The teacher began the class discussion, but it seemed I couldn't hear anything. My mind was preoccupied, thinking about the piece of paper, as I observed the sun slowly revealing its light to us. I couldn't wait to uncover the secret of this paper; something amazing might be waiting for me. Imagining possibilities made my body fill with excitement, setting me on fire.

As the class ended, I hurriedly went to the garden, not even responding to Carl's offer to have lunch with him. I'm busy; he can handle it there. There were no students around. Perhaps this place wasn't their preference? How could they not appreciate this, the greatest place I've seen in this school? No taste at all.

I scanned my eyes across the entire garden; the view never failed to amaze me. The lush greenery surrounded the windy path, vibrant flowers with hues of red, purple, yellow, and blue, and the sweet fragrance of blooming blossoms filled the air. Here, you could find solace, creating a tranquil haven of relaxation for introverts like me.

I adjusted my skirt. I almost forgot why I came here. I took the piece of paper out of my skirt's pocket. Here we are, about to unveil the secret of this paper!

I placed it directly in the sun's rays. My forehead furrowed as I saw something unfamiliar. The paper fluttered a bit due to the wind, but I quickly adjusted it to examine closely what was written on this piece of paper.

I saw a map, not a world map, but a map that never existed. "Unanimous Realm," I read the most prominent lettering on this paper. It was at the top, making it easy to locate.

Then I noticed something at the bottom, like a reminder, perhaps? It said, 'says the place, and something flabbergasting will happen.' My eyebrows arched in surprise. Uh-huh? I've said "Unanimous Realm" many times, but nothing has happened. I think this map is mocking me. I rolled my eyes. Tsk, I shouldn't believe or expect anything.

It probably came from a fantasy genre book. Someone must have ripped it off and used it as a bookmark, I suppose. I sighed when I heard the bell ring. Glancing at the piece of paper, something caught my attention. It was written, "Cardinal, The City of Eupharsa," and who cares about that? Maybe it's just teasing me. Perhaps there's something on the paper that's only visible when the sun's rays touch it.

Technology, I guess?

I walked towards the garden exit, contemplating the place I read about. Well, dismiss that thought, Fia; it's not true after all.

"Cardinal, huh?" I chuckled a bit, putting my hand on my stomach to feel the sarcasm in my laughter. Tsk.

As I approached the garden gate, a speck of dust entered my eyes, and I closed them abruptly in pain. Great, just great! I rubbed my eyes, but the pain persisted. Slowly, I opened them and looked up, hoping the wind would carry away the dust.

Trees? Oh yeah, I’m in the garden, so it has trees, Fia! But why is it so dark? Did the clouds form again? Well, I think.

When my eyes stopped tearing and aching, I looked ahead, and...

"What the hell?" I muttered when I saw the thing in front of me.

This is not the garden, for Pete’s sake! Where the hell am I? No, the better question is, what kind of place is this?!

Amidst this fantastical realm, trees bear fruits unseen in any mortal orchard—phenomenal spheres that are palatable like a mingling of cosmic dust and exquisite twilight. A magnificent equine species with antler-like plumes gently crosses the vivid colors pastures. Aquatic rabbits swim over dazzling streams, rendering trails of glistening drops instead of hopping. Three suns float across the sky, creating a rainbow of colors across the landscape. A levitated car floats smoothly, powered by enchanted whispers, while a continually spinning ball escapes force with each joyous leap.

I slapped myself. Maybe I was just dreaming, aren’t I? Or maybe, I came into a place that I am always dreaming of since when I was young!

"Does a place like this really exist?" I asked the air, my eyes glued to the wonderful scenery.

I want to savor it before it fades. I want to see this for a long time because I'll be going home eventually.

"I must tell Carl about this," I happily said, then looked at the piece of paper I am holding, "Or maybe, I can bring him here too!" I added, jumping happily like a crazy old woman.

I stopped when I realized something. My smile faded, and my eyes widened.

Wait? How do I get back home?

I looked at the map again. Earlier, you would see nothing on it if you didn't hold it directly to the sun, but now, I can clearly see it. It is a map, but the strange thing is, the reminder on the bottom part of the paper is gone.

Let me examine it closely; maybe I was just hallucinating earlier? Or maybe someone erased it? No, impossible! Then, why did it all fade like dust in the air?

My forehead creased while looking for the reminder I read earlier.

Maybe it changed positions?

"Hello?" My heart almost jumped out of my mouth when someone pulled my skirt. I paid attention to that person.

It is a six or seven years old child. She is carrying some flowers, a very beautiful one. I kneeled in front of her because she is so tiny.

"Yes, what can I do for you?" I asked her. She just smiled, grabbed my wrist, and ran towards the scenery I've been looking at.

She seemed surprised by what I said, but she answered me anyway.

"I saw you staring at our city for a long time, so I thought of coming to you!" she explained and excitedly ran fast.

I almost fell due to her fast pace.

"Oh! H-How generous of you!" I replied, forcing a smile. God! I felt so tired! I haven't run this long before. How can this child be so energetic? I haven't even agreed yet, and she's already pulling me.

"We're here!" she said energetically, spreading her hands in front of me.

My jaw literally dropped when I saw the view.

Well, if it looks beautiful from afar, what more if you're facing it?

"This city is called Eupharsa! One of the territories ruled by the Cardinal Kingdom!" she announced as she spread her hand again in the air.

I took a deep breath before speaking. Well, you claim to have run that far, and you're not sporty? Let's see if you can. Tsk.

"That’s great! This city is great!" I said, beaming a smile. She smiled too, but there was a hint of astonishment on her face.

"Lady, may I ask a question?" she inquired without averting her gaze from me, her forehead furrowed as she looked intently.

I simply nodded, granting her permission to ask anything.

"Why are you here? I don't understand your language, and most importantly, I don't feel any magic flowing from you," she said, prompting me to stand straight.

Magic? So, I've come to a world we thought didn't exist? Well, that's interesting! We can join forces between the immortal and mortal worlds, right? Everything is possible, isn't it?

I was about to clear my throat and speak, but I was taken aback when she suddenly shouted in front of me.

"You're not safe here, sister. Leave, I made a mistake bringing you here. Go before my mother sees you!" I looked at her with a puzzled expression.

What is she trying to say?

I am dumbfounded. I am not safe here? Why? Oh! It is because there are bandits here so, if her mom saw me, she will think that I am one of those bandits. Look, I am wearing my school uniform now, so I don’t think so.

"I have no bad intention, little lady," I muttered, but she just glared at me.

Oh, what an attitude! Maybe she was raised by our cat.

"What did you say? Intention? You won't get anything here, so go back to where you came from, lady," she said and pushed me away.
Wow! She brought me here, but now she's pushing me away? What's this kid's problem?

"Wait!" I insisted to her. In fairness, she's a strong cutie but has an attitude problem, little lady.

"Agatha! What are you doing with the girl?!" I heard a woman shout. I turned to look. Oh, is this the child's elder sister?

"Uh, Mom, she's lost, I just gave her directions." I raised my eyebrow when the child spoke lies. Seriously? She's so young, and she can lie already?

"Please excuse my daughter, miss. Would you like to have a snack before continuing your journey?" she apologized to me while catching her breath and holding her child— Wait, what? This child is her child?! How is that possible? She looks so young, and ugh! Right, teenage pregnancy.

"Yes, thank you very much," I accepted her offer. I'm not that disrespectful, besides, I haven't eaten my lunch earlier because of my stupidity, and now my stomach is about to growl, so let's cast away our shyness.

Well, I can also ask this lady how I can go back to my world.

"Tsk," I heard the child click her tongue as we started walking on a small winding path in this city. She even rolled her eyes while mouthing something that I couldn't understand.

What's her problem anyway?