"No way you didn't!"
"Yes way I did! I smacked the fool right back to reality!"
Laughter filled the air between King Elias and John Kennedy. The two of them had become surprisingly close within just a short time.
John was the first among the summoned students to form a friendly bond with the young king. He sat right next to Elias at the dining table, and from there, their friendship grew quickly.
Before long, others joined in, the outgoing, talkative ones, the popular types from class.
They told jokes, bragged about their time on Earth, and shared stories about the modern world.
The king listened eagerly, laughing at almost everything. His eyes sparkled with curiosity, like a child hearing bedtime stories for the first time.
But the lighthearted atmosphere changed when another figure entered the hall. The moment he stepped inside, the chatter died down on its own. His presence alone demanded silence.
It was none other than the Great Magus, Gulepas, the man who had summoned them to this world.
"Great Magus Gulepas greets the sun," he said respectfully, bowing his head to the king.
"Ah, Gulepas! You're finally here. Good, good! You have to listen to these kids' stories. They're hilarious!"
The king waved his hand cheerfully, still smiling wide.
The summoned "heroes" exchanged awkward glances. Did he just call them kids?
They all looked much older than the king himself! Even Tyler, who looked the youngest among them, was sure he appeared older than the small boy sitting on the throne.
The king didn't look a day older than seven. He had soft cheeks, a small frame, and an innocent face that could melt anyone's heart. Yet this childlike figure was the ruler of the kingdom.
Tyler couldn't help but think, Power really makes all the difference.
He glanced at John, expecting him to explode at being called a "kid." But John didn't even blink.
He laughed with the king instead. That alone showed how much power could change how people behaved.
Tyler clenched his fists beneath the table. 'This world is my chance,' he thought. 'I won't waste it.'
"Your Highness," the Great Magus began, "I believe now would be a good time to explain to the heroes the purpose of their summoning."
"Right, right," Elias replied, realizing he had completely forgotten about the main reason for this meeting. "We did get a little carried away, didn't we?"
He puffed his cheeks like a child throwing a small tantrum, drawing light laughter from the table.
"Okay, everyone. Since the Great Magus wants us to get serious, let's do just that. But first, introductions!"
He clapped his hands together, his energy still bright and lively.
Tyler guessed he was trying to make everyone more comfortable before diving into the serious part.
One by one, the students began introducing themselves.
First up was John Kennedy, the confident, arrogant leader of their class. He introduced himself like he was already some kind of hero, his voice loud and proud.
Next came Sarah Watson, John's girlfriend and the most beautiful girl in their class. Her tone was smooth and charming, just like her looks.
Then came Damon, the class representative. He was calm, smart, and collected, the type everyone respected.
After them, others followed, but none stood out as much. Tyler, as usual, went last. His voice was soft, his introduction short.
"Good, good," the king said, clapping his small hands together. "You all have such wonderful names!"
He sounded genuinely happy about something so simple.
"Now, my turn!"
The king climbed onto the table, puffed out his chest, and proudly declared, "I am Elias Everblade, the fifteenth king of the Vermont Kingdom!"
Gasps spread through the group.
Fifteenth? How long had this kingdom been around to already have fifteen kings? Unless their kings didn't live long, this sounded unbelievable.
Elias smiled at their reactions and continued, "Now, as for why we brought you here… there's one simple reason. I want each of you to shine in your own way!"
The group looked confused. That didn't sound like much of an explanation.
Elias continued, his cheerful tone softening, "Our world is… complicated. Power here is controlled by the Magus Order. They decide who rises and who falls. They only care about themselves and those within their ranks."
He paused for a moment, his small hand tightening into a fist. "I want to change that."
Tyler leaned forward. The king's tone had changed completely. This wasn't a child talking now. It was a ruler speaking with purpose.
"The Magus Order has more power than any kingdom," Elias went on. "But that ends with me. I plan to build a military strong enough to stand against them."
Damon raised his hand. "How are you going to do that? And how do we fit into this plan?"
The king smiled brightly. "Good question! The answer is simple."
He turned toward the group and spread his arms wide. "Long ago, legends spoke of heroes summoned from another world, beings who possessed the power to change the balance of this world."
He pointed toward them. "That's where all of you come in."
The Great Magus Gulepas nodded. "Indeed. I performed the ancient ritual described in those legends. The result is your very presence here. You are living proof that the Summoning was a success."
Elias nodded as well. "Each of you has great potential. Together, you can help us bring peace to this land and free it from the control of the Magus Order."
The room fell silent for a moment. The weight of his words finally sank in.
"So," Elias said softly, "what will it be, heroes? Will you help my kingdom and stand beside me? Or will you choose otherwise?"
He smiled again, but this time, there was something serious behind that smile. He didn't explain what "otherwise" meant, and none of them dared to ask.
Soon after, the meeting ended.
The students were dismissed, escorted out by their maids, their minds buzzing with thoughts and questions.
When the room was empty, only King Elias, the Great Magus Gulepas, and the guards remained.
Gulepas finally spoke, his voice calm but curious. "Your Highness, what is your verdict?"
The king didn't reply right away. Instead, a slow smile spread across his face, a smile that seemed far too knowing for someone who looked like a child.