Manga, anime, and video games.
That had been my life ever since I was suspended from high school.
While other adolecents of my age worried about exams, clubs, and relationships, I sought refuge in those fantasy worlds that filled my shelves.
It was the only place where things always made sense, where heroes always found their way, and where I could escape from the harsh reality I faced every day.
It hadn't always been this way. There was a time when I tried to fit in, to be normal.
But when you're pushed aside, you realize that the real world isn't like it is in manga.
In high school, I thought I'd made friends, that I finally belonged somewhere, but betrayal always strikes when you least expect it.
It pierces you like a sharp knife, cutting through your trust in a single blow.
I guess it's part of human nature...
And I can assure you, it doesn't come from an enemy but from someone close, someone you'd never have suspected.
How naive I was to believe them. After that, I was expelled for something I hadn't done, and worst of all, no one believed my word.
I had no one. I was completely alone.
From then on, all I had left was to take refuge in the stories that filled the stores all over Akihabara.
Reading manga allowed me to soar with my imagination, transporting me to other worlds where I could be someone else, someone important, or at least someone accepted.
For someone as lonely as me, those pages were my only refuge in this society... my safe haven.
Today wasn't much different from usual, just another ordinary autumn day in the big city of Tokyo.
My name is Haruto Kibou, I just turned 16, and I live in the Akihabara district. The dream of every Otaku, I'd say.
As I opened my apartment door, I glanced down the hallway, hoping not to run into any neighbors, especially my next-door neighbor, she whom I always bumped into.
Today is November 11, my birthday.
I didn't want to leave my apartment, but the new volume of my favorite pirate's manga was coming out. I also thought about visiting a maid café, a few smiles and some tasty food wouldn't hurt.
But first, I had to make sure to get a copy of that manga, that would be my birthday present.
It was definitely a rather chilly afternoon.
Maybe I'd just grown numb, but I was lightly dressed, wearing only a white T-shirt and a light cotton jacket, matching my jeans and sneakers.
I wasn't even carrying my cell phone; after all, I had no one to talk to, and I knew Akihabara like the back of my hand.
It was supposed to be a quick trip, or so I thought.
I don't know how I got distracted while crossing the street, but I had the strange feeling of hearing a voice say, "Haruto." I froze, unable to move a single muscle.
At that moment, a truck sped past me, missing me by just a few inches.
—Truck-kun almost sent me straight into an isekai— I said jokingly, though my heart was pounding. No doubt, I'd just barely escaped.
Crossing the street, now much more focused on my path.
I arrived at my favorite store, a ten-story building filled with manga, anime merchandise, figures, and much more.
Before going directly to find the copy I wanted, I decided to take a look in the classics section, as it was a floor before my destination, and I thought I might find a hidden gem for my collection.
As I walked through the store's narrow aisles, I stopped in the section farthest from the stairs.
Among the dusty shelves, at the end of an aisle I rarely checked, were the oldest mangas—some commercial flops, others relegated to oblivion.
But one of them, in particular, seemed to be inviting me to pick it up.
"Celestaris" read the title on the cover.
An old and worn manga, it seemed out of place among the newer volumes, as if it had been there, waiting to be discovered.
I knew I hadn't seen that name in any catalog, which only piqued my curiosity even more.
I took the manga in my hands, intrigued.
The pages seemed fragile, like they might crumble with a mere touch. But the art... the art was incredible.
Landscapes filled with magic, a giant moon dominating the sky, and characters who seemed like they came straight out of a dream. I started reading to get an idea of what it was about.
"The world of Celestaris, blessed by the moon goddess Mizuki... a place full of adventures, where heroes emerge to fight against the shadows lurking in the hearts of men."
Each word pulled me in more and more. The pages seemed to come to life as I read on, and before I knew it, everything around me began to change.
An intense flash blurred my vision. The air around me became dense, almost tangible.
The ground beneath my feet vanished, and I felt myself falling, tumbling beyond the store, beyond the world I knew.
I tried to scream, but no sound came out. That ancient manga slipped from my hands, leaving only darkness behind.
I felt as if I were floating in an immense void.
What the hell is happening?— I tried to breathe, but the air felt different, heavy, as if the world itself were enveloping me. It was impossible. Was I dreaming?
When I could finally open my eyes, everything around me was different.
The world I knew had disappeared, as if I were inside a dream.
Did I fall asleep while reading?
Haruto stood up slowly, blinking at the soft light filtering through the branches of the trees.
It seemed like spring; he could hear the sound of cicadas resonating among the trees.
The air was pure and fresh, scented with the smell of flowers and leaves.
The forest around him felt alive in a way he had never experienced before.
The trees stood tall, their branches whispering with the rhythm of the wind.
—Where... am I?— I murmured, feeling that my voice seemed out of place in this setting.
The last time I'd seen trees this tall was… well, never. There were no forests like this in Tokyo.
This can't be real, I thought as I stood up, stumbling slightly. My legs were shaking, not only from dizziness but from the fear I was trying to suppress.
Just then, a slender figure appeared among the trees.
Her long green hair shone under the sunlight, and her eyes, the same color as spring leaves, observed me with curiosity.
Her pointed ears gave away that she wasn't human.
—Welcome, traveler— said the young woman, her melodious voice resonating in the tranquil forest air.
Who is she? My mind was still trying to process what was happening. Is this a dream? Or have I gone crazy? Although, if this was a dream, it was the most realistic one I'd ever had.
—This is the forest of Mythara— she continued, as if my thoughts were as evident as the wind around us.—.You are in the world of Celestaris.
—Wait... Celestaris?— I asked incredulously—. How is this possible? I was in a manga store… this doesn't make any sense. Are you sure this isn't a dream?
The young elf smiled, her expression as calm as the breeze softly blowing around us.
—Things in this world rarely make sense at first. But if you're here, it must be because Mizuki has invited you to come.
The moon. Mizuki. That name echoed in my mind, as if it had been engraved there all along.
I recalled the name of the goddess I had read about in the pages of that manga. Mizuki, the moon goddess who ruled over this world.
—I am Yuna. Yuna Kazeharu, of the Wind Elf clan— she introduced herself, bowing slightly and extending her hand to greet me—. And you… must be the traveler sent by Mizuki.
I looked at her hand, then at the forest surrounding me, and finally at her.
This can't be happening, I kept telling myself, trying to convince myself at all costs, but everything was too real to be a dream.
The gentle scent of flowers, the warmth of the sun on my skin, the breeze caressing my face... If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up.
—I am Haruto... Haruto Kibou—I said, taking her hand with a touch of nervousness—. And I think I need a little guidance.
Yuna smiled with a warmth that made my nerves settle.
I stood there, stunned for a moment, staring at her; her hand was soft and warm, her hair exuded an irresistible scent of jasmine, and her eyes radiated kindness.
She seemed like a deity in every sense.
—Pleased to meet you, Haruto— she replied, with a warm smile that snapped me out of the trance I was in.
For a moment, we remained silent, our gazes locked as I tried to process everything that had happened.
The forest around us seemed to move in perfect harmony with her, as if it were an extension of her being.
—Come and follow me please— Yuna added, turning gracefully as she began to walk among the trees.
Without saying another word, I followed her without hesitation, my feet barely touching the ground as I tried to adjust to this new environment.
The crunch of leaves beneath my feet anchored me to reality.
This isn't a dream, I kept repeating to myself.
With every step, the gentle breeze that passed through the trees carried the scent of damp earth, mixed with a strange sense of peace, but also a growing feeling of unease. What the hell is going on?
—Uh, Yuna, right?— I said, trying to sound as respectful as possible.
—You said the moon brought me here— I continued, cautiously breaking the silence—. Does that mean...?
—Mizuki, the moon goddess, watches over this world— Yuna explained as we walked—. She is the protector of Celestaris.
—Sometimes, when this world is in danger or in need of change... she seeks someone from beyond this plane to help.
Someone like me? I thought, unsure if I truly believed those words. I wasn't a hero, nor a savior. I could barely take care of myself in my own world. Why me?
—And... what does she expect me to do? I'm not anyone special, I can barely take care of myself— I said, feeling a bit foolish at the same time.
—I'm just a simple, lonely human... what could I possibly do for this world?
Yuna paused for a moment and looked at me, as if she were also searching for an answer she didn't yet have.
—I don't know yet. But I know that your arrival is no mere coincidence— she finally said—. There is something you must do here, something tied to Mizuki's will.
—Perhaps, with time, you will discover it, but for now... you just need to believe that things happen for a reason and prepare yourself.
Prepare myself for what? One question after another took control of my thoughts.
This is definitely not a game or a dream. But at that moment, a crackling sound from the ground interrupted my thoughts.
Haruto and Yuna turned their heads at the same time, their eyes focused on a small creature emerging from the bushes.
It was a grotesque being, with grayish skin and glowing eyes.
I felt like I'd seen something similar in manga, but now it was right in front of me. And it wasn't as fun as I'd imagined.
—What is that?— I asked, instinctively stepping back. My heart was pounding, adrenaline filling my body.
—A goblin —Yuna replied, her expression hardening—. Annoying creatures, but dangerous in groups.
Before I could react, Yuna closed her eyes and extended her right hand. In a soft whisper, magic seemed to materialize around her with gentle gusts of wind.
—Materialize!— she said in a calm, firm tone, as she extended her hand into the air—. "Elven Bow!"
A green flash burst from her hands, illuminating the surroundings with a gentle but imposing magic.
From the glow, a bow began to materialize. It was a work of art, a perfect blend of nature and power.
Its elongated structure, a deep and vibrant green, evoked the image of sacred trees in the forest.
The fine engraved lines that ran along its surface were like swirling winds in motion, eternally dancing across the bow's body.
At its ends, delicate silver leaves protruded, as if nature itself had forged it.
A small crystal embedded in the center where her hands held it emitted a soft, warm light, pulsing with the wind magic flowing through it.
The bow's strings were almost invisible, made of filaments of air that, when drawn, emitted a faint whisper, as if the wind itself answered Yuna's call.
The bow was not just a tool but an extension of her own essence.
She held it firmly, confidence reflected in her eyes as she prepared to shoot.
The young woman drew the bowstring with impeccable precision.
—Magic Arrow!
From her fingers emerged an arrow of light, made of pure condensed wind energy, shining in a soft blue-green hue.
The air around her seemed to pause briefly, as if the entire forest held its breath.
With a fluid motion, she released the string, and the arrow shot forward like a gust of wind.
The projectile moved with supernatural grace, slicing through the air on its path toward the goblin.
Within seconds, the arrow struck the center of its chest, releasing a burst of light that enveloped the creature.
The goblin barely had time to let out a grunt before disintegrating, turning into a cloud of sparkling dust that scattered in the air.
The wind magic slowly dissipated, leaving only the gentle rustle of leaves and the echo of Yuna's perfect shot.
—I hope you find peace— she murmured, lowering her bow with the same calm with which she had summoned it, ready for whatever came next.
This is real. Magic is real... Fear and disbelief fought to take hold of me.
Another, louder crackle came this time from the right side.
Two more goblins appeared among the trees, moving quickly toward us.
—Looks like there are still a few more— Yuna said, focused on her new targets, which she dispatched with her magic arrows.
Suddenly, without warning, a third goblin hidden in a bush leaped from Yuna's blind spot, seemingly unnoticed by her.
—Yuna, watch out!!!— I shouted, without thinking, my body moving purely on instinct.
Without fully understanding what I was doing, Haruto threw himself in front of Yuna, positioning himself between her and the goblin.
He didn't quite understand the impulse, but one thing was certain: he wasn't going to stand idly by.
The goblin lunged at me with its claws, but I ducked just in time.
Using a technique I learned in self-defense classes and taking advantage of the goblin's momentum against it, I shoved it with all my strength, knocking it down.
The creature tumbled to the ground, rolling over itself, and Yuna finished it off with her arrows.
Did I just... do that? It's been years since I last fought...
Haruto was breathing heavily, still trying to process what had just happened.
Is this really happening to me?
Yuna looked at him with a mixture of surprise and admiration.
—I see you have a strong spirit of resilience. This world is dangerous, but it seems you don't let yourself be intimidated easily— she said, with a faint smile.
Just when I thought everything was over, a bright flash appeared before me. A floating virtual panel popped up in front of my eyes.
The ground began to glow with symbols that looked like something out of a video game.
What the hell is this? I thought, confused. This… is a drop. Is this a game?
On the panel, I could read:
LEVEL UP +1
*(NEW LEVEL 2)
DROP OBTAINED:
*Bronze Piece x1
SKILLS OBTAINED:
*"Goblin Slayer" has been added to the passive skills index.
The notifications appeared before my eyes as if I were inside an RPG. I felt a warm surge of energy course through my body, filling my chest with a sense of power and renewed vitality.
Is this real?…
—Is it... like an RPG?— I asked, unable to contain my surprise.—Did I just gain skills and items?
Yuna looked at me with a puzzled expression, clearly not understanding the reference.
—RPG? —she said, frowning slightly—.
—I don't know what you're talking about, but this world follows its own rules.
—As you face challenges and defeat enemies, you grow stronger and learn new skills. Some of them drop items as rewards.
—But don't get overconfident... Every battle could be your last, no matter how strong you are.
I felt the comparison to an RPG fade in my mind.
In that moment, I understood it all: she didn't know what a video game was. This was her world, her reality, and everything here had real consequences. There were no reset points if something fatal happened here.
Even so, the idea of gaining items, experience, and skills felt familiar.
I had a sense of power coursing through my veins, giving me a feeling of strength I had never known. It was as if, in this world, I could achieve something more, something that had always been denied to me.
—So… if I keep fighting, I'll be able to grow stronger— I murmured, feeling determination begin to grow within me.
—That's true— Yuna said, looking at me with a mix of warning and understanding—. But remember, the more power you gain, the greater the responsibility that comes with it.
Here, every choice mattered. Her words resonated deeply in my mind, both as a warning and a promise.
I looked at the landscape around us, the tall trees and the light filtering through the leaves. This place had something special, as if it were full of possibilities.
Maybe, in this new world, I had a chance to become someone different. Maybe, here... I could have a true second chance.
The wind whispered among the branches, and a momentary silence enveloped us.
—So, what's next?— I finally asked, my gaze fixed on the unknown horizon stretching before us.
Yuna was thoughtful for a moment, her eyes shining in the moonlight that began to peek through the treetops.
—We should head to my village— she said in a calm but determined voice.
—I need to speak with my father. He is the leader of our tribe. I imagine he will know what to do next, and also understand about your role in this world.
Our eyes met, and in her gaze, I perceived a mixture of respect and concern.
Her proposal made perfect sense. This world was unknown to me, and somehow, I felt I could trust her completely.
—Alright… I trust you, Yuna —I said, flashing a nervous smile—. From this moment on, I'm in your care. I'll follow you wherever.
She returned a soft smile, but as the moonlight began to filter through the branches, her expression changed slightly, becoming a bit more serious, as if there were something she hadn't yet told me.
—It seems night is approaching —she murmured, looking at the darkening sky—. We should set up camp here.
—The journey back to the village is long, and I don't want to risk traveling in the dark without proper rest. The monsters become more dangerous at night, so I'll set up a barrier.
I nodded, feeling the accumulated fatigue of the day start to take effect on my body. Hunger was also starting to set in, and the idea of a break seemed like a good one.
—Yes, that sounds good —I replied—. Besides, I could use some food and a bit of sleep before continuing.
Yuna nodded, and together we looked for a clearing among the trees.
The soft murmur of the forest and the silver glow of the moon surrounded us as we prepared a small camp.
The warmth of a small fire soon comforted us, and as we shared some food, I felt for the first time since arriving in this world a strange calm.
—Tomorrow, we'll head to the village —Yuna said, staring into the fire—. But for now, let's rest. We have a long journey ahead.
I lay down on the grass, looking at the stars beginning to appear in the night sky. This new world is so different... but maybe here I could find a purpose.
With that thought, I let sleep slowly envelop me, as the moon watched over us from above...