The first thing Kenji noticed wasn't the deafening roar of the crowd, nor the blinding flash of the magic circle, but the unbearable smell of unwashed people and burnt incense.
Kenji, a 28-year-old former convenience store cook who was just stocking bread rolls five seconds ago, stood frozen on a massive stone platform. Arrayed next to him were three teenagers—two boys and one girl, dressed in school uniforms—who all looked like they'd just stepped out of an action anime. Their expressions were full of awe and excitement.
"My brave heroes! Thank you for answering our summons!" a gaudily dressed, corpulent king boomed from a golden throne.
This is it, Kenji thought, his heart hammering against his ribs. I've been dragged into an Isekai plot. Just like the manga. He'd always figured he'd be the guy selling snacks to the protagonists, not standing on the platform himself.
He cautiously used the skill he instinctively knew he possessed. He muttered the word: "Appraisal."
Name: King Thargus
Title: Greedy Tyrant, Foolish King
Job: Ruler
Level: 55
Status: Desperate for War Funds, High Debt
Haruto quickly appraised his neighbors: The three teenagers were the true heroes, with titles like 'Sword Hero' and 'Magic Hero,' and starting stats over 800. Kenji himself?
Name: Sato Kenji
Title: Uninvited Guest
Job: Victim from Another World
Level: 1
HP: 110 MP: 90
Unique Skill: Online Convenience Store
Victim from Another World? His stats were barely better than a common guard's. The king and his ministers were already eyeing Kenji with obvious disappointment.
"And you, I suppose, are collateral damage," the Royal Minister sneered at Kenji, barely hiding his disdain. "We will give you the standard stipend of ten gold coins and a place to sleep until you can integrate. Be grateful."
Ten gold coins. That wasn't even enough for a decent pair of boots, let alone a secure future. Kenji's decision was instant.
I am not fighting a war for a Greedy Tyrant, and I'm definitely not dying here. I'm running.
He discreetly activated his unique skill. A familiar, clean interface popped up in his mind: Welcome to Konbini-Mart Online! He quickly browsed the essentials, mentally converting the prices to the ten gold coins he'd just been handed.
Purchased: Small, Durable Traveling Bag (5 Silver Coins equivalent)
Purchased: 5x Water Bottles (7 Bronze Coins equivalent)
Purchased: 10x Onigiri - Tuna Mayo (1 Silver Coin equivalent)
Purchased: Premium Black Coffee (Limited Edition) (4 Bronze Coins equivalent)
He instantly placed the items into the other default skill he'd gained: the Item Box. With the comforting security of his emergency supplies confirmed, Kenji bowed low to the king, muttered a quick "Thank you for the stipend," and shuffled backward, doing his best to disappear into the chaotic crowd surrounding the platform. His only goal: The nearest city gate, right now.