“There are no heroes...in life, the monsters win.”

― George R. R. Martin

“What the fuck is this cosplay bullshit!? I don’t know who you motherfuckers are, but my dad is a cop! You better let us go!”

BB was scared. James could tell from the quiver in his voice. He was trying to cover it up with bravado. James could not blame BB; he was scared too. Elantra? This could not be a different world. It can’t. Those only exist in fantasy novels and Mangas. James thought as the students were starting to yell and shout.

“I want to go home!”

“My phone doesn’t work! Oh my God! We can’t call for help!”

“Who the fuck are you guys!?”

“Are you from Medieval Times?”

“Is this a TV show!? Are we on camera!?”

“You guys better let me go! Or you’ll be in big trouble!”

“EVERPONE QUIET DOWN!!”

The booming demand came from Mr. Abbot, who decided to take charge of the situation. When the entire class was silent, Mr. Abbot faced the man with a crimson beard and wearing gold armor. Mr. Abbot began.

“I don’t know who you are, but kidnapping is a serious crime.”

The man nodded his head in understanding and then replied.

“I apologize for the distress of your charges, but what I say to you is no jest, trick, or illusion. I am King Perceval Marshal Grant IV of the Kingdom of Avocat. You have been summoned by my wizards to the world of Elantra as its new heroes.”

“Another world!? Heroes!? That’s bullsh—”

BB began to say, but Mr. Abbot cut him off.

“That’s enough Mr. Buchanan!”

BB went silent, but you could still see the disbelief on his face. Mr. Abbot refocused on the king.

“What you claim is hard to believe. We understand the concept of magic. But such an ability does not exist in my world.”

King Grant IV understood.

“I was told by my wisemen that the people we summon may be from a world where no magic exists. They may know different laws of energy and nature. But you are in a different world, and you are heroes destined to save Elantra.”

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This is exactly like an isekai novel, Manga, or anime. James thought as he listened intently to the conversation. He was not only listening, but he was watching the body language of the king and his people. Something about their demeanor did not sit well with him.

“King Grant, I do not wish to insult you. But I can’t just take your word that we are in a different world without proof.”

Mr. Abbot said he was standing his ground. James had to admit, his first period teacher had a backbone. King Grant smiled before saying.

“There is plenty of proof, but as a start I’ll show you this.”

King Grant held out his right-hand open palm facing the ceiling. Then he said a word and a ball of fire appeared an inch over his hand. Everyone was startled and surprised to see an example of real magic. The king smiled at their reaction, but James saw that the smile did not touch his eyes. He saw condescension in the king’s eyes.

“This is a tier one magic spell called fireball. It is a basic spell for beginners. Let me show you the tier two spell fire stream.”

The king raised his hand and a stream of fire shot up to the ceiling. Everyone could feel the heat of that blaze. The energy James was feeling went up as well, it was a reaction to the magic being performed. When King Grant was satisfied, he cancelled the spell and address the class.

“I hope that small amount of proof will be enough for now. As we progress, you’ll be shown more proof of being in Elantra. But tell me, did you feel the energy I released? Have you been feeling energy ever since you came here?”

Everyone in the class, including James nodded their heads. King Grant smiled in satisfaction.

“What you felt from me, my knights, and my wiseman is mana. Mana is the energy and power of this world. It can exist in places, objects, and people. Even the very air we breathe contains trace amounts of mana. We use mana to perform magic or cast spells. Mana can also be used in everyday life as a source of energy. The fact that you can sense mana means you can use mana.”

“How do we use it?”

The question came from BB, who no longer doubted that he was in another world. The king nodded.

“You will learn that in all due time. For now, refreshments. Traversing worlds takes energy, I image you feel a bit hungry, correct?”

“Yes, well…I do anyway”

Mr. Abbot stated as he looked around at his students. When everyone nodded, he amended his statement.

“That would be a yes for everyone.”

“Then follow me to the dining hall. We’ll get you food and drinks and then I’ll tell you a little history of our world Elantra.”

They all agreed to the king’s offer of food and drinks. So, he led them out of what they called the summoning chamber through the halls and corridors of his castle. As the class made their way to the dining hall, they saw more people. They saw more guards, but they also saw people James assumed, some to be servants and others to be nobles.

The walls of the castle had an ivory color to the surfaces. The floors felt like marble and the ceiling looked smooth to the touch. In no time, the king approached a set of reddish wood doors which opened at his arrival. Inside was a massive dining hall with a long table. Servants and maids stood by the walls ready to serve their king and guests.

***

As in high school, everyone sat with their clicks and friends. James sat between a boy and a girl, neither of which were happy to be seated next to him. James paid them no mind because he was focused on the king. King Grant sat at the head of the table. As soon as he was seated, the servants and maids brought out the food and drinks.

There were some dishes that James recognized and others he had never seen or heard of before. But every food he tasted and every liquid he drank was good. But James did not let the food distract him. He was watching Mr. Abbot, who was seated next to the king’s right converse with King Grant.

“Your majesty, we thank you for your hospitality. But we still lack knowledge of this world. We would also like to know why we were summoned?”

King Grant nodded his agreement of Mr. Abbot’s words.

“As I have said before. You are heroes summoned from another world to save Elantra. Long ago, there was a prophecy saying that heroes from another world would be summoned to Elantra to save it from the forces of chaos. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Allow me to begin from the beginning.”