Fifteen days have passed since we arrived here. Most of my group chose the path of pure magic, delving into runes and the manipulation of mana. Others chose the path of magical swordsmanship, mixing physical techniques with elemental spells. And there we were, separated from the rest: me and that strange guy - the one with the long, moon-white hair who insisted on using a bow and arrow.
Even after several attempts to convince him that magic was the future, he remained silent and firm in his choice. During shooting practice, our gazes crossed from time to time, but he quickly looked away, as if he preferred to keep to himself.
Something curious happened to everyone after recruitment - or rather, after our idealized body, stored in the subcortex, began to manifest itself here. It was explained to us that, in part, this physical "ideal" is transferred to this new body. This is why many people have subtly changed the color of their eyes, their hair; skin defects have disappeared, as if perfection itself were being molded.
In my case, my hair, which had been short, turned black and grew halfway down my back. At the ends, a slight purple hue began to emerge, like a faint fire lit by magic. My eyes - once gray - took on a reddish hue, with light blue streaks that seemed to shine when the light hit them. I couldn't help but do a Chinese-style ponytail, something I never thought would suit me, but which turned out to be very pretty. I don't know if this is really my ideal image, but somehow, I liked it.
- Elkaten. Area in front of the gate. Day 16 of the 134th call-up. –
One thousand five hundred summoners stood in front of the huge gates, divided into hundreds, forming a compact mass of anxious, restless bodies. The tense silence was broken only by nervous murmurs and the rustling of cloaks as we all waited our turn.
We were informed of the test that awaited us: a monster-infested dungeon. But this was no ordinary dungeon. They told us a legend that gave me goose bumps: a huge pyramid with no top, erected by the gods in time immemorial. And then, an evil, super-powerful demon noticed their presence, turned the pyramid over and drove it into the ground, burying it deep.
Why? Nobody knew for sure. Perhaps to hide dangerous secrets or to protect the world from what it held. And so this underground pyramid was born, a labyrinth of untold riches and unimaginable dangers, protected by monsters that challenge the courage of adventure seekers.
They said that in every city with more than five thousand inhabitants, a portal to this pyramid opens, connecting worlds and dreams. Each floor of the pyramid has portals that lead to the next level, and some say that each floor is a world of its own - after all, some reveal a sky and even a visible sun. But it's no ordinary sun, but a strange, faint white star shining in a black sky, perhaps the moon, perhaps something even more mysterious.
The portal, after teleporting hundreds of people, changed its exit point, which prevented any kingdom from establishing itself inside the pyramid. It was a constantly moving prison, a place that didn't allow anyone to take possession of its secrets or riches.
There were exactly fifteen hundreds of us summoned, divided into groups of ninety-nine people, each with their own healer assigned to take care of injuries and recovery. In total, fifteen groups of one hundred and a smaller group with only sixteen summoned - and, of course, I fell into this reduced group.
My group was peculiar: twelve people with the best mana reserves, accompanied by a healer, and three outcasts - summoned with no mana at all - to ensure that their magical abilities didn't interfere with those of the others. It was a strategic division, perhaps even cruel, but efficient.
When we were asked about equipment, I didn't hesitate. I chose light leather armor, reinforced with metal inserts for protection without losing mobility. My main weapon was a long sword, with a thin, extended blade - perfect for quick, precise blows. I also carried a bow, for ranged attacks, and a few throwing knives, useful for emergencies or distractions.
As I equipped myself, I felt a mixture of anxiety and determination. I was ready for whatever came, even though I knew that nothing would be easy in there. The pyramid was a mystery and our fate depended on our strength, magic and cunning.
"Remy!"
I turn around immediately when I hear my name, and meet a girl who, at first glance, seems vaguely familiar - very reminiscent of Mika, although I'm sure it's not her. Suddenly, without warning, she wraps me in a tight hug, the kind that leaves you breathless for a few seconds.
"Mika?" I ask, a little confused, trying to understand who she is.
She starts talking non-stop, like a marathon of run-on words. She tells me that she saw the king in person, that she was in the church, that she tried to get the sword out of the stone - all in an avalanche of details that makes me smile with enthusiasm. Her voice is hurried, almost as if she wants to fit everything into a few seconds.
Suddenly, I feel someone watching us. She leans close to my ear and whispers with a tone of urgency:
"They're looking at us, maybe you should let them go."
But I don't want to let her get away like that, not in the slightest.
"I'm not letting you go" I reply firmly, holding her arm carefully. "Let them watch."
She stares at me, her eyes shining, and I notice a mixture of surprise and something else... Perhaps affection? I move closer and, on an impulse, touch her cheek with my fingertips.
"Why do you look like that?" I ask, noticing something different.
She turns red, a flush that rises quickly and takes over her face.
"W-what?" she stutters, looking away.
I move closer and observe every detail. Her face has changed. Her skin, once marked by small imperfections, is now smooth, with no signs of pimples. The color of her eyelashes and eyebrows has turned white, as if she had been painted by some mysterious artist. Even her voice seemed softer, calmer.
"Well... your face has changed somehow. Your voice, eyelashes and eyebrows have turned white, and the pimples have disappeared..." I say quietly, almost to myself.
She lets out a nervous giggle.
"I've never had pimples!" she says, trying to deny it, but she can't hide her smile.
I laugh lightly, feeling my chest tighten in a strange way.
"I was only joking" I say, but inside I keep thinking about how different everything about her seems, as if she were someone I really wanted to get to know, no matter who she was.
I stand there, holding her hand, wanting that moment to last forever.
"Gr-r-r!" she grumbles, crossing her arms with a beak that only makes her even more adorable.
"You're so cute when you're angry," I tease, a mischievous smile playing on my lips.
She rolls her eyes, but can't hide her smile.
"I'm always sweet!" she replies, feigning indignation, as if she were the queen of sweetness.
"I don't mind" I say, winking at her, feeling the lightness of the moment invade my chest.