Chapter 1: Summoning into a New World
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Takuya Shinohara had always thought of himself as an ordinary guy. A part-time barista at a small café in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, he spent his days serving lattes and taking orders from a wide variety of customers. In the evenings, he retreated to the comfort of his small apartment, where he immersed himself in the vibrant worlds of video games. His friends laughed and teased him for his obsession with role-playing games, but they indulged him out of kindness. The truth was, Takuya preferred the predictability of gaming to the unpredictability of real life.
It was just another ordinary day as Takuya closed up the café after his shift. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the city. He slid into his favorite seat on the couch and powered up his console. Tonight's adventure awaited him in "Dragon's Legacy," a game renowned for its intricate storylines and immersive gameplay. As the title screen loaded, he felt a familiar thrill of excitement.
Hours slipped by as he fought dragons, explored dungeons, and forged alliances with heroic characters. Takuya was lost in the world of fantasy when suddenly, his screen flickered. Confused, he leaned closer, hoping it was merely a glitch. But before he could process what was happening, a blinding light erupted from the monitor, engulfing him completely.
"Takuya!" a voice called out. The sound was crystalline and echoed as if it were from the depths of a cavern. He squeezed his eyes shut against the brightness, trying to shield himself as the light intensified, pulling him deeper into its embrace.
When he finally opened his eyes again, the first thing that struck him was the smell. He inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh scent of pine and wildflowers. Opening his eyes fully, he found himself standing in a lush forest, sunlight filtering through the leaves overhead. Takuya blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of his surroundings.
He reached for his phone instinctively, only to find it missing—along with his café uniform. Instead, he wore simple traveling clothes, a tunic paired with trousers and sturdy boots. Panic surged through him. "What the hell is going on?" he muttered, scanning his surroundings.
"Welcome, Chosen One!" boomed a deep voice from behind him. Takuya turned around to see a towering figure clad in ornate armor, a knight with a majestic sword strapped to his side. "You have been summoned to save our kingdom!"
Takuya stared blankly at the knight. Was this some kind of joke? He had seen enough anime and read enough light novels to know exactly what was happening. "Wait, summoned? This is like one of those isekai stories?"
The knight nodded solemnly. "Indeed! You are the one chosen to wield great power and defeat the Demon Lord!"
"Chosen? Me?" Takuya stammered, looking down at himself as if expecting to find some hidden magical artifact. "I'm just a barista! I don't even know how to wield a sword!"
The knight's expression shifted slightly, and for a moment, he seemed almost sympathetic. "You possess the title of 'World Buffer.' While others have might and magic, your power lies in enhancing the abilities of those around you."
"Buffer?" Takuya echoed incredulously. "Isn't that just a fancy way of saying I'm useless?"
The knight chuckled lightly, though it was clear his patience was wearing thin. "Your abilities will shine in due time. Come, let us take you to the castle!"
As they walked through the forest, Takuya's mind raced. He was still grappling with being yanked from his mundane life into this high-fantasy world. He listened to the knight recount tales of brave heroes and fearsome monsters while struggling to keep his thoughts coherent. Arriving at the castle, he was met with a mix of skepticism and awe from the court.
"What is this?" a regal-looking woman exclaimed as she assessed Takuya with narrowed eyes. "A mere boy summoned to be our savior?"
"Your Majesty," the knight said, bowing slightly, "this is Takuya Shinohara, our Chosen One."
"Just call me Takuya," he muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of the royal gaze upon him.
The queen's skepticism turned into mild amusement as she summoned the court's attention. "Let us see what powers lie within this 'World Buffer.'" With a wave of her hand, she commanded a few skilled knights to demonstrate their prowess.
As they showcased their strength and skills, Takuya felt increasingly out of place. He wished for just a moment that he could wield a sword or cast fireballs instead of standing there awkwardly.
Then came the moment that changed everything. The queen ordered Takuya to approach. He awkwardly stepped forward, feeling every eye upon him. "Alright, let's see what you can do."
Takuya focused intently, recalling the gaming mechanics he was so familiar with. He imagined a supportive aura radiating from him, as if channeling energy to enhance those around him. "Uh… Buff!" he exclaimed uncertainly.
To his shock, a warm glow emanated from him, enveloping the knights who had just fought. They suddenly moved with an enhanced speed and agility, striking harder and faster than before. Gasps echoed through the court as they witnessed his unexpected effect.
"Impressive!" shouted a knight with fiery red hair, grinning widely as he effortlessly dodged an incoming strike.
Takuya's heart raced with newfound confidence. "Wait—so I really can enhance people's abilities?"
"Yes!" the queen said, her eyes shining with intrigue. "But it seems your skill has no limits."
That was when he noticed something strange on his status screen—a small icon labeled "Unique Skill: Infinite Synergy." The words read: "No limit on number of buffs. No cooldowns. Effects can stack. Targets retain buffs when emotionally bonded."
"What does that even mean?" he whispered to himself.
As the day progressed, Takuya learned more about his unique ability. For every bond he formed with his allies, the effects of his skills would grow stronger. It dawned on him that this was not merely a title; it was a promise of adventure and companionship—an S-Class support role that would lead him to forge powerful alliances.
Yet every enchanting moment was tinged with anxiety. In this world filled with powerful women—knights, mages, and even mythical beings—how could an ordinary guy like him manage not only to survive but to thrive?
As night fell, Takuya found himself standing on the castle balcony, staring out into a sea of stars. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. The journey ahead would not be easy. He would have to navigate not only battles against formidable foes but also the affections and rivalries of the women drawn to him.
"Looks like I'm in for one wild ride," Takuya murmured to himself, a smile creeping onto his face despite uncertainty. He clenched his fists, determination sparking within him. If he truly possessed the potential to make others stronger, maybe—just maybe—he could become something more than a mere barista. Perhaps he could become the hero this world needed.
And thus began Takuya Shinohara's grand adventure in a fantasy realm where he would not only fight battles but also master the complexities of relationships, love, and destiny—armed with nothing but his unique skill and an ever-growing harem ready to challenge fate itself.
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"[A\N: Yo~Author here. Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Stay tuned for more adventures ahead!]"
«By Ecstasy Crown»