Beginning of a Reader’s Story

『And in the end, his friends survived… He did not. In the end, he was trapped in the dark void—acting as a barrier of light to prevent darkness from escaping.』

What the hell type of story was that? I mean, come on— the main protagonist meets a bunch of characters, builds complex relationships with most of them, protects them, becomes the strongest, and then just becomes a barrier between light and darkness?

If it were me, after I became the strongest, I would’ve just quit and ruled the world. What’s the point of helping strangers when you got transported to another world? That’s like going to another school, making friends, becoming the most popular athlete, but still knowing you’re going to move away in a month or two.

These were the thoughts of a critic—a keyboard warrior and an introverted man who spends his time reading novels on the internet.

The bluish-white light from the monitor scattered across the dark room, accompanied by the humming of his PC.

His glasses reflected the screen as his eyes scanned the words on the pirated novel website page. You could tell from his unkempt, medium‑length brown hair and disheveled appearance that he rarely went outside and regularly wore a hoodie.

With a sigh, he leaned back in his worn‑down office chair and gazed up at the ceiling.

“If I were in a novel, I’d be a way better character than these idiots… especially the ones who have the power but only use it to protect others. Why would I sacrifice my life for fantastically powerful characters when I have modern knowledge? I could make a ton of money creating things—technology, food, board games, toys, etc. Work smarter, not harder.”

He smirked at his idea and, once again, sighed—this time in disappointment.

“I guess I’d never know what I’d do. There’s no such thing as reincarnation or magic or even fantasy. Just a stupid planet with normal things. When abnormal things happen, it’s either hidden or turned into controversy. There’s never any excitement. Then again, I’d rather be in this world than fighting some Demon King to save a world I couldn’t care less about.”

As he thought these pointless things, he heard a knock at his door.

“Ren, are you awake?”

It was his mother’s voice. Despite him not pursuing additional education after high school or even getting a job, she allowed him to live in the house rent‑free.

Yeah, he felt he burdened her, but he was lucky that he didn’t have to do anything but live until she died.

“Yeah,” he answered, turning his head to look at the door.

The doorknob twisted, and the door opened, revealing a woman identical to Ren—but she had short hair and aging lines beneath her eyes.

“You can come in,” he said casually.

She opened the door completely, letting the hallway light seep in. As she entered, she looked around the room—dirty and dark.

“You need to start taking initiative around this home.”

He raised an eyebrow and straightened his relaxed posture.

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

“For example, your room.”

She flicked on the light, momentarily blinding Ren—who shrank back and instinctively raised his hands to cover his eyes.

“It’s disgusting! You have food bags on your floor and desk, clothes everywhere, trash everywhere, and you don’t even do household chores!” she shouted in an agitated tone.

“What are you talking about? Why would I do that when you’re doing it for me?”

“That’s—!” She took a deep breath to compose herself. “That’s the entire reason, Ren… I’m getting old. You’re not a child anymore. You’re old enough to take care of yourself at the very least.”

“What are you trying to say?” he stood up, looking his mother in the eyes.

“It’s time for you to start doing things… I can’t just keep taking care of you.”

“What are you talking about? Why can’t you? That’s your entire job in my life!”

“No, it isn’t! Ren, I’m slowly dying! I’m getting older! I’ve taken care of you from the time you were in my womb up until now! I didn’t raise you to be like this!”

Their voices gradually grew louder.

Ren scoffed. “You apparently did…”

His mother’s eyes widened, and she balled her hands into shaky fists.

Ren continued: “It’s your fault.”

“It is not my fault…” his mother’s voice lowered as her brows narrowed.

“It is your fault! If you’d just raised me without those stupid expectations, maybe you’d have a better son! ‘You have to work harder, Ren; you’ll be on the streets once you’re old enough if you don’t get your act together; you won’t be anything if your grades are below average…’”

“Those words were meant to encourage and inspire you to be better! Don’t blame me—I’ve let you live here longer than I should! You’re lucky you’re my son, or I would’ve kicked you out!”

Ren couldn’t contain himself. His voice lowered, and he smiled. “So… that’s the only reason, huh?”

“…What?”

“The only reason you let me stay here rent‑free is because I’m your son. I’m burdening you just because I’m your son when your entire job as a mother is to take care of your child. Is that it? At that point, just say you hate me!”

“That’s not what I—“ she was cut off by Ren’s outburst.

“That’s exactly what you meant! If I wasn’t so useless, you’d be happier… If I’d done whatever you said, you’d love me more… If I hadn’t been born, you wouldn’t have wasted your entire life!”

As soon as he said that final word, he slammed his hand on his desk.

“You want me to leave so bad? Fine. Have fun being alone without anyone—not Dad, and not me!”

Ren grabbed an unzipped jacket and walked past his mother, who followed him.

“Ren, please don’t go! I’m sorry, okay? All I wanted was for you to—“

Her words went in one ear and out the other as he slid on sandals and opened the front door.

“Ren, stop,” she pleaded, reaching out—but was met with the slamming of the door.

“Ren…” she slowly bent her knees into a crouch, covering her face as she sobbed.

“Shinji… what do I do?” she asked, lifting her head and shifting her teary eyes to a picture of a man in a business outfit with slick‑back hair.