Summoned

I scan my surroundings, once again entranced by a landscape that seems both mesmerizing and mystifying. It's breathtaking—eerily flawless, with an ethereal charm that brushes against the edge of something unsettling. The air hums with an almost unnatural beauty, as if reality has been softened and reshaped.

Wonder tightens into uncertainty in my chest. Am I meant to feel joy here? Is it even possible, in a place that feels like a dream slipping toward something darker?

They’ve summoned me to a realm called Alanta—a land draped in medieval wonder, so far removed from the modern world I knew. Everything here breathes mystery, magic, and an echo of something ancient.

I’m Megumi Alanta. Strange, isn’t it? I share a name with this ancient realm—and apparently, that’s no coincidence.

I’ve always been drawn to stories of summoning and transmigration—novels and manhwas that whisk characters away into other worlds.

A part of me secretly longed for that to happen to me, too.

Honestly, I’ve been tired. Drained. My world feels heavy, and though I have a family, we’re not the warm, close kind. I carry debts, struggle to make ends meet, and the weight of everyday life presses hard on my chest.

I’ve dreamed of escape. Wished for it in the quiet moments, even knowing deep down that those stories are just fantasy. That no portal would open. No fate would choose me.

And yet—here I am. Summoned to a realm I never believed could exist.

And as it turns out, I wasn’t the only one summoned into this strange, new world. There are quite few individuals—bearing the Alanta name and of rightful age—was brought here as well.

They told us we were chosen through a divine revelation: someone from beyond this realm was needed to shield Atlanta from an impending disaster or catastrophe.

The prophecy spoke of a descendant of the legendary Hero of Atlanta—the only one with the potential to save the Empire. In short, they were searching for a savior, a hero.

But fate had other plans. Instead of just one or two, six of us were summoned.

Upon arrival, we were subjected to a thorough evaluation—our strength, affinity, and latent power carefully measured. In the end, only a few were deemed worthy.

And I… I wasn’t among those considered “qualified.”

As for the rest of us—those who didn’t meet their criteria or not qualified—there’s still no way back to our original world yet so thankfully, we were given comfortable accommodations tailored to our preferences, as long as we stayed within the Empire’s borders and I’m perfectly fine with that.

The qualified ones were granted extraordinary privileges, but I’m not envious of it. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to shoulder that kind of responsibility.

I already have enough on my plate just managing my own life—let alone the fate of the entire Empire. So all things considered, I’m genuinely content with what I have now.

Thus, the three individuals who passed the selection were bestowed with extraordinary privileges. They were granted free access to all public areas within the palace, along with personal chambers inside and a luxurious villa within the kingdom—all expenses covered by the royal treasury.

To fulfill the prophecy and prepare for the challenges ahead, they received limitless monthly allowances to satisfy any need or desire.

In return, they were bound by royal decree: to hone their abilities and undergo rigorous personal training within the palace grounds, under the strict command of the King himself.

As for those of us who weren’t qualified, we were still given generous benefits—though not as exclusive, they were more than enough for me.

We were allowed to choose land and a home anywhere in the Empire. We received a pass to enter the kingdom and palace with limited access and were given the freedom to pursue our interests, as long as it didn’t jeopardize the Empire’s safety or security.

Each month, we were provided with a needs-based allowance, along with a one-time budget to help us start a new life. Additionally, we were granted the right to make three special requests, which would be considered depending on there significance.

These opportunities came with conditions: we must remain within the Empire and refrain from sharing specific information with anyone outside its borders or with unauthorized personnel.

All of this was documented in a signed agreement, with strict consequences—including death—if breached.

Tragic? Maybe. But personally, I’m at peace with it.

I’m not sure what the others chose, but I decided on a plot of land where I could grow my own crops. I live in solitude, far from the noise and bustle of the kingdom’s capital.

My only request was for it to be a place of safety—somewhere free from monsters and danger yet its near in the capital.

They wanted all the summoned to live in the territories near the capital so they can easily track and monitor us, which I don’t have complain.