The next morning Ryo stretched lazily on the small bed inside the bakery's guest room The wolf pup was curled at his feet snoring softly He yawned staring at the wooden ceiling Another day another loaf of bread Hopefully no cloaked weirdos this time.
Downstairs the baker was already busy preparing trays The smell of fresh rolls filled the room and Ryo followed it like a moth to light.
Morning the baker greeted Supreme Protector would you like your usual?
Ryo raised a hand Please don't call me that Just Ryo is fine.
The baker smiled nervously Of course Ryo But you'll always be our hero.
Ryo sighed and sat at the counter biting into a warm roll If being a hero means free bread I guess I'll accept it.
He didn't get to enjoy the moment long The wolf pup suddenly jumped off the stool barking at the door A soft knocking followed.
Ryo opened it expecting another villager Instead it was the Elder clutching a scroll Ryo he said voice heavy I must speak with you.
Ryo frowned If this is about another title ceremony I'm out.
The Elder shook his head No This is different A messenger bird delivered this letter at dawn It carries the seal of the High Kingdom.
Ryo blinked High Kingdom? Never heard of it Sounds like an overcompensating place.
The Elder unrolled the scroll The script glowed faintly shimmering with magic He read aloud
To the one known as the Supreme Protector
Your strength has echoed across realms You are hereby summoned to the High Kingdom Refusal is not an option.
Ryo leaned back Summoned? Across realms? For what a dinner party?
The Elder's face grew grim No one receives summons from the High Kingdom unless… unless they've been noticed by the Crown of Worlds.
Ryo blinked Crown of Worlds? Sounds like a fancy hat.
The Elder shook his head It is said to be worn only by the ruler of all realms If they've heard of you it means your existence has disrupted the balance.
Ryo tore off another piece of bread Disrupted the balance by eating snacks? That's a new record even for me.
The wolf pup barked in agreement.
The Elder lowered his voice Ryo… you may laugh but this is serious They will not stop until you appear before them You must decide will you go willingly or risk war between worlds?
Ryo stood up dusting crumbs off his shirt Sounds dramatic Fine I'll go But only because I'm curious if this Crown of Worlds has better bread than yours.
The Elder nearly fell over You treat this as a game… and yet perhaps that's why you are unshaken.
The wolf pup jumped into Ryo's arms Ryo looked down at it and grinned Guess we're taking a trip little guy.
Outside the villagers had gathered as if they already knew Some looked worried others proud Children waved The baker handed Ryo a satchel full of bread.
Take this she said Wherever you go may it remind you of home.
Ryo slung it over his shoulder Thanks I'll bring the satchel back once I'm done with this whole… multiverse crown business.
As he walked down the dirt road the villagers called out blessings and farewells The wolf pup barked happily tail wagging Ryo didn't look back.
Instead he muttered So the High Kingdom wants me huh? Let's see what makes them so high.
The wind carried his words into the horizon and the journey toward the unknown began.