Toji's world—the world he came from—was built upon the foundation of Nano.
Nano was not just a form of technology but a revolution, an awakening, an infinite source of energy that reshaped civilization itself. It was a discovery that turned humanity into something beyond its natural limits.
Once unlocked, Nano permeated the atmosphere, embedding itself into the very air that people breathed. From that moment on, every child born was gifted with an innate ability, an extraordinary power shaped by their unique genetic code and subconscious desires.
Some developed unimaginable strength, others could manipulate time, and some even gained abilities that defied scientific reasoning altogether.
The world had reached the precipice of a new age, an era where humans were no longer bound by mere physical constraints.
"But that world… is gone."
Toji didn’t know if he had died and reincarnated or if he had simply been thrown into this world by some unknown force. But one thing was certain—he no longer belonged to the world of Nano.
He was here now, in this unfamiliar land.
And he needed to understand it.
The journey to the capital had been long and tense following the assassination attempt. The soldiers had marched with urgency, their weapons kept close, their eyes constantly scanning the treeline for another attack.
But none came.
By the time they arrived at Bachelor’s Town, it was already late afternoon.
The town was modest but lively, a hub of traders and travelers who moved between the northern regions and the grand capital of Sarfin. Stone buildings lined the streets, filled with merchants shouting prices, children playing near fountains, and scholars debating outside small cafes.
Toji took it all in with quiet curiosity.
Despite the medieval architecture and cobblestone roads, there was a sense of progression here. The presence of libraries, schools, and well-maintained roads hinted that this world was not as primitive as he initially assumed.
Commander Felaad ordered the soldiers to rest for the night. They would continue to the capital at dawn.
Toji, however, had other plans.
As they settled in an inn, Toji found himself sitting across from Francis Vander, the white-haired Elf who had been watching him with growing intrigue.
Francis leaned forward, resting his arms on the wooden table. "So, rookie, tell me something. You act like you know how to fight, but everything about you screams ‘out of place.’ Where exactly are you from?"
Toji smirked. “Would you believe me if I said nowhere?”
Francis raised an eyebrow. “Cryptic.”
Toji shrugged. "Let’s just say… I’m not from around here."
Francis didn’t push further. Instead, he changed the subject.
"I have a younger brother here in Bachelor’s Town. Thought I’d visit him while we’re here.”
“A brother?”
Francis nodded. “Yeah. His name’s Frankie. Smart kid. A bit of a dreamer.” He chuckled. "He spends most of his time in the town’s library, buried in books. If you’re curious about this world, he’s the guy you want to talk to.”
Toji’s eyes lit up with interest. "Then let’s go see him."
Francis grinned. "Figured you’d say that."
The library at the end of town was an impressive structure—tall, elegant, and lined with pillars of smooth stone.
Inside, rows of towering bookshelves stretched toward the ceiling, each filled with ancient tomes, scrolls, and journals. The scent of parchment and ink filled the air.
Seated at a wooden desk near a window, a young Elf with vibrant green hair was flipping through a large book, his sharp eyes scanning the text with eager fascination.
Francis strode forward. "Frankie!"
The Elf looked up, his face breaking into a smile. "Brother! You’re back!"
Francis clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Still burying yourself in books, I see."
Frankie laughed. "Of course! There’s so much to learn. So much that’s been hidden away from the common people."
He turned his attention to Toji, curiosity flashing in his green eyes. “And you must be the person my brother mentioned.”
Toji extended a hand. “Toji.”
Frankie shook it firmly. "Frankie Vander. Nice to meet you."
They got along immediately.
Despite his youthful appearance, Frankie had an old soul, a mind filled with endless curiosity. His passion for knowledge was evident in the way he spoke, the way he lit up when discussing his studies.
"I want to be the greatest scholar in the world," Frankie admitted, his voice firm. "But more than that… I want to make knowledge accessible to everyone—not just the rich, not just the noble class. Everyone."
Toji smiled. He liked this kid.
“Then I’ll help you,” Toji said simply.
Frankie’s eyes widened. “You will?”
Toji nodded. "I don’t know much about this world yet, but I like your ambition. I’ll do what I can to help you achieve it."
Frankie beamed. "Then let’s start now. Is there anything you want to know?"
Toji leaned forward. “Tell me about this world. Its history. Its magic.”
Frankie’s expression turned serious.
"Alright," he said, flipping open a book. "Let’s start with the gods."
He pointed to a faded illustration depicting several divine figures, each holding a symbol of their element.
"There are eight gods who rule over this world:
The God of Light
The God of Darkness
The God of Water
The God of Fire
The God of Earth
The God of the Stars
The God of Wind
The God of Storms
"Each of these gods has a church dedicated to them. Different kingdoms worship different gods, and their cultures are built around those beliefs.
"The Kingdom of Sarfin, for example, is loyal to the God of Light. It is a kingdom of faith, where magic users are trained in the divine arts bestowed upon them by their deity."
Toji’s mind raced.
"Magic comes from belief?"
Frankie nodded. "Yes. Those who believe in a god are granted magic related to that god’s domain. If you worship the God of Fire, you gain fire magic. If you worship the God of the Stars, you gain cosmic magic."
Toji leaned back, deep in thought.
"Magic that stems from belief… then what about me?"
He had never believed in these gods.
But—
He did have a god he followed.
The one true God.
Perhaps He held the answers Toji sought.
Just as Toji was about to ask Frankie about his own beliefs, Francis suddenly burst into the library.
“Toji! We have to leave. Now.”
Frankie looked surprised. “What’s happening?”
Francis’s expression was serious. “The Commander just sent orders. We’re moving immediately.”
Frankie hesitated, then sighed. “I see… Well, I was going to the capital soon anyway.”
Francis raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”
Frankie grinned. “I’ve been summoned to serve in the royal library. I’ll be coming with you.”
Toji’s lips curled into a smirk.
"Good. Because I still have a lot to learn."