I'm still slumped on the ground, staring at my status screen with disappointment.
[Wright] "This is ridiculous. The prices are way too high."
[Jyne] "Don't complain to me. I'm not the one who sets the pricing."
[Wright] "Then who does?"
[Jyne] "How should I know? It's your skill. File a complaint somewhere else."
She walks away, leaving me to sulk.
The barbecue preparations are well underway. Kara has the grill set up, and Rhevan's team is sorting through the meat. The festive atmosphere is building despite my disappointment.
Takeshi approaches with a grin on his face.
[Takeshi] "Hey, Wright. Can you search for something?"
[Wright] "What?"
[Takeshi] "Yakiniku sauce."
Oh. Oh yes. Those go great with barbecue according to the manga I read.
I open the Online Shopping interface again and search for yakiniku sauce. Several options appear, each with different flavors listed.
[Wright] "Which flavor should I get? There's garlic, spicy, sweet, original..."
[Takeshi] "Garlic. Definitely garlic."
I select the garlic variety and check the price.
8,000 mana for a pack of two bottles.
That's... actually affordable. Way more reasonable than the portable stove.
[Wright] "Alright, I'm getting two packs."
I add four bottles total to my cart and click checkout.
Then I feel it.
The mana drains from my body in a rush, like water being sucked down a drain. I've cast large-scale growth acceleration magic multiple times across vast fields, but this is different. This is faster, more intense. A sharp, sudden pull that leaves me gasping.
My vision blurs. My legs give out.
I collapse to my knees.
[Jyne] "Wright!"
She's beside me instantly, her hand on my shoulder.
[Jyne] "Are you okay? What happened?"
[Wright] "I'm fine. Just... never felt this tired before."
My breathing is heavy. The world spins slightly.
[Wright] "I really do need to level up."
Just then, a cardboard box materializes in the air about a foot off the ground. It drops with a light thump, landing right in front of me.
I reach out and tear it open.
Inside are four bottles of yakiniku sauce, each one labeled with Japanese text and a picture of grilled meat. The bottles are cool to the touch, like they just came out of a refrigerator.
[Wright] "Takeshi, take these over to the group. Use them on the meat."
[Takeshi] "Are you sure you're okay?"
[Wright] "I'm fine. Go."
He grabs the box and hurries off toward the grill, clearly eager to try otherworldly yakiniku.
I sit down properly, letting my breathing steady. Jyne settles beside me, her expression concerned.
[Jyne] "Are you really okay?"
[Wright] "Yes. I just need to recover a bit, that's all."
[Jyne] "Don't push yourself with this new skill. The mana cost is clearly significant."
[Wright] "I know."
I take a deep breath, feeling my mana slowly beginning to regenerate.
[Wright] "How are you doing? With everything?"
Jyne's expression softens.
[Jyne] "The world is better. Healing. The corruption from that awful kingdom is finally being purged, and the balance is beginning to restore itself."
[Seraphina] "It was an honor to work for the Goddess."
We both turn to find Seraphina and Lucien approaching. They must have overheard.
[Wright] "How did everything go? I haven't heard the details yet."
[Seraphina] "We hunted down everyone involved in the forbidden magic."
[Lucien] "There were quite a lot of them. More than we initially expected."
[Seraphina] "We'd eliminate one group, only to discover another cell operating elsewhere."
[Lucien] "They were like insects. Everywhere we looked, more would appear."
[Seraphina] "But we got them all in the end."
They're bickering slightly even now, each trying to claim credit for different parts of the operation.
[Jyne] "Thank you both. You've done well."
Seraphina and Lucien freeze, then drop to one knee in perfect unison.
[Seraphina] "This is the happiest moment of my life."
[Lucien] "Mine as well."
They look genuinely moved, and I can't help but smile.
[Wright] "Thank you. Really. If I recall, Seraphina, you wanted Golden Grapples?"
[Seraphina] "I did mention that, yes."
[Wright] "We have some growing in the field. I'll apply growth acceleration to a section of them so we can give you some as a gift before you leave."
[Seraphina] "You don't have to—"
[Wright] "I want to. Consider it thanks for everything you've done."
Her expression softens into something warm.
[Seraphina] "Then I'll accept gratefully."
By now, my mana has recovered enough that I don't feel like I'm about to pass out. I stand up, steadier on my feet.
The party has officially started.
Since I'm still recovering, Rhevan takes charge of the grilling this time, with Takeshi eagerly helping. They're brushing the yakiniku sauce onto the meat as it cooks, the sweet-savory aroma filling the air.
The first pieces come off the grill, glistening with sauce.
People take their first bites.
[High Elf 1] "What is this flavor?!"
[High Elf 2] "It's incredible! Sweet and savory at the same time!"
[Kara] "The garlic really comes through. This is amazing."
[Nym] "I've never tasted anything like this."
[Vesper] "Can we get more of this sauce? How do we make it?"
[Wright] "It's from another world. Well, Earth. The heroes' world."
[Yuki] "I missed this taste so much!"
[Aiko] "It's exactly how I remember it!"
[Rhevan] "This pairs perfectly with the Warboar meat. The richness of the meat complements the sauce."
[Seraphina] "Exquisite. The complexity of flavor is remarkable."
[Lucien] "For once, we agree on something."
[Liora] "We need to learn how to recreate this."
The reactions keep coming as more people try the yakiniku-glazed meat. The sauce is a massive hit. Everyone keeps coming back for seconds and thirds.
I notice Jyne standing up from where we were sitting.
[Jyne] "I'm going back to the cabin to take a bath."
[Wright] "Good idea. Take your time and relax."
She nods and walks off toward the cabin, the wooden doll's body moving with her characteristic grace.
The celebration continues in full swing. A few high elves brought out instruments and started playing cheerful melodies. Children dance around the fire. Adults chat and laugh, sharing food and stories.
I see the heroes gathered together near one of the tables. Kenji and Daichi are at the center, and people are coming over one by one to say their farewells.
[Takeshi] "I'm going to miss you guys."
[Yuki] "Promise you'll think of us sometimes?"
[Kenji] "Of course we will."
[Daichi] "This has been the craziest few weeks of my life. I'll never forget it."
Several high elves approach to wish them well. Rhevan clasps Kenji's shoulder in a warrior's grip. Nym hugs Daichi, which seems to surprise him.
I walk over.
[Wright] "Take care of yourselves when you get back home."
[Kenji] "We will. Thank you for everything, Wright."
[Daichi] "Yeah. You saved our lives more times than I can count."
[Wright] "Just doing what needed to be done."
[Daichi] "So what are you guys going to do now? Those of you staying?"
Takeshi grins.
[Takeshi] "I want to explore this world. See new places, meet new people, find fantastical things."
[Lucien] "Actually, I'm planning to explore some ancient ruins nearby after this. There's a site not far from here that's supposed to contain artifacts from the Age of Gods. You're welcome to join if you're interested."
[Takeshi] "Really? That sounds amazing! I'm in!"
[Aiko] "I'll go too. It'll be our first real adventure."
[Yuki] "I'm not sure what I want to do yet, but for now I'll stay here and explore the forest. I want to make new friends."
She says the last part with a meaningful look at Donny, who churrs happily beside her.
[Rhevan] "You're welcome to join the hunting team, but be careful. Monsters are ferocious creatures that usually attack on sight. Don't get caught up in thinking you can befriend them so easily that you lose your life."
[Wright] "I agree with Rhevan. Be cautious."
[Yuki] "I will. I promise."
Eldrin, who's been listening from nearby, clears his throat.
[Eldrin] "If I may make a suggestion. Since you're all new to this world, why not attend school first? Learn more about how things work here before diving into adventures?"
The heroes blink in surprise.
[Eldrin] "You're still just kids, after all. Education would serve you well."
Yuki's eyes light up immediately.
[Yuki] "School? Like an academy? In another world?"
[Aiko] "That sounds amazing!"
Takeshi looks less enthusiastic.
[Takeshi] "I mean... I guess?"
[Wright] "I think it would help even with adventuring. Give you some common sense about this world, how things work, what to expect."
[Takeshi] "When you put it that way..."
[Wright] "What kind of schools are there?"
Eldrin settles into explanation mode.
[Eldrin] "There are several major academies across the continent. Respera has a Royal Academy that focuses on trade, commerce, and world politics. It's where future merchants and diplomats are trained."
[Eldrin] "Selenith has a Magic Academy, widely considered the finest institution for magical learning in the world. You'd study under some of the greatest magicians alive and learn about artifact research and magical theory."
[Eldrin] "And Rathen has its own Royal Academy. Since Rathen is a nation founded by beast folk, it's one of the most diverse academies in existence. Students from all races attend; humans, elves, beast folk, and more. They focus on a balanced education covering combat, magic, history, and practical skills."
Yuki is practically vibrating with excitement.
[Yuki] "A magic academy! That's like something out of a light novel!"
[Aiko] "The diversity at Rathen's academy sounds wonderful. Getting to meet so many different people..."
[Takeshi] "I guess it could be useful. Learn some magic theory, combat techniques..."
[Wright] "If you want to go, I'll help however I can."
Eldrin nods.
[Eldrin] "When I deliver the food and meet with the trade committee, I'll inquire about enrollment. I'm certain they would welcome blessed heroes."
[Yuki] "Thank you so much!"
[Aiko] "This is perfect!"
[Takeshi] "Yeah, thanks Eldrin."
The barbecue continues well into the night. The stars come out overhead, brilliant and clear. The fire crackles, sending sparks up into the darkness. People eat and drink and celebrate.
So many new things have happened. So many new possibilities opening up.
But there's one thing left to do. We have to say goodbye.
As the party begins to wind down, I gather Kenji and Daichi.
[Wright] "It's time."
They nod, both looking nervous and excited at once.
We head back to the cabin. Takeshi, Yuki, and Aiko come with us, walking quietly beside their friends.
Jyne is waiting at the table, fresh from her bath. Her hair is still slightly damp.
[Jyne] "Are you ready?"
[Kenji] "Yes."
[Daichi] "We're ready."
They turn to face the others one last time.
[Kenji] "Take care of yourselves."
[Daichi] "Don't do anything too crazy without us."
[Takeshi] "No promises."
[Yuki] "We'll miss you."
[Aiko] "So much."
The three of them hug Kenji and Daichi tightly. There are tears. Yuki is crying openly and even Aiko's eyes are wet.
Finally, they pull apart.
[Kenji] "We'll never forget this."
[Daichi] "Never."
Jyne stands, her eyes beginning to glow with that same divine light from before. She raises both hands, and the air shimmers.
A circle of light appears on the floor beneath Kenji and Daichi's feet, expanding outward in intricate patterns. Geometric shapes and flowing scripts shift and move inside the expanding circle.
The light intensifies, rising up around them like a pillar.
[Kenji] "Goodbye, everyone!"
[Daichi] "Thank you for everything!"
The light flashes brilliant white, and then—
They're gone.
The cabin feels suddenly emptier. Quieter.
Takeshi, Yuki, and Aiko stand there staring at the spot where their friends were just moments ago.
[Yuki] "They're really gone."
[Aiko] "Back home."
[Takeshi] "I hope they're happy there."
Jyne's light fades. She sits back down, looking tired.
[Jyne] "It's done. They've returned safely."
[Wright] "Thank you."
The three remaining heroes are quiet for a moment, processing.
Then Yuki takes a deep breath and smiles, though her eyes are still wet.
[Yuki] "We should get some rest. We have a lot to look forward to tomorrow."
[Takeshi] "Yeah. Ruin exploring with Lucien."
[Aiko] "And planning for academy enrollment."
They file out of the cabin, heading back to their own quarters.
I look at Jyne.
[Wright] "Long day."
[Jyne] "Very long."
[Wright] "Thank you. For everything."
[Jyne] "You're welcome."
The wooden doll goes still, Jyne's divine conscience leaving the doll. I sit there in the quiet cabin, thinking about everything that's happened.
Two heroes have gone home. Three are staying to build new lives here.
—
[Kenji's Perspective]
My ears ring.
Cold tile presses against my back as I blink up at a familiar ceiling. Fluorescent lights, dimmed for the night. Long tables. Vending machines. The school cafeteria.
[Kenji] "…We're back."
[Diachi] "Yeah."
My head spins as I sit up. The air feels heavier somehow. Real. Too real. For a moment, neither of us moves.
Then—
A clatter erupts above us.
Gold coins rain down onto the floor, bouncing and rolling in every direction. Pouches, bottles, bits of gear spill out with them, scattering across the cafeteria like someone overturned a treasure chest.
[Kenji] "What the—?!"
[Diachi] "Did our storage just… explode?"
I scramble to my feet as coins skitter across the tiles. Something familiar lies near my foot. I pick it up.
The Shadowweave Cloak.
It feels lighter. Thinner. Just fabric now. No warmth. No pulse of power.
[Kenji] "…It's just a cloak."
I hesitate, then spread it out on the floor and start piling gold coins onto it. Wearing this back home would be beyond embarrassing.
Nearby, Diachi crouches and retrieves his Tactical Lens. He slips it over one eye, then exhales slowly.
[Diachi] "Just a monocle."
He removes it and sets it aside, then grabs a pouch from among the scattered items and starts gathering coins, scooping them up one handful at a time.
We work in silence for a moment, the sound of metal clinking echoing through the empty cafeteria. Slowly, the ringing in my ears fades. The weirdness settles. The room stops feeling unreal.
Once we've gathered what we can, I tie the cloak shut into an awkward bundle. Diachi shoulders the sack.
[Kenji] "So… how do you explain this to your parents?"
[Diachi] "No idea."
He pauses.
[Diachi] "You?"
I glance around the darkened cafeteria one last time.
[Kenji] "I think I start with 'I was summoned to another world.'"
[Diachi] "Bold."
Despite everything, I let out a quiet laugh.
We turn and head for the exit, footsteps echoing softly through the school.
Whatever comes next, we'll figure it out.