Choice in Chains

After the argument with her father, Zephyr wasted no time. She returned to the dungeon — this time with Alvis at her side.

Kazuki looked up when they entered.

"Did they make their minds about me?" he asked softly.

Zephyr nodded.

"They want to speak with you."

He looked away.

"Will I be… executed?"

"Only if you refuse to help," Alvis said plainly.

Kazuki didn't show any reaction.

But then, to both of their surprise, he asked:

"Is there any way... any magic... to let me see my old world again? My room. My mom. Even for a second?"

Zephyr turned to Alvis, who was rubbing his long gray beard thoughtfully.

"There is a way," he said. "It requires knowledge of ancient spells and a special item, both of which I do possess… so yes. it's possible."

Kazuki nodded, quietly.

Zephyr stepped closer again, kneeling by his side as she had before.

"Kazuki…" she whispered.

She reached to steady his hands—still bound in magic.

"Thanks, Zephy." Said Kazuki.

And that’s when Alvis noticed something.

The way Zephyr touched him.

The way he didn't flinch this time.

Calling each other casually like close friends.

The gentleness in their voices.

The trust.

"Alvis?" Zephyr asked when she noticed his eyes.

He raised one hand silently.

The magic chains dissolved.

Kazuki blinked, stunned.

"Why…?"

"If she trusts you this much, then there's no need to bind you anymore." Alvis said with a wink.

Kazuki slowly rubbed his wrists, his expression unreadable.

Together, with Zephyr walking ahead and Alvis behind, they made their way up the stairs—toward the throne room where King Alaric and the Council of Blades waited to meet the boy from another world.

The summoned soul who had shaken the kingdom.

The towering doors of the royal throne room creaked open with solemn weight.

At the far end, sat King Alaric, framed by banners of Numeria's golden lion. The Council of Blades stood at his flanks in full regalia, their swords sheathed, but their eyes sharp.

The light pouring in from the stained-glass windows cast fractured colors across the marble floor — a path Kazuki now walked with heavy, uncertain steps.

At his side walked Zephyr, her expression calm, her pace measured. Behind them, Alvis trailed in quiet observation.

Kazuki's heart pounded.

"Keep your back straight, left foot first." Zephyr had prepared him before they entered. "Then keep your eyes forward — not up, not down. Speak clearly. And when you greet the king, bow. Just like I showed you."

Zephyr's voice echoed in his memory.

He reached the center of the chamber, just before the throne.

There, with all eyes upon him, he did as he was taught — bowing low from the waist, his voice steady despite the nerves burning inside him.

"Your Majesty… members of the council…"

"I am… Kazuki Hasunuma of Earth. I was summoned without warning, and for the distress I caused upon my arrival… I sincerely apologize."

A murmur ran through the chamber — surprise, perhaps, that the boy who had brought half the castle to its knees now bowed with such humility.

The king rose — tall, broad-shouldered, every movement deliberate.

"Kazuki Hasunuma of Earth," Alaric said with formality, his voice deep and clear.

"I am Alaric the Third of the House Werner, king of this land. Welcome to Numeria."

He took a step forward.

"I have spoken with my daughter," he continued, glancing at Zephyr briefly before facing Kazuki again.

"She believes in the goodness of your heart."

He paused. Then, to the shock of all present, he bowed his head slightly.

"In desperation, we took you from your world, your life, without consent. For this… I offer my deepest apologies — as king, and as a man."

Gasps rippled across the room. Even the ever-stern Council of Blades stirred in disbelief.

Zephyr's eyes widened — then softened. A small, proud smile touched her lips.

Kazuki's own eyes widened, unsure how to react.

But he quickly recovered, bowing again — not out of obligation, but respect.

"You don't need to apologize, Your Majesty," he said, his voice quieter now.

"My behavior… it was exaggerated by fear and shock. I've never experienced anything like this before."

King studied him — then nodded solemnly.

"Kazuki Hasunuma," he said again, using the full name like a ceremonial vow.

"An enemy — old and yet unknown — has returned to this world. The lands darken, our hopes thin.

I ask you, not as a weapon… but as a man with a choice:

Will you stand with us?

Will you save this kingdom?"

Silence settled again — thick, but not tense.

Kazuki lowered his eyes for a moment… and then smiled, just slightly.

Zephyr noticed. It was subtle — but it was the first time she'd seen his expression lighten since the day he arrived.

"I will," he said simply.

"I don't know how much I can do… but I'll try."

"In return," Alaric said, "you may request any reward Numeria can offer. No limit shall bind your wish."

Kazuki nodded.

"There's nothing I want right now. Nothing except…"

He looked toward Alvis.

"I asked your mage if I could see my world again. Just once."

Alvis stepped forward, staff in hand.

"It can be done. With your permission, I shall prepare the basin."

The king raised his hand.

"Then it shall be granted."

But before lowering it, he added with firm kindness:

"This is but a simple wish. Think more deeply about what you desire, Kazuki Hasunuma.

And when the time comes… I shall grant it."

And with that, the chamber exhaled as one.

Kazuki stood taller, no longer just a stranger in a borrowed body, but a figure with a choice — and the courage to ask what he desired.

At King Alaric's command, a silver basin — shallow, etched with glowing runes — was brought forward and placed on a pedestal before the throne. The surface of the liquid inside shimmered like moonlight rippling on still water.

Alvis stepped beside it, lifting his staff as the chamber quieted. With a slow, practiced cadence, he began chanting words from the Old Tongue — soft, rhythmic, and ancient.

The liquid glowed faint blue.

"This is the Scrying Basin of Lumeris," Alvis announced, his voice carrying across the hall.

"It allows the soul to reach beyond the veil of life and death, to see the place it once belonged."

"When you're ready, place your face inside. Think of your homeland and your loved ones and the vision will show itself to you.”

Kazuki hesitated. His fingers trembled on the rim of the basin.

"What if I see them in black… crying? What if I see my photo… with a black ribbon in the corner?"

His jaw tightened.

Then, with a deep breath.

He leaned in, dipping his face beneath the surface.

The hall disappeared.

A sudden warmth embraced him. It felt familiar, too familiar. His senses blurred – then sharpened.

A kitchen light flickered. A kettle whistled in the distance.

His mother, alive and well, humming to herself, adjusting the rice cooker.

Then he saw his room.

Suddenly after few seconds, he jerked his head back out of the basin, gasping.

"My body—!" he shouted.

"My body is moving! How is my body moving when I'm here?!"

The room fell silent.

Even Alvis, for a heartbeat, looked stunned