"Hero Aurelian! You've awakened!"
The booming voice yanked Haruto from his dramatic mirror-flex session. He spun around, nearly tripping on his cape.
A group of armored knights and robed priests stood at attention, their eyes wide with reverence. Behind them sat a radiant queen, draped in silks, her crown glittering with jewels.
She rose gracefully, hands clasped together.
"At last… our savior has returned to us."
The knights slammed their fists to their chests in unison.
"Glory to the Hero Aurelian!"
Haruto froze. His brain short-circuited.
Wait… wait, wait, WAIT. This is THAT scene! The exact opening from Episode One of Aurelian: Dawn of Radiance! Where the hero is summoned back after 100 years to save the kingdom!
His inner otaku screamed. Outwardly, however…
He raised a trembling hand.
"…Uhm. Sup."
The knights blinked. The queen tilted her head.
"…Sup?"
Haruto panicked. He slammed a fist over his chest, mimicking the knights.
"Y-Yes! SUP, as in… Strength, Unity, Prosperity! It's my… uh… ancient hero's greeting!"
The room fell silent. Then, as if on cue—
"Strength! Unity! Prosperity!" the knights chanted, saluting.
Haruto internally fist-pumped. Nailed it.
---
From behind the queen stepped a girl in a flowing white gown, silver hair sparkling like moonlight.
Haruto's breath caught.
Oh. My. GOD. It's Princess Lyria. The main heroine! The OG waifu! The reason I bought three limited-edition Blu-rays!
She smiled sweetly, curtsying.
"Welcome back, great hero. I am honored to serve as your guide."
Her voice. Soft. Angelic. Just like the anime. Haruto's brain screamed. His mouth betrayed him.
"…M-Marry me."
The entire throne room gasped. Lyria froze, cheeks turning crimson. The queen's eyes widened.
Haruto's soul left his body. WHY DID I SAY THAT?!
He flailed his hands.
"I-I mean! Uh! That was… a traditional hero's… blessing! Yes! It means 'may fortune marry your path!' Haha… ha…"
Silence. The priests exchanged confused glances.
Then, to his horror, the queen nodded sagely.
"I see… truly, the ancient tongue of heroes carries deep wisdom."
Haruto wanted to die again.
---
A knight stepped forward, kneeling. He held up a massive, gleaming blade—the Radiant Sword Luxem, Aurelian's iconic weapon.
"Hero, your blade awaits."
Haruto's eyes sparkled.
The legendary sword itself…! The blade that defeated the Demon Sovereign…! It's even shinier in person!
He grabbed the hilt with dramatic flair.
"Let destiny guide my hand—AAAAAAHHHH IT'S HEAVY!"
The sword clanged as he dropped it. The entire room flinched.
Haruto scrambled, red-faced.
"Ha! Just… uh… testing the durability! Yes, the gravity here is far stronger than in my era! Hahaha…"
He barely managed to lift the sword with both hands, wobbling like a drunk penguin.
The knights whispered among themselves.
"Has the hero… weakened?"
"No, fool! It must be some divine test of humility."
Haruto puffed his chest. Somehow I keep BS'ing my way out of this…
--- The Royal Feast
That evening, Haruto was seated at a massive banquet table, overflowing with roasted meats, exotic fruits, and goblets of wine.
He stared at the spread, drooling.
Holy crap… actual medieval feast food. Not cup ramen. Not konbini rice balls. Real food.
A roasted turkey leg was placed before him. He grabbed it instantly, chomping down like a starving wolf.
Princess Lyria watched with wide eyes. "My hero, do… do you always eat so passionately?"
Haruto, grease all over his face, gave a thumbs-up.
"Protein fuels justice."
She blushed.
"…Truly… a hero's wisdom is profound."
The queen clasped her hands.
"Tomorrow, Hero, you shall begin your journey. The fate of our world rests in your hands."
Haruto swallowed hard, his excitement bubbling over.
It's really happening. I'm actually in the anime. This is my story now!
But then—his eyes widened. His spoon clattered.
"W-Wait… tomorrow? Like… leaving the castle? The comfy bed? The free food? Already?!"
The knights nodded solemnly.
"The Demon Lord's forces march. There is no time to waste."
Haruto's soul wept. He stared at his half-eaten turkey leg.
"…This is gonna be harder than I thought."