Among Monsters (Tensura)

Chap 6.

James opened his eyes, immediately sensing something was wrong. He was no longer in his room at the inn. Instead, he stood in a vast, unfamiliar space that looked like a massive amphitheater. A chill ran down his spine as he took in his surroundings. What the hell? Where am I?

In his panic, he noticed that his body felt different—lighter, more energized, almost like he was brimming with vitality. Is this due to Sovereign's Sanctuary? Could it be a safe zone, like in the games I used to play?

Taking a few steadying breaths, he wandered around the amphitheater, tracing his fingers along the ancient-looking stone walls and columns. After some exploration, he found a large hallway leading to an even larger door. He approached it cautiously, and to his surprise, it opened with ease.

Beyond the door, a paved road stretched out before him, cutting through a dense forest. The trees towered on either side of the path, their branches forming a canopy overhead. Despite the natural setting, there was something eerie about it—the complete absence of life. No birds chirped, no insects buzzed. It was utterly silent.

He followed the road, his footsteps echoing faintly in the stillness. After a while, he emerged from the forest onto a small plain, where he saw a glistening lake in the center. Feeling a strange pull, he walked over to it, studying the clear, calm water.

Most lakes are freshwater, right? He knelt beside the shore, cupped his hands, and took a sip. The water tasted sweet, unlike anything he'd had before, and a warmth spread through him, filling him with a sense of calm.

Satisfied, he wandered the plain, continuing to test the limits of this new place. When he reached the edge of the plain, he suddenly felt resistance, like he was pressing against an invisible barrier. He placed his hands against it, confirming his suspicion. I knew it… this place must be Sovereign's Sanctuary—a personal safe zone, a pocket dimension.

For the next several hours, he continued his exploration, naming each part of the dimension as he mapped it out. The amphitheater became Sovereign's Amphitheater, the forest was now Sovereign's Forest, the plain was Eternal Plains, and the lake Eternal Lake. The names weren't especially original, but they felt right.

He also observed a day-night cycle in the sky, which was now turning to dawn. So time passes here just like in the real world.

Testing his final experiment, he called out, "Exit Sovereign's Sanctuary." A familiar blue circle appeared beneath him, and a second later, he was back in his room at the inn.

James went to the window, glancing outside to confirm his suspicions. No time dilation… it's morning here too.

Another thought struck him. When I entered the Sanctuary, it drained my magicules, but exiting didn't. Could it be that, once inside, I don't need to use up magicules to sustain myself or use my skills?

Exhausted from the night of testing, he collapsed onto the bed, finally allowing himself to rest. Within moments, he drifted into a deep sleep, his mind filled with thoughts of his newfound domain and the powers he had yet to fully understand.

End of chap.