I Can't Believe I Wasn't Reincarnated!

	Surely you know the cliché. A high school boy finds himself dying at the hands of something-or-other and wakes up in a fantasy world, where knights and monsters clash, where magicians wield intense powers beyond comprehension, and where parties of adventurers, exhausted from their travels, get completely smashed at the local tavern. It may be overdone, but it's my favorite kind of fiction. Every spare second of every day I have, I spend enjoying or searching online for works from this genre, and between anime, manga, light novels, and especially web novels, the supply seems limitless.

	Still, something in me feels unsatisfied with it all. No matter how much media I consume, my heart feels hollow. I can't take it anymore. I want to live these stories I love so much! I want to breathe the fresh and open air of a magical world, and to slay monsters while amassing a harem of cute girls with "unique" personality archetypes! It must be possible, I tell myself. After all, there's some truth to be found in every work of fiction.

	That's why I set out on a journey to finally live out my dreams. Taking what I know from every Isekai story I know, I begin purchasing every kind of armor and weapon I can think of. Of course, if they're on my body when I'm transported to another world, I'll probably be able to keep them with me, since, y'know, that's how it usually works. Since my parents are overseas on an extended business trip, just like every anime protagonist's are, I can spend as much money as I want. Sure, I'm SUPPOSED to be using this money to pay for food while my parents are gone, and to pay for my college tuition, but it's not like I'll be able to use this money anyway once I leave. No way in hell they're gonna take yen where I end up.

	After that, I finally begin to put my plan into action. I start by walking outside in the rain without very heavy clothes or an umbrella, hoping to catch a cold. Once I succeed in that, I lay around in bed for a few days, letting my condition worsen. Once I'm sure it's hit its peak by carefully observing the symptoms, I go around telling all my closest friends and family that once I recover from my illness, I'm going to get married. Finally, I embark on my first real journey, stepping into the road and waiting for a truck to come by.

	As I wait, I take inventory on myself. It's crucial for me to make sure I have everything I need, as all I'll be able to bring with me is what I have on my person when the truck hits. As for weapons, knowing that the world I travel to will most likely be European themed, I took with me two katanas, currently sheathed at either side of me, with the plan of showing those NPCs the glory of superior Nippon [TL NOTE: NIPPON MEANS JAPAN] steel. I also purchased a full suit of iron armor, but realizing that it would likely be irreparably damaged by the collision of the truck, I decided to wear a suit of the much more malleable leather armor instead. I also took with me a rucksack, sealed up tight and secured to my body firmly so it isn't flung back by the impact. It's filled with the drinks and snacks I may need to live off of in the time it takes me to find civilization, because I could end up in the middle of nowhere, for all I know.

	Since I live in a relatively rural area, I end up having to hike a few miles down the road before finally finding a truck. Making sure it doesn't see me and stop, I hide in the bushes until it draws near and then jump out in front. In those few moments as my life flashes before my eyes, I also take the time to consider what life will be like once I arrive in the new world. Maybe I'll awaken with mysterious elemental powers, and will be tasked with defeating the dark lord by collecting the seven magical amulets and infusing them with my katanas. Maybe I'll find myself a powerful demon overlord and wreak havoc upon the land, with no mere mortal able to stand in my path. Maybe I'll reincarnate as a vending machine and be carried around by a cute girl, providing refreshments to adventurers. I'll take whatever I can get, because surely it will be new and exciting! So long, old life! I'm going to another wo-

BANG!

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