Welcome to Another World!

"Big brother..."

Kamiro began to awaken in a daze. He saw a blurry vision of a young girl calling out to him in a sweet voice but couldn't make out her face.

"Big brother, wake up..."

The gentle voice was a lullaby to his ears; it made him want to remain in his dream. The scene radiated a sense of peace, and this fuzzy picture of the young girl filled him with nostalgic-like happiness.

"Wake up."

But the closer he got to fully awakening, the harsher the girl's voice grew. Until...

"Wake up!"

A jolting pain from his stomach snapped Kamiro out of his waking dream. "Argh!"

He glanced around in confusion. "Wait. Where'd the cute little sister-like girl go?"

"W-What!?" The aqua colored hair girl became flustered. "What are you saying, you weirdo? I've been trying for a while to wake you up."

Kamiro staggered up from the ground, observing his surroundings. "That's right. I was kidnapped... by you." He glared at her. "That's kind of embarrassing," he muttered. She really caught me off guard back there. She doesn't seem particularly dangerous, though...

"Kidnapped? That's a bit... harsh." The girl faced the ground for a moment. "So, you really don't..."

Kamiro stared at her. "..."

She shook her head as if trying to change her thoughts. "And what was that tone supposed to mean? Hmph." She puffed out her cheeks while crossing her arms.

Kamiro was rather calm while he took in the scenery. They were at some ruin-like location that kind of reminded him of the Shinto Shrines, but very run down. A forest surrounded them, but it was a cleared area, and he could make out some patchy trails.

But what really stood out was that it was sunrise, and two moons were beginning to fade. They adorned the dusk colored sky, one next to the other. The left had a light pinkish hue and was a bit large, and the other was more earth-like, but with a slight blueish tint.

Well, it looks like I've been isekai'd. "So, are you gonna explain to me what this is all about? Don't tell me you brought me here to become a hero and save the world from the Demon Lord?"

The girl's eyes widened. "Wait. So, you do...?" She stared at Kamiro.

He glanced up to the heavens. You're kidding, right? Way to be original. "It's just joke."

"Right..." The girl forced a weak laugh with a saddened demeanor, which only further confused Kamiro. He wasn't sure what to make of this girl. She grasped her necklace; the embedded jewel was cracked and no longer gleamed. "I guess... I'll start with my name."

Kamiro nodded.

"I'm Ayu." The girl's expression seemed unsure, like if waiting for something.

Kamiro stared at her in silent anticipation. "...That's it!?"

"Oh... right." She chuckled and slapped her cheeks a few times. "Welcome, to another world," she cheerfully exclaimed while spreading her arms out wide. "As you can see, we're in some ruins of the Goddess Orses. On your left is the abundant forest. On your right is... more forest, and few miles that way is the Valley City of Lucerna."

"What is this a tourism commercial?"

"Hmmm. What's that?"

"...Never mind."

"Alright, well, I've explained everything I needed to, so let's go," said Ayu, while walking towards the direction of the fading moons.

"What? You haven't explained anything. Besides, I'm not just gonna follow some random girl that forced me here." No matter how cute.

"Random?..." Ayu said with a sullen look before sighing. "I know... but it still stings a bit" she mumbled. She seemed to be talking to herself. Was this girl even okay in the head?

"What are you going on about?" Kamiro's face showed his growing confusion.

"To be honest. I don't know too many details about the quest I was given." Ayu clutched her necklace once again. "My mother left me this quest. There was a boy I was to bring here from another world. She left me this necklace, along with a note explaining that."

"Great. Well, I'll save you the trouble of having to explain any further. I might not have much waiting for me at home, but just as you brought me here, it's on you to take me back."

"I-I see. That makes sense." It didn't seem like her words were directed at Kamiro. Ayu stared at the ground. "I thought once you were here, maybe you'd re—"

This again? She has no right to be making such heart-aching faces. "Can you just speak clearly?"

"I'm sorry. But even if I wanted to, I can't take you back."

"What, why not?"

"...I don't know how. The note my mother left me didn't say too much, mostly just instructions on how to get to you and back. And it wouldn't have been possible without this magic artifact." She glanced at her necklace.

"You'd risk going to another random world with barely any explanation? For all you know, you could've gotten trapped there."

"I would! It wasn't just some random place... and I'd gladly fulfill my mother's parting wish, time and time again. No matter the risks."

Great, so now I'm stuck here. Kamiro sighed. "You almost had me with that sob story." He began to walk away. "But that half-assed explanation isn't gonna cut it."

"Wait, where are you going?"

"I'll find my own way home."

"I know you doubt me, and... I don't really understand all of this too well, either. Still! ...I promise I'll do all I can to help you find a way back. So, just stick with me, okay?" She looked as if she could cry at any time.

"..." Kamiro stopped for a moment. Ayu's words seemed sincere, but how could he listen to the person that brought him here against his will?

"My mom had mentioned before that Heroes have the power to travel between worlds. And, I don't know why, but she said on the note that you need to become a Hero."

"Your mother couldn't leave more details?"

"I... I'm not sure, but... I think certain circumstances prevented her from it. I think... it might've compromised the quest."

"..." The odds are this world is probably dangerous, and unlike in games, I won't get a do-over. This might be my only lead. But still...

"Hero is the highest-ranking an Adventurer can achieve, and there's an academy the guild runs in the city of Lucerna. I think... your best chance of going back is to aim for that. Of course! ...I'll support you in any way I can." Ayu seemed rather desperate while she spoke. "Just, please... don't disappear again..." Her words trailed off into a whisper.

Kamiro snickered. "We're really gonna go the hero route?" He turned his back on her and continued walking.

It seemed like fate itself was almost forcing him to become a hero. He probably wouldn't have been so against it if it wasn't for that. Kamiro had had enough of fate interfering with his life.

Ayu's face reddened. "I-Idiot! You don't even know where you're going. It's dangerous to go alone!"

There's that temper. Guess she was just putting up a façade after all, just like most people do. Kamiro glanced back towards her with a smirk and waved goodbye.

"Stupid Kamiro..." she said while he began to fade into the greenery of the forest.

The last glimpse he got of Ayu's saddened demeanor made his heart ache, ever so slightly.

Stupid, huh? She's probably right... But it's never a good idea to get too close to people. Wait. Did I ever even mention my name to her? ...Whatever.

***

A few hours had passed since the trail Kamiro followed through the forest had vanished.

That girl is too much... why was she looking so sad for anyway? I was the one that was kidnapped. At the end of the day, though, it was on him. Even having been caught by surprise, he could've resisted more if he really tried.

Kamiro continued to make his way through the forest, way past lost by this point, and he knew it probably wasn't the smart thing to do. In truth, he was a bit afraid of how comfortable he felt around Ayu and needed to get away.

Is this what Stockholm Syndrome feels like?

But also, Kamiro could be somewhat stubborn. Although he enjoyed his games and things back home, the reality was that nothing was waiting for him there. The only person he considered a friend, Ms. Yua Sensei, would've probably said something along the lines of, "Now that you're in a fantasy world, you have to live life to the fullest!" Most boys his age dreamed of being isekai'd, he'd be lying to himself if he said the thought had never crossed his mind.

It feels like I've been walking around in circles. What is this place, the Lost Woods? Kamiro stopped to take a break. He glanced around; the greenery had gotten thicker, making the sunlight harder to penetrate.

It was quiet. Eerily quiet. The only noise was his gurgling stomach. "Shhh. Now's not the time. I'll take care of you later." He felt as if something was watching him.

He continued walking, resisting the urge to glance back. The feeling had begun a while ago, but he could no longer ignore it. "Who's there?" He looked around and saw nothing. But his ears picked up a faint sound coming from out in the distance. "Wait. Is that... singing?" The singing grew louder, and he found himself heading towards its source. It's beautiful.

Like a lullaby, it entranced him. Kamiro traversed a secluded area of the forest, the carol pulling him in. It took some time, but he finally reached its origin. Through some heavy greenery was a hidden paradise with breathtaking girls, serenading in full nudity. They bewitched him.

What are they, wood nymphs? He observed them in silence through the maze of shrubs and tree limbs, but like a fish caught on a hook, the singing reeled him in.

The maidens seemed aware of his presence. They giggled and made seductive poses, motioning with their hands to join them.

Kamiro entered their den, captivated not only by their beauty but also of the whole area. It was in complete peace and harmony, with sunlight illuminating the spot through the tall trees. Rainbow colored flowers adorned the ground, and the sound of woodland critters filled him with bliss.

I think... this could become my new home...

He was now entirely within their reach.

"Don't— any—"

For a moment, he thought he caught another voice, but it was drowned out by the nymphs' continued chorus.

"Don't— any close—"

The voice crept up Kamiro's ears once more, but the dazzling scene kept him from paying further attention.

"Don't go any closer!"

This time the girl's voice came clear, somewhat jolting Kamiro out of his trance. "Y-You need to get out of there!"

Kamiro turned and stared at the blonde-haired girl who called out to him. Who is this girl? What is she talking about? 

With his back turned towards the nymphs, a sudden sensation of dread filled him. On instinct, he jumped away a few feet. What was that? When he peered back, the pleasant sight flooded his view once more, but the nymphs seemed more intense, at this point, as if trying to coerce him.

"They are not what they appear. S-Shield your eyes for a moment. I will show you," the blonde girl said. "Invocabo Lux: Illusion Breaker."

Some kind of spell? Kamiro held his hand like a visor and could still manage a glimpse of the girl. A quick flash of light filled the area before fading. What was that, Solar Flare? The only thing she was missing was the pose.

"T-Take a good look once more," she said.

Something had changed after the flash from the girl's spell.

"What... is this?"

Gone was the pleasant scene of a hidden paradise. It was darker, a lot darker—probably the deepest part of the forest. Kamiro's eyes had to readjust to the new darkness.

Those... aren't nymphs. Kamiro got goosebumps all over his body.

Carcasses were scattered in the area, and where the beautiful, serenading nymphs had once stood, were frightening creatures that had the most deceiving singing voices. Although somewhat human in form, they had long, sharp teeth and claws, red slanted pupils, and a ghoulish appearance.

"What are they?"

"Um... t-those are Woodland Sirens..." the girl said.

The girl radiated confidence when she'd helped Kamiro, but seemed tense. And with the immediate danger behind them, the girl seemed even more different, pausing unnaturally while she talked.

"...They lure lost people with their enchanting singing and... ah... put them under an illusion. O-Once the poor lost soul... makes their way completely into their nest, they devour them. A few more steps in, and you would have looked like that." 

She pointed at a pile of bones in their nest, and Kamiro didn't even dare question if they belonged to an animal, or something else.

The girl was stiff and seemed uncomfortable while she spoke. "The good thing is... um.. they don't... feed outside of their nest and aren't particularly dangerous in one-on-one situations. B-But if you had completely entered their nest, not even I would have been able to help you."

Kamiro was left in shock.

***

"Thank you. If it wasn't for you, I..." Kamiro made his way out of the forest with the girl who saved him as his guide.

"N-No worries, if I notice someone in danger, I must do what I can," she said.

A beautiful girl maybe a year or two older than him. She had peach tone skin, and her ocean colored eyes complimented her long and wavy golden hair. The girl gave off an aura of a noblewoman and wore clothing befitting of one but with a style ready for combat. Her appearance seemed straight out of a fantasy world with a shield strapped on her back and a sword at her side. Which made sense, considering they were in one.

"I must be lucky that you found me in some random forest," Kamiro said.

"Well, I do not normally come across too many people out here... It is one of the reasons I come to train here."

"I see..." Why does she seem so fidgety?

She gave a half-heated laugh. "I-It is right outside Lucerna, so it is convenient for me... I'm an Adventurer, and a new student at Lucerna Guild Academy."

"Gotcha, that makes sense." Lucerna Guild Academy... is that the same thing Ayu mentioned? Let's see what else I can find out. "...Not sure if this is an odd thing to ask, but, by any chance, have you ever heard of heroes being able to travel to other worlds?"

"Um... no more than the legends we are told as children. My parents use to tell me of Hero-Kings of old traveling to other worlds, but that's about it..."

"Hero-Kings?"

The girl's face showed her surprise. "You've never heard of them? Um... usually, every ten years, a new Hero-King is chosen in the kingdom among the best Hero ranked Adventurers. B-But I guess things have been relatively strange since the last Hero-King disappeared ten years ago, right before being officially appointed.

"Right..."

"Are you not from Faro?"

"Well..." Kamiro gave a nervous chuckle. Crap, did she find out? It doesn't seem like people from other worlds are common here. The last thing I wanna do is stand out.

"F-Forgive my rudeness... I was not trying to be disrespectful." The girl bowed a couple times in quick succession, exaggerating her movements.

"Oh, no. It's fine."

"Y-You just do not seem to be familiar with some of the things that are fairly common in the kingdom. Not to mention, with the recent warnings about the cults and all... this forest is not a place most people would enjoy being in." The girl watched the ground while walking and fidgeting her hands.

Are outsiders not allowed in this kingdom? I'll have to take a gamble. With sweat building on his forehead, Kamiro said, "I'm actually from... the south."

"F-From the south. Could it be you hail from the Eshten Republic?"

"Ah. No. Much farther south. A small... island nation, you probably never heard of it. It's not even on the maps from here."

"I see. Well, the world is a big place. Actually, one of my more personal motivations for having become an Adventurer is to travel... I want to visit new places and meet new people. But I will need to better myself before that can happen," the girl said. "Were you planning on joining the Lucerna Guild Academy? I know a lot of people come from all over the kingdom to try and join, some even coming from other countries."

Whew. She bought it. Well, I guess I'll stick to this story from now on if anybody asks. "Oh, I'm still trying to decide."

"W-Well, if you do reach that decision, I wish you success."

"Thanks."

After some time, the girl and Kamiro had gotten out of the forest.

"We finally made it," she said.

Out in the distance, a city surrounded by a wall came into view. The girl pointed out where the Lucerna Guild Academy was. It had its own closed-off section and even a private gate along the wall. The forest they were in was not too far from it, just a few miles east.

"I'm sorry to leave so abruptly, but I must be going. There is a test of sorts today at the guild academy, and I am short on time."

"Sorry to have held you up," Kamiro said.

"N-No worries. It was nice to have made your acquaintance... hmm..." The girl appeared flustered, but it didn't take Kamiro long to realize its cause.

"I never did introduce myself, did I? I'm Kamiro. From... a small southern island nation."

"Kamiro," she said before giving an affirmative nod.

"Sorry, but I actually never got your name either, haha," he said.

"Oh, my! How rude of me. I am Earla Solstess... but please, you can just call me Earla." She fumbled her words and stretched out her hand.

"Earla, thanks again." Kamiro grabbed it. Her hand trembled slightly within his grasp.

"U-Until, our paths cross again," she said.

He nodded.

"Um, it might be too late to ask, but do you know that girl? She seemed to have been trailing you since I first saw you in the forest."

Kamiro glanced behind. Ayu was nearby, poking her head out from behind a tree. The moment their eyes locked, she reacted like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar, and disappeared behind the oak's trunk.

Seriously? This girl...

"Well, I guess you can say that we're acquainted," Kamiro said.

"That makes sense. Right before I arrived, she appeared like she was going to jump in and save you from the Woodland Sirens."

"Thanks for letting me know." Can Ayu even fight? I guess she's somewhat good at sneaking. But not very good at hiding...

Earla went on her way. Once she had made some distance between herself and Kamiro, she looked to be celebrating in silence, fist pump, and all.

"What is she...?"

Their gaze met, and Earla seemed visibly embarrassed that he'd seen her secret celebration. Kamiro waved goodbye while she scurried away from view.

"That was different. Are all girls in this world weird?" To be fair, my sample size is still small.

Kamiro sighed and headed towards Ayu's direction, still doing a terrible job hiding behind the tree. "Now then..." Maybe her intentions aren't bad... Let's hear what she has to say. "You can come out now."

Ayu made her way out with a pouty, embarrassed expression while avoiding Kamiro's gaze. "It'd be a waste to just let you go and die off so easily."

"Well?"

She put her back against the trunk and slid down to her butt in defeat.

Kamiro did the same on the other side, the tree separating their backs from leaning against one another.

"..."

"Are you an Adventurer in this Lucerna Guild Academy?" Kamiro tried to fill the silence.

"...Yeah. I registered not too long ago."

"...What's your ranking?"

"Actually, the ranking exam is supposed to be today, so I don't have one yet."

"I see..." We won't get anywhere like this. "Ayu." Kamiro was hesitant, but he needed to be sure before committing to his decision. "...Can you tell me what happened to your mother?"

She remained silent. Kamiro glanced over. Her eyes had a downcast look that made him regret asking.

"Around ten years ago... she left to help my father. Neither one of them ever returned."

"...The letter your mother had left you, can I see it?"

For a moment, Ayu hesitated, but she handed him the letter. It was on a small folded up sheet of paper that showed its age but was still legible.

The writing seemed to be in another language, but, surprisingly, he could understand it for the most part. And he hadn't questioned it, but the odds were that Earla and Ayu were speaking a different tongue. He didn't dwell on it. In most of the stories, understanding and speaking the fantasy world language was an added perk of being isekai'd.

It's just as Ayu had mentioned. Not much here, apart from the instructions for the vague quest that her mother left her. He returned the letter.

With just the short monster encounter Kamiro had, this world's dangers became apparent. He'd decided the best option was to become an Adventurer and rank up to Hero. That legend about ancient Hero-Kings being able to travel to other worlds was also his only clue, and he wasn't letting go of it. After having heard from Earla, and listening to Ayu's words, his resolve had been sealed.

There's no turning back now... At the very least, joining this Lucerna Guild Academy and getting training will only help. And as far as Ayu... I don't think she's lying, but it feels like she's holding back something... I'll give her time.

Kamiro sighed. "Alright, Ayu... You win."

"I... win?"

"I'm gonna be an Adventurer. And I'll become a Hero."

Ayu's eyes widened.

"I'll stick by you, just like you asked. And... you're the one that caused this, so... t-take responsibility," Kamiro said, seeming a bit bashful.

Ayu chuckled, giving off a warming smile. "Right!"

The two headed toward the academy out in the distance, with Ayu humming as she strolled, and Kamiro following from behind.

She's so cheery now.

Ayu glanced back, and without warning, stopped in her tracks, making Kamiro almost bump into her.

"What's wrong?"

She kept her back turned. "Um. T-Thank you... for believing me."

Oh, what's this? Ayu getting shy? He-he. Now's my chance to tease her. "Sorry, didn't quite catch that. What'd you say?"

Ayu groaned and turned, revealing her flushed expression. "I said, thank you for believing me!"

She caught him off guard. The embarrassed look she had left Kamiro's mouth agape, and without words.

"...Oh, No problem." He gave a rigid chuckle.

"Hmph." Ayu turned around and continued leading the way. The grand Lucerna Guild Academy building grew larger with every step they took.