Chapter 1: The Most Unfortunate Confession
H-hello, everyone~
I am a new author named Darkstar and I would like to greet all the gentlemen readers in the best manner possible.
It is my first time writing a story and I am a little nervous. So, please bear with me as I strive to learn and improve.
Anyways, this is a fantasy isekai novel featuring our lovable male lead, Ash Blake~
And without further adue, let's begin, shall we?
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Ash Blake was a thirty years old virgin NEET with nothing to his name besides his beloved black cat, Kuro.
Living alone with it, the young man's life had been nothing but an average routine.
Reading novels, web novels and other otaku paraphernalia was his greatest hobby and his main source of entertainment.
But, unfortunately, Ash had to endure the most soul-crushing, soul-devouring job in the world as a side.
Every day, Ash had to do everything he could to get back home after the dreadful work.
He would then be greeted by the sight of the cute Kuro sleeping on the couch as he fed the cat, then take a nap himself and read about another fictional world.
But, one day, his routine was disrupted by something he thought he'd never see in his entire life.
Returning home from his job, Ash had noticed a small piece of paper bound to his cat's collar.
"...Hm? What's this?"
With a curious expression, Ash took the mysterious note and read its contents.
When he saw what was written there, Ash's world ended and began anew at the same time.
The message was a love confession letter.
A love letter directed at Kuro's owner.
Meaning...
HIM?!
"..."
"...What."
"W H A T ? !"
Ash's scream had nearly made the frightened Kuro run away from the couch.
As he stared at the letter in shock, the young man paced back and forth while clutching the note to his chest.
"W-Wait, wait, WAIT. Someone is in love with ME?!"
No, surely, this must be some kind of prank of some sort.
Who the heck was this person and how long have they been watching him? Did he somehow hit on them without realizing it? Did he have some kind of amazing personality all along that he hadn't been aware of?
"..." Ash thought for a long while as he pondered on all the possibilities before finally having the resolve to read the letter. It stated as follows:
"Dear Kuro's Owner,
I have been in love with you for a long time.
Please come to East Park at 6:30 PM.
I will be waiting for you.
With love."
Ash stared at the message.
Then he glared at it.
Then he began to smile.
For the first time in his life, someone had confessed to him and had accepted him as an intimate partner.
"THIS IS IT! MY LIFE IS FINALLY CHANGING!"
Ash was so ecstatic that he immediately rushed to his wardrobe and began changing.
Several minutes later, the young man stood before the mirror adjusting his clothes.
He looked good, but not bad either.
"All right, Ash. You've got this."
Ash gave a confident smirk as he looked at himself in the eyes via the mirror.
"Best of luck to you," he said as he prepared to go out.
After tying up his things, Ash picked up his cat and placed it atop his right shoulder.
"Come on, buddy. We're going to meet your future owner's soulmate!"
Kuro gave a soft 'meow'.
Satisfied with his response, Ash exited his home and began making his way to East Park.
While he walked along the street, the evening wind blew past him, sending his heart into overdrive.
Ash felt so happy inside that he even greeted the passersby.
"Good evening!"
"Good evening!"
"Have a wonderful evening!"
Though some people gave him strange looks, Ash didn't care.
Why would he? After all, today was a day that signified a change in his life!
Lost in his thoughts about the girl (or guy?) he was going to meet, Ash failed to notice an object flying right at him from above.
A few seconds later, his cheek felt a sharp pinch as something hit the back of his head.
"..."
His eyes widened in confusion as his body slumped forward.
He landed on the pavement with a heavy 'thud' as Kuro jumped off his shoulder and let out a worried 'meow'.
Ash attempted to move, but he couldn't.
His vision had begun to blur and the last thing he heard before passing out was Kuro's distressed meowing.
Thus, Ash Blake's, thirty years old existence had met a sudden and most unfortunate end.
He had died before even meeting his prospective date and, more importantly, the identity of the mysterious person who had sent him the love letter remained unknown to him.
What a tragedy, huh?
[End of Chapter 1]