The Dimensional Vagabond

The ground trembled beneath Kael's feet.

With a deep rumble, a massive door erupted from the earth, as if torn from the world's core. Smooth and black, it was etched with ancient runes that pulsed with a pale white light.

Kael said nothing. He stepped forward.

The door creaked open slowly, spilling out a blinding light. He entered.

Inside—nothing. Pure white. Perfectly smooth and silent, like a pristine void untouched by time.

And then... he appeared.

A man materialized a few meters away, as though he had always been there.

His very presence silenced the air, commanding calm. He radiated a strange aura—composed of tranquility, authority, and refined, ancient power.

---

The Man:

Attire: A flowing black-and-white kimono, adorned with mist-like wave patterns at the sleeves and hem. Each subtle movement of the fabric seemed to stir the very air.

Accessories: A long black cigarette holder rested between his fingers, enhancing his aristocratic air. A sword hung at his hip—discreet, but unmistakably real.

Face and Posture: Thin glasses. Sharp but serene eyes. Long black hair tied back in a low ponytail. He stood tall and composed, non-threatening, yet exuding a natural, almost otherworldly presence.

---

Kael tightened his grip on his swords, wary.

— "Who are you?" he asked.

The man exhaled a slender curl of smoke.

— "I'm the one who was waiting for you. My name is Hashira."

Kael's brows furrowed.

— "Why were you waiting for me? And how did I find your territory?"

Hashira replied calmly:

— "You misunderstand. This territory doesn't exist in your world. Only the Forgotten City still belongs to your reality. The rest… belongs to mine."

Kael froze.

— "Then... I left my world? When? I didn't feel anything."

A faint smile played at the corner of Hashira's lips.

— "You don't need to know when."

— "Why did you call me here?" Kael asked, narrowing his eyes.

Hashira's gaze darkened slightly.

— "You were too late. The roots of chaos have already dug deep. There's nothing you can do... not for now. I had to draw you away."

— "So you know who I am," Kael muttered.

— "Of course. This isn't the world you were meant to end up in, is it?"

Kael took a step back.

— "How… do you know that?"

Hashira lifted his eyes to the endless ceiling.

— "Before arriving here, you saw a truck, didn't you? It vanished into the mist... and you, driven by curiosity, followed the residual energy trail."

Kael's face paled.

— "You… how do you know all this?"

— "I told it to pass by. To help you. There are powerful beings in this world, but the chaos is spreading too fast. I opened a path for you."

Kael's fists clenched.

— "Even before I arrived… the chaos was already devouring this world."

— "Exactly. You had to come, to retrieve the fragments essential to your mission—before the chaos consumes everything."

Hashira extended his hand. A glowing portal formed instantly behind Kael.

— "Now, you can leave."

But Kael stepped forward.

— "No. I'll help you."

Hashira's eyes grew colder.

— "You no longer need to stay here."

He raised two fingers—and the portal pulled Kael in before he could resist.

---

The world shifted violently.

Kael landed hard on solid ground beneath a violet sky. Floating islands hovered in space, connected by bridges of light. Flying ships drifted slowly through the air, like celestial whales.

Kael looked around, stunned.

— "I don't believe it… He sent me to another world."

He closed his eyes, gathered his energy, and tried to open a portal back to the world he'd left. Nothing.

— "I'm trying… but I can't. It's like… someone's blocking the opening."

He placed a hand on the ground.

— "So you're sacrificing yourself…"

Kael clenched his fists.

— "Fine. In this world… what kind of power will I be able to use?"