NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 3: A Recap of the Worldview and Return to Earth
“A Recap of the Worldview and Return to Earth”
30 years ago, a young man who had been missing for a whole year suddenly returned to Earth, causing a great stir in society at the time.
There were whispers that he had taken his own life in secrecy or sought asylum in another country, and some even believed he had fallen victim to a supernatural phenomenon known as ‘kamikakushi‘ or ‘spirited away.’
Eventually, in a press conference, the young man revealed an astonishing tale.
He claimed to have wandered into a world different from Earth, where he fought and defeated the ruling demon lord to return victoriously to Earth.
The reporters at the press conference were outraged by this seemingly absurd story.
However, their skepticism was swiftly silenced when the young man demonstrated his abilities by conjuring weapons seemingly out of thin air and producing flames and lightning in his palm.
Not only that, in response to his call, beings with appearances resembling humans but possessing long ears, animal-like ears,
tails, wings, and even horns appeared from the backstage.
Witnessing such an otherworldly spectacle, the reporters were astonished, and the young man continued his narrative.
He expressed his gratitude to these beings, as they had aided him in his survival and had become the bridge between the two worlds.
Following this declaration, the young man was crowned as the king of the other world, ‘King Verzeld,’ and gained authority equal to
or greater than that of world leaders.
“I see, so you know about King Verzeld.”
“It’s incredible! He has four beautiful wives!”
“Impressive, that’s the only thing that stands out, huh?”
Ignoring a glance that seemed to suggest something , the conversation continued.
Each of King Vezeld’s wives boasted unparalleled beauty, and their portraits were even included in art textbooks. Their relationship with the king was said to be affectionate and harmonious, and it was rumored that he had a daughter with the third queen.
“Honestly, it’s surprising. Isaya, who used to work part-time jobs all the time, had such a desire to be popular.”
“Those classmates who have a normal youth while working part-time, I envy them more than anyone.”
“The way you say it makes me feel sad, stop being so petty.”
“Sorry.”
The young man humbly apologized to the young lady, feeling a tinge of sadness himself.
However, he decided to look forward rather than at his past. After all, the young lady had prepared a school, living arrangements, and even a job for him. It was undoubtedly the best life he had ever lived!
With renewed spirits, the young lady continued her questions.
“So, do you know how King Verzeld connected the two worlds?”
“Um, I think he placed gates in various countries on Earth, allowing him to travel between the worlds.”
“Correct.”
Although it seemed natural to me, as someone not involved in the matter, the scientists who experienced the phenomenon of traveling
to another world were reportedly utterly flabbergasted.
The gates were created using the king’s magic, but even the young lady only understood them as ‘that kind of magic.’
It was a testament to King Vezeld’s extraordinary understanding to have constructed such gates from scratch.
“But you do know that the gates have various restrictions, right?”
“You need a specific passport, right? If it were as easy as hopping on a bus or train, it would be dangerous, as
criminals from other countries might escape or malicious individuals from the other world might attack.”
“Exactly. Anyone would be scared if heinous criminals from foreign countries came to their own homeland.”
I couldn’t agree more with the young lady’s point.
After 30 years of connecting the worlds through the gates, there were still some challenges to overcome.
Scholars and technicians from both worlds had established good relations, and even exchange students traveled between them.
However, Verzeld still relied mainly on horses and carriages as a means of transportation, and the world lacked modern technologies like smartphones and the internet.
On Earth, people struggled with the utilization of magic, and there were various issues surrounding initiatives for inter-world exchange.
Honestly, it was still in a trial-and-error phase.
Well, it was an unprecedented exchange between worlds, so it couldn’t be helped.
At the very least, I hoped I could contribute to the exchange between Earth and the other world, even in this slave and master
relationship.
Can I contribute? Even if it’s not a page in history, I should be able to make a contribution significant enough to be covered in the news.
Oh, no, if I end up in the news, my classmates will find out that I became a slave. I must avoid that at all costs.
“I don’t know what’s making you anxious, but you seem to have a good understanding of the other world. That
should save you some trouble.”
“There’s still a lot I don’t know, though.”
“Rather than pretending to know things or ignoring what you don’t know, it’s much better to be honest about it.”
“Are you really younger than me, Ojou? You’re not just pretending to be a young-looking older sister, are you?”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. But enough about that. We’re about to reach the checkpoint at the gate.”
The young lady announced, and shortly after, our carriage came to a stop.
Her internal clock is eerily precise…
“Let’s get off.”
“Okay.”
As prompted, I stepped out of the carriage.
Outside, I could see a large fortress-like building.
Soldiers stationed there ensured that criminals and monsters couldn’t pass through the gate, creating a strong defense that made it
challenging to bypass.
If we were cleared at this checkpoint, we could return to Japan from the other world.
However, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease.
“Hey, Ojou. I didn’t bring the passport I made for working in Verzeld. Do you have it?”
“I do have all of Isaya’s belongings in my care, so it’s not that you don’t have it. But you shouldn’t use it as it is.”
“Why? What’s the reason?”
The young lady’s advice left me puzzled, and I tilted my head in confusion.
Seeing my reaction, the young lady explained with a bewildered expression on her face.
“You know… when you came from the other side to this world, did you use that passport?”
“Ah.”
Suddenly, I understood the meaning of her words, and a wave of cold sweat ran down my back.
Oh no…
The passport I used to enter this world was from the slave trader!
According to the travel records, I hadn’t officially passed through the gate!
That means I made an illegal entry!
“Technically, it’s illegal to turn people with Earth citizenship into slaves in the other world. But in Isaya’s case,
they sold your entire citizenship along with you.”
“How audacious of that slave trader!”
Well, of course, rare Earth-human slaves like me would fetch a fortune, probably around a hundred million or more! Even as a guy, I
fetched an absurdly high price; I can only imagine how much a girl would go for.
“I did apply for the necessary procedures for your citizenship, but the acceptance won’t be until tomorrow or
later.”
“So…?”
“The passport is invalid, so you won’t be able to pass through the gate anyway.”
“Jesus!”
Overwhelmed by the merciless reality, I fell to my knees and held my head.
It’s the worst, damn it!
Even though I don’t have it with me, it feels like my driver’s license got both temporarily suspended and revoked at the same time!
And all this is because my parents sold me!
“What are we going to do, Ojou!?”
“Calm down.”
The young lady’s composed response tried to soothe me, who was on the verge of tears.
Is there any way out?
Thinking that from her composed demeanor, I eventually stood up.
Seeing me calm down, the young lady silently nodded.
Putting her index finger to her lips with her right hand, she gestured with her left hand, indicating for me to follow her quietly.
It seems like she wants me to follow her without speaking.
As I approached the young lady, she suddenly grabbed my hand with her left hand.
Oh, it’s soft and a little cool.
The exquisite texture of her hand made me a bit flustered.
Continuing to walk, we finally reached the entrance of the checkpoint, and a guard on duty noticed us.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Miss Scarlet, the Duke’s daughter. Are you heading to Earth?”
“Thank you. Yes, I’m just returning to our estate.”
“I see.”
The guard, who looked every bit an uncle, treated the young lady with utmost respect, despite being younger.
So, this is power…
I shivered inexplicably at this thought, even in this strange situation.
But how is she going to get me through from here?
Gathering myself and observing the situation, the guard uncle started writing something on a piece of paper.
Once he finished writing, he attached wristbands to both the young lady and me, serving as passes, and stepped aside, clearing the way.
“After passing through, please watch your step.”
“Thank you.”
The young lady concluded the conversation, and while still holding my hand, we passed through the checkpoint.
…Wait, it’s over already?
I thought we were going to have a noble-like negotiation, but instead, we just passed through easily.
“Go ahead and speak now.”
“Uh, um… Ojou, did you do something just now?”
“Hmm? Not really… Oh, I see. Were you expecting some kind of negotiation or bribes?”
“I wasn’t even thinking about bribes!”
“Haha, just kidding. But I swear, I didn’t break any laws.”
Her mischievous tone contrasted with her elegant mannerisms.
It’s a wicked remark, yet she carries herself with such refinement.
Annoyingly cute, even though I’m frustrated.
“But seriously, how did you manage to get the guard to let us through?”
“It wasn’t anything complicated. After all, the Scarlet Duke’s family has significant authority.”
“Oh…”
Using her authority and influence like that.
I must admit, it’s a lot worse in terms of quality compared to bribes. There was no cunning plan involved; it was just blatant abuse of
power.
While contemplating her rare feat, I felt like I caught a glimpse of the Scarlet Duke’s family’s high standing in both worlds.
Once again, I couldn’t help but tremble at the fact that I had been bought by a powerful family.
Ignoring my trembling, we continued our journey from the other world to Earth…
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