Who cares about an Isekai? Surely not me!

Chapter 1 - The summoning

An open space was stretching itself to no end. It was illuminated by numerous small orbs of light floating lightly in the air. It was neither cold or warm. The space had a holy and otherworldly aura. There stood eleven people of various age and ethnicity. They all stood apart from each other without speaking, immersed in their own minds. However, one could see clearly that most of them shared the same expressions: arrogance and pride, impatience and excitement. Their backs were straight and their eyes sparkling. There was a certain thrill in the air. They were chosen one. They had left the mediocrity of their life on Earth to become people who will bath in wealth and glory.

One of them, dressed in black was lost in the crowd. His arms were crossed over his chest, his shoulders slouched, and his head lowered, making it impossible to see the expression on his face. His breathing was slow and deep. He had a faint presence and if one didn't make an effort, he wouldn't be noticed. He didn't share their arrogance and excitement. His eyes were cold and calculative.

"How long are we supposed to wait here?" finally complained one. The man was tall and bulky as if his muscles were built from rocks. His chin was high and his glare was condescending.

A series of complaints started to flow and flood the space.

"A hero has yet to finish," the monotone sounded.

"Why does it take so long? We've finished a while ago!" asked an annoyed young woman with red hair.

A ripple of magic crossed the space and the last summoned person appeared.

She was around one hundred and seventy centimetres tall, had long straight black hair with some silver locks, and hazel eyes. Her features were normal, maybe above average on Earth. However, in this crowd of beautified heroes, she looked somewhat common. She even forgot to change her clothes and she was still in a lame pyjama. Placed in front of the group, her face paled; she looked particularly spooked and uncomfortable.

"We were waiting for that?" asked the red-haired woman in disgust.

The newly member winced, bowed deeply in apologies and hurried toward the back of the group. Do they have to team up with this? It must be a joke! They shared the same thought. As the newcomer walked passed them, everyone judged her with contempt and impatience. They had already ruled her out of their group, the weak are destined to die young after all. The one dressed in black glanced at her and slightly rose an eyebrow. She made a face, her gaze seemed to be lost somewhere far.

Up high, appeared a bright light and the silhouette of a woman dressed in white emerged from the void.

"Welcome, heroes! My name is Lyres, I am a God's Avatar. You were summoned into this other world called Vitalium. The demon race is on the verge of conquering the free world. In times of need, Heroes from another world are our only and last resort. You were given skills and powers, make good use of them." Lyres surveyed the room and her eyes stayed a bit longer on the latecomer attracting everyone's notice and disdain. The girl could only burrow her head deep and remain silent.

"Please help Vitalium!" Lyres slightly bowed.

"Hahaha, don't worry! With the great Dorian here, you have nothing to fear! You can at least count on me," the bulky roared with confidence.

The others also smiled with ease. They were given such a good opportunity, they even got to create their own skills, how could they not have confidence? The one dressed in black remained silent, his expression indifferent and stiff. He sneered in his heart. They were so gullible. He had glanced around and examined his 'colleagues'. He gave each an evaluation and took a mental note to keep an eye on Dorian. In the corner of his eyes, he saw the latecomer, she appeared weak-willed and average at best. She was mumbling under her breath and fidgety. He wasn't one to meddle but, he got a feeling somewhere, a tingle that would brush the back of his neck when he looked at her. He didn't get what it was and didn't want to ignore it. He narrowed his eyes, should he go and talk to her?