1 A new world

Lucas Heart sighed as he checked his email, deleting the same spam messages he received every day. He felt a pang of loneliness as he saw his friends' posts on social media, showing their families, partners, and pets. He wondered what it would be like to have someone to love and care for.

He had lost his parents five years ago in a car accident, leaving him alone in the world. He had no siblings or relatives to rely on. He had to work hard to pay off his parents' debts and support himself. He hated his daily life, but he didn't know what else to do with his life.

He had learned to be tough and independent since he was young. He had to fight for his survival in the streets, where he faced gangs, thugs, and criminals. He had become a skilled fighter, using his fists and feet to defend himself and earn some money.

He left his cubicle and headed home, walking through the dark streets of the city. He squinted his eyes as a bright light flashed in the sky, followed by a deafening boom. He looked up and saw a large portal opening above him, emitting a swirling vortex of colors and sounds. He stopped and stared, wondering what it was.

Suddenly, he felt a strong force pulling him towards the portal. He tried to resist, but it was too late. The vortex sucked him in, leaving behind everything else. He screamed, but his voice was drowned out by the roar of the vortex. As he fell, spun, and twisted in the air, he felt a wave of nausea wash over him. Then everything went black.

When he woke up, he found himself lying on a grassy field. He looked around and saw a scene of chaos and carnage. He heard the clash of metal, the roar of magic, and the screams of the dying. He smelled blood, smoke, and fire. He felt a cold sweat on his forehead, a knot in his stomach, and a tremor in his hands.

He was in the middle of a battlefield, where two armies were clashing with swords, spears, bows, and magic. He had no clue where he was or how he got there. He only knew that he was in danger.

He saw a soldier running towards him, wearing a blue uniform and wielding a sword. He instinctively dodged the attack, but the soldier followed him with another swing.

He had no weapon or armor to defend himself. He looked for an escape route, but he was surrounded by enemies and allies alike. He realized that he was still wearing his office clothes, which made him stand out like a sore thumb. He needed to blend in with one of the factions in the war.

He had no time to think or question his circumstances. He had to survive.

He saw an opportunity when another soldier in dark green fell to the ground near him, wounded by an arrow. He quickly ran towards him, grabbed his sword and helmet, and stripped off his clothes. He then put on the dark green uniform over his own clothes, hoping it would fit.

He then pretended to be one of them, following the orders of a commander who shouted at him to charge at the enemy lines. He hoped that no one would notice his unfamiliar face or accent.

He was surprised that he could understand their language and speak it naturally. He wondered if it was some kind of magic or technology that enabled him to communicate with them. He didn't have time to dwell on it though. He had to focus on staying alive.

With no other option, he joined the fray, swinging his sword at anyone who came close to him. He had no idea who he was fighting for or against, nor did he care. It was a matter of life and death.

He soon realized that he had an advantage over his opponents. He was stronger, faster, and more agile than them. He also had a better sense of combat and tactics.

He learned from the conversations around him that the war was between two kingdoms: the Kingdom of Azure and the Kingdom of Emerald. They had been at war for decades over land, resources, and pride. The portal that brought him here was a result of an experimental spell cast by the Azure mages, who hoped to summon reinforcements from another world. However, something went wrong and instead of allies, they brought enemies and chaos.

The main reason for the war was a bunch of newly found gold mines on the border area between the two kingdoms. Both sides wanted to claim them as their own and refused to share or negotiate. The gold mines were said to be rich and valuable enough to change the fate of any kingdom that controlled them.

He witnessed the horrors of war firsthand: blood splattering on his face, limbs flying off bodies, screams of pain and fear filling the air, corpses piling up on the ground. He felt no pity or remorse for his enemies; only hatred and rage. He killed without mercy or hesitation; only survival and instinct.

He became numb to the violence and death around him; only aware of his own breathing and heartbeat. He fought like a madman; only driven by adrenaline and bloodlust.

He lost track of time and space; only following the flow of battle.

He didn't know if he would ever get out of this hell; only hoping for a miracle.

As the battle raged on, he noticed that the enemy soldiers were starting to retreat. They were outnumbered and outmatched by the Emerald army. They ran for their lives, leaving behind their weapons and wounded.

The commander of the Emerald army saw this and ordered a pursuit. He wanted to finish them off and secure the victory. He selected a few soldiers to follow him, including Lucas.

Lucas had no choice but to obey. He ran after the commander, chasing the fleeing enemies. He wondered what would happen next. Would he catch them and kill them? Would he be caught and killed himself? Would he find a way back to his own world?

He had no answers. He only had questions.

The commander turned to him and asked him a question.

"What's your name, soldier?"

Lucas was startled by the question. He realized that he had never introduced himself to anyone in this world. He didn't even know if he should use his real name or make up a fake one.

He hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell the truth.

"My name is Lucas, sir."

The commander nodded and smiled.

"Lucas, huh? That's a good name. I'm Commander Rian. Nice to meet you."

He extended his hand to Lucas, who shook it firmly.

"Nice to meet you too, sir."

The commander looked at him with curiosity and admiration.

"You're a brave and skilled fighter, Lucas. I've been watching you and you've impressed me with your performance in this battle. How did you become such a formidable opponent? Where did you learn to fight like that?"

Lucas didn't know how to answer that question. He didn't want to reveal his true origin or his past. He tried to think of a plausible lie.

"I… I learned from my father, sir. He was a soldier too. He taught me everything he knew before he died."

The commander nodded sympathetically.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Lucas. Your father must have been a great man. You've done him proud today."

He clapped Lucas on the shoulder and gave him a friendly smile.

"Come on, let's go. We have some enemies to catch."

He turned and ran towards the enemy lines, followed by Lucas and the other soldiers.

Lucas followed him, feeling a mix of emotions. He felt relieved that the commander believed his lie. He felt grateful that the commander praised him and befriended him. He felt hopeful that the commander might help him find a way home.

But he also felt guilty that he lied to him. He felt conflicted that he killed so many people. He felt afraid that he might never see his home again.

He didn't know what the future would bring. He only knew that he was in for more trouble.

He ran after the commander, hoping for the best but expecting the worst.