ITWOK Chapter 4: Can I leave?

"Princess, if I may," the handsome man with dirty blonde hair said.

The princess turned and with a soft smile, asked, "What is it?"

"I've seen the plight of the people of this world and I'm ready to help with everything I can!" he declared with a grand gesture.

The princess approached him and asked, "May I know your name?"

"My name is Lance. Lance Falknir," he replied.

She clasped his hands in hers, giving a somewhat tearful smile that captured the hearts of many. "Hero Lance, thank you."

"You still haven’t answered those of us who wish to return?" the dark-haired, thick eye browed man asked.

Nuel turned and answered, "Yes, of course. We do have a way to return you, but as I mentioned, the mana required to send you all back is astronomical. We could slowly collect the necessary mana over time, but due to how most of it is tainted by the essence of the demons, it could take as long as 20 years to gather enough."

"20 years?!" Mutters rippled through the Summoned in reasonable shock.

"But," Nuel continued, "if you all work together to defeat the demons, it will dramatically speed up the time we can send you back. The further you push back the demons, the less taint they have on our land and the more mana we can extract. If you completely wipe out the demons, the once limitless mana resource will return, and we can send anyone who wishes to go back."

"How long will that take if we work together?" the man pressed.

"That depends on how well you all work together," Nuel replied. "We have yet to mention one more thing about the Summoned. Though you are all capable of learning our magic and abilities, you possess something much greater: Skills. In Kladin, we have our own version of skills but skills from the Summoned are unique and defy our natural understanding of magic. The old records speak of these skills bypassing traditional means of utilizing mana. However, the skills are currently hidden within you, but we do have a way to reveal them if you so choose."

Many of the Summoned were already considering the proposal. If everything the King and his people said was true, then they were stuck here regardless. Instead of doing nothing, it seemed better to agree to help and see what they could accomplish. After all, if they truly had these cheat skills that could actually harm the demons, it was in their best interest to help as quickly as possible to return to their own world.

"Hah, no need to tell me twice. If you need a hero, then I'm your guy!" Lance gestured to himself with an arrogant smile.

"I'll also help!"

"Me too!"

Many joined in, and it seemed everyone was getting on board. Even those who wished to simply return home couldn't rationally find a reason to say no. This was, after all, a world they were unfamiliar with. If they refused, they couldn't assume the kingdom would support them afterwards, even if they were the ones who brought the Summoned here. And if they truly wished to return to their world, their best chance was to work together.

The king smiled. "Wonderful! Heroes, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Your names will go down in the annals of history to be remembered as long as humanity stands."

However, not everyone was on board.

Just then, Haru finally made it out of the crowd and stood at the door where the larger demon had fallen. It was still on the ground, but the guards, who had been pushed aside earlier, were back up and still guarding the door. They immediately stood in front of Haru and asked, "Is there something we can do for you, sir?"

"Yeah, you can move aside. I'm trying to leave." Though his voice wasn't loud, it still drew everyone's attention.

The guard hesitated. "You wish to leave?"

Haru nodded. "Is there an issue with that?"

The guard immediately turned to the king, who promptly asked, "Sir Summoned, why do you wish to leave? If there is something you need, we can have a guard fetch it for you, or if you need to go somewhere, they can lead the way."

Haru side-glanced at the king. "No, I don't need anything from you. I'm simply trying to leave. I'm not going to be a part of your cause."

"What? But—" The king's words fell short, almost as if he had no answer for what Haru had just said.

"Sir Summoned, can you explain why? Defeating the demons will be easier if everyone works together. It will also ensure a better chance to send everyone back as soon as possible," Nuel attempted to build rapport.

"I just don't want to," Haru shrugged. "It all seems like a hassle without any assurances. I mean, look at everyone. You have a couple of high schoolers, a few senior citizens, a kid, and people who probably never actually fought against anything in their life. I'd say perhaps only a handful of us look up to the task to fight anything. I'm no better. I'm just a shut-in who hasn't worked at all since graduating. So out of all of us, you really expect us to fight those demons?"

"You're wrong," the princess interjected. "The people we've summoned are all capable of great things, including you. All you need is a bit of guidance."

Nuel nodded. "The princess speaks true. We will also provide all the support the Summoned requires before sending them out. Please rest assured, we take your lives seriously and will not send you out before you are ready."

"Hoh… so you're saying you'll train us, feed us, and house us while all we have to do is train?"

"Of course, it's the least we could do."

Haru turned and, in the most sarcastic voice he could muster, said, "Wow, all that support, absolutely free with no strings attached! Thank goodness. I almost thought you might have some nefarious purposes when we were summoned.

"No, of course not—" the princess began, but Haru quickly cut her off.

"Perhaps it’s my overactive mind from consuming too many web novels, but I almost thought the demons were just a cover story." He let out a short chuckle. "It’s a common trope, after all. A kingdom summons you to be heroes but, in reality, forces them into slavery. I even began to imagine how it would happen. Perhaps feigning trust, then making us sign a contract under the guise of protecting the kingdom while actually taking advantage of us."

An audible silence followed. Unnoticed by most, the princess tightened her hand.

Realizing the deep effect his words had, Haru suddenly felt like he may have said a bit too much. He knew the future and there were still things that had to happen for his plans to go smoothly.

'Shit, I think I may have gone too far.'

Suddenly, a voice tore through the silence. "Hah, you can't fool me," Lance piped up, pointing at Haru. "I see through your false bravado. You're just trying to get out of facing the demons by smearing the good name of the king and princess. Admit it, you're just a coward hiding while the rest of us do the real work."

Lance then turned to the princess. Fixing his hair, he gave a charming smile. "Your Highness, I think it's better to let go of cowards who wish to leave, as they will only slow us down. Even if he's gone, it won't make any difference. I'll pick up the slack and be the hero you deserve."

Haru smiled inwardly. 'Nice support! I knew I could count on you to give me a way out.'

The princess took a moment before returning Lance's smile. "Perhaps hero Lance is correct. We shouldn't force those who wish to leave to stay if they don't want to. What do you think, Chancellor?"

Chancellor Nuel nodded. "Yes, of course. It was not our intention to force anyone who wishes to leave. However, please be warned. The world outside the palace walls is not safe. There are many dangers besides the demons, and once you leave, we will be unable to spare any support. You will be left to fend for yourself. Sir Summoned, are you absolutely sure you wish to leave?"

"I am," Haru answered.

"Very well, then we wish you safe travels. However, please remain within Crown City so that we can notify you when it is time to return to your world."

Haru smirked. 'You might as well tell me you're going to send someone to kill me.'

Before leaving, Haru took one last glance at the Summoned. There were many familiar faces, those he knew briefly, those he had forgotten, and those he had traveled with for many years. He saw Marsh and Serena in the crowd, and anger filled his body. 'No, there will be time for payback later,' he calmed himself.

Finally, his gaze returned on the same woman in office attire he had been observing earlier. He made one last announcement. "Last chance to leave," he said, his voice ringing out.

No one moved.

Haru sighed, and just as he was about to leave, he felt a chill run down his spine. The years of travel had honed his senses to the point that even after his regression, he could tell when someone was staring at him with ill intent. He saw the man, Ren, looking at him with a murderous glint in his eyes.

'Damn bastard won't even let me leave quietly…'

He suddenly turned to the window and looked down.

"What are you doing? Getting cold feet?" Lance asked smugly.

Haru simply grinned. "Nah, just thought I'd make a cool exit."

With that, he jumped out of the window.

Collective gasps filled the room as everyone rushed to the window. Relief washed over them as they saw him safely at the bottom, having used ledges and roofs to break his fall before making a final leap onto a tree branch and landing nimbly on the ground. They didn't know Haru personally, but it was still a sight to see someone leap from such a height and land safely.

Haru turned and gave them a final salute before hurrying away. There was much to do, and his first stop was the adventurer's guild!

"Ahem," the king coughed. "It is unfortunate we were unable to convince your friend to stay, but let us not dwell on the past. Right now the most important thing to do is—" The king suddenly stopped, his body keeling over as he hacked up a nasty cough. His crown fell to the floor as his face turned a shade of reddish hue.

"Your Majesty!" Nuel appeared beside him, supporting him from one side.

"Father!" The princess quickly came to his other side.

"Guards, help the king back to his quarters!" Nuel shouted. The guards followed his command, carefully guiding the king away.

"What happened? Is the king alright?" one of the Summoned asked.

The princess apologized. "My father is unfortunately sick due to the ongoing taint of the demons. He had traveled to the outerlands where he was infected. Most days he is bedridden, but due to today's circumstances, he made the effort to come greet you all." She lowered her head slightly. "I hope you all will accept dealing with just me for now. I will do my best to represent the kingdom and provide you all with everything you need in my father's absence."

She clapped her hands, and elegantly dressed servants poured in. “For now, allow the servants to escort you all to your quarters to get settled. If you have any further questions, we can continue at tonight's banquet. ” The Summoned were quickly led away.

Soon, only the princess, Nuel, and the two protectors, Seraphina and Ren, remained. The princess’s demeanor shifted, her soft smile replaced by a narrowing gaze. She turned to Nuel. "Tell me, do you think that Summoned knows of our plans? How did he know about the contracts we would enforce?"

Nuel cleared his throat, uncertain. “It shouldn't be possible. The summoning should only bring those from their world, and none of them should know about our ways. Perhaps it was nothing more than a simple rambling from too many stories, as he said.”

“Perhaps,” the princess mused. “Still, I prefer not to have a hiccup so early into the Summoning. I will need to report this to the Saintess.”

She then turned to Ren. “Ren, I want you to bring back that Summoned alive. We need to find out what he knows. Do it discreetly; I don't want any rumors.”

Ren bowed. “Of course, princess.” He headed to the window and leaped, disappearing from sight.

The princess then turned to Seraphina. “Prepare a bath for me. I need to wash off this… filth,” she said, her hand stretched outward.

“As you wish,” Seraphina replied, then disappeared as well.

“Princess, how should we proceed now with the banquet?” Nuel then asked. “Even if that Summoned was merely rambling, the others will now be suspicious if we actually do introduce a contract as we originally planned.”

“Do not worry, Nuel. I’ll discuss it with the saintess first. Just make sure everything goes smoothly tonight. I don't want any more problems.” As she began to walk away, she suddenly stopped and twisted her head slightly. “Oh, and before I forget, make sure my father receives his... treatment. We wouldn't want him causing any more disruptions, would we?” Her eyes held a cold, glaring light, and her smile could make even the devil shiver.

***

Haru stepped onto the bustling streets of Crown City. Sunlight glinted off grand stone buildings, and colorful banners fluttered in the breeze. Horse-drawn carriages clattered past, and vendors were hawking their wares, their voices a lively hum against the backdrop of everyday life.

Despite the recent demon attack the Summoned had witnessed, the people of this city seemed wholly unaware of what had transpired. Children played in the streets, and mindless chatter echoed around. It was almost as if the demons weren't even a cause for concern in Crown City.

Of course, Haru already knew all of this. Everything that had happened at the palace was a performance for the newly arrived Summoned, designed to paint a narrative for the Summoned to follow. In his previous life, the Summoned would sign a contract to help defeat the demons on behalf of the kingdoms and in doing so, they would sign away their freedom. By the time they realized what they signed, it would already be too late.

However, after his involvement, who knows what would happen. In any case, Haru was not going to put any more thought into it. There was still a lot to do.

Haru drew a wide array of stares as he walked by in his cat-patterned pajamas, a strange sight in any world. Unfazed, he offered a smile and a wave to those who passed and gawked at him.

On his way to the adventurer's guild, he strolled through the marketplace, taking in the sights and smells. The aroma of fresh bread wafted from a nearby bakery, causing his stomach to growl slightly.

“Man, I don't remember if I even ate anything before I was summoned,” Haru grumbled, clutching his stomach as he eyed a nearby meat stall. Jerky hung from the roof. As he licked his lips, a plan formed in his mind. All he needed was a distraction.

Faking an injury always did the trick. Being the heroes' lackey in his previous life had taught him a few things—like how to survive when they ate all his rations.

As he plotted, a commotion erupted behind him. A carriage had stopped on the other side of the street, its cargo drawing a crowd eager to see its occupant. Even the vendor was distracted, giving Haru ample time to swipe a couple of meat sticks unnoticed.

A crowd quickly formed and buzzed around the large cage.

“Wow, a wild Yxlier! Never seen one so ragged.”

“Of course not! Wild ones are so rare nowadays. And look at those wings, almost white as snow! You don't get that color from breeding.”

“No way, look at her eyes! They're deep purple! Her bloodline must be exceptionally pure. Who's the lucky owner?”

Inside the cage was a young woman, thin and dark-skinned with vibrant violet hair. Heavy chains bound her, and ropes constricted her wings which were connected from her back. She huddled to herself, terrified, her face hidden in her knees. She was clearly malnourished, too weak even to speak.