CHAPTER 4: ARRIVAL IN GUARDIA AND THE KING'S WARNING

As the group traveled through the open plains of Altania, making their way toward Guardia, they finally had time to introduce themselves properly. The journey had been long and exhausting, but now that they were close to their destination, Amy was the first to break the silence.

"Since we’re going to be together, we should at least know each other, right?" she said, looking around at the others.

Grey the protagonist, always the quiet one, simply nodded. He wasn’t one to start conversations, but he listened carefully.

Amy took the lead, introducing herself confidently. She wasn’t afraid, though she was clearly worried about the situation they were in. Aria, on the other hand, was trembling as she spoke, barely able to keep eye contact. She had been scared since the moment they arrived in this world, and nothing had reassured her yet.

Jackson, the most enthusiastic among them, was the complete opposite. His eyes practically sparkled with excitement. "So, we’re really in a fantasy world, huh? This is just like an anime! What do you guys think our powers will be?"

Amy sighed, rubbing her forehead. "This isn’t a game, Jackson."

"Yeah, but it’s still kind of cool," he replied, grinning.

Anthony, the athletic one, shrugged. "Well, we don’t know what’s going to happen, but we should at least get stronger. If we’re going to survive, we’ll need to be ready."

Grey remained silent. Unlike Jackson, who was excited, or Amy, who was determined, he wasn’t sure how to feel about any of this. He had been summoned against his will. Could they even return home?

Aria whispered, "I... I just want to go home..."

The group fell silent. Even Jackson didn’t have a response.

After a while, Anthony spoke up again, trying to lighten the mood. "Whatever happens, we just have to get through this."

Grey glanced at him. Get through this? Was it really that simple?

As the conversation faded, they finally saw the towering walls of Guardia’s capital in the distance.

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The moment they entered the city, cheers erupted from the streets. Thousands of people lined the roads, shouting in celebration and throwing flowers. Banners decorated the buildings, and knights in shining armor stood at attention.

"The heroes have arrived!" someone called out, and the crowd roared even louder.

Grey felt uncomfortable with all the attention. He was just a normal guy. Why were they treating them like legends?

Jackson, on the other hand, was loving it. "Man, this is awesome! It’s just like in anime where the summoned heroes get a grand welcome!"

Amy walked beside Grey. "They really see us as saviors, huh?" she muttered.

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"Yeah… but do you really think we can save them?" Grey replied, his voice low.

Amy didn’t answer.

As they moved through the city, they finally reached the massive castle gates. A knight stepped forward, bowing deeply. "The King is expecting you."

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Inside the grand throne room, the atmosphere was heavy. The room was lined with nobles and knights, all standing in silence as the summoned heroes approached the thrones. At the far end of the hall, two figures sat on ornate thrones.

King Orion was a tall, powerful-looking man with short golden hair and a strong build. Even seated, his presence was overwhelming, his piercing blue eyes scanning them with authority. Beside him was Queen Lageria, an elegant elf with long silver hair and emerald eyes. Despite her beauty, there was a quiet strength in her posture.

The moment the heroes stepped forward; the King’s voice boomed through the chamber. "Welcome, summoned ones. You stand before Orion, King of Guardia, and Queen Lageria. We have brought you here because our kingdom stands at the edge of destruction."

The hall fell silent.

Grey felt a cold weight settle in his chest. Destruction?

The King’s voice was grave. "A prophecy from our god, Alice, has foretold that war is coming. The great nations will soon turn their swords upon each other, and Guardia… will be the first to fall."

A chill ran through the group.

"We have three years." The King’s fists clenched. "Three years before Swo and Altania invade our lands in their quest for the World Tree."

Grey frowned. "The World Tree?"

The Queen finally spoke, her voice calm but filled with an undeniable power.

"The World Tree is an ancient source of magic. By absorbing its essence, one can grow stronger at an unimaginable rate."

The King nodded. "That is why they will come for us. The World Tree lies within Guardia’s borders. The larger nations will not allow us to keep such a treasure."

Silence filled the room.

Three years. That was all the time they had.

Grey clenched his fists. Did they expect them to fight? To save this land?

The King’s gaze hardened. "We summoned you here to give you a choice." His voice echoed through the chamber.

"Train and become strong enough to defend this land… or walk away and leave us to our fate."

The hall was still, the air thick with tension. Then, Jackson, still excited about the whole situation, laughed nervously.

"Wait… so what happens if we don’t want to fight?"

The King’s expression darkened.

"Then you will be executed."

A heavy silence filled the air.

Grey’s stomach twisted. Executed?

Amy’s eyes widened. "You’re forcing us?"

The King met her gaze without hesitation. "This is not a game. You were summoned to serve a purpose. If you refuse, you are a liability. We cannot risk letting you fall into enemy hands."

Aria looked pale, her hands trembling. Jackson’s face lost its excitement. Anthony clenched his fists.

Grey simply stared at the King.

He already knew. From the moment he was dragged into this world, he had felt it—this wasn’t some grand adventure. This was war.

The Queen, sensing the tension, sighed. "We do not wish to kill you, but we cannot allow those chosen by fate to waste their gifts."

The King nodded. "Make your choice."

Grey took a deep breath. He didn’t want to be here. He didn’t want to fight. But right now, he had no other option.

The King continued, "There is one more thing you must know. As outlanders, you cannot gain power like the people of this world. You cannot simply absorb the energy of the World Tree to grow stronger. The tree determines whether you are worthy. If the gods choose you, you will receive power. If not, you will have to grow strong on your own through training and effort."

He paused, his eyes sharp. "And know this—the World Tree is not easily reached. It shares a deep connection with this world. To even approach it, you must prove your worth. If you are not chosen, you will be consumed by the dangers of that place long before reaching it."

A solemn silence filled the air.

The message was clear—if they could not gain strength, they would be executed or banished from this land. If they wished to survive, they had no choice but to grow stronger.

Grey exhaled slowly.

No way home. No escape. No freedom.

For now… he would have to play along.

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END OF CHAPTER 4