A New World

When I opened my eyes, I found myself lying atop a familiar stone slab inside a grand chamber.
The moment my vision cleared, my breath stopped.
The candles lining the walls.
The enormous pillars stretching toward the ceiling.
The stained glass windows above, allowing rays of sunlight to paint the marble floor.
I knew this place. My eyes widened. "No way..."
The interaction with the developer was still fresh in my mind.
Was this what he meant?
Was something like this actually possible?
To be transported into the game?
The air was different.
Cleaner.
The silence was loud. This was the silence of a world untouched by modern life.
A world alive.
I slowly pushed myself up.
Then I noticed my clothes. I could recognise them from anywhere. 
A long black cloak.
Dark trousers.
High-cut brown boots.
They were familiar. These, these were the clothes that belonged to Araleon.
The hero and protagonist of Hero Chronicle.
There was no mistake.
This was Hero Chronicle.
"This is the beginning of the game..."
My voice trembled slightly, from excitement.
I knew this scene.
The Hero's Summoning Ceremony.
The moment when Araleon was summoned to Chronix to save the world from the Calamities.
My heart began beating faster.
"It all makes sense..."
The developer.
The question he asked.
"How much do you love Hero Chronicle?"
"I don't know how you did it..."
I looked around the chamber.
"But I understand why."
Scenario 101.
There was no such scenario in the original game. Unless...
This was it.
A scenario where the player didn't control the hero from behind a screen.
A scenario where the player became the hero.
A real adventure.
A real world.
I clenched my fist.
"No number of replays would ever make me tired of this."
I looked toward the grand doors of the chamber.
"Chronix..."
A smile formed on my face.
"Fear not."
"The hero has arrived."
"Ahem."
My thoughts were cut by someone behind me clearing their throat. My expression changed. I turned my head.
Standing before the summoning platform were people I had seen countless times on my screen.
The Guardian responsible for the summoning stood at the front, her ancient robes flowing around her as she examined me with a serious expression.
Beside her stood the Prince of Chronix. The Princess.
The Knight Commander.
His armour reflected the candlelight as they watched the summoned hero carefully.
Among them were representatives from other kingdoms.
Nobles.
Diplomats.
Warriors.
All gathered to witness the arrival of the hero who would determine the fate of the world.
And among them...
The Elder Mage, commander of the kingdom's mages.
And standing slightly behind him...
The Archmage.
A figure who, even in the game, was considered one of the greatest magic users in history.
My eyes moved from one person to another.
Every face.
Every character.
Every detail.
They were exactly as I remembered.
Except...
They weren't characters anymore.
They were people.
The Guardian stepped forward.
"Hero."
The Guardian lowered her head slightly. The other people in the room following.
"Welcome back to Chronix."
The entire chamber became silent.
"The fate of this world rests, yet again, upon your shoulders."
I smiled.
They didn't know it yet.
But I did.
I knew Chronix.
And I would save it.
Again.