Field Trip to Another World

Our bus, carrying the students of Midorigaoka Private High School's Class 2-1 arrived leisurely at the inn's parking lot.

We had gathered at Tokyo Station at seven in the morning, taken the bullet train straight to Kyoto, then switched to a chartered bus and headed to the inn. After leaving our luggage in our rooms, we were to have lunch, while listening to the teachers' go over the instructions again, before finally heading out to explore Kyoto.

That was the schedule for the first day of the field trip.

As my classmates disembarked from the bus, the mild excitement and anticipation on each of their faces was obvious. I'm sure I had the same look on my own.

After pulling my travel bag from the bus's undercarriage, I looked around, searching for her.

Aya!

Engaged in a conversation with two friends, Aya Jinnai turned around upon hearing my voice.

What's up, Kosuke?

Even while traveling, her response was as casual as ever, which was somewhat reassuring to me.

Oh, I just wanted to discuss arrangements for the hidden talent show tonight.

Okay, got it. You two go on ahead.

Ah, sure. Have a nice, long conversation.

Her friends chuckled meaningfully as they walked off to the inn with their bags on their shoulders.

Aya Jinnai was the class president for Class 2-1 and also my childhood friend. We've been inseparable since kindergarten, through elementary and middle school—a truly deep-rooted childhood friendship. Just because we call each other by our first names doesn't mean we have a special relationship; it is just a force of habit.

The fact that our relationship had been maintained meant that she at least didn't dislike me, but if nothing changed, this distance between us would continue on indefinitely.

She'd gone from simply calling me Ko in first grade, to calling me Kosuke now. Meanwhile, I'd always just called her Aya.

There must have been a moment to start calling her by a nickname instead, but I missed it, so nothing had changed.

I've always been afraid that changing the name would change our relationship, but there's no way our relationship will remain the same five, ten, or twenty years from now. Somewhere along the line, I had to try and change this stagnant situation.

If there was one adventure I should take on amidst the drudgery of daily life, it would be to resolve our relationship. This field trip, an extension of our everyday life tinged with the extraordinary, was my best opportunity to take that step.

Looking back, I'd passed up numerous opportunities for adventure.

The summer festival when we were in sixth grade.

Valentine's Day in the first year of junior high.

The sports festival in the second year of junior high.

The graduation ceremony in the third year of junior high.

The cultural festival in the first year of high school.

There were countless opportunities for adventure.

After much internal debate, I had come to some conclusions. To avoid total failure, it was better not to take unnecessary risks. You should view your life like a stock portfolio and think about risk diversification. Continuing as childhood friends ensured a steady return for the foreseeable future. I had to think myself lucky when there were many high school boys who didn't have a female friend they could talk to casually.

As a result of my internal deliberations, I’ve kept on putting it off.

But it was time to settle things once and for all. For my own sake.

Using the once-in-a-lifetime of this overnight high school field trip as a springboard, I had decided to embark on the greatest adventure of my life.

If I wanted to obtain the glittering future I envisioned, I would need to take a leap of faith. Even if that risked a devastating counterpunch, such as . . .

I don't see you that way, but let’s stay good friends.

Once I take the plunge, there's no way we can just go back to being friends! The way things were would be completely shattered!

Take the plunge?

Ah, nothing.

I'd have to be more careful. In my eagerness for adventure, my true thoughts had accidentally tumbled from my mouth.

What’s up? You seem more jittery than usual. Have you been looking forward to the field trip that much?

You always seem to stay so cool, Aya.

It’s not that I’m not excited, but I'm not a kid who gets all hyped up over a school trip.

Yet you’ve been sticking post-its on every page.

I pointed to a booklet sticking out of Aya’s travel bag.

The booklet, titled Field Trip Guide, was no ordinary travel guide.

It was a masterpiece I, Kosuke Sawaki, as a member of the field trip committee, had created for this trip.

It contained the travel itinerary, class roster, emergency contacts, information on sightseeing spots in Kyoto, maps, travel tips, and a packing list—all things essential for the field trip.

Hmm . . . well, the recommended spots you picked really hit the mark for me.

She spoke curtly, but with more than a decade of friendship, I detected a hint of embarrassment in her tone. She must've felt shy. That was a good sign. After all, I created that booklet mostly to explore Kyoto with her.

By the way, Kosuke, didn't you say you wanted to discuss something?

Ah, right. About tonight’s hidden talent show . . .

Originally, after dinner, there was supposed to be a karaoke session at the inn. However, we received word just yesterday that the karaoke set was broken, so as a member of the field trip committee, I had to think of an alternative, and thus, the hidden talent show was born.

We had already taken a survey on the bullet train, gathering each person’s unique skill. Based on that survey, Class President Aya and I were set to discuss and decide on the performances.

As I handed over the survey papers, Aya started flipping through them.

Though there were a few blank sheets, the responses mostly brimmed with individuality.

Comedy sketches, magic tricks, rakugo, improvisational theater, swordplay, sumo ring-entering ritual, juggling, impressions of Midorigaoka High School's teachers, air guitar, soccer ball juggling, caricatures, tile breaking, product demonstrations, simon says, extreme pillow fights, grateful sermons, all about linear motors, radish peeling, classroom trials by jury, clearing Xevious with no continue, erotic manga reading, one-man muscle musical, cat cafe, etc . . .

The variety was overwhelming, and each classmate's individual personality shone through even from just listing their talents.

Comedy sketches and magic tricks are fine, but who benefits from an erotic manga reading?

I don’t know . . . but a cat cafe isn’t a good idea either.

Well, there are a few questionable acts, but overall, it should be fine. The teachers will probably turn a blind eye as long as we don't go too far, and even if the performances are clumsy, the travel high will carry us through.

You always have such a stern way of putting things.

Honestly, considering everything, the impersonations of the teachers are likely to be the biggest hit. In this sort of setting, in-jokes are always a safe bet over high-quality acts.

And frankly, the hidden talent show was just a pretext for me to start this conversation. What really matters is what comes next.

So, Aya, do you have any plans for the free time on the third day?

Not really, I might just tour the usual tourist spots with friends.

Ah, I see.

Yep.

I haven't made any specific plans either.

Oh, I see.

Uh-huh . . .

And . . . ?

Well, I mean, since I don't have any plans . . .

Yeah?

Just then, as I was throwing feeble jabs against her impregnable defense . . .

Hey, you two.

Our classmate, Kimura, whom I had known since fifth grade, walked towards us, waving his hand.

I've known Kimura since the fifth grade, so it's been quite a while.

If I had to describe Kimura in one word, it would be "naked."

The guy discovered his talent in fifth grade. During a campfire at a seaside school camp, he performed a naked dance as the fire blazed, sending everyone into fits of laughter and setting the course for his life.

Since then, Kimura had dedicated his life to making people laugh with his nudity.

His tricks included "Naked Kid's First Errand," "Tengu's Mischief," "Time-Traveling Naked," and many more. He had since developed seventy-two different naked party tricks, and during a middle school field trip, he performed a one-man show (an unofficial event not listed in any guidebook) that nearly killed the P.E. teacher with laughter. Even considering that athletes tend to love naked antics, that feat was one for the history books. His achievements were indeed legendary and worth recounting.

Tonight, on the first day of the field trip, Kimura's one-man show was scheduled to be held in the boys' room of the inn.

Sawaki, look forward to tonight! I'm going to show you the culmination of my high school life. I'm going to open the doors to a new world!

With that confident proclamation, Kimura headed to the inn with a spring in his step.

Whether his high school life's crowning achievement of holding a naked performance was praiseworthy or not, I didn't know, but it's certainly one form of youthful vibrancy. As Kimura's friend, I resolved to bear witness to his new world.

But only to witness.

The hidden talent show and Kimura’s one-man show were just secondary entertainment.

Honestly, it completely interrupted the flow of the conversation. Kimura's bad timing was his fatal flaw, always showing up at the worst possible moment.

Uh, about the free time on the third day . . .

What’s this 'culmination of Kimura's high school life' about?

Let's not talk about that now.

Right now, it was important to discuss the culmination of my own high school life.

Continuing from earlier . . . um, if you're okay with it, maybe during the free time on the third day, just the two of us could—

Just the two of us . . . ?

Aya stared straight back into my eyes.

Finally, I had made up my mind, and after ten years, I had started my run-up to jump off into the unknown.

Would you like to go sightseeing together?

The words I mustered all my courage to say were suddenly drowned out by an unexpected clap of thunder.

We both instinctively looked up at the sky. Just moments ago it was clear and sunny, but now it was covered with thick black clouds.

This is bad, looks like a sudden evening storm is coming.

A classmate warned us he ran past us.

A single raindrop hit my forehead as I looked up at the sky.

The clouds were so thick that it seemed like a thunderstorm might start at any second. A threatening rumble echoed from afar, like an intimidation from the heavens.

Aya, this is bad. Let's run.

Right. Getting soaked on the first day would really dampen the mood.

Although my carefully mustered invitation got muddled, the field trip was still long. There would be more chances.

We grabbed our luggage and headed for the inn’s lobby. With our bags heavy with field trip supplies, we could not exactly sprint, but we still tried to move as quickly as possible to reach shelter.

Not just Aya and me, but the entire class, without anyone saying a word, started moving all at once.

Oh no, it’s starting to pour.

In just a few seconds, the rain intensified, and just as we tried to pick up the pace—

In the strengthening rain, I suddenly sensed a presence and instinctively stopped.

It was indescribable. It was as if the color of the air enveloping us had changed, an eerie sensation.

Aya stopped at the same time too, but not because I had said anything.

. . .

There was no time to speak, or rather, no appropriate words came to mind.

Leaping straight past logic and reason to instinctive action, our bodies moved on their own.

The moment I grabbed Aya's hand, a bright flash and a loud sound struck simultaneously.

When lightning strikes far away, you see the flash first and hear the sound seconds later, because light and sound travel at different speeds. I remembered learning that in elementary school science class.

So if the light and sound of the thunder arrived at the same time . . .

I tried to cling to consciousness, but all sensations were rapidly fading away.

The warmth of her hand in mine remained until the end, and then, everything was plunged into darkness.

◇

The first sensation I regained was touch.

I couldn't pinpoint exactly where, but the feeling of the air on my skin was distinctly different from before.

Next, I could smell the strong scent of soil and trees deep within my nasal passages.

As I breathed slowly, the feeling in my limbs became clearer.

When I opened my eyes, I saw a very large wall in front of me.

No, not a wall—it was the ground.

I was lying face-down on the ground, but it was too hard to be soil. Not flat like asphalt, but rough like cobblestone.

Ugh . . .

As sensation returned to my body, I slowly started to sit up. Blinking as I looked around, I noticed neatly planted rows of trees in tidy planters.

It was dim around us, which I first thought was because I hadn't fully recovered from fainting, but that was not the case.

It was night.

I did not know how much time had passed since the lightning strike, but the sun had long since set, and my surroundings were enveloped in the darkness of night. However, I had a strong sense of discomfort. The night enveloping me now was not the night I knew.

I quickly realized the source of the discomfort.

In Japan, no matter where you are, there's always some strong light cutting through the darkness: street lamps, vending machines, convenience stores, car and bicycle lights, smartphones . . .

But now, around me, there was barely any of that sort of light.

It was not pitch-black; there was indeed light, but it was incredibly soft.

A dim orange glow in the distance . . . Could that be flame?

And then, the pale blue light cast by the moon and stars above.

Only those two faint, natural lights illuminated the world hazily.

As I slowly became aware of my surroundings, I finally realized what I am holding in my right hand—the soft, familiar hand of my childhood friend.

Aya!

It seemed I had fainted, still clutching Aya Jinnai's right hand.

I shook her gently, calling out to her while grasping her shoulder with my left hand.

Hmm . . . Kosuke . . . ?

Good, it seemed she had just fainted and was passed out like me.

What . . . there was lightning, and then . . . Where are we?

No, that's all I know, too.

Maybe inside the courtyard of the inn?

Looking around again, indeed, the trees were neatly trimmed, and the cobblestones underfoot were regularly arranged. There was some sort of gazebo a little way off, not the kind you would see in a Japanese garden at a tourist spot, but the sort with a Western architectural flair.

So, was this the courtyard of the inn?

But upon further thought, that did not seem logical.

For instance, even if we were struck by lightning and had fainted, it was hard to believe that we would just be left where we fell, and it made no sense to move unconscious people anywhere other than a hospital.

Besides, could people even survive being struck by lightning?

Surely, this was not the afterlife or some near-death experience, right?

A slight chill ran down my spine as I noticed a presence.

. . .

I almost cried out involuntarily.

There was a figure standing a short distance away.

The faint moonlight shining down from the heavens illuminated its form.

It was a girl.

I gasped in surprise.

First, from shock at the initial sight, and then, upon seeing her more clearly, from her beauty.

Her eyes were like jewels set into her face, her features doll-like and perfectly arranged, with stunning blonde hair that seemed to gather the moonlight itself. She was dressed in a pure white dress.

Classic, formal—it was the kind of dress you would expect to see on a Hollywood star or royalty, so elegant that on an ordinary person it would look as though the dress was wearing them. But on her, it fit naturally, as if she wore such things every day.

The word that sprang to mind was "princess."

She was about the same age as us—a high school student, or maybe middle school.

Kyoto was a tourist spot, so of course, there were many foreigners, but it was rare to see a girl who seemed straight out of a story book.

The girl and I just stared at each other in silence for a while.

But soon, I snapped back to reality. Whoever she was, she was a clue to understanding the situation we found ourselves in. At the very least, we might figure out where we were.

Uh . . . ah, should I speak English? Ah, what do I say, uh—

I cursed the Japanese education system for focusing on reading and writing English over speaking it.

Maji ka.

The princess muttered to herself.

I was sure she had said MAJIKA.

It sounded just like the Japanese for "No way."

That wasn't you just now, was it, Aya?

I had to check, though Aya also shook her head slightly, seemingly surprised.

Meanwhile, the presumed princess wore a look of deep shock.

Woah, really? Is this really happening right now?

As she spoke, the princess pinched her own cheek.

Ouch, so it's real then. No way, really? I'm witnessing history, this is crazy!

The princess had the vocabulary of a delinquent middle schooler.

Well, maybe she wasn't really a princess, just a foreign girl with limited Japanese vocabulary. Or maybe, in a way, she was really good at Japanese.

The masculinity of her speech was a bit concerning, but at least we could understand each other, so that was reassuring.

By the way, Kosuke.

Hmm?

How long are you going to hold my hand?

I had still not let go of her hand after I'd grabbed it just before the lightning struck.

Well, I thought it was okay until you said something.

Then I'm saying it. Let go.

Okay.

As I reluctantly started to let go, Aya suddenly gripped my hand back strongly.

Wait, could this be what was meant by "two-faced"?

I glanced over at her, but unfortunately, her gaze was not on me.

She was looking high up into the sky, where the moon had been shining just moments ago.

But now, there was no moon in sight. It wasn't hidden by clouds, either.

There weren't even any clouds, yet the sky was completely obscured.

A huge shadow loomed on the ground between us and the sky.

Maji . . . ka . . .

It was my turn to say "No way." It slipped inadvertently from my mouth.

Indeed, when humans face situations beyond their imagination, they can't quite muster the vocabulary to express their astonishment.

Without realizing it, a smile had slipped onto my face.

I too, gripped Aya's hand more firmly.

In the midst of this baffling situation, I wanted to hold onto something certain, even if it was just one thing.

Initially, I had thought it was a huge shadow that blanketed the sky. It was so immense that I couldn't comprehend what it was.

Straining my eyes in the darkness, I began to discern the outline of the shadow.

The first thing I recognized was its wings.

Belly, tail, legs, arms, neck, and then the head.

It was the form of a massive dragon, leisurely soaring through the heavens.

I could feel the goosebumps rising all over my skin.

My close-minded worldview, its boundaries, were effortlessly expanded by a formidable force—a mix of despair and exhilaration surged down my spine.

The dragon, the pale moonlight reflecting off its scales, glided through the sky, flapping its wings as if it owned the entire heavens, unconcerned by the insignificant humans below.

Above us, the dragon spread its wings and spiraled upwards, soaring high, and opened its jaws towards the moon.

Was it a cry, or perhaps a yawn?

From my distant perspective, it was hard to tell. It might have been trying to swallow the moon, or maybe, it was greeting us.

The dragon then continued on, chasing the night into the far beyond.

Aya and I, for a while, just stared dumbfounded into the darkness where the giant flying dragon had disappeared.

Ahem.

At the sound of her deliberately exaggerated cough, we snapped back to reality.

Our gazes shifted from the sky to the girl on the ground before us.

To the princess, the dragon didn't seem all that surprising. Rather, her attitude suggested that we were more alien to her.

Well, what do I say now? I suppose as your first discoverer, a greeting is in order.

She slowly walked towards us.

With each step she took closer, I grasped the reality of the situation more firmly.

In a world that felt as if it was just a dream, I gripped tightly to the hand in mine, not wanting to let go of the one certain thing in the chaos.

The moon, the princess, and the dragon.

Those were the highlights of the first day.

Welcome to this world.

With that, the princess smiled.

Field trip, day one.

The place we had ended up was another world.

My name is Priscilla. I'm technically the princess of this country. But just call me Puri, okay?

The girl who introduced herself as Priscilla was not just some girl in princess clothing, but a genuine princess, no less.

It was clear she was not just some self-proclaimed princess, judging by the attitudes of the sword-bearing guards that followed her.

We were invited into Priscilla's castle, still half in a daze.

The room we were led into was as large as two classrooms, with an unusually high ceiling.

While things still did not feel quite real, I recounted the events that had happened to us to Princess Priscilla, hoping to organize my confused thoughts by narrating them in order.

We were high school students from Tokyo who had come to Kyoto on a field trip. Just as we had arrived, we were struck by lightning, and the next thing we knew we were waking up in the courtyard of this castle.

Priscilla listened to my story in silence, nodding occasionally.

As I finished, Priscilla crossed her arms and said softly.

Seriously?

She murmured quietly to herself.

Seriously or not, even I could hardly believe the events that had befallen me.

I see. Let's sort this out then. You're from a country called Japan, from a city called Tokyo. And you came here on a . . . what was it? A field trip to Kyoto. And there, you thought you were struck by lightning, only to unknowingly find yourself in another world—this world. So, you mean to say you're from another world, right?

Yes, that's right.

Princess Priscilla's face turned solemn at my reply, and she fell silent. After a few seconds of silence, she burst into laughter.

Hahaha. You guys, you're not on drugs, are you?

No way! We're healthy high school students! We don't even touch alcohol or cigarettes!

So what is it? Are you speaking of another world while sober and in your right mind? It sounds like quite a tall tale, you know?

It's true, though . . . we can't help it.

Desperately seeking support, I turned towards Aya.

Well, it can't be helped. If someone claiming to be from another world showed up at the Imperial Palace or the Diet Building, this is the kind of response they'd get. It's better than being thrown into detention without questioning, right?

I guess that's true, but . . . Princess, you were just welcoming us to this world a moment ago, weren't you?

Oh, my mistake. I got careless.

Careless?

Well, that was just, uh, a hospitality thing, nothing more intended. Just a greeting from the heart, naturally spoken.

That sounds like a lame excuse . . . Are you even really a princess? What’s with the formal wear? Were you hosting some international sporting event in this kingdom or something?

What? You doubt me?

You don't talk much like a fairytale princess. Are you sure this isn’t all just a big prank?

Priscilla frowned, displeased.

Hmm. If conversing with the princess of this nation is too painful, then my apologies. I shall throw you out beyond the castle walls where wild dogs, bandits, and monsters roam. Take your time dying out there. How's that for hospitality?

As Princess Priscilla raised one hand swiftly, the guards behind us firmly grabbed my shoulders.

Ah, sorry, my mistake. I just got a bit overwhelmed by the situation.

I'm not good with violence and stray dogs.

How about "I'm sorry, Priscilla"?

I'm really sorry, Princess Priscilla.

Are you mocking me?

I'm sorry, oh great and beautiful Princess.

Perhaps moved by my obedience, Priscilla lowered her raised hand. At the same time, the guards released their grip on my shoulders and stepped back to their positions.

Well, it's fine. Honestly, I don't doubt that you all came from another world. I was just teasing.

Oh, is that so?

I myself saw the moment you arrived from another world, so there’s no doubt in my mind.

Well, we don't really understand that moment ourselves. We just realized we were somewhere else all of a sudden. How did we even get here?

Well, the whole thing doesn't take that long to explain. I was walking in the castle courtyard, enjoying the night breeze, when I saw a shooting star in the distant sky. You know, if you make a wish three times before a shooting star disappears, it will come true?

I'm more surprised that this custom exists even across worlds.

Right? I'm such a fairy-tale-believing, tender-hearted princess, aren't I?

I wouldn’t know.

How many types of torture do you think exist in this world?

Right. You do have that fairy-tale vibe, Priscilla. I know that very well.

Since I dislike fairy-tale tortures, I decided to be obedient.

So, while I was about to make my third wish, just chanting "lots of snacks, lots of snacks, lots of snacks . . . " I noticed the shooting star was getting really close. I was like, oh no, this is a meteor strike, and I instinctively closed my eyes. But when nothing happened, and I opened my eyes, you guys were all sprawled out there. Man, that really scared me.

If we believed Priscilla's words, it seems we arrived in this world along with that meteor.

Excuse me, may I say something?

Aya, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, raised her hand.

Yes, you may speak.

Priscilla said magnanimously.

You saw us appear with the meteor—that's fine, but you seem to have accepted it too easily. Not only the fact that people appeared with a meteor, but also believing so readily that we came from another world just because you saw it happen.

Yeah, and also, how come you seem to know a bit about our culture?

At our words, Priscilla grinned slyly.

That’s a pretty good question. Now, let me explain why I quickly believed your story and how I managed to give off a fairytale princess vibe with my warm welcome. Now, let's show the reenactment video!

Seriously?

Yes, seriously. Guards, bring it out!

Priscilla signaled by clapping twice, and a guard who seemed to have been standing by in another room wheeled in a cart. It was covered by a cloth, making its contents unclear.

Thank you.

Pulling the cloth away from the cart, Priscilla revealed a painting adorned in a lavish frame.

You wanted to show us a painting?

Teehee, this is no ordinary painting. This is . . .

Priscilla grabbed the frame's edges with both hands and set it upright on the cart with a thud.

It's a paper drama show!

Indeed, upon closer inspection, the frame had a slim slot on the side allowing papers to be inserted and removed – it was truly designed for a paper drama performance.

Alright, please lend me your ears. The Adventure of the Hero from Another World is about to begin!

You're going to perform it?

Even if I'm a princess, my acting skills are nothing to sneeze at. Now, let us begin. Once upon a time, in a certain place—

Thus began the paper-drama show, performed personally by Princess Priscilla.

◇

Once upon a time, there was a boy dressed in rather unusual clothes. He wore pitch-black pants and a jacket, with a tube-like collar that covered his neck—truly a bizarre outfit.

Since his clothes matched no known attire from any country, they caught the interest of a fashionista in town who approached him.

Hey son, where did you buy that outfit?

The boy answered.

I came from another world. I want to return to my original world, but I don't know how.

Astonished, the fashionista immediately called a guard.

The guard arrived swiftly and said with a smile.

Excuse me? Are you involved in something shady? No offense, but we received a tip about you. Could we possibly check your belongings? It's voluntary, of course. But if you've got nothing to hide, you should be able to show us, right? If not, maybe that'd be a little fishy, don't you think?

As the boy hesitated, the guard called for backup.

Guard B appeared! Guard C appeared! Guard D appeared!

Calling for backup was something the guards were good at. By the time Guard Q showed up, the boy finally resigned himself to complying with the interrogation.

The guards dumped out his bag, searched his belongings, and even took a urine sample for a magical assessment. They completely treated him as a suspect. The tireless, watchful police force—protecting the sleepless city.

Though the inspection of his possessions and the urine test turned out clean, the boy continued to say somewhat bizarre things like, "I'm from a place called Japan. I was struck by lightning, and next thing I knew, I ended up in this world. This isn't where I'm supposed to be. This is not the real me. Nobody seems to understand me."

People were puzzled over how to deal with him, and eventually, he was sent to the country’s oldest, wisest sage.

The counselor-like old sage listened to the boy in silence for a while, then suddenly widened his eyes and spoke.

Hmm. That gleam in your eye, the unbelievable origin, the intentionally mismatched foreign-style fashion . . . This boy might just be—no, surely he is the legendary being spoken of in ancient tales!

The old sage exclaimed excitedly.

This boy has the legendary, puberty-specific aura about him!

What’s a puberty-specific aura? Like the thing from health and physical education class?

The people curiously questioned the old sage.

Grinning, the old sage replied.

This boy, you see, has an inflated sense of self, out of balance with his actual abilities. He is unable to objectively see his real self, and thus behaves oddly, trying to project an aura of superiority, different from the ordinary masses.

In that era, the concise term for such a condition, Middle School Delusion, did not yet exist.

But anyway, with the old sage's declaration, the boy's situation was settled. Once they understood it was just a typical teenage phase, everyone was kinder. After all, it was a path they all had once walked themselves.

Thus, the people began to look at the boy with warm eyes, which he actually found quite painful. Adolescence is tough, isn't it?

Eventually, the boy made up his mind.

He decided to prove wrong those who had dismissed him as just going through a typical teenage phase!

To do so, he needed to achieve spectacular success!

If he could just prove himself, his adolescent quirks would be rebranded as "the blossoming of artistic talent," or recontextualized as "he was a bit wild, but noble enough to never bully the weak"—his past would be reinterpreted as grandiose sparks of genius!

So, the boy decided to defeat the Demon Lord who was threatening the world at that time.

However, even a teenager in the throes of adolescence did not have enough screws loose to think he could defeat the Demon Lord alone. At this point, the self-proclaimed hero decided to recruit companions for his quest.

But no decent adult would join him on his adventures as a self-proclaimed hero with a reputation for being a typical adolescent . . . Nevertheless, he persevered with his daily recruiting, and eventually four companions joined him.

The companions gathered were an unemployed Mild Yankee, a mysterious Team Mom, a Scumbag, and a self-proclaimed Holy Warrior. The hero insisted his team should meet in a tavern.

I'm gonna make something great happen one day, and make it big!

It sounded like the Mild Yankee would end up with a large family in the future.

Are you sure I'm good enough? Oh . . . But once you know the real me, you'll surely leave, just like the men who've come and gone . . .

Team Mom had a troubled past, but the soon-to-be hero decided not to pry, thinking that as long as she could use healing magic, that was good enough.

Heh, you're giving me money, right? Oh yeah, sure I can do it . . . I'm just taking it easy right now, gathering strength for my big break. Hehe, you're really going to pay me, right?

The Scumbag claimed he was gathering his strength, but it was suspicious.

I am the one and only Holy Warrior, bestowed with the Holy Sword by the Holy King, according to the sacred covenant from 500 years ago. I vow to offer my sacred aid to you, a holy being. Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy . . .

The self-proclaimed Holy Warrior seemed the most dangerous. Types like him posed more threat than the simple Scumbag.

Anyway, the hero embarked on his journey to subdue the Demon Lord.

(For the full adventure of the hero until the defeat of the Demon Lord, please see the Director's Cut version.)

After many trials, the hero finally defeated the Demon Lord, and peace returned to the world.

The Mild Yankee got a job and registered his marriage to Team Mom.

The self-proclaimed Holy Warrior, after serving time for a certain incident, opened a small general store and led a fairly happy life.

No one knows what became of the Scumbag.

The hero who saved the world was blessed by people all over the land as he returned to his original world.

That's the end of the story of the hero with the puberty-specific aura.

And they lived happily ever after.

End of Part One.

◇

That's the legend of the hero which has been passed down in this land. Though there are some variations in the way it's told in other countries, the core of the story, about a peculiar boy from another world who saved this one, remains unchanged. Children here, from royalty to commoners, grow up listening to this legend as a bedtime story.

Indeed, it's quite an effective educational tale.

If you see someone suspicious, report them immediately.

Drugs are absolutely no good.

Look kindly on teenagers with a flair for the dramatic.

A gentleman never pries into a woman's troubled past.

If someone says, "I'm just gathering strength for now." like the Scumbag, do not trust them.

The most dangerous people are like the self-proclaimed Holy Warrior.

Turns out, Mild Yankees aren't all that bad.

Such were the many lessons contained within.

But what's the point of that story? We already understand the dangers of drugs well enough. Besides, the self-proclaimed hero didn't actually do any, right?

Priscilla set down the frame with a snap and smiled happily.

This, you see, is a nonfiction picture book. It's a child-friendly digest version, so the eroticism and violence have been cut down significantly.

I was curious about the uncut version . . . but decided to let it go.

Non-fiction . . . So it's a story that actually happened?

Well, I did say "End of Part One," didn't I? This is the oldest legend passed down in our country, thought to be about a thousand years old. But actually, there’s a Part Two and a Part Three as well. Shall we read them?

I'm full, so no seconds for me. But if there’s a continuation, it means the hero went on another adventure?

Nah. In Part Two and Part Three, different people are the protagonists. They are from different eras. And all these stories are considered to have actually occurred. This world has historically seen many people from other worlds, arriving roughly once every hundred years, whose legends are passed down. When I mention videos or documentaries, I'm just using the terms that the legendary heroes used. It's not that we are out-of-date with our settings, okay?

Enough with the setting talk already.

So you see, since I've seen this paper drama, I just took one look at your outfit, and it clicked.

Dressed in entirely black pants and a black jacket, with a collar that wrapped around the neck like a tube. It was indeed a peculiar outfit.

So, you mean like this?

I grabbed the collar of my school uniform.

The hero's outfit depicted in the paper drama was unmistakably a Japanese school uniform.

Exactly. Drifters from other worlds have all worn such attire. Incidentally, there have been female drifters in the past, and in those cases as well . . .

Priscilla pointed at Aya.

Sailor uniforms . . .

Exactly. Both school uniforms and sailor uniforms have been the holy garments of heroes who appeared from another world and saved this world. Thus, it's established that those who come from another world to save ours wear such outfits.

I feel like I've seen that specific genre of entertainment in a certain country before . . .

Well, I wouldn't know about that, but according to the legends passed down in this world, that's how it is.

Priscilla set up the paper drama board again, showing us the scene where a boy who would become a hero appeared at a town crossroads. Indeed, he was dressed in a school uniform.

In this world, records suggest that drifters from another world appear every eighty to one hundred and fifty years. We call them Outsider Gods.

Outsider Gods . . .

I repeated the word, wrapping my brain around it.

And while it's about a century here, it seems that from your world's perspective, drifters come here every few years.

Come to think of it, there might have been uniforms like that a hundred years ago, but two hundred years ago there were neither school nor sailor uniforms. Every few years in our world's time, huh? Can you list some of the words those from our world have brought here? That might help us pinpoint the era.

The ancient words left by the Outsider Gods? Hmm, let's see . . . Karaoke, Teenage Dance Crews, Mullet, Lightening Cats, Tiramisu, Pager, Platform Shoes, Pacman, Knives N' Tulips, Extreme Couponing, The World Wide Web, Dial-up, PocketBoy, Flip Phones . . .

Looks like it's mostly concentrated between the '80s and the 2000s.

I wondered under what circumstances words like Dial-up and Karaoke were used in this other world.

And so, the Outsider Gods left not only words, but brought various blessings to this world. Most commonly, they helped defeat the Demon Lords threatening the world at that time. Hence, from the third part onwards, such legends have been passed down in this world.

Priscilla continued with her explanation.

People of this world should welcome and assist the Outsider Gods from other worlds. If they do, the Outsider Gods will bring great blessings to us—this is a widely known saying in this world.

Basically, because people like us had been coming here repeatedly, it was unusual but not unprecedented. It was not like modern-day Earthlings encountering an alien emerging from a crashed UFO, but more like people of the Edo period finding foreigners from a shipwrecked vessel.

By the way, I am familiar with the aforementioned legend, so although I was surprised, I knew what you were. But you both seem to be quite calm. Normally, wouldn't you panic if you were suddenly thrown into another world?

It was a reasonable question. But there was also a perfectly logical explanation.

We're the children of Cool Japan, steeped in this kind of fiction since we were kids. Sure, we were a bit flustered at first, but once we understood the setting, we were fine.

Now you're the one talking about the setting.

Darn it.

Anyway, since we've ended up here, there's nothing we can do about it. It must be the guidance of fate. Now, Princess Priscilla, what exactly should we be doing in this world?

We, who had been enjoying a peaceful and uneventful school trip, were ironically drawn into this world right at the beginning of that very trip. The thrill of the unexpected adventure was palpable in my chest. Moreover, thanks to what you might call the suspension bridge effect, there was also the possibility that this shared crisis could deepen my relationship with the heroine.

However, in contrast with the expectations I carried with me from Cool Japan, Princess Priscilla's expression was light and carefree.

It seems you've gotten yourself all excited, but what exactly are you talking about?

Well, I'm more of a follower than a leader, so . . . if I could get some instructions, that'd be great.

I don't particularly have anything to ask of you all.

No, there must be something. After all, we've come all the way from a distant world.

Ah. Why don't you teach me about the games and fashion that are popular in your world, then?

What are we, foreign exchange students? There's gotta be more than that! You know, something cliché yet novel—like defeating a world-threatening Demon Lord!

Oh, the Demon Lord! Are you telling me you're here to vanquish the archenemy of mankind, the Demon Lord?

If that's our fate, then so be it.

It seemed we had finally come to an understanding. I clenched my fist, eagerly awaiting the call to adventure.

Well, your timing is unfortunate. You see, the Demon Lord died last week.

Died . . . What? From old age or something? Or did he have a chronic illness?

I was not sure if Demon Lords could grow old or fall ill.

No, the thing is, he was actually killed in a break-in gone wrong.

Seriously? Wow, this world is dangerous, too. Even for a Demon Lord, that's pretty tragic.

Well, yes . . .

Priscilla's tone was nonchalant.

So in other words . . . we're not fighting the Demon Lord?

That's about the size of it. It seems news hasn't spread clearly here yet, but a hero from another country managed to defeat the Demon Lord. It's a pity it wasn't one from our land.

Wait a minute, isn't that supposed to be the job of young men from another world?

It seems you just weren't destined to meet the Demon Lord. It's all about timing. Like falling for someone after transferring schools only to find they already have a partner, or a local delicacy being sold out when you travel somewhere specifically to try it.

Her tone wa still light, despite my growing agitation.

But now the whole world is caught up in a victory fever. The reason that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, otherwise known as my Daddy & Mommy, are not here is because they're attending a beer-splashing celebration for the Demon Lord's defeat.

Then what on earth did we come to this other world for?!

Hmm. You're the ones who fell out of the sky all of a sudden, so asking what you came here for is a bit strange. By the way, have you ever played Tetris?

Yes, but . . . wait, you know about Tetris?

There's a passage about a game called Tetris in the ancient heroic archives. Getting a Tetris with a straight line feels good, right? To get a four-line clear, you need that straight piece. But you see, that piece is valuable because it fits perfectly into many problems at once, solving them instantly. If all the issues are mostly resolved when it drops, honestly, it's a bit hard to deal with.

How did I end up being compared to a piece in Tetris by someone from another world?