---
Kaito’s consciousness swirled as he opened his eyes. The polished marble floor beneath him felt cold against his skin, and a strange energy hung in the air. As he blinked away the grogginess, he became acutely aware of his surroundings. Massive chandeliers adorned with glowing crystals hung above, and an audience of richly dressed individuals stared at him with wide, expectant eyes.
"Welcome, otherworlder," a deep voice boomed.
Kaito turned toward the source, spotting a man seated on a grand throne at the far end of the hall. Dressed in regal robes, a crown perched on his head, he exuded authority.
"We have summoned you here to aid us in defeating the demons plaguing our lands," the king said, his voice echoing through the chamber.
Kaito’s mind raced. This… this feels familiar. He clenched his fists. A summoning? Is this finally my chance to escape that damned cycle?
His thoughts were interrupted as the king continued. "You are an otherworlder, and like those before you, you possess unique abilities. Step forward and reveal your status."
Kaito's breath hitched. "Wait… abilities? Status? Like, an actual system?" He couldn’t suppress a faint glimmer of hope.
For the first time in what felt like eternity, someone needed him.
The king nodded. "Indeed. You have been granted abilities by the summoning process. Speak the word, and the window shall appear."
Kaito hesitated for a moment before whispering, "Status."
A translucent blue screen appeared before him. His heart raced as he scanned the information displayed.
---
Name: Kaito/######
Mana: 15
Essence: 3
Strength: 8
Agility: 9
Defense: 5
Stamina: 6
Intelligence: Max (Reached the pinnacle of a human)
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Skills:
Unparalleled Adaptability (Passive): Adapts quickly to any situation.
Extraordinary Learning Capability (Passive): Learns new concepts and skills faster than most beings.
Appraisal: View the status and details of people or objects.
Essence Crafting: Create materials using the world’s essence. (Limited by imagination, knowledge, and available essence.)
---
Kaito’s eyes widened, his gaze lingering on the word "Essence."
"What’s essence?" one of the nobles asked, squinting at the status window.
The murmurs in the room grew louder as others echoed the question. It was clear they could see the window but not the skill descriptions or what "Essence" truly meant.
"Essence is tied to one’s impact on the cosmos," Kaito read silently. "The greater your influence, the more it grows. But right now…" He glanced at the pitiful "3" listed beside it and sighed inwardly.
"This… isn’t what I was expecting," one of the aristocrats scoffed. "Another worthless piece of shit!"
The king raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable as he glanced at Kaito’s stats. "Max intelligence… an interesting anomaly, but…"
Kaito clenched his fists, his hope wavering as he noticed the skeptical glances around him. "What does ‘######’ in my name even mean?" he muttered under his breath.
The murmuring grew louder.
A noblewoman sneered. "We need strength, agility, and power on the battlefield. What use is intelligence in a war?"
Another aristocrat joined in. "And those skills… survival-focused, not combat-oriented. He’s better suited for a merchant’s guild than an army."
Kaito’s heart sank further with each biting comment.
The king raised a hand, silencing the crowd. "Kaito, your skills may not align with the battlefield, but they will surely aid you in surviving this world. Do you wish to be sent back to your realm?"
Kaito froze. The thought of returning to that wretched cycle, to Earth, made his stomach churn. "I… I have no place to return to."
The king’s expression softened ever so slightly. He gestured to an attendant. "Provide him with enough money for food and an inn for two days. The rest is up to him."
Kaito bowed stiffly, swallowing his pride. "Thank you."
The crowd whispered as he was escorted out of the grand hall.
---
The Royal Capital
Kaito stepped out of the palace gates and into the bustling streets of the royal capital. The sight before him was breathtaking—a sprawling medieval city with towering stone buildings, bustling markets, and cobblestone streets teeming with life. Merchants called out their wares, adventurers gathered at guild halls, and the faint sound of blacksmiths hammering echoed in the distance.
Despite the grandeur, Kaito felt like an outsider. He clutched the small pouch of coins he’d been given, his mind racing.
This isn’t like Earth. The thought gave him a sliver of hope.
He walked through the streets, taking in the sights. Stalls lined the roads, selling everything from exotic fruits to intricate jewelry. Adventurers boasted about their latest conquests, their weapons gleaming under the sunlight. Children darted through the crowds, laughter ringing out.
But beneath the vibrant surface, there was an undercurrent of tension. Conversations about demon attacks and rising prices were whispered in hushed tones. Guards patrolled with grim expressions, their hands never straying far from their weapons.
Kaito wandered aimlessly, the coins in his pocket a heavy reminder of his current situation.
---
The Inn
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kaito found himself standing in front of a modest inn. The warm glow of lanterns spilled onto the street, and the sound of chatter and clinking mugs drifted through the open windows.
He hesitated before stepping inside. The innkeeper, a gruff man with a kind smile, greeted him. "Need a room?"
Kaito nodded, sliding a few coins across the counter. "Two nights."
The innkeeper handed him a key. "Room’s upstairs. Dinner’s extra if you’re hungry."
Kaito thanked him and made his way to the room. It was small but clean, with a simple bed and a wooden chair by the window. He sat down, staring out at the darkening city.
What now?
He clenched his fists. "I need to figure out how this world works… and fast."
As he lay back on the bed, exhaustion overtook him. His thoughts swirled with the day’s events—the dismissal, the whispers, the strange term "Essence."
For the first time in years, he felt something stir within him. Hope, faint but persistent, whispered in the back of his mind.
Maybe this world will be different.
---
End of Chapter 2