Ryo Takeda, a 25-year-old man, has faced many trials since childhood. At the age of 12, he lost his parents in a tragic accident and lived with his sick uncle. However, when he was in his second year of high school, his uncle also died. Without a family, Ryo dropped out of school and worked as a construction worker to survive. Although often considered rude and unsociable, Ryo continued to struggle, proving his abilities through relentless hard work.
However, even though his achievements at work were appreciated, Ryo felt empty. His once strong body was now starting to feel weak due to the heavy workload. One day, while working on a large project, Ryo fell from a height. As his body hit the ground, he felt excruciating pain, and the world seemed to stop. However, in that despair, a voice inside him gave him hope, as if giving him another chance at life.
Ryo woke up at an ancient altar, surrounded by people in robes who looked like medieval wizards. Their long gowns hung down, roped robes wrapped around their bodies, and strange symbols were carved into the cloth they wore. However, what was more surprising was the presence of three other people at the same altar—they were wearing modern clothes, just like him.
The three of them looked confused, as if they had just experienced the same thing. Ryo tried to make sense of the situation, but his mind was still in a mess.
Suddenly, an old, dignified wizard stepped forward and spoke in a calm but authoritative voice.
"You four are the ones who were 'summoned'."
Ryo, still dazed, immediately asked a question.
"Summoned? For what? Why am I here?"
The wizard nodded as if he had been prepared for the question.
"Your roles will soon be revealed. But before that, you must meet King Aldric Drenwyn."
Without much explanation, they were led through a long corridor to the palace. Throughout the journey, Ryo tried to remember the last incident he experienced before falling, but his memory felt hazy.
Upon arriving at the throne room, they were greeted by an authoritative man with silver hair and a sharp gaze—King Aldric Drenwyn. The king’s gaze swept over the four of them appraisingly, but when his gaze fell on Ryo, his expression changed slightly. As if in disgust, he noted Ryo’s shabby, dirty clothes—a stark contrast to the other three who looked more decent.
The king’s voice echoed through the room.
“State your names.”
The first woman answered with a serious expression, “Aiko Fujimori.”
The second man, looking slightly nervous, said, “Takahiro Sakamoto.”
The third woman, looking curious, said, “Mika Yamamoto.”
When it was Ryo’s turn, the king’s tone became sharper and more insistent.
“And you, last?”
Ryo swallowed, then answered, “Ryo Takeda.”
King Aldric ignored him and turned back to the other three.
“The three of you have important roles in this kingdom,” he said, as if Ryo wasn’t there. “You are not just ordinary people who happened to show up. A great destiny awaits you.”
Ryo frowned. There was something odd about the king’s words. He couldn’t help but ask,
“Why are only three mentioned? Aren’t there four of us?”
The king’s cold gaze pierced him.
“You useless bums. Just shut up.”
Ryo was shocked. Those words were like a hard slap that hit his pride. His confusion turned into hurt and suppressed anger.
When he glanced at the other three people, their responses stabbed his heart even more. Aiko Fujimori quickly covered her nose, her expression as if disturbed by his body odor. Takahiro and Mika also seemed to move away slightly, despite trying to be neutral.
Ryo could only remain silent. A strange and unwanted feeling enveloped him. In this new world, he had been considered trash from the start.
After looking at the three people who were considered important, King Aldric leaned back on his throne with a serious expression. The magnificent room decorated with gold ornaments felt even quieter, creating a tense atmosphere among those present.
“In three months—or sooner or later—a great disaster will befall the Kingdom of Eldoria.” King Aldric’s voice echoed in the spacious hall.
Aiko, Takahiro, and Mika looked shocked and tense, while Ryo was still trying to process the situation.
“This disaster did not happen naturally. There is an evil force driving it… An organization calling themselves the Crimson Pact,” King Aldric continued in a heavy tone.
Among the mages and nobles standing around the room, low whispers began to be heard. Their faces showed real fear.
“The Crimson Pact is a group led by five leaders, each possessing terrifying power. Each leader has three loyal subordinates, making a total of fifteen elite subordinates. In addition, they command an army of monsters that number in the hundreds to thousands.”
Ryo’s eyes narrowed, trying to digest the information he had just received. On his left, Mika bit her lip, Takahiro clenched her fists, and Aiko swallowed nervously.
King Aldric continued, “Their goal is still not entirely clear, but one thing is for sure, they want to destroy the balance of this world and bring destruction to humanity.”
A noble dressed in dark blue, who was standing not far from the throne, added in a low voice, “The previous disaster happened hundreds of years ago. If it is not stopped, this world may not survive.”
King Aldric looked back at the three people, ignoring Ryo who was still standing by their side.
“The three of you have been summoned to stop them.”
Aiko was shocked. “What? Us? But… we don’t know anything about this world, let alone how to fight!”
King Aldric stared at them sternly. “You were not summoned for no reason. There is a great power slumbering within you. That power is what you must awaken before the disaster comes.”
Mika frowned, looking confused. “How… how?”
“Starting today, you will receive training from the best experts in this kingdom,” King Aldric replied. “In a short time, you must develop and become strong enough to face the Crimson Pact.”
Takahiro stared at the floor, a worried expression clearly visible on his face, while Aiko looked hesitant and worried.
Meanwhile, Ryo remained silent. King Aldric’s earlier words still rang in his ears. No one had mentioned his name in this plan. No one considered him important. He was not even treated as someone worthy of being in this room.
However, one thing was clear to him—this world would not give him a place. If he wanted to survive, he would have to find one himself.
After King Aldric finished explaining their task, silence fell over the throne room. Everyone waited, waiting for further instructions. King Aldric finally spoke again, his voice firmer than before.
“As summoned ones, you have extraordinary abilities. Every summoned one can open their power stats through a spell. This spell will reveal your status, your hidden abilities ready to be used.”
The king raised his hand in a graceful motion. “Try this spell. Say, ‘Stat open,’ and see your power.”
Aiko, Takahiro, and Mika exchanged glances, looking hesitant but also curious. After a few seconds, they chanted the spell in unison.
“Stat open.”
In front of them, a transparent screen appeared, displaying their respective stats with numbers indicating their strength, speed, and other attributes. Everyone was impressed to see their power reflected on the screen, although the stats that appeared were still relatively low, ranging from 1 to 5. However, the potential for further growth was clear.
It was Ryo’s turn. With an uneasy heart, he tried to chant the same spell.
“Stat open.”
However, what happened was far different from what he had expected. No screen appeared. All that existed was emptiness, as if Ryo had no statistical existence at all. The room instantly fell silent, filled with sharp gazes from everyone present. King Aldric stared at him with an expression that turned into one filled with hatred.
“You… you have no power at all, do you?” King Aldric’s voice echoed, filled with anger. “Useless trash!”
Ryo fell silent. Feelings of shame and humiliation crept throughout his body. King Aldric, who could no longer hold back his anger, rose from his throne with firm steps.
“Get out of my sight, you useless bum!” he ordered in a shaking voice.
Several guards standing around the room immediately stepped forward and escorted Ryo out. There was no room for resistance. They forcibly escorted him towards the palace door, leaving Ryo without hope.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
During the expulsion, Ryo had time to turn his head towards the three people who were said to be ‘summoned.’ However, they only glanced at him for a moment, without any signs of empathy or concern. Aiko, Takahiro, and Mika—they all looked like the King’s golden children, prepared to save this world. As for Ryo? He was just an unwanted burden.
Feelings of devastation and humiliation overwhelmed him. He didn’t know what to do next. The world seemed to have no place for him—and worse, no one cared.
Aiko stared at the transparent screen in front of her with sparkling eyes. The statistics displayed showed numbers that, although small, still made her feel special.
Aiko Fujimori
STR: 2
DEF: 1
AGI: 3
MP: 5
HP: 4
Special Ability: Blessing of the Wind Goddess
In addition to basic statistics, she also looked at the various menus available. In the Health section, her body silhouette appeared in green, indicating that she was in good health. The status bar below it was still empty, indicating that she had no buffs or debuffs.
In the Level section, she saw that she was still at level 1, with an empty EXP bar. However, what caught her attention the most was the Ability section, where it said Blessing of the Wind Goddess.
"What is this...?" Aiko muttered, her finger moving as if she wanted to touch the screen.
A noble standing near King Aldric replied, "It's a special power that only summoned people possess. You have been blessed by the divine entity that watches over this world."
Hearing that explanation, Aiko smiled. She felt like the protagonist of an RPG game, someone destined for great things.
Takahiro, who was standing next to her, was not to be outdone. With full confidence, he looked at his own stats.
Takahiro Sakamoto
STR: 4
DEF: 3
AGI: 2
MP: 2
HP: 5
Special Ability: Blessing of the Fire God
Compared to Aiko, his stats were more physical. His STR and DEF were higher, showing potential as a close-range fighter.
"Huh, this is cool," Takahiro said with a satisfied grin.
Mika, who seemed the quietest among them, finally peeked at her own stats.
Mika Tanaka
STR: 1
DEF: 2
AGI: 5
MP: 3
HP: 4
Special Ability: Blessing of the Goddess of Light
"I'm faster than you guys," Mika said, her voice soft but with a hint of pride in it.
She looked at the Ability menu, where the Blessing of the Goddess of Light was clearly displayed. Although she didn't know what it did, her instincts told her that this was a very important power.
While the three were fascinated by their respective stats, King Aldric looked at them with satisfaction. "You have potential. If trained properly, you could be the saviors of this world."
The nobles and mages in the room nodded in agreement. Whispers of admiration could be heard among them, strengthening the hopeful atmosphere.
However, the atmosphere was in stark contrast to Ryo, who was being led away by the guards with a feeling of humiliation. He saw the three people receiving special treatment, while he himself was considered trash.
As Ryo was kicked out by the guards, his body collapsed on the cobblestone street in front of the castle gate. Pain coursed through his body, but more than that, the humiliation he felt was far more painful. Without looking back, he slowly got up and started walking through the city.
The rumor of the summoning of heroes seemed to have spread far and wide. As Ryo walked through the city streets, the citizens' scornful gazes began to rain down on him. Whispers could be heard among the crowd.
"You've just been summoned, but you're already being banished?"
"That guy must be useless..."
"The king won't even accept him, how bad is he really?"
Every step he took felt heavier. Ryo clenched his fists, holding back the frustration that was building up. He didn't know where to go. He had no destination, no money, or even a place to rest.
After walking aimlessly for a long time, his eyes caught a small, deserted alley. Inside, a simple tavern stood, dimly lit by an oil lamp. The smell of alcohol and old wood could be smelled faintly.
His stomach was empty. He knew he had no money, but he still stepped inside, hoping to find some peace.
Inside the shop, there was only one customer sitting in the corner, and a middle-aged man standing behind a wooden counter. The man was well-built, with a scar running across his face, making his left eye appear blind. His hair was messy, and his face looked tired, but there was an aura of calm about him.
As Ryo stepped inside, the man raised his head and greeted him in a deep but friendly voice.
"It's rare for a young man to enter this shop," he said, stroking the wooden cup in his hand. "You look shabby... Need something, kid?"
Ryo was a little surprised to hear the friendly tone. This was the first time someone had spoken to him without being condescending since he arrived in this world.
"I'm just... looking for a quiet place," Ryo replied simply.
The man nodded and pointed to one of the wooden chairs in front of the counter. "Sit down. I'm not one to chase away guests."
Ryo sighed and sat down. For the first time since being banished from the castle, he felt a little calmer.
However, after a moment of staring at him, the man narrowed his eyes, as if recognizing something.
"Wait... I've heard rumors today," he said softly. "There were several people who were summoned by the King... but one of them was banished."
The man stared at Ryo more closely. "Don't tell me... it was you?"
Ryo paused for a moment, then nodded reluctantly.
The man took a deep breath. "So it's true, huh?"
A moment of silence fell between them before the man spoke again, this time in a softer tone.
"My name is Garreth. I own this tavern. Don't worry, I won't banish you just because you're not their 'hero'."
Ryo was a little surprised by his reaction. "You... don't hate me like everyone else?"
Garreth shrugged. "Why should I care about the nonsense of royal politics? I'm just an old man living my life. Besides, I've known what it's like to be ignored by this world."
Ryo looked at Garreth curiously. He wanted to ask more, but the man quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, you must be broke now, right?" he asked.
Ryo nodded.
Garreth clucked his tongue and disappeared into the back room. He returned shortly after with a worn-out robe that was still wearable enough. He also placed five silver coins on the table.
"Take this. At least you won't be cold tonight, and it'll last you a few days."
Ryo stared at him with wide eyes. "I can't just accept it..."
"Consider it a loan," Garreth said with a faint smile. "If you really don't want to take it for free, then pay it back with work. I need some extra manpower in this shop, even if it's just for a while."
Ryo fell silent. This was the first time someone had given him a choice other than being ignored or insulted.
He gripped the robe tightly and nodded.
"Okay... I'll get to work."
Garreth grinned. "Good. Starting tomorrow, you will learn how to clear tables, wash glasses, and maybe do a little cooking. I'm not one to make people laze around in my place."
Ryo nodded again, then sighed.
However, before Garreth could continue, Ryo raised his hand, trying to suppress the curiosity that had been bothering him.
"Garreth-san, actually... how does the money system work in this world?"
Garreth raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "Oh? I forgot you were from another world."
He took the five pieces of silver he had given him earlier, then placed them on the table.
"Listen carefully. The currency here uses a precious metal-based system. There are four main types of coins used throughout the kingdom."
He pointed to a silver coin.
"This is a silver coin. It's usually used for everyday transactions. Five silver coins like this can buy you a simple meal and a cheap bed for a night."
Then, he took out another coin from his pocket—a golden yellow coin.
"This is a gold coin. One hundred silver coins are equal to one gold coin. It's usually used by the rich, big merchants, or nobles."
After that, he took out a blackish coin that looked heavier.
"A platinum coin. One hundred gold coins are equal to one platinum coin. Only people from kingdoms, big guilds, or top adventurers usually have these."
Lastly, Garreth sighed and shook his head.
"Then there are mithril coins, but they're very rare. Only kingdoms or high-ranking organizations have them. One mithril coin can buy this entire tavern."
Ryo swallowed.
"So... if I have these five silver coins..."
Garreth laughed. "You can eat two or three meals and maybe rent a cheap room at a low-class inn for a night. But don't expect anything fancy."
Ryo nodded slowly. He was starting to understand the economic system of this world.
Garreth patted his shoulder. "Now, go get some rest. Starting tomorrow, you're no longer a vagrant. You're a worker at Garreth's tavern."
For the first time since he arrived in this world, Ryo felt like he had a purpose.
After receiving the robe and five silver coins from Garreth, Ryo realized that he still didn't know where to sleep tonight. He looked at the middle-aged man in front of him and asked,
"Uncle, where can I sleep and eat with this money?"
Garreth sighed, then pointed out the alley. "Out of this alley, about 15-20 meters ahead, there's a tavern that also provides cheap lodging for the lower classes. The place is simple, but it's good enough to rest."
Ryo nodded, remembering the directions given carefully. "Thank you, Uncle."
With that, he left Garreth's tavern and walked down the small street that was starting to be lit up by the orange light of dusk. As he exited the alley, he pulled up the hood of his cloak, trying to hide his face from the snide stares of the townspeople.
It didn't take long for him to arrive at the place Garreth had mentioned. The tavern looked simple, with an old wooden sign hanging above the door, reading "Orwin's Inn & Tavern". Ryo entered with hesitant steps, the aroma of warm food immediately welcoming him.
A long wooden table was filled with several customers busy enjoying their meals, while a middle-aged woman stood behind the counter, taking orders. Ryo approached the table and quietly ordered a simple meal for one silver coin.
When the food was placed in front of him—a piece of warm bread with a simple meat soup—he began to eat with gusto. This was the first meal he had enjoyed since arriving in this world, and although it was simple, it tasted better than anything he had imagined.
After he finished eating, he handed two more silver coins to the tavern lady and rented a room for the night.
◇◇◇
Inside his small, simple room, Ryo sat on the thin mattress provided. The room only had a small wooden table and a rickety chair. Simple, but enough to survive.
But even though his body was tired, his mind kept spinning.
The images of what happened in the castle came back to haunt him—the king’s disdainful gaze, the nobles’ scorn, and how the other three people were given special treatment while he was thrown out like trash.
He clenched his fists on the thin blanket covering his body.
“Why me? Why are they treating me like this?”
He didn’t know. He didn’t know what was wrong with him.
But one thing was for sure—he couldn’t continue to be trapped in this confusion. If this world rejected him, then he had to find his own way.
With that thought, he finally closed his eyes, letting his exhaustion take him into a restless sleep.
◇◇◇
Meanwhile, in the royal castle, the other three ‘heroes’ were preparing for bed in their respective luxurious rooms.
Aiko Fujimori sat on her soft bed, her eyes still glued to the transparent status screen floating in front of her. Although this world felt foreign, its system reminded her of the RPG games she had played.
"I really am like a protagonist in another world..." he thought with a small smile.
Takahiro Sakamoto stretched his body, enjoying the comfort of the large bed that was much more luxurious than the small bed in his old apartment. "This is the life," he muttered before burrowing under the thick blanket.
Meanwhile, Mika Tanaka just sat quietly on the edge of her bed, staring at the large window that showed the view of the city at night. She didn't say much, but in her heart, she began to realize that this world was not just an exciting adventure as she had imagined.
Behind the luxury they had, there was something that felt... wrong.
◇◇◇
The next morning
As the morning sun began to illuminate the city, Ryo immediately woke up from his sleep. He straightened his robe and left the inn. However, when he felt the pocket of his robe, he realized that the bread he bought last night had been eaten.
Having no food, Ryo stepped out of the small alley where the inn was located and walked towards Garreth's tavern to start his work.
However, when he arrived in front of the shop, the door was still tightly closed.
"Not open yet?" he thought.
He knocked once, twice, but there was no answer.
Not wanting to waste time, Ryo decided to walk around the city while looking for breakfast. He returned to the small market and bought a warm bun for one silver coin.
However, as he walked further, he began to notice something he had not noticed before.
In the small alleys hidden between the city buildings, there were many homeless people sitting leaning against the cold stone walls. Some of them looked emaciated, wearing tattered clothes, and hugging themselves to ward off the morning chill.
Several small children sat in the corners of the alleys, their eyes blank and their faces dirty.
Ryo bit his lip.
From the outside, this city might look like a prosperous kingdom, but behind that splendor, there were many forgotten people.
However, he realized that he was nothing in this world. Even he himself was still struggling to survive.
He sighed and decided to return to Garreth's shop.
When he arrived back there, the shop was still closed.
With no other choice, he sat in front of the shop, waiting for Garreth to open the door. Due to the lack of sleep and having waited for quite some time, Ryo began to feel sleepy. Soon, the sleepiness overcame him and he fell asleep in front of the shop.
Coming soon....