—Oh, brave heroes, welcome to the Kingdom of Astra!
A hoarse, aged voice echoed with such grandeur that it immediately captured our attention. Without delay, confusion took hold of me; I held my breath as I looked around, trying to make sense of this unfamiliar place that, I could swear, did not exist anywhere else on the map.
Is this a dream, or have I really arrived in another world?
—First of all, allow me to express our sincerest apologies for summoning you so abruptly.
There it was again: the old man's energetic voice reverberating throughout the room. It sounded genuinely apologetic, yet there was an undertone of pride and joy hidden within it, seemingly indifferent to the gravity of our situation.
The most urgent problem right now is my lack of visibility. My gaze collides with the backs of the people standing in front of me, preventing me from seeing where the voice is coming from.
I hate to admit it, but they are very tall. I have always been perfectly content with my height, but now I feel small; even standing on tiptoe, I am unable to see anything beyond them.
Hmm?
I felt a breeze beneath my feet. No... I felt it between my legs. For some strange reason, there is an extreme sense of lightness in my crotch; something is missing. I am terrified of putting a name to that absence, but deep down, I already know what it is.
I am afraid to admit the truth to myself.
As I reflect on my current state—especially on what is happening "down there"—something tickles my face. As I brush aside the bangs falling over my eyes, I notice that my hair, originally black, is now completely white. It is a snowy, beautiful radiance that gleams at the slightest touch of light.
—Follow me, brave heroes. I will inform you of the situation.
I couldn't count exactly how many people were present, but I would say there were around a dozen of us. Everyone radiates hostility and vigilance, processing the surroundings in their own way and examining the place with astonishment.
The architecture is astonishingly detailed: the marble pillars surrounding us are carved with surgical precision. The imposing white walls, standing roughly three meters high, are simple yet magnetic, adorned with small cracks and hanging banners.
The atmosphere conveys a mixture of comfort and unfamiliarity. It is obvious that this is not a familiar place. It makes me anxious.
Huh? …… Wait a moment!
How did I end up in this situation in the first place?