The world really didn't look like a world at all.
Not in the living sense.
It seemed as if the ground itself was dead and had been for quite some time.
Every single person was missing something.
Either a part of their body or a part of their mind.
Luca knew deep down that this could not be the standard of this world.
The being must have purposely placed him in this village as a starting point to punish him.
But for what?
What had he done that could warrant this?
She had kept stating that he had been a horrible person, but he had no recollection of it.
As of now he did not trust her words, for he had no reason to.
Nor did he want to.
As he walked, the ground started to turn from black to brown to green.
The sun rose higher than it had, as if it felt it could state its presence here in pride.
A beauty spread across the entire field as flowers came into view.
All different colors, planted with a purpose, which made itself clear from its intricate patterns.
A large green hill was visible on the horizon across a shining lake in which roses were planted, relaying a message he knew was not intended for him.
"Welcome home"
A surging calm spread through his body, relaxing his tense muscles.
Luca knew not of who the message was for, only that he wished to know the people who wrote it.
For them to know him, so that it too may apply to him.
To get to the destination of the message, one first needed to cross the bridge.
However, it did not seem as welcoming as the rest of the place.
The bridge was large made primarily of bricks.
The craftsmanship itself was impressive
But what was more impressive was the soldiers guarding the station.
They stood in perfect formation, four on each side.
Their armor gleamed, polished to the point that sunlight fractured into thin, sharp lines across its surface.
Their blades looked as if they had never been drawn, yet one could sense the combat they had faced.
This fact sent a shiver down Luca's body.
"This is a different world, isn't it? Why the fuck did you transport me here? What happened to the other land? Why didn't you just send me here in the first place?"
Luca's voice was loud enough to just barely mask over its trembling.
The present is not a different world; you are aware of that fact. Do not speak as if you are clueless. You realize what makes a city able to shine as this one does. What enables it to bestow warmth onto visitors? Why it does not need to hide its wealth? You know all of this. For this too is one of your punishments. It was personally requested after all by one of your victims. Awareness, morality, and last but not least, empathy.
The tone of the words changed.
Previously one of retribution, became one of revenge.
This tonal change was not reflected in her voice.
She spoke with the same coldness as always.
Luca stopped walking, taking in the words just spoken.
As he stood still, one of the guards from the bridge started to move towards him.
He was larger than the others, wearing a gold-plated armor, which seemed more like a ceremonial armor than anything used in battle.
"I saw the light, are you the follower?".
Luca hesitated.
"Follower? I did follow the light… but that was only because I was told to do so by this female voice in my head".
The guards' eyebrows knitted in confusion before relaxing.
"Ah, you mean the guide of the light. Well then, welcome to the city of Vaelgard. My name is Aren Valen, Captain of the Outer Gate".
Valen's voice was steady, the kind that would carry though both calm wind and a storm with ease.
Even his posture felt rehearsed.
It bared the qualities of spending an entire childhood dreaming of becoming a knight.
While also having the willpower to pursue it.
As the guard led Luca across the bridge he noticed something strange.
None of the other guards ever looked at him.
He could sense that this normal procedure for them.
However, they also appeared to tense up as he crossed them.
It almost seems as if they are afraid. They hold weapons, armors, and numbers, and yet they must restrain their bodies to avoid acting on the danger they feel due to my presence. Just how scared are they of this light.
The order of light is one that upholds justice in all worlds. In other worlds we can only ensure justice after death. But in this world, we can interact directly. Therefore, it has been given the name Althrea. It is a world shaped by light.
I think I understand then, they are afraid as they believe I have come to pass judgement.
They may believe so
I'm not here to pass judgement, right?
You are here to meet your teammates, nothing more.
Well, that's good. I don't really think I could that shiny over here in a fight anyways
You do not need to worry, for as long as you sentence is not complete, you will not die. You will however suffer.
That's not very reassuring
I did not intend it to be.
Luca remembering the feeling of flesh rotting of his fingers, decided to stay quiet for the time being.
Choosing to instead move his focus to the scenery around him.
He noticed that the air had changed.
The heavy dryness that had clung to his since his awakening was replaced by a soft, clean breeze carrying the scent of lilies.
The color of the light was different.
Not brighter, just warmer.
It touched every building the same, gently and forgiving of imperfections.
The city was built by patience acquired by stability.
Every foundation was solid.
Built in pale stone and polished oak, their roofs tiled in copper that caught the light and sent it dancing between two towers.
Canals of clear water ran through center with bridges of stone build everywhere.
As they walked, the sound of bells drifted faintly through the air.
"They are calling for us; it seems they have been made aware of your presence.". Valen said, seemingly expecting it.
"Who is?"
"The ministers. I would have expected you to have been briefed. But then again, I am not too familiar with the ways of the order of light".
Luca's jaw clenched as he processed this new information
"I don't really get that much information either. I'm more of a new hire. Why am I to meet with the ministers".
Luca asked, hoping to gain some new insight into why he was kidnapped and placed in this world.
"Ah… well we don't really know we either. It is not normal for them all to come and meet with someone, even if they are a follower of the light. However, what I do know is that there are other members of the light there, like you."
Yeah, my team. I hope they are normal. I doubt it tho
They are all like you
Yeah, well your view of me is a bit distorted so I don't know if that is a good thing or not
It is not
Right, well then.
Suddenly a large palace emerged Infront of them.
It was not the royal palace, but massive, nonetheless.
"I am not allowed any further as I am a guard of the gate. The kingdoms knights will escort you while you are inside. Please remember that although you are a follower of the light, any action taken to harm a knight of the kingdom will be viewed as an action against the authority of the king himself. This also applies to the ministers. So be careful, and remember, they might try to provoke you to provide a reason to reject your order."
Somewhat shaken from this new information, Luca nodded his head and thanked the guard for his warning.
Corrupt politicians and knights abusing power. Seems like this might be a bit fun
The large wooden doors of the palace opened slowly as Luca walked inside.
The atmosphere changed again — colder now, but not unwelcoming.
Whatever awaited him beyond those walls, he knew it wouldn't let him rest.