The Blind Swordman: Strongest in Another World

After breakfast was finished, the Queen stood and addressed the group with a warm smile. "We have a pile of clothes from our world's stores in the city that you can try on," she said. "Take your time and find something comfortable for your journeys."

The heroes exchanged excited glances, their voices overlapping as they responded:

"Really? Clothes from the city? That sounds amazing!"

"I can't wait to see what's available!"

Ryker followed the group to the room where the clothes were displayed. His heightened senses picked up the faint textures and scents of the fabric, and he reached out, feeling his way through the assortment. After a few moments, he settled on an entirely black ensemble, including a long black jacket. Holding up an old shirt, he smirked to himself and ripped it into strips, wrapping it neatly around his eyes. "Gotta stay true to the look," he muttered with a grin.

The others were busy picking out their outfits, chatting as they tried on various combinations:

"This feels so modern—almost like home."

"Yeah, but with a touch of fantasy flair."

When everyone was dressed, they gathered in the hallway, feeling refreshed and ready for their new lives in this world. Ryker leaned casually against the wall, his new look drawing some amused comments:

"Going full black, huh? That's edgy," Kael teased.

Ryker shrugged with a playful grin. "What can I say? Black's slimming."

The Queen entered the room, carrying a small chest. "Before you go," she said, her tone kind, "we want to give you something to help you on your journeys." She opened the chest, revealing shining gold coins. "Each of you will receive a few pounds of gold. Use it wisely."

The heroes' eyes widened, and they quickly began thanking her:

"Thank you so much, Your Majesty!"

"This will really help us get started."

Ryker chuckled, taking his share. "Looks like I'm rich in a new world. Not bad for day two."

As the group gathered their belongings, they began reminiscing about their arrival the day before:

"It still feels surreal, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, one moment we were in school, and the next we were here."

"At least we've got each other in this."

Ryker joined the conversation with his usual humor. "Well, when we first got summoned, I thought, 'Great, we're stuck in some medieval reality TV show.'"

The group burst into laughter, and even the Queen smiled at his comment. Mina clapped him on the back. "You're ridiculous, Ryker."

"Ridiculous but charming," he replied with a mock bow.

As the laughter died down, the Queen stepped forward, her expression turning serious but hopeful. "You all have a long journey ahead of you. Remember, this world is filled with challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities. Grow strong, find your purpose, and may you always find your way back here if you need a home."

The heroes nodded, their determination renewed. They began discussing their plans for their journeys, their voices filled with excitement and resolve. Ryker added his thoughts, his usual humor shining through:

"Step one: don't die. Step two: become awesome. Step three: maybe find a dragon to ride."

"You'd probably annoy the dragon to death," Kael quipped, earning another round of laughter.

With that, the group set out, their spirits high as they ventured into the unknown, ready to carve their paths in this new world.

The Queen followed them outside the castle gates, her presence regal yet warm as she walked alongside the group. As they reached the gates, the heroes turned to say their goodbyes.

"Thank you for everything, Your Majesty," Kael said with a respectful bow.

"We'll make you proud," Mina added with a cheerful grin.

"I'll be sure to explore this world as much as I can," Selina said confidently. "There's so much to learn."

Elias hesitated before speaking, his voice quieter. "I'll do my best to contribute. Thank you for giving us this chance."

Nolan adjusted his glasses, his tone thoughtful. "And I'll make sure to study everything this world has to offer. Knowledge is power, after all."

The Queen smiled gently, her gaze lingering on each of them. "I have no doubt you will all do great things. Remember, this is your home if you ever need to return."

As the heroes continued exchanging farewells, Ryker stepped slightly apart, the faint tap of his cane catching the Queen's attention. She turned toward him, her expression softening. Despite only knowing each other for a single day, there was an undeniable connection between them, something neither fully understood.

"Ryker," the Queen began, her voice quieter, "are you sure you're ready for this?"

He smiled, tilting his head slightly. "Ready or not, it's happening. But don't worry, Your Majesty—I'll manage."

Her lips curved into a faint smirk. "Lirael," she corrected gently. "You can just call me Lirael."

Ryker chuckled. "Alright, Lirael. I suppose you can call me Ryker then."

"Oh, I intended to," she teased lightly, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Their conversation took on a playful tone, with subtle remarks and glances exchanged that neither seemed to fully realize were flirtatious. Meanwhile, the heroes stood nearby, whispering among themselves.

"Are they flirting?" Mina asked, her eyes wide with amusement.

"Oh, they totally are," Selina replied, a mischievous grin on her face.

Kael leaned in, chuckling softly. "They probably don't even realize it."

Elias, blushing slightly, added, "It's kind of sweet, though."

Nolan pushed his glasses up and said dryly, "If they don't hurry up, we might be here all day."

The group muffled their laughter, trying not to disturb the moment. Ryker, noticing the murmurs, tilted his head in their direction. "Hey, what are you lot giggling about?"

"Oh, nothing," Kael said innocently, though his smirk gave him away.

Lirael shook her head, her cheeks faintly flushed as she smiled. "You should go before they cause more trouble."

Ryker laughed, adjusting his cane. "Fine, fine. Don't miss me too much, Lirael."

"Safe travels, Ryker," she replied, her tone soft but genuine.

With that, the group set off, their laughter and chatter fading into the distance as they began their journey. Lirael stood at the gates, her gaze following them until they disappeared from view. Her eyes lingered on Ryker, the faint sound of his cane tapping against the ground fading slowly. She spoke softly to herself, her words barely audible.

"Ryker... you're different," she murmured, her tone thoughtful. "In just a day, you've managed to show strength, humor, and kindness that I didn't expect. You hide so much behind that calm smile of yours."

She placed a hand over her heart, her gaze still fixed on where the group had vanished. "I wonder if you even realize the impact you've already had on those around you... and on me."

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, and she shook her head with a soft chuckle. "He's reckless and far too cheeky for his own good. But... there's something about him. Something... special."

Lirael sighed softly, turning back toward the castle, her thoughts still lingering on the blind swordsman who had left such a profound impression in such a short time.

Ryker walked through the bustling city streets, his cane tapping lightly against the cobblestones. Each tap sent out subtle vibrations, which painted a vivid mental map in his mind. Buildings rose around him like towering silhouettes, and the movement of people created a dynamic, shifting picture in his thoughts. 

He grinned to himself, his voice breaking the hum of the crowd as he spoke softly. "This mental mapping thing really is something. It's like I can see again... in my own way." His tone carried a mix of wonder and amusement as he continued tapping his cane. "There's a bakery over there," he muttered, tilting his head toward the warm scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. "And... a blacksmith to the right? Yeah, definitely a blacksmith. Smells like heated metal and soot."

As he navigated, Ryker chuckled, his excitement bubbling over. "Not bad for a blind swordsman, huh? First journey, first city... and it's all so alive."

The sound of children laughing caught his attention, their auras bright and joyful as they played nearby. "Kids playing... sounds like they're having a blast," he murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Makes me wonder what this world has in store for them."

A vendor called out, advertising fresh fruit, and Ryker turned his head slightly. "Maybe I should grab something for the road... nah, let's save the gold for something more practical."

His cane tapped against a loose stone, and he chuckled softly. "Careful now, can't trip over my own feet. That wouldn't look very heroic."

As he walked, Ryker couldn't help but savor the moment. This was his first real journey, his first steps into a world full of unknowns. Despite the challenges, he felt a surge of confidence and excitement. "Alright, Ryker," he said to himself with a grin. "Let's see what this new world has in store for us."