Arifureta: Dark Lord

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~Tortus~

In a rather spacious chamber constructed with white stones that resembled marble. Towering and imposing columns with intricate sculptures stretched towards the grand arched ceiling. Numerous priests adorned in white robes embellished with golden ornaments stood gathered at the center of the room.

They were chanting something in an unknown language, their hands folded across their chests. The whole room, together with the priests, gave off the aura of a cathedral.

Seconds later, a dimly illuminated pentagram glowed with a mowing light before numerous archaic symbols ran in the magic circle. 

The luminous pentagram dimmed, and thirty individuals were ejected from within. Some of them fell onto their buttocks and faces, losing their balance. However, Reiji's cat-like reflexes allowed him to twist and contort his body midair, using his arms and legs to balance himself before landing on his feet.

After taking a moment to catch his breath and survey the unfamiliar surroundings, Reiji noticed a statue. The figure depicted in the statue had blond hair flowing freely behind them and wore a faint smile. 

They were wreathed in a halo and had both arms spread wide as if trying to grab hold of the beautiful landscape of plains, lakes, and mountains depicted in the background. It was a truly beautiful work of art, but Reiji felt a chill run down his spine, and his hair stood on end as he gazed upon it. 

He jumped back in wariness and his thoughts raced with countless possibilities. ‘Is it a surveillance artifact? Is it alive? Is it a golem? Who exactly is that statue?’

After calming down his thoughts, Reiji walked away from the statue and examined the rest of the room. He finally became aware of the priests standing in the center. They were adorned in white robes with intricate gold ornaments, and their presence added to the grandeur of the room.

Eventually, one of the priests stepped forward. He was an old man in his seventies, dressed even more extravagantly than his companions. He wore a magnificently adorned monk's cap that stood approximately thirty centimeters tall. 

It could be said that "old" was not the most fitting word to describe him. If not for his deeply wrinkled face and aged eyes, one might think him a man in his early fifties. As he walked, his staff jingled, producing clear and soothing notes that echoed throughout the halls. 

Eventually, he spoke, saying, "Welcome to Tortus, brave heroes. It is our pleasure to welcome you here. I am the Pope of the Holy Church, Ishtar Langbard. It is an honor to make your acquaintance," said the old man, who introduced himself as Ishtar, as he broke into a warm and friendly smile.

The still-confused group of students was led by Ishtar into another room, which was furnished with numerous chairs and long tables. He explained that it would be easier to speak calmly there.

The new room was just as lavishly built as the first, with exemplary craftsmanship displayed in the furniture and tapestries hanging on the walls. The layout suggested that it was some kind of banquet hall.

Aiko Hatayama and Kouki's group of four took seats at the forefront of their designated tables, and their followers positioned themselves around them accordingly. Hajime ended up at the very end of his table with Reiji sitting next to him, leaning back into his chair, with his eyes fixed on Ishtar.

The reason why no one had made a fuss so far was that everyone was still too busy processing what had just happened. Furthermore, since Ishtar had promised to provide an explanation regarding the recent events, Kouki, with his high level of charisma, had successfully pacified everyone.

Aiko-sensei had tears in her eyes as she watched a student perform a task that should have been the responsibility of the teacher. 

As soon as everyone had finished seating themselves, the double doors opened, and a number of carts entered the room, pushed along by an entourage of maids.

The men, though confused by their current situation, looked at the maidservants with lustful gazes. To them, real-life maidens were something they had only read about in fantasy books. But they soon averted their gaze with a cold sweat running down their back as they felt the girls glare in a manner cold enough to freeze hell.

The maid's presence was completely ignored by Reiji as he fixed his attention solely on Ishtar. Despite the possibility that Ishtar might harbor negative intentions towards them, he knew there must be some truth in his words. Finally, once everyone had been served their refreshments, Ishtar began to speak.

"Now then, I am certain you all must be feeling very confused about the situation you've found yourselves in. I shall explain everything, starting from the beginning.”

"Please bear with me and listen attentively until the end," he requested. To summarize, his first revelation was that the world they were in was called Tortus.

Tortus was home to three distinct races: humans, demons, and demi-humans. The northern half of the continent was inhabited by humans, the southern half by demons, and the demi-humans resided far to the east in a vast forest. 

The humans and demons had a tumultuous relationship and had been engaged in a long-standing war for centuries. Despite the humans having a greater number, the demons' individual strength surpassed that of most humans, evening out the odds. 

Currently, both sides were at a standstill, and there hadn't been a significant battle in decades. However, recent unsettling developments among the demons had occurred, namely, their ability to subdue monsters.

The Pope halted his explanation momentarily, observing the reaction of everyone present like a cunning fox. At the sight of Kouki, his aged and languid eyes lit up with a gleam of excitement. 

He had realized that Kouki had the most influence over his companions and started formulating plans in his mind to bring him over to his side, making it easier to convince the others.

“The divine Lord Ehit came to the realization that humanity was on the brink of destruction and thus summoned you here to avert such a catastrophic fate. You, heroes, are humans from a world far greater than ours, and so you carry within you a strength that surpasses the humans of this world.”

With a transfixed expression, Ishtar beseeched, "I implore you to fulfill Lord Ehit's request. Defeat the demons and rescue the human race from the brink of destruction."

Ishtar explained that in this world, more than 90% of the population worshiped Ehit, and those who received his divine revelations were granted high positions in the Holy Church.

"You can't possibly be serious! You're telling these students to go fight in a war!? That's absolutely unacceptable! As a teacher, I cannot allow it!" Aiko-sensei exclaimed in outrage.

"Send us back immediately! These kids have families back home who must be agonizing over their disappearance! You can't simply abduct them like this!" Aiko-sensei protested vehemently. However, Ishtar's following words heaped despair upon her already burdened shoulders.

"I understand your feelings, however... I am incapable of returning you to your world at the present," Ishtar calmly stated.

The revelation left all the students, including Aiko, utterly incredulous as they gazed upon Ishtar in disbelief. The oppressive silence was shattered by Akko's shout. "Wh-What do you mean... you're unable!? If you had the power to bring us here, surely you can send us back?" 

"It wasn't our doing that brought you here, but Lord Ehit himself," explained the Pope in a calm manner. “Our purpose in that room was solely to greet you and offer prayers to our deity. Unfortunately, we humans lack the ability to meddle with other worlds. Your return is ultimately in the hands of Lord Ehit's will." 

At these words, Aiko's spirit faltered and she slumped into her seat, bereft of all energy. 

The other students all started to shout, saying things like “You've got to be kidding me!” or “Return us to our world!”. The whole class fell into a panic.

Reiji observed Ishtar's expression and internally sighed, noticing the look of contempt in the depths of his eyes. It was as if Ishtar were thinking, "You were chosen by the Venerable God. Why don't you kneel and rejoice that you were chosen as his hero?"

As Ishtar wanted, Kouki sprang up from his chair and pounded his fist on the table, drawing the attention of his classmates, including Reiji.

"Everyone, there’s no point in complaining to Ishtar. There’s nothing he can do about it now. And... And I, at least, have decided to stand and fight. These people are about to be annihilated,” declared Kouki with determination.

"How can I possibly abandon them to such a tragic fate? Besides, if we have been summoned here to save humanity, there may be a chance that we can return home after fulfilling our duty. Ishtar-san, do you believe this to be possible?" he asked with a glimmer of hope in his voice.

Ishtar calmly responded, "As you say, Lord Ehit wouldn't disregard a request from his chosen heroes." 

Kouki, brimming with excitement, remarked, "We've all acquired incredible abilities since arriving here, haven't we? I feel so much stronger."

"Yes, that is correct," confirmed Ishtar with a nod. "It would be safe to assume that each of you has the equivalent strength of anywhere from a few to a few dozen regular men."

"Alright then, we should be fine. I will fight," Kouki declared, his fists clenched tightly as a dazzling smile spread across his face. "We can save everyone and return home. Watch me, I'll save us all!" His overwhelming charisma began to take effect as he spoke.

The students who were despairing mere moments ago began to regain their sense of composure. All eyes were fixed on Kouki with a sense of wonder as if they were staring at hope itself. Many of the female students gazed upon him with a mix of admiration and adoration.

"I had a hunch you'd say that," Ryutarou said with a small grin on his face. "However, I'm not comfortable with the idea of you going alone. That's why I'll be accompanying you."

"Ryutarou..."

"It looks like we don't have much of a choice right now," remarked Shizuku, a hint of annoyance in her tone. "It bothers me that we're not given much say in the matter, but nevertheless, I'm willing to help."

"I-If Shizuku is going to fight, then count me in too!" Kaori declared, stammering a bit.

The usual group of friends all chimed in their support for Kouki, their voices ringing with excitement and adrenaline. After that, the rest of their classmates also expressed their approval and went with the flow. The air was thick with the energy of mob mentality, the students caught up in a dangerous fervor that they didn't fully understand.

The group had gone around, each expressing their approval or disagreement with the plan to save the world from the demons. Those who remained silent were then asked, and fearing ostracization or being seen as a traitor, they agreed to the plan.

Reiji, who had been sitting silently with his eyes closed, processing all the information that had been presented to him, was finally asked for his opinion.

“What about you, Reiji? Will you help us save this world from the demons?” Kouki inquired.

As Reiji opened his eyes, his violet orbs scanned the room, observing the expressions of everyone present. The silence was so profound that one could hear a pin drop. Then, he spoke up, "Do you even know what you're getting into?"

Pausing for a moment, he let his words hang in the air before continuing, "You talk of fighting in a war, but do you truly understand what that entails? War is a merciless and savage affair that leaves nothing but devastation and despair in its wake. It causes pillaging, enslavement, rape, murder, and countless other atrocities."

Reiji's piercing stare bore into Kouki, his words laden with accusation. "It's amusing, isn't it? Who would have thought the class leader would lead his classmates into something that could very well result in their deaths? And what of the scheming old man who orchestrated it all? What do you stand to gain from this?"

As his words hung in the air, the room was plunged into a tense silence. Reiji let out a heavy sigh, realizing he wasn't going to get an answer. Standing up from his seat, however, he made sure to impart a harsh reality check to the rest of the class.

"And what about the rest of you?" he asked, capturing their attention. "Are you truly prepared to take another's life? Yes, they may be demons, but they are living beings all the same. To end a life, you must be ready to sacrifice your own. Are any of you willing to die for a world you never even knew existed?"

Reiji's gaze shifted towards Kouki, his eyes filled with cold contempt. "And you, Kouki. You had better be prepared to shoulder the responsibility of leading them into battle. If they are killed like worthless cattle, their blood will be on your hands.”

“But I highly doubt that you can bear such a heavy burden, given your lack of ability. You're nothing but a liability, Kouki, and I have no interest in following a leader who can't even comprehend the consequences of their actions."

The silence hung heavy once again, and Reiji made his way to the door. But as he reached it, Kouki spoke through gritted teeth.

"And what of you? You are nothing but a mere transfer student, an outcast. Do not act so high and mighty. At least I am trying to calm everyone down and do some good. All you're doing is spouting nonsense and sowing discord in the class. You'll only be a hindrance and a liability in this world."

Reiji paused at the doorway and turned to face Kouki. “You see that’s where you're wrong.”

"Huh?" Kouki unconsciously said, among the other students.

"Allow me to clarify," Reiji began. "I have not declined to participate in this war. However, my motives for doing so are personal in nature. While I am a member of this group, I do not consider myself fully integrated into it. Rather, I view myself as an individual within the larger collective," he explained in a clear and concise manner.

"Why?"

With an unreadable expression, Reiji swung open the door and slowly walked outside, his eyes scanning the Church as he spoke. "I don't expect you to understand, Kouki. This isn't about the church or its war. I have my own reasons for getting involved, and they have nothing to do with any of you.”

“I'm not here to make friends or enemies. Just know that when the dust settles, I'll be standing tall, and no one will be able to hold me back. So save your judgment for someone who cares, because frankly…”

“I don’t.”

As the last word left his lips, Reiji abruptly walked out the door, and the heavy wooden door slammed shut with a resounding bang. The sound echoed through the room, leaving everyone inside in stunned silence.