"Who are you? Where are we? What do you want from us?!" Yuna's voice shook as she spoke.

The figure lifted his head a little. His face was still hidden in shadow, but his voice rolled through the space - low, deep, and heavy.

"I am the one you humans call... God."

Silence fell between them, sharp like a blade.

"This has to be a joke?" Subaru laughed nervously, though his eyes gave away his fear.

Yūma didn't move. The word God might possess everyone.

God? If this isn't a dream, and I wish it was, then... were we summoned? Like in those fantasy stories?

The man's voice came again, steady and calm, as if he already knew their thoughts.

"Everyone says the same thing. But believe me, this is no dream. I am real."

Behind Subaru, Riko hugged herself, tears slipping down her face. Her voice cracked.

"What do you want? Did... did we do something wrong?"

"No." His voice was clear and sure. "You were chosen. By me.... to save my world."

"Your... world?" Yuna looked up, trying to stay calm even as her heart raced. "What do you mean by that?"

"Your world is not alone. There are endless other worlds. Different places, different people, different lives. You call it the universe."

He lifted his hand. Bright images appeared around them: Earth, stars, and then dozens, hundreds of other worlds spinning like glowing orbs.

"Your world is named World-H12. The letter H stands for humanity - worlds where normal humans dominate. Worlds without magic, monsters, or divine interference. They are... empty, limited. They chase technology, science, and logic. Just like yours."

Yūma felt something stir inside him.

So, it's true. Our lives are plain and dull. Compared to books or games, we have nothing to compare to them.

"Hold on!" Subaru stepped forward, his voice caught between anger and curiosity. "You said we were chosen. But chosen for what?"

"My world is different. Humans never created technology. Instead, they progressed in medicine and other fields thanks to the existence of magic. If your world is in the twenty-first century, then mine in history remains hundreds of years behind. But..."

He waited for a second and continued.

"Magic cannot do what technology does in fighting crime. My world has no cameras, no computers, and no tools to watch or record. If someone commits a crime, they often go free."

He has a point. Sherlock Holmes would have solved cases much more easily with our tools. Even Jack the Ripper wouldn't have lasted long in modern times.

"Fine. But what exactly do you want us to do? How can we even help?" Subaru asked.

"The Ravens," the man said.

The space around them was filled with new visions. Wet, dark streets. Horse-drawn carts over cobblestones. Groups of men in black suits.

"A gang formed in one of the countries, similar to your England. A gang that started as small-time thieves in the docks. But in a few decades, they grew to an unbelievable size. Now they control entire districts-even cities."

"A gang that controls cities?" Subaru crossed his arms, smirking. His tone was carried with sarcasm, but his eyes shone with interest. "And you think four ordinary humans can fight them?"

The man stepped forward. His calm voice carried weight, almost pushing down on them.

"I chose you because you are the ones this world needs. Three friends who can work together, support each other, and trust one another. People who are good, brave, and won't hesitate to reach out a hand in a hard moment."

Yuna and Riko shared glances. Subaru raised his eyebrows slightly but didn't look surprised.

"...Huh?" A short, uncertain sound escaped Yūma's lips.

"Then why am I here? I barely know them. We're just classmates, nothing more. If you only needed them, you should've said so. I would've asked you to send me home immediately."

Silence. Riko squeezed the strap of her bag, as if she wanted to speak but held back. Yuna lifted her chin, eyes locked on him.

"I needed four people. At that moment, you were all together in one place, so I had to summon you too. But don't think you're just an accident. Only I know what you're capable of. And I tell you this. You will be useful."

Me, useful? That's a joke. I'm the person who tends to avoid talking and look away when someone speaks to me. And now I'm supposed to work in a team?

Yūma scoffed and looked away, fingers tapping against his leg.

"Let us continue," the man said. He took a step forward, and the air around them trembled, forming more images.

"The Ravens are ruled by five brothers. No one knows their names, faces, or homes. The only clue is the black masks they always wear. Even I cannot see through them."

Subaru clicked his tongue, ready to argue, but Yūma cut him off, stepping closer. He was irritated. His voice was sharp with anger.

"You call yourself God? Yet you don't even know something that simple?"

A short silence fell over the void until finally, the man raised his head.

"I don't know," he answered calmly, but in his voice, there was a strange note of weakness.

"Maybe I'm just a weak pretender who keeps trying but keeps failing."

Riko, standing behind Subaru, raised her hand as if to grab Yūma's shoulder, but stopped halfway.

"Please, Sazanami..." she said quietly, almost begging. Her voice shook, her eyes full of worry.

Yūma narrowed his eyes.

He said, 'keeps failing.' That means... we aren't the first. If we're not the first, then... what happened to the others?

Yuna stepped forward, standing next to Subaru.

"Fine. But what if we refuse? What if we choose not to fight and just live in your world? Then what?"

Stupid question. Just go back to his last answer. He keeps summoning people, which means something is about to happen soon. He won't just let us sit and watch.

"Your choice," he said calmly but firmly.

"But your lives won't last long. In three years, the Vultures will take over the nation. And two years after that, they will start a conflict that will turn into a war. A great war, like your World War II."

Subaru's eyes went wide. Riko covered her mouth in horror. Yuna clenched her jaw but said nothing.

Bingo.

"That is why you must find out who is behind it and eliminate the threat. Only then would I allow you to return to your world."

"Eliminate? You seriously want us to kill someone? I'll say it again, we're just ordinary people. We don't know how to do that!" Subaru said, stepping forward.

"In my world, magic exists. But only twenty percent of the world is born with such abilities. But even then, they are limited. Simple spells, like fireball, are the extent of their power. That's why we, the Gods, created something we call Safari."

"Safari?" Subaru asked.

"A potion. A potion that grants power beyond an ordinary human's imagination. Well… only if you're capable of completing it," he explained calmly.

"Each potion has multiple stages. A Stage 1 user is already stronger than an ordinary magic user in this world. A Stage 6 is considered a half-god. But only a few have ever reached that stage."

"I have five potions that represent their own path. You'll be able to choose by yourself," he answered calmly, lifting his hand.

The air around them shook. Glowing symbols appeared, spinning slowly like circles of runes. From the ground, stone tables arose. Upon them were metal cups, gold in colour, filled with an unknown liquid.

"Here are your options. Five choices. Each of you may select only one."

Way of Ninja – Stage 1: Invisibility (power to become invisible)

Way of Magician – Stage 1: Summoning (power to summon two battle wolves)

Way of the Fighter – Stage 1: Martial Arts (enhanced close combat, stronger strength, and faster reflexes)

Way of Guard – Stage 1: Steel (enhanced body toughness)

Way of Hitman – Stage 1: Hawk Eye (enhanced vision, senses, aim)

Yūma noticed the options are specifically created for offense. Only one of them might be considered for defense. Also, the number of potions created is strangely low. 

"This is cruel," Riko whispered. "What if we choose wrong?"

"Such is fate. Time doesn't wait."

Subaru took a deep breath, stepped closer to the tables, and pointed at one.

"Then I'll choose Way of the Fighter. Sounds simple. At least I'll know what to do."

"I... I don't know... All of this sounds terrifying." Riko looked around nervously. She glanced at her friends, then at Yūma, hoping for help.

Why is she looking at me?

"Way of Magician. That one will be able to guard you at least." Subaru suggested her.

"Alright... I'll choose Way of Magician." Riko stepped forward, closer to the table.

Yuna crossed her arms, staring carefully at the remaining options.

"Way of Ninja. If I can become truly invisible, it'll be useful." Her voice was confident, without hesitation.

Two options remained. Yūma stared at them longer than the others, as if trying to see the meaning hidden behind their names. Finally, he raised his gaze at the man.

"Way of Hitman."

"Good. Then take your glass and drink," the man instructed, gesturing at the tables.

All four lifted their chosen cups. Drank it, didn't feel anything at first. Then suddenly, they dropped to their knees. Their head pounded violently, as a hammer struck their skulls again and again.

"Don't worry. Your body must adjust," the man acted calmly.

Students felt relieved a minute later. Their bodies continued to tremble, but the potions had fully settled into them.

"Do you have any questions?" he asked.

"How do we reach Stage 2? And what powers will we get next?" Yuna asked, her voice trembling. A faint pain lingered a little longer.

"That is for you to discover. One of the keys is to perfect the power you already hold."

Yuna exhaled slowly.

"Anything else?" he continued.

None of the three spoke. Only glances passed between them. But the man's gaze stopped on Yūma, as if seeing something deeper.

"Where are you transporting us?" Yuna asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Near the city of Parin, in a country similar to your France," the man answered in a calm tone.

Subaru raised a brow. "Parin? That sounds almost like Paris."

"Their main base is most likely in the capital of Albior. It's there that the Ravens hold their greatest power," without a response, he continued.

"Remember. You have three years until the turning point. If you are ready, I will send you to the other world."

Subaru looked back at the girls, as if wanting their confirmation. Yuna gave a slight nod. Riko only squeezed the strap of her bag tighter as if she were scared.

"We're ready," Subaru said.

"Good luck."

The man waved his hand. The glow of runes cut through the void. Their bodies blurred, fading into shadows carried by the wind. In a blink, they were gone.

Yūma stood there alone.

"You wanted to ask something, didn't you, Sazanami?" The man turned toward him. His voice was softer now, less formal than before.