“To all the Heroes before me, I welcome you to the Pramorian Empire,” an old man wearing a golden crown said to everyone around us. “I am King Frederick the Fourth, and I'll do my best to explain everything.”

After I washed the blood off my face, some knights came and escorted us 'Heroes' to the city's castle. Thirty of us were summoned to this new world, all varying in age, color, race, and probably nationality. I say probably because I haven't been able to talk to any of them yet.

Try as I might, no sound would leave my mouth. The other Heroes were silent, meaning they probably couldn't speak either. However, none of this was a surprise to me. I have played Infinite Skies so much, that I know the beginning of the game by heart. In fact, the king should be addressing the fact that we can't speak right now.

“In order to avoid any unnecessary disturbances, I had the Saintess cast Muta, a spell that disables speaking,” King Frederick explained. “All spells will be disabled once the ceremony ends. For now, do not try to speak.”

I expected that Mutu wasn’t the only spell King Frederick had put on us. Everyone was calm, even though we have all been teleported to an alternate world. Saying that he cast another spell on us probably wouldn’t do the king any favors, so I can see why he’s keeping it a secret.

But damn, this really is the world of Infinite Skies. If I wasn't under a spell that made me calmer, I would be freaking out about being in the Pramorian Empire capital’s castle. I mean, it looks exactly like it does in-game. Not only that, but the characters and dialogue are the same as in-game! Look, he's going to go into his 'our world is being invaded by the Demon King' speech right now!

“Our world is in peril,” King Frederick proclaimed. “Currently, the Demon King is leading his army of monsters in a conquest against humanity! If the Demon King succeeds, not a single soul would be safe from his wrath. Men, women, and children would be slaughtered and devoured by him and his league of monsters.”

Ahh...

It hits different when you hear someone say those words in real-time. I mean, the voice actors sell the role just fine, but when someone says it with meaning, it sounds so much more immersive.

“Please help us in our time of need, Heroes!” King Frederick exclaimed. “And afterwards, I will reward you all with whatever your heart desires. Of course, I can also allow you to travel back to your world once the demons are defeated.”

In my mind, I knew that everyone else thought this was a bad deal. After all, why would people taken from their homes want to risk their lives to help a foreign country? Especially one without indoor plumbing?

However, because of magic, living here is the same as living at home. It's just instead of your poop being flushed down the toilet, it's disintegrated using magic. Of course, I don’t expect anyone to know this, so I think I would be the only one who accepts.

“If you accept, please raise your hand now,” King Frederick said. “I will not force any of you to fight, so for those that don’t raise your hand, I will allow you to stay in the town until the Demon King's defeat.”

Even though most of us would have not raised our hands, we found ourselves unable to control our hands. One by one, each of our hands went up. I’m guessing submissiveness is the effect of whatever spell the king put on us earlier.

“Heroes, you have my thanks,” King Frederick said. “There is much to explain to you about this world, but I’m afraid I cannot be the one to do so.”

Right! It’s the first month! I totally forgot about recruitment.

“Now, to aid you Heroes on your journey, I have prepared many Gold-ranked adventurers for you to take with you,” King Frederick said. “You may select three adventurers, who will each offer their fullest support to you for the first month of your journey.”

At that moment, many people from the crowd behind us emerged. There were warriors from every class imaginable. Many of the Heroes looked speechless, as picking three good adventurers felt like picking a needle in a haystack. However, if you played Infinite Skies, you would know that none of this matters.

Infinite Skies starts out the same way. For the first in-game month, you got to pick three gold-tier adventurers to help you get started. They were overpowered for the level you currently were, with the catch being that they wouldn’t kill enemies that you could handle yourself. They were basically there to make sure you didn’t die, while occasionally showing off the strengths of their class.

“Hero Gale, I removed the Mutu on you,” King Frederick commanded. “Make your selection.”

“Um, ok!” Gale awkwardly exclaimed as he looked upon the crowd of adventurers.

Gale ended up picking a warrior, a wizard, and a rogue. A good selection if you picked people the same level as you, but since these were all Gold adventurers, it doesn't matter. He could have picked three healers, and they would still have enough attack power to fight any monster Gale could encounter.

Pretty much everyone after Gale did the same bad strategy. They either chose strong-looking warriors or strong-looking classes. The reason why their selection was poor wasn't because of who they chose, but rather the system itself. The king will make it so we can't leave the beginning hunting grounds during our first month, so it would be hard to level up after level 10. Because of that, choosing a strong party to gain easy experience was a bad strategy.

A better strategy would be to choose adventurers that knew a lot about the world. Librarians, history professors, or old people would know the most, and if they are Gold-ranked, they would still be able to defend you. But that was pointless for someone like me, who knew everything about this world.

“Finally, Hero Raymond, make your selection.” King Frederick proclaimed. Apparently, I was the last one to choose.

“Yes, your Majesty,” I said as I looked upon the crowd of adventurers. There were still so many adventurers, even though over a hundred of them had been selected already.

I didn’t know how to access a menu, or even if this world had a menu, so I had to look for faces I recognized. Luckily, three of them were prominent characters from the game. They were all bankers for the guild that would normally keep your money safe. Even though they don't actively adventure, they each possess abilities that make monsters drop more items. Early game, this was OP.

My plan was simple. First, I would get a lot of money by selling the huge number of items I gather in this month. Afterwards, I'll find the best party members for my level and defeat dungeon after dungeon. Once I'm max level, I'll become super rich by doing quests no one else can.

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Once I’m rich enough, I’ll defeat the Demon King to become a living legend. Finally, I’ll live out my days here, a legend with the power to do and buy anything I want to. After all, it’s either that, or going back to Earth and living a poor, boring life there.

“I choose him, her, and him,” I said, pointing to the three adventurers I had in mind.

“Can you explain your decision to me?” King Frederick asked.

“Pardon?” I asked. Looking at the king’s face closely, I saw that he was bewildered by my choice.

“The three you chose are not the strongest adventurers out of the ones available to you,” King Frederick explained. “Wouldn’t you rather have a warrior to defend you from any overwhelming monsters?”

This was weird. In game, the selection was a quick process where you picked three adventurers and went on your way. No one ever questioned why you chose who you did, even if you did what I did. So why was the King interrupting me?

“I want to experience that myself,” I said. “I just need people to support me. Please allow those three to accompany me.”

“Hmm…” King Frederick pondered. “I’m sorry, but I cannot allow these adventurers to join you.”

What?! How dare you deny my selection! This was my chance to make tons of money and be set for life, you old hag!

…

Is what I wanted to say, but if I did, I would probably be executed on the spot for insulting the King.

“I see,” I said, disappointed.

“I understand your disappointment, Hero Raymond,” King Frederick said, reading my mind. “Therefore, I will make it up to you by offering you a Diamond ranked adventurer.”

The hall suddenly erupted in murmurs. Diamond ranked?! Diamond is the highest ranking the guild awards, and it’s three rankings higher than Gold! I’ve never heard of a player getting a Diamond adventurer during their selection, though…

“Alia, please come down,” King Frederick commanded.

“Alia?” I asked.

Suddenly, a girl launched herself from one of the highest balconies in the chamber. With incredible speed, power, and precision, she landed right in front of me. Even though she fell a distance that would have shattered bones on impact, she didn’t look even the slightest bit fazed. She immediately knelt before me.

“You may be confused as to why you are only getting help from one adventurer, but rest assured that you are in great hands,” King Frederick reassured. “In fact, she could probably take on every Gold adventurer in this room without breaking a sweat!”

The room, full of Gold adventurers, broke into nervous laughter.

“My name is Alia,” the girl before me said. “I promise to turn you into a Hero people will speak of for ages to come.”

The girl before me was a beauty, with long golden hair and amber eyes. She wore light knights’ armor and carried a short sword. Alia plays a small role in the main story of Infinite Skies, only showing herself in a few specific routes. However, her power rivals that of high-level bosses.

“Your Highness,” Alia said as she got up. “I must remind you that I am also training-“

“Yes, I know,” King Frederick said. “You can train the both of them easily, no?”

“Correct, your Highness,” Alia confirmed. “I just wished to remind you of the fact.”

Training someone else? I didn’t know a beginner adventurer could join you during your training period. I guess since this is a new route I've never experienced, things have changed a bit.

“With that done, I believed everyone has made their party,” King Frederick said. “I will supply each Hero with 500 gold. Use this to purchase gear and to provide for your necessities this month. With that, I’ll dismiss today’s congregation!”

Once the King finished, everyone knelt. The Heroes, not used to the culture, knelt last.

“Long live the Pramorian Empire!” everyone yelled.

After this, everyone proceeded to leave.

“You are Rayner, correct?” Alia asked as we walked towards the chamber exit.

“Right, although you can call me Ray,” I said.

“Ray,” Alia said, committing the name to memory. “Alright. Let’s go to the blacksmith, Ray. We need to buy you equipment before anything else.”

“Actually, I’m a bit hungry,” I said.

“Food later,” Alia said sternly. “We have much to do first.”

Not that I had a choice in the matter, but I think having Alia as an ally will be more tiring that I thought…

While most of the Heroes were brought to blacksmiths closer to the castle, Alia had dragged me to one of the farthest ones. It was mid-summer in this world, and it wasn't that long ago that I had to walk through snow to get to class. That, combined with the pace Alia kept, tired me out quickly.

The building looked like every cliché blacksmith’s building. There was a furnace, a very worn anvil, and all sorts of weapons hanging everywhere. Alia quickly picked a short sword and some light armor for me.

"Put this on over your current attire," Alia commanded. I quickly did as she said, though it took a while since I have never geared myself up before.

“Perfect,” Alia said as I came out in my gear. “You look ready to go adventuring.”

The armor was all leather, and it covered my chest and shoulders. I also wore metal gauntlets that protected my hands and arms. My short sword, which I nearly cut myself on due to forgetting that swords are sharp, rested in the hilt on my waist.

“I would have you wear full armor, but this much is fine for now,” Alia said. "If I overload you with any more gear, it will hinder your fighting ability.”

Alia had a point. It was already hard enough to walk with what I had on, despite it not looking like a lot to wear.

“Why did we go here again?” I asked.

“The price here is the best for what you’re buying,” Alia explained. “When you become Gold ranked, you may want to switch to a better blacksmith, but while you’re Bronze and when you turn Silver, use this place for repairs and upgrades.”

I didn't get what she was saying. Prices are fixed in Infinite Skies. Maybe a shop will have an item another shop in another town wouldn’t, but the prices for the items never changed between shops. Is this also part of the new route?

“Let’s leave the building,” Alia said. “My other student will meet us at the fountain near here.”

Ah, so we shopped here to meet this other student as well. They're probably some noble's brat who needs the teacher to meet them to assert their authority.

We both walked the short distance to the fountain. It showed the exploits of the four heroes on its walls, and in the center of it was a statue of the four heroes defeating a lesser dragon.

"In total we spent 190 gold,” Alia said. “Living expenses for a month should total to 200, meaning we have 10 gold for potions, the guild fee, and magical items.”

“I think the correct number is 110,” I pointed out.

Alia wanted to object, but she took a moment to work out the answer in her head. I forgot that even the most educated people in medieval times struggled with math problems anyone in the modern day would consider easy.

“It is my mistake,” Alia admitted. “That is good. 110 is more than enough for our purposes.”

“How much is a gold?” I asked.

“Like the guild ranking, money is separated into copper, silver, and gold,” Alia explained. “Twenty bronze make up one silver, and twenty silver make up one gold. A meal costs about ten silver, and staying at an inn costs five gold a day.”

“That seems expensive,” I pointed out. If one dollar in my world as a silver here, it would be a hundred dollars to stay a night!

“We are in the capital city of the kingdom,” Alia explained. “I don’t know how it works in your world, but I would think living in a crowded city would be costly.”

“Fair point,” I said.

“Actually, at some point in time, I would love to talk with you about your world,” Alia said. “And I'm sure you have many questions about this world as well. But that conversation will have to wait, as it seems like my other student has arrived.”

“Really?” I asked. I looked around, but I couldn’t see anyone that looked like a beginner adventurer. “Where are they?”

“Sneak attack!” a voice yelled.

A girl appeared out of nowhere and had pushed me. I tried to keep my balance, but because I wasn’t expecting an attack, I was unable to and fell into the fountain behind me.

“So, this is the Hero everyone has been talking about?” the voice asked. “The one that boldly tried to recruit the Guild’s three bankers?”

I looked up to see a girl standing above me. She wore the same armor that I wore and had bright pink hair and eyes. In her hair was a pin in the shape of a skull and bones. She probably looks like a normal village girl to the average person, save for her pink hair and eyes. But not to me. Even if the clothes were different, that face and pin were engraved into my head.

My mind began racing. She was her student?! Shouldn’t it be the other way around?! Why is she pretending to be Alia’s student?!

The girl above me, wearing a confident smile, was Infinite Skies toughest super boss. The one no one had managed to beat before. This harbinger of death was going to be learning how to adventure with me.

“Sorry about that, didn’t think you would fall into the water,” the girl admitted as she offered me her hand. “I’m Rosa, Alia’s other student. Let’s get along!”