Chapter 1:- Hello, World!
A young teenager enters his room, the door closing softly behind him. He drops his backpack onto the floor, nudging aside a pair of sneakers to clear a path. Clean, neatly folded laundry sits on a chair, and a few light novels are stacked on the desk. His wardrobe has his uniform’s jacket, with the initial “JPJC”. Compared to the vibrant, bustling streets of Korea with their flashing rainbow colors, his apartment is a calm retreat, bathed in the soft, warm light of the setting sun. He stretches out on his neatly made bed, the mattress comfortably supporting him as he rests. The soft hum of the air conditioner and the distant sounds of the city outside provide a soothing backdrop. He grabs a book from his nightstand and begins to read, the pages rustling quietly. The television in the corner, mounted on a freshly painted yellow wall, is off, its screen reflecting the serene atmosphere of the room. As he settles in, a sense of peace and normalcy fills the space, contrasting with the energetic world outside.
As the teenager settles into his novel, a growling stomach interrupts his reading. He gets up from his comfy bed and crouches before swinging the mini-refrigerator door open, only to find it hollow. Realizing he has no food left, he sighs and gets up. He grabs his wallet and keys from the desk and heads out the door, locking it behind him. The elevator ride down is quick, and soon he steps out into the bustling streets of Korea. The air is filled with the sounds of chattering people and the occasional honk of a car horn. Neon signs flicker to life as dusk settles in, painting the streets in a kaleidoscope of colors. He walks a few blocks to the nearest mall, the vibrant storefronts creating a colorful mosaic against the evening sky. Entering the mall, he grabs a basket and begins to navigate the aisles. The cool, conditioned air provides a refreshing contrast to the humid summer evening. The soft hum of the store’s background music mingles with the rustle of shoppers moving through the aisles.
“Alright, let's see what we need…” He picks up some essentials: rice, fresh vegetables, a packet of marinated beef, and a few of his favorite snacks. The familiar layout of the store makes his task quick and efficient. He heads over to the beverages section to grab a few carbonated drinks, but he pauses while heading to the aisle, catching a brand new light novel in the books section.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“Ca…lamitias… huh. Never heard of that title before.” He opens the book and skims through the first chapter and is immersed into the setting. His eyes laid upon the final line of chapter 1, which read,
“...as his world morphed into fantasy.”
“This seems like a good read. Too bad I'm short on money.”
As he reluctantly closes the novel, he steps back onto the smooth marble floor, only to find it has transformed into rough cobblestone pavement beneath his feet. Startled, he looks up and sees a world reborn anew before his eyes. The once-familiar surroundings have dissolved into a realm straight out of his wildest fantasies.
Humans in ornate, mediaeval clothing glide past in rickshaws drawn by majestic bird-like creatures, their colourful feathers shimmering in the sunlight. Demi-humans, with features merged seamlessly with those of animals, roam freely among the market stalls, their laughter and chatter filling the air. The scent of exotic spices and freshly baked bread mingles with the crisp, clean breeze that now carries the faint sound of lutes and tambourines.
Above him, the towering buildings of the modern city have been replaced by grand mediaeval structures adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with billowing banners. Chimneys release plumes of fragrant smoke into the sky, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the bustling marketplace.
“This... this can’t be real.” he said in awe.
He reaches out to touch the stone wall of a nearby building, feeling the rough texture under his fingertips. It’s solid and tangible, confirming the reality of his surreal surroundings.
“I must be dreaming... but it feels so real.” He whispers to himself.
A passing vendor offers him a warm smile and gestures toward a display of magical artefacts, their glow casting a soft, ethereal light around them. The teenager hesitates, his heart racing with both excitement and apprehension at this unexpected adventure into a world that until now existed only in stories.
“Interested in charms that ward off the calamity’s grasp, boy’o?”
He blinks, still trying to comprehend the impossible reality unfolding before him. This was no ordinary day, and he knew that whatever happened next would change everything.