"And you. What did you choose, you silly girl?"
Veronica placed her hand on her chest and answered in a tone of mock pride:
"The adventurer. I'll be the strongest among you all—
Did you hear me?"
"Don't even dream of it, darling. No matter how strong you become, you'll never come close to me… The witch,"
Suzumi replied with a hint of challenge.
"You may be the strongest on land. But at sea—no one will set foot without my will."
André joined in the conversation boastfully, before the sorceress Suzumi responded to him:
"I assume you're becoming a sailor? A pirate, maybe?"
"It's not time to think about that yet. But there is one absolute truth: I'll take any path necessary to rule the seas and bend them to my will."
André's words sent chills through the most of the group.
André had always had that kind of presence that influenced others.
"Have you chosen your fate, Lee Sora?"
After Kim's question, Lee Sora tilted her head in agreement, with some hesitation:
"I think I'll choose the Nun… I mean… she'll be useful, right?"
Lee Sora was the reserved type.
She hadn't had many friends in her life and lacked self-confidence.
But she always cared deeply about those around her.
She was always a uniquely helpful source of support for them.
Veronica raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest:
"What an angelic heart you have. Don't worry—I'll protect you. And in return… you'll bless me so I can surpass them. Deal?"
Lee Sora stammered shyly, without giving a clear answer, which made the situation oddly funny for their friends.
"What about you, Kim Jihoon? Did you choose your own fate?"
Kim Jihoon smiled and put his index finger to his lips, saying softly:
"Shh… it's a secret. You'll know when the time is right."
"Trying to be mysterious, huh? I like that."
"Arthur… I won't lie, I'm curious to know your choice."
André asked with clear curiosity.
"Glad you asked, sailor. I will revive the legend of King Arthur. I'll choose the Aristocrat and climb the ladder toward kingship."
Suzumi replied mockingly:
"You're not going to bring back witch-burning laws, are you… Your Majesty?"
Arthur answered:
"Mocking King Arthur, are you? I'll cut your head off in public, you daughter of the devil!"
"My, how cruel you are, Your Highness."
"Arthur… y-you're not actually going to do that, right?"
Kim Jihoon spoke after the humorous exchange between his friends:
"So… is it time to choose?"
Arthur answered seriously:
"I think so. Let's see what happens."
And just before everyone raised their hands toward the virtual screens to choose, he added:
"Wait. We don't know if we'll see each other again. I hope we will—but we need to make a promise now."
The expressions of the friends turned serious as they listened to Arthur. He continued:
"You all must live. Every one of you. And find a way back. The system said there's a reward for completing your fate—
Maybe that's the clue to returning home."
"Yes, no doubt about it. We'll return to our world successfully."
André replied confidently, while Veronica added:
"Worry about yourself. I'll slap down anyone who stands in my way—toward the end of fate or whatever it is."
Everyone chose their fates at the same time.
The screens changed, and a new system message appeared:
'Choice confirmed. Transfer will occur shortly.'
Leon spoke with excitement and a strange feeling:
"We're really going to another world! This is kinda nerve-wracking."
And who wouldn't be nervous in this situation?
"Don't die, brother."
Veronica spoke to Leonid with tenderness.
The group stood in a circle, waiting for the transfer event.
Lee Sora held Kim Jihoon's hand and squeezed it tightly.
It was truly out of fear.
Kim leaned in and whispered a few words in Lee Sora's ear, which made her smile in relief.
His words had eased some of her fear and tension.
Suddenly, a bright light burst from the walls, floor, and ceiling of the room.
They felt the same ringing and sharp pain they had experienced in the café—
before their bodies vanished from the room.
'Transfer completed successfully.'