A heavy silence pressed down on them, thick with the weight of confusion and unease. Hajime could feel the cold sweat on his back, but it was more from the oppressive atmosphere than anything physical. This was just the beginning. He could feel it in the air—something was wrong. This wasn't just some weird dream or a random twist of fate. Whatever this was, it had a purpose, and it was going to change everything.
Before they could process what had happened, the soft, rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed through the stone chamber. The group turned as one, all eyes following the man who entered.
He was tall, draped in heavy, regal robes of deep crimson and gold, the fabric rich and gleaming like the dawn. His long, flowing cloak rippled behind him with an almost ethereal elegance, the embroidered golden symbols along the hem faintly glowing. The robe's intricate design twisted into patterns that almost seemed to come alive with each step he took, as though they were a part of him, of his very being.
This wasn't just any priest. This was someone who carried the weight of the divine in every movement. A high-ranking member of the Holy Church. His face was sharp, his features pale and striking. His eyes—those piercing, fanatical eyes—were locked onto them, filled with a fervor that seemed to burn through the air like wildfire.
"I am Ishtar Langbard, High Priest of Ehit, the One True God," he announced, his voice booming through the chamber, filled with a deep reverence that reverberated in their bones. His gaze never wavered, as if he expected complete submission, as if they were already beneath him, beneath the will of Ehit himself.
The very mention of Ehit made Hajime's and Renji's stomach turn. The name felt ancient, as though it carried more weight than any mortal god should. But this priest's devotion to him—it was almost terrifying. As if this god wasn't just a deity to be worshipped, but a force of total control, a god who demanded nothing less than complete subjugation.
Ishtar's voice softened, but the power in it only seemed to grow. "Welcome to Tortus, children of god," he continued, his words sweet but heavy with a weight of inevitability. "You have been summoned here for a divine purpose. The Demon Lord threatens this world, and only you—chosen by the one true God Ehit—can stop it."
He paused, his eyes scanning the room, lingering on each of them for a moment before continuing, "Do not mistake the reality of this world for something insignificant. You are here because Ehit willed it. You are the heroes that will bring salvation... or destruction, should you fail." The last word hung in the air like a threat.
The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the flickering of the torches. Hajime could feel the pressure rising in his chest as he processed the priest's words. This wasn't an invitation; it was an ultimatum.
Ishtar stepped closer, his heavy robes trailing behind him like the wings of some ominous creature. He stopped before them, his voice growing more fervent. "Ehit's will is not to be questioned. Those who stand in opposition to him are doomed to suffer. The Demon Lord's forces will ravage this world unless you—his chosen champions—step forward to save it. But beware... there is no place for hesitation, for doubt."
He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a manic intensity. "The wrath of Ehit will not tolerate defiance."
Renji stood at the back of the group, arms crossed and eyes narrowed. The fanaticism in Ishtar's words didn't sit right with him. "You expect us to follow you, to follow this so-called Ehit, just because you say so?" His voice was steady, almost mockingly casual as he took a step forward, meeting the priest's gaze head-on. "And what happens if we refuse? What if we don't care for this 'divine mission' of yours?"
Ishtar's smile faltered for just a moment, but it quickly returned, his gaze sharpening. "You will be forsaken. Ehit's wrath is not something to take lightly. Those who do not heed his call will be abandoned, cast into the void, forgotten by the gods."
The air around them seemed to grow colder, the tension thickening as the priest's words became more ominous.
Hajime clenched his fists, his knuckles white. "So we have no choice, huh? We do what you want, or we're cast aside... like discarded pawns."
Ishtar's smile was unsettling, wide and knowing. "It is not for you to question. The gods have chosen you. You will do as you are told. The Demon Lord's forces will not wait for you to come to terms with your fate."
Renji's gaze never wavered, his stance unyielding. There was something in Ishtar's eyes, something that screamed control. This wasn't about salvation—it was about subjugation. But Renji wasn't about to bend to anyone's will, not even a so-called god.
"You speak of Ehit like he's some kind of ruler, demanding blind obedience," Renji said, his voice low and unshaken. "But gods like that—gods who demand loyalty through fear—are no gods at all."
Ishtar's eyes flickered for a moment, a shadow of something dangerous flashing behind them. "Be careful with your words, child. The wrath of Ehit is far more terrifying than you can imagine."
He paused, then straightened, his voice taking on a more solemn, almost pitying tone. "But it is not too late. You have been chosen. You will rise to your destiny... or fall to the depths of despair."
According to Ishtar, over 90% of humans revered the creator god
Ehit, and those who received his divine visions were without exception
given high-ranking positions in the Holy Church. As Hajime was
mulling over how twisted a world must be for people to happily believe
in "the will of god" without question, and how dangerous such a belief
was, someone stood up and began hotly protesting Ishtar's words.
That someone was the teacher Aiko.
Aiko, still reeling from the shock of Ishtar's statement, struggled to find words. Her voice was shaking as she pressed further. "But that's... that's impossible! You can't just pull us here and then refuse to send us back! This isn't a game! These kids... they have families! They have lives to return to!"
She took a step forward, her fists clenched tightly at her sides, but her face betrayed the fear and frustration swirling within her. The courage she'd shown earlier seemed to falter as the reality of the situation became clearer. The classroom fell into an eerie silence as the gravity of their predicament finally took root.
Ishtar, standing before them like a figurehead of a distant and cold god, merely nodded, his expression impassive. "I understand your feelings, Miss Aiko, but it is beyond my control. Only Ehit, in His divine wisdom, holds the power to determine whether you may return. His will is absolute."
The murmurs of disbelief grew into a roar, a cacophony of voices demanding answers. The students, now stripped of any hope of return, lashed out in anger and confusion.
"You can't just leave us here!"
"This is insane! We didn't ask for this!"
"What are we supposed to do now?!"
The room erupted into chaos, each student reacting in their own way to the overwhelming injustice of the situation. Some shouted, others cried, and a few sat in stunned silence, unable to process the truth.
But it was the sudden, forceful voice of Kouki that cut through the noise.
"Everyone, calm down!" Kouki's shout was commanding, and despite his youthful appearance, it carried a strength that immediately brought a temporary halt to the chaos. His eyes glinted with a mixture of determination and frustration as he slammed his fist down onto the table, the loud thud echoing in the room.
"Look, there's no point in yelling at Ishtar. It's not going to change anything. We're here, and no matter how much we argue, we can't just go home," Kouki said, his voice gaining momentum. "But we have something that they don't. We have the power to fight back."
The room fell silent again, the tension thick as everyone turned to look at him. Kouki's expression was set, resolute. His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white. "These people... this world... they're about to be destroyed. If we don't do something, it's over for them. I'm not just going to stand by and watch it happen. We were chosen for a reason, and if fighting is what it takes to save them—and ourselves—then that's what I'll do."
He turned to Ishtar, his gaze unwavering. "Is it possible for us to return once we've completed the mission? Once we save this world?"
Ishtar's response was calm, almost too calm for the weight of the question. "Yes. Ehit is merciful. If you succeed in your task, your return to your world will not be denied."
Kouki smiled, a bold and almost overly confident grin spreading across his face. "Then that's the plan. We fight. We save everyone, and we go home. I'll make sure of it."
Renji, still sitting quietly, glanced around the room. His mind was swirling with questions, but his expression remained calm, his thoughts his only company. Save the world? He wasn't sure if he could buy into Kouki's blind optimism. The more he thought about it, the more the situation felt like a trap. Are we really the heroes we're being made out to be, or just pawns in some god's game?
He could hear the others talking about the powers they'd gained, the sense of invincibility they felt, but Renji didn't share the same certainty. We've been chosen by a god... but for what purpose?
He thought about the implications of what Ishtar had said: "The will of Ehit." Something about it didn't sit right with him. Was this all truly for the greater good, or were they just pieces in a divine scheme that they didn't understand?
Renji's eyes shifted to Ishtar, whose calm, unwavering presence seemed to almost dismiss the unease that was settling over him. Ishtar's been around for who knows how long. He knows more than he's letting on, but he's not saying anything about the bigger picture. Does he even know everything, or is he just as much a puppet as we are?
As Kouki's words grew more enthusiastic, Renji found himself wondering whether the others had thought this through at all. But he kept his thoughts to himself. There was no point in adding to the chaos. It wasn't his role to take the spotlight. Let Kouki believe we can just charge in and save the day. I'll keep my eyes open and wait. If anything goes wrong, I'll be ready.
Renji gave a quiet sigh, his gaze flicking toward Aiko, who was still fuming, and then to Kouki, whose resolve remained unshaken. I just hope they're not all walking into something they can't come back from.
Meanwhile, Ishtar's voice broke through Renji's thoughts, as calm and composed as ever. "The choice is yours, but know this—once you embark on this path, there is no turning back."
Renji's eyes briefly met Ishtar's, then he looked away. No turning back... The words echoed in his mind, and for the first time, a feeling of doubt gnawed at him. But he said nothing, choosing instead to remain quiet. There was no reason to speak up now, not when everyone else had already made their decisions.
At the same time, Kouki's overwhelming charisma began to take hold. The students who had been on the verge of despair moments ago started to regain their composure, their eyes shifting to him with a newfound sense of hope. They saw him as a beacon of something greater, someone who could lead them through the chaos. The way they looked at him—full of admiration, some even mixed with adoration—was enough to make the atmosphere in the room shift.
Charisma… Renji thought, watching from the sidelines. A guy like Kouki can turn this whole room around just by opening his mouth. But there's a danger in that kind of power. Too much hope, and the crash when it all goes wrong could be that much worse.
"Heh, knew you'd say that. Still, I'd be worried letting you go off on your own... Which is why I'm coming with you." Ryutarou's voice cut through Renji's thoughts, drawing his attention.
"Ryutarou..." Kouki acknowledged his friend with a grin, not missing a beat.
"Looks like that's the only choice we have right now," Ryutarou added with a scowl. "It pisses me off that we don't get any real say in the matter, but... I'll help too."
"Shizuku..."
"I-If Shizuku-chan's going to fight, then I will too!" Kaori's voice followed, filled with quiet determination.
The group was already rallying behind Kouki, voices rising in support. Renji watched, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took it all in. Just like that... One speech, and the whole class is following him without question. They're already deciding to throw themselves into something they know nothing about.
"Kaori..." Kouki smiled, his face glowing with the same radiant confidence that had already spread throughout the room.
The usual suspects—the ones who always stuck together—had chimed in, declaring their support for the plan. With each word, Renji could see more and more of their resolve solidifying, but something tugged at him. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were blindly walking into something they didn't understand. It felt too easy, too comfortable.
The rest of the students, now caught up in the momentum, followed suit. No one seemed to want to challenge Kouki's decision. The tension in the room slowly dissipated as the classroom transformed into a united front, ready to fight in the war that had been thrust upon them. Renji's eyes lingered on the others, his expression unreadable. They're all too eager. Are they really thinking this through?
Aiko-sensei, still frantic, was running between the students, pleading with them to reconsider. Her words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Her face was streaked with tears, but she couldn't stop what was already set in motion. Kouki's influence was like a virus spreading through the class, infecting them with optimism and resolve. Renji didn't miss the way her shoulders slumped in defeat as the class agreed to fight.
And just like that... they're all in. No questions asked. Renji shifted in his seat, his hand subconsciously tightening into a fist. It's too easy. You can't just jump into a fight without knowing what it means, what you're up against. These kids don't know anything about war—about the real consequences of violence. But Kouki's convinced them. I can't blame him. He believes in this... but how far is that belief going to take us?
Renji's thoughts wandered back to Ishtar and the vague promises made about returning home once they had "saved" the world. There were too many unknowns. What if this isn't as simple as they think? What if we're just pawns in someone else's game?
The students had no idea what they were truly signing up for. They had no experience with war, no understanding of what they might face. They were simply trying to escape the reality of being trapped in a world they didn't belong to. If we fight, will it really be for the good of anyone? Or will we just be adding to the chaos?
Renji's gaze briefly flicked to Kouki, who was now basking in the collective support of the class, his confidence radiating. He's convinced. He's ready to lead them. But I don't think he fully understands what this will cost. No one does, except maybe Ishtar. But he's not talking, is he?
Aiko's last desperate plea fell silent, her tears the only sound as the rest of the class continued to cheer, their voices rising in unison. Renji let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. They're all moving forward with their eyes wide shut...
Ishtar had been discreetly monitoring Kouki throughout his speech, keenly observing his reactions to every word. Renji couldn't help but notice the way Ishtar's eyes seemed to penetrate Kouki's facade, as if he were analyzing him on a deeper level. Kouki, with his ever-present sense of justice, reacted quickly when Ishtar spoke of the tragic fate that had befallen humanity. Ishtar, ever the manipulator, had taken care to emphasize the cruelty of the demons, watching Kouki's expressions shift with each word.
Renji's eyes narrowed. Ishtar knows exactly how to push the right buttons. He's watching Kouki... but it's not just Kouki. He's sizing up everyone here. He knows who holds the most influence, who will lead this group and who will follow. Renji felt a subtle unease prick at his skin. He's sharp. Dangerous, even. And I don't think anyone's aware of just how carefully he's orchestrating things. I'd better keep my distance and watch closely.
It was clear that Ishtar had already figured out which strings to pull to get everyone in line. As he spoke, the students began to rally behind Kouki, swept up in the tide of his confidence and charisma. Renji could already see how the others were reacting—unquestioningly, like they were ready to march into battle at the drop of a hat. Fools, Renji thought bitterly. They think this is all some grand adventure, but it's not. They have no idea what they're getting into.
The journey ahead took them to a grand temple, where Ishtar had prepared another display of power. The pedestal with its glowing magic circle felt almost like a spectacle, a show to impress and awe the students. Renji's sharp gaze took in every detail—the grandeur of the temple, the magic circle lighting up with such blinding force, and the way everyone marveled at it. Ishtar knows how to put on a show. This whole world seems designed to make people worship things beyond their understanding.
As they moved onto a pedestal that glowed with a massive magic circle, Renji couldn't help but stare, his breath catching in his throat. The pedestal descended gently, floating down through the clouds, and the whole scene felt like something out of a legend. His mind struggled to keep up with what he was witnessing. It's like we're descending from heaven itself... The spectacle felt staged, designed to impress and awe, and Renji had no doubt that it was part of Ishtar's plan to elevate their status in the eyes of the world.
But even with the magic's breathtaking beauty, something about it felt off. This... this isn't real. It's all just a show. The students around him were laughing and shouting, caught up in the excitement, but Renji felt distant, an observer in his own body. They're seeing miracles, and I'm just trying to make sense of it all.
When they finally landed in the kingdom, the vast city below them was laid out like something from a storybook. The castle, towering above the rest of the buildings, looked like it had grown from the very mountain itself. The city spread out in perfect concentric circles, each layer more impressive than the last. It was beautiful, sure, but the sight made Renji feel smaller than ever.
As they made their way through the hallways of the royal palace, Renji could feel eyes on them—on him. The awe of the citizens, the way they seemed to look up to them like they were divine, unsettled him. This is insane. They're treating us like we're special, like we're... chosen. But for what? What's the real reason they brought us here? The weight of it all pressed down on his chest, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper, something darker, was at play.
Hajime and the others were escorted through the grand hallways, each one more opulent than the last. The walls were adorned with gold trim, and the floors gleamed beneath their feet. As they walked, Hajime couldn't ignore the curious stares they received from the palace staff—knights, servants, maids, and officials—all of them clearly aware of who they were. The awe in their eyes only made Hajime feel more like a spectacle.
He found himself trailing behind the others, a sense of unease growing with each step. Renji walked beside him, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of fascination and suspicion. The air in the palace felt thick with an invisible pressure, and Renji's usual confident posture seemed slightly strained, his shoulders tense. It wasn't just the grandeur of the place; it was the sense that they were intruding on something much bigger than themselves.
"Feels like we're walking through a dream," Renji muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the echoing steps. "I don't know about you, but I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched every second."
Hajime glanced at him, slightly relieved to hear that Renji was feeling the same way. He wasn't alone in this.
The procession finally stopped before two massive double doors, their intricate engravings gleaming in the torchlight. Two guards stood at attention on either side, and with a booming announcement, they swung the doors open. Ishtar stepped forward, his presence calm and commanding as he entered without hesitation, clearly unfazed by the grandeur. The students followed, though Hajime couldn't help but notice that Renji's stride was a little more cautious than usual.
Inside the throne room, the atmosphere was even more imposing. A long red carpet stretched out before them, leading to a throne that looked almost unreal in its magnificence. The room was filled with people—soldiers, civil officers, and dignitaries—about thirty of them in total, their eyes fixed on the newcomers.
At the far end of the room stood a middle-aged man, radiating an air of solemn dignity. Next to him stood a woman, presumably the queen, and beside her were two children with striking blonde hair and blue eyes. The boy looked no older than ten, while the girl appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen.
Renji's gaze flickered to the royal family, and Hajime could see the sharpness in his eyes. Renji's expression was hard to read, but there was something about the way he observed everything, almost as if he were measuring the room for any potential threat. Hajime's own discomfort grew, but he stayed quiet, trying to ignore the stares from the crowd.
When Ishtar approached the king, he offered his hand, and the king accepted it reverently, kissing it with a gesture that made Hajime's stomach twist. So this is how things work here, huh? he thought, his unease deepening. The gesture felt too intimate, too reverent. It only reinforced the idea that this kingdom was run by "God," not the king.
Introductions followed. The king, Eliheid S. B. Heiligh, his wife, Queen Luluaria, and their children, Prince Lundel and Princess Liliana, were formally introduced. Hajime couldn't help but notice the way the young prince kept glancing at Kaori, his eyes full of admiration. It wasn't lost on the rest of the group either, as the boys exchanged uneasy glances, their discomfort obvious. Renji muttered something under his breath, but Hajime didn't catch it. He wasn't sure if Renji was jealous or just irritated by the whole situation.
The dinner that followed wasn't as strange as Hajime had anticipated, but it was certainly extravagant. The food was unlike anything from Earth, yet it was strangely familiar—a blend of flavors that were both exotic and comforting. The pink sauce and rainbow-colored drink that they brought out was especially delicious, and for a moment, Hajime let the taste distract him from the oddity of it all.
Prince Lundel spent most of the meal talking to Kaori, which only made the other boys even more uncomfortable. Hajime watched as Renji's eyes flicked between Kaori and the prince, the tension evident in his posture. I guess I'm not the only one who feels this is... off, Hajime thought. Renji's usual confidence had been replaced by something else—caution, maybe? Or maybe it was just frustration. Either way, Hajime could feel the unease in the air.
After the meal, the group was introduced to their instructors—active-duty knights and court magicians who would train them in exchange for the hospitality they had received. It was clear that the king had his sights set on forging strong ties with the students, perhaps for the coming war that loomed in the distance. Renji's eyes narrowed as he processed the information, and Hajime couldn't help but feel that he was analyzing the situation with a deeper, more calculating focus.
Across the long banquet table, Renji sat with his arms resting lazily on the chair, a half-full goblet of wine in hand. He looked relaxed, almost uninterested—but anyone paying attention would notice the way his eyes moved. Constantly scanning. The nobles, the guards, even the servants. Every shift of weight, every forced smile, every glance too quick to mean nothing—he caught it.
He wasn't here to eat.
From across the table, Liliana Heiligh had been stealing occasional glances in his direction—not out of suspicion, but thoughtfulness. She hadn't failed to notice his stillness, the way he didn't quite fit into the gold and silk atmosphere of the royal hall. He was too quiet, too watchful.
She wasn't staring, but there was an undeniable sense of her attention, like a soft but insistent pressure. Every so often, he caught her glance, and for some reason, it never felt like she was simply being polite. No, there was something more — a curiosity, maybe, or an interest that he couldn't quite place.
It was the type of thing Renji usually ignored, but tonight, for whatever reason, it was harder to shake off. He'd been around important people, seen royalty up close before — but this felt different. There was a weight to Liliana's gaze that was… almost too calculating.
Finally, after a long pause in their silent exchange, she leaned forward slightly, breaking the stillness with a soft voice.
"You're not like the others," Liliana said, her tone quiet but direct. There was no malice in her words, just a genuine observation.
Renji raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into the slightest smirk. "Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?"
Liliana tilted her head slightly, a smile touching her lips, though it wasn't a playful one. "Neither. Just an observation," she replied smoothly. Her eyes met his with an intensity that wasn't lost on him. "You've been watching everyone since you arrived. Why?"
Renji paused, taking another sip of his drink before answering. He wasn't one for small talk, but there was something about her that made him want to engage, if only to understand what she was trying to get at.
"Habit," he said, shrugging nonchalantly. "I like knowing the room I'm in. Helps me stay ahead of the curve."
Liliana's eyes sharpened for just a moment before she gave a small, thoughtful nod. "I see. And what kind of room do you think this is?" She glanced around, her voice dipping into something more thoughtful. "A place full of secrets, perhaps?"
Renji's smirk deepened, and he leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping across the lavish room. "The kind where everyone's smiling but it doesn't quite reach their eyes."
There was a long moment of silence between them, as if she were weighing his words. Then, Liliana spoke again, her voice lower this time, as though sharing a quiet confession.
"You're not wrong about that," she said. "It's a place where everyone plays their role, hiding what they really think behind their masks." Her gaze flicked toward the other nobles, then returned to him. "I don't blame them for it. It's what's expected. But you… you don't seem to care for that at all."
Renji chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. "I don't see the point. I'd rather know what's real than waste my time with all the fake pleasantries." His gaze locked with hers, the unspoken understanding between them palpable in the air. "You don't like it either, do you?"
Liliana's smile grew just a fraction. It was a small shift, almost imperceptible, but enough for Renji to catch it. "I never said I didn't," she replied cryptically. "But I understand the need for it."
There was something in her tone, something layered beneath her words that Renji couldn't quite place. She was intelligent, he could tell that much. And despite her royal status, she didn't seem like the type to play the part of the perfect princess just for the sake of it.
"Renji Aikawa," he introduced himself casually, leaning forward just a bit, his eyes narrowing in a way that indicated a certain level of respect. "I'm not here to play nice with anyone. I don't need to prove anything."
Liliana tilted her head slightly, her gaze steady as she studied him. "Liliana S. B. Heiligh," she replied with the same cool demeanor. "And I don't think you need to either. But I'm sure you have your reasons for being here."
Renji nodded, acknowledging her with a small gesture. "Everyone's got their reasons, princess. Some of us just don't wear them on our sleeves."
The conversation hung in the air for a moment, neither of them rushing to fill the silence. Renji noticed Hajime watching them from the corner of his eye, though he wasn't sure if the guy was simply observing or if he was trying to figure out what kind of game the two were playing. It was hard to tell with Hajime. But there was a certain weight to the moment that made Renji feel like this wasn't just a casual chat.
Hajime, for his part, seemed intrigued. He wasn't one to get involved in royal affairs unless he had to, but the way Renji and Liliana were interacting piqued his interest. It was subtle, but he could see the respect forming between the two, an understanding built on mutual wariness and strength. That kind of connection was rare in the world they found themselves in — especially with someone like Liliana, who had been raised in the suffocating walls of court politics.
But there was something else in Renji's demeanor. Despite his usual sharpness, Hajime could see that there was a part of him that was still unsure — a part that wasn't as confident as he let on. It was a vulnerability that Hajime hadn't expected to see. And it made him wonder just how much of Renji's drive and ambition came from a place of doubt, rather than pure self-assurance.
"Well," Liliana said after a beat, breaking the tension. "I suppose you'll find your place here, just as we all must."
Renji leaned back, finally letting the smirk reach his eyes. "We'll see. It's not about finding a place. It's about making one." His gaze shifted to the rest of the room, the nobles continuing their careful dances of conversation. "And I'm not the kind to settle for what's handed to me."
Liliana met his gaze with a knowing look. "I don't think any of us are."
The conversation lapsed back into comfortable silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. There was a quiet understanding between them now, one that hadn't been there before — a sense that, despite their differences, they shared something unspoken.
As Hajime watched them, his thoughts lingered on the conversation. He hadn't expected Renji to get along with Liliana — but somehow, the two of them seemed to speak the same language, one that didn't rely on the usual politics and pleasantries. In a world where alliances were everything, it was a small but significant moment. And he couldn't help but wonder what that meant for the future.
Once dinner and introductions were finished, everyone was led to their assigned rooms. Renji and Hajime were paired up, placed in the same small, no-frills room. The space was basic—two beds, a desk, and a wardrobe. There was nothing luxurious about it, just a place to sleep for the night.
Renji entered first, dropping his bag onto the bed farthest from the door with a grunt. He glanced around, unimpressed. This wasn't exactly what he'd been expecting, but then again, nothing about this situation had been what he'd expected.
Hajime followed, his gaze briefly scanning the room. It was just as plain as Renji had already decided. It seemed the dormitory setup wasn't going to be the grand experience either of them had hoped for. He didn't bother with formalities, walking straight over to the bed he'd been given and tossing his things aside.
Renji broke the silence first, his voice casual but edged with a little weariness. "So, guess this is it for the next little while, huh? Not exactly a luxury suite."
Hajime glanced at him briefly. "Not that it matters. I didn't come here for comfort."
Renji let out a short breath, his lips curling slightly as he sat on the edge of his bed. "Yeah, I get that. But still, you'd think they'd at least try to give us something better, right? I don't know... it's just a little... depressing."
Hajime said nothing at first, unstrapping the gear that had been weighing him down all day. The soft clink of metal as he removed his weapons was the only sound in the room for a few moments.
"I've got bigger things to worry about than a bed," Hajime muttered. "Like getting back home."
Renji's eyes flickered toward him. That was the first time he'd heard someone else talk about going home. The reality of being stranded in a world that wasn't his own hit harder when others acknowledged it too.
"Yeah," Renji said quietly, his voice a little more serious now. "I'm not here to stay. I want to get back home. That's the only thing I'm thinking about right now."
Hajime paused for a second, and then nodded. "Same here. Not sure how, but I'll figure it out."
Renji gave a small, knowing smile. "Guess we're both in the same boat, huh?"
Hajime just grunted, pulling off his boots and stretching his legs out. He wasn't the type for idle chatter, but it seemed Renji wasn't going to let the conversation die so easily.
"You know," Renji continued, leaning back slightly on his bed. "I always thought when I finally got out of that boring world, things would be... I don't know, easier? But this? Feels like a bad dream."
"It's a nightmare, really," Hajime replied, his voice flat. "But we deal with it. We don't have much of a choice."
Renji let out a soft laugh, but it was devoid of humor. "Yeah... guess we don't."
There was another silence between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. They both understood the weight of the situation in their own way. They weren't here for grand adventures or glory—just for a way out. A way back to the lives they had lost.
Renji closed his eyes for a moment, leaning his head back against the pillow. Tomorrow was a new day, and though the future was uncertain, he was resolved. He would find a way home, no matter what.
"Tomorrow's gonna suck," Renji muttered, the words slipping out before he could stop them.
Hajime chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it. "Yeah, probably. But we'll get through it."
"Right," Renji agreed, finally letting his body relax. He shifted in the bed, pulling the blankets up. "We'll get through it together."
The room fell silent again, save for the faint rustling of blankets as they both settled into what would hopefully be a restful night. The quiet stretched on, the weight of their shared goal—getting home—lingering in the air.
But for now, there was nothing more to say. Just the soft sounds of the night, the exhaustion weighing on their minds, and the unspoken understanding between two friends who weren't sure what tomorrow would bring, but knew they had no choice but to face it.