1 I Need An Exit

[Episode 1]

There's nothing more annoying than being forced to go shopping for a family of way too many sisters. Especially when it's such a hot day like today.

So why add salt to injury by sending me to another world, surrounding me with a bunch of strangers?

I'm aware that casually ending up in another world isn't very plausible, but somehow it's the exact situation I'm currently stuck in.

"...How on Earth is this possible?! Ah- I guess it's, 'how not on Earth' now..."

I know I've had days where I wanted to be sent to another world, but why'd it have to be today of all days?!

I had an all-day plan to stay at home, in my bed, engaging in ordinary teenage boy activities like playing video games while eating a large cup of Ramen.

But my sisters forced me to leave the house and now I'm in this mess.

"Dammit. I didn't even get to complete it!"

My plans, ruined! And for what?!

I even bought a new game… I would've enjoyed it so much, but that opportunity has been ruined now!

After all, as soon as I noticed two suns of different sizes in the sky and random people standing near me looking all confused, I knew my game would start collecting dust.

Great. So you're telling me I'm stuck in the middle of some forest with strangers? I hope this is just some really good CGI.

But for now, I don't have much of a choice but to accept this ridiculous situation. The fearful chattering of people becomes clearer.

"W-where am I!?" People murmur under their breaths, "How did we get here!?"

Seriously! Won't they give it a break? How many times will these people utter the same old clichéd lines? Is it asking too much to add a dash of originality?

Rather than wasting my time listening to their nonsense, I'll use my time wisely and observe the area more. My eyes wander towards the flat grassland we're standing on.

Circling the ends of this broad patch of greenery, an ominous-looking collection of trees mould the forest.

It gives off a haunted aura. The trees with purple on the leaves make it seem even more forbidden.

A calm breeze blows against my shins and knees causing small strands of grass to dance and tickle my feet. Even the parts covered by my sandals feel the warm wind.

If I was aware beforehand that I'd be sent to a forest in another world, I would've worn more protective clothing.

"Crap! Why did I have to be sent here in my favourite camo shorts?!"

In frustration, I attempt to analyse the surrounding area.

Generally, you'd see lots of wild animals in a forest like this, but I haven't even caught a glimpse of a bird since I arrived here.

Perhaps they're concealing themselves in the dark oak trees.

Are there even any fruits in these trees to eat instead? Or maybe there's a nearby village to seek refuge?

Though even without anything to hunt to eat, I luckily have everything I bought on Earth still on me. If I have to live off of this food by rationing for a month or two, I should be fine.

However, there's another issue. A lot of the things I bought are meant for female use and considering that I'm a guy, they're practically useless to me.

...To think I thought of these bags as Godsend...

"Is there seriously nothing other than food and water? Not even a normal change of clothes?"

At first, I thought that being in another world could be fun. But when you think about the issues that would occur from only having one pair of underwear and clothing, surviving on an untouched island with strangers of unknown backgrounds doesn't seem as nice as these otherworldly stories put it.

"I wonder how long I can last with this amount of food and female-use products." I rumple a rosy fabric in my hand as a troubled look rises on my face. "There's absolutely no way I'm dressing in female clothing!"

I can't stop shivering from the thought of having to wear these t-shirts I bought for my little sister.

Just thinking of the judgemental looks I'd be getting from these strangers for wearing a girl's bunny top terrifies me!

A small tremor casts my thoughts aside. A beast with a huge stature and frightful demeanour emerges from a multitude of flames. It floats to a position where everyone on the field can see them.

After slightly losing my balance, I try to collect myself and turn towards the beast.

Its thin and neat whiskers from its grizzled and grey snout sparkle from the spheres of fire floating around it.

The beast stares directly at me with a shrewd look.

Its amber eyes slice right through my act of bravery. "Humans, you have now entered Pietra." It pauses and rubs its chin as it glides around the field, "It is your new home, and you have a single task; to survive."

The distant cries become more audible from feelings of hopelessness and total despair.

Survive... As in, try not to die?! So you mean to tell me there might be things that could cause us to suddenly lose our lives!?

So we really are on some unknown planet. Does this mean we're stuck here forever? No! There must be a way to get back. But why me?! I'm just an ordinary teen!