Chapter Text
Monday. A day dreaded by oh so many, for oh so many a reason. Most people were, without a doubt bemoaning the beginning of the week, and loss of their precious weekend… Hajime Nagumo was no exception, though he’d show no one. He had his dignity after all.
He entered his school, which for him felt more like a Circle Of Hell than a place of learning… he got into the class, just before the final bell rang, and found himself receiving a multitude of scornful tongue clicks and disgusted glares from the boys. The girls also seemed disgusted, shirking away as though he were contagious. Hajime wouldn’t have given a single fuck if they just glared or looked… but they never could be that polite.
“Sup, you gross Otaku?! Stay up all night playing video games again? Pft, probably porn games too!”
“Wow, what a creep. What kind of pervert stays up all night playing porn games?!”
Three student stooges, one ringleader, zero morals. Ringleader: Daisuke Hiyama, a relentless bully, and arrogant son of a sow, who saw Hajime as his nemesis. Hajime frankly couldn’t care less about him. He hated Hajime for something beyond either of their control. His problem, not Hajime’s. His stooges? Yoshiki Saitou, Reichi Kondou, Shinji Nakano. All determined to prove him… something… he frankly wasn't sure their heads were on right. Idiots, one and all.
Hajime was considered scarily quiet, dangerously so if you spoke with some of the girls. He didn’t care. He didn’t talk with people who were so hatefully zealous that they’d harass someone like that for no good reason. He was an Otaku, yes… yes he liked Anime, Manga, and Light Novels… that normally might warrant a few odd looks, but that was all. So… why did these people all hate him?
“Good morning, Nagumo! You barely made it in on time, today as well. I think you should at least make an effort to come earlier…” One of the girls spoke up, smiling softly as she strode forwards. One of the few to treat Hajime as a person, and the reason everyone despised him.
Kaori Shirasaki.
One of the most popular girls in the school, and considered a Goddess by most of the student body. Sleek black hair to the waste, large alluring eyes full of kindness, a small nose, and full lips. She always had a smile on her face, and her knack for looking after others, combined with a strong sense of responsibility made her one of the most respected students in the school. Moreover, she was upstanding and tolerant to a fault, to the degree that no one had ever seen her unhappy.
Aaaand, she’d taken an interest in Hajime. Most of the students assumed since Kaori was always looking after others, that was all she was doing here. That his constant all-nighters and sleeping in class meant he had terrible grades- (Not true, his grades were the epitome of average.) -so that was all Kaori had to be interested in him for.
Had Kaori’s overtures caused Hajime to start looking better, or made visible progress on his grades, they would have changed their minds on him… people are shallow like that. However, Hajime was as average as one could get, and not socially or academically gifted. As such, the boys all felt an unquenchable hatred… “Why him?! Why not us?!” It was plain as day… and the girls felt he was taking advantage of Kaori, not even attempting to reform his habits.
“Good morning, Shirasaki.” Hajime nodded, returning Kaori’s greeting, politely keeping his face in its dead and unreadable expression he’d mastered in this hellhole. In return, Kaori smiled happily as she looked at him, and he worked hard to not look at anyone else. ‘What did I do that you found so interesting…?’
He didn’t know why the most beloved student in the school had taken such an interest in him… there had to be more to it, but he didn’t know it. Of course, he was well aware it wasn’t romantic, she had a far better serving of guys around to take advantage of. He would merely be in the way, and his hobbies had taken a good amount of his time. As they finished their exchange a new group came up. Three students, one of whom had been basically dragged up, trying to hopefully mitigate the other two’s antics.
“Good morning Nagumo. Must be rough, staying up every night…”
“Looking after him again, Kaori? You truly are too kind for your own good…”
“Seriously. Talking to a loser like him is a total waste of time.”
First person, Shizuku Yaegashi. Only one who’d greeted Hajime. She was one of the taller girls in the class, with black hair tied back in a ponytail. Her eyes had a sharp look, but she seemed cool, not cold. Kindness dwelled within her eyes. She was also well trained in swordsmanship, her family ran a dojo… Yaegashi Style. Shizuku was a peerless swordswoman who’d never lost a single kendo tournament. Even featured in magazines, with a rather… concerning fanbase. Hajime dully recalled the term, Soul Sisters.
The second to speak was the walking Cliche, Kouki Amanogawa. He was, “Perfect” in almost every way. Great at sports, traditionally handsome, great grades. And his name even had the Kanji for Light and Radiance. Dazzling…~! Brown hair, soft features, and despite a slim frame had noticeable muscles. He was kind to almost everyone, or if you asked him, everyone, and believed himself to have a strong sense of justice. He’d also gone to the Yaegashi Dojo, and was good too. Got tons of confessions, the poor girls didn’t know the fucker they were asking out.
Hajime didn’t share, since he didn’t see a need to, but he was extremely good at reading people… it was a habit he’d picked up from his years being scorned and disliked. Even when subtle, he was rather good at picking up cues. He knew Amanogawa was rather clueless about the harsh reality of life, and that Yaegashi was actually shy, but put herself forward for others. Then the last… nothing really to read into it.
Ryutarou Sakagami. Short, trimmed hair, massive bear-like form. Large guy. Liked the hot blooded and hard workers. He didn’t know much about Hajime, and disliked delicacy, so Hajime was his antithesis, or so he thought. Hajime had a theory that Sakagami actually had a minor inferiority complex, but the dude seemed to not know himself, so Hajime wasn’t sure.
“Hm.” Hajime looked at Yaegashi, pointedly ignoring the two he didn’t trust, and spoke. “Sorry about making you worry. But you don’t need to. I’m fine.”
Ryutarou and Kouki bristled, angered at Hajime’s casual disregard for them. Shizuku was nearly as popular as Kaori, so this seemed big headed of him, to them.
“Do you not see this is a problem of yours?” Kouki demanded. “Should you not try and fix it? I don’t think it’s fair, having Kaori keep spoiling you. She doesn’t have time to keep looking after you either.”
Kouki clearly thought Hajime was merely a leech squandering Kaori’s kindness. Hajime merely stared at him, and Kouki stared back. Hajime wanted to explain, there was nothing to fix. He’d made his hobbies the centerpiece of his life. His father was a game designer, his mother a manga author. He’d worked hours at their workplaces, and gained experience… he already had employers keeping an eye on him, as he was a good catch. If he’d gotten through school without drawing attention, it would have been a perfect schooling… then…
Kaori spoke again.
“What are you talking about, Kouki? I’m talking to Nagumo because I want to!” Kaori protested. The air grew cold, as everyone fixed their best withering glares on Hajime, hatefully letting him know he was unworthy of such a blessing. Hajime noted Hiyama’s goons preparing to drag him somewhere later, and sighed.
“Huh-? Ohhhh, I see. You truly are far too kind, Kaori.” Kouki nodded understandingly. He thought she was just being nice to avoid hurting his feelings. One of Kouki’s main flaws… he was ‘slightly’ too convinced of his righteousness… Hajime merely looked out a window, ignoring everyone.
“I’m sorry about that. They don’t mean any harm by it.” Shizuku whispered, as the only one astute enough to have grasped everyone’s feelings. Hajime merely gave her a wry smile and shrugged.
Then their teacher arrived, and began lessons. Kaori smiled as Hajime drifted in and out during lessons, taking notes sporadically, and dozing the rest of the time. Shizuku stared at him amazed, and noted he seemed to be quite the celebrity in a way. Everyone kept a side eye on him, hoping for an excuse to vilify him.
After class ended, and lunch break began, Hajime fully woke up. He had his lunch, a specially prepped meal that he could devour in ten seconds, yet still become sated upon. Most of the class was still here, yet those that bought lunch were already gone. He noted a few people had questions for their fourth period social studies teacher, Aiko Hatayama and were milling around the teacher’s podium.
Sluuurp. Gulp.
Hajime finished his lunch in a mere ten seconds, and lowered his head to recover. But… Kaori returned, scooting closer, an innocent smile on her face…
“That’s rare Nagumo… you’re still in the classroom. Did you not bring a lunch? If you like, I can share some of mine?” The air chilled again, and Hajime debated the best course of action, while a tired voice screamed in the back of his head.
‘Feck to teh nuw!’ He instead spoke diplomatically. “Thanks, but already ate. Maybe you would want to eat with Amanogawa?”
Kaori looked worried.
“Huh?! That’s all you had, that simply won’t do, you need a proper meal!” She declared. “Here, take some of mine!”
Hajime worried, knowing if he took it he would most certainly get dragged behind the school and beaten up. He needed someone to come and be a bigger proble- ah there we go, Kouki, come be the idiot for us.
“Kaori, let’s all eat lunch together. It seems Nagumo needs some more sleep. And I simply won’t allow someone to eat Kaori’s delicious homemade lunch while half asleep!” Hajime barely kept his grin off his face as Kouki flashed Kaori a dazzling grin and offered a hand. Kouki was being so useful for once!
“Huh? Why do I need your permission to share my lunch, Kouki?” Kaori asked earnestly. Shizuku let an involuntary snicker out as she heard Kaori ask that, in the most genuinely confused tone possible. Kouki began laughing awkwardly and trying to change the subject, but Shizuku noted that four of the most famous people in the school were standing at Hajime’s desk and the rest of the class was not happy about it.
Then her eyes widened as she noted a flashing silver circle, coated in geometric runes and sigils… Shizuku was captivated by it, it looked… magical…? Everyone else was too… then it began to grow, and expand. Then their teacher yelled…
“Everyone, out of the classroom!”
“EVERYONE BRACE!” This second voice was firm, authoritative, and assertive. Shizuku didn’t know whose voice it was, but it was an authority figure and she instantly obeyed, grabbing Kaori and holding as tightly as possible. She was not letting her friend go away!
The light began to fade, and she found herself in a new situation…
The first thing she noted was a massive ten meter long mural, with a genderless figure standing, wreathed in a halo, their blond hair flowing behind them. Behind them were plains, lakes, and mountains. The figure’s arms were extended, as though trying to grasp it all… it was an amazing work of art. Shizuku tore her gaze from it and looked around some more. They were in a vast chamber, constructed by a gleaming white stone that seemed smooth to the touch. It seemed like a grand cathedral. Shizuku and the rest seemed to be standing on a massive plinth… and they were all here…
“Did we just get Isekai’d…?” She whispered.
“Don’t let the others hear that, Yaegashi.” Hajime whispered beside her. She started, and her head snapped over, how had he gotten so close without her noticing?! “Mind if I borrowed a knife, by the way?”
“…” Shizuku stared at him, blankly looking, before she managed to collect her thoughts, and responded in an equally soft but firm tone. “What makes you think I have one?”
His face glanced at her with a witheringly disbelieving look that made her feel like her grandfather was lecturing her just from the expression. She almost apologized right then and there.
“You’re a local legend, well known as a swordswoman, and most people are rabid fans.” He listed off in a low tone as everyone started muttering. “If you don’t carry at least one knife for protection, you’re an idiot. And I’d like to think you’re not.”
Shizuku stared… then slipped him a spare switchblade.
“Don’t lose it.” She then turned her look to the thirty or so people she’d just realized were surrounding them. They were dressed like priests or bishops, white robes with gold embroidery… and staves with fan shapes at the top. One stepped forwards, dressed even more lavishly. His staff jingled as he walked, clear soothing notes. He opened his mouth, and spoke…
“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 acquaintances…” The elderly man, Ishtar, broke into a good natured smile and led them to a new room. It was filled with numerous long tables and chairs. He gestured them to the chairs… though even Shizuku’s untrained eyes noted the room was exquisitely crafted, and expertly forged.
Kouki calmed everyone, and Hajime and Shizuku noted a few tears in Aiko’s eyes as a student did what should have been a teacher’s job. The moment they sat, a number of carts were pushed in, led by maids. Shizuku noted a decent number of the boys ogling them, before looking away awkwardly as the girls gave them stink eyes. Hajime didn’t even react though, seemingly unfazed as he passed on all the food. He politely refused all the food.
“Shizuku… how is Nagumo so unfazed…?” Kaori muttered. “He even told us to brace…”
“That was him?” Shizuku hissed in surprise. “He’s the one who told us to brace?”
Kaori nodded, and Ishtar began explaining why the class had been summoned… the world they found themselves in was called, Tortus. Within Tortus dwelled three races. Humans, Demons, and Demi-humans. Humans were in the northern half of the continent, Demons the southern half, and Demi-humans far to the west in a massive forest of trees. Humans and Demons were in a strained relationship… as in, a tried to slaughter each other for hundreds of years type strained. Humans had numbers, but demons had individual might, and so they’d been in a notable stalemate for a while.
But… Demons had learned to control Monsters. Monsters were believed to be monsters that had undergone a Magical Metamorphosis, after Magic was poured into them. They were powerful, and could use Magic, which made them really dangerous. Very few could control them, and that made those who could control even one or two extremely potent. But the demons could control myriad monsters, eliminating humanity’s one weapon… numbers. And now, they were in great danger.
“The one who summoned you here was the blessed Lord, Ehit. The guardian Deity of us humans, and the one true God of the Holy Church. The Supreme Ruler who created the world itself. I suspect Lord Ehit grew aware of our plight, and realized that without his benevolent intervention, Humanity was doomed to annihilation, so he summoned you here to prevent such a disaster. You Heroes are humans from a world greater than ours, and so you possess power greater than the humans of this world.” Ishtar paused, before offering hesitantly. “Or at least… that is what was shown to me in a divine revelation. Regardless… I implore you… do as Lord Ehit has willed you. Please, defeat the Demon Race, save us from annihilation.”
According to Ishtar, over ninety percent of the Human Race revered the Creator God Ehit, and those who received a Divine Revelation were, without fail, given spots in the Holy Church. As a few students mulled how unique that was, someone stood up to protest this.
Their teacher, Aiko Hatayama.
“You can’t possibly be serious! You’re asking these children to go fight in a war!? That’s unacceptable! As a teacher, I cannot allow it! Send us back this instant! These children have families who must be worried sick about them, you can’t just kidnap them like this!”
Aiko was the most popular teacher at their school. Short, adorable, and always trying her hardest to help others… yet always falling some degree of short of her goal, she had endeared herself to many, and a decent number of the kids adored her. Though, she would be chagrined to know how many saw it as a kid who needed protecting than as an adult to respect.
A few students even smiled, thinking things like, “Oh, Aiko’s at it again…” or, “Awww, she’s trying so hard again…”
But then someone’s voice cut through the cute atmosphere like a hot knife through warm butter.
“They can’t.” Hajime spoke up. Everyone’s head snapped over at his cold, mechanical tone. Aiko stared in shock. Hajime looked at Ishtar, and raised an eyebrow. “They can’t send us back… right? The God brought us here… so a God needs to send us home… we’re trapped here… until your god sends us home.”
The oppressive silence that fell could be felt… it was almost palpable…
“Yes.” Ishtar nodded. The class descended into chaos, a panic fell. Hajime noted a dull contempt in Ishtar’s eyes, as though he were thinking, ‘These people were chosen by God, why are they not rejoicing?’
Kouki straightened and slammed his fist to the table, creating a loud bang to get everyone’s attention. He then spoke.
“Everyone, there’s no point complaining to Ishtar. He can’t do anything about it, not now. And… I at least, have decided to stand and fight. These people, they are about to be annihilated! Knowing that, how could I just leave them to that tragic fate? And besides, if we’ve been summoned, it’s possible we’ll be able to head back once we’ve saved them.” He turned to the pope. “Well, Ishtar… do you think that’s possible?”
“It is as you say. Lord Ehit is not so unkind as to ignore a request from his Chosen Heroes.”
“And, we’ve all gained some amazing powers, right? Ever since I arrived here, it’s somehow felt like I’ve become way stronger.” Kouki noted.
“That is correct. It is safe to assume you all possess the strength of a few to a few dozen men, each.” Ishtar noted.
“Alright, then we should be fine! I’m going to fight! If we save everyone, then we can go home. So just you watch! I’m going to save everyone, including us!” Kouki clenched his fists tightly, as he proclaimed his thoughts, and flashed a sickeningly proud smile as he finished.
The students who’d been struck with despair began to hope again. They stared at Kouki as though he were hope itself. Shizuku was worried, but noted an unreadable expression briefly on Hajime’s face… if she had to put words to it, she’d say it said, “This clearly isn’t what any of you think… how are you so blind?” Then it was gone so swiftly, she doubted she ever saw it.
Ryutarou spoke up.
“Heh, knew you’d say something like that. Still, I’d be worried letting you go off on your own. That’s why I’m coming with you.”
“Ryutarou…” Kouki smiled.
“Looks like it’s the only choice we’ve got right now…” Shizuku sighed. “Pisses me off that we don’t have any real say in the matter. But I’ll help too.”
“Shizuku…”
“I-if Shizuku’s going to fight, so am I!”
“Kaori…”
The other students all agreed, eagerly signing up for a war, though they might have tuned out from reality for that part. Hajime silently nodded his agreement, as Aiko frantically, and futilely, tried to prevent them from marching off to war.
They would be joining a centuries old war oh so soon…