In a massive island empire ruled by a great family, six different ethnic groups coexisted, each living in prosperity within their own regions. The island thrived on the harmony of this diversity. However, on the hidden side of the coin, in this hypocritical and dangerous land where magic, class distinctions, and mysterious dungeons emerged, Mitsuki Yusha was overwhelmed with trouble. While going to check the crops in his field, his father, Mr. Haruto, was attacked by an orc that had escaped from a dungeon to hunt. By chance, the Imperial Union passing through the area intervened quickly and neutralized the orc. Mr. Haruto was severely injured. Although the Union personnel immediately moved him to a safe spot for treatment, his wife, who arrived after hearing the commotion outside, saw the purest form of despair in her mother's eyes when she saw her husband lying motionless on the ground. The healers must have noticed the situation, as they approached the woman and explained the status in a soft voice. Mr. Haruto was alive, but from then on, he would not be able to walk; he was bedridden. The poor woman did not know what to do; she felt the relief of knowing her husband was alive, yet the weight of knowing he would remain paralyzed and unable to move.That day, he had to make a choice: he would either follow in his father's footsteps and become a farmer, or he would provide for them with the precious stones he would find in dangerous dungeons. With the money he earned here, he would cover the school fees to ensure his younger sister—two years his junior—could continue her education at the magic school in the capital. Perhaps he didn't have much hope for his own future, but he believed in his sister; he believed with all his heart that she would become an elite mage. Then, of course, there were all the household expenses and the entire responsibility of the family.
The next morning, he left the house silently without being seen by anyone. He was aware that the orc that attacked his father could not have wandered far from the dungeon. He thought to himself that the orc must have come from within the great forest across the field. His main goal today was to locate the dungeon; later, he would form a team and obtain the necessary equipment. However, he succumbed to his curiosity and moved through the trees into the great forest. As he advanced, the surroundings grew silent, but he could see nothing noteworthy. He quickened his pace, looking around impatiently; he had found no trace yet. "Where did this orc come from? There isn't even a single trail..." he thought, but before he could even finish his sentence, he began tumbling down into a massive rift.The first thing he felt when he hit the ground was pure astonishment. The forest's lush, calm beauty on the outside had masterfully concealed the existence of this rift beneath the earth. The floor was much wider than he had expected. Only after regaining his senses was he able to lift his head. His eyes caught the dark structure rising before him. At first, he couldn't grasp what it was, but then it hit him. "This... this is a dungeon entrance!" he shouted involuntarily. Built of cold stones and smelling of dampness, the structure looked worn as if from ancient times, appearing to silently drain his very soul.
For a while, he stood frozen, his feet seemingly bolted to the ground as he stared at the dungeon. Climbing back up from where he had fallen was nearly impossible, yet he couldn't just stand there either. What would he eat? What would he drink? Moreover, sooner or later, he would be noticed by the creatures within. Staying here like this was no different than surrendering. Dungeons always had a second exit; Yusha knew this, so he had no choice but to take his chances. A moment of hesitation flickered in his eyes, but it did not stop him from taking that step. As Yusha advanced a little further into the dungeon, the structure's distinct architecture began to reveal itself. From the walls to the ceiling, most things were made of hardened clay. Even the occasional small items and plates he encountered were fashioned from a deep red clay.As Yusha ventured further into the structure, the only companion to his ears was the echo of his own footsteps. "I've come this far... but why haven't I encountered a single monster yet?" he wondered. The strange silence in the wide corridors and the orderly architecture made him question, "Are dungeons really supposed to be like this?"
Yusha: Whatever... I need to find the exit. There's no point in lingering!
(He took a step or two)
Fhumm!
(Unexpectedly, a nearby room lit up)
The moment Yusha entered an unfamiliar room with the hope of finding an exit, the torches mounted on the walls flickered to life simultaneously. As the light in the room intensified, he saw a large bowl placed atop a wide stone in the center. Furthermore, there was a ring carved into the floor surrounding the bowl. Upon this ring, candles were arranged at perfect intervals. What caught Yusha's attention, however, were the words inscribed on the surface of the block beneath the bowl:
"Let the one who desires to return follow the trail of light; let the one who awakens the flames be reunited with the place they deserve."When Yusha took the sword, the blue liquid was slowly absorbed back into the bowl. As he continued to walk, things began to take an even stranger turn. Almost everything he saw was nearly identical to the last. The walls, the ceilings, the floors, the placement of the torches—they all began to look the same. No, they were exactly the same. Advancing through the dim light of the dungeon only caused his headache to intensify. Because of this pain, his focus was slowly draining away, like grains of sand falling one by one in an hourglass; he couldn't gather his thoughts.
His heart began to race. His breathing grew irregular. There was an indescribable weight upon his body. In that moment, countless memories began to take root in Yusha's mind; countless memories were flowing past his eyes. They were memories that had never existed.
(He screamed in agony)
—Haaa-haaahh... hhh – aaah!
(He was suffering more than ever before)
(His screams continued for a while, and finally, unable to endure it any longer, he collapsed into unconsciousness) THUUDDD!
When Yusha opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a clear, deep blue sky. For a moment, he thought he had escaped the dungeon. Even the mere thought of it was enough to make his heart race. To understand where he was, he lifted his prostrate body and looked around. This place was neither a full plain nor quite a forest. It was dotted with trees here and there, and the grass reached above knee height. With the hope of finding someone, he began to walk along a path in the middle of this vast meadow. After advancing a bit, he noticed the path began to widen and other trails were merging into it. Accompanied by the rustling of the tree leaves, he continued on his way for about half an hour. Then, he began to hear a sound slowly rising behind him. When he turned around, he saw wagons carrying various goods. As they approached him, they began to slow down.
— Hey, young man! What are you doing out here all by yourself?
(Yusha answered without losing his composure)
Yusha: I'm heading to the nearest city. I entered a dungeon and passed out shortly after. When I woke up, I found myself here.The face of the old man driving the wagon shifted instantly. For a moment, his eyes grew wide like saucers, and his breathing quickened noticeably. In this world, there existed ancient spells and holy weapons unique to the Seven Heroes; these could only be wielded by the direct descendants of the Seven Great Heroes.
(Upon seeing a HERO heir who maintains the order of the Empire, he spoke with an expression far more reverent and welcoming)
—Lord Hero, the nearest place from here is the capital of the Empire. If you would grace us with your company to the palace, I am certain a private chamber will be reserved for you there.
After a brief hesitation, Yusha nodded. It was far more logical to go with a stranger than to remain stranded in this vast, endless wasteland; at the very least, he would trust his gut and take the chance. He approached the wagon and climbed up beside the man in one swift motion.
—Understood. I will accompany you to the palace, though I am truly curious as to why you have suddenly started treating me with such formality.
(The man replied with a voice filled with obedience and grace)
—As you command, my lord.
(Once Yusha was seated, the man began to drive, and the cargo wagons behind followed suit. Then, the man turned to Yusha and continued)
—By the will of God, seven great heroes, specially forged, were sent to this world to vanquish the ancient beasts. Yet, they did not succeed. They could only put the ancient beasts into a temporary slumber by staking their very lives. In this war fought for humanity, some survived to wither away under the heavy burden of those days, while others spent their lives haunted by the agony of never seeing their loved ones again. To this day, it remains a dark stain upon human history. —You are a descendant of the Hero of the Sword among the Seven Great Heroes, which is why the blade was bequeathed directly to you. I am not even close to being an equal to a hero; it is not my place. You deserve the utmost respect.
(The man continued to speak)
For a moment, his gaze flickered to the sword at his waist.
Was he truly a hero, or was he merely a visitor who had opened his eyes to this world while trying to escape a dungeon?
(The old man was still talking)
Meanwhile, the road began to incline slightly. The wagon moved more heavily now. They were ascending a small hill.
(The old man shouted with a booming voice; surely, there wasn't a soul who didn't hear him)
—We are almost at the Palace! Everyone, get ready!!!!!
Yusha instinctively looked toward the back of the wagon. Some were chatting and joking amongst themselves, some were checking the supplies one last time, and others were combing their hair and straightening their clothes. At that moment, the Palace began to reveal itself with its light-colored facade, garden walls embossed with lions, and towering, magnificent structures. It stood before them in all its splendor.