Chapter 138: Upcoming Round
All the sounds faded into the background as Arthur stood still, arms crossed tightly. He was like an island of calm amidst the tempest. Blindfolded, his thoughts spiraled, hovering over William, a puzzle needing to be solved.
Arthur was in deep contemplation. From his perspective, it was akin to being in a void. All sounds were muffled, and the faces roundabout could not be seen.
He redirected his awareness inwardly, contemplating their past encounters; he felt a disquiet around him. To anyone else, he would seem insignificant, but within his mind, worlds collided. He couldn't shake the image of William, who was standing right in front of him, cheering at the fight.
Despite the lively atmosphere, his focus sharpened back to the first day he entered Elysium. William had a timid nature—an awkward man with a neglectful appearance who seemed to be retreating from life.
But now, in this moment, that same man had stepped into a different world. The timid exterior had metamorphosed into a character of its own—an energetic supporter and person trying to be a hero.
How had this transformation occurred? Was it genuine or merely a façade crafted within the confines of this world's dangerous craft?
There was a term Arthur had forgotten about but heard a couple of times from earth: "isekai."
This Japanese concept, meaning "another world," refers to a genre in anime, manga, and light novels that involves characters being whisked away from their mundane lives into vibrant, fantastical realms.
As he reflected on it, he couldn't help but think about those who yearned for such an escape, seeing them as weak and frail in their refusal to face the challenges of their own lives.
He himself had once shared that longing, trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction and unable to confront his issues, until he discovered the power of faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Not once had Arthur relinquished his faith, even in these troubled times. It was through Christ that allowed him to see things for what they truly were.
The appeal of isekai often lies in the fantasy of breaking free from the shackles of everyday life. Many people find themselves feeling discontented with their circumstances—whether it's their jobs, relationships, or overall direction.