It was just an ordinary day as I walked through the quiet streets on my way leaving the convenience store after my and my co-worker James' evening shift. Though exhausted from working two shift continuously, I tried not to dwell on my own struggles. James had gotten news that morning his parents were in a bad car accident hours away. Without hesitation, I told him to take my shift so he could be with his family. Having lost my own parents years ago, I understood the pain he felt. I hoped covering his shift, even though it meant working 16 hours straight, might give him one less thing to worry about during this difficult time.
Though my body ached from the long hours and from health issues that had plagued me since childhood, the smile James gave as he rushed out the door lifted my spirits. Saints always said that small acts of kindness can make a difference, and that compassion for others is its own reward. Of course, by now I should know better - my random acts of kindness never seem to come back to benefit me directly. But it's too late to change my ways now. I guess I'm doomed to keep trying to brighten other people's days, even if it means working myself to the bone. Oh well, could be worse character flaws I suppose.
Oh, speaking of flaws, some haters may believe that it is, but which is not. I consider myself a man with an endless dream of a fantasy world, especially anthropomorphic animals, aka furry/beastman/anthro/kemono etc.
I had been a fan of these since I was a child, and he was deeply fascinated by the beastmen, magics, and other worlds I watch from all the media. I especially admired the anthro who had strong and sexy bodies, wild and loyal hearts, and magic that could heal any wound and satisfy any desire. I wanted to witness these beings in person, and even become one of them. My room was filled with merchandise and posters of beastmen, my computer was full of novels and games of beastmen, and my backpack hid a plush toy of a beastman, which was My Precious! I often imagined myself being transported to a world full of anthros, meeting and falling in love with my ideal beastman, and living happy ever after.
I was so engrossed in my own musings, I barely registered a strange dizziness that hit me so hard. Before I could react, I had lost my balance and was falling backward. Panic surged through my veins as chaos overwhelmed my mind. Am I crushed by overwork? I am falling backward, will I hit my head? Will it hurt? Will I be in danger? Will I ... die?
When the disconcerting journey finally came to an end, I found myself lie on the grass. My head isn't in pain and I wasn't dead...right? I scrambled to my feet and took in my surroundings, but the sun was so bright that I had to sit up and wait for my eyes to adjust.
I didn't recognize this place, but it was clearly not hell or heaven (like my imagination). Gone were the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets I knew so well, a sense of awe washed over me. Instead, I lay in a field by the side of a road, glancing around aimlessly as no other trace of civilization.
I blinked in disbelief as I checked my phone - it told me I hadn't passed out for even a minute, how could this be possible?! Then a spark of wisdom came to my mind. I must have been transported, which means I am in an isekai now, otherwise it is hard to explain why I woke up in a different time and place other than a hospital bed.
I shook my head, no, I make such conclusion too arbitrary, I need more evidence before jumping to such fantastic conclusions. As if the world eager to make me realize its reality, suddenly...