Ron woke up to find himself sitting across from the same old man.
"Hyy." the old man grinned.
"Not you again," Ron groaned.
"Do you know why I summoned you?" the old man asked, eyes twinkling.
"I don't wanna know. So please, just take me back to Hero Town."
The old man chuckled. "What a rude boy."
"Hey, old man. Where was I? And what was happening before I blacked out?" Ron asked.
"You're in Dimension of Necrotop. You saved a princess of Recroun Kingdom." Old man replies.
Ron stares at the old man then says, "Hey, gramps," Ron said, narrowing his eyes. "Who are you, really? Some kind of sorcerer or something?"
"Good question. I am the—"
"Not that I care," Ron interrupted. "Just tell me how I can go back."
"I don't know myself, Its your job to find. And just as I said you'll get rewards." the old man said with a shrug.
Ron smacked his forehead. "What did I do in my life to deserve this?"
"Hahaha! Kid, you're funny." The old man smacked Ron on the back—
—and the world blinked.
A warm breeze brushed his face. When Ron opened his eyes again, he was lying on a dusty road under the blue sky. The sound of chickens and distant chatter filled the air.
He blinked. "A… village?"
"Hey, young man. Are you hungry?" a gentle voice asked.
Ron turned to see an old woman smiling kindly at him, sitting nearby. He nodded.
"What's your name?" she asked as she served him a bowl of soup.
"Ron," he said softly. "My name is Ron."
"A good name," she said, her eyes distant.
"How are you, Granny? You live alone?"
"Yes," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "I had a son once… but he died. Beasts attacked the village last month."
Ron froze, lowering his spoon. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.
She smiled sadly and took Ron's hand. "It's not your fault, child."
After finishing the meal, Ron thanked her and stepped back onto the road. His thoughts swirled.
That old man… How can I call him again?
He was so lost in thought that he bumped into a stone pillar. "Ouch, damn it." Ron saw a gate, and a bazaar.
The bazaar buzzed with life — merchants shouting, spices scenting the air, strange coins clinking in unfamiliar hands.
Ron wandered aimlessly, eyes scanning the chaos, until something caught his attention.
A towering clock rose above the city's skyline, its face gleaming with golden light. Beneath it stood a marble building — silent and majestic amidst the noise.
"A library," Ron murmured, stepping inside
Curious, he picked a random book and flipped through the pages quickly. At the end, his hand froze.
Original Author: Dream
Ron's eyes widened. He flipped back, scanning the names on the earlier pages — DA. Ricky Racon. Daniel.
Daniel… that was the name on the grave.
Before he could think further, a sharp voice echoed behind him.
"Hey! Who are you?"
Ron turned. A man in fine robes glared at him.
"Sir, I was just reading," Ron replied calmly.
"Commoners aren't allowed here. And don't touch that book — it costs more than your life. Get out, now!"
Ron placed the book back gently, his heart pounding. Dream's name. DA. Daniel. None of it made sense.
Outside, the city noise returned like a storm. He stepped into the street, trying to calm his thoughts—
—and then something slammed into his shoulder, knocking him off balance.
"Watch where you're going, commoner," a sneering voice said.
"How did a commoner sneak in here?" someone snarled.
Several others gathered, sneering. "Looks like the peasant wants to play scholar."
Ron's eyes darkened. He sighed, walked ignoring their existence.
"Hey, commoner! How did you get into the library? Even high nobles aren't allowed here."
One of them spoke with a smug smile, his arms crossed like he owned the place.
Ron stood up slowly, giving the man a look from head to toe.
"Are you a noble? Sorry, I thought you were in charge of cleaning duties. My bad."
He shrugged casually and turned to leave.
"Damn you, commoner!" one of them snapped, grabbing Ron's shoulder.
Another stepped forward. "Where do you think you're going?"
Ron stopped, not even looking back.
"I'm a commoner, remember? So I'm going outside."
The noble raised his hand to strike. "You son of a—"
Before the punch could land, a firm hand caught his wrist.
"General?!" the noble stammered.
"Father?" Sai gasped.
The tall man glared at them. "Smith, Sai, Mike — how dare you cause a scene here?"
Sai stepped forward nervously. "F-Father, it was this commoner's fault!" He jabbed a finger toward Ron.
"Excuse me, Mr. Noble-with-no-brain," Ron said flatly. "You were the one who tackled me first."
The general's eyes flicked toward Ron. Recognition flashed in them.
"You… You're him. That man from a week ago."
Ron raised an eyebrow. "Sir, I think you've got the wrong guy."
But before he could walk away, the general's hand gripped his shoulder.
"You saved us from those monsters. We were escorting the princess."
Ron blinked, remembering faintly. "Sorry, sir. But you really do have the wrong guy."
The general smiled faintly. "Why don't you come with me, Sir?"
They walked to a wide open training ground just beyond the library's marble walls.
The general drew his sword and tossed another to Ron.
"Nice sword," Ron said, examining it. "Looks cool."
Without warning, the general lunged. Steel clashed.
Ron moved like he'd done it a thousand times — parrying effortlessly, striking back with measured precision.
At one point, he even forced the general a few steps back.
Hidden in the nearby bushes, Smith, Sai, and Mike watched with wide eyes.
"Is he… pushing Father back?" Sai whispered.
"Impossible," Smith muttered. "Your Father is one of the Elites."
The general lowered his sword, smiling broadly. "You're good. What's your name?"
"Ron."
"I'm Harrison," the man said, extending his hand. "Nice to meet you, Ron."
Ron shook it firmly.
"Would you consider joining the Elites? They're the top soldiers of the kingdom — directly connected to the King himself."
From the bushes came a muffled gasp.
"Damn, that commoner just got invited to the Elites," Mike whispered.
Ron smiled faintly. "Thanks for the offer… but no."
Both Harrison and the hidden nobles froze in disbelief as Ron turned and walked away — calm, unbothered, leaving only the echo of clashing swords behind him.