What… what is this…?" someone whispered.
Their voice trembling.
Samuel turned around to see.
Yuta shouted in a cowardly tone, blood running down the side of his head, blocking his vision. He clutched down his arm, clearly in pain. Some of Samuel's classmates were still lying on the ground, injured and dazed. Their uniforms were all torn apart, and dirt smeared on their faces. They all looked exhausted. Nobody had the strength to speak anymore, they were all suppressed by fear.
A high Priest who was referred to as a Malaki stepped forward, his long white and red robes dragging behind him. His voice echoed throughout the Temple, deep and broad.
"You are not mistaken, and I understand your confusion." he began. "This is not your world anymore. Everything you knew, everything familiar to you, is now far behind. This realm is on the brink of destruction. And the cause… are the Beings called the lesser Gods."
The temple fell silent, all the students had their heads downwards.
"They are the enemies of the Gods, the True Gods we serve," he continued. "The True Gods give life and order, the lesser Gods bring chaos, destruction, and death. They devour balance and corrupt peace. We are losing. One by one, our cities fall. Our soldiers can't stop them. Our essence is failing."
The Head priest fell to his knees.
And all the other priests and priestesses followed, bowing their heads.
"Please…" Malaki's voice cracked with emotions. "Please save our world."
A heavy silence filled the atmosphere. The students stood there frozen, unable to speak or move. Some looked at each other, emotional. Others were too tired to even react.
Seconds later, one of the armored knights stepped forward. His tone was rough, and there was a scar over his left cheek. "High Priest, perhaps we should let them rest a bit. They are clearly disoriented."
The High priest nodded slightly.
"But first," the knight turned, his tone suddenly rising. "Take them to the King and Queen!"
"Sound the trumpet!"
A loud shockwave moved through the atmosphere, shaking the walls. It made several students jump, Emma included. She clung closer to Samuel's sleeve. Samuel noticed her fears, He held her hand tightly.
"Everyone, line up!" one of the knights shouted intensely.
Slowly, and tiredly, the group began to move toward a massive archway. As they began to approach, a massive stone gate creaked open, the upper stone was grinding against the stone below. In a moment it was fully open, and they were met with an unbelievable sight.
The City stretched before them like something from an anime or manhwa, Clean white buildings. Golden pillars and rooftops that glitter under the sun's rays. Roads that shimmered like Ceramics. Trees with bright green leaves. And in the sky, giant birds made of fire soared around the city, gracefully, their wings leaving trails of embers.
In front of the gate, a row of royal carriages stood in front of them, waiting. Each one was ornate, detailed with symbols and crests. And pulling them were two firebirds on each side, their wings flapping gently, heat radiating from them.
Before boarding, knights in green robes came around to each of the students and started using a glowing crystal. As the light passed over them, their wounds began to heal, closing up, the bruises fading, their strength slowly returning.
Samuel looked down at his sister. Her scraped arm was fully healed. The dirt on her face was gone. She looked better, but not less scared.
The carriages were aligned. Each one took two or three students. Samuel was told to ride separately, but he hastily stepped forward.
"I won't leave my sister. She stays with me," he declared firmly.
The knights stared at him for a moment, then gave a short nod. "Very well."
The ride began. The firebirds moved swiftly, almost silently. One knight rode in each carriage, but there were no conversations. The students stared out the windows, eyes wide, hearts racing, some were just nervous.
Minutes passed.
The city changed around them, going from bustling streets to quieter areas, with gardens and Mansions. Then, ahead, the palace came into view.
It was massive.
Tall towers pierced through the skies. The outer walls shimmered with magical barriers. Banners of deep blue and silver hung high. The gates opened as soon as they arrived, and servants in white robes stood waiting.
Each student stepped out of the carriage, unsure of what to do or expect.
This time, they were met by another group of knights. Their armor was shinier, with the royal crest engraved into their chest plates.
"The King and Queen are waiting," one of them announced. "Please follow us."
They walked through an endless hallway, decorated with paintings, stained-glass windows, and statues. The atmosphere was cool and it smelled of flowers.
Emma tugged on Samuel's sleeves.
"Do you think Mom and Dad are okay?" she muttered. "What about our world? What if they think we're missing?"
Samuel swallowed hard before he spoke back.
"I don't know," he admitted quietly. "But we're still together. Alive. That's what matters right now. We need to stay strong."
Emma nodded emotionally. She looked forward again but didn't let go of his hand.
Finally, they reached the main chamber door.
The door was enormous, at least four times Samuel's height. Runes glowed across it. Then, piece by piece, the door began to open, and the magic circle began to spin and light up.
Inside was a circular room.
At the very top, seated on two thrones, were the King and Queen.
The King had a stern face and dark eyes. He wore a silver and diamond crown, and his armor gleamed. The Queen sat beside him, dressed in a white and blue gown. Her eyes were soft but tired.
Around the chamber were rows of noblemen, priests, and other important figures. Everyone turned as the students entered. Samuel and Emma stood near the entrance.
Then the King arose.
"Children of another world," he uttered. "I know this must be overwhelming. But your arrival… is the last hope we have."
He spoke with a powerful tone mixed with kindness.
"We did not summon you lightly. You were brought here because your souls shine with the power of the True Gods. You are not ordinary. You are chosen."
The Queen stood as well. Her hands trembled. "Please," she exclaimed softly. "We need your help. Without you… our people will die. Our homes will fall. Our future will be nothing but ash."
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
She looked at each of the students like they were her own children. Samuel stared back.
Then one by one, the students nodded.
They all said yes, agreeing to the queen's speech.
Samuel included.
The chamber erupted into cheers.
Clapping. Shouting. Some were crying. Others hugged. It felt like a weight had lifted. The Queen's hands covered her face. The King bowed deeply.
"A celebration shall begin!" someone among the crowd shouted.
"A three-day festival!" another added.
The students were led out of the chamber. A group of beautiful young maidens in matching dresses greeted them. They were polite and kind, bowing as they took the students through a new hallway.
"These are your quarters," one maiden explained. "Where you'll live and train."
Samuel walked beside Emma, his hand still holding hers.
The rooms were incredible. Spacious, clean, filled with soft beds and warm lights. Each one had its own bath and wardrobe. Servants bowed as they entered.
It was too much to process.
As the others talked about food, rest, and training, Emma pulled Samuel aside.
Her lip trembled.
"I'm scared," she whispered, her tone breaking.
Tears started falling from her eyes. She tried to wipe them with her uniform sleeve, but more kept coming.
Samuel gently rubbed her arm.
"I'm here," he declared. "As long as I'm alive, I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I promise."
She nodded, then threw her arms around him.
He hugged her tightly.
He felt something.
A warm, wet liquid on his hand.
Confused, he pulled back slightly and looked down.
His hand was covered in blood.
His heart skipped a beat.
He looked back at her.
Emma gave him a small, warm smile.
Then blood poured from her mouth.
"E-Emma?!"
Her eyes rolled back, and her body collapsed in his arms.
"NO!"
Then,
A voice echoed.
"Samuel."
He looked around wildly.
"Samuel."
It was distant, muffled, like someone calling from behind a wall.
"Wake up."
"Please…"
His heart pounded.
"Wake up, they are coming."