It's not as if I didn't want to try at life.
I work hard at the things I deem necessary in life. I study when I need to. I practice things I need to. I do everything I feel I need to as best I can.
Unfortunately, in the world I live in, a lot of things are only somewhat necessary.
My name is Kenji Fujima. I'm 17 years old. Blood type O-. 181 Centimeters tall. 119 Kilograms of weight. High school 2nd year.
I am overweight. I am well aware of this. I could become fit if I really wanted to, but I just don't see a need.
So long as my blood pressure stays at a reasonable level and I keep my cholesterol low I shouldn't have any issues. I follow the philosophy of "leave tomorrow's problems to tomorrow's me."
It's not as if being fit would accomplish anything anyway. Being fit is really just an extra bonus for working hard. Why would I care to be fit if my life didn't deem it necessary? I don't need to run ever nor do I need to lift anything heavy. I occasionally do a pushup or two in order to keep myself from deteriorating, but it's not as if I do a lot of them.
The way I see it, it's like being a car enthusiast. Sure you can drive really fast, but unless you're under very specific circumstances you can't break the speed limit or you will get a ticket. It's the same thing for being really fit. Sure a fit guy can run on a treadmill for longer than I can, but other than a treadmill what else would that person run on? It's the same logic.
No I am not saying this because I don't have a girlfriend.
Anyway, I've explained my reasoning. You want to know what I am doing right now? I'm shopping at my local convenience store. The newest volume of a manga I've been reading just got released and I want to get it. Reading manga is one of my favorite hobbies after all. The only thing that trumps reading manga for me is completing raids with my online friends in MMO's.
I stepped into the interior of the store, its neon lights illuminated the aisles that were filled with all sorts of different snacks and items. Instead of directing my attention to the foods, however, I instead cut an immediate left as I entered. "Hmm… is it here?" I muttered aloud, looking over the latest releases rack in search of my item.
The store clerk, a man that appeared to be in his mid-twenties, looked over the counter and spoke to me. "What are you looking for sir?" He asked. I looked up to see the rest of the store only to find that myself and the clerk are the only people here. It makes sense of course since it's almost midnight.
I crouched back downwards and began perusing the new releases section once more. "The newest volume of Naremo Squadron." I shouted out, ensuring the clerk could hear me. "I heard you guys had it."
At my question the clerk gave an audible groan, shut his eyes, and began to tell me the bad news. "My apologies sir, we recently sold the last copy."
Sheesh. So this is why people have been switching to digital formats.
The store clerk seems to be upset. I bet the clerk feels bad about not having the manga and is afraid that I will take out my anger on him. It's probably best to ease the tension.
"Ah well. I can't blame you, it's not your fault." I sighed out while giving a light smile.
"A-ah. Thank you sir." The clerk gave an awkward smile in return, as if he had just been excused from a problem.
The clerk seems to be a bit more relaxed. I made the right call.
Well... It's not like I'd take my frustration out on the guy working here. The clerk probably doesn't decide the stock of every item.
I turned away from the new releases aisle as I directed my attention towards the snacks. If I can't get what I came here for, I may as well get something else while I'm here after all.
After perusing the snack aisle for a few moments, I decided to grab a bag of chips and a soda instead. I had a raid later so these would be my rations for the night.
As I approached the counter, someone in a black hoodie came into the store. He quickly made his way towards the counter. I wasn't really paying attention because I just wanted my things, but I noticed the cashier's expression shifted to something resembling fear.
"Get out of my way fatty." A rather high pitched voice called out to me as they grabbed my shoulder.
Huh? Why am I being shoved? I'm just trying to buy my stuff. This is very confusing. What's going on?
"Hey, what? What's happening?" I asked while turning around.
Instinctively, I resisted and shoved the arm off.
Apparently, this was a bad call.
"You piece of shit! Take this!" The high pitched voice screamed out.
That was the last sentence I heard. The next thing I saw was something pointing at my head and then everything going black.
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Huh? Where am I? What the hell just happened? Where are my chips?
As I was searching the strange room, I realized that I've never been here before. This room appears to resemble a more traditional style Japanese home complete with tatami mats and a small table with a teapot on top. I'm very confused.
I… probably won't find my chips anywhere.
As I was searching the small room for anything resembling a bag of chips, The paper door in front of me opened with a thump noise which was followed by the soft creaking of footsteps as an old man in a grey robe walked into the room and closed the door behind himself. His pristine white beard and bald head were immaculately groomed.
The old man rounded his shoulders slowly, as if they were very stiff, walked towards the table, and sat down. Once he had finished stretching himself out, he began to speak. "Well, I wasn't expecting anyone right now. Welcome."
The old man motioned for me to sit with him as well on the opposite side of the table. Though I was confused, I decided to take the old mans offer. Despite my confusion, I can at least get some answers. I have a lot of questions after all.
"Um... Oji-san, where am I and who are you?" I asked in a timidly, darting my eyes around the room as I did so. Old people tend to have the shortest fuses from my experience so I had best keep my questions short and to the point.
"Woah, slow down son, one at a time." the old man insisted while holding his hand out in front of me.
They were just 2 questions, and two basic ones at that! Sheesh, what is this old man's problem?
...I guess I'll have to play by the old man's rules though.
"Okay…" I began, slowing my words to ensure that the old man would not think I was going too fast. "Where am I?"
The old man took a deep breath. "Well, to begin with, you have just died." The old man slid a finger across his throat. "This is the 'Judgment Room' where I… uh… judge people. Hence the name 'Judgement room'."
Wait, what? What did this old man just say? Something about "death" and "judgement?" Oh no, I've begun to hyperventilate. This is bad. I hope I don't have a panic attack. I bet this old man is just pranking me! That's right! It's gotta be a prank!
I need to get to the bottom of this. I need to be direct. To hell with taking this mans pace.
"Hold on Oji-san. I-I'm not dead!" I held my hands to my chest as if to show how very much alive I am. "I'm sitting in this room and talking to you right now! If I were dead, then how would this be possible?"
The old man sighed as he brought a small handbook from the inside of his shirt, opened it up, and read out "According to what my handbook says, a robber shot you in the head from 7 centimeters away with a handgun. You're absolutely, 100%, dead. Sorry buddy."
As the old man finished his sentence, he closed the book with one hand which caused a loud thump noise to reverberate throughout the room. The old man proceeded to return his book into his shirt.
I blinked a few times in bewilderment, my head on a swivel as I tried to check for any hidden cameras. This can't be real. I'm on one of those weird prank shows! I got shot in the head? I'm dead? I'm in a judgment room? This guy knows exactly what happened? There's no way. I refuse to believe that any of this happened. It's just... not possible!
Except...
"Wait... So… That wasn't a dream?" I could hear myself whispering. I didn't realize I had started talking until after I had already finished.
"Nope. Totally real. Sorry about that." the old man yawned while shrugging.
Well... I may as well go for broke.
"I don't suppose I got to keep my chips with me…?" I leaned in slightly in an attempt to goad this man into relinquishing my snack.
The old man just sat there while staring at me. The silence is deafening.
The atmosphere in the room is a bit awkward. I've never really been that great at talking to people I have nothing in common with. If I just knew something about this guy then I could talk with him easier… Actually that's a good point. Who even is this guy?
"Hey, Oji-san, who are you?" I looked him over, attempting to find even a single identifying detail on his body.
"I'm God... At least, I'm one of 'em." He looked away from me as he spoke. "It's a long story so please don't worry about it." he waved his hand as if to brush off the topic.
Wait, I'm sitting in front of God himself? This is insane.
Despite my current situation, I had to know one thing first. "So…" I began. "Are you the Christian God? Judaism? Hindu? Which one?"
I may as well find out while I'm here after all.
The self-proclaimed God shrugged his shoulders and leaned back as he looked towards the ceiling. "All of them at once I suppose. They're all the same thing really. I should sort that whole mess out at some point…" the old man trailed off while scratching his short white beard as he continued to not make eye contact with me.
The old man seemed to be in deep thought until he cupped one hand and hit it with his fist. "Ah! We're getting away from the main conversation. You, Kenji Fujima, have died." He pointed straight at me as his eyes met mine. "It is my duty to decide what happens from this point."
This man calling himself God made an incredible declaration.
"Woah, so... you decide if I'm going to heaven or hell?" I felt nerves creep over me, but I can't stop the inevitable from happening now. I just need to know what happens next.
"Or get reincarnated!" He held a finger upwards towards the ceiling. "That's the job."
Oh, right. Since he's every god at once he would also handle stuff like reincarnation too.
God pulled out his book once again and opened it up while closely inspecting a page.
"Hmm..." He began as his eyes darted around the pages. "It appears as if you haven't really done much in life." He glanced up from the book occasionally as he read. "It's probably because you're only 17 years old. I can't blame you for that." He shrugged "Hmm… Well, unfortunately for you, I can't exactly send you to heaven based on your results from life." He returned his book to his robe as he returned his gaze to me.
Shit.
"Well..." He stretched his arms upwards, yawning as he did so. "You can get reincarnated or you can go to hell. It's your choice."
"WHAT KIND OF OPTIONS ARE THOSE? I CAN EITHER BURN FOREVER OR BE REBORN?" I stood up and slammed the table. This is outrageous.
"Well, yes. That's how this works." God declared. He didn't seem to care about my sudden outburst at all.
We both silently stared at one another for a little while. I felt awkward, so I slowly lowered myself back down to sit.
Suddenly, God looked as if he remembered something and held his finger towards the ceiling. "Ah! Oh yes, of course! I almost forgot the other option!" He chuckled lightly to himself. "You like anime, manga, and games, right?" He asked as he began to lean in closely.
"Huh? Oh, yes I like that stuff. Hey wait, don't forget important things right now!" I shouted as I wept internally.
"Well then you're in luck! There is another option exclusive to young people such as you! You can be reborn in another world like one of those anime or manga you like so much!" He held his arms open, as if he was presenting me with a golden opportunity.
Wait, did God just say what I think he said? Is this actually happening?
"Essentially what's happening is that this world I would send you to is under attack by some evil being. I don't really care about the exact details." He looked upwards as he rocked his head from side to side. "Call him the demon king or whatever you want, that's what the locals call him anyways." He shrugged before he began to pour himself a cup of tea.
This is just like the plot of so many novels and manga I've read! I can't believe this is real! I'm smiling like an idiot, but I don't care.
"And my job is to defeat this demon king guy?" I asked, raising my eyebrows up and down. I already know what he's going to say, but I just want to hear it for myself.
"Yep, you are correct." He took a sip from his steaming cup. "I need you to kill this being. You're basically a hitman for God. Doesn't that sound appealing?" He held a hand outwards as he made a finger gun and pointed it towards the wall.
Woah woah woah! Is this really real? I get to be an isekai protagonist? That's crazy! I get to learn magic and fight with swords and build a harem with a big boobed onee-san, a tsundere loli, and maybe even a monster girl! All my dreams are coming true! Dying is the best thing that's ever happened to me! Thank you Mr. Hoodie!
"Um… Hello? Are you listening?" asked God as I felt my fantasies crashing back down.
I just realized I had been sitting in my mind for the better part of a minute.
"Oh, yeah, haha sorry I was lost in thought!" I rubbed the back of my head, shuffling my black hair around as I did so. I'm blushing. How embarrassing.
"Oh... Well I was saying that I wouldn't recommend you take this option." God took another sip of his tea.
"...Huh?" I let out.
What the hell? Why would God tell me about this and then proceed to tell me not to take it? Is God teasing me? This is a bit ridiculous.
"Huh? Why not?" I started to shrink a bit to make myself seem a bit smaller. "Did I... do something wrong?"
"Well... You're fat." God replied tersely as he continued to sip his tea as if nothing had happened.
Both of us sat still in the room and stared at one another for a while in silence.
The silence in the room speaks volumes. I can't let it go on like this. I need to say SOMETHING.
"Is that… the only reason?" I looked up towards him as I asked.
"Well, it's certainly the biggest reason, no pun intended! Haha!" God announced while slapping his stomach.
I simply stared in bewilderment.
"Look." God placed his teacup down as he stared straight into my eyes. "The hero has to be a gallant handsome guy that works hard and tries his best no matter what! You're a fat guy that likes manga and video games!"
You know what? I hate God.
"Look, don't take it personally." He waved his hand at me while reaching back to his cup.
"I'm finding it hard not to." I muttered.
"Well then take it personally." God shrugged as he took another sip of his steaming tea.
I was silent after this. I'm getting increasingly frustrated.
"Can I... go to the isekai world anyway? Even despite your warning?" I leaned towards God as I asked this.
"Huh?" He looked up from his cup before quickly looking back down. "O-Oh yes. Of course you can. It's just a warning after all!" He shrugged his shoulders.
Well, not all hope was lost. Still, if I'm going to go to an isekai world I need to know a few things.
"Okay..." I leaned backwards. "I have a few questions first if you don't mind answering them."
"Oh, of course." God placed his teacup back onto the table. "I am happy to answer any questions you may have so long as they're in my capacity to do so." He spoke as if he was reading something out. His tone reminded me of a tour guide that didn't care about their job.
This is good. I have God answering my questions. Infinite knowledge is at my fingertips.
"Okay..." I cupped my chin for a moment. "Well… First and most important question: Will I be able to understand the language of this world?" Best to start with the basics after all.
"Yes. All individuals transported to another world are imbued with the knowledge of the common language of that world. You'll be able to read, write, and speak the language fluently as if you've done it your whole life." God answered me in monotone.
Great! So I won't have to depend on some form of translation!
"Will doing this make me forget how to understand Japanese?" I reached over to pour myself some tea, but God slapped at my hand, preventing me from doing so.
"No." God went back to sipping his drink.
"Will I get sick from the diseases of this world?" I held my neck in a choking manner as a visual representation.
"I will alter your immune system to work as if you have lived on this planet your entire life." God took a large swig. "You won't be unable to get sick, but you won't die to foreign bacteria or something."
So I won't get sick from the diseases of this world easily. That's a relief.
"Are there other people in this world from Japan, or really, Earth?" I looked around the room as I asked.
"Yes. There are about 30 people from Earth on this world." God shrugged his shoulders as he declared this.
That's... surprisingly low. I guess most people just don't want to live out the isekai dream. I pity them.
"Why are you pulling people from Earth to this world?" I tried to subtly take the teapot, but it seems that God was aware of my intent before I even started as it disappeared from the table.
"People from Earth understand the concept of being brought to another world thanks to things like games or books. The process runs smoothly when dealing with people from Earth when you compare it to people on Pluto." God waved his hand a bit as he explained.
I was taken aback. "People live on Pluto?"
"We're getting ahead of ourselves." God waved his hand at me.
God just dodged an important topic.
"Okay... Why are only young people like me given this option then?" I looked over myself as I asked.
"Young people are able to get into their physical prime and be strong enough to battle monsters and the like. I can't grab someone in their fifties and expect them to go around becoming the next hero of the world, can I?" God looked towards me as if I had just asked something crazy. "That just doesn't make sense. Of course..." He looked me up and down. "You're not exactly in your physical prime either." He muttered as he returned to his drink.
Well, God has a point there, even if he was being a jerk about it.
"What's the human population of this world?"
God looked upwards, as if mulling the number around in his head for a moment. "About 73,621,996 humans in total."
Wow, that's really low compared to Earth. This world I'm going to must be a medieval society or something along those lines.
"Are there typical fantasy powers? Do I get magic? Do I get superhuman abilities?" I acted like I was swinging a sword as I asked.
"Yes but you need to work for them." God nodded his head.
Yes! Magic! Sword skills! Super strength! I get to have them! This is my dream come true!
"Do I get a cheat item or ability like in K*****ba?" I leaned forward, grinning excitedly.
"I don't know what K*****ba is, but you get to understand the language." God took another sip of tea.
Huh? Maybe God just didn't understand my question.
"No, I-I mean like... A sword that kills everything in one hit o-or super strength!" I flexed, though since I have barely any muscles to begin with, it was more like I just showed off my flabby body.
"What?" God placed his cup back down. "Why would I give you that? You get the language and some clothing appropriate for the world you'll appear in and that's it. If I was able to send people down there with items like that then I wouldn't really have a problem with a demon king, would I?"
He has a point, but this might be bad for me.
"Will I… become fit when I get transported there?" I glanced towards God.
"Nope. You'll still be fat." He shrugged.
"So I'm just expected to fend for myself out there?"
"Yes of course. I did tell you I didn't recommend doing this."
I sat silently as I thought over my situation.
What the hell? You're just dumped onto another planet, not a coin to your name and no powers either and you're expected to defeat a great demon king? Why would anyone want to do this?
"Any other questions?" God placed his now finished tea down.
I may as well make a 100% educated decision before I get reincarnated.
"How do I gain power? Is it a linear thing or do I level up? How does it work?"
"You level up like in a video game. Killing monsters gets you experience points towards your next level. You can also train to gain experience points but it's far slower." God whistled a sound that was reminiscent of a level up song from a game I once played.
So I get to level up by killing monsters. That sounds like a lot of grinding in order to get stronger.
"What types of monsters are there?"
"Your standard fantasy fare." God pointed towards the table as small representations of creatures appeared on top of it. "Slimes, dragons, goblins, other things too."
Wait… if there are standard fantasy monsters, then that must mean...
"Are there… Cat girls?" I looked at God with expectant eyes full of hope.
After a long pause, God finally spoke. "…Yes there are cat girls." His disapproval was self evident, but I don't care.
I need to go to this fantasy world right now. There is not a second to waste.
"You sure do ask a lot of questions..." Mumbled God.
I feel like God's respect for me has gone down a notable amount, but I don't really mind.
"Where do I show up in this fantasy world?"
"I'll send you to a town that's really far away from the so-called 'demon king'. The town is called 'Ruks' and you'll find a lot of lower level people there." He drew the word "Ruks" in the air as he said this.
"Do I get any starting gear?" I turned my pockets inside out, revealing that there was nothing inside. "Any money?"
"You get the clothes I give you and the ability to speak, read, and write the language of this world."
So no, I do not. Not even a little dagger or a rusted blade hilt like from D**k S***ls.
"This is really harsh, don't you think?"
"Well I did warn you."
We sat silently once again for a little while. This is becoming common between us.
With how harsh this all is, it makes sense that there are only about 30 people from Earth on this other world.
After a little bit of thinking, God seemed to become impatient and spoke again rather forcefully. "Hey… can you choose? I have to process a lot of other people and you're holding up the line."
Oh yeah. I forgot I was dead.
I stood up and looked God in the eyes. "I choose to go to this other world. What is it called?"
"The world of Kardia." He stood up slowly in response.
"Alright! I want to go to Kardia!" I held a fist into the air in victory.
I made my declaration! I am going to an Isekai world! Alright!
"Okay. Pick out a set of clothes from the wardrobe over there and head through the door." God pointed to his right as a door suddenly opened out of nowhere. "Good luck, don't die again. I don't expect anything from you."
Despite the fact that God was apparently a jerk, I picked out my clothes and stepped towards the open door.
"Oh yeah! If you somehow manage to defeat the so-called 'demon king' I'll grant you a wish of your choice!"
I turned my head. "A wish? What kind of-"
God shoved me through the doorway.