her. Her kindness, her willingness to help… I realize I want to repay her for that. I want to be useful to her, just like she’s become important to me. I want her to feel as safe with me as I do with her. It’s a new feeling, but it’s growing stronger every day.

Today, I spent more time with Lily than I have with anyone else in months - and it’s got me thinking about what I really want. In this world - or the one I was born in. And honestly, the idea that I could be useful here, that I could help someone… It fills me with this deep sense of purpose. Maybe this is my chance to find where I belong.

But… I can’t sleep. My head is full of thoughts that won’t settle. Maybe some fresh air will help clear them out. I think I’ll step out onto the balcony.