Lost in Another World

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Makoto Naegi wasn't what anyone would call special. He wasn't particularly smart, athletic, or talented in any noticeable way. The only thing he had going for him was his strange, inexplicable luck—luck that was just as likely to land him in a mess as it was to get him out of one.

He never thought that same luck would throw him into another world.

Makoto's memory was hazy when he first opened his eyes. He could recall walking home from school in the rain, taking his usual shortcut through an alleyway, and then… what? A strange light? A sensation like falling? He wasn't sure.

All he knew was that when he sat up, he was no longer in his quiet suburban neighborhood. The alley was gone. Instead, he was lying on a dirt road surrounded by trees, their branches swaying gently in a cool breeze. The air smelled fresh—too fresh, like the kind you'd only get deep in the countryside.

"What the…?" Makoto muttered, blinking at the unfamiliar scenery. He scrambled to his feet, brushing dirt off his pants. "This doesn't make any sense. Where am I?"

The world felt eerily quiet. No cars, no distant hum of the city—just the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. Makoto reached for his phone, only to realize it wasn't in his pocket. Panic set in as he patted himself down, finding nothing but his school bag, still slung over his shoulder.

"Okay, okay. Don't freak out," he told himself, though his voice trembled. "This has to be a dream. Or… or a prank. Yeah, that's it. A really elaborate prank."

He glanced around, hoping to see someone—anyone—who could explain what was happening. But the road stretched on in both directions, empty and unfamiliar.

"Maybe if I follow the road, I'll find help," Makoto decided, trying to keep his voice steady. He adjusted his bag and started walking, though every step felt heavier than the last. The uneasy feeling in his chest refused to go away.

Makoto wasn't sure how long he had been walking. The sun hung low in the sky now, casting long shadows across the road. His stomach growled, a sharp reminder that he hadn't eaten since lunch.

"Just my luck," he muttered. "I get isekai'd to who-knows-where, and I'm already starving."

His grumbling was interrupted by the distant sound of hoofbeats. He turned to see a carriage hurtling toward him, dust kicking up in its wake. Relief flooded his chest—finally, a person! He waved his arms, shouting to get the driver's attention.

"Hey! Over here! I need—"

The driver didn't slow down.

Makoto barely had time to leap out of the way before the carriage thundered past, the wheels missing him by mere inches. He hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the air from his lungs. For a moment, all he could do was lie there, stunned.

"What the hell was that?!" he gasped, pushing himself up on shaky arms. His heart was pounding, and his limbs felt like jelly. The carriage disappeared around a bend in the road, leaving him coughing in the dust.

"So much for help," he muttered, sitting back on his heels. His chest ached, and his hands were scraped from the fall, but at least he was alive. "Seriously, where am I?"

By the time Makoto reached the outskirts of a village, the sun had dipped below the horizon. Lanterns flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets. The buildings were old-fashioned, their wooden frames and sloping roofs straight out of a period drama.

Makoto's relief was short-lived. As he walked through the village, the townsfolk gave him wary looks. Some whispered to each other, their eyes lingering on his strange clothes. Others simply turned away, pretending not to notice him.

"Great," Makoto mumbled under his breath. "I'm a walking curiosity."

He stopped outside what appeared to be an inn, the sign above the door swinging gently in the breeze. Gathering his courage, he stepped inside. The warm scent of stew filled the air, and a fire crackled in the hearth. For a moment, Makoto allowed himself to hope.

"Excuse me," he said, approaching the counter where a burly man was polishing a mug. "I… I'm kind of lost. Could I stay here for the night?"

The man raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over Makoto's school uniform. "Got any money?"

Makoto's heart sank. "I… don't."

The innkeeper snorted. "Then I suggest you move along. We don't run a charity here."

Makoto's cheeks burned with embarrassment as the man turned away, already forgetting him. He backed out of the inn, his stomach twisting with a mix of hunger and shame.

"Figures," he muttered. "This day just keeps getting better."

Makoto wandered aimlessly through the village, unsure of what to do. His legs ached, and his stomach growled louder with every step. Just as he was about to give up, a lively tune reached his ears. It was faint at first, but it grew louder as he followed the sound, leading him to the edge of the village.

There, in a clearing, stood a massive striped tent. Strings of lanterns illuminated the area, casting a golden glow over the crowd that had gathered. Laughter and chatter filled the air as people lined up to enter.

"A circus?" Makoto murmured, his curiosity piqued. He hesitated, unsure if he should approach, but the warm, welcoming atmosphere was too tempting to resist. Besides, it wasn't like he had anywhere else to go.

He slipped into the tent, keeping to the edges of the crowd. Inside, the air buzzed with excitement. Performers in bright costumes flipped and twirled, drawing cheers from the audience. Makoto couldn't help but smile, the weight of his troubles momentarily lifting.

Then, the ringmaster stepped forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he announced, his voice rich and theatrical. "Prepare to be amazed by the one and only—Mana Walker!"

Makoto's eyes widened as a tall man in a patched coat and top hat entered the spotlight. His movements were graceful, his smile wide and inviting. Yet there was something about Mana that felt… off. A sadness hidden behind the performance, as though the joy was a mask.

Makoto couldn't explain why, but he felt drawn to the man. He watched Mana's every move, captivated by his presence.

After the show, as the crowd dispersed, Makoto lingered near the edge of the tent. He wasn't sure why he stayed—maybe it was the comforting warmth of the circus, or maybe it was the strange feeling that meeting Mana was important.

"Enjoy the show?" a voice asked.

Makoto turned to see Mana standing there, his patched coat draped over his shoulders. Up close, the man's eyes were kind but piercing, as though he could see straight through Makoto's facade.

"Oh, uh, yeah," Makoto stammered. "It was incredible."

Mana tilted his head, studying him. "You're not from around here, are you?"

Makoto hesitated, unsure how to answer. "I… I guess you could say that."

Mana's smile softened. "Well, you look like you could use a warm meal. Why don't you come with me?"

Makoto's stomach growled loudly in response, making Mana laugh. Embarrassed, Makoto nodded. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

As Mana led him toward the performers' tents, Makoto felt a flicker of hope. For the first time since arriving in this strange world, he didn't feel completely alone.

To Be Continued…