Prelude: Isekai

Domo, minna-san!

My name is Ichi-niisan. You can call me Ichi! First and foremost, welcome to my very first story! I’m still new to writing so please don’t be so harsh on me. I thank to those who reads this and if you like it, you know what to do. Not much to say other than this but thanks once again and enjoy!

Prelude: “Toshiyuki Hitori Disagree with the Idea of Isekai”

The isekai genre.

Nowadays, it’s quite a popular genre widely known across the globe. Although it isn’t a complete genre since it was identified as a sub-genre according to the internet, it is mostly used to describe stories that popped into existence these days instead of using the “fantasy” genre.

The isekai genre usually tells about a person or more getting reborn or summoned into another world in various ways-most usually used the dying event (which is getting killed by vehicles or some other unfortunate event) and then got reincarnated. The main format for these stories would be the light novels. I guess mangas also since there are tons but let’s go with light novel since I’m a light novel reader.

Now, I’m not really a hardcore otaku-I could be passed off as a light otaku. Sure, I might watch animes, read both mangas and light novels-even having a poster of a shounen title in my room. But I don’t really have obsession for it as I only enjoy all of it as an entertainment, not a hobby. It is just something to pass my time with since I’m usually free. What could this indicates?

Pretty simple.

I’m a loner.

Therefore I have no friend and that is okay with me. No one should care what I do because I already have a bad reputation in school. Even if I’m an otaku or whatever, nothing could be worse as it already is as worse as it could be. But I’m not one to turn my tail and run away. I’m a coward, I admit that. But I’m not that much of a coward to run away from problems that concern me alone.

You may be asking; “What does your problem have something to do with the isekai genre?”

Let me answer you with another question; what does most isekai light novels’ protagonists represents?

Otakus, hikikomori, people with no life or even just a normal person who are tired of their everyday lives, wanting something to happen in order to lighten up their lives. Perhaps those who died can’t help it but I criticize the judgement of those who are transported or summoned. After doing whatever quest it is as cliché as it can be, they have the option to return back home. Or rather, they could’ve just rejected the quest and find a way home.

But they wouldn’t-no.

They don’t want to.

Simply put, they are more of a coward than I am.

Instead of accepting themselves and just burst through the superficiality of the people around them whose opinions shouldn’t be care for, they ran away and seek refuge in another world. They are not much difference than the riajuus in schools, put up a façade to fit in and attain a social standing only theirs is in another world.

They obtained “strength” to boost their confidence up and dictate their worth in that world. After that, they “change” to someone “better”. It is no different than putting up a façade to fit in like a riajuu. This really got me thinking; do they even care for their lives in the previous world anymore?

Perhaps, perhaps not. But I guess the latter is the most preferable option for them.

Though, I applaud to those who did return back to their world and live as themselves. I have more respect to them than those who stayed instead.

So then, what does this have anything to do with me?

You see, I never seen how a person like me being portrayed in isekai stories. Or rather, I’ve never see any isekai story that has a person like me as the protagonist. As for the question why, it is actually pretty simple. Because I knew myself more than anybody does, I know I won’t accept such stupid and big responsible like saving the world. I know I’ll only ignore it and find the way back to my own world, even if it does abandoning the “people” in need.

Selfish?

Of course it is.

But the same could be said to those people in another world.

Instead of trusting grown people to handle the task, they push all of their responsibility on one person. And it became worse when they pushed such big responsibility on an immature teenager. Although I’m mature (I think), that left a bad taste on my mouth. Sure, they seemed worried for the Hero’s health but that’s because they don’t want to lose something that’ll save them.

Clearly, both are cowards. One is a person who ran away from their live and the other are people who are too scared to take a risk so they resort in summoning a Hero. You could argue that they couldn’t help it since they would’ve perished fighting off the Demon Lord’s Army without the Hero but that isn’t the case.

Take a look at us, for example. We had two World Wars and still here, aren’t we? We were able to get by-without magic no less. We have countless wars causing huge casualties but we’re still here. World War II was technically the same as the war in another world. Adolf Hitler is like the Demon Lord and we’re merely people but we still won the war, didn’t we?

Though, I’m ashamed that my own country’s ruler at the time was enlightened by the idea of Hitler-san’s conquest in taking over the world. It’s a no wonder that happened to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Well, this is a very sensitive and offensive topic to discuss so let’s get back on the track.

What I’m trying to say is that people shouldn’t run away from their lives, both the Hero and the people of another world.

They should depend on themselves to get by.

I might not know how warfare works or anything related to wars in particular, but I’m sure anyone can get by if they really tried hard.

After all, hard work betrays none.

This is a word from a loner, someone who is a veteran of life. Take it to heart and always remember, running away from your lives will always never be a wise option to take. Whether it’d be running away from your own country or wishing to go to another world, it will never be a wise option.

Being selfish is okay.

But being too selfless and ignorant can get you injured both physically and mentally.

Therefore, I conclude that the subject of “isekai genre” is nothing more than a coward’s-no. Loser is a perfect word. The isekai genre is a loser’s move, someone who runs away for their lives. No matter what, I will never wish to go to another world.

I accept the world I’m in, I accepted the society, I accept everything even if it is rotten to the core it makes you sick. Most of all, I accepted myself so I’ll say it as much as I want to:

Going to another world will never be an option for me.

“What...?”

What did this twisted fucking goddess just said?

“Like I said, going to another world is the only option.” She said, smiling sinisterly.

Or so, I would really, really, really want to say.

“You got to be kidding me, right?”

But before that, let’s go back before all of this, where my life as a loner was still there.

A few days ago...

Ugh, school is tiring as usual. Riajuus here and there, chatting and whatever. It really makes me sick to see them doing that. Façades worn but can still smile like an idiot. Truly disgusting.

That aside, I’m currently at a light novel store, looking for some light novels that may catch my interest and also lighten up my mood because of what happened at the accursed school. The correct course to this action is of course, checking out the store’s recommendation shelfs.

“Hmm, let’s see...” I observed around the shelfs, “What’s this? “That Time I got Reincarnated as a Toilet”? What?” I blinked and continue browsing, “And what about this? “I’m a Teenage Hormonal Boy Summoned into a World of only Girls”...that sounds really stupid.” I sighed and continued.

Summoned into Another World as a Pizza Delivery, Reincarnated as a Goblin and Conquer the World, To Become a Demon Lord in Another World, I’m a Villainess who Remembered her Past Life as an Otaku, Having an Overpowered Ability in making Friends in Another World, and much, much, much, more.

Jesus Christ, first it’s the imouto-moe shit and then this isekai thing.

Where the hell am I, in a dystopia where isekai is something important to read?

Like, goddamn, hold it off with these stories! I need some other stories as well but this is just sick. Instead of getting better, I’m getting irritated.

Ugh, enough of this.

I’m going home.

The new volume of Valiant Utopia hasn’t come out and that doesn’t help when the store’s flock with these stupid stories. What a brave (stupid) attempt at trying to satirize the isekai genre-color me impressed. In a pretty bad way, so to say.

As I arrived home, I ate lunch with Kaa-san and Tou-san before they gone back to work. Haa, poor Kaa-san and Tou-san. Forced to be a corporate slaves. I hope I don’t become like them in the future. Ah, but don’t misunderstand-I love them. They’re the only ones who cared for me in this stupid world. But well, what can you do but accept it all?

Anyway, after having lunch I went into my room, completely bored out of my mind. I plopped my back onto my bed, releasing a long sigh as I stared at the ceiling.

Man, school really sucks.

And here I was, thinking of buying a few volumes of light novels only to see that the store is full of that same isekai stories. What should I even do now...?

I blinked, “Oh, yeah...” I turn my head to my right side, seeing my book shelf filled with mangas and light novels. “I never did reread the mangas I’ve bought, haven’t I? Since it’s been a few years, might as well as read-I’m so damn bored.”

I stood up and took a few mangas from the shelf and started to read them. To my surprise, instead of getting a modicum of entertainment, I ended up enjoying it a bit too much. I forgot how good these mangas were or perhaps I didn’t get to enjoy much seeing as I haven’t matured much during the time I bought these.

I really liked the one where the protagonist was rejected by the idol of his school but then getting a genuine relationship with his best friend whom is just a normal girl. Now that’s proper romance, not the out-of-the-league style. I swear, being so nice can make a supernaturally-beautiful girl fall in love with you?

Ha!

I wish.

I also get to read the shoujo manga I found lying around in an empty classroom. This one’s pretty interesting. Instead of some riajuu girl who is beautiful already and getting flocked by out-of-the-world attractive guys, it was just a mere plain girl who just happens to stumble across an injured alien (who is also attractive) and tend to its injuries. At least this one’s a slow romance and featured only one love interest instead of having a harem of plethora kind of guys.

I swear, harems are just...something I don’t like. It makes things look ridiculous, I’m sure most harem would never arrive to the conclusion of which will be the chosen one. Really, what a stupid concept. These kinds of stories used to fill the anime industry long ago but luckily, there aren’t a lot of it anymore. Well, something else replaced it and it is very sickening.

Next comes the typical ecchi manga. Haa...not much to say other than nearly every five page, there will always be a fan service. “If it isn’t erotic, it won’t sell” my ass. Those who depend on such crude thing may as well as stop drawing/writing and learn more on how to appeal audiences. I mean, sure. This could attract the hormonal teenage people out there but it wouldn’t work on me.

I prefer storytelling than some crash shots of ass right on my face. Please don’t classify all of the teenage people like me as someone who are perverted. I can restraint myself just fine, thank you.

Ah, speaking of fan service-I also read a manga that has zero fan service. Surprising, right? What’s more is that the story is actually pretty good, better than most even though it is harem. Not just that, but the protagonist actually aimed for someone in his harem! He actually liked someone and isn’t dense! Instead of retaining status quo, he actually took initiative and confessed to the one he likes!

Now that’s a good harem.

Oh, and the other girls got rejected but don’t worry. They found someone whom they come to love at the end.

This is pretty old but it’s actually enjoyable to read. Man, I should’ve just reread these and it’ll make my day! These are pretty entertaining! I’m really glad I didn’t have to buy one of those isekai light novels and read with a cringing face!

Oh man! I’m going to read all of these mangas!

Along the day, I read until nighttime and slept rather comfortably and peacefully because of the mangas I’ve read...

“Uwahh, here comes Toshiyuki-kun.”

“Yeah, so creepy.”

“Why does he always frown, anyways?”

“Shh! He’s just like that! Don’t stare at him or he’ll beat you!”

“Alone, as always.”

“Yeah. Can’t pity him though.”

Morning came and the same thing always happens. People murmuring about, some insulting and some just outright commented on my situation. Well, can’t say I’m not annoyed but I’m already used to it at this point. These damned riajuus can’t stop talking behind me. Just please, go away and blow yourselves up. Better yet, why don’t you just die?

Anyway, the session passed by and currently, I’m having a break. I was eating at the school’s cafeteria, which was pretty silent (a rare occurrence) because the student council members were here to watch the students and keep them from rushing to buy making loud noises like a fucking fish market. It was actually peaceful and I find myself enjoying Kaa-san’s bento more than I used to.

As I ate, I was reading a manga. “Why the heck would you confess to that guy? You know he isn’t someone who’ll like you, damn it.” I was muttering commentaries as I read the shoujo manga. “Feel really sorry for Seiya. He deserved better.”

I was reading when I felt a presence approaching me. “Excuse me.” The voice belongs to a girl.

I lifted my head up, blinking as I did so and stared at the person before me. “Yes?”

The girl was attractive, I guess. She had a short black hair with the rare brown eyes, wearing the summer uniform of my school with the student council member band on her right arm near her shoulders. She doesn’t seemed to be enlightened by my presence.

“You are Toshiyuki Hitori, right?” She asked and I nodded, taking a bit of my bento. “Then, would you let me inspect you today? There are rumors of you bringing some things that break the school rules. I’m here to confirm that.”

Okay, first off why is someone like you care about petty rumors? They are as useless as an information but if you’re here to confirm the rumors because you aren’t really sure then fine. Haa, just when I was getting to the exciting part...

“You’re going to give me a pat-down?” I asked her and she nodded.

“Yes, the other student council members are busy since there’s not a lot of them. There are only about ten of them including me.” She replied before continuing, “There are complaints of the cafeteria being too rowdy so most of the members are too busy as you can see.”

I raised my eyebrows and looked behind her, seeing the other student council members doing their jobs properly. Two of them were watching the students lining up, and the other two are patrolling around. Well, they’re busy alright. And I guess the other members are also busy patrolling in the school buildings. Man, what a luck that I had this girl checking me up.

I sighed and stood up, “Fine.” I raised both of my hands, forming a “T” figure and urged her to be quick about it. “Please be quick. I’m in the middle of something.”

“Certainly.” She nodded.

Wait, shouldn’t it be a boy doing this?

Ah, right.

They’re busy but still, this is pretty weird.

Whatever then.

What’s done is done. No use in crying over a spilled milk.

I took a look around strangely enough, the people here were too busy paying attention to the other student council members who seemed to be gathering their attention. Well, the timing is convenient so there isn’t going to be another stupid rumor going around. Still hated the fact that there are rumors of me bring something technically illegal into school.

I swear, most of them just got out of the hand. I’m a loner so cut me some slack, damned riajuus. Guess a few mangas in home would help me cheering up.

She started checking my chest pocket, pressing her palm against it before both of her hands reached to both of my sides, pressing gently. It went down and arrived at my pants pocket. She pat a few times to ensure there was nothing in them. She signaled me to take a step forward and I did.

She went behind me and this is when I started to feel really uncomfortable. For some reason, she leaned in closer and breathes heavily through her nose. I thought she was nervous checking someone who had a...delinquent history but I felt like that wasn’t it. She pressed her palm on the pocket on my right butt, pressing it rather...too gentle and too long.

Not before long, she came to the front with cheeks blaring in redness. I blinked in confusion and looked behind her, seeing the other student council members stopped saying whatever it is and continued their activities. She...did she....? No, no way.

No way, right?

She didn’t used her position to just have a touchy-feely right? Ugh, what am I even talking about? Of course not. As if someone like me can garner the attention of even one girl...please don’t be narcissistic, Hitori. But still, I’m suspicious of her.

“Ahem.” She coughed onto her hand, getting my attention. “L-Looks like there’s nothing on you. The rumor is useless, as I expected.”

Rather, you should’ve guessed all rumors are false since they are baseless. They are just misinformation and disinformation, someone of your caliber should’ve known that.

I eyed her suspiciously, seeing through her. “Yeah.” I can see she had an ulterior motive behind her action today.

“Toshiyuki Hitori-san, I apologize for the inconvenience.” Damn right, you should. “Now, if you excuse me. I have other matters to attend.”

You should’ve attend those instead of doing...this. Did she really just did all of this just to feel my body? Somehow, I feel disgusted. Should I or shouldn’t I? I mean, I’m sure many other guys would like to be in my shoes but I was a bit different. I have morals and other obligations hammered into my brain from my parents in hopes that I wouldn’t do the same mistake as them.

Now I really understand how girls felt when they were molested, damn.

Next time I see her, I’ll have to avoid her detection-whoever she is.

I took my lunch and manga and quickly scurried off to my secret spot I shouldn’t use too frequently; the back of the school. As for why, I had my reasons. One of them being I don’t want people to know about this place or use it as a means of spreading more rumors. I have headache thinking about it. I know I shouldn’t care but it always disturbs my peace.

Also, I don’t want to be too long in this place because some yakuza-wannabe might be around here. Since my reputation is bad, I might get into more trouble than I bargained for.

I took a peek through the stairs, seeing no one. “Yosh.” I quickly sat down on the stairs and opened the lid of my lunch, proceeding to eat it. “Mmm, Kaa-san’s homemade food is the best.”

As the reminder of the day, nothing out of ordinary happened. I’m still worried about that girl from the student council member. What could she really (possibly) like about me? I’m someone known for the beatings he did back in middle school. That was an accident by the way, I didn’t mean to do it-it was an act of self-defense.

Yeah, like I said, I had a pretty bad reputation and it was the same from when I was still in junior high. I was alone, people always look at me in disgust because of my lifeless eyes. That went bad when an idol of the school came and hand me my homework because I forgot to get it from sensei. Apparently, because of it, rumors fly around about and it ended up getting to the ears of those who had a huge crush on her.

The rumors say that I was forcing or “coerced” her into doing...something inappropriate. I don’t even know why people believe this rumor seeing as it is very impossible. But I guess, even with the saying “Don’t judge a book by its covers”, people still does and they thought I’m this degenerate like the ones in the ero-doujins and whatnot.

So they resort to the crude-brute tactic; elimination. They tried to ambush me when I was heading behind the school’s gym because I received this love letter. Yeah, I was naïve back then so I was really happy when I received such thing that I didn’t think of the possibility of it being fake or a cruel prank. So when I was attacked out of nowhere, I resort in using a broom stick just lying around and beat them with it. Don’t underestimate broom sticks, they can be very dangerous.

Well, I hurt them badly but that’s not to say that I’m not injured because I am as well, more so than them. It’s one against many and even with broom stick as a weapon, what do you expect? Of course, the teachers found out about it and I explained it to them. It ended with me having to not receive any punishment and them being suspended for trying to do such thing. If they can’t do anything to “punish” me for doing something to their idol crush, they spread rumors of me being some delinquent which I’m not.

It was a really bitter memory, people still looks at me in disgust. Although I’m used to it, it doesn’t mean I can’t be vulnerable to it because I always will. It’s just that I’m mentally resilient than others to the point of such petty insults are nothing but an everyday occurrence for me. I’m always expecting bad things said about me every day but already accepted it all.

Ah, about the love letter. Nowadays, I don’t believe such thing because of what happened in both my kindergarten days and my junior high days. Two times were a prank in kindergarten, one is a trick to ambush me and three are just empty letters in middle school. I was embarrassed that I even had to think that those were actual love letters. And it all came down when I confessed to this one girl during my second year in middle school.

It was safe to say that I was really stupid, thinking that the girl liked me just because she was nice to me when she’s nice to everyone else. Right now, I don’t even know why I confessed in the first place. Maybe I thought that she had a thing for me so I had to reply somehow with the same. Turns out we both were wrong and that we both didn’t like each other. Haa, embarrassing, really.

Also, who the heck use love letters nowadays, anyway?

“Let’s just read the shoujo manga.” Yeah, I better read this manga to get rid of the secondhand embarrassment I’m having right now. “Where was I? Oh yeah, here.”

After school ended, I went home but not before taking another look at the light novel store to see some interesting light novels. Thankfully, the new volume of Valiant Utopia came out and I bought it. Still wondered why it wasn’t in the recommendation shelfs when this is one of the best things I’ve read.

Good characters, good story elements, interesting plot and most of all, diverse characters that has unique character development.

I swear, teenagers these days only care about how the girls look in the cover. I mean, Valiant Utopia’s cover was just a guy who stares onto the horizon where a floating empire is. I was hooked when I read the summary since it was very interesting. A post-apocalyptic story, who wouldn’t take an interest in such story? Well, I guess only a selected few would be interested in reading these.

After buying it, I came across a game store which caused an idea to click into my mind. There are also visual novels sold here so I should buy some. Perhaps it might give me a bit of entertainment but don’t have hope for it much. I bought two of the visual novel because the summary seemed really interesting and the drawing style looks amazing.

When I arrived home, I received a text from my father and mother that they were going to be a bit late. So I put aside my entertainment first and cook something for dinner-I’m sure they’re tired and hungry. I cook something that may increase their energy a bit and relaxed them. After that, they arrived and we had dinner together. I want to ask about their work but their faces already told how miserable it is so I refrained myself from asking.

They asked about how I did in school and I told them what happened; “Nothing special.” Though, I didn’t tell them about the whole pat-down thing since that...hasn’t confirmed yet. I mustn’t jump and create my own conclusion without enough proof, it would make me no different than those damned riajuus.

As we were eating, Kaa-san suddenly asked a question I never nor will I ever expected from her; “Hii-chan, why haven’t you bought any porn mags yet?”

I literally choked on the chicken I was eating before I took a drink to clear my throat, “W-What?” I blinked, frowning in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Tou-san came in, “Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen any “research materials” in your room. Surely, you’ve already hit puberty right?”

What are these two asking!?

“What are you saying? Of course not!” I shook my head, “I’ve restraint all of that so I won’t do anything rash.” I answered them with a sigh, taking a sip on my drink. “I value my virginity...and that isn’t sad at all.”

Yeah, I was someone...a bit special I guess. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I’m special when I said that. I meant that I had a special quality that I only know myself; valuing my virginity. It might sound sad but don’t feel bad about it. Let’s just say I’m a bit prideful.

“Then you’re more resilient than both me and your father here.” Kaa-san said, smiling. “We were still virgins until we married but until then, we have some curiosity about things like that so we researched.”

Doesn’t school taught you that stuff!? What about the sex-ed!? Don’t they have it back in your schooling days!?

“Well, your grandmother was a catholic so I was taught to keep myself a virgin.” Tou-san said, smiling as if...he’s reminiscing some memories in the past!? “I really missed her.”

“I was the same actually, but my grandfather was the catholic one.” Kaa-san added in and I just sighed.

“I’m finished.” I closed my mouth and let out a silent burp. “I’m going upstairs.”

“Ara, already?” Kaa-san asked and I nodded.

When you talk about things like that, would you really think I want to stay any longer? Woman, I’m no masochist nor am I worried about my “status”.

“Still have some things to do.” I replied.

“I guess you’re referring to those light novels and mangas, right?” He asked and Kaa-san giggled.

“I never thought our son would read a shoujo manga of all thing! Perhaps he’s more feminine than we thought?” I sighed once more and just quickly wash the dishes I used.

“I think he just reads it for entertainment, Akiko.” Tou-san replied.

“If you say so, Subaru.” Kaa-san giggled.

After washing I made my way upstairs and started to binge all the things I got in the room. That night, once more, I slept like a log without anything bad happening or any side-effects of the things that happened to me before.

I felt today was supposed to be a good day. Because of the night I spent sleeping comfortably and peacefully like a baby in the crib, I thought today is something special for me. I was practically all giddy inside and I was in a good mood. Today really felt like something good is going to happen to me. I thought that but...

Why did this happened?

“You’re Toshiyuki Hitori, right?”

I was at the back of the school, where I was having my lunch peacefully until these two (intimidating) guys approached me. They don’t have a pleasant look on their faces so I felt something bad is going to my way if I don’t do something. I just can feel it.

Damn it, and here I was thinking today was supposed to be something I enjoy.

“Yeah...?” I eyed both of them warily, “Is there something you want?”

“Do you know Hanazawa Sakura?” He asked but I just frowned in confusion and shook my head, “She’s a member of the student council.”

Are they referring to who I thought they’re referring to?

“Still don’t know.” I shook my head.

“Don’t fuck with us!” The other guy yelled, “We heard rumors that you’re both going out!”

Again with the rumors? These people sure do believe such baseless information, don’t they?

I glared at them and they were taken aback by the animosity I was showing, “I don’t know her and don’t ever think that rumors confirm anything. I have no interest in relationships.”

Just in case, I prepared my phone and recorded the voices. They might attack me for whatev-

“Fuck you! I’m going to kick your ass!” The other guy came and just swat away the bento from my hands. “So stop eating like a pussy!”

The bento Kaa-san created flew away from my hands, dropping down and spilling everything out. I stared at it in confusion, my figure froze.

Everything around me deafened as I only stared at the food Kaa-san created for me. She was always tired because of work to help Tou-san for our financial income. She dedicated most of her days for work in hopes she could get a bit more money for us. She always were tired from work and yet, every day, she always made a bento for me-worried for me even though she should worried herself from overworking.

And that same bento were swat away like a trash. Her sweat, her tears and her blood were thrown away as if it was nothing more than a trash. Her worries were waved away...

This is the very first it happened in a long time.

Something overwhelmed me inside.

Something just snapped.

What is this feeling?

Why do I have the urge to do something?

Why do I...want to make him pay?

Is this....is this anger?

Hahaha...I never thought I would be angry.

Really, really, really, really angry.

Or perhaps, I’ve always had the urge but I restraint it?

I quickly turned around and immediately sent a fist right on the guy’s face, sending him stumbling before tripping down to the stairs.

“W-What the hell are you doing!?” The other guy said, eyes widened and was still in daze. “Y-You...!”

The other guy was groaning below the stairs, grabbing his nose in pain as I can see blood dripping out. “Do you want to do this?” I asked, my tone felt a bit different. “If you don’t want to, I suggest bring your buddy down there and leave me.” I said and took out my phone. “And don’t even think of telling the teachers, I have evidence here. Don’t even spread some stupid rumors.”

“W-What the hell!? You’re crazy!” He was scared, good.

“Go before I change my mind.” I said and he immediately took his buddy out of my sight.

“Y-You’ll regret this!” He said but I showed him the phone, still having to record what he said.

“You think?” I asked back and he just click his tongue and cowered away.

As they were out of my sight, I fell down onto my knees, breathing heavily.

That...was nerve wrecking. I never thought I’d lose control of myself. If it was anything I hate other than superficiality, it’s having no control over myself. Shit, thank god I decided to record the whole thing. If I didn’t, god knows what will happen to me. It could’ve gone worse but it didn’t. That first guy seemed afraid of me, perhaps because of the rumors.

Well, that ended well so no use in dwelling it. But still, why do I feel so...satisfied? Was it because I get to punch a guy square on his face?

I don’t know why but I feel happy right now.

I was smiling like an idiot. “Hehehe, what is wrong with me?”

Am I an S?

Whatever the case, Kaa-san’s bento is ruined. God, I still feel like I want to punch that guy more. But I guess that was enough. Haa...what a waste, really. Still...

“Today is a really good day, huh?” I asked to no one in particular as I stared above in the skies.

Man, I never felt really good in a long time. All the stress had gone away, I have no worries and even with Kaa-san’s bento were wasted, I was still be able to smile.

Speaking of, I was smiling all along the day. In the class and even when I walked around until school ended, I was smiling. It probably looked disturbing to other with all their stabbing stares but I ignored all the disgusted stares, murmurs and whispers as I walking towards my home. I was actually smiling without any care!

I guess my intuition was right all along.

Today is a good day.

Haa...I guess I’ll enjoy more of the entertainment later.

I was walking and stopped when the light for the zebra crossing was red. It turned green and I walked forward with a quiet hum. Man, this is real good. What a blessing day!

“Oi, you!”

I blinked before I heard a truck honking, causing my eyes to widen.

What!?

The light was green!

No, no this cannot happen to-

I opened my eyes as wide as I can and sat up, breathing heavily. “A...a d-dream?” I asked myself, grabbing the hem of my shirt.

That felt...realistic? Man, that dream sure is scary though.

“No, it’s not.” An unfamiliar voice rings out.

I blinked and lifted my head to see a woman, a supernaturally-beautiful woman floating before me. She had a long purple hair, flowing gently by some unknown force. She had a pair of amethyst eyes, alluring than any other eyes I’ve seen in my life. She wore a dark-grey gothic dress and seemed to have this divine aura surrounding her mature figure. She was really beautiful. She was so beautiful I was left dazed for a good few seconds. It actually took me a bit of a time to process what just happened.

“Where am I...?” I asked, I don’t like where this is heading.

“My realm.” She answered, seemingly amused for some reason. “You...you aren’t seduced by my looks, are you?”

I stood up, finally noticing that we were in a black space. “Looks alone doesn’t make me like you.”

That was true but I still can’t help but blush in embarrassment at how close I am in the proximity of a supernaturally-beautiful woman. It’s expected, looks are a part of a charm after all but this isn’t enough to actually make me like her.

That aside, is what happening to is what I think it is?

“Hmm...you really are interesting.” She smiled, but the smile looked sinister. “Now, Toshiyuki Hitori. Did you remembered what happened to you?”

“I...I got hit by truck?” I replied, unsure.

Her smile widened, “Not really.” She snaps her finger and immediately, a screen pops out showing me almost getting hit by a truck but whatever was happening is paused. “I pulled your soul into my realm so that you can change your fate.”

“Fate...?” What is this, a light novel? “What do you mean?”

“As you can see, you’re about to die.” She pointed out at the screen and started to explain, “However, this can be avoided if you were to change your fate. You can do that by listening to what I say.”

“Go on.” I urged her.

“Me and the other goddesses are playing a game.” As I thought, she’s a goddess. “However, we required a few...individuals to play the game. The individuals are, of course, you Humans. We place a bet on the Humans we chose. The Human who wins the game are the victor.”

Sound simple, but I get the feeling that this game has something more to it than what it was told. I have a really bad feeling for this.

“So what, you gambled on me?” I asked and she smiled.

“That’s right!” She replied.

“What kind of game is it, if I may ask?”

This goddess, the body language, the expression, the façade she used....she reminded me of a sadistic psychopath. I don’t like it one bit.

“There are four players added in and will be transported into another world. It’s simple actually, you just have to find a single fake person created by us and...kill her.” She said, eyes and smile distorted.

What...?

“You’re asking me to kill?” I gritted my teeth, “You’re asking a wrong person, goddess.”

“By the way, declining is not an option. You can only go to another world if you want to live in your world once more and delay your death.”

My eyes widened, “What...?”

What did this twisted fucking goddess just said?

“Like I said, going to another world is the only option.” She said, smiling sinisterly.

“You got to be kidding me, right?” I glared at her, I was angry once again.

“I’m not.”

This bitch...she wants me to participate in a twisted game.

“Return me back to my world, now.” I growled but she just sway her index finger side to side, clicking her tongue three times as if to scold a naughty child.

“You can’t.” She said, “Even if you return to your world, you’ll die. I can only summon those who are on the verge of dying.” She said the last part ominously.

Summon those on the verge of dying? What could that possible mean? Wait...when I crossed the road, I was sure that...no, she-!

“You...the lights were green last time I checked it. I just noticed no one was there beside me when I crossed.” She is very twisted, she was manipulating me. “You’re the one who made the lights green, didn’t you? The moment only I was the one who checks it.”

“Who knows?” She grinned, “Your only option is to participate in this game and win. If you win, you’ll be saved. Perhaps you want my body as well?” She winked but that only fueled my anger.

She looks like a goddess but acts like a demon.

I gritted my teeth, before calming myself down. Relax, relax Hitori. Getting angry won’t make this any better. Think, think carefully. If you were to be a part of this game, surely, there’s some more you should know, right? Making rash decisions won’t help you in any way.

“What should I know? Are there any hints?” I asked her, pride won’t take me anywhere so might as well as swallow it whole.

“Oh? Now you want to participate when I offer you myself? Ehehe, pervert~!” She mocks me.

“What. Should. I. Know.” I repeated my question, growling angrily. “Tell me. I’m sure the other participants are given some kind of hints.”

She giggled, “Indeed. No need to be so angry~!” She smiled widely, “There are three hints; one, the creation will have an awareness of us goddess and that it is our creation. They eat, sleep, feel and have personality much like a Human.” She said before continuing. “Two; the creation is a girl of age 12-18. Younger or older than that is not classified as our creation.” She raises her index, middle and ring finger all together to point out the third of the hints. “Three and the last; the creation is a residence in Japan.”

Wait, what?

“Japan? I thought we were going to another world?” I cocked my eyebrows.

“Ah, about that. This world will be the same as your own only with slight differences. Rather than “another world”, why don’t we just call it “alternate world” to differentiate things, hm?” The twisted smile of hers return to her face, “And I’m sure you’re familiar with all the things you’ve read back at home, yes? The light novels, the mangas and the two visual novels you’ve bought.”

I frowned, “So you spied on me?”

“Let’s call it “observing”.” She replied before continuing, “As I was saying, those things you’ve read will provide information that can be quite advantageous of you, very much so than you think.”

“And why is that?”

“Because all of the characters in those...“entertainment” you’ve indulged yourself with, will exist and live with you there.” That twisted smile widened, “Of course, one of them will be the creation.”

What...?

What did she just said?

She...she’s serious about that, wasn’t she?

Damn it, damn it!

She must think I’m someone special but I’m not! I’m just a high school student! Who could ever think that someone like me would kill!? I’m no killer!

What the hell...what the hell!? What the hell is wrong with her!? How can she be this twisted!? She’s a fucking cruel bitch!

“You sadistic fuck...” I glared at her. “You want me to kill a girl-someone from fiction no less-to win the game!? What’s wrong with you!?”

“You will participate, whether or not you would like it.” The goddess claimed, her eyes forming a frown as she smiled. “If you win, I guarantee you. You’ll live and postpone the inevitable; your death. This is your only option, Hitori-san.”

Calm...down.

Calm down.

Calm down, Hitori.

Anger won’t take you anywhere. Pride is useless in this situation. If you were to compete in this game, there must be something you could ask that is more progressive than being angry and prideful. Think and be calm, don’t be swayed by her words. You will only be played in her palms, something you don’t like. Be in control, take a breather.

I took a sharp inhale and regained my composure, “Fine.” I said but still glared at her, “I will participate in this fucked-up game of yours.”

“That wasn’t hard, now was it~?” Shut up, you twisted bitch.

Think.

Think carefully.

“So, I just have to find this creation of yours, right? Like hide-and-seek?” She nodded. “That means she will hide herself...so this requires an....understanding of sorts.”

“Indeed.” She replied, eyebrows raised and lips curved in amusement. “You must uncover the creation’s façade, see through pass her and reveal everything about her but I assure you, it won’t be easy.” She stares at me weirdly, “Because the other participants have the same problem as you; having no friends whatsoever.”

Great. So this game requires me to interact with other people, which also means this game wants me to solve my “social” problem, per se. But then, once I get to know this creation, I have to kill her? That is just sick. These goddesses who seek “entertainment” are insane.

“Now, before you go, I’ll give you one last hint.” I raised my eyebrows, “The people you meet from now on are important. That includes the guys you’ll meet which can be valuable allies. Until then, I’m looking forward for your progression~!”

“Tch,” I clicked my tongue and faced away, “Just send me already. I don’t want to talk to you anymore, this was more than enough.”

“Eh~? Most guys would be happy to talk to me, you know?” Those guys are idiots who can’t see through your stupid façade which makes me sick just looking at it. “But you’re not one of those guys, Hitori-san. I bid you farewell and good luck. Remember, Japan in that world is slightly different that it may cause you to be different as well.”

“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes.

“Bye-bye and do your best, Hitori-san!”

A finger snap resounded and my vision went black.

I slowly opened my eyes, my body felt really uncomfortable enough that it caused me to groan. “Ugh...” As my eyes adjusted to the rendering, I sat up. “Where am I?” I looked around.

This...isn’t my room. I blinked and looked back at my bed, which had many bags of chip scattered across. Geez, no wonder it felt so uncomfortable. Wait, rather, why are there even bags if chip here in the first place? Also, this room is really dark it actually made me perturbed. I don’t know how I can see all of the details across the room though despite how dark it is.

“Where are the curtains?” I looked around once more and just saw it on the corner of the room, just a bit further from my bed. “There it is.”

I slid across the bed, sitting on the edge before standing up or tried to. I stumbled down but luckily, I manage to regain my footing by slamming my foot to the front.

Okay, what the hell?

Why does this body felt so...weird? No, weak is the preferable term.

Nevertheless, I made my way to the curtains and opened it only to see it was covered by card boxes. What the heck? Who the hell sealed this!?

“Haa...damn it.”

First, I woke up feeling very uncomfortable. Then, the room was dark. Also! My head feels really itchy, it’s very uncomfortable. And finally, someone sealed off the window! Yeah, thanks for the shitty starting point, you twisted bitch of a goddess. You’re as useless as that blue-haired goddess.

Feeling very annoyed, I ripped the card box out. “Gah!” And once I did, the intense brightness from the sun penetrates my eyes I felt like I had been blinded by a fucking flashbang! “So bright!”

Why are the sun so bright, man!?

I waited a bit longer, covering my eyes from the sun a bit as my eyes slowly getting used to the brightness. A few minutes later, I stood up groggily and completely ripped out the card boxes and my eyes set on a familiar neighborhood.

“Huh...I’m still at the same place, aren’t I?” I blinked before opening the windows. “There, soft wind breeze.”

I felt really refreshed feeling it for some reason. I looked back at my room, seeing the mess that plague it. Chip bags, scattered clothes, trashes and...are those tissues? Man, how was this room so messy though?

I made my way to the door before my eyes set on a desktop just beside my bed, “Hm?” I squinted my eyes only to see that the screen showed some MMORPG playing. “Wait the minute...”

I quickly went towards the wardrobe, gazing into the mirror to see myself. I blinked with shock filling across my face.

My hair was red, surprisingly but what’s more surprising is that it was long, really long for my taste. That explains why my head feels itchy! And my body...it looks really wimpy! What the heck? My body before this is much better than this...this chopsticks!

Wait the minute...

“The desktop displaying an MMORPG...” I gulped, looking at the desktop, “The chip bags scattering around...” No, no, no, no! “The sealed windows to darken the room...” This can’t be, right? “A messy room...”

No, this actually all fits in that criteria!

“Am I...?” I am, aren’t I? “I’m a hikikomori in this world!?”

And that’s how my “life” started in this crappy world with a starting point provided by that twisted goddess. A new start, a new world. This was meant only for cowards who can’t face their own lives or reality so they mourn for the world they’ve dreamt of. And somehow, I was in their shoes, living as a hikikomori which I plan on changing.

Really, I-Toshiyuki Hitori-will always disagree with the idea of isekai, no matter what.

Prelude End: “Toshiyuki Hitori Disagree with the Idea of Isekai”