Alfred was, to put it mildly, a peculiar student. Despite his best efforts, making friends was like trying to teach a goldfish to climb a tree.

His issue?

A perpetually stern expression that made him look like he was plotting world domination. His classmates gave him a wide berth, whispering wild and utterly untrue rumors—like how he was a retired circus lion tamer or an undercover wizard from a rival magical realm. 

(Seriously, a lion tamer? I can't even tame my own hair.) These stories only fueled his mysterious aura.

Unable to bridge the gap with his peers because of these fantastical rumors, Alfred decided to take matters into his own hands. He formed his own club. Normally, this would be a no-go at the school, but even the principal, who secretly suspected Alfred might be a young wizard king in disguise, nervously approved it. 

(At least now I have a place to eat lunch without everyone scattering like pigeons.)

One ordinary day, as Alfred sat in his new clubroom, poking at his bento, something extraordinary happened—the door began to emanate a mysterious glow. 

(Did I accidentally microwave the door?) 

Compelled by curiosity, he stepped through and found himself whisked away to an entirely different world.

◆　◇　◆

Alfred found himself in Eldoria, a realm where the sky shimmered with auroras and the air was filled with the buzzing of magical energies. Massive, iridescent dragons swooped gracefully overhead, and distant mountains floated in the air, defying the laws of physics. 

(Okay, either I fell asleep in the clubroom or that expired yogurt was more potent than I thought.)

He looked down at himself. Same school uniform, same uncooperative hair. 

(Great, even in another world I can't escape bedhead.)

"Finally, finally, Isekai!!!" he shouted, arms raised triumphantly. Alfred was well-versed in tales of Isekai from his readings—a world of adventure where misfit heroes gained respect and power, often accompanied by an adoring group. This had always been his fantasy.

 (Maybe here I can actually make some friends!)

"Well, from what I know, the first order of business in an Isekai is to save a damsel in distress... just need to wait for a scream..." He positioned himself strategically on a luminescent rock, eyes scanning the horizon. 

(Any minute now...)

Hours ticked by with no damsels, no cries for help—just the peaceful rustling of the enchanted forest and the occasional curious glance from a passing creature. Alfred sat still, a statue of anticipation. (Maybe damsels have scheduling conflicts today?)

"Maybe I'm doing something wrong; usually, a girl would show up right about now." He fidgeted, growing increasingly restless. 

(Do I need to trigger a flag or something? How do I start the quest?)

Then, out of nowhere:

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

The scream he'd been waiting for finally pierced the air. But instead of a girl, someone else was clearly in trouble. Feeling a mix of curiosity and boredom, Alfred grinned and dashed off towards the commotion, eager for a bit of excitement. 

(Time to be a hero!)

◆　◇　◆

Alfred approached the trio cautiously. The two older men, each with flowing white hair and an air of wisdom about them, stood opposite a towering figure. The guy—though calling him a guy felt almost absurd—was indeed monstrous in size, standing a full two meters tall with a build that seemed more akin to ancient statues of warriors than any typical youth.

(Wow, they grow them big here.)

Alfred, though trained in martial arts, knew the limits of his physical abilities against such a massive opponent. He opted for diplomacy. "Gentlemen, I hope you'll stop..."

(Smooth, Alfred. Very non-threatening.)

As all eyes turned to him, their expressions mixed with curiosity and suspicion. "Who are you...?" they demanded in unison.

"Alfred," he replied, his voice calm but his naturally intense eyes perhaps belying his peaceful intentions. 

(Why are they looking at me like I just declared war?)

"Black hair, piercing eyes... it's not possible..." The enormous youth seemed to tremble at the sight of him.

Alfred, noting the fear, tried to approach soothingly. "I think there's been a misunderstanding..." 

(Again? Come on!)

The enormous youth's fist cut through the air towards him. Alfred's martial instincts took over. He sidestepped deftly, his movements sharp and precise. Instead of merely redirecting the force, he accidentally countered with a powerful shove, not realizing his own strength. The guy, unprepared for the intensity of Alfred's response, was propelled backward with such force that he crashed into a rugged stone outcropping behind the bush, knocking himself out upon impact. 

(Oh no! I didn't mean to push him that hard!)

Alfred turned back to the white-haired gentlemen, his gaze full of apologies, though his fierce eyes probably conveyed anything but remorse. "He... he tripped?" he tried to explain, his tone a mix of embarrassment and confusion. 

(Great, now they definitely think I'm some kind of brute.)

The two men exchanged glances, their eyes wide. "He defeated Grom the Mighty with a single touch..."

Feeling more out of place than ever and unsure how to remedy the misunderstanding, Alfred began to retreat. 

(Maybe if I quietly disappear, they'll forget this ever happened.)

However, one of the men called out, "You... you... wait... Please, tell us your name once more!"

"Uh, it's Alfred," he repeated, taking a hesitant step back. (Is this where they arrest me?)

"Alfred-sama, we humbly request your assistance!"

Alfred blinked. "Wait, what?" (Sama?! Since when did I get an honorific?)

The other man bowed deeply. "Only someone of your caliber could defeat Grom so effortlessly. Please, help us in our quest!"

Alfred scratched his head, utterly baffled. 

(I just wanted to make friends, not lead a quest... How did this escalate so quickly?)

He sighed. "I think there's been a misunderstanding..."

But the men were already kneeling. "Please, Master Alfred!"

(Well, this is a new level of awkward.) Alfred looked around, hoping for an escape route. "I really should be going..."

"Wait! At least allow us to escort you to the village. The people must meet the hero who saved us!"

(Hero? Me?) He hesitated. (Maybe this isn't so bad after all... Wait, no, focus!) "I appreciate the offer, but I think there's someone else better suited for—"

"Nonsense! There's no one more capable than you," they insisted, eyes gleaming with admiration.

Alfred sighed deeply. (So much for a low-profile start in this world.) "Alright, lead the way," he conceded, hoping that maybe, just maybe, things wouldn't spiral further out of control.

(Who am I kidding? This is going to get so much worse.)