Casper (POV)
The sound of automobiles rouses me from sleep. I quickly head to the kitchen, grab an egg and a hotdog from the refrigerator, and start cooking. I make my coffee and put the cooked food in a bun. After finishing my meal, I take a shower and get dressed for work.
Greeted by students with respect and bowed heads, I arrive at the University of Information Institute, the premier institution for gaining global knowledge. As always, students are running, talking, and engaging in typical activities. I am Casper Lazarus Ripperton, one of the leading professors here, dedicated to the study of all worldly knowledge. "Good morning, Professor," they say in unison.
I respond with a nod and head to my class. As usual, I teach, complete paperwork, and during my free time, study, conduct research, and analyze data. After a while, I take a break to have a snack. Suddenly, my stomach rumbles, I feel faint, and my vision goes dark, feeling myself passing out.
...
I awake in an unfamiliar room, standing on an altar, taking in the Kamakura Period architecture. I notice a mirror and see a brightly colored figure with two reindeer-like horns. Could this be me?
A person in a pink kimono resembling cherry blossoms and a man in red samurai armor resembling a dragon enter. The man kneels and says, "Guardian of Knowledge! I am here to inform you that you are now awake. I am Lutar, the Great Warrior of Seven Gates, Gate of Wrath." He stands straight, holding his sword respectfully.
"Come with me, Milord," the lady says, taking my arm and draping me in a vibrant kimono with patterns of red, green, blue, violet, black, white, and yellow. We step outside. I am awestruck by the azure sky, the orderly landscape, and the tranquil atmosphere. Everywhere we go, people sing my praises.
"All hail the guardian!!! All hail the guardian!!!" That's all I hear in the capital.
At the palace, samurai warriors in red armor line up. The commander, wearing red plate armor with a dragon scale symbol on his back, shouts, "All hail the Guardian of Knowledge! The Protector of Truth! Stand and show your gratitude!" He stands firmly with a sword at his waist. All the warriors follow the general's orders and praise me. Lutar escorts me inside. I spot the girl who dressed me earlier and call her over.
"What is it, Milord?" she asks softly.
"May I ask your name, young lady?"
"I'm Mabelle, Milord. My pleasure to serve you," she answers with another soft, angelic voice and leaves, leaving me with a smile.
Inside the palace, I am astonished by the golden walls, the silver-shining floor, and the various gemstone ornaments.
We stop in front of a big double door, about eight meters in width and two meters in length each.
"Milord, the Emperor is waiting for you," Lutar says.
Lutar opens the door with ease and stands straight behind me.
I enter the throne room and see the Emperor sitting. He suddenly stands and bows.
"Milord, please have a seat," he offers, letting me sit first as a sign of respect.
I analyze my situation and think about what to ask.
"Human! What am I? What is my purpose here? I can't remember if some of my memory fragments are lost," I ask in a superior voice.
He explains that I am the Guardian of Knowledge, the Protector of Truth, and a divine being, born from the faith, prayers, and wishes of the people. I am the law; every word I say is divine.
I inquire about his identity and the nature of this place with a haughty attitude. He replies that he is Emperor Vecta, the supreme leader of the Capital of the Red Dragon. This empire is the primary stronghold of powerful warriors known as samurai. After our conversation, the Emperor commands Lutar to take me to my chamber, or what is referred to as a shrine.
When we arrive at my room, Lutar lets me rest. "Milord, rest for now. Tomorrow will be your day." He bows and leaves.
After observing the sky, I determine that it's afternoon, likely between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM based on the sun's position. I quickly lie down on my comfortable bed, pondering questions like "Why am I here?" and "How could this happen?" These thoughts eventually fade as I sleep.
...
Startled by a loud noise, I awaken and struggle to focus. Stepping outside, I rub my eyes and see a stunning full moon. To my amazement, I recognize the palace from a dream I had earlier.
"What?!" I exclaim in disbelief, realizing it's not just a dream. Overwhelmed by this surreal experience, I return to bed, hoping to wake up in reality.
The next morning, I am greeted by Lutar, who informs me that the Emperor has summoned me. I quickly dress in my vibrant kimono and follow Lutar to the throne room. The Emperor stands and greets me warmly.
"Guardian of Knowledge, your presence is an honor. Today, you will meet the council and learn more about your role here," he says.
I nod, still processing the surreal events. Lutar leads me to a grand hall where the council members are gathered. Each member represents a different aspect of the kingdom, from the arts to military strategy.
"Welcome, Guardian," they say in unison, bowing deeply.
As the day progresses, I learn about the history of the kingdom, its people, and my role as the Guardian of Knowledge. I am expected to provide wisdom and guidance, ensuring the prosperity and harmony of the realm. Despite the overwhelming responsibility, a sense of purpose fills me.
By evening, I am back in my chamber, reflecting on the day's events. The weight of my new identity presses on me, but so does a strange sense of belonging. As I lie down to rest, my thoughts drift to the students and the life I left behind. How did I end up here? I wonder, but sleep soon overtakes me.
...
Days turn into weeks as I adjust to my new life. Each day, I meet with scholars, warriors, and citizens, sharing my knowledge and learning about this mystical world. My memories of the modern world begin to fade, replaced by the rich tapestry of my new existence.
One afternoon, while exploring the palace gardens, I come across Mabelle. She is tending to a cherry blossom tree, her delicate movements mesmerizing.
"Mabelle," I call out, approaching her.
She looks up and smiles, her eyes sparkling. "Milord, how may I assist you?"
"I wanted to thank you for your kindness. Your presence has been a comfort," I say, feeling a connection to her.
"It is my honor, Milord," she replies, bowing slightly.
As we talk, I learn about her life and dreams. She has a gentle strength that inspires me, and I realize that she is an important part of this world.
That evening, I reflect on my journey. From a professor in the modern world to the Guardian of Knowledge in a mystical realm, my life has transformed in unimaginable ways. Yet, despite the challenges, I find joy and purpose in my new role. As I drift to sleep, the stars outside my window shine brightly, a reminder that knowledge and wisdom are eternal, transcending time and space.