The procession began just after breakfast.
Led by Selene, accompanied by a line of regal knights in polished silver armor, the students followed through expansive hallways adorned with glowing wall-embedded runes.
They exited the guest quarters and stepped into a massive open courtyard surrounded by ancient stonework and floating banners.
Beyond that—looming in the distance—stood the Royal Palace of Valemont.
A marvel.
It was nothing like the medieval castles one might imagine from fiction. No dull stone or crude architecture.
Instead, the palace stood tall with curved spires of obsidian-black and ivory-white, fused by glowing mana lines that pulsed like veins through the walls. The entire structure shimmered, not because of polish, but because of magic.
It was both regal and futuristic — a harmony of old-world majesty and magical innovation.
Floating lamps lit the path, hovering silently. Self-cleaning floors shone like crystal. Small mechanical familiars resembling butterflies buzzed through the gardens trimming petals with surgical precision.
All of it—powered by mana stones.
"I thought this world would be stuck in the dark ages…" someone whispered.
"But this… This is cleaner than my apartment back on Earth."
"Magic compensates where machines fall short," Selene replied, overhearing them. "With runes, the impossible becomes ordinary."
Oliver walked near the back, hands in pockets, taking it all in with quiet admiration.
'This world's more advanced than half of Earth and they still summoned us to fix their problems.'
'Still... these rune systems might be worth studying.'
Eventually, they reached a towering archway flanked by massive armored statues—guardians crafted of silverstone, enchanted to move if needed. A translucent mana curtain shimmered over the gate.
As Selene stepped forward, the veil parted soundlessly, revealing the entrance to the Throne Room.
"Straighten your backs," Selene said with a calm authority. "You are no longer just students. You are the Saviors of Lunera. The rulers of this world await you."
Some students gulped. Others puffed out their chests.
Jason smoothed his hair. Amy took a calming breath. Daniel stood tall and radiant as ever, drawing eyes like gravity.
Evelyn took her place in front, nerves barely hidden, but holding her ground as a teacher.
Then—Selene raised her voice.
"Greetings, esteemed rulers of humanity. I present to you the Royal Council—the summoned Otherworlders."
The gates opened inward with a resonant hum, revealing a space so lavish it stole their collective breath.
There was only one word for it: divine.
A massive crimson carpet stretched from the arched golden doors all the way to a raised dais at the far end, upon which sat not one—but six thrones, each distinct in shape and material. They were carved from elements that shimmered with otherworldly energy: obsidian glass, silverwood, crimson coral, runed crystal, living stone, and golden light.
High above, beams of sunlight filtered through enchanted stained glass, casting brilliant rainbow hues over the entire room. In the center, a floating chandelier—crafted of spiraling crystals and bound by ancient runes—hovered mid-air without a single chain, humming faintly with pure magic.
But amidst all that grandeur, one detail struck Oliver as truly odd.
Only one throne was occupied by a physical person.
The others… shimmered faintly. Illusions, perhaps—magical projections so lifelike they seemed tangible. But they flickered slightly, as if some unseen veil separated them from this world.
On the center throne sat an old man with broad shoulders and regal posture. His back was straight as a blade. A sharp, confident smirk rested beneath a silver beard trimmed to perfection. His eyes were not kind—but they were wise. Commanding.
To his left, seated slightly lower, was the translucent image of a noble woman—elegant, graceful, her expression composed yet firm. A crown of silver ivy adorned her brow.
Beside her was a young man—early thirties, black hair, jet-black eyes, sharp jawline. He sat in still silence, watching.
To the king's right, another illusion took form—a stout, broad-chested dwarf. His long brown beard was braided into multiple locks, and his gruff expression matched the giant hammer slung across his spectral back.
Beside him sat someone who could only be described as… elven royalty. Ageless. Proud. Her long platinum hair flowed like liquid silver, ears tapering upward elegantly, her presence practically screamed superiority.
And at the end—an even stranger figure: a lion-headed demihuman. Though mostly humanoid, he bore feline features—ears perched atop his head, whisker patches lining his sharp jaw, golden eyes that gleamed with predatory intellect.
Oliver's eyes widened as he took it all in.
'So these are the rulers of this world… Three different races, gathered together.'
But what fascinated him more wasn't just their appearances.
'Their bodies aren't here. They're projecting their presence through magic… Like a real-time holographic call, but powered by mana.'
'That's incredible.'
"So… these are the ones chosen by the Goddess?" His voice was deep, commanding. Not loud—but strong enough that it cut through the silence.
He sat on the center throne, wearing a white cloak with gold trim. A crown rested lightly on his head. His presence was calm, confident—like someone who had led armies and survived more than one assassination attempt.
Selene stepped forward, her voice clear. "Yes, Your Majesty. These are the summoned heroes from the upper world. They carry the blessing of the Goddess and have awakened rare and powerful classes."
The king nodded once. Slowly.
"I see."
Then he leaned back in his throne, his sharp eyes scanning the group of students in complete silence.
The pressure in the room was heavy. Almost suffocating. No one dared to speak—until a calm, clear voice broke the silence.
"Welcome to Lunara. This is the Royal Council—comprised of the ruling powers of this world."
The speaker was a tall man with light brown hair neatly slicked back. He wore a white and blue formal robe trimmed with gold, and though he wasn't flashy, his presence commanded attention.
"I am Alexander Cunnings, Grandmaster of the Royal Council," he said, offering the students a well-practiced smile. His arms opened wide, almost theatrically.
"It is truly an honor to receive heroes from the Upper World. You have our deepest gratitude."
The students remained quiet, shifting uncomfortably. With the number of elite knights stationed along the perimeter, most of them weren't exactly eager to speak.
"Let me introduce the rulers in whose presence you now stand," Alexander continued.
He turned slightly, gesturing to the thrones behind him.
"In the center, seated in person, is His Majesty Alaric IV Valemont, Emperor of the Valemont Empire—this continent's largest human empire, and the very land you now stand upon."
Alaric gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable.
"To his left," Alexander said, motioning to the illusion of a regal woman seated in a silver-and-blue throne, "is Queen Seraphine Hestia of the Kingdom of Hestia. A proud matriarchal nation from the northern territories."
She didn't speak, but her posture and poised smile said more than enough. Calm. Elegant. Watching everything.
"Beside her, King Kaedor Aurelion of the Aurelion Empire. A powerful military state and close ally to Valemont."
The black-haired man gave a firm nod, his eyes cold and assessing. The kind of man who'd kill you without blinking.
"To the right of His Majesty Valemont," Alexander continued, "is King Durngar Stonefist of the Grimthane Empire—the dwarven kingdom, rich in ore and craftsmanship."
The illusion of the short but broad-shouldered dwarf gave a small grunt, arms still crossed. His expression made it clear he wasn't impressed.
"Next is Queen Seraphina Everveil of the Everviel Dominion—the sovereign realm of the elves."
Her beauty was striking. Long platinum hair, skin like porcelain, and a gaze that looked through people more than at them. She gave a small, graceful bow of the head.
"And finally, King Mavrik Lionheart of the Sunfang Empire—the dominant force of the demi-human alliance in the south."
The lion-like demi-human exuded quiet strength. His golden eyes scanned the group without blinking, and his thick mane shifted slightly with each breath.
Alexander turned back to the students, clasping his hands behind his back.
"These six monarchs govern the major powers of our world. You, summoned ones, have been brought here by the divine will of Goddess Synthia. And from this day on… your fates are tied to Lunara."
There was a moment of silence as the gravity of his words sank in.
'Tied to Lunara, huh?' Oliver thought, trying not to show the twist in his gut.
'We've been here for less than a day and already it feels like the trap's been shut.'
He could see Daniel standing tall, chest out, looking proud. Several other students still looked stunned. And some of the girls? Already swooning at the grandeur.
But Oliver's eyes drifted to Selene, who stood at the side of the room.
That same sweet smile on her face. But it didn't reach her eyes.
'She's too calm for someone who just summoned a bunch of kids into a warzone.'
'These guys are just selfish. Everyone is looking at us just as military weapons and not humans. I am sure we will be thrown in hellish training to become a perfect weapon on their hands.'