I woke with a start, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar stone ceiling above me. It took a few seconds for my brain to catch up—right, cave sanctuary, magical skills, another world. The usual.

Sunlight streamed through the small ventilation shafts I'd created with my Transform ability, casting narrow beams across the main chamber. According to my smartphone, it was well past nine in the morning. I never slept this late back home.

Sitting up with a groan, I noticed the surprising quiet. Last night, my cave had been filled with the presence of my nerd friends—their voices, their laughter, their familiar energy. Now, the other bedrolls were empty, neatly made up.

[OBJECTIVE UPDATE] • Find your way to Crossroads • Locate Naomi-san and your classmates ✓ (5 found) • Discover the purpose of your summoning • Pet the deities

"Still not doing that last one," I muttered, dismissing the translucent notification with a wave.

As I stretched, my thoughts drifted to the work needed on my sanctuary. The impromptu transformation I'd performed last night was functional but basic—a rushed solution to accommodate sudden guests. But now, with the potential for more classmates finding their way here—especially if female classmates showed up—I needed to create something more substantial and private.

Looking at the simple sleeping areas I'd created yesterday, I couldn't help but feel dissatisfied. This wasn't a proper living space; it was a stopgap measure. My friends deserved better, and if others came—perhaps even the Kimochi sisters or Naomi-san—they would need something far more suitable than stone platforms and communal spaces.

I pulled out a small notebook and began sketching layouts. With Transform at level 5 now, I could reshape much more material simultaneously, with greater precision and even decorative elements. After several drafts, I settled on an ambitious design: a complete second iteration that would transform my bachelor cave into something resembling a professional sanctuary.

As I sketched, my thoughts drifted to who might eventually occupy these spaces. Like Miyako, who had been my closest friend after the Kimochi sisters withdrew from everyone. We'd drifted somewhat in high school, but she'd always remained friendly, even when she became the unofficial queen of the gyarus. The way she used to rope Hiroko, Sakura herself, and sometimes even Airi into those silly competitions in MMORPGs was something I'd never quite gotten used to – always fighting to see who'd get to marry my character in game. It was awkward back then, and I'm pretty sure it would be even more complicated in real life, especially now.

Or Hina, our class representative. I wasn't particularly close with her, but we'd known each other since elementary school. She was responsible, kind, and unfailingly diplomatic—even when dealing with the delinquents. Looking back, I realised she'd always kept an eye out for me in her own subtle way: making sure I was included in group projects when others might have overlooked the quiet kid, defending me when teachers mistakenly blamed me for disruptions the delinquents caused, and occasionally checking in with just a simple 'You doing okay, Andie-kun?' when I seemed lost in thought. I never properly thanked her for that attention—something I regretted now that we were separated in this dangerous world.

Or... my chest tightened at the thought... Miyuki and Mochi. My childhood friends. The ones who had suddenly, inexplicably cut me off years ago, along with every other male in our circle. I'd never known why, though rumours eventually suggested some kind of trauma. I'd respected their distance, but the worry had never left me. Were they safe here? Together? Alone?

"Finally decided to wake up, sleepyhead?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin as Sakura's voice cut through my reverie. She stood in the entrance to the kitchen area I'd created, holding two plates of what appeared to be a breakfast of roasted meat and some kind of wild fruit.

"The others went out to hunt and forage early—they'll be back soon," she continued, setting the plates down on the stone table.

That's when I noticed her outfit. Or rather, the lack of one.

Sakura Kobayashi, normally the shyest of our nerd group, was wearing... well, not much. A cooking apron covered her front somewhat, but beneath it was clearly visible what my Appraisal skill helpfully and unnecessarily identified as:

[Gold-Trimmed Black Shadowweave Array Set] Type: Enchanted Lingerie Properties: +30% to stealth and infiltration; can mask presence from magical detection methods Special Effects: Enhances pleasure while creating a pocket of privacy others cannot detect (active only during intimate activity) Notes: Crafted from rare shadow-silk with enchanted metallic threading; traditionally worn by elite infiltrators

The "set" consisted of a sheer lace cage bra that covered very little, a Brazilian-cut panty that covered even less, and what appeared to be black patent leather stiletto heels that had absolutely no business in a fantasy forest environment.

My brain short-circuited.

"S-Sakura?!" I stammered, my face instantly feeling hot enough to forge steel. My Temperature Play ability activated unbidden, trying and failing to cool my burning cheeks. "What are you—why are you—?"

She looked down at herself, then back at me with a smile that seemed both innocent and mischievous. "Oh, this? It's all I have while my clothes dry. All of us girls got these... interesting equipment sets when we arrived. Apparently, the deities thought we needed special attire."

My own divine selections suddenly seemed much less embarrassing by comparison. At least Perfect Kiss and Lubricating Touch weren't visible to everyone.

"You could've... worn your school blazer..." I managed, trying desperately to look anywhere but at her. My Perfect Balance was the only thing keeping me from toppling off my stone seat in flustered panic.

"It's with my other clothes, being washed," she explained cheerfully. She did a little twirl, the apron flaring slightly. "So, Andie, does this suit me? The enchantment is actually quite useful for quiet movement."

There was no safe answer to that question. None. Every neuron in my brain was firing warning signals.

"I—I think I should go check on... something," I said lamely, standing up so quickly I nearly knocked over the stone table.

Sakura's smile faltered slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing her features. "Oh... alright. I should check if my clothes are dry anyway."

As she turned to leave, I caught her murmuring under her breath, "Pity he didn't even try to kiss me... does he not like me that way?"

If I hadn't been mortified before, I certainly was now. Sakura had a crush on me? Sakura Kobayashi, who I'd known since middle school, who'd always been my study partner and gaming buddy? Who was now practically naked in my cave?

No. No, no, no. I couldn't think about this. I refused to think about this. Friends were not for thinking about in that way, even if they were wearing magically enhanced lingerie that my Appraisal skill insisted on describing in excruciating detail.

To distract myself, I threw myself into implementing the redesign I'd sketched. With a determined focus that surprised even me, I activated my Transform ability and began the most extensive reshaping of the cave yet.

The kitchen and workshop spaces I'd created yesterday were functional but basic. Now I refined and expanded them, adding specialised storage nooks, better work surfaces, and improved organisation. But that was just the beginning of what I had planned.

With careful concentration, I focused on creating access points for a basement level, carving out staircases within the existing male and female wing rooms where my friends had slept the night before. The stone flowed like water beneath my touch, reshaping according to my will as I extended the stairwells downward from each wing. My understanding of structural integrity guided me to reinforce the steps and surrounding walls, ensuring stability as I pushed deeper into the earth.

"This is going to be more than just an upgraded bachelor cave," I muttered to myself as I reached the bottom of the new stairwells and began expanding outward. "This is going to be a proper sanctuary."

From each stairwell, I extended massive wings that mirrored each other in layout but would serve different populations. The left basement wing I designated as the male quarters, carving out a central hallway with dormitory-style rooms branching off on both sides. Each room received a raised platform bed, storage niches, and simple furnishings—all transformed from the existing stone. At the far end, I shaped communal bathrooms with multiple shower stalls, toilet facilities, and a separate laundry area. Throughout the process, I kept thinking of functionality, privacy, and comfort.

The female wing mirrored this layout but with additional privacy considerations and more varied room sizes to accommodate different social groupings. Some single rooms, some doubles, some shared dormitory spaces—options for everyone, regardless of preference or relationship dynamics.

As I designed the bathroom facilities, I realised I needed a proper waste management system. Using my Transform ability, I created a network of drainage channels beneath the toilets and kitchen areas, all leading to a central incineration chamber deep beneath the sanctuary. The chamber would use fire magic—something Hiroko could provide with her sorcery—to completely reduce waste to sterile ash at high temperatures.

But what to do with the ash? I extended a collection chute below the incineration chamber, adding a clever enchantment that would automatically pack and seal the ash into discrete packages. From there, I created a pipeline system that would use wind magic to propel these sealed ash packets upward through the stone and out to the surface, where they would be deposited in a small shed I'd build specifically for ash storage. The ash could later be used as fertiliser, for making brick or pottery, or for other practical applications.

As sweat beaded on my forehead from the sustained effort, I returned to the main floor to further enhance the spaces there. The great hall expanded significantly, nearly doubling in size to create a proper communal dining and gathering space. Two private rooms took shape at the rear of the hall—perfect for meetings, planning sessions, or just quiet areas away from the main group.

For the onsen I'd discovered, I refined the access points and created a proper thermal regulation system, using my Transform ability to shape the stone into natural heat reservoirs that would maintain comfortable water temperatures. I made sure to separate the water systems for bathing and toilets, creating distinct circulation paths to prevent any chance of contamination.

As I worked, a notification flickered in my HUD:

[SKILL LEVEL UP: Transform → Level 6] Enhanced Properties: Can now reshape up to 1200 cubic metres of material simultaneously (previously 800); Transformed materials retain 99.5% structural integrity compared to natural state (previously 98%) New Application: Material Optimisation—can now improve the inherent properties of transformed materials (hardness, durability, thermal insulation, etc.) by up to 25%

The new capabilities came just in time. Using Material Optimisation, I reinforced the structural elements of the expanded sanctuary while improving the thermal properties of the outer walls to maintain a comfortable temperature. I even managed to create a rudimentary ventilation system that would circulate fresh air throughout the entire complex.

Hours passed as I worked, my focus absolute. The cave responded to my will with increasing precision, stone flowing like clay under my guidance. When I finally released my hold on the Transform ability, I stood in the centre of what could only be described as an underground compound—a professional-grade sanctuary that bore little resemblance to either my original "bachelor cave" or even last night's rushed expansion.

I stumbled slightly as exhaustion hit me, the sustained use of my abilities taking a physical toll I hadn't anticipated. Supporting myself against one of the new stone columns, I took a moment to appreciate what I'd created. It was far beyond anything I'd ever imagined building, with enough space to comfortably house dozens of people if necessary.

"This should work for whatever comes next," I murmured, wiping sweat from my brow. "No more improvisation if we find more classmates."

"Holy crap, Andie!" Kazuki's voice echoed from the entrance. "What did you do to this place?"

Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

I turned to see my friends had returned, all staring wide-eyed at the transformed sanctuary. They carried various foraged goods and what appeared to be several rabbits and a small deer.

"I, uh, made some improvements," I said weakly, suddenly self-conscious about the scale of what I'd done. "Thought we could use more space."

"Improvements?" Hiroko repeated incredulously, stepping into the vastly expanded great hall. "This is... this is incredible! It's like an entire underground mansion!"

The group spread out, exploring the transformed space with expressions of awe. Sora and Yuto immediately headed for the stairwell in the male wing, while Sakura and Hiroko—now thankfully fully clothed—approached the female section with undisguised curiosity.

"You've got to see this!" Sora called up from below after a few minutes. "There are individual rooms down here! With actual beds!"

"And proper bathrooms!" came Yuto's excited voice. "With multiple shower stalls!"

Hiroko emerged from the female stairwell with wide eyes. "Andie, this is better than the dormitories at school! How many people were you planning to house here?"

I shrugged, feeling a flush of pride despite my exhaustion. "I wanted to be prepared in case we find more classmates. Better to have too much space than not enough."

"This great hall is bigger than the entire cleared space we had at the main camp," Kazuki remarked, running his hand along the smoothly polished stone table that dominated the central space. "And these meeting rooms—they're perfect for strategy sessions or private discussions."

"The kitchen improvements are amazing too," Sakura added, examining the expanded cooking area with obvious approval. "And the storage cellar will keep food preserved much longer."

Yuto had discovered something else. "What's this pipeline system under the bathrooms? And that shed marker on your design notes?"

I explained the waste management system I'd created, detailing how the fire magic incineration would work and how the ash would be collected, packed, and transported to a storage shed on the surface.

"That's... impressively thorough," Kazuki said, looking slightly stunned. "You thought of everything, including actual waste management."

"And the temperature regulation for the onsen is brilliant," Hiroko added. "Using the stone itself as a thermal reservoir—that's much more efficient than trying to heat it with magic constantly."

As they continued to explore, I sank gratefully onto one of the stone benches, the fatigue of sustained transformation catching up with me. Sakura noticed first, approaching with concern in her eyes.

"Are you alright?" she asked quietly, sitting beside me and taking my hands in hers. "You look exhausted."

Her sudden touch sent a jolt through me, and I felt heat rising to my cheeks again. Her hands were soft and warm against mine, and I found myself momentarily speechless.

"I—yeah," I finally managed, trying to ignore the blush I knew was spreading across my face. "Just used a lot of energy on the renovations. Transform is powerful, but it takes a toll when used at this scale."

Sakura squeezed my hands gently, her eyes meeting mine with genuine concern. "Well, it's absolutely worth it," she said with appreciation. "This place is incredible, Andie. You've created something special here."

The others gathered around, their initial exploration complete, all wearing expressions of impressed disbelief.

"I call dibs on the corner room in the men's wing," Sora announced with a grin. "The one with the built-in desk and that cool alcove."

"What? No fair calling dibs already!" Yuto protested. "I was going to take that one!"

"There are like fifteen rooms down there," Kazuki pointed out dryly. "Pretty sure you can each find one you like."

"The women's wing is even better designed," Hiroko remarked. "The privacy considerations, the varying room sizes—you really thought of everything."

I couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm. "I tried to make it functional and comfortable. If more people join us, they'll need proper living space."

"Join us?" Kazuki repeated with a raised eyebrow. "Planning to start a colony here, Andie?"

"No, I just—" I began defensively, then saw the teasing glint in his eye and relaxed. "I just wanted to be prepared."

"Well, you've outdone yourself," he said, clapping me on the shoulder. "This place could house half the class comfortably."

"Speaking of the rest of the class," I said, seizing the opportunity to change the subject. "You were going to tell me more about why you really left the main camp?"

My friends exchanged glances, that same silent communication I'd noticed before.

"We should tell him," Hiroko said quietly. "He deserves to know, especially if he's going to be out here alone."

Kazuki nodded and took a deep breath. "It started on the first night at camp. We were setting up sleeping areas when Sora overheard something... disturbing."

Sora's expression darkened. "I was gathering firewood when I heard Kenji and Ryo talking. They didn't know I was nearby." He looked at me grimly. "They were discussing how to use their skills on the girls."

"What kind of skills?" I asked, though I had a sinking feeling I already knew.

"Mind control abilities," Yuto said bluntly. "Kenji has something called Subjugation, and Ryo has one called Mesmerise. Both allow them to control other people's minds and actions."

I felt sick. "And they were planning to use these on our classmates? On the girls?"

"To create harems," Hiroko confirmed, her voice tight with anger. "They were explicitly planning to use their abilities to force girls to... be with them."

"I went straight to Kazuki," Sora continued. "We knew we had to do something, but we couldn't just accuse them openly without proof. And at that point, we didn't know who else might have similar abilities or sympathies."

"So, we started quietly reaching out to people we trusted," Sakura added. "The gyaru group—Miyako and Airi especially—the sporty girls, and the jocks who seemed reliable."

"Turns out we weren't the only ones who'd overheard things," Kazuki said. "Miyako had picked up on similar conversations. Some of the delinquents had been eyeing her and her friends specifically."

"We formed a plan," Hiroko explained. "Throughout the second day, we trained together in secret pairs, testing our abilities and preparing for confrontation."

"You planned a trap," I surmised.

Kazuki nodded. "On the second night, Hina, the class reps, and the gyarus deliberately created a situation where the delinquents would try to use their abilities—a fake argument where the girls would storm off alone into the forest edge."

"When they followed and attempted to use their mind control..." Sora smiled grimly.

"We were waiting," Yuto finished. "All of us, positioned strategically around the area."

"That's when we discovered something interesting," Sakura continued. "Some of us who already had our class selections were granted additional special selections by the deities themselves—supplementary powers beyond what we'd originally received. It seemed to be their way of better equipping us for this world."

"Special selections?" I asked, my attention piqued.

Hiroko nodded. "It turns out that the deities responsible for bringing us here anticipated potential... issues. Some of us received counter-abilities specifically designed to prevent abuse."

"My Soul Binding, for example," she explained. "It allows me to permanently block specific abilities in a target as long as I live. I used it to nullify Kenji's Subjugation and Ryo's Mesmerise."

"And I have Dimensional Barrier," Sakura added. "It creates a zone where reality is fixed and magic from other planes can't influence our world."

"Several others got special selections too," Kazuki said. "Miyako received Reality Anchoring, which dampens magical effects. I got Spectral Armoury, letting me conjure weapons with properties that counter specific opponents."

"So, you confronted the delinquents and temporarily neutralised their abilities," I summarised.

"We did more than that," Sora said, a hint of pride in his voice. "We gave them a choice—exile from the main camp or constant supervision with restricted movement."

"They chose exile," Yuto said.

"But that's not the end of the story," Kazuki continued, his expression growing grim. "On the third day, they came back. Not to rejoin the group, but for revenge."

"They started a fire," Hiroko said quietly. "A big one. It destroyed much of what we'd built—shelters and food stores."

"No one was seriously hurt," Sakura quickly added, seeing my alarmed expression. "But it caused chaos. And that's when the second fracture happened."

"The Populares and studious boys blamed us," Yuto explained. "They said we'd provoked the delinquents unnecessarily, that we should have just avoided them rather than confronting them directly."

"It became... tense," Kazuki said with diplomatic understatement. "To prevent further conflict, we decided to leave. Us, along with Miyako, Airi and the sporty girls who'd helped us. But then Miyako got called back by Hina to help maintain order, and the others followed."

"We've been on our own since then," Sora concluded. "Searching for you and the others who were missing from the initial arrival, and trying to figure out our next steps."

I sat in stunned silence, processing everything I'd just heard. It was worse than I'd imagined—not just social cliques and laziness, but actual predatory behaviours and violent retaliation.

"And you don't know what's happened at the main camp since you left?" I asked.

They all shook their heads.

"We've been avoiding them," Hiroko admitted. "After what happened with the delinquents, we thought it safer to keep our distance from everyone until we had a better plan."

"Which brings us to our current situation," Kazuki said, straightening up. "First, thank you for your hospitality, Andie. This place is incredible, and the break has been welcome."

"But?" I prompted, hearing the unspoken continuation.

"But we've decided to head for the nearest town," he said. "Crossroads, like you mentioned. There's likely to be an adventurer's guild or something similar there, just like in the games. We can register, take on official quests, earn money and resources."

"You're leaving?" I couldn't keep the surprise from my voice. "W-when? I mean, I just finished these upgrades and—"

"Today," Sora replied, cutting off my stammering. "Now that we've found you safe and sound, we want to get moving before dusk."

"But—" I started, then stopped myself. What was I going to say? Don't go? Stay here in my cave forever? I had no right to ask that of them, especially when their plan made perfect sense.

"You could come with us," Sakura offered, her expression hopeful.

The offer was tempting. Very tempting. But something held me back—the thought of Naomi-san, the Kimochi sisters, and the others still unaccounted for. If I went to Crossroads with my friends, who would be here if those missing classmates came through this area?

"I... I need to stay," I said finally. "At least for now. There are still people missing, and this location is a good central point for finding them."

Understanding crossed their faces, though I could see disappointment there too, particularly in Sakura's and Hiroko's eyes.

"We respect that," Kazuki said. "But we'd like to stay in touch somehow."

An idea struck me. Taking out Rurielle's dagger, I used it to carefully cut a small button from my school uniform. With my Transform ability, I reshaped the metal, infusing it with a small portion of my essence.

"Here," I said, handing the button to Kazuki. "I've enchanted this. As long as you have it, I'll be able to sense your general direction and distance. If you run into trouble, just focus your thoughts on it, and I'll know you need help."

Kazuki accepted the button with a surprised smile. "Wow, that's... actually really thoughtful, Andie." His smile turned teasing. "Who knew you were such a softie underneath all that awkward exterior?"

The group laughed, and I felt my face heating up again. "Just trying to be practical," I muttered.

"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night, hero," Sora joked, clapping me on the shoulder.

Kazuki looked at the button, then back at me, a mischievous smile playing at his lips. "Wow, Andie. You really are becoming the mysterious lone wolf, aren't you? Next you'll be giving us magical pendants that glow when evil approaches."

I raised an eyebrow, finding my footing in the banter. "Don't tempt me. Those pendants are scheduled for next Tuesday, along with the matching cloaks that turn you invisible and boots that let you walk on water." I tapped my temple. "I have a whole heroic gift shop planned out."

The group erupted in laughter, and this time, I joined in.

As they gathered their belongings and prepared to leave, I found myself struggling with a strange hollow feeling in my chest. I'd spent five days in this world mostly alone, yet somehow watching my friends prepare to leave after just one night together felt profoundly lonely.

Sakura approached me as the others were checking their packs.

"Andie," she said softly, "about this morning... I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

"N-no, it's fine," I stammered, the memory of her in that enchanted lingerie still embarrassingly vivid. "You couldn't help your... equipment situation."

A small smile played at her lips. "You know, it's actually quite comfortable, despite appearances. And the enchantments are surprisingly useful."

"I'm sure they are," I said quickly, then immediately regretted how that might sound. "I mean, the enchantments, not the... I wasn't saying..."

She laughed, a gentle sound that somehow eased my discomfort. "I know what you meant." Her expression grew more serious. "Are you sure you'll be okay here alone?"

"I've managed so far," I said with a shrug. Then a thought struck me. "Actually, this might help us all stay connected."

I glanced around the sanctuary, spotting some small stones near the wall. I gathered four smooth pebbles and concentrated my Transform ability on them one by one, shaping them into small, polished discs with subtle engravings.

"Here," I said, handing one to Sakura and calling the others over to distribute the rest. "These are linked to this place. They'll help you find your way back if you need shelter again."

"Pretty clever," Sora commented, examining his token. "Adapting to your environment instead of using manufactured stuff. You're starting to think like a proper adventurer."

I shrugged, feeling a small burst of pride. "Besides, I'm not completely alone. I met someone else—a Luxuriveth named Rurielle. She helped me before being called away on her own mission."

"A Luxuriveth?" Hiroko asked, looking confused. "What's that?"

"Oh, sorry," I explained. "They're like dark elves, I guess you could say. Tall, dark blue-grey skin, white hair. Rurielle said they're native to this world."

"Well… she was... interesting," I admitted, thinking of Rurielle's teasing remarks about tactical lingerie and accidental kisses. "Definitely capable. She gave me this dagger before she left."

"Well, at least you have some allies in this world," Kazuki said, joining us. "And now you know where to find us if you need help."

Soon they were ready to depart. We stood at the entrance to my sanctuary, an awkward moment of silence stretching between us.

"The directions to Crossroads are pretty straightforward," I said, breaking the tension. "Follow the river upstream until you reach a limestone ridge, stay in the valley, and continue until you see three tall standing stones. Then turn west."

"We'll be fine," Sora assured me. "Between Kazuki's tactical abilities and my direction sense, we couldn't get lost even if we tried."

Final goodbyes were exchanged, with promises to reunite soon at Crossroads. As they set off down the path, Sakura turned back one last time, waving with a smile that held both warmth and something more complicated—regret, perhaps, or missed opportunity.

I stood at the entrance long after they'd disappeared from view, thinking of Rurielle's departure just days before. Two goodbyes in less than a week. Was that going to be the pattern of this world—brief connections followed by necessary separations?

With a sigh, I turned back to my now-empty sanctuary, the space feeling cavernous without the voices and presence of my friends. The grand hall that had seemed perfectly sized for a growing community now echoed with silence, the multiple rooms standing ready for occupants who weren't there.

"I guess no matter which world you're in," I muttered to myself, "the real fantasy is thinking people can stay together forever."

"At least in isekai novels," I murmured to myself, "the protagonist usually gets a party that sticks around longer than the intro chapters."

Just another day in paradise—alone, with a class full of classmates with mind control powers and tactical lingerie to worry about, and an underground sanctuary built for dozens with only me to inhabit it.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.