In the center of the room, the golden light gate radiating divine warmth slowly dissipated.
On the floor sat a black-haired girl wearing a typical high school uniform—a bewildered Miko Yotsuya.
Her pretty eyes were filled with utter confusion and a hint of lingering fear.
She instinctively hugged her arms tightly, warily observing the completely unfamiliar environment and the two people standing before her.
One was a gray-haired young man exuding a sunny and gentle aura.
The other was a beautiful woman with a calm and graceful demeanor, dressed in a unique butterfly-patterned haori.
"Where... where am I? Who are they?"
Miko's heart trembled, overwhelmed with confusion.
"I... wasn't I just on the street, being chased by that... that monstrous spirit? How did I end up here all of a sudden?"
Her thoughts came to a sudden halt as a terrifying idea struck her.
"Could these two be even stronger spirits disguised as humans? Did they bring me to this strange place on purpose?"
With that thought, Miko froze, not daring to make any movement.
She lowered her head, trying to make herself inconspicuous, silently chanting in her mind:
"You don't see me, you don't see me..."
Beside her, Kanae Kocho sensed the fear and unease emanating from the girl.
She wanted to approach and comfort her, a warm smile appearing on her face.
However, as she drew closer, Miko seemed to genuinely "not see" her, shrinking back slightly while keeping her head lowered.
It wasn't until Phaethon's gentle voice rang out, clearly calling her name:
"Miko Yotsuya."
The sound of her name, like a pebble tossed into a tranquil lake, made Miko's entire body shiver.
She snapped her head up, looking at Phaethon in disbelief.
"He... he knows my name? Spirits shouldn't know that, right? Or... could it be...?"
"Don't be afraid, we're not evil spirits."
Phaethon seemed to see through her thoughts, his face showing a reassuring smile.
"I am the one who summoned you from your original world to this place."
"Su... summoned? Original world?"
Miko was even more perplexed, her mind almost crashing.
Phaethon patiently began explaining:
"Yes, this is not the world you know. You are in Orario, the Labyrinth City at the world's center—a place where gods and mortals coexist."
"An alternate world? Labyrinth City? Gods?"
One shocking term after another bombarded Miko, leaving her completely unable to accept reality.
"Is this... a summoning? Did I actually transmigrate to another world like in those novels? How can that be possible?"
Stunned, she remained motionless for a long time, barely digesting the information.
Finally, she lifted her head, eyes still full of confusion and uncertainty.
Timidly, she asked Phaethon:
"Then... who are you?"
"My name is Phaethon. I am a god of light who descended to this world."
Phaethon stated calmly, then gestured to the woman beside him.
"This is Kanae Kocho. She is a member of my Familia and also the captain of our small Phaethon Familia."
"Captain?"
Kanae showed a bit of surprise at the title.
Phaethon smiled and explained:
"Yes, Kanae, you are the first family member to join us. Naturally, you are the captain."
"God... Familia... Captain... Family..."
These unfamiliar and distant words made Miko feel that her entire worldview was being turned upside down.
But the most pressing question was...
"Um... Lord God?"
Miko cautiously addressed him, confirming his divine identity before nervously asking:
"Why did you summon me to this world? Can I... can I still go back?"
Phaethon's smile remained gentle, but his eyes revealed a profound wisdom.
"Because, Miko, you are facing a dilemma in your world, aren't you?"
His voice was calm but resonated clearly in Miko's heart.
"You are tormented by spirits that only you can see, living in constant fear while pretending not to notice them.
And you seem to have caught the attention of a powerful being pretending to be a god, dwelling in a shrine, right?"
"As for going back, I can send you back whenever I wish."
"!!!"
Miko's body trembled, the joy of knowing she could return momentarily overshadowed by shock.
Her eyes widened in disbelief, unable to hide her fear and surprise.
"How does this god know? These are secrets I've never shared with anyone, not even my closest friends!"
As her shock subsided, a glimmer of hope ignited within Miko.
If this god knew everything about her, and even summoned her away from that terrifying world...
Maybe, just maybe, he could help her!
"Lord God!"
Miko stepped forward as if grasping a lifeline, her tone filled with desperation.
"Since you know everything, do you... do you have a way to solve my problem?
I... I don't want to see those things anymore! I'm so scared every day..."
She was on the verge of tears, finally releasing the fear and helplessness she had been suppressing for so long.
However, Phaethon lightly shook his head.
"Your ability to see spirits is not a curse but an innate gift. Why would you want to discard such a unique talent?"
"But... but..." Miko was anxious.
"This power makes my life a nightmare! I can't live normally!"
"It's simple."
Phaethon's tone was calm and confident.
"All you need is to become strong enough.
Strong enough that those spirits appear as mere ants before you.
Strong enough to exorcise them with ease.
Strong enough that even the monster disguised as a god wouldn't dare to covet you.
At that point, your gift will no longer be a burden, but a power to protect yourself and others."
"Become... strong?"
Miko was stunned, then lowered her head, looking troubled.
"But I'm just an ordinary high school girl... how can I become that strong?"
"You can."
Phaethon's eyes held a certainty that couldn't be denied.
"Because I can grant you that strength. Just like..."
He gestured at Kanae beside him.
"Just like her."
Kanae smiled gently at Miko, stepping forward.
She grasped the hilt of her Nichirin Blade, and a surge of power radiated from her body.
Four distinct energy glows—Blazing Fire, Freezing Ice, Holy Light, and Deep Darkness—
emerged around her, coiling around the blade.
[Magic Sword Manifestation]!
Even though Kanae merely showcased her power without attacking,
the overwhelming pressure of the four elemental forces left Miko stunned.
"S-So amazing..."
Kanae sheathed her sword, the energy dissipating.
She then looked at Miko, her eyes gentle and encouraging.
"If I hadn't met Lord Phaethon and received this power, I would never have been able to resist my tragic fate."
Touched by Kanae's words, Miko felt a glimmer of hope lighting up in her heart.
"Lord Phaethon..." Miko hesitated, but her gaze was filled with resolve.
"What should I do?"
Seeing the newfound determination in her eyes, Phaethon smiled warmly.
He extended his hand toward Miko, his voice gentle and inviting:
"It's simple, Miko..."
"Join my Familia..."
"Become... our family."