Isekai No Gakusei: Students From Another World
The Permai Stone Country

Red leaves flew through the air, carried by the soft autumn wind. Some birds begin to migrate. Flying through the vast sky, forming a formation lined up like the letter V.

Under that sky stood a peaceful and prosperous country. Here's Steinfen. The kingdom is famous for its nickname 'Stone Country'. The name is taken from the geographical form of the region which is mostly in the form of steep rocky hills.

The country is divided into three major provinces. In the north, there is the province of Felsig. The center of the Steinfen mountain formation gathered at this place. Creating a landscape in the form of steep mountains that rise to the sky like a stone spear that is drawn through to the core of the earth.

In the south-east, there is the province of Meer. Rock hills can still be found in this region, but not as much as in other areas. The province stands on the edge of the sea. Most people who live there also work as fishermen or sea ikat farmers.

And lastly. In the southwest, there is the province of Haufig. This is where the capital city of Steinfen is located. The province has the friendliest geography of the two provinces. Because of this, development becomes easier to do and makes it develop the fastest from other provinces.

Like the majority of human countries in general, of course Steinfen is inhabited by humans as its main race. However, humans are not the only race that officially inhabit the land. There is also a famous race of elves also living in the stone country.

The elf race was a race that was similar to humans, yet had tapered earlobes. They are also known to have a long life and their appearance is amazingly beautiful.

According to legend, in ancient times, the elves were once close allies of the God of Light. In the era of the War of the Gods, the elven race was specially chosen by the God of Light to be his ally. They had a special talent that could manipulate Mana tremendously. They make great magic users.

After the war, the elves gained a reputation as a high race. Above even humans. This causes them to have high self-esteem and be respected everywhere. They are also considered a holy race.

Steinfen is also known for the quality of his education. On that land, stood an adventurer academy that had been famous to every corner of the world. Many names of famous adventurer figures were born from that academy.

So great, people also rumored that in the academy it will be called a hero who is destined to change the world. But all those rumors were based only on the fact of his unparalleled quality of education. They could be said to be too proud of the academy. For the rest, most are just dramatized stories.

But what if it wasn't just gossip, but a prophecy that would come true someday? Who knows, right? Maybe fate would have wanted that. And if so, what would the hero be like? Does he deserve this sacred title? No, perhaps the real question is: Will the hero accept his own destiny as the savior of the world?

"Sounds like a fairy tale" Cetus Darren after hearing the short story.

"Indeed. After all, the story was only made by local people. They are too proud of their own country to make a fabricated story" Reply Ravenna.

They were on their way to Steinfen in a horse carriage. Rocky dirt roads sometimes make travel conditions so slightly shook.

"Hey, look. We're gonna get there." Ravenna pointed out the window.

Darren and Shiro turned their heads outside. The green hills greeted their eyes. Some also show distinctive rock formations that can only be found in Steinfen. In the distance, a small town stands among the hills. This city is the purpose of their journey.

"Beautiful." As always, Shiro always appreciated every beauty of this world. His innocent mind always amazed Darren, considering the abominations the world had inflicted on him before as a slave.

"It was the right decision to take you with us, Ravenna," Darren said. "But baby, Tora so can not join the trip this time. He will also be happy when he sees this spectacular sight."

Ravenna folded her hands. "Honestly, I feel somewhat guilty about giving up all my duties to her. Being a leader of the state is not easy."

"Just calm. Tora is reliable. He has no experience, but he is a genius. Just need to learn a little, he can certainly immediately do it as if this is his daily activities," Sahut Darren. "In addition, he was accompanied by many people. The people there must have helped him too."

"You're right. Maybe I thought too much about it."

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A few days before. More precisely before they started their journey towards Steinfen. Darren is thinking of taking Ravenna on a trip this time. He had a history with the place, so Darren thought that he could be a guide there.

Ravenna thought so. He wants to go with Darren. But his job in the city required him to stay. If he leaves his job just like that, the city could be fucked.

"I can replace you." Suddenly Tora proposes.

That surprised Darren. "You sure?"

"Just calm. I can take care of it. I just need to learn a few things and get used to it. Furthermore, I'm sure it's no harder than defeating the fire demon lord."

"Why do you compare it to that kind of thing?!" Darren sighed. "I mean, are you sure you're not coming? We're probably not gonna see each other for long enough."

Tora smile. "I know the reason for your trip to Steinfen was to investigate the undead. This is important. I realize my position on the team won't be of any use this time. On the other hand, Ravenna-san can help in many ways."

Tora continued. "Therefore, I still want to be useful even if not directly. And all I can do is replace Ravenna-san."

Ravenna came forward and looked at him. "Tora-kun, this isn't a trivial matter. Taking care of a country is not like playing a monopoly board game. There's a lot of things you have to do. If you're negligent just once, the whole city could be affected."

Tora smiled again. This time his face looked confident. "Not to worry. Like I said, I'm quick to adapt. Besides, Hain can help me."

"But..." Ravenna was worried. He doesn't trust Tora. But he was worried that Tora would be exhausted with all this work.

Suddenly Darren held onto Ravenna's shoulder. He nodded his head at her. "Give it to her."

Finally with a heavy heart, Ravenna agreed. Before leaving, he gave Ruku and Garu to Tora to work directly under his orders. He didn't want Tora to have any trouble, so he helped her in any other way.

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Their journey took quite a long time. For about a week they walked on a horse-drawn carriage. The distance from the city of lizardmen to Steinfen is indeed said to be very far. They even had to pass through several other countries to get there.

When he arrived in the capital, Darren was surprised and amazed by Steinfen's architectural form which was very different from the countries he had visited before. The buildings there have an impression of Europe which makes Darren a little nostalgic.

The way people dress is quite modern. Most were dressed like aristocrats with black suits and elegant ties. Seeing that, Darren could immediately guess that this city must be filled by rich and dignified people.

"We're up." The train stops as delman lets Darren and his friends off the train.

Setting foot on this rich man's land, made Darren feel amazed. Seriously, everything here feels like it was on his old earth. He could not waste the thought that he was currently on vacation in Europe.

"Darren-kun, what's wrong?" Ravenna asked, seeing Darren silently stunned.

"You better not stare too long. People can think you're a freak."

"Ah, right too." Darren turned his face away and continued the journey with his feet.

Walking between the middle of this big city made Darren quite confused. He was almost separated from them on several occasions. But it was fortunate that Shiro never gave up his supervision on Darren.

Ravenna's participation also makes it easier to travel. The plan of this city had been memorized in his head, so he was never wrong in taking the road.

"We're up."

They were standing in front of a building full of lights. From the outside, it appears that the building is an inn.

They came in and booked a room. They got one large room equipped with three separate beds.

"Where are we going after this?" Darren asked while putting his things together in the closet. Beside him, Shiro also helped him.

Ravenna. "I'm going to the academy."

"You? Alone?" Darren scrunched his eyebrows. "Is there some business there?"

"I'll sign you up there."

Bruk. Darren's belongings scattered down from the closet, while Darren was stunned to look at Ravenna with a look of death.

"Eh....school...?"

"Yes, school. I think this will make our mission easier."

"What mission is woy?!" Darren yelling. "You didn't say anything about your 'school' plan. I guess we just need to investigate the undead matter."

"Shh... relax! Did I forget to tell you? I have an acquaintance at the academy. He was a great pharmacist. It's possible that he could help with the damned disease's treatment."

"You didn't say anything!" Darren then kept quiet. Maybe he shouldn't have shouted. "Akhem~ Sorry, for screaming. It's just, I have bad memories of school."

School is the thing Darren hates most in his life. It was not that he had to learn or memorize many things. But because 'school' is a psychological battlefield that always ruins his mind.

His school life was not a good memory worth remembering. It was a nightmare that haunted him every time he remembered it. He still remembered very well how the figures of the faces of the human masked devil, who every day always cornered him without feeling guilty.

In school, people are like animals. They're just sycophants. When they see a figure that they think can give them an advantage, they do not hesitate to become his followers. Like a dog that is subdued only because it is given a leftover bone by its master.

But this time the situation is different. Again, he had to face the things he feared for the safety of the people. If what Ravenna said about that person was true, then this would be a golden opportunity to find someone who could help her.

Ravenna sighed. "Well, if you don't want to. I think we can find another way-"

"No. We continue the plan, "Cut Darren. "If Tora could lead a country in one night. Then school shouldn't be complicated, right?"

Hearing that, Ravenna smiled. "Yes, of course," he replied. "Then, I'll leave now. Tomorrow prepare to go to the academy. I'll pick you up in the morning."

Then Ravenna moved on and left.

"Be careful on the road, Ravenna-san." Not to forget, Shiro gave him a good-bye. Then he continued his work tidying up the scattered objects earlier.

Darren stood up and walked towards the bed. He also put his body on it. With a recumbent position, he stretched both arms until he could reach both ends of the bed. For a moment, he could feel the coolness of the soft sheets.

"School, yeah..." He muttered.

Seeing Darren's worried face, Shiro approached him for a moment. "Darren-sama. Is something bothering you?"

Unknowingly, Darren's mouth moved. He had no intention of answering it at all.

"schools. It just reminded me that I was just a failure. I failed to defend the truth. I failed. protect my best friend."

His tone seemed to tell of an unforgettable tragedy in his life. A tragedy that changed the way he looked at the world.

"If only I wasn't stubborn. Everything should be fine" Darren said. "Everything's my fault. I always make mistakes. If I continue this way, how will everyone's fate be in the future? People could be in danger if I don't change my attitude."

Shiro did not really understand what Darren meant. But he could feel his heart burning. Like a fire that was extinguished again flared with oil.

"No, Darren-sama. Your only mistake is to look back, and look ahead."

Shiro slowly hugged Darren from the side. He buried his face into Darren's shoulder while clutching it tightly. He could even hear Darren's heartbeat. His voice is very close. This is Darren's voice.

"Blaming yourself is okay. But you have to get back on your feet" Shiro continued. "The past will only make you want to die of regret. And the future will only make you depressed because of worry. Stop thinking too far, and focus on doing your best for the day. There's no need to be afraid, because I'm always with you."

The warm and comforting embrace of one who is always by his side. For a long time he wanted to put everything in his heart. This feeling inexplicably made Darren shed tears.

"Shiro..."

Little sniffles are starting to sound. Shiro stroked Darren's hair slowly.

"Just take it out. Don't hold anything back from me. Because..."

"...we are family."

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To be continued...