Gacha Summoner: Pulled into Another World

Chapter 14: Whispers of the World Beyond

**Chapter 14: Whispers of the World Beyond**

The dungeon’s heavy stone doors shut behind them with a resonating thud, marking the end of their ordeal within its cursed depths. As Yuuji and his companions stepped out into the open air, a cool breeze washed over them, carrying with it the scent of grass and earth. The sky above was a deep, rich blue, dotted with soft clouds. It felt surreal—almost like they had emerged from another world entirely.

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. For the first time in what felt like ages, Yuuji took a deep breath, filling his lungs with fresh air. It felt like a lifetime had passed since they first entered the dungeon, battling through the darkness and finally confronting the Forgotten One. They had won, but the weight of what they’d experienced still lingered.

“We made it,” the knight said, his voice heavy with exhaustion but laced with relief. His armor was battered, and his shield had several new dents, but there was a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. “I wasn’t sure if we’d walk out of there alive.”

The archer stretched her arms over her head, letting out a long sigh. “No kidding. I don’t want to see another dungeon for the rest of my life.” She paused, glancing at the mage. “Do you think it’s really over?”

The mage stood quietly, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. She was still deep in thought, her staff glowing faintly in her hand. “For now, yes. The Forgotten One is sealed. But… there’s something else.”

Yuuji’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

The mage turned to face him, her expression grim. “The energy we encountered in that dungeon—it's not unique. There are other entities like the Forgotten One, scattered across the world, hidden in dungeons, temples, and ancient places. Each one tied to a forgotten era, their power waiting to be unleashed. And something is stirring them awake.”

A chill ran down Yuuji’s spine. He’d known, deep down, that the Forgotten One was only a part of something much larger. The Blade of Eterna had whispered to him of ancient forces, but the thought that they might be awakening all at once was terrifying.

“We can’t rest yet, can we?” Yuuji muttered, gripping the hilt of his sword.

The mage shook her head. “No. Whatever force is waking these entities, it’s growing stronger. The world is changing, and I fear that what we’ve encountered so far is only the beginning.”

The knight let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. “So we’re going to keep running headlong into more ancient evils, then? Fantastic.”

Yuuji chuckled, though there was no humor in it. “Seems that way. But we’re not alone. We’ve faced the Abyss and the Forgotten One together. Whatever comes next, we can handle it.”

The archer nodded, though her usual playful demeanor was gone. “Yeah, well… let’s just hope we get a break before the next ancient horror wakes up.”

For a moment, the group stood in silence, the weight of their words sinking in. They had survived the Abyss, but they had also uncovered a world filled with dangers they couldn’t yet understand. The dungeon had been one of many, and there were more challenges to come.

As they stood on the grassy hill overlooking the vast landscape before them, Yuuji felt the Blade of Eterna stir once more. It wasn’t the urgent whispering of before, but a faint hum, like a quiet reminder that the journey wasn’t over. The sword had chosen him, guided him, and now it would continue to lead him through the trials ahead.

“We should head back to the village,” the knight said, breaking the silence. “We need to rest, regroup, and figure out our next move.”

The group nodded in agreement, their bodies exhausted from the battle, but their minds already turning toward what lay ahead. Together, they began their journey back to the village, leaving the dungeon behind but carrying its memory with them.

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By the time they reached the village, the sun had set, and the sky was painted in deep purples and blues. Lanterns flickered in the windows of the small homes, casting warm light onto the cobbled streets. The villagers, unaware of the dangers that had lurked beneath the dungeon, went about their lives in peace.

As they entered the village square, a familiar face greeted them. Old Man Morikawa, the village elder, hobbled toward them with a cane in hand, his eyes bright with curiosity. “Ah, you’re back! And in one piece, no less! I take it you’ve dealt with the darkness in the dungeon?”

The knight offered a weary smile. “Yeah, it’s been dealt with. But there’s more going on than we realized.”

Morikawa’s face darkened with concern. “More? What do you mean?”

Yuuji stepped forward. “The dungeon wasn’t just a dungeon. There was an ancient entity sealed beneath it, something called the Forgotten One. We managed to seal it again, but we’ve learned there are more like it—powerful forces scattered across the world.”

The old man’s expression grew grave. “I feared as much. The signs have been there—the restless winds, the strange dreams. It seems the old prophecies were true. Dark times are ahead.”

The mage stepped forward. “Do you know anything about these prophecies?”

Morikawa nodded slowly, his eyes distant as if recalling memories long forgotten. “There are stories, passed down through generations, of a time when the world was young. Back then, the gods themselves battled against beings of immense power—beings who sought to unmake the world and return it to chaos. The gods won, but instead of destroying those entities, they sealed them away, hiding them in places like the dungeon you just conquered. Over the centuries, those seals have weakened, and now… now they are beginning to break.”

Yuuji’s heart sank. “So, it’s happening everywhere?”

“I fear so,” Morikawa said, his voice low. “The gods themselves left this world long ago, leaving it in the hands of mortal heroes like you. You must continue to seek out these entities and seal them before their power consumes everything.”

The weight of Morikawa’s words settled over the group like a heavy blanket. They had survived one trial, but there were countless others ahead. Yuuji exchanged glances with his companions, all of them sharing the same thought.

Their journey was far from over.

“Rest for now,” Morikawa said, sensing their exhaustion. “You’ve earned it. But when you’re ready, there will be more work to do.”

As the group made their way to the inn, Yuuji couldn’t shake the feeling that they had only scratched the surface of what was to come. The Forgotten One was just the beginning, and the Blade of Eterna hummed softly at his side, as if reminding him of the battles still ahead.

As they settled into the quiet warmth of the inn, Yuuji stared out the window at the dark horizon beyond. Somewhere out there, other forgotten entities were stirring, waiting to be awakened. And Yuuji knew that, when the time came, he and his companions would be ready to face them.

For now, though, they would rest. The world beyond could wait a little longer.