Mana String

Shin Sooyeon let out a tired sigh as she stepped out of the office building. The cold evening air greeted her, contrasting with the dull warmth of the corporate environment she had just escaped from. It was 5 PM sharp—quitting time. Without wasting a second, she pulled out her phone and ordered sushi takeout. If she hurried, she could get home, slip into her pajamas, and start gaming before the sun even fully set.

As a 27-year-old working adult, Sooyeon had long accepted that her passion in life wasn't climbing the corporate ladder or forming deep social connections—it was gaming, anime, and taking it easy. Work was just a means to fund her hobbies, and she had no intention of stressing over things that didn't bring her joy.

The short walk home was uneventful. Sushi in one hand, beer in the other, she made her way into her apartment, shutting the world out the moment she locked the door behind her. With practiced efficiency, she tossed her bag onto the couch, changed into her oversized pajamas, and booted up her PC. The hum of the machine starting up was like music to her ears.

She settled into her chair, arranging her takeout neatly in front of her as she cracked open the beer with a satisfying hiss. Chopsticks in hand, she took a bite of fresh salmon while waiting for the game to load. The screen glowed in front of her, the familiar fantasy world of her favorite RPG coming to life. A long night of dungeon runs, loot grinding, and boss fights awaited. 

Or at least, that was the plan.

A strange sensation prickled at her skin. It started subtly, like static electricity in the air. She barely noticed it at first, too immersed in scrolling through her inventory and preparing her in-game gear. But then, her screen flickered. The room around her dimmed. A faint, eerie light encircled her feet.

Her hand froze mid-reach for another piece of sushi.

'This… feels familiar.'

The glow intensified. The apartment walls dissolved into nothingness. Gravity itself seemed to shift, her body becoming weightless. The sound of her game's background music faded, replaced by an ominous silence.

And in the blink of an eye—

She was somewhere else.

------

It was dark.

Pitch-black, except for the five flickering torches held by shadowy figures in front of her. The air was thick and heavy, carrying the scent of old stone and something faintly metallic. A ritualistic circle glowed faintly beneath her feet, its intricate patterns pulsing with energy before fading into the ground.

Sooyeon's first instinct wasn't fear, nor confusion. It was resignation.

'Of course, I got isekai'd.'

With her extensive knowledge of anime and RPGs, she knew exactly what had happened. A summoning. Probably to be a hero, fight some world-ending evil, and fulfill some prophecy. It was always the same formula.

She sighed, rolling her shoulders as if she had just stretched after a long workday. Might as well get this over with.

"So, what do I need to do to save the world?" she asked, her tone as casual as someone asking about dinner plans.

The five figures in front of her visibly stiffened. They clearly hadn't expected such a nonchalant response. After a moment of awkward silence, one of them stepped forward.

She was a young woman, regal in posture, wearing elegant robes embroidered with golden threads. Long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing blue eyes held a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty.

"I am Princess Elara Nyxious," she introduced herself formally. "We… have summoned you here because we are in dire need of a hero. The god of destruction, Typhon, threatens to bring ruin upon our world. Only one blessed with divine power can wield the sacred weapon needed to slay him."

Sooyeon tilted her head. "And that's supposed to be me?"

Princess Elara hesitated. "We did not expect the summoning to bring forth a woman. Historically, the hero has always been male."

Sooyeon raised an eyebrow. "Well, sorry to disappoint."

Elara quickly shook her head. "No, that is not an issue. What matters is whether you can wield the weapon."

From the shadows, two armored knights stepped forward, carrying an enormous warhammer between them. The weapon was massive—far larger than any normal human should be able to lift. Its shaft was engraved with divine markings, and its head gleamed with an otherworldly radiance.

Sooyeon stared at it.

Then back at the princess.

Then back at the warhammer.

"So, I just have to lift it?" she asked.

Elara nodded. "Only the chosen hero can wield it. If you can lift it, then you truly are the one blessed by the gods."

Sooyeon sighed. She had never held a weapon in her life, nor had she ever been in a fight. But, if all she had to do was pick something up, then fine.

Stepping forward, she grabbed the handle. The knights looked tense, as if they expected her to struggle or fail.

With zero effort, she lifted the warhammer off the ground with one hand.

The room fell silent. The knights gawked. The princess's eyes widened in shock. The torch flames flickered, as if the very air around them had shifted.

Sooyeon blinked.

"Huh. That was easier than I thought."

The weapon, which had supposedly been impossible for ordinary people to lift, felt no heavier than a grocery bag. It was a strange sensation, holding something that radiated divine energy yet felt so light in her grip.

Princess Elara quickly composed herself. "Then… you truly are the hero."

Sooyeon turned the weapon in her hand absentmindedly. "Cool, cool. So, what are the benefits?"

Elara faltered. "Benefits?"

"Yeah, what do I get out of this?" Sooyeon clarified. "Saving the world sounds great and all, but what's in it for me? Do I get a castle? Gold? Free food for life?"

More silence.

The princess exchanged glances with the knights. Clearly, they hadn't anticipated this line of questioning.

Sooyeon sighed again, resting the warhammer on her shoulder. "Look, I don't mind helping out, but if I'm going to risk my life fighting some world-ending god, I'd at least like to know what perks come with the job."

She wasn't being unreasonable. If anything, she was being practical. Heroes in games always got legendary rewards for their efforts. Why should this be any different?

The princess finally straightened her posture, regaining her composure. "You will be granted wealth, land, and a title of nobility. The people will honor you as their savior, and your name will be remembered for generations."

Wealth, land, and fame? Not a bad deal.

Sooyeon hummed in thought, tapping the warhammer against her shoulder. "Alright, I'll consider it."

Princess Elara smiled, relief evident on her face. "Thank you, Hero."

Sooyeon exhaled, gazing up at the ceiling. She still wasn't thrilled about being dragged into this, but if she had to play along, she might as well make it worth her while.