In a world where destiny intertwines with the extraordinary, 19-year-old Alexander Shard finds himself thrust into an adventure beyond his wildest dreams. One moment he's a typical boy from the Netherlands, and the next, he's a young Knight awakenin...
"What just happened? Where the hell am I?!" I exclaimed, stepping out of the restroom after wrapping up a grueling kendo practice. Instead of finding the familiar, empty hallway I had expected, I found myself standing in the midst of a bustling street unlike anything I had ever seen. The air was alive with the sounds of chatter and the clatter of footsteps, but it wasn't the noise that left me disoriented—it was the extraordinary sight before me.
People moved hurriedly along the sidewalk, but they weren't merely human. To my utter disbelief, some of them had animal heads—literal, distinct animal features atop human bodies. There were anthropomorphic dogs striding confidently in tailored clothes, cats with elegant poise, and even lizards walking upright, their scaled skins glistening under the sunlight. The sizes varied, too; some of these creatures towered over me like giants, far larger than their earthly counterparts.
Even more bizarre, I noticed lizards the size of horses, harnessed to carriages, lumbering down the thoroughfare. They pulled colorful carts filled with goods, the vibrant market atmosphere enhancing the surrealism of it all. My mind raced, trying to absorb the sheer scale of the strange reality surrounding me—humanoid animals and fantastical beasts coexisting in a single lively scene.
As I grappled with my disorientation, one glaring fact crystallized: I had been transported to another world entirely. 'Well, first things first, I need to find a place to collect my thoughts,' I thought to myself, scanning the bustling street for a semblance of respite. I spotted a nearby staircase and made a beeline for it, hoping that sitting down would help me regain my composure.
Once settled on the step, I let out a deep sigh, the weight of my confusion settling upon me. 'This world is evidently teeming with a myriad of races,' I pondered, contemplating my observations. I could already confirm the presence of humans, various kinds of demihumans, and I believed I glimpsed a dwarf—though it could have easily been a particularly stout child.
Suddenly, an ache shot through my shoulder, pulling me back to the reality of my physical state. "Damn it, I'm still sore from practice," I muttered, getting up to stretch and relieve the tension. As I reached up, a metallic clank echoed at my hips. Confusion washed over me as I instinctively grabbed for my trusty Shidai, only to realize it had been replaced.
Feeling an unmistakable connection, I pulled out a long sword, and my heart raced. 'Is this...holy shit, that's Excalibur!' I exclaimed, a mix of exhilaration and disbelief flooding through me. The legendary blade glimmered in the light, its blade etched with ancient symbols, and I could feel an inexplicable power coursing through it, stirring a deep sense of purpose within me in this extraordinary new world.
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I swiftly darted into a nearby alley, seeking a moment of privacy to examine the legendary blade that had suddenly appeared in my possession. The cool shadows enveloped me, providing a brief refuge from the bustling street. I kept my ears attuned to the sounds outside, acutely aware of the guards' patrols, not wanting to raise any suspicions. With cautious reverence, I drew the legendary blade of King Arthur from its sheath, feeling the weight of history in my hands. The hilt was adorned with intricate designs, swirling patterns that seemed to tell stories of battles long past.
