Back in the world Sky came from, hours had already passed since his sudden disappearance.

  The sun was sinking low, painting the sea in shades of orange and crimson. The air had grown cold, and the waves whispered against the shore where panic and sorrow still lingered.

  “Maya… it’s getting dark now,” Levi said gently, placing a hand on her trembling shoulder. “Go home. Don’t worry—we will find Sky. Please don’t blame yourself, okay? Stop crying.”

  “I… I—” Maya’s voice broke as tears streamed down her face. “I’m so sorry, Uncle Levi. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have asked him to come here. I’m really… really sorry…”

  With heavy steps, Maya returned home.

  That night, almost everyone in the village joined the search. Lanterns flickered along the shoreline, voices calling Sky’s name echoed into the darkness—but no matter how far they searched, there was no sign of him.

  Days passed.

  Levi and the villagers continued searching relentlessly. They scoured the shores, the forests, and the surrounding waters, refusing to give up hope. Yet Sky was nowhere to be found.

  A week later, the village officials approached Levi with solemn expressions.

  They told him that they had done everything they could. Continuing the search would only endanger more lives. With bowed heads, they apologized and said they would instead offer prayers for Sky’s safety.

  Levi said nothing.

  He stopped going out to sea to fish. Instead, he searched alone—day after day—clinging to hope with every step he took.

  Until one morning, just before he was about to leave again, his wife spoke.

  “My dear…” Keiko’s voice trembled. “I still can’t accept that Sky is gone. But… I think we need to stop searching now.”

  Levi froze.

  “It’s been weeks,” she continued softly. “I miss him so much. I didn’t know that the last meal he ate would be the last food I’d ever cook for him. I didn’t know it would be the last time I’d see his smile… or the last time we’d be together as a family.”

  Her voice broke.

  “I didn’t know…”

  Levi clenched his fists.

  “Honey… I’m so sorry,” he said, his voice shaking. “I don’t want to accept it either. I don’t understand why this happened to us. I’m sorry… I—”

  He couldn’t finish his sentence.

  That day, Levi stopped searching.

  Together, they finally accepted the truth Sky’s absence had forced upon them.

  Their once simple, joyful life was gone. The laughter that filled their home faded into silence, replaced by a sorrow that grew heavier with each passing day.

  Meanwhile, in the world where Sky had been summoned…

  Inside the quiet room prepared for him, Sky sat alone.

  The excitement.

  The wonder.

  The disbelief.

  As it all settled, one thought surfaced above the rest.

  His parents.

  Tears fell freely as his chest tightened.

  “Mom… Dad…” Sky whispered. “I know you’re worried about me. I’m so sorry. I hope I can still come back to you someday. I don’t know how, but… I promise I’ll try. I’ll do everything I can. Mom… Dad… I love you so much…”

  A knock suddenly echoed through the room.

  Knock. Knock.

  Sky quickly wiped his tears.

  “Y-Yes? Who is it? Please… come in.”

  From behind the door came a gentle voice.

  “It is I—Empress Yanara. I will be entering.”

  As she stepped inside, her eyes immediately caught sight of Sky’s reddened face.

  “I’m… sorry,” she said softly. “Should I leave you alone?”

  “Y-Your Highness!” Sky quickly stood. “No, please come in. I’m sorry you saw me like this. I just… today was my birthday back home. I turned thirteen. We were celebrating before I was summoned here. I just miss my parents…”

  The Empress felt her chest tighten.

  Once again, she was reminded of how young he truly was.

  She remembered her own son, Liyelo—how he used to cry at that same age.

  “I truly apologize, Sky,” she said. “It is our fault you were brought here. Your parents raised you well—I can see how deeply you love them.”

  “I do, Your Highness,” Sky replied quietly. “I miss them so much. But my father always told me that I can overcome anything… and that God never gives us challenges we can’t handle.”

  He took a deep breath.

  “So it’s okay. I know I’m needed here. Even if it hurts… even if I might never go back… I promise that after I help everyone here, I’ll find a way home. No matter what it takes.”

  The Empress stared at him in awe.

  Such resolve… from a child.

  “I did not expect our summoned hero to be someone so young,” she said gently. “I’m deeply sorry for placing such a burden on you. But I promise—you will not face this alone. I will personally help you find a way home one day.”

  She smiled.

  “For now, would you like to walk with me through the castle while your meal is prepared?”

  Sky nodded.

  “Thank you, Your Highness. And… thank you for the clothes. I’m not used to wearing such luxurious things, but I’m really grateful. I’d love to see your castle.”

  They walked through the grand halls, holy knights following at a respectful distance.

  The Empress had ordered an even greater feast prepared when she learned it was Sky’s birthday.

  As they walked, Sky’s sadness slowly faded, replaced by awe. Everything felt unreal—like something straight out of the anime and movies he used to watch. The Empress explained the empire’s history as they walked, and Sky listened with sparkling eyes.

  Just as they were about to step outside—

  Grrrrrr…

  The sound from Sky's stomach echoed loudly.

  The Empress paused—then laughed softly.

  “I—I’m sorry!” Sky blushed, scratching his head.

  “Then let us head to the dining hall,” she said warmly.

  Sky froze the moment he saw the feast.

  Golden utensils.

  A table stretching endlessly.

  Extravagant chairs.

  A chandelier that shimmered like stars.

  As they sat, the Empress stood.

  “Everyone,” she announced, “please welcome our hero—and wish him a happy birthday.”

  Happy birthday?

  “Happy birthday, Sky. Welcome to the Grand Holy Empire of Banalaya.”

  The moment the Empress’s words echoed through the hall, it erupted into cheers and applause.

  Sky’s chest tightened—but this time, the pain was replaced by warmth.

  “Th-thank you… everyone…”

  Just as the last syllable left his lips—

  Grrrrrr.

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  The sound rang out far louder than Sky intended.

  The grand hall fell into sudden silence.

  Sky froze.

  His face flushed red as he lowered his head in embarrassment.

  Then—

  Laughter burst out.

  The tension melted away as smiles spread across the hall. Even the solemn knights couldn’t hide their grins.

  The Empress laughed softly, covering her mouth before declaring cheerfully,

  “Let the feast begin!”

  Plates were soon filled, and Sky’s eyes sparkled as he tasted dish after dish. The flavors were unlike anything he had ever known—rich, warm, and comforting.

  As he ate, a gentle smile formed on his lips.

  Mom… Dad…

  I wish you could taste this too.

  I promise… I’ll come home.

  After some time had passed, Empress Yanara set aside her utensils and gracefully folded her hands upon her lap. With a gentle smile, she turned to Sky.

  “Excuse me, Sky,” she said softly. “There is a matter that requires my attention, so I must take my leave. Please continue enjoying your meal. Once you have finished, Zeto will escort you back to your room.”

  She inclined her head slightly. “Until we meet again… and once more, happy birthday.”

  Before the Empress could rise, the doors opened and Princess Liyela entered. Sky, still savoring his meal, froze as his eyes fell upon her. Her presence felt almost ethereal—radiant beauty paired with an air of noble grace. He could do nothing but stare in silent awe.

  "Mother?” the girl asked, her voice was clear and melodic. Her gaze shifted toward Sky, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Whose birthday are you celebrating? And… who is he?”

  Empress Yanara’s expression softened.

  “Liyela,” she said, rising slightly from her seat. “How fortunate that you arrived at this moment. Come—I wish to introduce you.”

  She gestured toward Sky. “This is Sky Seiya Yagami Amain. He has been summoned to undertake a mission of great importance for our Empire. Today also happens to be his birthday, which is why this feast was prepared.”

  Then she turned to Sky. “Sky, this is my daughter—Princess Liyela.”

  At once, Sky stood and bowed deeply, his movements stiff but sincere.

  “A blessed day to you, Princess Liyela,” he said earnestly. “It is an honor to meet you. My name is Sky Seiya Yagami Amain—my father calls me Sky, my mother calls me Seiya but you may call me whichever you prefer.”

  He straightened slightly and added, “Please, Your Highness… if you wish, join us and eat with me.”

  “My mother already told me your name,” she replied. “There was no need to repeat it. And it is rather long.”

  She paused, then inclined her head politely. “Still… thank you for the invitation. It is a pleasure to meet you as well.”

  Empress Yanara let out a gentle sigh. “My apologies, Sky. Liyela means no offense.”

  She turned to her daughter. “Liyela, my dear, sit and join him.”

  Princess Liyela shook her head. “No, thank you, Mother. I am not hungry.”

  Her expression shifted, unease flickering across her features. “I came because I was searching for Big Brother. Do you know where he is? I need to speak with him. I have been looking for him since I woke up…”

  Her voice faltered. “I… had a terrible dream. I wished to see him at once.”

  The air at the table grew heavy.

  Those who knew the truth—Empress Yanara among them—fell into silence, sorrow clouding their faces.

  After a brief pause, the Empress rose to her feet.

  “I was just about to go to him,” she said quietly. “If you wish, you may come with me.”

  Princess Liyela nodded. “Very well, Mother.”

  Empress Yanara turned back to Sky, her smile returning—gentler this time, touched with apology.

  “I shall leave you now, Sky. Enjoy your meal.”

  She glanced toward the knight standing nearby. “Zeto, see to him.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” Zeto replied, bowing.

  As the Empress and Princess departed, Zeto stepped forward, his presence firm and reassuring.

  From that day onward, Zeto—the Vice Captain of the Empire’s Holy Knights—would be responsible for accompanying Sky.

  And so, Empress Yanara and Princess Liyela left while Sky continued eating.

  The Empress and her daughter headed to the place where Prince Liyelo’s remains were kept. Princess Liyela had no idea, while Empress Yanara knew how deeply this would shock her.

  As they approached the location, Empress Yanara gathered her strength and began to speak.

  “Liyela… my beloved child,” she said softly. “Please forgive me.”

  Princess Liyela looked up, startled.

  “What I am about to tell you,” Empress Yanara continued, her voice thick with emotion, “is the final wish your brother left behind. He chose this path of his own will—for your sake, and for the future of our Empire.”

  Princess Liyela stopped walking.

  Her brows furrowed as confusion took hold.

  “M-Mother…?” she asked, her voice uncertain. “What are you saying? I don’t understand. Aren’t we going to see Big Brother? Why are you speaking like this all of a sudden?”

  The Empress closed her eyes.

  “Please… steel your heart, my daughter,” she said quietly. “What I must tell you is unbearably painful.”

  She opened her eyes once more.

  “Your brother… is gone.”

  The world seemed to freeze.

  “He gave his life to save us all,” Empress Yanara continued. “To summon the hero our Empire so desperately needed, we performed an ancient ritual—one that demanded a life in exchange.”

  Princess Liyela’s lips parted, but no sound came out.

  “Your brother volunteered,” the Empress whispered. “He chose to offer himself, so that all of us—especially you—might live. He hid the truth from you so you would not worry.”

  Her voice trembled as she spoke the final words.

  “The youth you met earlier… Sky… is the hero summoned through your brother’s sacrifice.”

  Tears streamed freely down Empress Yanara’s face.

  “I wished to offer my own life,” she confessed, clutching her chest. “But your brother refused. He begged me to live… to protect you.”

  She stepped forward and pulled her daughter into her arms.

  “I am truly… deeply sorry.”

  At first, Princess Liyela did not react.

  Then her body began to shake.

  “No… no… no…!” she cried, her voice breaking into sobs. “Big Brother… why…? No…!”

  Her cries echoed through the halls as the truth finally sank in.

  Moments later, Empress Yanara gently guided her daughter forward.

  There, laid before them, was Prince Liyelo’s still and lifeless form.

  The sight shattered what little strength Princess Liyela had left.

  She collapsed against her mother, her grief overflowing as her sobs wracked her small body. Tears fell without restraint as mother and daughter stood together, mourning the prince who had given everything.

  At the Empress’s command, attendants stepped forward to begin the preparations for the prince’s burial. As they lifted his body, Princess Liyela clung tightly to her mother, as though letting go would cause her heart to break entirely.

  “Mother…” she sobbed weakly. “Earlier… I had a dream.”

  Her voice quivered.

  “Big Brother said he had somewhere he needed to go… but he wouldn’t let me come with him. I chased after him, but he disappeared… and then I woke up.”

  She pressed her face into her mother’s chest.

  “I ran to find him… and now… this is how I find him again…”

  Her sobs grew louder.

  “Mother… Big Brother… he’s really gone… I’m going to miss him…”

  Her cries echoed through the chamber, carrying with them the sorrow of a farewell that would never be answered

  Meanwhile, unaware of the tragedy unfolding within the palace—

  Sky was escorted back to his room by Zeto.

  As they walked through the softly lit corridors, Sky suddenly broke the silence.

  “U-Um… excuse me, sir,” he said hesitantly. “Mister… Zero, right?”

  Zeto glanced at him.

  “Yes” he replied. “What is it? Do you need something? Her Majesty ordered me to assist you with whatever you require.”

  “Oh—no, no!” Sky waved his hands quickly. “I don’t need anything. I just wanted to say… thank you for the food.”

  He smiled sheepishly.

  “It was my first time eating something that delicious. Back home, we usually eat fish and vegetables. Sometimes chicken or pork, but only on special occasions. Other kinds of meat are too expensive.”

  He continued without realizing how much he was talking.

  “My mom does all the cooking. Even if it’s just vegetables, she can make them taste really good. She’s amazing.”

  His smile softened.

  “I just hope they’re okay without me. But the Empress said she’d help me go back home, so… I’ll wait for that.”

  Zeto felt his chest tighten.

  The boy’s cheerful chatter reminded him painfully of Prince Liyelo when he had been the same age—how openly he used to talk, how brightly he smiled.

  Though Sky’s hope of returning home was impossible, Zeto chose not to shatter it.

  “That’s good to hear,” he said gently. “I’m glad you enjoyed the meal. It was your birthday, after all—you deserved it.”

  He paused, then smiled faintly.

  “If you ever do return home… would you let me taste your mother’s cooking someday?”

  Sky’s eyes lit up.

  “Of course, Mister Zeto!” he said eagerly. “I’ll ask my mom to cook her best dishes for you!”

  “I’ll look forward to that,” Zeto replied.

  They soon stopped before a large, ornate door.

  “This is your room,” Zeto said. “Feel free to use anything inside. If you need something, the guards nearby will assist you.”

  “Thank you for accompanying me,” Sky said politely, bowing slightly. “I think I’ll go to bed now. I ate a lot, so I feel really sleepy.”

  Zeto nodded.

  “I’ll come for you tomorrow,” he said. “The Empress has somewhere she wants me to bring you. So get a good rest.”

  “Alright, Mister Zeto,” Sky replied with a small smile. “Good night.”

  Once the door closed, silence settled over the room.

  Sky slowly turned in place, taking in the chamber that would be his home—for now. The ceiling arched high above him, its surface traced with faintly glowing runes. Magic lamps embedded in the walls bathed the room in a warm, gentle light, while long curtains swayed softly beside tall windows that overlooked a world still unknown to him.

  “…Woah,” he murmured, unable to hide his awe.

  After changing into more comfortable sleepwear, Sky climbed onto the bed. It was far softer than he expected, almost as if it were welcoming him. He lay back and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling, listening to the quiet hum of magic that filled the air.

  Before he realized it, his thoughts began to drift.

  A face surfaced in his mind—clear and vivid.

  Princess Liyela.

  Her gentle expression, her graceful movements, the calm kindness in her eyes… all of it lingered stubbornly in his thoughts. Sky turned his face slightly, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spread to his cheeks.

  She’s really… really pretty…

  He had never stood so close to someone like her before. Just remembering it made his heart beat a little faster, and he hugged the blanket tighter.

  But the warmth didn’t last.

  Soon, heavier thoughts crept in.

  How did I even end up here…?

  Memories rushed back—his parents’ voices, the sudden separation, the fear that gripped him. Then the blinding light of the summoning ritual… and the moment everything he knew vanished.

  Now he was here.

  Another world.

  A world of magic.

  A world that felt like it belonged in a story he used to watch on a screen.

  At first, the thought had thrilled him.

  Magic… adventures… heroes…

  His imagination painted countless possibilities—battles yet to come, places yet unseen, powers he might one day awaken.

  But beneath all that excitement, a quiet fear lingered.

  I’m still just a kid…

  He didn’t know what role he was meant to play. He didn’t know what others expected of him. And he didn’t know what awaited him when morning came.

  Slowly, Sky closed his eyes, clutching the soft blanket as if it were an anchor.

  Before long, sleep claimed him.

  And so ended Sky’s first day in a new world—

  a night wrapped in sorrow and disbelief,

  tinged with excitement and fear,

  and illuminated by a faint, fragile hope.