The vision of a rampaging truck that lost its brakes alerted me as its route directed towards a school girl who was walking across the pedestrian lane near their school. Me assuming the main character of the world, I rushed to push the girl out of the truck's way. I don't have suicidal tendencies, not really. Maybe it's my way of pleasing people, even if this accident would cause my death.
Did I get Isekai-ed?
Kuru kuru… Kuruu kuruu… Kuru Kururing…
"AAAAHH!"
With ramping breaths of nearly escaping death, I woke up and shouted along with the deafening echo of my phone's alarm. I sat straight on my bed, my slack mouth wide open. The alarm usually irritates me, but I only darted my gaze at it today. A dream… Just like back in the old days.
It was still six in the morning. The sound of a lizard ticking on the ceiling reached my ears. When I stared above, I witnessed that it only had three legs, one was chopped off. Dragging my numb right foot out of my bed, I calmly stood to turn off the digital alarm clock, telling myself it was currently Saturday, the long awaited weekend to participate in merchandise of Fantasy Chronicles Online 5th, a game I was currently addicted to.
I wandered my gaze around my colorful room full of vibrant posters of anime characters. "I hope I will get a Shizu-sama figurine instead, but that would only be a blessing from the Gatcha gods." Getting that figurine would mean that I would have a chance to be struck by lightning since they both had the same odds. I didn't wish to get another poster; there's no room for it to be placed.
I skimmed at the full-body oval mirror, reflecting my fringe brown hair, and gazed at my own hazel-brown eyes while wearing the glasses that stood over my computer desk. "Brown here, brown there… Soon, I'll become chocolate. No time to be negative! Let's ramp up and train! I need to become a shonen protagonist and rely on hard work."
After thirty minutes of preparation for my departure towards the upcoming event, I rushed on my way towards the station. As soon as I got out, I felt a leer from a neighborhood window, witnessing their second floor window shut its curtains. The ones residing there were the Hase family. I would rather not get involved with them.
It took only an hour from my place towards Akihabara, the place where Otakus and electronics meet. Even with most of its shops closed, the streets were already filled with residents, tourists, cosplayers, weebs, and maid cafe workers. I could only appreciate the fragrance of perfume everywhere because I couldn't stand the smell of those who didn't take a bath for a week.
In front of the GAMER! store, a branch that sells discounted video games and visual novels, I witnessed a long line being bent up to a distant intersection. The store was still closed, and these people are likely patient freaks that were already in here a day before. What in the freaking yonks is this TLDR? That patience… Argh, I need it.
I stayed at the end of the line, my eyes squinting. My muscles tensed while maintaining my two-faced behavior. It may be irritating for me, but I can't cause a ruckus in public. Soon, I calmed down, my breathing getting slower. The ongoing conversation of two other Otakus in front of me caught my attention.
"Did you see the upcoming CosFiesta Mashup 7th event next week? Mimirin said she will attend it as a contestant."
"If she does, what does her alias 'The Ghost' mean?"
"If she promised it, she will surely appear! If we're there, we'll be able to witness the first appearance of this mysterious cosplayer since her debut years ago. Those who were competing were naive like babes in the woods!"
"Would you think it was unfair for her, a legend from the Regent of Glamour Rankings, to compete with newbies?"
"You're baited! I'm sure those who will join are also Mimirin's fans. They will get exposure and a chance to meet their never-appearing idol at the same time. Win-win!"
Within the cosplay industry, the Regent of Glamour Rankings defined how popular a cosplayer was. Mimirin, a popular cosplayer of fantasy genres, stood within the top 9 of the non-NSFW rankings. She was only active in her social media accounts and never appeared in conventions. Not to brag, but I'm one of her top fans, and it's not because of her skills in cosplaying… She saved my life in the past.
It was already eight, and the line was only progressing for inches. For every five minutes that the line moved forward, I rapidly tapped my foot, my face scowling. While my breathing grew heavier, my hard jawline appeared sharp on my face. I hate this!
The giveaway was only until nine in the morning. Judging by the line, I just about lost hope in getting my promo while abiding by the world's rules. I would only be part of the giveaway if I did things dirty. But when I realized that luck favored me, I had a trump card… a literal card.
I left my station, walked near the GAMER! Entrance, and asked the butler in tuxedo and shades who was responsible for managing the line and ordering.
"Sir, may I request to enter the priority lane?"
"I apologize kid, but we don't have priority lanes. May I know your situation?"
"I'm not impatient, Sir. However, I'm only forbidden to stand for hours, and it will heavily strain my body. I'm a huge fan of FCO5, especially Shizu-sama. I hope you reconsider, Sir."
"I'm really sorry, kid. The owner didn't tell me about any priority lanes and warned me not to initiate one. I'm not referring to you, but many abusive people use the priority lane to skip lines. Since all of you are fans, you are all treated equally."
I picked a clear-white passport-like ID and handed it to the butler. "Yes, I'm a huge fan, but I'm really sorry about this. You can call my doctor if you want. I'm not lying."
He flipped the ID I gave him and raised his shades. After validating the card with his narrowed eyes, he halted the progression of the line and rushed into the store. It didn't take long for him to return to his position and give my ID back. "I should be the one apologizing, kid. I hope I wasn't rude to you. You may now enter the store."
"Sure, I'm not angry. Thank you for listening to my request."
I was a registered Japanese resident associated with a private healthcare system. Hence, I always bring my Shogaisha Techo with me. It was similar in size and shape to that of a passport, with a cover on the outside and the actual photo ID on the inside.
Just like any other identification for persons with disabilities, it included an ID number, date of birth, address, issuing authority, disability type and the severity. The severity section may have attracted the butler's attention. His compressed face told me that he doesn't want to experience the same situation I'm in.
I registered my name for the raffle in the counter section and after, I still had time to browse the newest games on the other floors. If they're within the building, the participants of the raffle will be called via the speakers exactly half-past nine. Since I still had an hour and half to wander around, the counter woman asked me.
"Sir, do you need a wheelchair? I'm informed that you shouldn't strain yourself from standing for a long time."
I shook my head. "There are already stools here. I will also look for games and cosplay references. I still had a dream that I shouldn't give up on."
"Wow! You're like a Shonen manga protagonist. But don't pressure yourself. If you need any help, don't hesitate to come to this counter."
I can stand on my own foot. I wanted to say that while forcing into my thought that she was only concerned about my well-being.
While browsing the non-fiction section, I encountered the book Managing Someone's Career for Dummies. On the outside, it looked like a reliable handyman's guide on general management. I skimmed through the book, and an enticing phrase caught my attention.
Embrace your passion and creativity while continuously improving your skills! If you fail, it's not the end of the world yet.
Grinning, I whispered in amusement, "So real." I twirled my head left and right, checking if there were other people present, and closed the book like I ended a religious sermon. "This enlightenment quote hooked my cash."
Initiated from a short deafening static, the embedded speakers on the ceiling announced, "Ehem, participants of the anniversary giveaways for Fantasy Chronicles Online 5th, may we request your presence in the event room on the first floor. If you feel lost, just go to the counter and they will guide you with directions."
Being a seasoned Otaku, I went down the elevator on my way to the capacious event room, its width took the space up to the second floor of the building. Only 150 participants were able to join. Each person's shoulder pushed against one another within the tight space. If not for the game's popularity, the numbers should be less, and people would have room to breathe. Half of the population wore their cosplay, and I was pretty sure they were already suffocated.
Before them lies a stage where a raffle drum takes the center spotlight. Beside it was a table containing five limited-edition Shizu-sama figurines in various display cases, hanging merchandise shirts, character photocards, and posters for consolation prizes. On the right were two gaming computers with their screens connected to the back projector.
The event commenced when the host entered the stage and erupted chaos the moment he spoke on his microphone. The cheers competed against the speakers, and all I could smell were damp sweats.
FCO5 was a turn-based exploration game featuring vast worldbuilding, relatable story arcs, and characters with unique traits, backstories, and races. Shizu-sama was the elf goddess that brought the FCO5 protagonists into the new fantasy world. I knew that I wasn't the only Shizu-sama fanatic, but so far, I am the most competent.
The program flowed first with voice actor talks about playable characters, and it was followed by hardcore content gameplays of volunteers from the crowd. I was lucky to sit in the front-most priority zone, away from the chaos, hence I lasted in the event for about six hours. The most anticipated portion of the event made my hazel-brown eyes glimmer.
"And finally, we're nearing the end of the program. We will be commencing the raffle event for the giveaways for FCO5! Five lucky winners will earn these limited edition action figures of Shizu-sama. Oh, wow! Look at those clothes! Fun fact, they're removable!"
I couldn't help but giggle, my grin was one I covered with my hands, not wanting it to show to the public. Though trembling, I really prayed that I would become the winner, even when I never experienced winning luck before. Still, the hyper in me tells that this is my day.
"The following ten winners will receive free merchandise clothing from our partnered clothing line. The following thirty will receive their designated character's photocards, which you can use as a bookmark I guess. The consolation would be posters. Don't worry if you don't get picked! We'll be providing you with promo codes within the game for a free ten pull!"
Long story short, the game developers were far from geniuses. They would only spend their earnings in improving their product. Which is why it appeared to its players as the game was balanced even if they were too generous. This work of art garnered massive amounts of audiences, including those who weren't interested in gaming like me.
"For the first lucky winner of the limited figurine…" The host stopped the raffle drum and picked a registration paper inside. When he unfolded it, he announced, "Mariya Stojaković! Wait, are you Serbian? If so, welcome to Japan! Who would expect that our first winner would be a tourist!?"
"Tsk!" The first roll ended, and all I could do was click my tongue out of disappointment. I thought that I still had a chance, but this hope degraded after the second, third, and fourth roll… I didn't even hear a letter of my name.
I made firm eye contact towards the raffle machine, my lips parting in focus and desperation. My hands moistened, a product of my uncontrollable trembling. It only took a second until I heard my loud heartbeat. My fingers twitched compulsively and in repeat. I've never won a raffle once in my life. Please grant me this favor just this once!
The host stopped the machine; my heartbeat raced. I rocked in my place, shaking, moaning… I considered bargaining with the winner using my disability card if things didn't go well. However, this is a limited-edition figurine we are talking about!
The host unraveled the name of the lucky person whose blessings were granted by gods. Even with a heightened level of pain resistance, my chest tightened as the host's words slowly echoed towards my eardrums.
"...... Kou Sugiyama! Are you in–"
"YES! HAHAHAHA!" Just when the host mentioned, I stood on my seat and shouted in high colors, my face with a flushed appearance. I couldn't contain my laughter, even after I raised my arms up in a victory V. I stepped onto the stage, my heartbeat became my own drum roll.
The warm sensation in my body made me feel like everything was not real. I didn't care about what or who was around me. Before I took the figurine, I slapped my face slightly to feel any sort of pain. This is no dream! I raised the figurine like a trophy and looked down at the unfortunate weebs.
Even after the event, I grinned uncontrollably, not containing the sense of elation that I felt. This sweet feeling of winning could only be stored in my memory. Well, a recording could capture it, but I don't have any friends to share my hobbies with.
Walking on the street, I stood before the pedestrian lane of the wide street of Akiba. I planned to check out new gadgets in the Softmap's branch on the other street and survey for an upgrade of my devices. The traffic lights appeared green, and countless vehicles passed through my view at high speeds of freedom.
There was not a person within the pedestrian lane, and only those who dared to die would pass through. However, after an ice cream truck passed before my eyes, a woman appeared in the middle of the street, surrounded by high-speed cars.
She had blonde hair, and emerald green eyes, and wore a broken hair brooch. Not aware of the upcoming accident that's about to happen, she kneeled on the cement ground and dragged the bottom part of her white dress underneath it. Due to her sudden appearance, the driver might have not noticed her, and she couldn't escape.
I wouldn't have cared if I couldn't get harmed by my actions, unlike my everyday morning dream. But reality is far different from those dreams. The worst part… I hesitated.
I shook my head, released the bag of prizes from my hand, and ran towards the woman without a hint of care for my sides. The PUV would only be a meter away when I dragged her standing and pushed their bodies out of the rampaging car's route. I managed to get the woman to safety, though… The succeeding cars forced their halts to create a chaotic domino collision. Judging by the speed of the vehicle, I was sure to be hit, like how my dream went, but I never felt any pain.
Did I get Isekai-ed?
No. When I looked back, my right leg was squashed…