The Blazing Star Continent, where he now resided, was one of four known continents: the Black Mist Continent, home to the dragon race; the Demon Continent, inhabited by demons; the Domus Continent, where all races coexisted; and finally, the Blazing Star Continent, primarily occupied by humans.

Each continent was dotted with various countries, kingdoms, and independent cities. As Alonso read on, he learned that the Blazing Star Continent boasted fifteen kingdoms, and he currently resided in the Vita Kingdom—the second-largest of them all.

Intrigued, he continued, uncovering the fascinating history of this kingdom. Five thousand years ago, a human leader named Zenito united the five tribes of man to push back the Barbarians—a race of mutated humans. Zenito's victory not only rid the continent of the Barbarians but also forged the Vita Kingdom, with Zenito crowned as its first king, earning the title Zenito the Unstoppable.

As Alonso absorbed this information, his mind worked rapidly, noting how the kingdoms were structured, memorizing the names, and piecing together the historical and geographical importance of the Blazing Star Continent. Despite the simplicity of the book, he analyzed it as if studying an important document, extracting everything it had to offer.

Maria, busy in the kitchen, couldn't help but notice his deep focus. Her curiosity grew as she watched him. There was something about the way he moved and how intently he read that made her realize Alonso was no ordinary wanderer.

Suddenly realization struck her: Alonso must be a country bumpkin, completely unfamiliar with the outside world. As she sliced a slab of meat in half, she asked, "Alonso, where are you from?"

Alonso looked up from the book, his brow furrowing slightly in thought. "I'm from a place called the United Federation of Africa. I was out fishing, decided to take a little nap on my boat, and the next thing I know, I wake up in some random forest. No idea where I am." He kept his tone casual, confident that Maria had no way of verifying his story.

Maria paused mid-action, her face reflecting both shock and concern as she stepped closer. "Oh my, it appears you've been displaced—almost as if you were pulled here by some unseen force."

Alonso raised an eyebrow, intrigued. To his surprise, his small fabrication had unintentionally matched the folklore of this world. Having skimmed through that children's book on the four continents, he knew they only made up about 40% of the planet's surface, leaving vast areas unexplored. He pondered her words thoughtfully.

"What exactly do you mean by 'displaced'?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Some individuals find themselves mysteriously transported far from their homes, often without warning. It's believed by many that they've been chosen by the gods, gifted with unique abilities. In fact, many of the great heroes throughout history are thought to have been champions of the gods, granted extraordinary powers to fulfill their destinies."

Alonso pondered the concept, his mind working swiftly through the possibilities. Without realizing it, he had grown comfortable around Maria, allowing his true nature to surface—his scientific reasoning, logical thinking, and analytical approach all coming to the forefront. The existence of gods intrigued him deeply, especially since he had already accepted them as a reality in this world. The idea of being a champion, favored by higher powers, began to take shape in his thoughts. Perhaps his own reincarnation counted as a form of displacement, though it wasn't exactly the same. Still, the parallel was unmistakable, and it gave him pause.

"So, one might infer that these champions are selected based on criteria set forth by the deities," he mused, adopting an analytical tone. "Their attributes and skills are likely augmented to fulfill specific quests or challenges. Fascinating. The dynamics of divine intervention are reminiscent of programmed directives in intricate systems."

Maria regarded him with a mixture of fascination and trepidation. "You certainly possess a unique perspective, Alonso. It's as if you're piecing together a puzzle that has yet to reveal its entirety."

Alonso smiled, his demeanor calm and collected. "Knowledge is often a confluence of disparate elements, Maria. The pursuit of understanding is what drives one to explore the unknown."

"What do you plan to do then?" Maria asked, her voice carrying warmth as she returned to her cooking. The comforting aroma of simmering broth filled the air, mingling with the rich scent of herbs.

"My current objective is to acquire knowledge," Alonso replied, his voice steady and resolute as he set the children's book down on the rough-hewn wooden table. The flickering candlelight illuminated the faded illustrations, casting soft shadows that danced across the pages. "Tomorrow morning, I intend to visit a library to gather information." He paused, considering the implications. "Following that, I will need to devise a method to generate income."

Maria nodded, her hands deftly slicing vibrant vegetables with practiced ease. The rhythmic sound of the blade meeting the cutting board punctuated the room. "That's a good plan! You seem really smart. It costs fifty bronze to get into the library."

She elaborated on the currency system as she worked, the colorful ingredients before her coming together to create a tapestry of flavors. "One hundred bronze is one silver, and one hundred silver is one gold, and so on."

Alonso absorbed her explanation, his analytical mind racing through the implications of a functioning economy. The idea of a systematic monetary structure intrigued him, adding layers to his understanding of this new environment. He envisioned the flow of goods and services, the intricate web of trade that tied communities together.

After her explanation, Maria turned to him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, framed by the gentle light of the fire. "Since you're an oni, can you use magic?"

"To a limited extent," Alonso replied, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his features as he recognized his lack of preparedness for the expectations of this world. The weight of her gaze urged him to reveal more.

Her expression brightened at his admission, a smile blooming like the herbs in her pot. She poured chunks of marbled meat and crisp vegetables into the boiling pot, steam rising in fragrant wisps that spiraled into the air. The savory aroma enveloped the small hut, creating an inviting cocoon of warmth and comfort.

"You should think about going to the Adventurers' Guild. They're always looking for strong people to join. If you can hunt monsters and clear dungeons, they pay well. While the work is dangerous, some top adventurers are richer than kings and queens," she said, her voice laced with enthusiasm.

As she spoke, her passion for her children radiated through the small kitchen. The worn wooden beams overhead cast playful shadows, framing the scene like a warm memory. Two young half-elf boys bounded into the kitchen, their wide eyes sparkling with excitement. The enticing aroma of the cooking meat drew them in like moths to a flame. Maria's gaze softened as she watched them, a rush of love swelling in her chest, aware that it had been some time since they had enjoyed a proper meal.

"Dinner's almost ready, boys!" she called out, her voice filled with affection. Their cheers erupted in a chorus of youthful joy, their small voices ringing with anticipation at the prospect of a hearty feast.

Alonso observed the scene, feeling a complex mix of admiration and introspection.

"The Blazing Star Continent, where he now resided, was one of four known continents: the Black Mist Continent, home to the dragon race; the Demon Continent, inhabited by demons; the Domus Continent, where all races coexisted; and finally, the Blazing Star Continent, primarily occupied by humans.

Each continent was dotted with various countries, kingdoms, and independent cities. As Alonso read on, he learned that the Blazing Star Continent boasted fifteen kingdoms, and he currently resided in the Vita Kingdom—the second-largest of them all.

Intrigued, he continued, uncovering the fascinating history of this kingdom. Five thousand years ago, a human leader named Zenito united the five tribes of man to push back the Barbarians—a race of mutated humans. Zenito's victory not only rid the continent of the Barbarians but also forged the Vita Kingdom, with Zenito crowned as its first king, earning the title Zenito the Unstoppable.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As Alonso absorbed this information, his mind worked rapidly, noting how the kingdoms were structured, memorizing the names, and piecing together the historical and geographical importance of the Blazing Star Continent. Despite the simplicity of the book, he analyzed it as if studying an important document, extracting everything it had to offer.

Maria, busy in the kitchen, couldn't help but notice his deep focus. Her curiosity grew as she watched him. There was something about the way he moved and how intently he read that made her realize Alonso was no ordinary wanderer.

Suddenly realization struck her: Alonso must be a country bumpkin, completely unfamiliar with the outside world. As she sliced a slab of meat in half, she asked, "Alonso, where are you from?"

He looked up from the book, his brow furrowing slightly in thought. "I originate from a region known as the United Federation of States. I was engaged in a recreational fishing expedition, and after inadvertently dozing off aboard my vessel, I awoke amidst an unfamiliar forest. The geographical coordinates of this location are, regrettably, beyond my comprehension." Alonso fabricated this story, confident that Maria had no means of substantiating his claims.

MMaria paused mid-action, her face reflecting both shock and concern as she stepped closer. "Oh my, it appears you've been displaced—almost as if you were pulled here by some unseen force."

Alonso raised an eyebrow, intrigued. To his surprise, his small fabrication had unintentionally matched the folklore of this world. Having skimmed through that children's book on the four continents, he knew they only made up about 40% of the planet's surface, leaving vast areas unexplored. He pondered her words thoughtfully.

"What exactly do you mean by 'displaced'?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Some individuals find themselves mysteriously transported far from their homes, often without warning. It's believed by many that they've been chosen by the gods, gifted with unique abilities. In fact, many of the great heroes throughout history are thought to have been champions of the gods, granted extraordinary powers to fulfill their destinies."

Alonso pondered the concept, his mind working swiftly through the possibilities. Without realizing it, he had grown comfortable around Maria, allowing his true nature to surface—his scientific reasoning, logical thinking, and analytical approach all coming to the forefront. The existence of gods intrigued him deeply, especially since he had already accepted them as a reality in this world. The idea of being a champion, favored by higher powers, began to take shape in his thoughts. Perhaps his own reincarnation counted as a form of displacement, though it wasn't exactly the same. Still, the parallel was unmistakable, and it gave him pause.

"So, one might infer that these champions are selected based on criteria set forth by the deities," he mused, adopting an analytical tone. "Their attributes and skills are likely augmented to fulfill specific quests or challenges. Fascinating. The dynamics of divine intervention are reminiscent of programmed directives in intricate systems."

Maria regarded him with a mixture of fascination and trepidation. "You certainly possess a unique perspective, Alonso. It's as if you're piecing together a puzzle that has yet to reveal its entirety."

Alonso smiled, his demeanor calm and collected. "Knowledge is often a confluence of disparate elements, Maria. The pursuit of understanding is what drives one to explore the unknown."

"What do you plan to do then?" Maria asked, her voice carrying warmth as she returned to her cooking. The comforting aroma of simmering broth filled the air, mingling with the rich scent of herbs.

"My current objective is to acquire knowledge," Alonso replied, his voice steady and resolute as he set the children's book down on the rough-hewn wooden table. The flickering candlelight illuminated the faded illustrations, casting soft shadows that danced across the pages. "Tomorrow morning, I intend to visit a library to gather information." He paused, considering the implications. "Following that, I will need to devise a method to generate income."

Maria nodded, her hands deftly slicing vibrant vegetables with practiced ease. The rhythmic sound of the blade meeting the cutting board punctuated the room. "That's a good plan! You seem really smart. It costs fifty bronze to get into the library."

She elaborated on the currency system as she worked, the colorful ingredients before her coming together to create a tapestry of flavors. "One hundred bronze is one silver, and one hundred silver is one gold, and so on."

Alonso absorbed her explanation, his analytical mind racing through the implications of a functioning economy. The idea of a systematic monetary structure intrigued him, adding layers to his understanding of this new environment. He envisioned the flow of goods and services, the intricate web of trade that tied communities together.

After her explanation, Maria turned to him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, framed by the gentle light of the fire. "Since you're an oni, can you use magic?"

"To a limited extent," Alonso replied, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his features as he recognized his lack of preparedness for the expectations of this world. The weight of her gaze urged him to reveal more.

Her expression brightened at his admission, a smile blooming like the herbs in her pot. She poured chunks of marbled meat and crisp vegetables into the boiling pot, steam rising in fragrant wisps that spiraled into the air. The savory aroma enveloped the small hut, creating an inviting cocoon of warmth and comfort.

"You should think about going to the Adventurers' Guild. They're always looking for strong people to join. If you can hunt monsters and clear dungeons, they pay well. While the work is dangerous, some top adventurers are richer than kings and queens," she said, her voice laced with enthusiasm.

As she spoke, her passion for her children radiated through the small kitchen. The worn wooden beams overhead cast playful shadows, framing the scene like a warm memory. Two young half-elf boys bounded into the kitchen, their wide eyes sparkling with excitement. The enticing aroma of the cooking meat drew them in like moths to a flame. Maria's gaze softened as she watched them, a rush of love swelling in her chest, aware that it had been some time since they had enjoyed a proper meal.

"Dinner's almost ready, boys!" she called out, her voice filled with affection. Their cheers erupted in a chorus of youthful joy, their small voices ringing with anticipation at the prospect of a hearty feast.

Alonso observed the scene, feeling a complex mix of admiration and introspection.

"The Blazing Star Continent, where he now resided, was one of four known continents: the Black Mist Continent, home to the dragon race; the Demon Continent, inhabited by demons; the Domus Continent, where all races coexisted; and finally, the Blazing Star Continent, primarily occupied by humans.

Each continent was dotted with various countries, kingdoms, and independent cities. As Alonso read on, he learned that the Blazing Star Continent boasted fifteen kingdoms, and he currently resided in the Vita Kingdom—the second-largest of them all.

Intrigued, he continued, uncovering the fascinating history of this kingdom. Five thousand years ago, a human leader named Zenito united the five tribes of man to push back the Barbarians—a race of mutated humans. Zenito's victory not only rid the continent of the Barbarians but also forged the Vita Kingdom, with Zenito crowned as its first king, earning the title Zenito the Unstoppable.

As Alonso absorbed this information, his mind worked rapidly, noting how the kingdoms were structured, memorizing the names, and piecing together the historical and geographical importance of the Blazing Star Continent. Despite the simplicity of the book, he analyzed it as if studying an important document, extracting everything it had to offer.

Maria, busy in the kitchen, couldn't help but notice his deep focus. Her curiosity grew as she watched him. There was something about the way he moved and how intently he read that made her realize Alonso was no ordinary wanderer.

Suddenly realization struck her: Alonso must be a country bumpkin, completely unfamiliar with the outside world. As she sliced a slab of meat in half, she asked, "Alonso, where are you from?"

He looked up from the book, his brow furrowing slightly in thought. "I originate from a region known as the United Federation of States. I was engaged in a recreational fishing expedition, and after inadvertently dozing off aboard my vessel, I awoke amidst an unfamiliar forest. The geographical coordinates of this location are, regrettably, beyond my comprehension." Alonso fabricated this story, confident that Maria had no means of substantiating his claims.

MMaria paused mid-action, her face reflecting both shock and concern as she stepped closer. "Oh my, it appears you've been displaced—almost as if you were pulled here by some unseen force."

Alonso raised an eyebrow, intrigued. To his surprise, his small fabrication had unintentionally matched the folklore of this world. Having skimmed through that children's book on the four continents, he knew they only made up about 40% of the planet's surface, leaving vast areas unexplored. He pondered her words thoughtfully.

"What exactly do you mean by 'displaced'?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Some individuals find themselves mysteriously transported far from their homes, often without warning. It's believed by many that they've been chosen by the gods, gifted with unique abilities. In fact, many of the great heroes throughout history are thought to have been champions of the gods, granted extraordinary powers to fulfill their destinies."

Alonso pondered the concept, his mind working swiftly through the possibilities. Without realizing it, he had grown comfortable around Maria, allowing his true nature to surface—his scientific reasoning, logical thinking, and analytical approach all coming to the forefront. The existence of gods intrigued him deeply, especially since he had already accepted them as a reality in this world. The idea of being a champion, favored by higher powers, began to take shape in his thoughts. Perhaps his own reincarnation counted as a form of displacement, though it wasn't exactly the same. Still, the parallel was unmistakable, and it gave him pause.

"So, one might infer that these champions are selected based on criteria set forth by the deities," he mused, adopting an analytical tone. "Their attributes and skills are likely augmented to fulfill specific quests or challenges. Fascinating. The dynamics of divine intervention are reminiscent of programmed directives in intricate systems."

Maria regarded him with a mixture of fascination and trepidation. "You certainly possess a unique perspective, Alonso. It's as if you're piecing together a puzzle that has yet to reveal its entirety.

Alonso smiled, his demeanor calm and collected. "Knowledge is often a confluence of disparate elements, Maria. The pursuit of understanding is what drives one to explore the unknown."

"What do you plan to do then?" Maria asked, her voice carrying warmt