CH 2

From there, the rest of the day was pretty hectic.

Nun and soldier-like individuals were somehow able to calm down the girls who’d been screaming about kidnappings, and abductions.

To summarize, Leraria was under attack from dangerous monsters, so they underwent a ceremony to summon “warriors from a different world” to gain as much fighting potential as possible.

They told us that hadn’t specifically chosen us during the summoning… apparently.

The classmates who were unable to calm themselves down were told to wait in another room.

How have I managed to remain so calm? While I don’t want to imply anything will happen, I doubt anything good could come from panicking.

Pretty much like whenever there’s a natural disaster.

As for Japan… I’m unsure as to how it’s going over there.

I wonder if we’ve been reported as missing?

We were allotted some free time, and food was offered to us.

An overseas-style menu had been served to us inside of a large, spacious hall.

It tasted pretty good, I suppose.

After we had all regained our composure, the King invited us to gather once more.

Naturally, several people were missing thanks to being allowed to voluntarily leave.

“Now then, warriors of another world… You have been made aware of our situation.”

“I-I guess…”

All we could do was nod in response.

“To begin, there are other things I must let you know. Firstly, according to our records, those who come from different worlds tend to be stronger on average than those originating in this one.”

Since he’s asking for us to fight for them, their intentions are pretty obvious.

“However, to properly nurture these talents, a particular ceremony must be performed. It can only be done here, in this country, through the usage of highly precious resources. As recompense for this ceremony, we ask of you to challenge dungeons, improve upon your skills and help this country. Naturally, the way for you to return home is hidden within these dungeons, so say the reports.”

A whole lot of game-like jargon is being tossed around, huh.

The whole ‘Undergo training, raise your level, challenge dungeons, get stronger and save the country’ shebang.

There’s also the opportunity to find a way back home, I guess.

“You warriors from another world also have the right to refuse, of course. Simply residing within this world is also a choice.”

It would’ve been nice if they’d found a way to return us before we even got here.

“Still… these ceremonies require resources short in supply. If it it as the stories have described, each of you should be able to control immense power. However… you should also be prepared to have your movements restricted.”

I guess there’s always a price to pay for power.

Perhaps, without the backing of a nation you’d be an easy target… I should ask more about that later.

“That sounds pretty selfish, but…”

“If that’s what it takes… to get home, I guess.”

As if they given an offer they couldn’t refuse, my classmates who had come to terms with the situation nodded along.

“Huhhh? What’re you on about? You honestly plan on going along with their whims?”

And then… a classmate objected.

“You bring us here, we undergo some ritual to be able to fight, fight in dungeons to find items and then we get to go home? Aren’t we the victims here?”

“Isn’t that what the guys from earlier said though? Aren’t you going to the other room?”

He’s someone who’s most often alone in the classroom, and he’s honestly kinda gloomy… I think his name was Fujihira Hideki.1

I vaguely remember rumors about him larping the dour otaku-type protagonist with a warped view of the world.

Even the teachers called him out in class for giving weird answers to their questions.

After being called out to by one the teachers with this giddy look on his face, they told him he couldn’t join a club, and that he’d be receiving counseling from the school instead.

Apparently he’d complained about not being forced to participate in after-school club activities. Yeah, I’ve read those kinds of light novels too.

The most impressive thing I’ve personally seen from him was during lunchbreak when he was by himself looking at his…. phone (We’re allowed to use them at breaktime.) He must’ve been watching something on his phone because he suddenly shot up, bolted to the bathroom and vomited.

「This author, how dare he kill off a member of my harem!

I’ll never forgive him! I’ll make sure he never works in the industry again!」

After yelling that, I recall him messing around with his phone for a while.

I don’t really understand what’s so unforgivable.

And then, after that, he began screaming as he threw his phone at the wall.

「WHAT THE HELL DID I DO WRONG!? HE’S THE ONE TO BLAME! FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKK!!」

I suppose he didn’t get the results that he wanted.

“You irresponsibly summoned us here, ripping us away from our families! How do you plan on taking responsibility?”

“Fujihira, we discussed this earlier… They were summoning warriors, not us. We appeared by accident, and it’s not as if they didn’t call us without a reason.”

“HuH!? You got a problem with what I’m saying?”

Our classmates try and get him to read the room, but Fujihira just keeps on going.

They may be forcing us to fight, but they’re also giving a lot of leeway… We’re discussing what happens next for us.

Additionally, those who agree with you are waiting in a separate room.

“Anyway, who knows where we’ll end up if we fight for these egocentrics! I’d rather take my chances and do whatever I want!”

Woah! Calm down! That’s the King you’re talking to!

You should try and be a little more respectful, or else your head’s gonna end up on a platter for being disrespectful!

“Certainly… it is true that we are at fault.”

The King accepts his words.

He was saved by the King’s open-mindedness.

“So, what do you intend to do?”

“We are most willing to assist those who come from another world, while we have no way of returning you yet, we…”

“Whatever it is, I don’t want to fight for you! I’m gonna do whatever I damn well please!”

“Fujihira, cool off and think about what you’re saying.”

“Shut up! All I’ve done is speak the truth!”

“Well… he’s got a point.”

While what he’s saying could be interpreted as selfish, the reality of the situation is that being indentured under the care of the country would entail being forced to fight god knows when.

In that case, if I were to leave the country… The future’s unknowable beyond that, but finding a way to survive self-sufficiently and inevitably return home would be a good start.

Unless of course, the rest of my classmates find a way.

Most pressingly, we have no information regarding this world. Additionally, it’s prudent not to nod your head and sign a contract before reading it.

Fujihira’s emphatic outburst ushered a silence throughout the room.

“…If that is what you have decided. We are also at fault. If you do not wish for our assistance and to leave, we cannot in good faith force you to remain here. You may leave the castle.”

Oh? The King drew back quite a bit.

I’d been terrified by thoughts like ‘Do as I command, or it’s off with your head”.

“…The offer stands. If you choose to accept our terms whenever you need it, we shall welcome all warriors from another world graciously. I wish nothing but the best for you.”

In other words, he won’t be holding us back.

Still, it’s comforting to know they’ll always be willing to shelter us on the condition we fight for them if we’re ever in danger.

In all honestly, I think they’re treating us rather well, but…

“Alright, I’ll try that out…”

“Same.”

“Yeah… may as well.”

I’m not saying Fujihira speaks for me, but I also understand not wanting to become a political lapdog.

Cooling off a little and clearing my thoughts is a good idea.

All that we have to go off of at the moment is anecdotal evidence based on what we’ve heard inside the castle, so if we’re still allowed to come back later, why not?

Soldiers open the exit doors for us.

“We do not wish for you to remain so conspicuous, warriors of another world. We shall provide you with clothing, and three days worth of provisions. See the world, and make your decision.”

And so, we received supplies in order to assess the situation. Six of us, myself included, left the castle.

Footnote:

1: No furigana is provided for his name.