"Thank you, 24-hour grocery stores."
Walking down the dark street, he rubbed his eyes as he felt tiredness weigh on his mind. It seems like gaming all day without leaving a dark room has really taken a toll on him.
After leaving home, his main destination was the nearby market, with the intention of buying some groceries to stay inside the room, without needing to leave for a few days. This was the common day-to-day life of Hikikomori Natsuki Subaru, the teenager who was barely used to going to school and who increasingly seemed separated from the world.
After entering the grocery store, he went straight to the shelves and looked for some snacks and instant noodles, unhealthy food, but that would be enough for today.
Undecided about the instant noodles, he took the cheapest one and went straight to the cashier, making the payment... However, the voice of someone familiar came right behind:
"Damn taxes, how can a snack increase its price by 30% just because it's in an urban area?! Let the state burn down!", stomping hard, a young man with brown hair and dark greenish eyes complained.
Subaru stared at him for a few seconds, trying to assimilate in his mind where he saw this person, until the cashier snapped his fingers, catching his attention:
"Sir, the change.", finishing putting the purchases in the bag, the attendant handed over the coins.
"A-ah, yes… A 10 yen coin, maybe it's a lucky day.", putting the money in his wallet, Subaru left the store at the same time.
When he was on the street, he heard the same voice as before, now apologizing:
"Forgive me! But I don't have coins to change! But I have a coupon at a nearby café…"
Stopping at the curb while waiting for the light to change, he began to wonder where he heard that voice. Before leaving home, he played the game all day while talking to a new friend he made on the internet, a certain Satou Kazuma... That voice sounded a lot like his.
Until, stopping next to Subaru, this young man with a smaller bag and a very tired face commented:
"Sigh. How can a grocery store be so cheap? Are you running low on stock?" catching a cell phone from his pocket, the boy started to play a random gacha with the volume at minimum.
" — — — "
Silence.
He thought about asking this boy's name, but he seemed very evasive, so he decided to remain silent. If there was a time for him to ask about Kazuma's whereabouts, it would be when he was at home, playing with him.
It might just be coincidence, but didn't he tell me he moved to Saitama recently? Are we living that close? he thought.
Green light. One step. A nuisance.
Subaru looked around uncomfortably, while the young man beside him seemed immersed in the game. A strange feeling passed through his heart, and a distorted vision appeared in front of him.
Not understanding at first, he just rubbed his eyes.
"It seems like I tired too much...—"
"...Hun?" Taking a step forward, Kazuma raised his eyebrow in confusion.
Even though he was constantly looking at his cell phone, he could feel the presence of the boy next to him... And suddenly, he simply disappeared.
It even seemed like he was sucked in by some divine entity, or it was just bad attention around him, not being able to notice when he disappeared.
Am I going crazy? No, impossible, I spent energy just sleeping and eating today… he thought, taking a step forward.
Kazuma had gone to the grocery store right after his friend he met online, NatsukiXX, went out to buy something at the grocery store. Since he didn't want to wait in the lobby, he decided to do the same and grab some things to eat tonight.
As the city was completely new to him, he decided to go to the closest place (and also open at that time), to make it easier to get back. The less he is out of the house, the better to satiate Kazuma's Hikikomoris powers.
"I should have bought a can of soda— Oh-wo!", stepping falsely onto the curb, his world fell apart.
Without understanding at first, his mind began to work only when he felt his belly touch the 2-liter soda, which fell shamefully from the shopping bag...
At that same moment, a stone touched the plastic of the bottle, and it exploded in an instantaneous and not at all convenient effect, it bounced off the ground, and came straight back to his face, hitting his mouth with the cap.
"SON OF A BI—"
"-TCH"
Reflexively dropping the bag, Kazuma fell into a fetal position on the floor, while feeling tremendous pain in his teeth. It didn't appear to have broken any, but the inconvenience was enormous.
"Damn it!" With his hand over his mouth, he muffled the curses just for himself.
The sun is here. The night was gone in the blink of an eye...
Completely ignoring
There seem to be people talking around.
It doesn't matter. What miserable pain!
"How does someone trip over the curb?!"
"...Y-are you okay?"
Still shaking from the pain, Kazuma forces himself to look up, catching a glimpse of the person who was speaking to him.
"Boy?", a tall man with facial and body features similar to a reptilian had said.
"O-oh wh-… Argh!", said Kazuma still feeling pain in his tooth.
It was impossible to utter words in this state. Unless he was a masochist, talking through a toothache was unthinkable at this point.
However, it was difficult to remain silent when seeing such an incredible fantasy in front of you. It looks like he was helped by a furry. Nothing against it, it was just a little strange to see someone like that at… Night?
The street, the sign, the curb…
A click appeared in his head, as he noticed the sun's UV rays hitting his skin. The city around him, the great night to play, and the green light that told him to cross... Everything disappeared and was replaced by a medieval and non-cliche vision.
"What the— Argh!"damn toothache!
The sweat on his back made his coat stick, and the hot floor began to burn his hand, forcing him to sit down, still having difficulty speaking.
Ignoring the person who offered him help, who soon walked away, Kazuma turned his head 360 degrees as he checked every detail in the city, while he was left in disbelief at the sudden change of scenery. Carts being pulled by… Dragons? Bipedal animals that spoke and dressed like normal people…
It was as if he had been taken to the past in the blink of an eye, and now, he was lying on the ground, sweating because of the strong sun, in a probable… Another world?
It took him a while to finally get up.
The smile on his face was huge.
The bag with the items he purchased was wet with soda.
Comments appeared behind his back.
"I… I AM IN ANOTHER WORLD— Ahh! Fucking teeth!"
Being summoned to another world was Kazuma Satou's beginning in this fantasy.
2
Re:Zero, God Bless this Wonderful World!
"A beautiful introduction to a new world. The shitty soda got all my clothes wet… Urgh, this sun is going to make the sugar make my sweater stick." He said sitting on the edge of a fountain.
After realizing he was in a parallel world, Kazuma decided it would be best to rest first before exploring. If he spent all his hikikomori energy at the beginning, it would be impossible to explore everything later... However, the heat made him want to enter a shadow.
"At least it's cool here." pulling the collar of his coat, he faced the bipedal animals. "Do these beings not have difficulties in the heat? Without hair it's already hell, do they use magic for that? Sigh…"
Due to the intense heat, he took off his coat and tied it around his waist, feeling relieved, while enjoying the particles of water that the fountain next to him threw out.
Even though it was a terrible performance, I'm still excited. he thought, leaning down. And on top of all that… NO SCHOOL WORK!
Shyly showing his happiness, Kazuma stood up, opening his arms as he breathed heavily. Oxygen had some differences, mainly because it was in a world not immersed in smoke-filled technology, but the main thing was the lightness in which your body felt.
It seems that the adrenaline of changing the world made him more energetic.
First mission… Discover my powers! His tired face was now in complete ecstasy, with a huge smile.
As he couldn't stay still forever, he started walking through this mysterious world, picking up the bag with the sticky soda items.
His eyes couldn't focus on what was in front of him, always staring at the buildings and people around him, catching a glimpse of something completely new with each step. It was the same feeling as walking into a toy store as a child, everything was so incredible that it was impossible to take your eyes off.
For a Hikikomori who decided that his current life was lost, starting over in a parallel world was a kind of comforting solace, stepping out of his comfort zone and wandering into a world that all Hikikomori would want.
"When will a panel of welcome player, will it appear in front of me?", his fingers moved forward, trying to tighten something non-existent. "At least they should give me a tutorial. What a crap game it is to be?"
Typically in Korean summoning stories, most of them started with a text box wishing the "player" good luck, while a tutorial would appear. As for others in Japanese, at least there would be a beautiful woman welcoming him at the beginning... However, none of that happened at the beginning of Satou Kazuma.
"A strong, busty woman, not even a goddess welcomed me at the beginning! This is clearly a tier C anime plot." At least it wasn't cliché at all, but Kazuma thought that it was wrong for the God of this world to play with him in this way. It would have been better to have hit your head and passed out instead of appearing here, wasting precious special hikikomori energy walking on this city's boardwalk...
Then, the first trial as a protagonist appeared in front of him:
On the large road next to the promenade, thousands of carriages were traveling back and forth, however, there was a small figure in the middle of it, lying down, seeming to have no strength to stand up.
A CHILD? A CHILD ON THE ROAD?
The eyes widened, and the feeling of being important emerged. Satou Kazuma, the inmate and no one known, was prepared to save a person's life, even if it had consequences.
I couldn't let a child get hurt! Not in front of me! Not at the arrival of the incredible hero! he thought, dropping the bag and running towards the child.
With a heart full of determination, Kazuma placed himself between the child and the cart. Even though the light dimmed his vision, he reached forward, and internally shouted for the holy sword to emerge and save the day. If possible, also claim the title as Sword Saint in this world, bringing with you true justice!
However, everything seemed to be going in the opposite direction, when nothing appeared, much less the woman who screamed his name "Kazuma-sama!", while trying to save him.
Hey, this carriage doesn't seem to want to stop even though I'm getting in front, can this old fucker see me?! There is a child and a hero of justice in front of you! PAY ATTENTION!
His heart began to beat faster, as thoughts about the consequences of his action arose. Even if he had acted on impulse, getting hurt is a bad thing, you know? Even more so for someone unknown. Would it be worth getting hit by a carriage? Get hurt and break some bones to save a child?
He couldn't think straight, his heart was beating so loudly that it silenced outside sounds. The tachycardia (accelerated heartbeat) caused by the energy drink spread throughout his body made everything around him increase in speed so much so that it was difficult to decide what to think. Everything was so fast.
Heart beat. Fear. Consequence. Child. Parallel World. Heart beat. Fear. Consequence. Child. Parallel World… Heartbeat… Fear… Consequence… Child… Parallel World… Holy Sword… Water…
Why do I feel so wet…?
"STOOOOOOP!", he shouted at the top of his lungs.
Then— TUM!
His body fell backwards awkwardly, while his arms extended forward seemed to be asking for help, rather than demanding authority. The scream that came out with all his last strength from his lungs was also the final words that sealed Satou Kazuma's life.
"Onii-san?!" he said.
The voice of the child behind called out to him, but he was unable to respond.
The carriage in front of him, motionless, seemed to be mocking his pathetic attempt to— Wait, it was standing still?
"My goodness…!", getting out of the coach, an elderly man approached Kazuma lying on the ground.
Trying to get the boy's attention, the old man soon changed his expression to one of disgust...
Satou Kazuma… Died of a heart attack… While his pants expressed his fear in a dark yellow liquid. The odor was really horrible… And it smelled like cheap energy drinks.
This was Satou Kazuma's way of introducing himself to the parallel world: Dying as a pathetic being.
3
Re:Zero, God Curse this Damn Wagon!
Cold, I feel like my body is sailing in a sea of darkness…
For some reason, it feels like a part of me is wet, just like being in the sea…
What happened…
"Nii-chan, what is that smell?"
"Hun?", waking up to the world, Kazuma felt a spasm in his body.
"Did you… piss yourself?", small sounds of suppressed laughter are audible.
Feeling the sunlight dim his vision once again, he placed his hand on his forehead to be able to see…
After realizing that it was the same scene as when he came to this world, the main square with the fountain, Kazuma felt his shoulders drop, while his mind was still trying to process the situation.
Hun, shouldn't I be in the middle of the street? Did they hit me so hard that I passed out? Why does this all seem like an illusion…
Then, a simmering pain reaches the occipital lobe of your brain, directly affecting your vision. Everything seemed blurry, and the pain was too terrible to bear all at once.
"WUUUUAAHHHHHHHHH!", shouting as his hands went to his head, he walked backwards until he felt his body become unbalanced.
His senses were still recovering, but he knew that his sense of balance was falling, and— SPLASH! All wet again with a drowning bonus included!
"Blurgrhghrghrhgrhgrgh.", feeling the water penetrate his ears, nostrils and mouth, Kazuma finally wakes up from his reverie, feeling that he is able to move. "AAAHhhh!"
Jumping like a scared, wet cat, he threw himself out of the fountain, falling face down on the ground, feeling a sharp pain in his forehead and, as a bonus, a deviated septum.
"Wuaaah! The fountain piss monster!"
"He's trying to get us wet!"
"Piss monster!"
What the hell is going on here?
Coughing up some water that he swallowed, Kazuma wiped his face with the collar of his coat and looked around, only to be greeted with looks of disapproval from most of the surrounding citizens. The curious were the minority.
It appears he had wet himself… Twice, before he finally realized the situation he had put himself in.
"...What it is of change?", he said with shame.
Looking down, he noticed that, in addition to being wet from the waist up because of the fountain, a part of his pants, which matched his sweater, were also wet... But with a really terrible odor.
He had urinated on himself, like an animal in defense mode.
Apologize to the source, Kazuma. The source is now impure.
"AAAAAAHAHAAAAAAAA.", screaming in despair, he ran away from the disapproving looks.
Kazuma pissed on himself, and as a consequence, in the fountain.
Running to hide, running ashamed of what he had done, running to look for shelter, he ducked into the nearest alley, followed by a small girl with blond hair who soon disappeared from view over the roofs of the houses. He couldn't let people find out that the next Sword Saint, the hero of justice, the man who stopped a cart with his bare hands, completely pissed himself because he was scared.
"Damn… It's a common thing in the human body, hell!", hitting the wall, he felt like crying, but he sniffled. "May the one who left me faint at the fountain be caught by a swarm of bees!"
If only the initial busty girl had been here, none of this would have happened. If I find her, I'll tie her from head to toe, put her on the bed and—
"Hey, you look pretty disgusting there, man."
"He's all wet."
"Fuck, did he piss himself?"
Communal voices emerged from across the alley. They appeared to be three men of not very advanced age.
"How it is…?", same who had a reputation of zero, Kazuma looked at the people who appeared with a serious look.
He really wasn't in a good mood.
"Boy, how miserable.", the first man was pale with white hair, looking like an ugly copy of Slenderman.
"Yes, quite miserable.", the second man was large and dark, it seems that his fat served as muscle
"Did he piss himself out of fear?" The third man was small and had bowl-style hair, practically an uglier chihuahua.
Thieves? Pickpockets? Jehovah's Witnesses? Who are these guys?
"What do you— Argh!", then a tremendous toothache arose.
I hit my fucking nose, not my mouth! Why does this shit hurt again?! Unfortunately, I don't have time to deal with the three bumblers...
Ignoring the toothache, he wiped the imaginary blood from his lips, and pointed at the three men, trying to strike a cool pose:
"Whatever… I don't have the time or patience to deal with level one thugs like you right now.", impatiently, he said, trying to strike a tone of authority.
Whose fails completely.
"What did you say, thugs!? We even thought about letting you go out of pity, but now you will learn to respect others!", exclaimed the taller man loudly, snapping his fingers.
Nothing could shake Satou Kazuma's great spirit, but punches can cause serious bruises if hit hard.
"Even wet, you must have something valuable, so hand over everything at once!" shouted the skinny man, pulling out two daggers.
Nothing could shake Satou Kazuma's great determination, but sharp blades could cut through his fragile skin.
"Now the piss is going to be really pissed!" said the dwarf, pulling out a knife similar to a switchblade.
Nothing could shake Satou Kazuma, but the rate of piss jokes has already hit its stride!
Feeling, or rather realizing, that he is clearly at a disadvantage, he began to walk backwards, looking at the bag of items he brought. Even though they were wet, he could catch something: Could a snack poke out an eye? An instant noodle explode like an atomic bomb? Will a soda appease this fucked up situation?
What he could do, he would have to act fast, grab something and quickly make it his weapon. As he was a summoned from another world, clearly destiny was planning something great for him, karma would certainly come at a critical moment like this!
Then, pulling all the air from his lungs, he—
"SUMIMASEN! PLEASE FORGIVE ME! IT WAS NEVER MY INTENTION! I'M SORRY FOR MY ACTIONS! SPARE THIS SERVANT OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY!" Kneeling until his forehead hit the ground, Kazuma begged for his life.
Even though they apologized on their knees, it seems that the three men, even though they were surprised, did not seem to back down. Clearly they want to beat someone pathetic today…
At least I lived long enough to save a child from a cart.
Prepared to receive the thieves' furious blows, Kazuma sat up and opened his arms, accepting his fate...
"Screw me already!" he shouted—
"What are you doing?" Then, a female voice appeared, overlapping his weak voice.
"Han?"
"Hun?"
"Nani nani?"
" — — — " silently, Kazuma lowered his arms.
At the entrance to the alley, a silver-haired girl appeared. Her appearance was so striking that it left Kazuma temporarily bewildered, as his eyes slid over her smallest details. As I didn't know if I would survive after facing these men, it was a great opportunity to dry a woman for the last time.
She had snow-white skin, small pointy ears similar to an elf's, and long silver hair that matched her purple embroidered dress. Her voice, even though it resembled silver bells, could draw complete attention regardless of where she was. Her purple eyes were like polished amethyst stones, reflecting the faint sunlight that entered the alley…
Furthermore, Kazuma prostrated himself on his knees again.
White.
He smiled when he saw that he had achieved everything before leaving... However, first, it was better to see what would happen.
"I'll say it again, what are you doing? Were you the ones who robbed me?" same with her gentle face, she could make a really angry expression.
Her eyes looked like an angry lion staring at his prey, at least leaving Kazuma astonished at the situation.
"Robbed? Calm down, did we steal something?" said the skinny man.
"If someone robbed you, they passed by here, but it's not us!", said the fat man.
"Stealing women is not my style, I have other ways to do it.", said the chihuahua.
"Hmm… It doesn't look like they're lying." Placing her hand on her chin, she nodded. "Okay, I better continue!"
Busty girls don't really care about me…
Completely ignoring Kazuma's existence, the silver-haired woman ran past everyone, until she stopped abruptly at the end of the alley.
With strong words, she said:
"But, I can't ignore what's happening in front of me!"
Reaching out, three head-sized blocks of ice appeared in front of the woman, where they were fired at the same time, hitting each of the men in sequence.
The skinny man was thrown against the wall, dropping his daggers on impact. The chihuahua flew backwards, hitting its head on the ground, while the taller one…
"Fuck!" Cursing, he turned his body to try to defend himself, however, his fist was taken to an unlucky place.
Is luck really on my side?
His punch at an undetermined speed was directed at Kazuma's face, where he hit him squarely, causing him to be thrown backwards and fall on his back to the ground. When he heard the faint thud of the back of his head hitting, his world went into complete darkness, and he immediately passed out.
I was knocked out on a domino scale because of this busty woman… Or rather, busty elf…
Then, Satou Kazuma blacked out.
4
Re:Zero - God, please send help.
Warm, I feel something warming me like a strong hug…
For some reason, it feels like a part of me is happy, just like I'm in paradise...
What happened when I deleted it?
Regaining consciousness, his head slowly moved to the side, feeling like he was lying on something quite comfortable and soft. Maybe it was print, but it looked a lot like a pillow.
But it didn't make sense for him to be lying on a bed, what's more, when the body's other senses returned, he was clearly lying on something hard, similar to the alley floor. Did he faint and fall on top of one of the men? Well, if that's it, better enjoy this tiny time snuggling in the body of a muscular man...
"I DON'T ACCEPT THIS!" Opening his eyes, Kazuma placed his hand on the pillow who lay down, feeling his fingers touch something soft...
Cute skin, girl, woman, legs?
"A-ah, are you awake? Just don't touch it too much."
THIS COULD BE—
The female voice coming from above made him shiver, turning as slowly as possible until his eyes met the woman offering a lap pillow. He gaped.
It took a while for Kazuma to understand that he was lying on the lap of a… busty elf. Being able to have a beautiful view of her silver hair, and her big amethyst eyes, he felt special, and was grateful for the second great luck in this world.-
Really, parallel worlds are amazing, thank you nameless god!
Satou Kazuma is filled with determination! And taking bold action…
He turns his body and sinks his head into the woman's soft legs, ignoring the feeling of the hard, cold floor, just focusing on the divine sensation of lying on a woman's thighs.
"What are you doing?"
"Eh… Just saying thanks.", he said muffledly, while making the gesture of joining his hands above his head, thanking someone.
Shyly, he snuggled further into the elf's legs and closed his eyes, smiling cheekily.
Since I'm here, I'll take advantage of the divine pillow.
"...I understand, but could you get off me? Your hair itches."
"YES MA'AM!", Coming out quickly, he stood upright, completely giving up on continuing to lie down.
Even though Satou Kazuma was a man capable of acting like a shameless stud, he was still Satou Kazuma, a hikikomori whose last female contact was his mother in the last 7 months.
"Okay, it looks like you're better now." Standing up, the woman wiped her thighs.
Kazuma felt a little sad, but he couldn't wipe the naughty smile off his face. Since when did he get a lap pillow? Having your head close to—
"A man full of malice, I see. Get die, nya!", said someone else in a cute voice.
"What the hell?" confused, he looked at the woman, where a cat the size of his palm appeared. "A cat… Small cat?"
"Good morning, Puck.", said the woman, smiling.
"Hello again, Lia.", waving his paw, he quickly turned his eyes to Kazuma. "And you, shoo, shoo!"
"W-what is this? Since when did I follow orders from a little kitten?!", biting his molars, he pointed. "I can catch you with just one hand, white cat!"
"Hey, you two… Sigh.", letting the cat sit on her shoulder, she continued, "You look better."
"Ah… Hm.", Silently, he checked his face.
Even though he was punched hard enough to break his nose or push his jaw back, everything is fine. It's like he's been... Healed?
Not only that, what she used the other time, the ice… THE THUGS?!"
Looking at the entrance to the alley, there was no one else. It seems like there were only him and these two people in this dark alley… What an intriguing scene.
"After you were knocked out, the three men left and left you behind.", commented the woman.
"I guess they left me behind anyway, it just changed how I would look in the end…", he would probably be dead. "By the way, you helped me, didn't you? Thank you truly."
A part of you controlled when trying to say: "are you the main heroine?", afraid of being a harasser. After finally calming things down, it seems that Satou Kazuma is finally in a wonderful new world!
"You were wet, so Puck decided to throw a stream of water and wind to help. But the smell unfortunately continues…" saying looking down, Kazuma followed her gaze…
Are you sure I smell like piss?
What a disappointment.
"Well, that's enough. I think I'm going to take a serious bath in a lake and see what I can do.", clicking his tongue, he would like to find out more about the girl before leaving.
"Before that…" approaching, she lightly tugged on Kazuma's shirt, making him stop. "I want you to reward me for helping you!"
"Huh? I don't have money, no daughter. I'm broken and all dirty."
"I-I don't say monetarily. Sighing… I just want you to give me the information of the person who stole from me."
"... Then, I'm not a criminal expert."
"Criminal expert…", clearly not knowing what it was, she said: "I just want you to answer a few questions, that's all."
"Interrogation… Are you going to put handcuffs on me? Ulalah…"
" — — — "
In silence, she looked even more confused. Then, the cat sitting on his shoulder flew and stopped a few inches from Kazuma's face, scaring at first, but regaining momentum soon after.
"It seems that someone here has a brain full of mischief, Lia. Would it be better if I threw him to the other side of the capital?", said the cat, with a mischievous smile.
"Are you taking me away, smol cat?"
"Looks like someone has to learn some manners—"
"Wait a minute, Puck.", pushing the two away, the woman looked seriously at Kazuma again. "Listen. I healed you after you fainted, and I saved you after those men threatened you. I only ask that you tell me where my badge is!"
Raising her voice, it seems like she's out of patience... But the pout on her mouth made the whole scene cute and comical. However, getting straight to the point…
"Insignia? Are you talking about those things that stick to your chest? I didn't see any police around here… Are you from the army by any chance?"
"Army?" Shaking her head in denial, she gestured with her hand. "It's about that size. It has gold details and a red jewel in the center. I was distracted for a few seconds, and someone stole him from me… So I want you to tell me now where he could be."
"Calm down, mademoiselle. I don't know anything about that... But now that you mention it—", looking at the entrance to the alley and then at the surrounding roof, he commented: "I saw a blonde girl running around in a hurry. I followed her at first, but I don't know if she stole from you. Are you sure this place is full of pickpockets?"
In fact, if this woman is so desperate for a badge, shouldn't she have another as a backup?
When he was desperate at the fountain, trying to escape the eyes of the citizens, Kazuma ran to the furthest place he could see. At that same time, he saw a girl with golden hair and short clothes entering a nearby alley, and as an opportunity, he followed her to lose the crowd.
Trying to remember a little what she looked like, he noticed that she had a black bow and a long red scarf.
"A blonde girl… It could be her!", looking at Puck to the side, the woman nodded in thanks. "Thanks for the information, now…!"
Increasing her pace to follow the girl from before, she seemed determined to follow a path without clues.
…Fuck! My chance to live a peaceful and safe life was blown away! Damn, the main heroine is going to be cornered at the first opportunity?! And I... I don't even know your name!
For the opportunity to do something incredible in another world!
Opportunity to finally become the protagonist!
The opportunity to be someone.
With a heart full of determination, his lungs emptied at the scream that reverberated throughout the alley.
"STOOOOOOOOOOOP", stretching his hand forward, the girl's attention was caught.
"W-what is it?", stopping, she turned to Kazuma.
" — — — " Puck remained silent.
Maybe everyone on the boardwalk heard it.
Feeling short of breath, he beat his chest a little, stammering:
"I-I-I can h-help you with this p-problem…" even though he acted in a manly manner, sweat ran down his face, creating a peculiar scene…
Rule number one on how to win over the heroine: Show that you are willing to help
Increasing his self-esteem with inner words, Kazuma felt Puck's eyes look at him hard, as if he was deciphering what was going through his head.
"Help me? But you've already helped me enough. I no longer need retribution.", his eyes show clear confusion. Did she even understand?
"You know, I just gave you the description of the thief, and I don't even know if it's really her. Plus, I can be a great companion to be with a beautiful girl…" wanting to act like a gentleman, he bowed, but the pain in his back appeared as a stop sign.
"But, that's an ignominious argument.", she replied, crushing Kazuma's dreams.
"Ignominious?", not understanding the word, the damage was zero. "I'm saying I want to help you, beautiful girl! Like a good Samaritan sent from the far reaches of the beyond, I want to offer my intelligence…"
" — — — " silence, it seems that conversation between the two was impossible
"...What a complicated human. What do you think, Lia?" Joining the conversation, Puck landed on the woman's shoulder. "We must… Sigh… accept help from him?"
Don't ruin the moment romcom you little cat! I'm trying to put myself as a protagonist in the world!
Puck's eyes clearly said "I might kill you if she denies it.", but Kazuma ignored it.
"I…", the mixed feelings inside the woman, made each second of waiting last an eternity.
The sweat dripped down Kazuma's forehead...
The sweater stuck to Kazuma's back...
The fear of being denied and abandoned…
Exchanging glances with Puck and Kazuma, she seemed to become thoughtful when she saw the look of pain on the boy's face. On the one hand, you wouldn't want to involve even more people in your search, and if possible, just pay attention to the details to look for the badge. But on the other side, Kazuma's suffering expression made a small feeling of empathy grow in Emilia, as if he were a wet dog, pissed, sad, and abandoned, further complicating his final decision.
"Lia…", Puck calling her name, made her sigh, deciding to answer at once.
"I—"
"M-MY NAME IS SATOU KAZUMA, A STUDENT AND PRODIGY, FUTURE PROTAGONIST OF THIS WORLD!"
"Satou Kazuma…" repeating the name, he nodded in agreement. "Kazuma, then."
ARE WE MARRIED? WHAT FAMILIARITY IS THIS?! Ahh, gods, a beautiful and innocent elf is the perfect heroine for me—
"URGH!", feeling something hit his forehead hard, Kazuma was thrown back.
"K-Kazuma?! Puck, what is it?!" Frightened, she ran to the poor fallen man.
"I think I slipped my paws, blah~", he joked, placing his paw on top of his head.
"It slipped, did it? Urgh…", rubbing his hand over the wound, he stood up on his own. "Well, yes, I'm Kazuma, nice to meet you."
"Kazuma, then."
"Yes, I'm Kazuma."
"...?"
"...?"
Facing each other, it seems that each one waited for the other to comment, and Kazuma was the first:
"Well, what about your name? I don't like talking you, lady, girl, beautiful."
"Ah… My name…"
That cat named Puck called her Lia, but I doubt it's such a short name. Of course, it's cute, I want to call her that too.
"...Satella." replied the elf.
"A peculiar taste Sigh…" commented Puck.
"Satellia then? It's a very peculiar name, it matches the Lia."
" — — — " silence, it seems that Satellia I didn't know what to say.
"I think he beat you this time, Lia." Flying closer to Kazuma, he didn't look comfortable at all. "I'm Puck, spirit."
"Yes, I'm Kazuma."
"Kazuma seems quite smelly and weak. Are you sure you can help?"
"I'm still human and I can move. For a woman, I will move mountains."
Presentations number 1, closed—
"Pardon? You said spirit?"
"I think this is too much information for you to take in, Kazuma. Just understand one thing…" getting closer, he whispered in her ear. "Don't try anything funny with Lia."
The little cat's serious voice made Kazuma back away, but kept the smile on his face.
"Now… I'm sorry for saying my name wrong, Kazuma."
"Yes, I'm Kazuma."
"My name is… Emilia. Just Emilia." Being sincere in her words, the elf seemed a little sad, but at the same time, calm when speaking the truth. "A half-elf…"
"Emilia… So, what was that Satella from before? Don't tell me you got it from a clothing brand." Laughing at his own comment, he said: "And… Half-elf? Now I understand why you are so beautiful. The main heroine always has to have something unique."
"You…"
"I? Did I happen to say something strange? Oh! Don't tell me that compliments here are considered insults?! FORGIVENESS!"
The woman opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, not knowing what to say. Until he let out a weak laugh, crouching down, leaving Kazuma confused.
"...ehehe~" Even surprised, Emilia laughed at the situation. "Silly… You are an enigma to me, Kazuma," she stood up, wiping away her tears.
Elf heroine, innocent, who says nonsense to the protagonist... Now my adventure has begun.
"I'll show you Emilia-chan my incredible skills. I hope you don't fall in love easily!" Jumping up to the alley step, he pointed at himself. "Let's find that badge of yours once and for all… But first, how about we look like smart people?
"Smart people…"
"The thief must be on the other side of the city, so we should ask for more precise information before moving forward. Better to proceed with caution than to rush and stumble."
Walking to the entrance of the alley, he waited for Emilia to follow him. It was a great time for Kazuma to also discover more about the city, and mainly, what the main heroine of his story was like. Of course, finding her badge was his main goal, and perhaps a reward would arise if he managed to find it, but the feeling of being abandoned or completing Emilia's main quest and just leaving left Kazuma's mind clouded.
If possible, it was better to make this extend a little. Who doesn't like following a beautiful woman down an alley?
5
Re:Zero - Shoujo Mangas are Efficient!
"Let's see, this place is fucking big."
"We are in the royal capital of Lugunica, it is normal for it to be big." replied the half-elf. "Come on, we need to hurry."
"Cutting the conversation in half, Emilia-chan is a sharp knife! Just don't cut me in the meantime!"
"I wouldn't do that! Kazuma offered his help and I accepted. I just didn't understand when Puck told me it would be great to have shields with me... You don't carry any shields."
"What is this miserable cat thinking?! Well, of course I would like to be a shield and be held by Emilia's delicate hands, but I don't intend to be an inanimate object!"
"Don't worry, Kazuma. You are human."
"Uh… yes?"
"You are human, you are not a shield.", his look was serious, leaving Kazuma embarrassed.
"Did you need to repeat it?"
"...?"
"...My heroine is too innocent.", he murmured, smiling internally.
"Anyway, we need to continue— Ah…" then, she stopped.
"Huh? W-what's the problem? Have you seen someone ugly as hell? AH! It's not me, is it?!"
"I wouldn't feel pain because someone is ugly.", going ahead, she proclaimed: "And Kazuma looks like a normal boy, his eyes are a little strange when they look at me from the corner, but other than that, he just needs to take a shower."
"So I smell terrible! Please don't cover your nose!"
"It's okay, I can breathe through my mouth around Kazuma."
"This doesn't help at all, in fact, it makes it even worse. I should die.", taking a critic to heart, Kazuma almost fell to the ground without strength.
However, something caught his curiosity.
Emilia, who was ahead, stopped in front of a child, leaving Kazuma confused. Are you asking her for information?
The boy didn't come any closer, observing the entire scene from afar. Perhaps Emilia was a master of socialization, even though she was innocent! That was his thought… However, when the child started to have tears welling up in his eyes, it seemed like something turned sour.
It seems like the main heroine doesn't know how to deal with children.
This is the moment when I show how incredible I am?!
"P-please, I…", sealing her mouth in a narrow horizontal line, it seems like Emilia didn't know what to say.
Head down, she slowly walked away from the child, but looked from side to side, looking for someone to help… Until the hero appeared:
"Let me handle this, Emilia-chan."
"Wha— Kazuma?!"
Smiling, he approached. In her mind, he had a jawline similar to attractive men in shoujo manga. Even though he wasn't the most beautiful person in the world, he had some tricks that he learned from reading manga. Using his untested social powers as he was an introverted Hikikomori, he tried to calm the situation with the child.
"Good morning, beautiful lady. Or rather, little flower. Did something happen?"
The half-elf's eyes widened hearing Kazuma's words. In her mind, it was practically impossible for him to say those words, at least in the Kazuma created in her mind, he would never do that… It completely exceeded her expectations.
Placing her hand on the crystal on her chest, she observed the scene from afar, without getting in the way.
The child sniffled, trying to contain his crying, until Kazuma put his hand on his head.
"Don't worry. Where are your parents, you're lost, aren't you? A big girl like that can't cry, it will stain the beautiful face."
Attack two thousand consecutive compliments!
The child looked a little confused, but a shaky smile appeared. That made Kazuma give the go-ahead to continue with the mission:
"Okay, let's go find your mommy. Do you want to hold big brother's hand?"
"Kazuma, you seem quite strange right now."
"Ngh! I just thought it would be nice if she walked around with me calling me Onii-sama."
A voice in his subconscious said: "A boy without salvation, Sigh."
Am I being kicked in my own mind?!
"Thank you for your help, Kazuma.", approaching, Emilia crouched down in front of the child, who seemed to accept the girl more. "We're going to find your parents, so don't let go of us, okay?"
The child, wiping away her tears, nodded.
Kazuma quickly held out his hand for her to take, but was completely ignored. The child chose Emilia instead.
I got dumped by a kid...
"Kazuma? What it was? You look pretty downcast."
"Nothing much… We're just going to find this child's mother…"
Even with a pain in their hearts for losing the opportunity to be called Onii-sama, the two quickly found the child's mother, where they were duly thanked, returning to look for the badge soon after.
It seems that Emilia was in a great mood.
6
Re:Zero - In Search of the Lost Item!
It was about an hour after this comforting episode.
"Circles… We are going in circles non-stop. Practically chasing its own tail!"
The investigation had reached an impasse. Kazuma began to scratch his head to hide the unpleasant atmosphere that existed when he was the target of Emilia's cold and penetrating gaze.
"I didn't expect to be faced with such a big problem. Not with all my experience, I was able to realize this… What a shame."
"You seem to value yourself highly, but it's not resulting in anything. Yeah, no are hard times."
"Old man's phrase…"
Kazuma felt a pang of discomfort after the girl's gaze became even sharper and more penetrating after he pointed out her comment. After almost an hour of searching, they were still in the alley, for some reason. Of course there is a good reason for this. They discovered several factors that made the situation very complicated.
First, Kazuma was unfamiliar with the territory. As for that, he would like to be forgiven since he had just been summoned into this world. Apparently, she didn't know the region well either and they both lost a lot of time, believing that the other knew where they were going. The situation even seemed like a joke, if it weren't for the serious look that the girl was returning towards Kazuma. The second problem was regarding the characters and symbols written everywhere, they were completely illegible to him.
Since Kazuma didn't have any problems communicating with people, he was careless and didn't think about it. But when he looked around once again, he noticed that there were characters that looked like handwritten hieroglyphics everywhere. Unless they are "charms to ward off evil" popular among locals, those should be the standard characters of this world. Kazuma couldn't even read the signs.
In other words, what usually happens in stories from hero invoked for another world, where "for some reason, it is possible to understand both speech and writing", it applied only to speech. Considering that he would be condemned to death if he couldn't even understand what the people of this world say, it would be difficult to say that his situation is unhappy.
"Damn, but they increased the difficulty level too much… I thought I would be climbing like a tutorial, but they threw me into complete nonsense…" Kazuma whispered, looking at his feet as he reflected on his current position. "Learning all over again is going to suck, but it's the price to pay for being in another world… Damn God, at least it would give me a text box!"
Far from perfect, they seem to have encountered a number of careless problems before they even started.
"Lucky my ass. It's hot and we didn't achieve anything.", commented Kazuma with a somewhat discouraged tone as he thought about everything he had done and realized that he hadn't done well at all so far. "So, what do we do now?"
"...I should have speeded it up, but I thought of one thing. I'm going to call the inferior spirits…" commented Emilia.
"Inferior spirits? Are they like… Puck's kids?"
"I don't remember any child I abandoned.", said a voice from beyond.
Meanwhile, Emilia was standing, leaning against the wall with her eyes closed. When I see your small lips I would murmur something, Kazuma tilted his head curious.
What is she doing…?
Sensing Kazuma's confused look, Emilia replied:
"Inferior spirits are beings that have not yet fully formed.", said Emilia. "Puck is an exception."
"As simple as that? What hard workers…"
Kazuma raised his eyebrows in astonishment when a gray cat suddenly appeared in front of him to respond to him.
"It finally appeared. Did you watch us go around without saying anything?"
"I still have some time before I go. Unlike these inferior spirits out there, I work properly. Even watching your every move very closely, Kazuma."
"Yes, I'm Kazuma.", feeling Puck's oppressive gaze hitting him squarely, he commented: "I'm glad you have great professionalism… But what exactly are inferior spirits? Judging by their name, they must rank lower than spirits."
As if to confirm Kazuma's thoughts, the cat swung its long tail as it floated through the sky and said:
"Inferior spirits are beings that are beginning to develop the wisdom necessary to become a spirit. After a while, they gain powers and consciousness of their own, becoming spirits, just like me."
Like a Level Up in RPGs, huh... At least the world follows a line very similar to the basic rules of a magical medieval game.
"Amazing, can I do something like that?"
"Silence, Kazuma.", said Puck.
While Kazuma assent upon hearing the request, he noticed that dim lights were floating around the silver-haired girl. The ephemeral glow of these lights resembled that of fireflies spinning around her. It was a scene that anyone would hesitate to interfere with. A sanctuary where only those who receive permission from a supernatural being would be allowed to enter.
Maybe it was your imagination, but the weak sunlight that penetrated the alley, hit directly where Emilia was, creating a unique and beautiful image for Kazuma's memory. In a normal romcom, it was the perfect scene to store several screenshots in your brain, and say a nice phrase to match the situation...
Kazuma even felt his throat close, losing his voice. He wanted to say something, he wanted to feel at least a different feeling than the "standard isekai protagonist", but it seemed so difficult… It was difficult for his heart to beat so fast, apart from the caffeine from the energy drink, there was no other moment like that… Even though he tried hard, it was impossible to have a feeling similar to "liking".
Even in another world, with a half-elf heroine and a chance at a second life, Satou Kazuma would take a while to acquire the doki-doki feeling.
Better get myself back on track, at least for now...
"I—"
TUM!
Receiving a direct slap to the head, Kazuma looked up, seeing Puck floating with a serious face.
Without uttering a sound, the cat said in silent words:
"Silence."
Kazuma blinked a few times before nodding in response. It seems that disturbing the conversation with the lower spirits was something really dangerous, maybe an explosion could happen? Her body shivered at the possibility of seeing the half-elf being blown into a thousand pieces.
It took a while, but eventually the lower spirits dissipated, making the alley a dark place again. The feeling of fantasy left with it, making Kazuma sigh in disappointment.
Emilia by once again, she placed her hand on her head, clearly showing tiredness. Was the effort to talk to the inferior spirits that great?
"Ah…", Emilia grunted.
"Oops, oops, calm down.", he said running to her at the same time.
Arriving close to Emilia who staggered in disorientation, Kazuma placed his hand on the woman's back, wanting to help. It was a unique sensation, in addition to receiving a lap pillow for the first time, he also touched her back! One more check on your to-do list in the parallel world.
Still, the feeling of help was true.
"It seems that the lower spirits searched for a long time.", commented Kazuma. "Do you need help? I don't know if I can give him a lap pillow."
"No need, but I appreciate it… Just… Give me some time." Leaning her shoulder against the boy's, she expressed her tiredness: "But, I did it."
"It achieved? Great, we saved half the day by doing this. Of course, I don't deny that I would be interested in getting a tavern and—"
"She is a little far from where I imagined. We better hurry." Leaving Kazuma, who felt lonely, she commented: "We need to go to the suburbs, apparently."
"Suburbs? Would it be more or less favelas? I thought this kingdom was incredible and beautiful… But inequality still continues. DAMN GOVERNMENT!"
" — — — "
"Damn taxes… What is it?"
"N-nothing. I was just impressed that Kazuma cares about problems like this."
"I care because I'm in the middle of this problem. So it's obvious that I want changes. The more easy paths open up for me, the better." was Kazuma's clear thought. Who wouldn't want to make life very easy?
"You are a rather peculiar person, Kazuma."
"Yes, I… Wait, is a peculiar bad or good?"
"Sorry, I didn't understand what you meant... Kazuma looks like someone who came from quite far away. His clothes are made of quality fabric and his hands do not have the stiffness of a manual worker."
Bridging the space between the two, Emilia took Kazuma's hand, who watched the scene with a sparkle in his eyes, and a strong blush on his cheeks. When was the last time a woman held your hands? Again, another victory for the protagonist.
The half-elf seemed intrigued by the boy, touching his hand gently, as if she were holding something precious, massaging his fingers.
Noticing Kazuma's stupid expression, she walked away.
"I am a person who worked hard in my past life, so I am reaping the fruits of karma."
"Past life?"
"You could say that I'm far from everything and everyone! So now it's a fresh start! A new stage in life! A solid upgrade for Satou Kazuma!"
Their chuunibyou poses left Emilia perplexed, while Puck at the side expressed his embarrassment. It took a while for Kazuma to regain his posture, coughing to lighten the mood.
The girl's eyes wandered in curiosity:
"So, you're worse off than me…", putting her hand over her mouth, she looked worried.
"Errr… Half and half? It is not good to take everything for granted. Hey, Emilia-chan, what are those sad eyes, I really look like a poor guy, HEY?!"
"Let's continue on our way. When we find my badge, I will thank you properly." Ignoring Kazuma's comments, she quickly walked out of the alley.
"Hey, hey, don't go like that out of nowhere! Worse than leaving sentences incomplete is leaving me thinking I'm a fuck-up!", pulling the sweater tied around his waist down, he tried to hide the old stain on his pants.
Then, the two headed towards the likely location. Since Kazuma didn't disturb the conversation with the lower spirits, Emilia got the answer quickly.
Why didn't she want to ask the lower spirits from the beginning... Could it be that she wanted my company? Ahh, magical world, I love you.
"How can you talk to these beings?" Kazuma asked.
"Hmm…", placing her finger on her chin, she replied. "I would say it's normal for me. A spiritual arts mage usually does everything on impulse."
"Spiritual arts… Considering what you've shown me so far, there are more than one type, right?"
Our meeting was made with natural magic, after all.
"I can use it however I want because of Puck, but also because of the control over my portal."
"Portal? Are you going to teleport from one place to another?"
"Sorry, but I didn't understand what you meant."
Coming aside, Puck said, "Don't make complicated jokes, Kazuma."
"It appeared again. So, cat, can I do the same thing as Emilia-chan?"
"Kazuma intends to become a spiritual lake?" Clasping her hands together, Emilia's eyes shone. "This is incredible. I hope you can!"
"It seems like you're not going to teach me by saying it like that…"
"...?
"...Calm down, won't you?!"
"Lia is not obliged to do anything, Kazuma." Flying over to stand next to Kazuma, Puck scratched his cat whisker. "But, I can say that you have an affinity with spirits. It's not huge and something shocking, but with training, you should get at least one spirit. It's just up to you to know which one it will be."
"What will it be? So is it a gacha to find out? I hope to get a top SS class.", placing his hand on his chest, he prayed for some god to give him luck. "Oh, let it be a woman spirit, or an inferior spirit with a woman's voice!"
"Spirits don't exactly have a gender... But don't worry, if Puck said so, I'm sure it will happen.
"Thank you again for your trust, Lia.", flying until it landed on the girl's shoulder, it passed through the half-elf's hair. "Be careful with strangers."
"Why did you look at me? I'm Emilia-chan's closest and most intimate person after you, kitten!*
"We're not close, Kazuma.", Emília replied, tilting her head cutely.
"Dream crusher!", crying internally, he walked ahead. "My heroine is tier S, but her innocence gets in the way…"
7
Re:Zero - Arrest this Badge Thief!
"Looking back, it seems that the favela is really disconnected from the rest of the capital.", commented Kazuma, walking between the suburbs.
"From the documents that he read, the capital of Lugunica it has more than a million citizens.", the half-elf pointed out, with her finger on her lips.
"More than a million? The majority could only be in the suburbs, right? Or do they not even count? What an unequal kingdom…"
"Kazuma."
"Yes, I'm Kazuma."
"You're a pretty smart person, aren't you? He seems to know how Lugunica works, even with those strange clothes…"
"Ignore the stains on your pants, please. By the way, does my outfit make me look innocent?!"
"The fabric of your clothes is of truly incredible quality. If your fingers weren't pretty enough, you look like you come from another city…"
"To put it bluntly, I came from beyond."
" — — — ", the confused half-elf remained silent, leaving Kazuma gradually embarrassed.
"L-let's just continue walking!"
Quickening their pace, it seemed that the two were getting closer to their goal.
I need a huge house as a reward after all this. Maybe a mansion, full of maids who say things like "you can ask for anything, Kazuma-sama." But... Damn, I didn't stop for a second in this world, huh. Am I getting into the speedrun path by chance? Platinum will soon follow.
Placing his hand over his pockets, his eyes wandered over the destroyed houses.
His thoughts began to fill his mind…
Since he saved that boy from being run over, many strange things happen one after another, as if he had unlocked the right passage at the exact moment.
Not only that, the pain in the tooth, an initial consequence of when he came into this world, returned when he woke up from fainting. It was strange how no one had thanked him for helping a child, and worse than that, being thrown back to the starting square with wet clothes.
The last straw was urinating on himself. Of course, Kazuma felt quite scared at first, but he didn't imagine that his bladder would save it just for when he woke up.
The Sword Sant project is taking longer than expected…
Expecting that he would receive all the initial abilities of an isekai after a while, it seems that nothing has emerged in Kazuma's range of inner abilities. It was as if his summoning brought only his body, his clothes and his memories. Everything seems very strange for the beginning of an incredible story about the protagonist from another world.
Could it be that... Emilia-chan is the protagonist, and I'm just some mob?! Impossible, she would definitely tell me if it were... Or no, I didn't tell her myself. Damn, why am I in this world anyway?!
Biting his molars, he felt his shoulders drop as he saw there was nothing he could do. It seems that continuing with this almost secondary mission was the only viable option at this time. Without knowing the language of this world, without having prior knowledge of the geography of the place, and most importantly, not having a place to live, it was almost a dead end for Kazuma... But luckily, the first alley he entered was precisely the one that led him to this present moment.
"Kazuma."
"A-ah, Emilia-chan?!"
"Are you well? He was silent for a long time… Is there something on your mind?", asked Emilia, showing clear concern in her eyes. "Want to hold my hand?"
Did she watch me while I was in the classic scene of deep thought? What a saf half-elf— Cough, cough… What a kind girl.
"CALM DOWN, HANDS?!"
"You seem distressed about something, Kazuma."
…She's just worried about me. What an angel.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. I just thought a little about whether it took us too long to find your badge. Did I disturb you?" he asked. His eyes longed for the word "no" to be said.
"Uhm. Kazuma helped me search the capital by asking about the person who stole my badge. It was just really weird that you were shouting in the crowd with a mysterious drawing on paper."
"I-it was the image I remembered of the thief… Sorry if my artistic characteristics are bad." With his head down, he walked on. "Don't worry about me. If I stop out of nowhere, it's only because of a headache."
"If you have a problem, I can offer a cure."
"Letting me lie on your thighs is a great cure."
"I don't know if it would be efficient…"
"So you would?!"
"Stay still for a moment, Kazuma.", ignoring his comment, the woman got straight to the point.
"E-Emilia-chan?", obeying the half-elf's request, he stopped.
The girl closed the distance and quickly extended her arms, making the boy fall silent.
His heart didn't beat faster, but a blush crept onto his cheeks. Emilia was a really beautiful girl, and even closer, you could smell the delicious smell of her hair. It didn't seem to be something created by a perfume, it was more like she was naturally fragrant.
Kazuma sniffed heartily.
"Kazuma. Could you breathe slower?"
"Yes, Emilia-chan!"
"You are really peculiar…"
Then, a small light appeared in his palm, making Kazuma's head tingle. It only took 8 seconds before Emilia sighed and walked away.
"Magic is really incredible." Kazuma commented.
"I thank the lower spirits for helping me.", nodding her head, she continued on. "Come on, we're close."
She's a really good girl... This makes it increasingly clear how she managed to lose her badge so easily. Innocent girls are naturally easier.
The two continued walking until dusk. The sun was setting behind the large castle in the capital, leaving only a few slivers of light for the two to continue on the trail. Kazuma had a little trouble seeing in the dark, while Emilia seemed pretty calm.
After a while, the half-elf pressed the crystal to her chest, exactly where Puck, her spirit, slept.
"It seems like it's about time."
"Hmm? What time? Did you have any commitments?" asked Kazuma.
"That's not it…" shaking her head, she smiled. "Puck is a unique spirit for being able to materialize. However, this has a high mana cost. As a result, he cannot always remain active and returns to his crystal after a certain time.", gently squeezing the crystal, she whispered: "Thank you for your services, Puck."
"Workers have to rest. Right him."
"We are close to where my badge is. Then let's continue.", Emilia hurried, ignoring Kazuma.
"Hai, hai, Emilia-chan—"
"Take care of her, Kazuma. Apart from your perverted part, you're a good boy, aren't you? Hie hie~ Try not to force anything on Lia…", said a voice from beyond, penetrating Kazuma's head.
This cat… Can he read my thoughts by any chance?!"
Intrigued by the revelation, he shrugged his shoulders and rethought his actions.
I better not do anything weird from now on. I don't know if this cat is powerful, but taking into account the magic and what I've heard from the spirits, I feel like he can get me hunt in two movements.
Kazuma sighs but strangely doesn't feel tired, perhaps this world's healing magic can even alleviate the fatigue?
"Let's go and beat the thief and teach her some manners, Emilia-chan!" Maybe Kazuma is starting to get the hang of this new world.
Is there anything better than being in a squad with a pretty girl and still being carried?! I hope the thief is a weakling, so I beat her and still conquest the protagonist— Or maybe both. hehe~! Ah… It could be that this isekai is from a novel that I've never read? I just hope there is no misogyny in this world.
With a nod, Emilia nods and they both continue towards their goal.
The sun was saying goodbye, ushering in the night. As the light fades, a strange feeling begins to well up in Kazuma's heart.
Maybe it's because silence? Residents of these places would not dare set foot outside at this time, there is no way of knowing what awaits them at night. It was probably just in his head, it could be that he is just worrying about Emilia's safety, it would be terrible if something bad happened to her, and to him too, fortunately, there shouldn't be anyone in this world more powerful than Emilia, or at least, who is in the favela.
It doesn't take long for both of them to find themselves in front of a huge house with an aged and rustic appearance, the absence of the sun and the weak light of the moon making the environment seem much darker than it should. The silence seems too disturbing to be just one person's imagination, Kazuma has never been in a situation like this before.
"...Are you going first?" Kazuma said.
"I can go, it's too dark. It's okay if you're afraid.", he replied, leaving Kazuma without a reaction.
"S-scared? No, that's it... I just think it's a bad idea to go into a big house without any lights. There could be criminals everywhere just waiting for us to show up. Hell! Let me go first! Or not! Or yes! Ah, I just need a light!", fighting With himself, he stamped a few feet on the ground.
"Kazuma, it's okay… I have a flashlight lagmite."
"Lag—what? Are there any games in this world?"
"Lagmite. They are small pebbles that have several uses. One of them…", taking a small object out of her pocket, she knocked it against the wall, making it light up. "It's serving as a light!"
"Damn, is it like those UV lights that you have to shake?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're saying."
With the flashlight in hand, Emilia seemed determined to enter the large mansion alone.
Kazuma's gaze swept over the destroyed houses around him, feeling a bad feeling. Emilia seemed strong, but there was a feeling that something was happening. Eastwas out of place. Very silent, not a single person walking around these places… It looked like a classic trap scene.
"Wait here. I'll go in first.", going up the stairs before the front door, Emilia placed her hand on the door.
Her initial move was to ring to see if anyone would answer her, but she quickly decided to put her hand on the doorknob—
"Emilia-chan."
"A-ah, yes?"
"You're really tense there. Isn't it better if we come back here in the morning? At least we could bring in some police and... Wait, wait. Why don't we call any officers with us?!"
Considering that this was a medieval world, it was likely that there were knights or guards that roamed the capital. In fact, Kazuma saw some people in armor while walking with Emilia, so…
"We can't." replied Emilia.
"Hit your head?! I feel red light for this place. RED! It's a bad thing, you know?! There is no sound, no movement, and it seems like a strange smell is coming from inside... Are you sure you want to continue? Maybe they are sleeping."
"Kazuma, I appreciate your help looking for my badge. But right now, I can't go back, not when I'm in the right place. If you want to leave now, that's fine, I won't be mad. Be careful on the return journey."
"What a quick response… I just wanted to let you know.", seeing the last shred of light disappear on the horizon, he froze. "Damn, I didn't even find a place to sleep today…"
" — — — "
Emilia seemed distracted as she thought of an answer.
However, her hand followed and she opened the door, entering the mansion, leaving Kazuma gaping.
Is she crazy? I thought he would say "fuck, this is the police!", and start throwing ice everywhere… Although Emilia-chan is a very innocent heroine. She will definitely ask nicely for them to return it, and then she will finish them off!
Sighing, he watched Emilia step into the darkness with her flashlight. It seems like the place was quite big, but the windows allowed us to see where the girl's beam of light went.
Kazuma couldn't get in there at first.
What an idiot.
"...She should say something."
A few seconds without the half-elf appearing. Until then, the light inside the mansion suddenly went out.
…Shit, this is why I don't go to obvious places!
Feeling his legs tremble and fear slowly consuming him, it seems that his body activated defense mode, as if indirectly telling Kazuma to get out of there.
Although…
"You fucking asshole, disgrace! I can't let my main heroine get caught by thieves! If I'm going to get them in, I'll…", looking around, he picked up the nearest rock. "I'll show them my serious ways."
Taking his cell phone from his pocket and checking the battery, he walked to the door of the mansion, using the flash to locate himself.
The place looked like a pawn shop, full of strange items with tags. It was as if this place resold the items they took, a classic criminal way of acting within the law.
"Emilia—", immediately closing her mouth, it seems that screaming was not an option.
I'm tense as fuck.
Looking for something, a faint beam of light caught his eye.
The smell inside this place was similar to vomit.
Every step was silent.
Approaching the dim light, Kazuma felt something wet soak his feet.
He checked to see if it hadn't pissed again.
Looking down from the flash, a crimson liquid trailed towards the wall ahead.
Crap.
A small person with blond hair, and another with a height of over 2 meters and bald. They were both lying down with a pile of blood coming out of their orifices. Eyes, mouth, nose, ears, it was as if they were dying inside, suffering until the last second.
Holy shit it's a HUMAN BODY—
"AAAAHRGHH!", being caught by his side, Kazuma was thrown towards the faint light that followed.
His body rolled across the cold floor until he got wet again. The smell was strong. It was new blood.
His cell phone was thrown to the other side, while the rock he was carrying just fell to the ground with a faint thud.
Fuck, fuck, FUCK, FUCK, WHAT THE SHIT IS THIS, WHY DOES IT BURN SO MUCH?!
Placing his hand on his belly, he felt something soft and wet. An intense burning reached that place, an absurd heat that began to turn into pain, making it difficult for Kazuma to control his voice:
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! SHIT, SHIT, SHIT! EMILIA. EMILIA?!"
Calling the woman's name, he writhed on the ground when he finally realized what was in his hands: His own blood, and worse than that, his insides, which had been kicked out of his belly by a horizontal cut.
The pressure in his brain increased, making Kazuma let out a few tears. His nose became blocked, and the pain began to affect the movement of his legs. He wanted to get up, he even tried to lean on any piece of furniture nearby, but he was weak...
"Emil— Blurgh…"
Blood began to fill his throat, making him swallow even more of the crimson liquid. His lungs began to mix oxygen and blood, causing him to suffocate in his own misfortune.
NO, NO, IT CANNOT BE! MY FUCKING LIFE IN ANOTHER WORLD CANNOT END LIKE THIS, IMPOSSIBLE, IMPOSSIBLE, IMPOSSIBLE, IMPOSSIBLE! I AM THE PROTAGONIST OF THIS HERE, AM I NOT? SO SAVE ME IDIOT GOD WHO BROUGHT ME HERE, FUCKING FUCK, I CAN'T DIE NOW, NOT NOW, NOT RIGHT NOW. IDIOT BLOOD, IDIOT BODY, IDIOT KILLER, IDIOT, IDIOT, IDIOT, IDIOT
He tried to look for something to lean on.
He tried to look for the person responsible for his death.
Tried looking for Emilia...
"E… Mi… Lia…"
The faint beam of light he tried so hard to search for led him to the half-elf.
Lying next to her, with blood dripping between her lips, Kazuma couldn't see her eyes directly, but her actions, her body... It was clear that she was also on the verge of death.
"I…"
I couldn't do anything. He arrived in this world trying to promise something, and he delivered nothing. It's sad, but truly disappointing to end a journey here, without even discovering everything about this world. If he had another opportunity, he would have changed everything he did until he got here. If only he had been smarter, tried harder, or even changed what Satou Kazuma was before, Emilia would also be alive with him.
"Wanted…"
But nothing has changed, even in this world. He thought it would be a good idea to start from scratch, try a new life again. Maybe abandoning the old Kazuma would be a great option, being someone different, a person who would try to prove himself to others while searching for the goal he was called to here. But who would have thought, a Hikikomori who was summoned on any given day, it was clear that he would just be some statistic, dying in a house in the suburbs, while he faced closely the person he talked to the most, cared about and also, wished to know better, die
Now, he is facing the person who first helped him. He tried to move his hand, to get closer to the woman, but his body lost its movement, it was nothing more than dead weight.
His eyes twitched, blood ran down his retina, and the air in his lungs ran out.
He wanted to help, he wanted to do something as much as possible before he left, mark someone, put his name on something...
"To save you…"
But Satou Kazuma did nothing, until his last breath.
8
My body floats in an endless immensity.
I feel like I'm wandering into the afterlife, perhaps to finally seal my life.
I thought I would live longer, but it seems that dying young is what I had left.
If only I had enjoyed it more before it was all over.
I felt my body being embraced by a mass of shadows.
It didn't seem bad to die if it was that way, feeling someone's warmth.
However, I regret one thing…
I should have talked better with Emilia…
I…
"...ah."
My eyes opened, as if waking up from a long dream.
I felt the air enter my lungs, my vision was blinded by the sunlight, and my ears started working again.
Voices from all sides, the cool wind surrounding me…
"What the hell happened?"
Standing in the middle of the fountain, I should be dead now, but I'm seeing everything as it was before.
"I…"
I felt a pain hit my head, my legs lost strength.
"Have I returned by Death—"
Falling to the ground, it seems that the first day in this world would be more complicated than I thought.