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Kaida’s vision slowly adjusted as the glow around him dimmed, revealing the grandeur of the chamber he now stood in.
Massive white marble columns stretched toward a ceiling so high it felt almost endless. Golden engravings traced intricate patterns along the walls, each detail radiating wealth and power. A grand chandelier cast a warm glow over the polished floor, where a long blue carpet led to an ornate throne.
Seated upon it was a man whose presence commanded absolute respect.
His silver hair was neatly combed back, his piercing blue eyes holding an unreadable expression. Draped in golden robes with a deep blue cape flowing behind him, he exuded authority without even speaking a word.
Beside him stood a young woman, her posture poised and regal. Long, dark blue hair cascaded down her back, and her sapphire eyes studied Kaida with quiet curiosity… and something else. Sympathy.
Kaida felt small beneath their gazes.
His fists clenched at his sides, his pulse hammering in his ears as he struggled to process everything.
The silence stretched before the king finally spoke, his voice calm yet firm.
“I imagine you must be confused, young one.”
Kaida swallowed. Understatement of the century.
The king continued, his tone unwavering. “You have been brought here by the will of the gods. This is the Crystal Empire, one of the five great kingdoms of this world.” He gestured across the grand hall. “And I am its ruler, King Alden Von Estria.”
Kaida barely reacted, his mind still trying to piece everything together.
The king then motioned toward the young woman beside him. “And this is my daughter, Princess Lysara Von Estria.”
Lysara stepped forward with a polite nod. “It is an honor to meet you,” she said gently. “Though I imagine you must be feeling anything but honored at the moment.”
Kaida forced himself to find his voice.
“I don’t—” He exhaled sharply, trying to steady himself. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know why I’m here.” His voice wavered slightly, but he pushed through. “I just want to know… how do I get home?”
Alden’s expression remained unreadable, but there was something in his gaze—regret, perhaps.
“I do not know,” he admitted.
Kaida’s breath hitched.
“The gods were the ones who brought you here,” Alden continued. “I do not possess the knowledge to send you back. I can only offer you sanctuary within this kingdom and provide you with all that you need.”
The words hit Kaida like a hammer to the chest.
No way home.
His fingers curled into fists. His friends—his sister—were they here too? Were they even alive?
The king’s voice broke through his spiraling thoughts. “I understand this is overwhelming, but you are safe here. My daughter will escort you to your chambers so you may rest and collect yourself.”
Kaida barely heard him. His mind was still spinning.
But he wasn’t stupid. He couldn’t break down now—not in front of strangers.
He forced himself to nod, swallowing the lump in his throat. “…Alright.”
Lysara stepped forward once more, offering him a reassuring smile. “If you would follow me, please.”
Kaida hesitated before falling into step behind her.
A Walk Through the Palace
The palace halls were breathtaking—tall, grand, and adorned with elaborate golden patterns along the walls. Large stained-glass windows lined the corridors, casting colorful reflections onto the marble floors.
But Kaida barely processed any of it.
His thoughts were a tangled mess.
As he walked behind Lysara, his hands shoved into his pockets, his shoulders tense. He didn’t trust these people. He didn’t trust anyone right now.
Lysara glanced back, noticing the distance he kept.
“I know this must be overwhelming,” she said softly. “I can only imagine how you must feel.”
Kaida remained silent, barely glancing at her.
She continued, unfazed. “You may not believe it now, but you were brought here for a reason. You are not alone in this world.”
Kaida exhaled slowly. “I appreciate that,” he muttered, though his tone lacked conviction.
She smiled, sensing his wariness but not pushing further. “I know this situation isn’t ideal, but I truly believe you are here for a greater purpose.”
Kaida let the words hang in the air before sighing.
“Yeah… I guess,” he said, though even he didn’t sound convinced.
Lysara stopped in front of a large door, resting her hand against it before turning to him. “These will be your quarters for now. If you need anything, there will be servants outside your door.”
Kaida gave a small nod, his throat tight.
She bowed slightly before stepping back. “Rest well.”
And with that, she left him alone.
Kaida lingered in the doorway for a long moment before stepping inside.
The room was grand. Too grand. A massive bed with silk sheets sat in the center, a chandelier hanging above, and a balcony overlooking the palace gardens.
But it felt… wrong.
Everything came crashing down at once.
He was trapped in another world with no way home. And worst of all—he didn’t know if his friends or Olivia were even alive.
His legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the bed.
His fingers gripped the sheets. He felt so small.
For the first time since arriving—he let himself break.
He didn’t know how much time had passed when the door slammed open with enough force to shake the walls.
Kaida jolted upright. “The hell—?”
A towering woman strode into the room, her presence dominating the space instantly.
She had dark skin and wild golden-blonde hair tied back in a loose ponytail. Feline ears twitched on top of her head, her sharp amber eyes scanning him critically. A long, striped tail flicked behind her, and several scars lined her toned arms—one stretching across her cheek.
She looked dangerous.
She crossed her arms, eyeing him like he was some kind of disappointment.
“So… this is the so-called ‘hero’ I’m supposed to be training?”
Kaida blinked. “Uh… who are you?”
The woman scoffed. “Name’s Temu Zennen. I’m your new instructor.”
Kaida stiffened. “Instructor… for what?”
Temu snorted. “For turning that weak, twig-like body of yours into something actually useful.” She scanned him from head to toe, then groaned dramatically. “Gods above, I was expecting someone bigger. Stronger. Not some half-grown runt.”
Kaida twitched. “Excuse me?”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it, you’re confused, lost, maybe even a little scared—boo-hoo.” She stepped closer, cracking her knuckles. “But listen up, because I’m not gonna waste my time babysitting some clueless brat.”
Kaida scowled. “I’m not a brat—”
“Oh, you absolutely are.” Temu smirked. “But don’t worry, kid, I’ll knock that attitude right out of you soon enough.”
Kaida felt his eye twitch.
Temu ignored him, already turning toward the door. “Training starts tomorrow. No slacking. No whining. You’ll train with my squad, fight alongside them, and maybe—maybe—you’ll become worth something.”
Kaida exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. “What the hell has my life become?”
Temu snorted. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
And with that, she was gone.
Kaida collapsed back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.
His mind flickered back to his last conversation with Olivia.
“Maybe even something heroic.”
He let out a hollow chuckle.
“This… is not what I meant.”
