Chapter 2

And then, quite a panic ensued.

Mainly among the girls.

The girls who were shouting about kidnapping and abduction were somehow calmed by people who looked like soldiers and nuns, including us.

To summarize, the country of Relaria is under invasion by dangerous monsters. In order to gain any additional fighting power, they performed a ritual to summon warriors from another world as mentioned in their legends.

It seems that we just happened to appear there, and no one was specifically chosen.

The class, which was in a state of unrest, ended up waiting in a separate room.

Am I calm enough? I’m not saying that everything will work out, but panicking won’t do any good.

It was the same when a disaster was causing a stir in society.

As for Japan... I’m not sure how it’s perceived.

Maybe it’s seen as a group disappearance.

We were given a little time, and food was provided.

In a large hall, we were served a course menu that seemed like a foreign meal.

The taste was probably decent.

After being given some time to calm down, my classmates and I, who had regained our composure, gathered in response to the king’s invitation.

Of course, many were absent, as it was voluntary. Some who were still in shock hadn’t left the room they were shown to.

“Well, warriors from another world... I hope you understand the situation here.”

“W-well...”

Everyone could only nod in response.

“Now, there are other things I need to tell you. According to the records, people from other worlds have the potential to become much stronger than the people of this world.”

I can guess what they expect from us since they are asking us to fight.

“However, to unlock this potential, a special ritual is required. This ritual requires valuable resources in our country. In exchange for performing this ritual, we ask that you challenge the dungeons, hone your skills, and save our country. According to the records, the method to return to your world is also said to be found in the dungeons.”

It seems like there are numerous game-like elements here.

Something about a ritual to unlock potential and then challenging a place called a dungeon to become stronger and save the country.

And at the same time, search for a way to return to our original world.

“Of course, the warriors from another world have the right to refuse. Living in this world is also an option.”

I wish they had found a way to return us from the start.

“However... the ritual requires rare resources. According to the legends, it should grant powerful abilities. However... you should be prepared for some restrictions on your actions as a result.”

In exchange for gaining strength, there might be some kind of cost.

For example, being targeted if you leave the protection of the country... This needs to be clarified.

“This might seem selfish...”

“It’s necessary to return...”

The classmates who had somewhat accepted the situation nodded, as if they couldn’t refuse.

“Huh? What are you saying? There’s no way we can keep up with such whims of the country?”

Then... one classmate objected.

“You summoned us without our consent, and now you want to perform a ritual to make us stronger so we can fight in the dungeons to find a way back? We are the victims here!”

“Didn’t the ones who were confused earlier say the same thing? Do you want to go to a separate room?”

It was Fujihira Hideki, who usually kept to himself. He was known for imitating the protagonist of a popular light novel, a socially awkward otaku. He had been called out by teachers for submitting strange answers and ended up receiving counseling from the school.

He complained about not being forced into a club. I remember reading that light novel.

One memorable incident was during lunch... he was looking at something on his phone (which was allowed during breaks) and suddenly ran to the toilet to vomit.

“This author, how dare he kill off my harem members! I can’t forgive him! I’ll kick him out of the industry!”

He was doing something on his phone for a while after that.

I couldn’t understand what he couldn’t forgive.

Then, he smashed his phone against the wall and screamed.

“What did I do? The one who’s wrong is him! Damn it!”

He must have gotten an unsatisfactory result.

“Because of your selfish summoning, we’ve been separated from our families! How do you plan to take responsibility for this?”

“Hey, Fujihira... didn’t we just talk about this? It was an accident that we appeared when they were expecting warriors. They didn’t specifically target us.”

“Huh? Are you criticizing my thoughts?”

The classmates tried to tell him to read the room, but Fujihira wouldn’t stop.

While they are forcing us to fight, they are showing some willingness to compromise... This is about how to settle things now.

It’s true that those who oppose will have to wait in a separate room.

“Anyway, if we become pawns of such selfish people and are forced to fight, we might be discarded at any moment! I want to do as I please!”

Hey! Control yourself! This is the king!

If you don’t use more polite language, you might be killed for disrespect!

“Indeed... that is also our fault.”

The king accepted the criticism honestly.

I’m glad the king is so broad-minded.

“Then what should we do?”

“We are considering providing some assistance to the lives of the people from another world. Unfortunately, there is no way to return...”

“I don’t think so. No matter what, I don’t want to fight for you! I want to do as I please!”

“Fujihira, calm down and choose your words. It’s not cool.”

“Shut up! I’m just stating the facts.”

“Well... you do have a point.”

It might seem selfish, but being under the protection of the country, we could be forced to fight at any time.

In that case, leaving the country... even though we can’t imagine what the future holds, living self-sufficiently somewhere and searching for a way to return to our original world might be an option.

At least until other classmates find a solution.

Most importantly, we know nothing about this world. It’s true that we shouldn’t easily agree to anything without knowing anything.

Fujihira’s forceful words made the classmates fall silent.

“...If you decide this way, there’s nothing I can do. It’s also our fault. If you refuse the country’s assistance and want to leave this place, it would be cruel to stop you. Feel free to leave the castle.”

Oh? The king backed down.

I was worried he might kill us if we didn’t comply.

“...Our offer still stands. If you find yourself in need, and you accept the conditions we’ve offered, our country will warmly welcome the warriors from another world. Feel free to embark on your journey as you wish.”

This means he’s not trying to stop us from leaving.

But, if we need help, he’s willing to protect us in exchange for fighting for the country.

I think the treatment is quite good...

“So, let’s try it...”

“I’ll go too.”

“Yeah... might as well.”

Not speaking for Fujihira, but I understand not wanting to be a pawn of authority.

It’s not bad to take some time to think before making a decision.

After all, we can only judge based on what happens in the castle. If we can return, it’s not a bad idea to try.

The soldiers opened the exit door.

“To avoid being suspected. We will provide you with clothes and three days’ worth of food. Warriors from another world, see the world and make your decision.”

So, for the sake of checking the situation, we received the supplies. Six of us, including me, decided to check outside before making a decision and left the castle.