Their Origins

Shuu collapsed to the ground, clutching his wound as he glared at the man standing before him. His breath was ragged, his vision slightly blurred from the pain. He cast a quick glance at Tohru, who lay unconscious nearby. His jaw tightened as he turned his gaze back to the man.

He still couldn't believe it—magic existed in this world. And this man was using it. But it wasn't his own power. In his hand, he held a magic-infused item, the source of his abilities.

"You're a damn cheater!" Shuu growled through clenched teeth.

The man smirked. "I may not be strong in hand-to-hand combat, but with magic items, I don't have to be. You should never underestimate your enemies, kid."

Arthur was a merchant, and collecting magic-infused weapons and artifacts had become something of a hobby for him. As a guild master, he understood the importance of strength—one couldn't lead without power. He stepped forward, crouching down to meet Shuu's eyes, his grin widening.

"So… who are you?"

Arthur studied the young man before him, his expression shifting slightly. The resemblance was uncanny. These two reminded him of people he once knew—especially the one before him. Shuu looked just like his old friend, Lord Napoleon Lannister.

Shuu scowled. "If it's your bag you want, fine. We'll give it back." His voice was laced with frustration. Losing was not something he was used to. He had miscalculated, underestimated the people in this world. He wouldn't make the same mistake again.

Arthur straightened, his smirk never fading. "Money? That's not what I'm after." He chuckled. "I'm just curious about you. Answer my questions, and if I find your answers satisfying, I might just help you. Maybe even offer you a place to stay—so you won't have to survive by stealing."

Shuu narrowed his eyes. Just what did this man want from them?

.

.

.

Inside Arthur's Guild...

Shuu and Tohru sat at a small round table inside the guild owned by Arthur. Tohru glanced around, still in awe. When they first entered, they had seen shelves filled with rare and mysterious artifacts—items unlike anything they had ever encountered. The second floor, they quickly learned, housed the main office of the guild.

Shuu leaned forward, his voice firm. "So, what do you want from us?"

Arthur took a slow sip of his tea before responding. "I just want to know where you two came from. I've never seen you around here before. Are you foreigners from another country?"

Shuu and Tohru exchanged uncertain glances. Should they tell him the truth? It was hard to believe even for them—how could this man possibly believe their story?

Sensing their hesitation, Arthur chuckled. "Relax. You can trust me. I'm not a bad guy."

Tohru scoffed. "After attacking us with your magic item, you expect us to trust you?"

Arthur laughed. "Haha, I was just protecting myself. You were the ones who attacked me first, remember?"

Tohru clenched his fists but said nothing.

Arthur's expression turned thoughtful. "You see, I had a friend who looked exactly like you." His gaze flickered between them. "I was wondering… could you be their sons?"

Shuu and Tohru tensed.

"It's been over three decades since they left this world. I always wondered if they ever found her…" Arthur muttered, more to himself than to them.

Shuu frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Arthur pulled out a dagger, absentmindedly cleaning its blade as he spoke. "What I'm saying is…" He suddenly pointed the dagger at them. "Are you their sons from another world?"

Shuu and Tohru's eyes widened in shock.

Arthur smirked at their reaction. "Surprised? My friends once traveled through a portal to another world in search of the Empress. It may sound crazy to you, but it's the truth."

Shuu narrowed his eyes. "I don't understand… Who exactly was your friend?"

"Lord Napoleon Lannister, the son of the Count of the South," Arthur replied.

Shuu shook his head. "Never heard of him."

Arthur's brows furrowed. "What? You're not his son?"

Shuu scoffed. "I don't even know the guy."

Arthur leaned back in his chair, exhaling heavily. "But you look exactly like him. I thought he finally won over the Empress and had a son with her." He rested his cheek against his palm, gazing at them with mild disappointment.

"You must be mistaken," Tohru said firmly.

Arthur suddenly perked up. "Ah! I have a picture of him. Hold on a second!"

He rushed to a nearby cabinet, rummaging through old books and papers until he found what he was looking for. "Here it is!" He quickly flipped open an old notebook and showed them a faded photograph.

Shuu's breath hitched. His eyes widened in shock.

The man in the picture… looked exactly like his father.

"Who is this?" Shuu asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Arthur gave him an odd look. "I already told you. That's Lord Napoleon Lannister from the South." He carefully returned the picture to the notebook.

"He looks just like my father… But my father's name is Shin Imperial," Shuu admitted.

Arthur's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "So, are you finally admitting it? That you really came from another world?"

Shuu and Tohru exchanged a tense glance.

Arthur leaned forward eagerly. "Come on, you don't have to hesitate. I've known about the existence of other worlds for a long time. As a traveler, I've heard myths and stories from all over."

Tohru exhaled and nodded. "Alright. We admit it. Yes, we came from another world. We have no idea how we ended up here. One moment, there was a blinding light, and the next… we were here. We don't know how to return."

Arthur stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, you really are the sons of Lord Napoleon and Lord Cedrik… They must have used different names in your world."

"Lord Cedrik?" Shuu echoed, confused.

Arthur gestured toward Tohru. "Your friend's father. He looks just like him."

Shuu turned to Tohru. "Actually… we're brothers."

Arthur smirked. "Ohhh… so the Empress also married the son of the Baron from the East. Interesting."

Tohru sighed. "Our mother did have many husbands. If we're talking about the same people, then… this all makes sense."

Arthur suddenly perked up again. "I also have a picture of the Empress!"

He quickly retrieved another old photograph and handed it to them.

Shuu and Tohru froze.

It was her.

Their mother.

Their parents… were from this world?

They hadn't ended up here by accident.

There had to be a reason they were brought here.

But what? And why?