XStrugglingped the cold chain binding his wrists as he trudged through the dimly lit stone hall, the muscular soldier leading the way. His classmates shuffled ahead, their legs restrained and struggling to walk properly, moving more like waddling penguins than humans.
The silence was heavy, broken only by soft whimpers that escaped their lips. As they passed, nobles lounged in the corridor, their eyes fixed on the group with a mix of disdain and amusement. They whispered among themselves, laughter bubbling up as they scrutinized the students, particularly the girls, some of whom wore garments that left far too little to the imagination.
The soldier's voice cut through the tension. "Keep your eyes down. We don't want the nobles getting any ideas."
Xavier inhaled deeply, shifting his hands slightly to alleviate some discomfort. The hall around him was lavishly decorated with intricate portraits and relics of grandeur, a stark contrast to the soot-stained legs of the students, marring the pristine red carpet beneath them.
Suddenly, without warning, the soldier halted in front of an immense door, causing a few classmates to stumble into him. Xavier stared in awe at the grand entrance: gleaming white, embellished with golden handles and adorned with a magnificent golden lion for a doorknob.
With a powerful pull, the soldier swung the door open, revealing an extraordinary room that left Xavier breathless. The walls glimmered in gold, and vibrant flowers were meticulously arranged throughout the space. Birds chirped cheerfully as they flitted above, while a gentle stream of water flowed from a frog-shaped spout, creating a soothing atmosphere.
Gasps of wonder echoed amongst his classmates as they stepped into this surreal paradise.
In the midst of this opulence, Xavier noticed an ornate arrangement of furniture that resembled a letter 'C,' adorned with plush pillows. Suddenly, the structure shifted, and out stepped a woman who took his breath away. She was stunning, with cascading golden hair that flowed elegantly in waves, her long white gown clinging to her form in all the wrong places, leaving little to the imagination. Her striking eyes scanned the group, and a captivating smile graced her lips.
Brian whispered in amazement, "Where has she been all my life?"
Xavier stayed silent, his curiosity piqued as he tried to discern the identity and intentions of this mesmerizing figure.
The soldier bowed deeply to her before stepping back and closing the door behind him.
"Welcome, heroes," she beckoned, her voice melodious. "To my humble abode."
A brave voice from the crowd piped up. "Hey, lady. Before you start, care to explain why we're dressed like this? We look like slaves, not heroes."
Laughter erupted among the students, but the goddess's smile faltered for just a moment, a flicker of irritation gracing her otherwise serene visage.
"I am the goddess who summoned you brave individuals here," she responded calmly. "And we humbly beseech you to save our world."
Brian's frustration burst forth. "What's with the royal treatment? We came here in chains, packed like livestock! If we're heroes, where are the honors?"
The goddess remained composed. "We had to take precautions. Summoning you in your current state was necessary to prevent any potential diseases from harming my people. Regrettably, it was the only method available for your cleansing."
"That's a load of crap!" Dennis shot back. "You mean to say we were quarantined like this? What about the perks of being heroes?"
"And they will come, but only once you prove yourselves as heroes," she assured them with an unwavering smile.
Unease crept in as Derek's voice trembled. "So... where's our teacher?"
The goddess clapped her hands together. "Gone."
"What do you mean by 'gone'?" Xavier interjected, concern lacing his tone.
"I mean that he and the driver have returned to your world," she replied nonchalantly.
"But they'll notice we're missing!" Xavier protested.
"We took care of that," she reassured him. "All memories of your disappearance have been erased. They won't remember you—or the chaos that unfolded."
Derek's eyes widened in realization. "So the dead body we saw… that was an illusion?"
"Exactly," she affirmed.
Murmurs of disbelief rippled through the students. They began to grasp the extent of the deception that had facilitated their summoning.
With a flick of her wrist, the goddess conjured a holographic image of their world, marked with red spots indicating locations of strife.
"For centuries, harmony reigned under my guidance," she began, her voice firm. "But everything changed when the Demaranians launched their invasion."
"They showed no respect for the gods," she continued. "They've recklessly attacked our planet…"Xavier gripped the cold chain binding his wrists as he trudged through the dimly lit stone hall, the muscular soldier leading the way. His classmates shuffled ahead, their legs restrained and struggling to walk properly, moving more like waddling penguins than humans.
The silence was heavy, broken only by soft whimpers that escaped their lips. As they passed, nobles lounged in the corridor, their eyes fixed on the group with a mix of disdain and amusement. They whispered among themselves, laughter bubbling up as they scrutinized the students, particularly the girls, some of whom wore garments that left far too little to the imagination.
The soldier's voice cut through the tension. "Keep your eyes down. We don't want the nobles getting any ideas."
Xavier inhaled deeply, shifting his hands slightly to alleviate some discomfort. The hall around him was lavishly decorated with intricate portraits and relics of grandeur, a stark contrast to the soot-stained legs of the students, marring the pristine red carpet beneath them.
Suddenly, without warning, the soldier halted in front of an immense door, causing a few classmates to stumble into him. Xavier stared in awe at the grand entrance: gleaming white, embellished with golden handles and adorned with a magnificent golden lion for a doorknob.
With a powerful pull, the soldier swung the door open, revealing an extraordinary room that left Xavier breathless. The walls glimmered in gold, and vibrant flowers were meticulously arranged throughout the space. Birds chirped cheerfully as they flitted above, while a gentle stream of water flowed from a frog-shaped spout, creating a soothing atmosphere.
Gasps of wonder echoed amongstby his classmates as they stepped into this surreal paradise.
In the midst of this opulence, Xavier noticed an ornate arrangement of furniture that resembled a letter 'C,' adorned with plush pillows. Suddenly, the structure shifted, and out stepped a woman who took his breath away. She was stunning, with cascading golden hair that flowed elegantly in waves, her long white gown clinging to her form in all the wrong places, leaving little to the imagination. Her striking eyes scanned the group, and a captivating smile graced her lips.
Brian whispered in amazement, "Where has she been all my life?"
Xavier stayed silent, his curiosity piqued as he tried to discern the identity and intentions of this mesmerizing figure.
The soldier bowed deeply to her before stepping back and closing the door behind him.
"Welcome, heroes," she beckoned, her voice melodious. "To my humble abode."
A brave voice from the crowd piped up. "Hey, lady. Before you start, care to explain why we're dressed like this? We look like slaves, not heroes."
Laughter erupted among the students, but the goddess's smile faltered for just a moment, a flicker of irritation gracing her otherwise serene visage.
"I am the goddess who summoned you brave individuals here," she responded calmly. "And we humbly beseech you to save our world."
Brian's frustration burst forth. "What's with the royal treatment? We came here in chains, packed like livestock! If we're heroes, where are the honors?"
The goddess remained composed. "We had to take precautions. Summoning you in your current state was necessary to prevent any potential diseases from harming my people. Regrettably, it was the only method available for your cleansing."
"That's a load of crap!" Dennis shot back. "You mean to say we were quarantined like this? What about the perks of being heroes?"
"And they will come, but only once you prove yourselves as heroes," she assured them with an unwavering smile.
Unease crept in as Derek's voice trembled. "So... where's our teacher?"
The goddess clapped her hands together. "Gone."
"What do you mean 'gone'?" Xavier interjected, concern lacing his tone.
"I mean that he and the driver have returned to your world," she replied nonchalantly.
"But they'll notice we're missing!" Xavier protested.
"We took care of that," she reassured him. "All memories of your disappearance have been erased. They won't remember you—or the chaos that unfolded."
Derek's eyes widened in realization. "So the dead body we saw… that was an illusion?"
"Exactly," she affirmed.
Murmurs of disbelief rippled through the students. They began to grasp the extent of the deception that had facilitated their summoning.
With a flick of her wrist, the goddess conjured a holographic image of their world, marked with red spots indicating locations of strife.
"For centuries, harmony reigned under my guidance," she began, her voice firm. "But everything changed when the Demaranians launched their invasion."
"They showed no respect for the gods," she continued. "They've recklessly attacked our planet…"
Having no respect for the gods," she began, her voice steady and filled with conviction, "they've launched attacks across the planet, trying to claim it as their own. In their desperation, some humans—especially the commoners who have long suffered under the disdain of the nobles—turned to the Demaranian for power. They were offered a dark gift: blood that bestowed upon them extraordinary abilities."
With a flick of her wrist, she manipulated a holographic image, showcasing scenes of chaos and rebellion. "These defectors formed teams and factions, dedicated to ensuring that this world succumbs to the Demaranians. Some have gained the power to shape-shift, masquerading as humans within influential positions, secretly twisting the fate of our society from the shadows."
As the hologram dissipated, she turned her intense gaze toward them. "That is why you are here. To assist us in reclaiming our world."
Xavier sat in stunned silence, absorbing the weight of her words.
"Hey, goddess," Brian interjected with a mix of curiosity and bravado, "why can't you handle this yourself?"
"Because I am a goddess," she replied firmly. "I cannot directly meddle in the affairs of the world I oversee."
"So we're left with no choice, huh?" Bella asked, a hint of apprehension in her voice.
"You don't," the goddess affirmed. "But don't worry; you will be trained, nourished, and supported throughout this journey."
Dennis, trying to find a solution, raised his voice. "Can you at least get these chains off us?"
With a graceful wave of her wand, the chains binding them shattered and clattered to the ground. Xavier winced as he flexed his sore wrists, relief washing over him as he regained his freedom.
"But," Derek chimed in hesitantly as he rubbed his wrists, "we don't have any powers. How are we supposed to save the world?"
"Have faith," the goddess said, her smile radiant and reassuring.
With a sharp clap of her hands, she continued, "As your journey begins, you'll awaken the abilities that lie dormant within you—abilities fit for heroes."
Xavier watched as his classmates buzzed with a mix of anticipation and excitement, their eyes sparkling at the idea of unlocking their potential.
Brian thumped Xavier on the back, a grin plastered on his face. "Can you believe it? We're about to become real-life anime characters!"
Xavier nodded, unable to suppress a smile, the prospect of adventure igniting a flame in his heart.
"Now," the goddess announced with fervor, "it's time for the Awakening ceremony."