Darkness.
The literal meaning is "Absence of Light", although nobody uses it in that literal sense.
I'm no different, I was floating in the darkness, at least that was my first thought, I took a look around hoping I could find something or someone to hold myself on. The last thing I remember was brushing my teeth, a routine I would always do, especially before going to sleep, and then I felt something pulling my body, my arms, my legs, my head, my soul. I couldn't really put that sensation into words or thoughts, now, I was feeling nothing, it was like I was in a dream, my mind was the only thing on my body working nonstop, memories of my life rolling into my mind, my 15 years of life passing just before my eyes, making a huge contrast with the place where I was.
I was 15 years old, I remembered only a few years of it, not because I forgot or because I didn't have good memories, I just didn't want to remember them. However, that was hard coming from a teen, what more could I do besides studying and watching TikToks or Instagram for hours?
Just before I could continue my reflection, a light appeared right before my eyes, a while/golden light so intense it could make anyone's eyes burn just by looking at it for few seconds, at least normal people's eyes would.
The same sensation I had felt before was back, this time targeting only my soul, pulling me towards the bright light in front of me .As my body got closer to the light, I felt a warm sensation, like hot water was filling all my body, from my brain to my toes to even my heart.
Before I could grasp what was happening, the bright light spread in all directions, sweeping the darkness away.
...
...
...
''Huh...?''
Before opening my eyes, I felt an unfamiliar breeze against my face, neither cold nor warm, but comfortable. The next thing I noticed was the smell, a fresh, bread-like scent filling the air, the kind you can only appreciate when going to your grandmother's village. Then came the sound of wheels rolling against an uneven floor filling my ears and brain with images of a peaceful village. All that curiosity made me open my eyes.
I opened my eyes but...
''Ah!''
The sunlight hit my face, burning my eyes. I have to be prepared for that the next time I open my eyes.
''Wow...''
I felt like a kid entering the Disney for the first time, everything felt so bright and special, the streets filled with people of all types, completely different sounds creating harmony between them.
''I'm pretty sure this wasn't on my new year's resolution...''
''So, what the fuck is happening? One minute ago, I was preparing to sleep and now I'm in a completely different world!? Did I drink too much milk or something? Yeah, I have always wanted to say this joke... Whatever, this isn't time for jokes...''
I looked around, noticing all kinds of people, some with dog ears and tails, others with skin in colors like black, brown and white. Furthermore, I noticed what was creating the sound of wheels jumping on an uneven floor in which were carriages, being pulled by an animal I had never seen before.
''A Different World... A Magical World... A World of monsters, kingdoms, heroes, academies, beautiful girls, witches, dungeons, wars, guilds, ancient books and secrets...''
Stopping to catch his breath, Haru scanned his surroundings one last time and shouted.
''I HAVE BEEN SUMMON TO ANOTHER WORLD!!!''
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''This really feels magic...''
Haru was walking down the straight streets of an unknown city, looking around searching for any name in hopes of having a good start in his isekai life.
''I have never thought this would ever happen... I mean who would? Well, the situation on my side isn't very good to be honest...''
Looking down at his outfit, Haru was wearing baggy, comfortable dark blue pajama pants, with a simple white shirt. Despite not having his shoes with him, he at least had his favorite black socks and white slippers. Anyone would be embarrassed to be wearing pajamas outside, but Haru was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't care at all about it.
''Okay, so this is the part where a system appears in front of me or a cute girl, right? Maybe this is when I should go to the Adventurers' Guild, sign up join a powerful group and after months, I get kicked out because of how useless I am, only to gain a godly magic which helps me get revenge on them!''
Haru said, with hands on his hips and eyes closed proudly, he would start his adventure in a New World.
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''I think it might be around 1p.m. By nightfall I need get a place to stay a few days, where I can shower and brush my teeth, I also need food and water, maybe some books to read and find out more about this world...Yeah there's no way I'm getting all that until the night falls''
Haru's hopes instantly sank. He didn't want to be homeless in a magical world, one he knew nothing about, no names, no rules, no people.
''People say knowledge is the strongest power, so I will set the plan! First thing, gather information about this place! I'm not sure how that will help me until night, but I must trust my guts in this type of situation!''
So the plan was: gather information about the world's culture, history and everything else that could help him.
So Haru kept walking, looking around, appreciating the beautiful sight, one he was only able to see when he went to spend the summer with his grandmother.
He kept walking straight, not searching for a specific place or thing, but for information. However, fate wouldn't be so kind, would it?
He sat on a fountain, looking at his reflection, short black hair not as dark as the night but still dark. Light brown eyes, light skin, not pale, it was showing sights of a beach person. He had dark circles under his eyes. However, every teenager of his age has, so is it really that important?
Taking a deep breath, he straightened his back and looked around.
Haru spotted a simple bakery, not big or flashy, just a simple old-fashioned bakery, the kind of one you would see in a history book.
''Right! Bakery! Usually, bakeries are filled with kind old people, this is my best chance to get information and food!''
The bakery seemed to be empty from outside. As Haru made himself in, the first thing he noticed was the freshly-scented of bread. He looked at various kinds of bread, all with different shapes, colors, and ingredients. All that would have made his mouth water if only he hadn't had dinner a few hours ago.
''Well, I guess that's a medieval bakery for you Haru...Well let's test if my social skills are well developed''
Haru immediately looked at a bearded man, with long brown hair, green eyes and a clear light brown skin, wearing a black shirt and brown pants, as tall as an NBA player and huge to the sides.
A lot bigger than him, maybe twenty centimeters taller. Haru was approximately 170cm tall. You could tell how nervous he was.
''I'm sorry Sir, but may I ask for some information'', Politely, Haru asked hoping that luck was on his side.
The huge man took a deep breath and spoke loudly.
''Information? What about it?''
''Well, as you see, I am a humble merchant, I got lost on my way home and need help to get back''
''Hm I've had a long morning kid, I'm not in the mood for jokes''
The man answered with calm but frustrated look, Haru's story didn't seem that believable, and someone like Haru, who looked nothing like a merchant, more like a kid joking with a humble man trying to put food on the table for his family.
''I'm not trying to get in trouble, I just want help, please''
Haru, noticing the man wasn't in a good mood, tried to appeal for cuteness, he wasn't cute, but I mean, he was still a kid, no? However, lots of people started entering the bakery, it was lunch time, one of the only times of the day the bakery has profit.
Haru, looking at the huge line that had formed right behind him, got nervous and the words didn't come out of his mouth.
''Hey, did you not hear what I said? I told you to leave, I have been dealing with customers like you the whole morning, slowing down my business''
The angry man continued, his face twisted with obvious frustration.
What the hell is he saying...? I just wanted to know a few things, why is he so angry... I guess his day hasn't been going well, but still why let out all his frustration on me? That's so unfair...
''Then, may I at least have a piece of bread..? I don't have money and I don't mean to cause you any trouble, Sir, but as I said I don't have any money, and I will need food for tonight or else I will be hungry''
The second I stopped talking, the man's jaw clenched and his face tight", his eyes looked like they were going to come out, taking a deep breath, the man let all his anger accumulated.
''Get out of my bakery NOW!!''
Haru took a step back, completely dizzy by the man's scream, hitting his back against the man behind him.
''Ugh! Hey, watch out kid!''
A man right behind, waiting, he just wanted to buy a load of bread and got hurt in the chin.
''I-I'm sorry''
Feeling gazes of judge, Haru just wanted to leave that place, he didn't mean to slow down people's life, he just wanted information.
Haru turned back to look at the man's face.
''C-Calm down, I-I will l-leave now..! I didn't mean to cause any t-trouble...I swear!''
Haru quickly ran out of the bakery, frustrated by his failed mission to get information.
''What was with the man!? I just asked for simple things... Are all people in the world like this''
Haru, not knowing where to put his hands in, he kept walking until he found a bench.
A lot was going in his head, not knowing what will happen from now on, but he couldn't just give up like that, could he?
He just sights and sits on the bench, hoping to rest a bit after the unexpected event.
''Should I just ask some random person for information...? ...No, this...This is my time to shine! I am the protagonist! It's my adventure and no one else's! I'm going to be a strong and independent hero!
''...No, I'm going to be THE strong and independent hero! Yeah, that's it. That's my goal! Being the hero!''
Clentching his hands tightly, Haru had just started his journey.