Suddenly, I opened my eyes to find myself in a place I'd never seen before.
It was a room white as milk, with an open window where a soft breeze touched my face. My body was covered by a white blanket that kept me warm.
It was strange.
Even though this was my first time seeing this place, it somehow felt normal.
My eyes darted toward the sound of something falling. A woman dressed in white saw me and immediately ran away.
A nurse?
I didn't know that word, yet saying it felt so natural that it seemed weird I didn't know what a nurse was.
What's happening to me?
I tried to move and realized something:
My arm had a bandage and a strange transparent tube attached to my hand.
Also was short... and chubby.
Then, a sharp headache hit me.
(What are these images?)
(Why does my head have names—what are these memories?)
The pain was so intense I felt something warm drip from my nose.
"How are you feeling?"
An elderly man in a white coat entered with the nurse from earlier.
"We found you in the dungeon. You were mortally wounded, but it's a miracle a healer cured you."
"Dungeon?"
The images rushed in—my last memories.
I was talking to a beautiful woman when goblins appeared.
But I was also standing before the Demon King.
Both memories were flooding in at the same time.
"Um, can you tell me your name?"
The doctor asked for my name. I answered without hesitation.
"Yamada Yamato."
That was my name. My name before I became a hero.
"Hmm, I see. You'll need to stay longer—your brain is still confused."
"Your name is Yukimiya Yuuya."
"Yukimiya... Yuuya..."
My head hurt so badly it felt like it was splitting in two.
But finally, I understood.
"I am Yukimiya Yuuya."
"Yes. You're Yuuya-kun."
"Yes."
I am Yukimiya Yuuya, an E-rank adventurer from Japan.
"DAMN IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!"
I began screaming while crying. The doctor and nurse tried to calm me down.
I finally understood.
This is another world.
This isn't my home—this isn't Alayzard.
I... died in my battle against the Demon King, and it seems I reincarnated in another world.
If the sage I knew found out what happened to me, she'd undoubtedly curse me.
◇
After the doctor and nurse left, I stared blankly out the window. The structures I saw were completely unfamiliar, yet somehow I knew they were buildings. This was a hospital - in my past life, such places had been crumbling ruins filled with dying people, but here everything was so modern that my previous world's problems seemed prehistoric by comparison.
Now that I understood my situation, all I could do was weep.
(Once I was a hero beloved by the kingdom... now I'm just a fat guy at the lowest power level in this world.)
(This has to be some cruel joke.)
I decided to check my status again.
"Status open."
A transparent blue panel appeared in the air, displaying my photo, name, age, all personal information along with my parameters. I was an E-rank adventurer, level 1, with only two useless skills. My injured body was that of an overweight aristocrat - I could barely move, and my enormous belly made every motion difficult.
(Once I recover, I'm starting an exercise regimen immediately.)
Before sleeping, I noticed something odd on my status screen - where my job title should be, it simply read "Void."
As I was about to sleep, someone knocked.
"Come in," I said, expecting a nurse.
I was wrong.
Two men in black suits entered. The first had slicked-back blonde hair and wore sunglasses hiding his blue eyes. His partner had spiky blue hair like a sea urchin.
"Apologies for disturbing your rest," the blonde guy said. "We're supervisors from the Adventurers Guild."
"Supervisors?"
"Yes. Our job includes mediating guild disputes and investigating dungeon incidents. Like what happened to you." He introduced himself as Morimoto Masachika and his partner as Getou Kifune.
"Our leader Guuji briefed us. Both he and the girl with you, Nishino, gave their accounts. But we need your version - standard procedure, especially to rule out attempted murder."
"Murder?" I was shocked. I hadn't realized dungeon killings happened.
"Since electronic devices don't work in dungeons due to magical interference, witness statements are our only evidence. Please tell us what occurred."
I recounted everything - except my reincarnation secret. They'd think me insane.
"I see. This wasn't an attempted murder then." Morimoto paused. "But your story has inconsistencies."
Cold sweat broke out as I worried he'd discovered my true identity.
"How did you suddenly defeat all those goblins? It doesn't match your profile."
"Well... it was sheer willpower?" I made an awkward face to sell the lie.
"Understood. Please place your hands here."
Getou produced a briefcase, removing a device resembling an antique typewriter with a central gem and connected cables. When I touched it, the gem glowed faintly.
"Well?" Morimoto asked.
Getou looked stunned. "I... can't believe it. Level 1. Even E-rank novices I know aren't this weak."
We all shared the same disappointed expression.
"My apologies," Morimoto said. "I was curious if you'd somehow a ´Limit Breaker´."
"Limit Breaker?"
"Never mind. Your group has been informed of your condition. They're glad you're safe. Get well soon."
As the door closed behind them, all I could do was sleep - and dread the difficult path ahead.
◇◇◇
Outside Yuuya's Hospital Room
Supervisor Masachika suddenly stopped walking, making his partner Kifune nearly bump into him.
"Chief Supervisor Morimoto, what was that about back there?" Kifune asked, adjusting his sunglasses.
"You heard exactly what I did," Masachika replied, his sharp blue eyes narrowing as he glanced back at Yuuya's door.
"Yeah, but so what?"
"That's precisely what's strange." Masachika crossed his arms. "Think about it—being at a complete disadvantage, facing certain death, then suddenly manifesting unknown survival instincts to overcome impossible odds?"
Kifune lightly clapped his hands in realization. "Ah! You think he might be a 'Limit Breaker,' don't you?"
"But the scanner confirmed it," Masachika countered, frustration creeping into his voice. "Level 1 across the board. Stats so abysmal he should quit adventuring altogether."
"Fair point," Kifune chuckled, though Masachika remained deep in thought.
(Even if his story checks out... something still feels off.)
(Then again, why waste energy investigating an E-rank?)
With a sigh, Masachika abruptly changed topics. "Kifune, want some yakisoba before heading back?"
"Hell yeah!" Kifune's spiky blue hair seemed to bounce with excitement.
"You're paying though. I covered last time."
"Huh?! But I'm broke!" Kifune's triumphant expression collapsed into despair as they walked away.
◇
Two days had passed since my hospitalization.
To the astonishment of my doctors and nurses, my wounds had completely healed. "Fascinating recovery speed," they kept muttering as they examined me.
Borrowing a tracksuit and sneakers from the hospital, I packed a water bottle in a small bag and headed out. This marked Day One of my transformation.
I took three running steps before collapsing onto the pavement, gasping like a drowning man.
"D-dammit!" My chest burned as I pounded the ground. "This useless body gets winded after just a few steps?!"
The massive gut jiggling with each breath mocked me. "I'll erase this flab... No more being the fat guy... WILLPOWER, DAMN IT!"
Wiping sweat from my eyes, I forced myself up.
Step. Gasp. Step. Wheeze.
Each movement felt like dragging boulders, but I kept going - one pathetic shuffle at a time. The afternoon sun beat down as nearby birds chirped, probably laughing at the sweaty pig trying to be human.
"I survived the Demon King... This is NOTHING!"
By sunset, I'd managed five whole minutes of jog-walking. Progress.
◇◇◇
Inside a Dark Van
The dim interior smelled of sweat and metal as shadowy figures huddled around a flickering tablet. A grainy surveillance photo of her reflected in their sunglasses.
"Check everything again. This needs to be flawless." His gold tooth gleamed when he spoke.
A chorus of "Hai!" echoed as underlings double-checked gear.
"Faces memorized?"
"The rich bitch and her driver. Even their moles." He tapped his temple.
"Daily route confirmed?"
A muffled groan came from the back. The bound informant (missing two fingernails) twitched against his restraints.
"Good." He racked a pistol slide for emphasis. "Mess this up, and you'll replace Tanaka in the trunk."
As the team moved out, one stayed behind—wiping blood off a knife while watching the informant whimper. The van's clock read 17:28.
◇◇◇
In an elite academy where scions of the nation's most powerful families honed their musical artistry, a lone girl played piano deep into the night. The stage lights cast an ethereal glow on her lavender hair as her slender fingers—moving like natural extensions of her body—danced across the keys with emerald eyes intently focused.
*Beep beep beep*
Her phone alarm shattered the concentration.
"It's almost 10 PM. He should be here by now."
Finishing her final piece with a flourish, she performed a graceful bow to the empty auditorium before departing. After exchanging pleasantries with the night guard, she waited outside the music academy's gates.
A limousine pulled up, and a bowing chauffeur addressed her:
"I hope you enjoyed your practice, Mio ojou-sama."
Her green eyes narrowed slightly. "Excuse me, but you're not Mishima."
"Quite right, miss. Your regular driver was injured this afternoon. I'm Morita, your substitute." His smile didn't reach his eyes as he opened the door. "Your father personally approved this arrangement."
As the limousine deviated from its usual route, Mio observed the unfamiliar streets with growing unease.
"Driver," her voice turned sharp, "are you certain this is the correct way? We've reached the docks."
The man's reflection in the rearview mirror grinned unnaturally wide. "Of course. This isn't a shortcut at all."
Before she could react, the door flew open. A meaty hand grabbed her leg as she screamed, her student briefcase proving useless against the assailant's strength. They dragged her across the pavement—her pantyhose tearing, underwear visible—into a dim warehouse.
Bound and trembling, Mio faced her captors. The ringleader crouched before her, twirling a knife.
"Sanzenin Mio," he cooed, "daughter of politician Sanzenin Issei. Your virginity is worth more intact, but..." He trailed a blade down her exposed collarbone. "We can still have fun with the other holes, no?"
As rough hands tore at her remaining clothes, a projectile shattered through the window—
*THWACK!*
The obese assailant collapsed, a wrench embedded in his forehead. Before the gang could react, a second object sent another thug sprawling.
Through the broken glass leapt—
Yuuya.
Sweat-drenched, wheezing, and absurdly outmatched... yet standing between Mio and the monsters.
◇
Before Entering Through the Window, Let Me Explain What Happened
I was taking my usual walk around the hospital grounds, pushing myself further now that my physical condition was improving. That's when I felt it—a faint magical energy emanating from a black van.
I was fascinated. In both my past and current life, this was the first time I'd ever sensed magical power. Driven by simple curiosity, I approached to investigate.
Then I overheard a disturbing conversation:
"We'll kidnap the girl when we reach the docks. Remember to stay in your assigned positions so everything goes smoothly."
"Aniki, you sure no one will hear us here?"
"No one comes down this street at this hour. Besides, it's safer than being inside a building where the government might be listening."
"Remember your roles."
I listened in horror.
(Kidnappers...)
(Just like in my past life...)
(What should I do?)
(Running away isn't an option. Even though I'm fat and in a different body now, I'm still a hero.)
(I earned that title by becoming everyone's hope.)
(But can I even fight with this belly?)
(I've got it!)
I immediately retreated to prepare.
Back to the Present Situation
I entered through the lowest window, having memorized all the enemies' positions while they were still unaware.
I began hurling everything I had on me:
A wrench at the knife-wielding thug
A screwdriver that pierced another's hand
My movements were slow, but my recent exercise routine helped me adjust to my body's weight. Within moments, I'd immobilized nearly everyone—until one pulled out a baton and swung at me.
I used my belly as a shield. While it didn't hurt much, the impact sent me flying into some debris.
Finally, they noticed me.
"Who the hell is this guy?"
"A damn fatty. This little pig is messing with us."
"Let's make roast pork out of this fatass."
Their insults didn't bother me. If anything, their words motivated me to improve.
(Being overweight has its limitations, but I'll change that.)
Grabbing a nearby broom, I struck one thug hard. Another tried attacking with a broken bottle, but I knocked it from his hand—only for it to shatter on his companion's face. Seeing what he'd done, he froze in horror.
Seizing the opportunity, I delivered a crushing blow to his groin.
(In my past life, I mastered the spear—a broom isn't much different.)
I beat every last thug with that broom until my body gave out.
The leader lay on the ground, pulling a pistol from his vest. I almost laughed.
Using the broom's head, I disarmed him and followed up with a heavy strike to the same spot. After retrieving the gun with my gloved hands, I tossed it out the window.
Aftermath
I approached the girl, who watched everything with tear-filled eyes.
"Are you okay?"
She was in shock—understandably.
Cutting her bonds with a shard of broken glass, I reassured her:
"I called the police before coming in. They've probably arrested your captors' accomplices by now."
"Ah... There they are."
Sirens wailed in the distance. I'd made an anonymous call from a payphone to avoid being traced. With no nearby cameras, I was safe.
(It'd be suspicious if I stuck around knowing all this.)
"Goodbye."
With those final words, I fled the scene.
It wasn't easy... but I succeeded.
Now, back to my training.
◇◇◇
Mio watched in stunned silence as a chubby boy effortlessly overpowered a group of dangerous men. Her heart raced—not from fear, but from some unfamiliar emotion she couldn't name.
"Who... who is he?"
By the time police arrived to arrest the kidnappers and secure her freedom, her mysterious savior had already vanished. The next morning, news headlines credited the police with her rescue, making no mention of the overweight teenager who'd truly saved her.