Somewhere in the modern world called Earth, nestled in the vibrant city of Chicago, a quiet sanctuary existed in the form of a humble little plant store. The warm smell of damp soil and blooming petals filled the air. Sunlight streamed gently through the front windows, casting golden patterns across green leaves.
A young man with brown hair and big emerald green eyes stood inside, humming to himself. Eli Reed, 21 years old, was hard at work watering the plants. His expression was peaceful, his eyes sparkling with joy. He moved with a practiced rhythm — watering, clipping, smiling.
"Ah, look at you," Eli said softly, crouching beside a pot of bright daisies. "You're stretching toward the light just right. Keep it up, little buddy."
He laughed quietly to himself, speaking his thoughts aloud, something he often did when surrounded by his leafy companions. "I swear, taking care of you guys is the best part of my day. One day, I'll have a greenhouse that stretches for blocks. Plants from all over the world, growing big and healthy. That's the dream, huh?"
The shop bell jingled, and a pair of customers entered. Eli greeted them with his usual charming grin. "Hey there! Looking for anything specific today?"
The couple looked around, wide-eyed. "Yeah, actually — do you have any lavender plants?"
"Absolutely," Eli said, leading them toward the back. "Lavender's great — calming, fragrant, and the bees love 'em. Want me to show you how to care for it?"
They followed him eagerly. "That'd be awesome. We've killed every plant we've ever owned."
Eli chuckled. "Don't worry, lavender is low-maintenance if you follow a few rules. Keep it somewhere sunny, water only when the soil's dry, and don't drown it. Think of it like… a chill friend who just wants space and sunshine."
They laughed and nodded. Eli continued, his voice full of excitement. "People think plants are just decoration, but they're alive — they communicate, adapt, defend themselves. They're way more complex than most give them credit for."
"You really love this stuff, huh?" the woman asked.
Eli nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah. It's more than a job. It's… peace. Growing something with care, watching it thrive — it reminds me that even in a world full of chaos, there's beauty you can nurture."
The customers left with smiles, arms full of plant care guides and pots, and Eli returned to clipping some overgrown vines near the window. Just as he finished helping another customer with a cactus, his boss popped out from the back room.
"Hey, Eli!"
"What's up, boss?"
"Need you to do a delivery — someone ordered a bunch of herbs and succulents."
Eli beamed. "Sure, boss. I got it."
"Here's the order and the address. Get it to 'em, and don't dawdle."
Eli grabbed the paper bag, nodded, and said with a grin, "Got it, boss. See ya later!"
With a bounce in his step, Eli walked out into the warm Chicago afternoon. He took a deep breath, relishing the fresh air and sunshine. As he strolled down the street, he passed a group of college kids chatting by a food truck.
One of them, a muscular guy in athletic gear with golden-brown eyes and a lightning-patterned fade haircut, groaned loudly.
"Ugh, I hate this upcoming test!" said Jamal, Eli's old friend from childhood — always loud, confident, and quick to fight for his people.
Next to him, a tall, broad-shouldered Asian-American guy with glasses and layered sweaters replied calmly, "Jamal, just study. You'll pass."
"Easy for you to say, Marcus! You're a book genius!"
Marcus rolled his eyes. "It's basic science. You're not doomed unless you give up."
Jamal sighed dramatically. "I am so screwed tomorrow."
The two girls with them giggled. One, Kaori — tall, sharp-eyed, and dressed in a crisp school uniform — crossed her arms.
"Maybe if you spent less time playing basketball and more time reviewing your notes, you'd be fine."
Jamal pouted. "Kaori, why you always gotta be like that? I thought we were cool."
Kaori sighed. "I am being cool. That was me being cool."
The other girl, Izzy — petite and flashy with wavy auburn hair and a scarf that sparkled in the sun — smirked.
"Kaori's right, Jamal. But honestly, you should try theater instead of sports. You'd look amazing in stage makeup."
Jamal gave her a deadpan stare. "Not in this life, Izzy."
"Too bad," Izzy giggled.
Eli chuckled as he approached them, overhearing the banter. He was just about to say something when —
FWOOSH.
A sudden burst of blue light erupted under their feet.
"Wha—?!" Jamal shouted, panicking.
"What's going on?!" Kaori yelled, eyes wide.
"This isn't science!" Marcus barked.
"Someone do something!" Izzy screamed.
Eli's bag of plants dropped as he floated off the ground with them. His heart pounded in his chest. What is this? What's happening?!
And then —
FLASH.
They were gone.
When they reappeared, the world around them had changed. It was no longer Chicago. Instead, they stood in a grand stone hall with towering stained-glass windows, marble pillars, flickering torchlight, and a massive red carpet leading to a throne.
"Where… are we?" Marcus asked, stunned.
Eli blinked in shock. This isn't Earth. What the hell is this place?
A voice boomed across the hall. "Welcome, Otherworlders."
They turned to see a group of people standing before them. Knights in gleaming armor. Nobles in elaborate robes. At the top of the stairs, a tall man sat on a throne. He wore a crimson and gold robe and had silver-streaked blond hair, eyes like steel.
"I am King Alric Aurellius IV, the Lion of Aurellia," the man said solemnly. "We need your help. The Demon Lord has begun to awaken."
All four college students screamed at the same time:
"THE DEMON LORD?!"
Jamal threw his hands in the air. "Nope. Nope. Nope. Demon? I didn't sign up for demons!"
Marcus, stunned but trying to stay calm, muttered, "Okay. Okay. Maybe this is a dream. Or a mass hallucination. That's possible. Right?"
Kaori was already standing at attention. "We're summoned. Like heroes. This is like a calling — maybe fate. We have to help."
Izzy blinked in disbelief. "I just wanted to sketch a new cape design today… and now I'm supposed to fight what?! I mean, unless we're getting magical powers and epic outfits, I am not emotionally ready for this."
Eli stood still, eyes wide. We're not on Earth anymore. There's a king, knights, and he just said "Demon Lord." What the hell did I walk into delivering succulents?
King Alric stepped forward, voice heavy with urgency. "You were brought here by the ancient summoning ritual. You possess potential beyond your knowledge. We ask not out of want — but out of desperation."
Silence followed.
Eli looked at the others. He saw the fear, confusion, and curiosity in their faces — all of which mirrored his own.
This was supposed to be a normal day. Watering plants. Helping customers. Laughing with friends.
Now… we're in another world.
Izzy stared at King Alric, hands on her hips. "How exactly are we supposed to defeat a Demon Lord? We don't have powers or skills of any kind. We're just college kids!"
Jamal nodded furiously. "Yeah, man! I can throw a football, not a fireball!"
Kaori crossed her arms. "We don't even know how this world works yet. We can't fight some ancient evil."
Marcus adjusted his glasses, frowning thoughtfully. "This whole situation is irrational. Dangerous. There has to be more context."
The king gave a slow, solemn nod. "Your concerns are valid. Which is why I will let my Archmage explain."
He gestured down to the right side of the room, where nobles and robed mages stood watching. From among them stepped a tall, thin figure draped in robes of midnight blue and gold. The robes shimmered with shifting runes that glowed faintly with arcane energy.
The man appeared elderly — perhaps in his 60s — but there was an ageless quality to him. His long silver beard was streaked with black, and his deep purple eyes seemed to glow in the dim light. A crescent-moon circlet rested on his brow, and he walked with a wooden staff twisted with living vines and embedded crystals. Ink stains covered his aged fingers.
He exuded quiet, ancient power — and unsettling wisdom.
"Greetings, summoned heroes," the man said, his voice smooth and deliberate. "I am Grand Magus Thellorin, the Sage Between Realms."
All four college students reacted at once.
"We're meeting an actual wizard," Izzy whispered, eyes wide. "Okay, I take back everything. This is awesome."
"Sage Between Realms?!" Jamal repeated. "That name is sick."
Kaori blinked, her mind trying to reconcile her disciplined training with what she was seeing. "He looks like he stepped out of an epic poem."
Marcus observed the shifting runes carefully. "He may be old, but that man radiates raw magical complexity."
Eli stood quietly to the side, watching the mage with fascination. What will he say? Can he really explain this?
King Alric looked toward the Grand Magus and spoke with a level of admiration rarely heard in royalty. "I trust this man with my life. With the kingdom. He has guided us through prophecy, war, and peace. If anyone can teach you what you are... it is Thellorin."
Thellorin gave a dry smile. "High praise, Your Majesty. I will attempt to live up to it."
He turned back to the students, eyes glinting. "You wonder about your powers — your purpose. This world is governed by magic... and each of you has a connection to it. This world granted you something unique when you were summoned."
He lifted a finger. "Say, 'Open Status.'"
The four college students looked at one another.
"Seriously?" Jamal asked.
"Just do it," Kaori said.
Together, they all said, "Open Status."
Immediately, translucent status screens appeared in front of each of them, glowing faintly.
"WHOA!" Jamal shouted, practically jumping. "Okay okay okay — mine says 'Storm Brawler / Lightning Champion!' That's SO COOL!"
"Holy Knight / Lightblade Hero," Kaori said calmly, though her eyes sparkled. "It fits..."
"Arcane Trickster / Illusion Mage," Izzy read aloud. "Oh yes. This is exactly my aesthetic."
Marcus blinked at his. "Guardian Saint / Shieldbearer Hero. That makes sense."
They all began chattering, marveling at their abilities.
"So I punch things with lightning?!" Jamal asked.
"Apparently," Marcus replied. "And I shield things."
"This system's based on class titles and affinity," Kaori noted, analyzing the data quickly.
Eli had been watching silently. He felt a strange tug in his gut — curiosity and a growing unease. Do I have a status too? he wondered.
He took a breath. "Open Status."
A glowing green screen unfolded in front of him. Eli's eyes widened.
Name: Eli Reed
Age: 23
Race: Human
Level: 1
Class: Plant Mage (Novice)
Titles:
Herbalist from Another World
Accidentally Summoned
First Step of the Green Path
Peace-Seeking Wanderer
Health Points: 100
Magic Points: 150
Strength: 8
Agility: 12
Endurance: 10
Mana: 180
Luck: 16
Charm: 14
Normal Skills:
Appraisal – Allows identification of basic items, plants, and creature attributes.
Basic Herbal Knowledge – Grants familiarity with common medicinal herbs and their uses.
Plant Identification – Helps recognize native and exotic flora by name and properties.
Simple Foraging – Increases efficiency when gathering plants and ingredients in the wild.
Tool Crafting: Simple – Can craft basic tools like trowels, baskets, or plant supports.
Cooking – Can prepare simple meals and herbal dishes with health benefits.
Potion Brewing – Enables brewing of low-level potions using natural materials.
Ability Skills:
Soothing Aura – Slightly calms nearby animals and spirits, reducing hostility or panic.
Green Touch – Slightly accelerates plant growth and vitality when physically tended.
Vine Manipulation – Allows control over small vine structures for utility or minor binding.
Plant Communication – Can intuitively sense basic needs or emotions of plants.
Magic Plant Skills:
Verdant Bolt – Fires a thorny vine projectile at a target, dealing minor magic damage.
Vine Whip – Summons a thorny vine to entangle and restrain small creatures.
Seed Shot – Launches a hardened seed with minor concussive force.
Photosynthesis Boost – Slowly regenerates HP in direct sunlight.
Razorleaf Arc – Unleashes a fan of razor-sharp glowing leaves in a forward arc.
Unique Skills:
Whisper of the World Tree – Can faintly sense the emotions of plants and ancient flora; gains rare insight when near great vegetation.
Pacifist's Presence – Reduces aggression of nearby monsters unless Eli directly attacks first.
Verdant Core (Dormant) – A soul-bound trait connecting Eli to the World Tree. Unlocks powerful ancient plant magic over time.
Plant Affinity: Max – All plant-based magic is +100% effective, enhancing both utility and combat capabilities.
The Garden Within – Creates a personal pocket-dimension greenhouse where Eli can grow plants rapidly and store botanical resources.
Weapons: None yet
Items: Small satchel with basic herbs and handmade tools
Eli stared, mouth slightly open. Plant Mage? It's like this system was made for me...
These skills — they're everything I've studied. Everything I love. Like this class was… waiting.
The great hall fell quiet again as King Alric stepped forward. His voice, solemn and regal, echoed across the marble chamber.
"According to the prophecy... four heroes, summoned from another world, shall rise to defeat the returning Demon Lord and save this realm from utter ruin."
The four college students — Jamal, Kaori, Marcus, and Izzy — looked at each other with stunned expressions.
"Wait, we're in a prophecy?!" Izzy exclaimed.
"That's… a lot of pressure," Jamal muttered. "I thought this was a teleportation accident."
Kaori's eyes narrowed with thought. "If we're meant to save the world, we need to know everything about this prophecy."
Marcus raised a hand. "Your Majesty, I have a question."
King Alric turned. "Speak, Hero Marcus."
Marcus then calmly pointed past the group. "You said four heroes were foretold… so who is he?"
Everyone followed his finger. Standing slightly apart, hands behind his back, was Eli Reed. He blinked in surprise as the eyes of the entire throne room fell on him. He gave an awkward wave.
"Uh… hi there."
The king's eyes narrowed in confusion. Nobles murmured. The royal mages stiffened. The Grand Magus cocked his head curiously.
"Five? But the summoning spell..."
Whispers filled the hall.
"Was he hidden among them?"
"An error?"
"An intruder?!"
King Alric frowned and turned to his most trusted advisor. "Grand Magus, what is the meaning of this?"
Thellorin, the Sage Between Realms, stepped forward. He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It is... possible there was an anomaly in the summoning circle. A fluctuation. A… deviation in the arcane weave. Or perhaps fate itself tugged one more soul through the veil."
The king turned to Eli. "Who are you, boy?"
Eli, nervous under the attention, swallowed and answered quietly, "My name is Eli Reed. I work at a plant shop in Chicago. I don't know why I'm here."
The king's voice softened with weight. "Then hear this: The ritual is irreversible. The passage you crossed was one-way. You cannot return to your world."
Eli's heart sank. I'm really stuck here… forever.
Before more could be said, the heavy doors at the back of the hall opened. Three women entered, each wearing a royal crown.
The first, sharp-featured and intense, looked to be in her early twenties. Her dark red hair framed piercing crimson eyes. She wore a half-military, half-mage ensemble — high boots, gloves, and a long coat.
"Father," she said bluntly. "Are these the summoned heroes? They don't look like much."
The second, golden-haired with violet eyes and a silver staff, looked ethereal in flowing white robes adorned with holy flame sigils. She glided forward with grace. "Calista, be kind. These are the chosen heroes."
The third girl, youngest of all, had short silver-blonde hair and soft green eyes. Dressed in royal finery but clearly itching to ditch it, she grinned mischievously. "Hey Calista, Seraphina — look over there. It's not just four people. There's a fifth one."
"What?" Seraphina and Calista said in unison.
All three women turned their eyes toward Eli.
"That's... not in the history books," Seraphina whispered.
"An extra one? Maybe he's a snack vendor from the other world," Calista muttered.
"Or a spy. Or a ghost," Elira said playfully.
Eli and the four heroes looked at them in shock. Who are these girls? they all thought.
King Alric coughed. "Ahem. Heroes, these are my daughters. First, Princess Seraphina Aurellius – The Divine Rose."
Seraphina bowed slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"My second daughter," the king continued. "Princess Calista Aurellius – The Crimson Strategist."
Calista gave a curt nod. "Nice to meet you… or whatever."
"And finally, my youngest: Princess Elira Aurellius – The Hidden Flame."
Elira twirled in place. "Hi there! I hope you're strong enough to defeat the Demon Lord, or we're kinda toast."
Seraphina turned back to her father and the Grand Magus. "Father, did my summoning circle work properly? I followed the holy formula perfectly."
Thellorin nodded slowly. "It worked... but it summoned five, not four."
Everyone looked at Eli again.
Elira giggled. "Looks like big sis needs to update her ritual math."
Calista smirked. "Maybe use fewer swirls in the summoning glyphs next time."
Seraphina ignored her sisters. "I double-checked everything. The formula was flawless."
The king raised his hand. "It's fine, Seraphina. The heroes are here. That is what matters. Even the High Priestess has had small... surprises before."
Seraphina sighed and nodded. "I suppose fate doesn't always follow formulas."
King Alric looked back to the five. "Regardless, summoned ones — you must train. You must master your new gifts. The Demon Lord stirs, and you are our last hope."
The four college kids nodded solemnly.
"Training sounds smart," Marcus said. "I want to understand how this magic works."
"I wanna punch lightning into something!" Jamal grinned.
"This is gonna be wild," Izzy said, already imagining costumes.
Kaori placed a hand on her sword. "We need to be ready. No second chances."
Eli stood quietly. His thoughts swirled. I didn't ask for this. I don't want to be a hero. I just want a peaceful life... maybe open a little garden shop here, grow herbs, live in the woods.
As the king prepared to dismiss them, a voice rose.
"Excuse me... can I say something?"
Everyone turned. Eli had raised his hand.
The king nodded. "Yes, young Eli?"
Eli took a deep breath. "I... don't want to fight. I'm not a hero. I don't want to be one. I want to live quietly, maybe in a forest. I want peace. That's all I've ever wanted. This world... it's my new home now. I'd like to live free."
The hall was silent.
The four heroes looked at him.
"You don't want to help us save the world?" Kaori asked, frowning.
"No," Eli said softly. "I don't want to fight. That's not who I am."
Jamal gave a small grin. "Hey, fair enough, man. Not everyone's built for this."
Marcus nodded. "It's better you're honest than pretend to be something you're not."
Izzy gave a shrug. "You're brave in your own way. Respect."
Kaori looked away, conflicted. He's walking away? From fate? From duty?
The princesses whispered among themselves.
"He's... different," Seraphina murmured.
"He's weird, but kinda interesting," Calista added.
"I like him," Elira giggled.
The king looked at Thellorin. They exchanged a knowing look and nodded.
King Alric spoke. "I understand. You were not meant to be summoned. You owe us nothing. Live your life as you choose."
Eli smiled wide, eyes watering slightly. "Thank you. Truly."
The king chuckled. "It's no trouble. But you'll need supplies."
He gestured to a maid, who quickly returned with a large pack.
"Here — a magic satchel and ten billion coin to start your journey."
Eli's jaw dropped. "That's... wow. Thank you so much, Your Majesty."
"The maid will escort you," the king said.
The maid bowed politely. "I am Anya. Please come with me, Sir Reed."
Eli turned to the others, gave them a nod and a soft smile, and followed the maid. As he exited the palace and stepped into the sunlit courtyard, he looked up at the sky.
"I guess... my future starts now."
Eli looked down the cobbled street stretching in front of him, a long path into the unknown. With the magical satchel at his side and the city behind him, he took his first step.
This is it, he thought. My new life… whatever that ends up being.
He walked slowly, taking in the air, the sunlight filtering between the old buildings, the sound of his own footsteps. But something felt off. The street was empty.
Where is everyone? he wondered, pausing for a moment and looking around. It's like a ghost town...
But as he turned the corner, the world burst to life.
The city street beyond was bustling with laughter, conversation, music, and joy. Children ran past waving sticks, pretending they were magic wands or swords. Vendors called out from carts and stalls:
"Grilled spiced lizard tail! Best in the city!"
"Fresh springfruit juice—cool your tongue and your temper!"
"Crystal charms! Wards and luck for every home!"
Eli blinked, overwhelmed.
Wow… there's so much happening.
But it wasn't just the people. It was the people.
There were beastkin with ears and tails of every kind—foxes, cats, wolves—intermingled with humans. A short dwarf woman bargained at a metal vendor, while a tall elven man with glowing eyes passed by holding a potted herb.
Eli froze. These… these are fantasy races. Demi-humans. Elves. Beastfolk. Dwarves. All real.
I read about you in light novels. I saw you in manga. But now… you're here. I'm here. This is a real world.
He stood quietly for a moment as the crowd swirled around him. The realization hit him all over again—I'm not on Earth anymore. This world is full of life, full of wonder... and completely real.
He sighed, looking at the crowd. So what now? What do I do with all this? There's magic, monsters, races I only ever imagined. And me? I just want to grow plants... His eyes lifted.
Beyond the rooftops and city walls, something massive stretched into the sky.
A tree... he thought, heart skipping. No, a colossal tree.
Its trunk glowed faintly with golden-green light, and its roots disappeared into the land like veins of power.
I felt it earlier... like it was calling to me. What is that?
He took a step toward it, drawn in by its quiet grandeur.
But before he could go farther, a loud gurgle interrupted his thoughts.
My stomach… right. I haven't eaten since I got here.
He rubbed his belly, chuckling softly. Food first. Then… maybe tomorrow I'll see that tree.
He wandered the streets for a few minutes more, eyes scanning shop signs and alleyways until he found a small wooden sign swinging above a doorway.
The Mossy Mug
Eli blinked. That's... oddly charming.
He pushed open the door. A soft bell jingled above, and warm light spilled out over him.
Inside, the inn was rustic and cozy. The walls were made of aged wood, decorated with old swords, vine-wrapped shelves, and a few glowing lantern-crystals. The air smelled like fresh bread and roasted vegetables.
A crackling hearth warmed the room, and wooden tables dotted the space, some with people laughing over drinks, others quietly eating stew.
"Welcome to The Mossy Mug!" came a cheerful but sturdy voice.
Eli turned and saw a woman approaching.
She looked in her late 40s or early 50s, broad-shouldered with thick auburn hair streaked with gray, tied in a braided bun. Her hazel eyes were sharp yet kind, with crow's feet from years of smiling. She wore an apron over a flour-dusted earth-tone dress, and a belt hung at her waist, covered in keys, herbs, and a heavy iron ladle.
Eli smiled. "Hi! I'm Eli."
The woman smiled back. "Nice to meet you, Eli. I'm Marla. I run this place."
"Pleasure's mine, Marla."
"What can I help you with today?" she asked.
"I'd like to get a room and something to eat, if that's alright."
Marla smiled. "Of course. Let's see… dinner and a room for the night... that's normally five silver."
Eli reached into his satchel and handed her three gold coins.
Marla blinked, surprised. "That's far too much! This could cover a week, easy."
Eli laughed sheepishly. "Please keep the change. Think of it as thanks for helping me out. Today's been... a lot."
Marla smiled warmly, touched. "You've got a good heart, Eli. Alright, room it is."
She reached under the counter, pulled out a key, and handed it to him. "Your food will be brought up soon. You're in Room 2B."
Then she turned toward the kitchen and called out, "Tessie! We've got a guest. Help him to his room, will you?"
From around the corner, a girl appeared.
She looked around seventeen, petite with a slight softness to her figure. Her silky gray hair was styled into a short bob with light bangs. Big golden-yellow eyes blinked at him, with subtle feline slits. Her fluffy gray cat ears twitched shyly.
Her maid outfit was simple but neat—brown skirt, white blouse, and a short apron over black leggings. A long gray tail curled nervously around one leg.
"Hello there," she said softly. "I'm Tessie Greywhisk. I'm the maid and server here."
Eli smiled. "Hi Tessie. I'm Eli. Nice to meet you."
Marla nodded. "Tessie, would you show him to his room?"
"Yes, Marla. Right this way, Mister Eli," Tessie said, voice soft.
As they walked, Eli noticed her ears twitch every time she looked at him. A catgirl… a real catgirl. I've only seen them in anime and books… He glanced away, trying not to stare.
After a short walk up a creaky staircase, they stopped at a door marked 2B. Tessie handed him the key.
"If you need anything," she said with a small smile, "just call me. I'll come help."
Eli smiled back. "Thanks, Tessie. I'll remember that."
She nodded and quietly walked away.
Eli stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
The room was small but cozy. A simple bed with clean sheets, a wooden desk, a small chest, and a window overlooking the city rooftops.
He sat on the bed and exhaled, then slowly laid back, staring at the wooden ceiling.
What a day. New world. New people. A king. Heroes. Magic. And tomorrow...
He turned toward the window where the distant tree still glowed in the horizon.
Tomorrow... let's find out what you're calling me for.
His eyes slowly closed, and before long, he was asleep.
To be continued...