Rintaro Kazaraki stumbled into the bustling streets of the new world; a grin plastered across his face. His eyes darted from one fantastical sight to another: humanoid creatures with cat ears, dog tails, and bird-like wings casually mingling among the crowd.
Rintaro (excitedly muttering): *"This... this is my dream come true! Another world, animal people, and an adventure waiting to unfold! Let's go!"*
He dashed through the streets like a madman, drawing confused stares from everyone around him.
**Bystander 1**: "Who's that guy?"
**Bystander 2**: "I don't know, but why does he look so happy?"
Rintaro ignored the whispers, too absorbed in his excitement. He skidded to a halt near a young girl selling flowers and gave her his brightest smile.
**Rintaro**: "Hey there, miss! Lovely flowers you've got! Did you know your smile could brighten a stormy day?"
The girl blushed, mumbling a shy thank-you, and Rintaro chuckled to himself.
**Rintaro** (to himself): *"Too easy. Just got to follow the system: step one, charm a girl. Step two, become her hero. Step three, ultimate power! Wait a minute…"*
Rintaro patted his pockets frantically.
**Rintaro**: "Where's my book? The Book of God! This thing has all the steps for success! How could I—"
Before he could finish his lament, a voice echoed behind him.
**???**: "Forget the book. You've got me."
Rintaro whirled around; eyes wide.
**Rintaro**: "Who said that?"
The voice chuckled.
**Soul Partner**: "It's me, your soul partner. And before you ask, no one else can hear me. I'm linked to you through the Morpher. Call me Ai."
**Rintaro**: "Wait, I have a talking soul partner? Why didn't you speak up sooner?"
**Ai**: "Because you were too busy shouting about being the protagonist. By the way, you probably shouldn't be doing that. People are staring."
Rintaro glanced around and noticed the townsfolk whispering and pointing at him again.
**Rintaro** (sheepishly): "Right, right. So, Ai, what do I do now? There's no UI, no level-up system, no map! How am I supposed to progress?"
**Ai**: "You're supposed to use your brain. Also, remember the Gods' warning? You're in a world where your doppelganger exists, and people might hate you because of what *they've* done."
**Rintaro**: "Oh, come on, Ai. I'm the protagonist! What's the worst that could happen?"
Just as he finished speaking, someone collided with him, nearly knocking him over.
**Mysterious Girl**: "Oh no, are you okay?"
**Rintaro**: "I'm fine. And you are?"
**Mysterious Girl**: "My name's Zia. Sorry for bumping into you, but I need your help! Some bad guys are chasing me!"
**Rintaro** (smirking): "Of course they are. Don't worry, Zia. I'll protect you. I'm Rintaro Kazakari, future hero of this world!"
Zia grabbed his hand, and the two took off running through the alleys.
**Rintaro** (thinking): *"She's totally my heroine. Classic setup: damsel in distress, shady thugs, and a chance for me to shine. This is going perfectly!"*
But his daydreams were cut short when Zia suddenly stopped in a secluded alley and turned to face him, a knife in her hand.
**Zia**: "So you really are Rintaro Kazakari. The one responsible for destroying my homeland. The one who ruined my family."
**Rintaro** (blinking in confusion): "Wait, what? I've only been here for, like, five minutes!"
Zia didn't listen. She lunged, and before Rintaro could react, the knife plunged into his stomach.
Rintaro crumpled to the ground, clutching the wound.
**Rintaro**: "What… what just happened? I'm the protagonist… I don't die…"
His vision blurred as Zia disappeared into the distance. Moments later, Ai's voice cut through the haze.
**Ai**: "I healed you. But now you understand why the Gods told you to use a fake name. Your doppelganger has made enemies everywhere. To them, you're a villain."
Rintaro groaned, dragging himself into a trash bin to hide.
**Rintaro**: "Great. Just great. First day in a new world, and I'm already getting stabbed. I'm supposed to be the hero, Ai!"
**Ai**: "Then start acting like one. Or don't blame me when the God of Death drags your soul into the void."
The chapter ends with Rintaro glaring at the sky, muttering to himself.
**Rintaro**: "Protagonist or not, I'm going to turn this around. Just you wait, world. Rintaro Kazakari is coming for you!"