Chapter 2: The World Beyond

The moment Ashton met the woman’s gaze, his body froze.

An immense pressure suddenly pressed down on him.

It wasn’t physical—not something he could touch or see.

It was something far deeper.

A suffocating force that made his chest tighten and his instincts scream.

For the first time since arriving in this strange world, Ashton felt something he rarely ever did.

Unease.

His fingers curled slightly at his side as he stared back at the silver-eyed woman standing atop the platform.

She’s not ordinary.

That much was obvious.

But it wasn’t just her.

The robed figures surrounding her carried the same unnatural presence. Their very existence felt heavy, like standing too close to a storm you couldn’t yet see.

And somehow…

Ashton had the strange feeling they were observing him more closely than everyone else.

The silver-haired woman stepped forward gracefully.

Her long robes flowed behind her as she gave a slight

bow.

“I welcome all of you to the Kingdom of Elaris.”

Her calm voice echoed through the chamber.

“My name is Seraphine Valcrest. I am one of the senior instructors of the Arcane Academy.”

The students exchanged uneasy glances.

Another figure stepped beside her—a broad-shouldered man with short dark hair and a reassuring expression.

Unlike Seraphine’s cold and unreadable aura, his felt

steady and grounding.

“I’m Instructor Darius Thorn,” he said, raising a hand.

His voice was firm yet oddly comforting.

“I understand many of you are frightened and

confused. Please remain calm. We will explain everything.”

A few students visibly relaxed.

Others remained tense.

Ashton said nothing.

He simply watched.

Darius gestured, and glowing spheres of light floated into the air above them.

Images began forming inside them—maps, symbols, landscapes, creatures.

A magical presentation.

“This world is known as Elyndor,” Darius began.

“A realm where magic exists as naturally as air itself.”

Gasps spread through the students.

Even those who had already guessed this was another world couldn’t hide their amazement.

Darius continued.

“Magic in Elyndor is categorized into six primary branches.”

The floating images shifted.

Streams of water spiraled through the air.

Flames erupted.

Massive stone pillars rose.

Cyclones twisted violently.

“These are the four elemental affinities—Water, Earth, Fire, and Air.”

The images changed again.

A radiant golden light bloomed across the chamber.

“This is Light Magic.”

The brilliance was almost blinding.

“It is the rarest naturally occurring affinity and is considered a divine blessing. Those born with it are often believed to be chosen by the gods themselves.”

Whispers broke out immediately.

“Main character energy…”

“No way…”

Then the light vanished.

Darkness spread across the floating sphere.

A strange black mist twisted unnaturally, warping the air around it.

“And this,” Darius said, his expression growing serious,

“is Black Magic.”

The room became silent.

“It is often called useless.”

That earned confused looks.

“Why?” someone asked.

Seraphine answered this time.

“Because Black Magic is extraordinarily difficult to learn. Its principles are complex, unstable, and unlike any other branch of magic. Very few can even begin to

comprehend it.”

The black mist shifted unnervingly.

“Only one in a million possess an affinity for it.”

A low murmur spread.

Most students looked unimpressed.

After all, hearing “rare” meant little if it was labeled useless.

Ashton, however, narrowed his eyes.

For some reason, the black mist felt… familiar.

As though something deep within him stirred at its

presence.

The feeling unsettled him.

The magical display shifted again into a sprawling map of kingdoms.

At its center glowed a silver crest.

“The kingdom you stand in,” Darius explained, “is Elaris.”

The map highlighted a large territory surrounded by forests, mountains, and neighboring nations.

“Elaris is prosperous by common standards.”

Seraphine’s tone remained composed.

“But it is not the strongest kingdom.”

Several larger territories lit up around it.

“The neighboring kingdoms of Vaelcrest, Solmara, and Drakenholde surpass us in military might, magical advancement, and economic growth.”

The students exchanged looks.

“So basically…” one muttered.

“We got summoned to the weak kingdom?”

A few awkward laughs followed.

But Seraphine’s expression darkened.

“Elaris stands on the edge of collapse.”

Silence.

The map changed.

Dark red markers spread across Elaris’ borders.

“Three months ago, massive monster outbreaks began appearing throughout our territory.”

Images of grotesque creatures filled the floating spheres—towering beasts with twisted forms, glowing crimson eyes, and unnatural bodies.

Gasps erupted.

“The attacks devastated our defenses.”

Darius’ voice lowered.

“Our strongest warriors fell in battle.”

The image shifted to a grand castle draped in black banners.

“His Majesty, King Aldric Elaris, died leading the final defense of the capital’s outer walls.”

The room fell deathly still.

“And with him,” Seraphine added, “many of our greatest mages.”

The students’ excitement began fading.

The reality of their situation finally sank in.

This wasn’t some fantasy adventure.

This was desperation.

Seraphine’s silver eyes swept across them.

“With our kingdom weakened and our enemies watching, we had no choice.”

The giant summoning circle beneath their feet glowed faintly.

“So the royal mages performed an ancient forbidden ritual.”

Her gaze sharpened.

“We summoned talented individuals from another world.”

No one spoke.

No one laughed.

The weight of her words settled heavily upon them.

“You were chosen,” Darius said firmly, “because each of you possesses extraordinary potential.”

His expression softened.

“We do not expect immediate greatness from you. You will be trained at the Arcane Academy, where your abilities will be awakened and developed.”

Seraphine stepped forward.

“Your power may very well determine whether Elaris

survives.”

The chamber was silent.

Some students looked terrified.

Some inspired.

Some conflicted.

And Ashton—

He remained still.

But deep inside, that strange unease only intensified.

His eyes drifted toward the dark image of Black Magic

still floating faintly in the air.

And for reasons he could not understand…

It felt like it was calling to him.

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