I kept wandering through the city, marveling at the sheer diversity of this world. Elves with their tall, elegant forms moved gracefully through the streets, while stout dwarves bustled along carrying goods. Beastmen of various kinds — some with fur, others with scales — interacted freely with humans, all going about their daily lives. 'Do orcs exist here too?' I wondered, a faint thrill running down my spine. The more I walked, the more surreal it felt. Reading about this world in a book was one thing, but experiencing it firsthand was an entirely different matter. Every corner, every face, every sound carried a vibrancy the pages had never conveyed.
The streets were narrow yet lively, lined with colorful stalls selling exotic fruits, steaming dishes, and handmade trinkets. The scent of freshly baked bread mixed with roasted meat and a hint of spices I couldn't identify. I paused by one stall, picking up a small pastry, taking a tentative bite. The flavors danced on my tongue, unfamiliar but delicious. 'So this is what it's like to taste a story,' I mused, smiling at the thought.
Soon, I reached the city plaza, where something immediately drew my attention. Rising above the bustling crowd was an imposing marble statue, bathed in the soft golden light of the afternoon sun. I stepped closer, my eyes scanning the plaque at its base:
"Zenoir Shisui, the Hero."
My breath caught in my throat. I studied the sculpted face carefully, and an uncanny sense of familiarity washed over me. Black hair, sharp yet serene eyes, a determined expression etched in marble — for a fleeting moment, I could swear I was looking at my own reflection.
'This can't be just a coincidence...' I murmured, touching the cool stone reverently. The plaza around me seemed to fade into the background as I lingered, lost in thought. How could someone in this world look so much like me? The questions formed a knot in my chest, but I had no answers. After a long while, I sighed and tore my gaze away. The afternoon breeze nudged me forward, urging me to continue.
I made my way to the inn I had booked earlier. It was simple, with wooden beams and a welcoming fireplace, but it felt like a small sanctuary after a day of wandering. After a warm bath and a modest meal, I sank into the bed, the soft linens a comfort against my tired muscles. My eyes lingered on the ceiling as shadows from the window danced across the wood. 'So this is what it's like to be truly away from home...' I thought, letting the exhaustion take over as sleep finally claimed me.
The next morning, I awoke to the gentle clinking of bells and hurried footsteps on cobblestone outside. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room with a soft glow. I swung my legs off the bed, stretching and rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Dressing in casual clothes — black pants, a light shirt, and a thin overcoat — I adjusted my hair in front of the mirror, my reflection still holding a hint of the previous day's awe.
"All right... time to head to the academy," I said quietly to myself, slipping the recommendation letter from the vice-director into my pocket. My heartbeat quickened slightly. Today was more than just another day; it felt like a step deeper into this world, one I wasn't sure I fully understood yet.
The academy loomed ahead, more magnificent than I had imagined from the book. Towers of white stone pierced the sky, golden gates shimmered in the sunlight, and students moved through the courtyards in clusters, chatting, laughing, and training. Magic lights floated along pathways, illuminating statues of past heroes and historical scenes etched in stone. Every detail was vivid, every sound and smell pulling me further into this reality.
As I navigated the crowded courtyard, my gaze landed on a group that seemed to command everyone's attention. Among them was him — the hero from the story.
Golden hair that gleamed like sunlight, piercing blue eyes, and a confident, effortless smile. He radiated a natural charisma that pulled all eyes without a single word. Students gathered around, some bowing slightly, others whispering excitedly.
Beside him stood a girl with fiery red hair, her posture perfect, her voice bright and flattering as she spoke. Recognition struck me instantly.
Elara.
The villainess.
In the novel, her fate was harsh and unforgiving. Seeing her now, full of life and ambition, leaning toward him and speaking with that mix of charm and cunning, I felt a pang of unease. 'She has no idea what kind of fate awaits her...' I thought, my eyes narrowing slightly. The sight was almost cruel, knowing the tragedy that lay ahead, yet here she was, vibrant and thriving.
Meanwhile, the hero laughed softly at something Elara said, his expression gentle but commanding. He was exactly as I imagined from the book — handsome, confident, untouchable in his aura. Yet, despite the admiration surrounding him, I couldn't help but notice small, subtle movements, the way he tilted his head when listening, the faint furrow in his brow when he concentrated. He wasn't a perfect statue; he was real, alive, tangible.
I adjusted my overcoat and took a deep breath. The letter I carried felt heavier than it should, a reminder that I had a part to play, that I had a role to fulfill. Ignoring the crowd and the spectacle before me, I made my way toward the main building, determined.
'I can't let my thoughts wander too much... focus,' I whispered internally. Yet even as I walked, my mind lingered on her — Elara — and the cruel inevitability that awaited her.
The academy doors opened before me, grand and welcoming. I stepped inside, the air cooler and carrying a faint scent of parchment, polish, and magic. Today would be a pivotal day, I could feel it. And somewhere in the back of my mind, the statue of Zenoir, his calm, determined eyes, and that inexplicable resemblance pressed silently against my thoughts.
'This world... it's nothing like the book. And yet, everything feels the same.'
With that thought, I took another step forward, ready to meet the person I was meant to deliver the letter to, and perhaps, unknowingly, set events into motion that could change everything.