New Day New World
The lethargy of my early morning bus ride makes me clutch my earphones tighter, drowning out the noise of the packed bus with the familiar tunes of "Red Like Roses Part II" playing in the background.
The rhythmic guitar chords and haunting vocals provide me with some semblance of relaxation amidst the chaos of the commute. The still rising sun beams its rays of warmth through the bus windows behind me.
A glimpse at the sea of standing students like myself makes me take a deep sigh of relief for having snatched myself a seat by boarding in the early morning hours. I closed my eyes, letting the melody iv listened to countless times wash over me.
As the bus continued its slow crawl a nudge on my left make me open my eyes to observe the old woman in front of me.
Our gazes lock for a little bit, her wrinkled puffy eyes stare into my own droopy impassive ones, engaging in an unspoken conversation. Her wrinkly face slowly turns into a gentle smile.
At least, others might have seen a gentle smile. All I noticed was the triumphant sneer.
Standing up with my backpack in hand, I give a small smile while quietly gesturing for the elderly woman to take my seat with a wave of my hand.
"Please take my seat Miss."
"Thank you" The old lady's raspy voice echoed as she slowly sat down.
"Young man"
I grappled with the choice of either facing the ire of the watching crowd by staying put or demonstrate compassion by surrendering my seat.
If the social ramifications for having denied an elderly your seat did not exist I would have no doubt ignored her request, and she knew that.
'Damn you cunning old hag! I'll have you know it took blood, sweat, and a loud as hell alarm clock to force myself up early enough to get on the first bus dammit! How is it even possible for someone your age to be awake at this time anyway?!'
Forcefully pushing down the frustration at having lost MY seat aside, my drowsiness intensifies having to now exert effort to stay balanced on the bus. With only enough space to not be suffocated by the crowd.
Every lurch of the bus forces me to clutch onto the small metal handhold above me that I can barely reach, tighter.
All hope for a relaxing bus ride goes down the depths since I simply can't put my earphones back on when this bus driver is driving over every damn pothole in the city!
Though it seems there was some good in this situation as the bus arrived sooner than expected at my destination, a university campus.
Stepping outside the dreadful, yet only, choice of transportation, and transitioning into the crisp morning air paired with a wonderfully clear blue sky sent a wave of refreshment throughout my body. Unable to hold back a yawn as I walk forward and take a look at-
In an sudden turn of events, the very fabric of space in my line of sight contorted and spiraled, giving birth to a kaleidoscope of impossibly vivid hues. The university campus is engulfed and replaced by peculiar and unfamiliar architecture.
Before the confusion even registers it all simply returned to the way it was at the blink of an eye, literally.
'Ok… that most definitely takes the top spot as the strangest experience I have ever…experienced. I get that I haven't gotten much sleep lately but doesn't sleeping for only a few hours lead to slower cognitive performance, not psychotic episodes?'
The confusing thought reaps my attention as my legs subconsciously relocate me through the path I've looked over countless times, leading to my lecture hall's corridor.
Unfortunately the surprises of my new mental illness didn't end there. I wouldn't call them tormenting, however, because observing fellow students pass by me as they become victims to my perceived reality, which is coming and going more and more often, is bizarre to say the least.
Each and every student that suddenly came under its influence turn into completely different people. Its alarming enough to cause me to shift away each time it happens.
'I don't think I want to be diagnosed as clinically insane at such a young age. Although I am starting to recall a few things from my recent internet browsing.'
Contemplatively stroking my chin with one of my free hands, I recall how students with disabilities gain access to a wider range of scholarships, bursary applications, and receive government funding.
"I guess the extra cash doesn't make this all bad"
Shrugging my shoulders I continue down the corridor, arriving at my lecture hall's entrance. At least it should have been, but unfortunately it also seems to also be under the effect of my hallucinations.
Space is rippling like water all around it. Colors distort and an unsettling silence fills the surrounding atmosphere contributing to the surreal experience similar to what I first witnessed after exiting the bus.
Its eeriness really makes me hesitant to approach it. "I take it back, no amount of money is worth living life like this."
Anxiously whispering to myself that this is simply something to deal with after my first day of classes, I not so calmly grasp the lever handle door knob and push the door open.
FOOOOSSHH
A blinding flash of light envelopes me from the other side of the door, causing my eyes to snap shut. My neck shifts to the side as my hand releases the doorknob in favor of shielding my face with my outwards palm.
I feel the burning light die down and the sound of unintelligible chatter enters my ears as I try to steady myself from an odd feeling of disorientation.
Opening my eyes my sight is greeted with an unfamiliar classroom in place of what should have been my lecture hall, and a small number of students spread out that exude a distinct sense of unity through what I think is their uniforms.
'I think its officially time to acknowledge I have no fucking idea what's going on. Did someone drug me with LSD without me noticing?'
Nervously turning my head to look behind me, leaning back just enough to get a better glance at the corridor, I find that it also looks vastly different to the place I once was seconds ago.
Panicking I blinked once, twice, then after the third time I pinch myself on the cheek.
'Ok, calm down. Close your eyes.'
Deep breath in…Hold…
Release.
Nothing changed.
Everything around me is very real. This is not some odd lucid dream, this isn't any kind of hallucination. Everything here is as real as real can get.
The anxiety begins to kick in from the inability to fit this situation into a rational framework. Trying to think of what could have caused me to appear to be in a completely different place can't be explained further than 'a blinding flash of light'.
'Alright, it's cool, calm down. If there is no rational solution then the best possible action would be to incorporate a few irrational possibilities.'
The one fantastical solution that comes to mind is an overused fictional trop seen in the many types of the Japanese media I consumed and enjoyed for a small time before it became as stale as dry bread.
That being the nonsensical concept of being sent to a completely different world.
'Except there didn't seem to be any trucks that ran me over.'
From the hallucinations, the door, the blinding flash, and who knows how many other signs I didn't notice, the theory starts to make more and more sense.
My teeth chattered in excitement alongside the rising anxiety as I consider the possibility of starting an entirely new life.
The astonishment that it was a possibility alluded me from how I was apparently biting my nails. A bit too hard at that as I caused some bleeding from my thumbs nails.
Peering at where the blood was drawn on I stiffen when my peripheral catches my wrist, causing me to look towards my arm, then down to my entire body as I realize I was put in a completely different set of clothing without even noticing.
I hurriedly checked my pants pockets to find that my phone wasn't there, however luckily I did feel something familiar in my inner vest.
With the sharp stinging pain coming from my thumb bringing me back to the present I continue to scan my surroundings.
There was sunlight streaming through the wall of windows on the other side of the room. The adjacent walls a soft beige covering its top half while the bottom half was made of intricately designed walnut wood extruding outwards slightly.
This otherworldly classroom had a highschool-esque design with its rows of neatly aligned seats that made it look both unfamiliar and nostalgic.
The desks especially as they looked to be entirely metallic with walls that covered its front and sides. Leaving only the back open for the chair and student to slide in.
There is a small hook attached on the left side of each desk for what should be backpacks if the few students currently occupying some of them were anything to reference off of.
While on the topics of other students it looks like there is a sort of dress code as every student has the same general uniform design with slight differences depending on their gender.
Male students, including myself, wore sage green taupe pants and a suit vest over a white long sleeve collar shirt. A lighter green tie around our collar to complete the ensemble. Its high quality fabric made evident from how movement never became uncomfortable or tight in any way.
Casting my gaze towards a nearby blond female student who was leaning over one of the desks near the entrance, I note how the girls wear sage green plaid skirts of the perfect length.
They accentuate the thighs whilst also having enough length to maintain the female populace's dignity. Truly a spectacular sight.
Oh, and their top consists of a short puff sleeve white collar blouse adorned by a pale green ribbon and olive green vest overtop.
I can definitely see that whoever designed these uniforms put a lot more effort into designing the female students uniforms than our own.
"Um…" A soft voice from behind breaks me out of my stupor and causes me to jump a bit in startlement. Looking behind me to find a female student standing there.
"May I enter the classroom please? You're kinda blocking the entrance." she continued, looking weirded out at my reaction.
It wasn't until now that I realized I must have been standing at the entrance to the classroom for what could have been minutes on end like an idiot.
"Sorry about that, I'm just feeling a bit…nervous" I apologize but she looked like she didn't particularly care as she kept trying to peek into the classroom.
As I step to the side to let the female student through. I conclude that enough sideline observations have been made and it's time for the second stage of figuring out where I am.
The dreadful stage of information gathering. The fact that I appear right in front of this classroom when I…Transported? Transmigrated? Reincarnated?
Honestly any of those are plausible.
Well what matters is that here I am in front of a classroom in a place I'm unfamiliar with.
So what would be the smartest thing to do?
Of course it is to enter the classroom and act like you belong. So long as nobody calls you out on your bullshit then either nobody will notice or they simply don't care.
'First plan of action from my "What to do when I get isekai'ed plan". Engage in minor interactions.'
Most important aspect of why I came up with this idea was to determine if anyone actually knows I don't belong here or are familiar with me.
Avoiding any sort of meaningful attention towards myself while also being able to gather information is the ideal scenario.
Taking a few strides towards the nearest students who just so happened to be the blond who's legs I was ogling, I prepared to engage in what could be the most important conversation of my life.
Appearing behind her as she continued to lean on the desk and converse with yet another girl who's features I couldn't really make out with the blond in the way. But she appeared to be sitting in the desk.
'It's now or never'
Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I interrupt the pair of girls' conversation to grab the attention of the blond.
"Excuse me?"
Turning her body slightly to face me I get a better look at her facial features, no doubt she is a gorgeous 10 with her fair skin and long wavy blond hair that was dyed to fade into a more pale wheat color at its tips.
I continue quickly so as to not appear enraptured. "Do you mind telling me when class starts?"
As the blond girl stood upright fully I couldn't help but notice how much taller she was than me. But what caught my attention was…
'Holy crap those curves.'
She raises an eyebrow at me and retorts with a question of her own.
"Can't you just check your scroll yourself?"
Turning my head up at her… purple eyes? Ok wow that is definitely the most fictional thing I've ever witnessed.
Anyway I just continued to stare at her with my mouth shut. I have no idea what a scroll is but what I do know is that sometimes the best response to a question is no response at all.
After a simple few seconds she relents with a sigh and reaches into her vest.
As I watched one of her hands disappear, my attention was immediately diverted from her eyes to the buttons on her collar shirt's chest area holding on for dear life.
Saving that mental snapshot for later I bring my focus on the weird object she pulled out. Its structure is reminiscent of black Nintendo joy con controllers.
I make sure to memorize how she pressed on that yellow diamond button to open up the two ends to reveal a translucent screen that I couldn't make out the content of.
As she examines what I am going to assume is her "scroll" for a few moments before looking back at me.
"A little less than 15 minutes" she answers.
Making sure to appear courteous by replying with a quick "Thank you." I look towards the second girl who I haven't really paid much attention to for a very good reason.
I was NOT captivated by the blond girls' mammaries of unrealistic proportion.
I was simply focused on information gathering, SIMPLY focused.
Before any words could leave my mouth I became awed by the sight of pale white skin on an adorable round face, neck length black hair with red tips at the end, and a very noticeable red hooded cloak wrapped around her shoulders. It left me wondering how such a thing went unnoticed until now?
I'm not judging someone's fashion sense considering how atrocious my own is, it's really none of my business what others want to wear. But if there was one thing if I got a good look at one thing, it was her eyes. Her silver eyes.
SILVER GOD DAMN EYES.
I probably would have continued to stare dumbfounded at the sight of who I can almost guarantee is Ruby Rose even as she shied away from my scrutinous observation of her iconic figure right in front of me.
That is if the top heavy blond hadn't decided to stand right in front of me, blocking my view of the demure little red riding hood.
"Eyes up here pal" she growls crossing her arms over her chest, subtly drawing attention to them despite telling me to focus elsewhere.
'That's just not fair, it's not my fault that my height puts your tits right in my line of sight!' I internally exclaim, aggravated.
Her head tilted slightly to the side, looking down at me as a scowl slowly etched itself on her face. It looked like she was ready to unleash pain if I didn't back down.
It would be best to leave this situation before it escalates. Finding a seat for myself and sorting out my scrambled thoughts would be the best course of action.
Swallowing hard, I try to calm down the imposing figure in front of me.
"I was just looking to ap-"
"Well it looks like you're making her uncomfortable to me." she loudly interjects. Clearly emphasizing that my actions just now seriously pissed her off.
I can feel the chill that runs down my spine each time I become the center of attention. No doubt that this conversation is turning the heads of the students within the room.
'Disengage. DISENGAGE NOW.' my eyes rapidly shift from side to side trying to find my escape route.
"I'll... just uh.. sorry about that"
With a sense of urgency, I quickly hurry off to the most empty area at the back of the classroom and take a seat on the far right side beside the windows. Cursing internally at how much of a mess this turned out to become.
Taking off my backpack I let it hang on the side of the desk. I can still feel the uncomfortable chill the gazes of a few of the students in the classroom directed towards me cause me. Drawing this much attention was most definitely not part of the plan.
The dull sounds of tapping my finger against the desk echoes in my ears as my head drops down to look at the desk surface.
'It was supposed to be smooth sailing with just a simple question, and a simple answer. Why can't anything in life be easy?'
The only positives include a few educated, hopefully accurate, inferences and a small bit of knowledge on how to use what I assume would be this world's version of a smartphone.
The good news is that I think I know where I am. The RWBY world of Remnant if memory serves me right.
The bad news is that I genuinely don't know jack about the story.
I know properly can identify one character properly only due to her theme song, badass trailer, a few memories from some clips of the show online, and some oddly specific knowledge on the really big players that appear whenever I read about a fanfic crossover involving the RWBY franchise.
The disgruntlement that arises when looking at how little the quantity of information I have amounts to makes me tap my fingers harder against the desk.
It's unfortunate I wasn't able to get transported to a world I'm much more familiar with, but honestly the options could have been a lot worse.
I may have quite a bit of knowledge on the fate-verse but I sure as hell don't want to have any part in that universe filled with copious amounts of bullshit. Same goes for other franchises like Naruto, or god forbid Highschool dxd.
At the very least I have something to work off of. The quality of information can surpass quantity. I raise my head back to once again look at the classroom, it seems that people aren't really paying any attention to me anymore which is nice.
My eyes inadvertently are guided towards the vibrant red cloak that stands out amidst the students. Thinking how seriously the need to make amends for what happened before is.
It would make for a much more beneficial, potentially safer future if I maintain a positive relationship and potentially get on the good side of the main character, right? So the obvious first step to this is to apologize for my earlier actions of creeping her out.
Slight problem…Blondie appears super protective, and I sure as hell don't want to engage with her.
Another slight problem, the captivating blond noticed me staring again, and holy crap is her face scary. Probably noticing Blondie's change in demeanor, Ruby also turns around. I quickly turned away listlessly looking out the window and went back to assessing all the information I have so far gathered.
The scrolls from earlier looked to be a crucial part of life here, probably their versions of smartphones.
I also remember there being something in my inner vest.
Would it be correct to assume that my electronic items from earth would be replaced like my clothing? that whoever or whatever sent me here gave me a scroll replacement since my smartphone would stand out?
Carefully and discreetly, I reach inside my vest and find an inner pocket. My fingers brush against a rectangular shape with smooth beveled edges.
Pulling it out I'm relieved to see that I was indeed given a scroll. As I use my right hand to hold one side I use my left to press the yellow diamond button.
The grips open to present me with a surprising translucent blue screen. My mind churns at the possible clues, connections, or even direct information it can provide me. The scroll presents an arrangement of a home screen that is reminiscent of a modern day smartphone with familiar icons.
The translucent blue screen held buttons that I assume would be the power button, files, messaging app, contacts, search, home button and a few more I can't really make familiar connections to.
'No time like the present to start browsing around.'
(Just Moments Earlier...)
Yang walks through the door of her sister's classroom, finding Ruby just about to sit on the desk of her choosing at the front. She struts over to her with a playful smirk and begins to lean on her sister's desk.
"So Rubes" Yang began as she crossed her arms casually on the desk. "Are you excited about your first day at Signal?"
Ruby nodded, her excitement evident. "Totally, Yang! I can't believe I can finally start training to be a huntress. Oooh It's like a dream come true."
Scratching the back of her head, Ruby added. "You didn't have to come here for me, ya know?"
Yang playfully ruffled Ruby's Hair. "Just making sure my awkward little sis is doing alright. I mean who else is going to make sure you survive your first day without tripping over your own shoelaces?"
Ruby's cheek stinged with the same color as her hair, but she held her ground. "Hey, I've been practicing! There will be no more shoelace incidents. Ever."
Yang skeptically arched her eyebrows, her playful expression unchanged. "Mmm, we'll see about that."
Ruby's determined gaze met her sisters teasing one. "I'll prove to you and Dad just how capable I am, just wait and see." she replied with a smug expression.
Yang chuckled warmly, her playful demeanor softening into genuine warmth. "I know you will Rubes, just remember that your first year of Signal is gonna be rough. But I know you're a tough nut to crack. If you need anything, come find me 'kay?"
"I will. Also shouldn't you be in class?" Ruby's expression softened as she nodded gratefully.
"Psssh nah, we got a bit of time. Plus I wanted to tell you about something pretty important." Yang dismissed Ruby's concerns with a wave of her hand.
"What's it about?"
Just as Yang opened her mouth to respond, an unfamiliar voice cut through Yang's playful conversation with her sister.
"Excuse me." Turning her head they see someone around Ruby's age standing behind her.
Straightening up, Yang studied him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. His medium length black hair with gray-blue tips were eye-catching and his livid blue eyes completed the ensemble of a gloomy teenager.
His deadpan expression made her feel that subtle hint of unease she encounters all too often from strangers who gawk at her.
"Do you mind telling me when class starts?"
Ruby's silver eyes blinked in confusion as she looked from the stranger to Yang, who now stood towering over him.
"Can't you just check your scroll yourself?" Yang retorted, leaning on her previous playful demeanor.
The enigmatic student gaze remained fixed on Yang, his silence unnerving her in its intensity.
Ruby discreetly nudges Yang from the back, prompting a sigh as she relents and pulls out her scroll to glance at the time.
"A little less than 15 minutes."
"Thank you" The young man's eyes finally shifted from Yang to Ruby.
As his eyes met hers, the first visible change crossed his otherwise stoic features. Evident though widened eyes and a slightly agape mouth.
Yang begins to think to herself about what could possibly cause that kind of reaction from someone looking at her sister. While Ruby is undoubtedly an adorable cinnamon roll, her looks aren't typically the kind that leaves people in awe like the boy's reaction suggests.
'Maybe they know each other?'
But considering her sister's reaction she definitely doesn't know him. Yang's eyebrows begin to twitch as she watches this go on for some of the most awkward few seconds of her life.
'Doesn't change the fact I'm going to punch his face in if he doesn't stop.'
Having enough of staring from the sidelines, Yang, with a well-practiced glare, sent the young man scuttling to the back of the classroom. Returning immediately to leaning on her sister's desk.
"What on earth was that about? Any idea who he is, Rubes?"
"Not... that I can recall?" Ruby's uncertainty tinged her voice as she glanced back at the now-distanced figure. Yang's instinctive teasing as the elder sister sensed an opportunity from this, prompting her to flash a mischievous smile.
"Not even the first day and you already caught a boy's attention? Dad's gonna flip!" Yang chuckled as she notices Ruby's face begin to match the color of her hood.
"Yang!" Ruby quietly pleads for her sister to drop such an absurd idea. Yet, it seemed like this was just the beginning. Fortunately for Ruby, Yang's focus shifted momentarily, prompting Ruby to glance behind her, which draws her attention towards what was apparently that boy from earlier.
She sees him looking out the window and looks back at her sister, the furrow on her brows causing Ruby a bit of concern. Yang pulls out her scroll to check for the time and before Ruby can speak up, the older sister cuts her off.
"Sorry, Rubes, gotta split. But seriously, if anyone bugs you, just say the word. I'll happily introduce them to the taste of the dirt."
Typical Yang, always resorting to her rough-and-tumble ways to handle almost everything.
"First off, that's a mean thing to do. Second, didn't you say you had something important to tell me?" Ruby reprimands Yang who tilts her head and suddenly remembers what she was going to say at first. One of her fingers scratches her cheek, nervous at the thought of having to tell her sister what is on her mind.
"Oh don't worry too much about it, just that I may or may not have to reschedule visiting mom after school with you. Maybe try asking dad?"
The words Yang spoke devastated Ruby, considering her sister almost never denied taking her to moms grave ever since she got dad's permission for the both of them to go so long as it was together. Ruby can't go herself since the possibility of Grimm appearing is too high which is why Yang was always there with her.
Ruby nodded, her eyes downcast and voice barely above a whisper as she turned away, attempting to hide the disappointment and sadness that clouded her expression.
"Oh… it's alright then. I'll just…um… head home."
Yang, feeling guilty, turns her head to the side and lets out a small sigh as stands upright and crosses her arms.
"Listen, Rubes, just… wait for me after school over at the front entrance. Its just that there is something I really need to do but I promise to finish everything quickly, 'kay? Then we can head together. I'll even buy you cookies next time I go to Vale. Please?" Yang pleads as she presses her palms against each other.
Feeling hopeful and quite content about the new development, Ruby's face beams back to the happy-go-lucky munchkin as she nods her head.
Yang, realizing that time was really ticking, decides to end her conversation with her sister and dashes to her own upper year classes. Ruby waves her sister goodbye, her silver eyes lingering on Yang's retreating figure until it disappears into Signal Academy's corridors.
With nothing else to do and nobody to talk to, Ruby glances backwards towards her classmate from earlier at the back and sees him on his scroll. Leaving Ruby quite confused as to why he would come to them for something that he could have done so easily himself.
'Not even the first day and you already caught a boy's attention?' Ruby's mind unwittingly remembers Yang's teasing comment as her face flushes and she turns back towards looking at the front of the classroom.
'Maybe?...' Ruby subtly turns her head to try and once more get a glimpse of her classmate to find him now panicking and poking randomly trying to turn off his scroll's holographic projection mode. Luckily it didn't last long as it looked like he found the button to turn it off.
The comedic display gets her to chuckles and push those thoughts to the back of her mind.
She also recalls how those features were only available in those new models that aren't currently public on the Vale market yet.
Not putting too much thought into it, Ruby pulls out her own scroll and starts to browse until she hears the bell ring.
The signifier for all the start of their first day at Signal Academy has officially begun.
Info About Myself: Hey everyone, I'm WritingUgo (just call me Ugo) and this is my first novel. Ever. I have extremely minimal experience writing but I have extensive experience reading. I personally love to read whatever I find interesting and even am willing to try new genres if highly recommended by someone I am close to. But something to keep in mind is that I generally try to stay within fiction range when I am looking for entertainment. I don't discriminate between real books written by famous authors, or webnovels written by fledgling writers. Overall I'm pretty excited but also extremely scared about writing this novel because my perfectionism is demanding I create something much more fleshed out and original. But fuck that inner voice right?
Read here for info on this fanfic: Anyway this Novel, although it doesn't seem like it now, will have gamer elements that you won't really see until the next chapter. But considering that a lot of the arcs are not really planned in detail with only a very vague direction I want to take, going pure canon just wouldn't mesh well. There will be some OC's and original ideas but I will try my very best to try and keep as much of the world building I can find in CANON.
DON'T WORRY EVERY MAIN CHARACTER AND SIGNIFICANT CHARACTER WILL APPEAR AT SOME POINT. THE GAMER SYSTEM WILL APPEAR NEXT CHAPTER.
For anyone wondering I deliberately left the name of the main character out this chapter but once again a lot of info will be revealed in the next chapter. Also yes I know showing his inner perverted tendencies towards what are essentially high schoolers is most definitely bonk-worthy, but trust me he will get his due diligence and that epiphany will hit him harder than a freight train.
Also I tried to make it so the initial state of the main character (that being lethargic, tired, and worn out overall) influences much of his actions in this chapter.
If anyone has any suggestions they would like to add, tell me and I'll make sure to carefully consider it, especially early on.