Yuto stood trembling while his former bully, Tanimoto, stared back with equal disbelief. The mirror that had transported Yuto seemed to ripple with magic behind him, vanishing into particles.
"I can't believe you're actually here, Yuto. Did you follow me or something?" Glancing at the blonde lady in front of him, Tanimoto crossed his arms with a look of disapproval. "What the hell is some fat ass like him doing here?" Tanimoto sneered, but there was an edge of nervousness in his voice as he took in this strange new circumstance.
"What is this place? And why does everyone almost look so... calm?" Yuto managed to say, still shaken from their sudden transport. Eight other individuals stood beside Tanimoto, some in shock, while others didn't seem to care as much.
Their surroundings were filled with fantastical creatures - flying Hippogriffs, floating pixies, and strange creatures that resembled mythical beings.
"Now now, lets set otherworldly grudges aside. This matter is of utmost importance." Said the blonde woman, approaching Yuto with a smile. "Greetings, Yuto, I was the one who brought you here. My name is Alicia Grovenheart, the princess of Grambosia Kingdom, and the daughter of King Jubilius."
"Princess of... this world?" Yuto stammered, feeling faint as the weight of the situation settled in. The princess smiled warmly at the young boy, giggling at his reaction. "I see the Sisters of Fate have chosen wisely with all Ten of you. Welcome to our world, Yuto." She extended her hand gracefully. "Come, take my hand and join us."
"I-I'm sorry I'm just... processing everything at once... is my home really destroyed?" Yuto lived in denial—the thought of his world being destroyed was too much to take in. He couldn't accept that.
"I'm sorry, Yuto, but..." The princess averted her gaze, staring at the grass beneath her feet. "Everything you've ever known and loved is gone." Yuto's eyes widened in horror as Alicia gave the harsh truth. "Azathoth leaves nothing behind."
His knees felt weak as the reality sank in. "What... no, that can't be true... my parents... everyone..." His voice cracked with emotion as tears welled up.
Tanimoto seemed equally upset, his usual arrogant expression replaced by one of genuine distress. For once, he seemed lost for words, even though he already knew the truth, unlike Yuto. "Quit your crying, dumbass, it makes you look stupid." Said Tanimoto, averting his gaze. If Yuto continued his crying, he might've done the same, which he wanted to prevent at all costs.
"The worlds that Azathoth consumes are erased from the flow of causality across the multiverse. Everything and everyone you once knew and loved, no longer exists, and has never existed to begin with. Their birth never happened, their universe never existed, and their memories are the only thing you all have left." The princess's face was grave as she continued speaking. The atmosphere grew heavier with each passing moment, the weight of their homeworld's fate pressing down on all ten of them.
The other eight individual, who were quiet and taking everything in, closed their eyes in acceptance. There was nothing they could do.
"This world is the last refuge for those like you - those who escaped the calamity. But I must warn you, Azathoth will eventually arrive in this world sooner or later, we are unsure of the time and date." She paused, watching their reactions carefully.
Yuto stumbled backward, nearly falling. The revelation had shattered everything he knew, leaving him reeling. Tanimoto finally broke his silence, voice unusually soft. "Is there... is there anything we can do?" He asked hesitantly, his bullying facade completely gone. The woman nodded her head.
"Yes, there is in fact, a lot you ten can do." Alicia chuckled softly, her expression contorting into a tender smile despite the tension in the air. "You've been chosen by Odin, the Ruler of Yggdrasil, to save this Multiverse." They all widened their eyes at the statement as the princess reassured them with her smile.
Yuto's tear-stained face suddenly showed a flicker of determination. His trembling hands clenched into fists. "W-We can stop him? But how?" His voice wavered with both fear and newfound resolve.
Tanimoto, still processing everything, stepped closer to Yuto. For the first time, there was a hint of genuine respect in his eyes as he watched Yuto's reaction. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but... we need to work together. The old me wouldn't have survived that, anyway, if it wasn't for that mirror magic or whatever." He admitted quietly. "But don't get it wrong, fatty, I still despise you and that ugly pig face of yours."
The woman nodded approvingly at their change in attitude. The atmosphere shifted from despair to purpose as she began explaining the multiverse theory and their potential role in saving it. "Yggdrasil is the largest universe throughout the Multiverse. It serves as the foundation for all of existence—its roots connect to an infinite series of other worlds, however, those worlds are being consumed by the World Eater, Azathoth." The balance of the multiverse was fragile. With each passing moment, Azathoth's influence spreads further. She gestured to the magical landscape around them. "He'll consume this world one day, but that's why we have you ten, to stop him."
Yuto's shoulders squared slightly as he listened, finding strength in the thought of fighting back against the monster that destroyed their home. "I'll do whatever it takes to beat that... thing!" He declared firmly, his voice growing steadier with each word.
"You show a lot of courage for someone who's said to be a coward, Yuto." Proclaimed the princess, giggling.
"My entire family is gone because of that monster...! I can't just let it get away scot-free! I-I don't care how big and mighty it is... I'll... just tear it down!" Yuto's eyes shone with determination, his fear transforming into focused resolve. He took a deep breath, standing taller than he ever had before.
"So what do we need to do?" One of the eight stepped forward, wearing a black student uniform. They had short brown hair and light green eyes. "How do we prepare to fight this thing?"
Tanimoto seemed equally serious now, though a flicker of his old arrogance still showed as he stepped up beside Yuto.
"We're going to need weapons and training, right?" The high school student addressed the woman directly, his voice lacking determination.
"I'm glad you asked, Akari, allow me to show you all the Foundation System." Alicia activated a holographic interface that floated before them, showing stats, skills, and power levels. All ten of them watched in awe as she explained the system.
"What the hell? Are we like... video game characters now?" Tanimoto asked incredulously, reaching out to touch the interface.
Yuto couldn't help but smile slightly at the familiar concept. His previous fear had transformed into a mix of curiosity and excitement. "Wait, does that mean we get quests and skills too?" Yuto asked eagerly, feeling a spark of adventure ignite within him.
The woman chuckled at their enthusiasm, demonstrating how they could perform quests and upgrade their abilities.
"There are three main power systems in the Foundation System. These systems allow you to increase your stats and gain unique skills." She faced the eight baffled heroes, giggling at their reaction. "First there is magic, it's the most important part of this system. The further you level up, the more magical power you'll obtain, which allows you to use certain weapons or skills." She touched the hologram and then brought up another section of the holographic interface. "And then you have skills. Everyone has one, and they can be awakened by having enough magical power through leveling up and strengthening your soul. Some skills are known to evolve under certain circumstances." Touching the hologram again, she went to the final page. "Last but not least, there are talents. These are techniques performed through your own natural capabilities. Think of it as martial arts. Some talents can be unique while others can fall flat on their face."
Taking in all this information, Tanimoto cracked his knuckles, a competitive glint in his eyes as he began examining everyone around him, laughing at Yuto and his excited face. "Just watch, Yuto. I'll be maxed out and then kick your little ass into the ground again. New world or not, you're still garbage." He smirked, though this time it seemed more competitive than malicious.
Yuto's smiled wider, feeling strangely grateful for Tanimoto's presence, despite his spiteful attitude. Perhaps in this strange new world, they could become something more than former enemies, at least, that's what he wanted.
"Each day that passes, more worlds fall to Azathoth's hunger, you must all be ready as a team." She beckoned them to group up.
Yuto and Tanimoto exchanged determined looks, both acknowledging the importance of their newfound task. Their past conflicts seemed trivial compared to this impending threat, but Tanimoto was never gonna change his attitude.
"This is bigger than us, bigger than our old world. We have to unite everyone here, and avenge everyone we cared about." Said an unfamiliar face, walking from the group of students. "We have no time to waste. You all heard Princess Alicia, let's get started on leveling up."
Tanimoto nodded in agreement. The weight of their shared responsibilities settled heavily as they grouped together, waiting for their first task.
"S-So, what do we do first? We don't have a lead." Proclaimed Yuto, looking around him in thought.
Alicia smiled, placing her hand against her chest. "You'll be staying with me, in the Kingdom of Grambosia. You'll be treated like heroes by my Father and the people of the Grambosia, so be on your best behavior."
They all nodded their heads, but Tanimoto stepped forward. "Hey, does everyone get a special skill or something? Or are we all starting from the same level?" He asked the woman, his competitive nature clearly showing through.
Yuto listened intently, feeling a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. The idea of unlocking unique abilities seemed exciting, but also intimidating.
"I'm sure you'll get something special, Tanimoto. After all, you were the top athlete back in school." Yuto offered tentatively, trying to break the ice.
The woman nodded approvingly at their questions.
"Good question, Tanimoto. Yes, all of you will receive a special skill that separates you from the rest of Algunita. My father has selected all eight of you to become a group known as the Ten Virtues." She explained with a gentle smile.
Tanimoto pumped his fist in the air triumphantly. "Yes! That's exactly what I wanted to hear!" He gritted his teeth, excited as ever.
Yuto couldn't help but laugh softly at Tanimoto's enthusiasm. Perhaps being transported to this world wasn't such a terrible fate after all - especially if it meant getting stronger together.
"Allow me to confirm your special skills, if you so please." Alicia swiped through her holographic interface, coming across another section of the Foundation System, but she widened her eyes as if something was wrong. "Oh dear... uhm... it seems we are missing a Special Skill for Yuto. His Foundation System isn't programmed with one."
Yuto's heart sank as he widened his eyes. "Huh? What are you saying?" He asked, stepping forward.
"I believe I was mistaken..." Alicia faced Yuto with a look of pity, bowing her head, ashamed. "Ah… I'm sorry, Yuto, but you weren't supposed to be here. I was tasked with bringing ten of them into this world, but you aren't the right hero..." Averting her gaze, she glanced to the side. "You were meant to die back in your home world... this is my mistake..."
"Wait, what? Are you serious?" Yuto felt his heart sink, his legs almost giving out as the truth dawned on him.