Chapter 3 - The Stray

🟠 chapter 02 :

...Whaaat?!

For just a moment I realized I was alive.

And now... execution?! 

— "Why?! What did I even do?! Are *you* the one who's going to do it?!" 

— "Relax, relax… I said *you were supposed to* be executed. But I adjusted the situation."

He... adjusted it? Just like that?! 

What is this now, a settings menu? 

Am I the subject, the object... or the punchline?

This can't be a dream, unfortunately. 

I'm here. In this white void. 

And according to this "Noel" guy, I was nearly executed.

But why? What crime? Did I accidentally hack a divine firewall?

I finally asked, trying to sound logical despite my brain screaming:

— "Alright, Mr. Noel... what exactly is going on? Why me?"

Noel pulled out a small notebook — no idea where from — and calmly said:

— "Simply put... you're an anomaly. 

We classify those who arrive in this world into two groups:

1. **Summoned** – brought here through a known magical ritual.

2. **Stray** – someone who just... shows up. We don't know how."

He closed the notebook and looked at me firmly:

— "And you, Takero, are a Stray."

A stray?! 

I was just trying to buy ice cream

Noel continued like a bored bureaucrat:

— "Could be a glitch in the transfer system… or maybe some unknown force sent you here. 

The point is: you arrived without registration or approval. 

That makes you a threat — at least, in the eyes of certain officials."

He scratched his head like he was explaining a late pizza delivery:

— "We have a council here in the void. 

They're supposed to review irregular transfers. 

Honestly? Useless bunch. 

Just a group of beings pretending to work while drinking coffee all day."

He sighed:

— "When they saw you, they immediately said: 'Execute him.' 

But I didn't see you as a threat, so I stepped in on your behalf…"

I interrupted with hope in my voice:

— "So... does that mean you're sending me back to Earth?"

He gave me the most diplomatic smile of disappointment ever:

— "Sorry. That's only possible for regular cases. 

You're an exception. 

That's why I've been assigned to monitor you in the new world."

He paused.

— "My mission? To observe you. 

They want to know: What are your intentions? 

Or — if you weren't the one responsible — what are the intentions of whoever sent you… assuming someone did."

Honestly… this whole thing is overwhelming. 

Not because I'm helpless, but because everything is happening too fast to process. 

And yet… I keep going along with it like I'm in a dream I can't wake up from.

I glanced at Noel and asked suspiciously:

— "So… what do summoned people usually do?"

— "Defeat the Dark Lord? Rescue a princess?"

He smirked:

— "You've clearly read too many light novels and manga."

I raised an eyebrow:

— "Wait… you know about manga and light novels?!"

He replied, totally deadpan:

— "Why wouldn't I? 

Sometimes I visit Earth and buy a few myself."

...Wait what?

...He likes manga?

— "I enjoy *One Kick Man*, and also *Two Piece*."

— "Why do you mess up their names?! Ugh, never mind."

I decided to bring the conversation back to the actual crisis:

— "So seriously… what's actually going on here?"

Noel took a deep breath and gave the most rehearsed speech I've ever heard:

— "We summon individuals from Earth to become explorers in the new world. 

The world is called *Nivellera*. 

And within it, there's a mysterious region known as *HideLand* — a place nearly impossible to reach. 

They say anyone who reaches it and unlocks its secrets... will be granted one wish. 

Any wish. No limits."