CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1: The Summoning

The dense forest was wrapped in the darkness of the night. The gentle rustling of leaves in the wind, accompanied by the constant chirping of crickets, created a soothing ambiance. In the middle of this tranquility, a campfire burned brightly, casting warm light upon eight high school students sitting around it. Laughter and conversation filled the air.

Haruto poked the fire with a stick, grinning.

"I never thought this trip would be this much fun."

Aya, resting her head on her knees, yawned and groaned.

"Yeah! But I wish we had internet..."

Kazuki, the most arrogant among them, smirked.

"You're always obsessed with that. Just enjoy nature for once."

Miko rolled her eyes.

"Ugh! I am enjoying nature, Mr. Genius!"

Yuma, who had been quietly observing, looked up at the sky and frowned.

"Hey… why does it feel like the temperature just dropped?"

Before anyone could respond, a cold breeze swept through the campsite. The flames of the fire flickered violently—then turned blue.

Rio, the weakest among them, felt his heartbeat quicken. Something was definitely wrong.

"Guys… was the fire always this color?" he asked nervously.

Sachiko, trying to keep calm, stepped closer and murmured,

"No… this is definitely not normal."

Renji, who was always suspicious and observant, narrowed his eyes.

"We should get out of here—"

But it was too late.

The ground beneath them began to glow. A massive magic circle, filled with unfamiliar symbols and intricate patterns, appeared beneath their feet. An irresistible force pulled them in.

"What—?!"

A blinding light engulfed them.

And then, darkness.

---

The Grand Hall

Rio's head was spinning as he slowly opened his eyes. The cold sensation of smooth stone beneath him sent a shiver up his spine. With great effort, he pushed himself up and looked around.

They were no longer in the forest.

An enormous hall stretched before them, its golden pillars reaching toward a ceiling that looked like the night sky itself.

A groan came from beside him.

"Ugh… my head…" Haruto muttered.

The others were also waking up, each wearing an expression of confusion and panic.

Then, a deep, commanding voice shattered the silence.

"They have awakened."

All eight students turned toward the source of the voice.

A tall man dressed in a dark robe stood before them, his sharp eyes analyzing them carefully. Lined up beside him were armored soldiers, standing at attention.

And at the far end of the hall, seated upon an ornate throne, was a man unlike any other.

Draped in royal black and silver attire, his presence exuded absolute authority. His gaze met theirs, cold and calculating.

Then, in a voice both calm and filled with power, he spoke:

"So… you have finally arrived."

---

End of Chapter 1