A New Journey

"Hey, are you sure it's okay to bring him along in this state?" the black-haired individual asked, concerned about the important figure behind them. "He's been looking downcast ever since we left the human kingdom's capital, Alfcity."

"He needs to learn that in every meeting, there will be partings, especially in our unpredictable world. It's better for him to be prepared rather than for us to lose someone destined to save the world. A hero without a firm heart is like a termite-infested wood. Fragile," explained the grey-haired individual, their gaze fixed ahead. They also felt pity for the man.

However, the burden of destiny entrusted to him was too heavy, and if he couldn't bear it all, this world would perish without resistance. It was one of the reasons he despised fate, as if it made those who fought unable to create change without him, as if they were worthless individuals without a future.

The black-haired person glanced back again, unsure of what to do for the man who now exuded an aura of sadness, casting a cold atmosphere even though the day was still bright with the warmth of the sun.

He worried that Zent might lose his motivation even before they reached their destination, considering they had only covered half of the journey and still had a considerable distance to go. Not to mention the potential presence of monsters, bandits, and the like. Would Zent lend a hand in helping?

It wasn't a significant issue for them, considering they occupied positions among the top ten strongest individuals in the world. However, he didn't want Zent to remain idle behind them.

.

.

What could they be doing right now? Princess, Celine... I miss you.

Since I left, each day feels so empty and void. I know our time together was short, but the memories we created torment me. I hope you're both doing well there, taking care of yourselves. I will definitely return.

I promise.

Beside them, a white mountain came into view. It appeared distant and veiled in mist, resembling a captivating painting that mesmerized the eyes. Though I didn't particularly enjoy this journey, I still paid attention to the direction we were heading and the areas we had passed through.

Five days have passed since we set off on foot from the human capital, whose name I only just learned. I owe that knowledge to the two of them. Without them, I might never have known, as no one ever mentioned the capital by name, only referring to it as "the capital." Or perhaps it was my lack of attentiveness to people's conversations.

I can't deny that I dislike the two of them suddenly appearing and asking me to accompany them, claiming that "I am the chosen one."

What is this, then? The story of a hero embarking on a journey to save the world from darkness?

And if it is true, destiny has chosen the wrong person.

How can I save the world when I am overwhelmed just facing that woman?

Without the help of the others and the foreign mana that turned out to be the gray hair's up front, we would never stand a chance against her. And thanks to them, I have become more acquainted with this world through the "conversations" we have during each night while gathered around the campfire.

I put quotation marks because it is more appropriate to say that two people were conversing with a melancholic statue.

The capital where I met the princess, Celine, and the others is Alfcity, the capital of the human kingdom known as Alhevas.

There are two other major cities under the kingdom's rule: Blackwater and Holderskeep, located on a coastal area and in the mountains, respectively, with several smaller towns under their jurisdiction. The largest territory in the world, but still unable to match the power of Angels or Demons.

As in stories or fairy tales, Angels reside in the sky, specifically on a floating island called Cloudheaven, not far above the mountains next to us. It is covered in mist, making only a large black shadow visible.

Meanwhile, Demons reside in their kingdom, Hellsworth, quite far to the left. It only takes a week of travel on foot to reach there. They do not engage in hostilities; in fact, they are like two sibling races who help each other, with smiles adorning their faces.

That's what I thought when I saw them spending time in Alfcity, until the two individuals in front explained that those in Alfcity were no longer native citizens of their respective kingdoms, but rather those who chose to leave. The two races continue to wage war, although not as frequently as before.

Upon entering this area, I could already find relics from both races, seemingly reinforcements from their respective races. However, they were ambushed and attacked on the way to the battlefield.

The reason they continue to fight despite thousands of years passing is because they hate each other, a deep-seated hatred that makes it difficult for the two races to reconcile.

Many have attempted, even individuals from their own races have tried, but failed. Their leaders are too stubborn and paranoid, suspecting that the other will betray them and ultimately exterminate their race.

Then, in a secluded area far from all of that, lies the world of the two individuals in front, a world of martial arts that was trending in my previous world.

Murim.

The world of fighters who use chi (another term they use for mana) and use it to strengthen their bodies to the point where they can essentially become immortals. According to those two individuals, people in their world are so obsessed with immortality that their entire lives are dedicated to training, training, and more training.

Honestly, I feel sorry for them, living in a world where power is everything, and it's understandable that their dream is to become the strongest of the strong. It's similar to my previous world.

Everyone works tirelessly for money, willing to sacrifice everything just for those pieces of paper. It makes me wonder, what are they doing now?

Or perhaps a more appropriate question, is there anyone left?

In a world where power is reality, I doubt they can survive. Even I, who consider myself lucky to have power, have come close to death several times. If it weren't for the help I received, I might not be here anymore.

Then, the area we are heading to now is the world that has been my dream ever since I got to know them through the screen. The world of a race famous for their beauty and living in harmony not only with plants but also with animals.

They are the Elves.

The only race that resembles humans the most, with the only difference being their pointed ears.

Elecya, the name of their kingdom, is a large part of a giant tree with golden leaves, and the area is starting to come into view not far ahead, surrounded by trees of the same color and filled with a refreshing breeze that feels cool and rejuvenating.

Feeling all of that makes me feel a little at ease. Although the laughter of the princess still echoes clearly in my mind, with her endearing smile now becoming just a part of memories.