Chapter 2: The Summoning
Andrew stared at the horizon where the sun bled into the sky like spilled paint. Somewhere down in the valley, drums still echoed—a deep, warlike rhythm that did not sound like a warm welcome.
Mario, now seated on a rock and clutching his shield like a life preserver, looked like he'd just walked out of a bad cosplay convention.
"So," Andrew finally said, adjusting the sword on his back like he'd seen a thousand times in the webtoons he binged at 2 a.m., "I think we've officially been isekai'd."
"Esa-what?" Mario frowned.
"Isekai. You know, transported to another world. Happens all the time in webtoons. Usually there's a truck involved, but maybe we got the deluxe lightning-flavored version."
"Right. Because that makes this better," Mario said, deadpan. "Next you'll tell me there's a secret prophecy and I'm the long-lost heir to a magic kingdom."
"I mean… probably," Andrew said, grinning. "Though if anyone's royalty here, it's clearly me. You look more like the loyal bodyguard-slash-unlucky-sidekick."
Mario narrowed his eyes. "Says the guy waving around a cold green flame like it's a glowstick from a failed rave."
Andrew held up the eerie fire still dancing in his left palm. "Dark green magic aura, thank you very much. Limited edition. Bet you anything I got a stat boost in charisma just for holding this."
"Doubtful."
"Okay, maybe intelligence," Andrew said, smirking. "Which makes me wonder… What if we weren't the only ones summoned? Like… what if the summoning spell scattered us? Emma could be out there somewhere."
Mario blinked. "You think she's here?"
"Hey, I'm just saying. Parallel fantasy world logic. Anyone near us could've been sucked in. So chin up, lover boy—your rom-com might still be in production."
Mario shook his head, laughing despite himself. "If I find her riding a unicorn in full plate armor, I'm blaming you."
"Deal."
The two started trekking toward the edge of the forest that curled around the valley, the last rays of daylight stretching across ancient oaks and moss-covered stones. There were no roads. No cell service. And worst of all—no vending machines.
"I miss pizza," Andrew said.
"I miss not being lost in another dimension," Mario replied.
They walked in silence for a while, occasionally swatting at oversized bugs and trying to avoid roots that looked suspiciously like tentacles. The trees were old—massive trunks wrapped in vines and leaves that shimmered faintly in the dark like they had a secret.
When the sky turned violet-black, they stopped at a small clearing.
"Alright," Mario said, "we need shelter."
"Don't worry," Andrew said, pulling out a stick. "I've seen at least seventeen tutorials on how to survive in a forest. Step one: poke everything until you find something useful."
"Step two: die of exposure," Mario muttered.
Still, with teamwork—and a healthy dose of sarcasm—they managed to construct a half-decent lean-to using fallen branches, some large leaves, and whatever creative optimism they had left. It looked less like a shelter and more like a very confused bird's nest, but it stood.
"Welcome to Chateau de Lost," Andrew said, gesturing grandly.
"It's missing a minibar," Mario added.
They sat inside, huddled close to a small fire Andrew sparked using a mix of magic and pure luck. The night was filled with distant howls and glowing eyes in the shadows.
"I'm not saying we're doomed," Andrew said, voice low, "but I am saying I hope this world has breakfast. Preferably not made of bugs."
Mario stared at him. "You're the most prepared unprepared person I've ever met."
"Thank you. I accept this insult as a badge of honor."
And under the strange stars of a world not their own, the two friends leaned back, trying not to think too hard about what tomorrow might bring.