Chapter 2

Finally, after stepping through the portal, Frederick and I found ourselves in Galvadore. As the portal vanished behind us, I glanced back only to find it completely gone. Turning my attention to our new surroundings, the intense summer-like heat embraced my skin and filled my nostrils with its warm scent. Despite the wind blowing from the west, sweat began to form all over my body.

The melodious chirping of birds filled the air, accompanied by the gentle rays of sunlight peeking through the clouds. To prevent dehydration, I swallowed my saliva, aware of the need to stay hydrated in this scorching weather. Taking a moment to scan our surroundings, I felt relieved to see no sign of any wild beasts that could pose a threat to both Frederick and me.

Frederick turned towards me and expressed, "Okay, Finn. Let's continue..." He looked down at me. "And discover a reasonable put to secure clothing and weaponry, at the exceptionally slightest."

I looked up at him and gestured, a grin shaping on my face. "Okay!" And so, Frederick and I set out on our travels through the tremendous woodland.

We ventured through the forest in search of a town, as we had no clue where to go and Frederick lacked any magical abilities to guide us to our destination.

As we walked along a yellow path, the trees and bushes on either side observed us from a short distance. The path seemed never-ending, leaving me to wonder when we would finally reach our intended location.

The rays of sunlight beat down upon us, causing sweat to form all over our bodies. The chirping of birds filled our ears, while the fresh air filled our nostrils.

I glanced around, hoping to find someone who could provide us with directions, but my efforts proved futile. Feeling a bit fatigued from all the walking, I requested that Frederick take a break.

Frederick looked down at me and, upon spotting a nearby lake, nodded in agreement. "Agreed."

Sitting by the lake with Frederick, memories of Aldora resurfaced in my mind. I let out a sigh and frowned as thoughts of her consumed me, causing me to momentarily zone out. It transported me back to the first day of school, when I first encountered her.

As I sat at my desk, boredom washed over me, leading to a frown and a sigh as Mrs. Gilly lectured and wrote on the chalkboard. Sunlight streamed into the room through the large windows, and all the students in their school uniforms attentively listened in class

At that moment, I yearned to escape the confines of the classroom and engage in some RPGs. I gazed out the window, envisioning myself battling a final boss and rescuing a damsel in distress.

After a period of time, the sound of someone breathing heavily reverberated through the hallway. Curious, I shifted my gaze towards the origin of the sound and was taken aback by what I saw.

Whoa...

Aldora, panting, leaned forward and rested her hands on her knees. She was clearly holding the door open while she looked up at Mrs. Gilly.

The moment my eyes landed on her, I couldn't help but think she was stunning. My cheeks involuntarily flushed as I continued to stare at her.

"I apologize for being late, Mrs. Gilly, is it?" Aldora inquired.

"Why, yes, it is, young lady," Mrs. Gilly replied. "What is your name, young lady?"

Aldora introduced herself to Mrs. Gilly and approached her, handing over a couple of papers. "Here's my pardon slip."

Mrs. Gilly examined the papers before returning her gaze to Aldora. "I see. It appears like you've come to the correct location. I'll unmark your absence and inform you of your assigned seat."

Aldora nodded in acknowledgement. "Okay."

As Mrs. Gilly made her way to her desk, my classmates began whispering to each other about the new student, wondering why she arrived late.

Curious myself, I scanned the room to see where Aldora would be seated. It turned out she would have one of two assigned seats: one in the first column or another in the second column. I silently hoped she would choose the second column so that I could steal glances at her for a longer duration.

Once Mrs. Gilly finished marking Aldora's absence unmarked, she returned the papers to her and pointed towards a seat in the second column. "You'll be sitting over there."

After receiving the papers, Aldora turned towards her seat and then faced Mrs. Gilly again. "Alright then, Mrs. Gilly."

Relieved to see her take her seat in the second column, I continued to gaze at her as the class resumed. I silently wished for the opportunity to approach her and get to know her once the class was over.

Do not worry, Aldora. The image of Aldora's capture flashed in my mind. I shifted my gaze towards the lake, my expression serious and determined. I clenched my hand into a fist and gave it a slight shake.

I assure you, both Frederick and I will rescue you from that man. You’ll see.

However, suddenly, an elderly man's voice pierced through the air, screaming, "Aaaahhh!!!"

Frederick and I halted our movements, turning towards the source of the sound. We searched in vain for the origin, while the birds scattered from a specific area in the forest above us. As we looked up at the sky, we were convinced that someone was indeed in trouble, when a beast's roar echoed right before us.

Frederick swiftly drew his spear from his back and declared, "Alright, Finn. It is time to save him."

I was taken aback and trembled as I met his gaze. "What?! B-But I do not even possess a weapon, nor do I have any experience in combat."

Observing his surroundings, Frederick plucked a branch from one of the nearby trees and handed it to me. "Here." I accepted the stick from his hand. "Do not fear, my friend. I will guide you through it. Take after my fair lead, and everything will be fine."

I nodded. "Okay." Raising the stick, I continued to tremble. As I followed his lead, I was already filled with fear, not only of disappointing Frederick but also of failing Aldora. I desperately did not want to let her down, but my apprehensions persisted. Frederick and I continued to hear the man's agonizing screams and the monstrous roars multiple times.

I had no idea how colossal this beast was, but I envisioned it to be as large as the lizard monster from my previous world. Despite my dry mouth, I managed to calm myself and allowed my determination to prevail for Aldora's sake. This was my opportunity to win her affection, after all.

Upon our arrival, I gasped, raising my stick and tightening my grip on it. Frowning, I trembled and sought refuge behind Frederick as I beheld what lay before me.

There stood a creature resembling a Saber, its fur a deep shade of purple. Covered in spikes like a porcupine, it scraped its long claws against the ground. As it growled, drool cascaded from its mouth like a waterfall. Its piercing green eyes fixated on an elderly man, bald and sporting a mustache.

The old man wore tattered, brown garments that caught my attention. Blood seeped from a wound on his shoulder, which he tried to conceal as best he could. He sat against a tree, trembling in fear as the creature's shadow loomed over him.

Frederick turned around, surveying his surroundings. I couldn't fathom what he was searching for, but I sensed that if we didn't act swiftly, the old man's life would slip away before our eyes.