The Eternal Pact

Sunlight pierces through a large window in a royal chamber adorned with purple and gold. The sound of heavy footsteps echoes in the hallways outside as Ryo slowly opens his eyes, his face filled with confusion.

Ryo (whispering):

"What is this place? This isn't my home… Where am I?"

He rises from the ornate bed and approaches the massive mirror in the corner, stunned when he sees a face he doesn't recognize staring back at him.

Ryo (in shock):

"This… isn't my face! Who is this? And why do I look like… a character from a novel?"

Suddenly, memories flood his mind, as if a reel of film had started playing. He recalls a story he had written with his friend Jin back in high school—a tale of a world filled with conflict between two empires.

Ryo (aloud):

"No way… Does this mean I'm inside the novel?"

A transparent text suddenly appears in the air before him:

"Welcome, Ryo. Your first choice will determine your fate here."

Ryo (in disbelief):

"The system…? How… Why is this happening to me?"

A servant enters the room with a slight bow.

John, the Servant:

"Your Highness, breakfast is ready. The Emperor awaits you in the grand hall."

Ryo hesitates but decides to face the situation. He descends to the hall, where Emperor Shai, a figure exuding dignity and authority, sits alongside other members of the royal family.

Emperor Shai (calm but firm):

"So, you've finally decided to join us, Ryo. I knew this day would come."

The family eyes Ryo with suspicion. Feeling the pressure, Ryo decides to act as if he understands what's happening.

Ryo (to himself):

"Alright… If I'm really here, I can't afford to look weak in front of them."

As Ryo eats, another text appears in the air before him:

"A wrong step here could lead to your first death. Be prepared."

Ryo (internally):

"My first death? What does that even mean? And does it imply I'll die more than once?"

In a distant land far from the palace, Jin, a handsome young man with sharp features and a commanding presence, stands in the middle of a training arena, surrounded by soldiers from the Ronar Empire.

Jin (with a deep voice):

"How did I end up in this world? Is this a second chance? Or a punishment?"

Unlike Ryo, Jin is fully aware that he is inside the novel. However, he has a clear goal: absolute control to save his empire from chaos.

At night, Ryo sits in his chamber, trying to analyze everything that has happened. The system appears again with another message:

"You will need allies, but absolute trust leads to downfall. Caution is your first weapon."

Ryo (with a wry smile):

"As if my life wasn't complicated enough outside this world."

The first day ends with Ryo lying on his bed, determined to find a way out of this nightmare. Yet, deep down, he knows his fate is tied to this world—and to his old friend, Jin.

The following morning, Ryo decides to explore the royal palace and its surroundings. The pressure from the system's cryptic messages weighs heavily on him. He enters the training grounds, where guards and nobles spar under the morning sun. Observing from a distance, a glowing text appears before him:

"Your latent power has not yet been activated. Training is the key, but caution is imperative."

Ryo (muttering):

"Training? And what power? I have no idea what I'm doing here."

An older military instructor, a stern man with a long scar running across his face, approaches him.

Instructor Kyle:

"Your Highness, would you care to test your skills with a sword?"

Seeing this as an opportunity to better understand the system, Ryo agrees.

Ryo is handed a heavy sword and pushed into a small sparring ring to face one of the guards. The fight begins, but despite his efforts, Ryo is swiftly and humiliatingly defeated. A message appears before him:

"Incorrect. Swordsmanship is not your primary skill. Keep searching."

Ryo (frustrated):

"Then what is my skill? Stop giving me riddles!"

As he leaves the ring, whispers spread among the guards and nobles.

Guard (whispering):

"The crown prince? He doesn't seem to know anything about fighting."

System (calmly):

"Enemies do not only appear on the battlefield. They lurk in the shadows around you."

In the Ronar Empire, Jin stands before a large map of the two continents, Lomai and Ronar. Beside him is his trusted advisor, Lin.

Jin:

"This world is collapsing. Whether I like it or not, I must be the one to restore order."

Lin:

"But, Your Highness, tyrannical decisions may lead to rebellion."

Jin turns to Lin, his gaze sharp and cold.

Jin:

"I've learned from the past. Those who oppose me will be erased, even if it means sacrificing everything."

For a moment, however, Jin's expression softens, as if a shadow of sadness crosses his face.

Lin (cautiously):

"You're still thinking about him… your childhood friend, Ryo."

Jin (quietly):

"Ryo… If he were here, the world might have been different."

That evening, Ryo leaves the royal palace and wanders through the bustling city nearby. He discovers a different side of life among the common people. Suddenly, three men dressed in black, their eyes glinting with malice, step out of an alley.

Ryo (internally):

"Alright… This feels familiar. What do these guys want?"

One of them lunges toward him, but before the attack lands, a message flashes in front of Ryo:

"Use your wit. The sword is not your only option."

Ryo steps back, grabs a nearby object, and throws it at the attacker, disorienting them momentarily. Yet, he remains in danger.

As the situation worsens, a tall man in a dark green cloak appears. His features exude strength and confidence. With a single strike, he fends off the attackers.

Stranger:

"Is this how the crown prince defends himself?"

Ryo (nervously):

"And who are you?"

Stranger (with a sly smile):

"I'm someone who's been watching you since you appeared in this world. My name doesn't matter now, but you'll need me soon enough."

Back in his chamber at night, Ryo faces the system again.

System:

"Every decision you make here will affect more than just your life. Beware of missteps. The fate of this world—and of Jin—is tied to you."

Ryo (softly):

"Jin… It seems our story isn't over yet."