Why_me_1373

Everyone dreams of living in a fantasy world—
Magic, swords, kingdoms, and adventure.

But no one talks about the weight of it all.
The fear. The choices. The lives that hang in the balance.

This is a story not of a destined hero, but someone who found himself in a place where fantasy meets reality.
And once you’ve crossed that line, there’s no going back.
"Not every summoning leads to glory."

Ashes of Mana

The carriages raced through the streets, safely yet swiftly arriving at the Central Church. The wooden doors swung open—and there she was. Lady Saya stood at the entrance, flanked by healers, her expression calm but focused.

"I don't think I need to explain," I said as I stepped down, watching her eyes flick to the children in the carriage.

She nodded solemnly. "Yes, Sir Alve."

Without hesitation, she turned to the knights. "Please, carry the children carefully to the chairs inside."

One by one, the knights brought the children in. Lady Saya and her healers formed a line, casting healing spells over the frail and wounded little bodies. The room glowed with soft, calming magic.

I turned to one of the knights. "Get them something light—something easy to eat. Anything you can find."

Reaching into my pockets, I pulled out the pouch of gold coins and handed it to him. "Use this."

"Understood, Sir!" Few knights bowed and rushed off to gather supplies.

One of the remaining guards approached Miss Sera. "Grand Marshal, additional knights from the palace will arrive shortly."

"Good," she replied. "With their help, search the entire Central Street. Speak with every vendor, every resident. We need leads on the rest of the children."

She shook her head slightly. "But that won't be enough. We'll need more eyes and ears."

She looked toward us. "We'll ask the Adventurer's Guild to register this as an urgent quest."

"I will too," Princess Maya added softly.

Lady Saya paused her healing briefly, watching us as we prepared to leave. Her hands returned to glowing over a child's arm, but her lips moved in a whisper:

> "Goddess Glyss… please watch over them."

We ran through the streets—Miss Sera leading the way, Princess Maya and I following close behind.

Finally, we reached the adventurer guild's entrance.

"This is it?" Maya asked between breaths.

"Yeah... Let's go," Miss Sera said, already pushing the heavy door open.

The guild was bustling as always—rough adventurers, map-laden walls, and chatter echoing under the timbered ceiling. But the moment we walked in, the room grew silent. All eyes were on us.

Miss Sera walked straight to the counter, flashing her crimson pendant.

I followed her lead, showing mine—the emerald green pendent, showing of my status.

"We need to speak with Guild Master Kaelyn. Urgently," Miss Sera said.

The receptionist's eyes widened. Clearly overwhelmed, she stammered, "O-of course… please follow me."

She led us upstairs, her hands visibly trembling.

At the top, she gently knocked on a wooden door. "Guild Master Kaelyn, important guests request an audience."

A voice from within responded—firm, curious.

And with that, the receptionist opened the door.

Miss Sera entered first. I followed, with Princess Maya just behind.

Chapter 54 - A Prayer and a Quest