"Where the hell am I...?"
My eyes slowly fluttered open. Blades of grass brushed against my cheeks. The scent of nature—fresh, earthy—filled my nose. Above me, towering trees rustled gently in the breeze, sunlight peeking through the dense canopy.
I was lying in the middle of a lush, green forest.
My head throbbed, like I'd just slammed into a wall made of pure regret. I winced and sat up, brushing off bits of leaves and dirt from my clothes.
"What the...?" I mumbled, scanning my surroundings. No buildings, no people, no signs of civilization. Just endless trees and birds that clearly didn't believe in personal space.
Then it hit me.
"Ah! I remember now!"
I shouted into the void of the forest, hoping maybe the trees would answer back and give me a hint. Of course, they didn't. Stupid trees.
I checked my body for injuries—nothing broken, no blood, not even a scratch. Just a little sore.
"Sigh... I thought I was a goner for sure."
Relief washed over me. At least I was still breathing.
Name's Alexander—but everyone calls me Alex. I'm twenty-one, a soon-to-be graduate of the prestigious Institute of Magic Technology. Top of the class, no big deal. (Okay, maybe a little big deal.)
Looks-wise? Pretty standard. Black hair, average height, ordinary face. Your typical Asian dude. Not the main character type. Or so I thought.
Flashback to earlier—before I got isekai'd into a forest of confusion.
I was sitting in front of our school quadrangle, waiting for the Principal's speech to begin. Rows and rows of chairs stretched across the field, filled with fellow 7th-year magic engineering students.
Right in front was a grand stage, decked out with colorful graduation banners. The flag of the United Nations stood proudly at the side.
I adjusted my uniform. We weren't just engineers—we were magic engineers. We fused science, math, and magic to solve the world's problems. Sounds cool, right? Because it is.
Magic, once fantasy, had become science. With code, energy, and tech, it evolved into a real, usable force.
Beside me sat Sarah—my childhood friend. She was asleep. Again.
Her long red hair covered part of her face, her breathing calm. Even half-asleep, she looked elegant. Pale skin, delicate features, a literal goddess with a penchant for procrastinating.
I checked my phone. 09:50 AM. Ten minutes before the ceremony.
I nudged her shoulder. "Hey. Time to wake up."
She opened one eye. "Mmmn... What is it, Alex...? I'm still sleepy…"
"The ceremony's in ten minutes. Maybe fix your bangs or something?"
Her eyes shot open. She checked her phone.
"Ehhh?! Why didn't you wake me up sooner?!" she pouted and lightly slapped my arm.
Still cute. Even when mad. (S.I.M.P)
"I-I couldn't. You looked peaceful, okay?" I scratched my head.
"Hmph! Just wait. I'll be back!" She dashed toward the restroom.
I chuckled and shook my head. "Fifteen years... and she's still the same."
Five minutes later, she came running back, panting, face slightly flushed.
"Haah... haah... Made it... two minutes to spare."
I handed her a bottle of water without saying a word. Internally? Screaming.
"Thanks, Alex." She gulped it down with a satisfied grin.
You're welcome. Not like I enjoy this or anything. (Totally do.) (S.I.M.P)
We both turned toward the stage. Principal Jones approached the podium and raised his hand.
"Speaker."
Lines of glowing code swirled around him, forming a floating amplifier in front of his mouth.
"Good day, 72nd Magic Engineer Graduates."
Applause erupted from the crowd. I clapped along, heart pounding with pride.
"Our journey through science and magic has brought us far. What was once fiction is now our reality. Today, we honor those who shaped this future... and those who will continue it."
He turned and smiled at Sarah.
"Now, please welcome the top student of this batch to deliver her final message."
"Ehem." Sarah stood confidently and walked up to the stage. Principal Jones stepped aside and handed her the amplifier.
"Good day, Principal Jones, faculty, and fellow graduates," she began with a bow. "I'm Sarah Gadtula, and I'm honored to speak today."
Polite applause echoed.
Sarah's voice was clear, proud, full of warmth.
"We've overcome countless challenges—deciphering codes, writing thesis spells, combat training, sleepless nights... but also moments of laughter, teamwork, and growth. We made it. Some of us will go into the military, others into the private sector. But wherever we go, we carry the spirit of magic and innovation with us—"
And then, chaos.
Someone stood up. A student from Class B.
I recognized her immediately—Chea Xiaoqing. Sarah's bitter rival in the Quantum Code Tournament. Her presence sent a chill down my spine.
She approached the stage slowly... too slowly.
And then, she smiled.
"Code 2310: MCD."
Her body was enveloped in code. A weapon—a Magic Calculating Device shaped like a shotgun—materialized in her hands. Black energy gathered at the barrel.
My instincts kicked in.
"Accel!"
I didn't even think. Code formed around my legs as I shot forward, time bending around me.
"Alex?!"
Sarah's voice echoed in my ears as I leapt in front of her.
BOOM.
The black blast hit me square in the chest. Everything went dark.
Not the worst way to die. Protecting a beautiful girl? Worth it.(S.I.M.P forever.)Author-san, please give me a break…
Back to Present
...And now I'm here. In a forest. Probably not even on Earth.
All because I simp too hard.
Still, I'm alive. That's gotta count for something, right?
"Ughhh... Sarah..." I muttered. I wondered if she was okay. Was she hurt? Did the attack reach her?
Before I could dwell on it further—
Groooooowl.
"What the—!?"
I tensed up, scanning the trees, ready for a fight.
...And then facepalmed.
"Oh my god. It's just my stomach."
Right. I didn't eat breakfast before the ceremony.
"DAMN IT, I'M HUNGRY!"
I screamed into the void again, hoping this forest had food... or at least a vending machine.
No answer. Of course.
Sigh... guess it's time to find food first, and figure everything else out later.
S.I.M.P out.