Chapter 2.1 The Unknown World part 1

The Imperial Capital City of Alteria.

Imperial Palace.

Kazuki gazed in astonishment at his surroundings. The first thing that caught his eye was a frescoed ceiling, while in front of him stood a humanoid statue of a man—a depiction of a valiant ruler. The ceiling above portrayed grassy fields, lakes, mountains, and towns, along with a group of people wielding weapons in each hand.

It was an extraordinary work of art, both captivating and awe-inspiring. However, Kazuki couldn't shake off the feeling of unease stirred by the frescoes; he refrained from expressing his thoughts on the peculiarities depicted in the painting.

After surveying the area, he discovered a grand hallway. The hallway was spacious, and it dawned on him that the entire building was constructed from polished marble. Each room boasted chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, adding to the majestic ambience.

The building featured state-of-the-art designs that only a skilled architect could have brought to life. Kazuki was left speechless by the architectural marvel, feeling as if he had been transported back in time. As he continued exploring the hallways and rooms, he realized he was inside a palace.

Curiosity led him to approach a window and gaze at the view outside, where he saw houses and buildings surrounding the palace. He couldn't help but be reminded of a manga he had read, and a look of wonder crossed his face.

It appeared they were situated in the central part of the building, occupying the ground floor, with the ceiling reaching as high as twenty feet. Kazuki looked around and noticed his classmates sharing the same expressions of awe.

As he turned to observe, he was met with the expected sight of Akari, looking bewildered but unharmed. This brought a sense of relief to Kazuki.

In search of an explanation, a group of individuals dressed in robes caught their attention. It seemed as though they were attending a ritual or a summoning ceremony. Kazuki and his classmates weren't the only ones within the palace; some appeared to be high-class mages capable of casting powerful spells. They were all concerned about the reason behind their disappearance from their world, but Kazuki was too overwhelmed with excitement to dwell on it.

"I can't believe it. I'm in another world. This is a dream come true. I yearn for adventure! Oh yes, I'm fired up!"

Among the group stood a man in his thirties who stepped forward, facing Kazuki's classmates. He wore a dark blue robe and held a book of magic spells in his right hand, distinguishing him from the others dressed in black robes.

His eyes were sharp, exuding a charismatic aura. It was evident that he was the one responsible for the ritual that had brought Kazuki and his classmates to this world.

"Welcome to the Kingdom of Heisen, Saviour-sama. We have been expecting your arrival. Please rest assured and accept our warm welcome," he said.

"My name is Gnaus Vilmo Alaeus, the sole Regent of this Nation," he introduced himself, establishing his authority as the Emperor's representative and the conductor of the summoning.

After the introductions, they decided to proceed to meet the Emperor. As they made their way, servants and maids gathered around, providing them passage through a palace door.

Upon reaching their destination, Imperial guards escorted them to the Throne room. Kazuki's classmates bowed before the Emperor and explained the purpose of their arrival.

"All of you have been summoned here to seek your assistance in the face of a devastating catastrophe caused by the Demons," the Emperor spoke solemnly.

"While you will receive field training to defend yourselves against imminent danger, let me introduce myself. I am Theodor Baulio Xanthone IX. May God bless your journey," he concluded.

"You will be handsomely rewarded at each step of your journey," he added.

They discussed the Emperor's offer among themselves. Most of them agreed to fight and undergo field training, recognizing the urgency and the need to help the empire. However, a few expressed concerns about the dangers involved.

Daichi, the class president, stood up, raising his arm high as if making an edict. He addressed his classmates, encouraging them to participate in this catastrophic event and aid in repelling the wave of Demons.

At that moment, his charismatic leadership and his position as class president finally took effect. All eyes turned to Daichi, filled with determination. For the students who felt trapped in this world with no hope, he became their beacon. This was their only chance to return home.

"Given the circumstances, it would be foolish for us to go alone," Kaito spoke up.

"Yeah, I agree. I can't just sit here doing nothing. Count me in," added another student.

"Ehh!?"

"If Aiya joins, then I'll join too."

"Akari..."

They engaged in a heated argument, each one trying to gain the upper hand. Eventually, they realized there was no other choice but to accept the offer.

After hesitating and searching for alternatives, they finally agreed to proceed. Kazuki's classmates accepted the Emperor's request, and in response, the Imperial court prepared a grand banquet.

The room before them was adorned with a table that stretched across the entire space, a roaring fireplace casting a warm glow, musicians playing melodic tunes, and a multitude of servants and maids preparing a variety of delicacies to serve the Saviors.

Unbeknownst to them, as Kazuki was escorted by the Emperor's guard to his destination, he entered a hall filled with tables spanning ten meters in length, lined up side by side. Chairs were meticulously arranged at every corner of the dining tables, and candles flickered in each sector. Kazuki was astonished by the ornate decorations of the dining hall.

Even a commoner could recognize the exquisite craftsmanship of the furniture, undoubtedly the work of skilled artisans. The decorative paintings and murals adorned the hall, each one a masterpiece in itself. Kazuki and his classmates were seated in the seat of honour, with Saitou Ichika-sensei's group and Akari at the very end.

At that moment, a group of maids entered the room, pushing carts. They were undoubtedly genuine mansion servants, arousing desire in the hearts of the male students.

Their gazes shifted towards the maids, their desires burning within them. However, the girls felt uncomfortable and quickly excused themselves from the scene.

Kazuki, like the other male students, couldn't help but be captivated by the maids as they pushed their carts. However, at that same moment, Akari fixed her gaze on Kazuki, sporting a wide smile. Kazuki returned her smile.

Emperor Theodor proceeded to explain the situation regarding the ongoing battle against the Demons.

"To put it simply, humankind has been engaged in a long-standing war with the Demons. The Demonic forces have relentlessly raided villages, towns, and cities."

"Initially, Beastmen and Elves joined forces with the humans in their fight against the Demons, but as the centuries passed, their assistance gradually weakened."

"Although the Demons were terrifying and merciless, they were outnumbered. However, in recent years, the demonic front has fallen silent for thirty years."

Heisen, a country located in the north and bordering Dronstadt from the west, is an autocratic nation ruled by an Emperor. The Xanthone Dynasty has been the symbol and the governing power of the Empire.

During its founding, Heisen suffered greatly during its conquest of the surrounding countries. Theocracy, with its strong influence on religion, surpassed social and military prowess.

Trade and commerce became the main source of income for the Empire, covering half of the country's treasury. This development made Heisen a prosperous and advanced nation compared to others. Agriculture played a vital role in Heisen's prosperity, as without it, the country would struggle to function.

The Sacred Paladins, comprising 50% or 64% of the military, served as the guardians of the Theocracy. They played a crucial role in eliminating those who allied with the Demonic League. The Paladins excelled in combat and were an elite unit within Heisen's military.