The bell rang, signaling the end of another tedious day at Otokawa High School. Ryuu Tsubakimori, an unassuming sixteen-year-old, shuffled out of the classroom, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his mind still occupied with thoughts of the latest video game he wanted to play. He didn’t pay much attention to the other students, their laughter fading into the background of his world.
As he walked through the crowded streets of Tokyo, thoughts of extracurricular clubs and homework swirled in his mind. “I just want a little adventure,” he muttered, kicking a pebble along the sidewalk. Little did he know that adventure was just around the corner.
After finishing his homework, Ryuu decided to take a different route home. He stumbled upon a quaint antique shop he had never noticed before. The shop looked old and mysterious, with dusty windows and a faded sign that read "Umeboshi Curiosities." Curiosity piqued, he pushed open the creaky door, and a small bell chimed overhead.
Inside, the air was filled with the smell of aged wood and something he couldn't quite place. Shelves lined the walls, filled with all sorts of bizarre trinkets—a rusted sword, ancient scrolls, and oddly shaped vases. Ryuu felt a sense of wonder wash over him, and he began to explore the strange collection.
As he picked up a dusty crystal orb, a voice interrupted him. “Careful with that! It’s more powerful than it looks!”
Startled, Ryuu turned to see an old man with wild grey hair and twinkling blue eyes standing behind the counter. He wore a long, tattered robe and had the air of someone who knew secrets of the universe.
“What do you mean?” Ryuu asked, setting the orb back on the shelf.
The old man chuckled. “Not everything in this shop is just a trinket. Some things hold magic—magic that can change your life.” His gaze turned serious. “You should look for something that calls to you. Something... special.”
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Feeling silly, Ryuu shrugged and continued to wander through the shop. Just as he was about to leave, something shiny caught his eye from a dark corner. It was an amulet, shimmering faintly with an iridescent glow. As he picked it up, he felt a strange warmth radiate from it, almost as if it were alive.
“This one,” he called to the old man, holding the amulet up.
The old man's expression changed instantly, his eyes widening in alarm. “No, young one! You should not—”
But it was too late. The moment Ryuu put the amulet around his neck, a blinding light enveloped him. The shop, walls and old man, faded away.
Ryuu felt weightless, as if he were being pulled through a tunnel of light. His heart raced, but before he could process what was happening, everything went dark.
When he awoke, Ryuu found himself lying on soft grass beneath a glowing blue sky. He blinked, trying to gather his thoughts. “Where… am I?” he murmured, sitting up. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of distant laughter.
As he looked around, he realized he was in a lush, vibrant forest unlike anything he had ever seen. Towering trees with brightly colored leaves surrounded him, and strange creatures flitted from branch to branch. A soft breeze whispered through the leaves, making him feel both exhilarated and terrified.
“Am I dreaming?” Ryuu wondered aloud, scratching his head. He could hardly grasp what had just happened. The antique shop, the old man, and the amulet—all seemed like a distant memory.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching. Ryuu turned to see a girl with long, flowing hair and vibrant eyes. She wore a simple yet beautiful dress that shimmered in the sunlight. She looked at him with a mix of curiosity and caution.
“Are you lost?” she asked, her voice melodic.
Ryuu stood up, brushing off the grass from his clothes. “I—uh, I don’t know where I am. One moment I was in Tokyo, and now…” He gestured around, still in shock.
The girl tilted her head, her eyes wide. “Tokyo? Where’s that? You must be from another world!”
“Another world? You mean this isn’t Earth?”
“No! You’ve arrived in Kuroyama, a land of magic and adventure!” She smiled brightly. “I’m Aiko Hoshizora, a mage from Hyouka. Who are you?”
Realizing he could be in deep trouble or perhaps the adventure he always yearned for, Ryuu took a deep breath. “I’m Ryuu Tsubakimori. I think I need some help.”
Aiko beamed, and something inside Ryuu stirred with hope. Little did he know, his journey was just beginning, and Kuroyama would change his life forever.