Even After Reincarnating, I Still Get Hated

Alfred was, to put it mildly, a peculiar student. Making friends felt like teaching a goldfish to climb a tree.

His issue? A perpetually stern expression that made him look as if he were plotting world domination.

Whispers followed him everywhere—wild, utterly untrue rumors that he was a retired circus lion tamer or an undercover wizard from a rival magical realm.

(Seriously, a lion tamer? I can’t even tame my own hair.)

These stories only deepened his mysterious aura.

Unable to bridge the gap with his peers, Alfred decided to take matters into his own hands. He formed his own club.

Normally, that would be unthinkable at school, but even the principal—who secretly suspected Alfred might be a young wizard king in disguise—nervously approved it.

(At least now I have a place to eat lunch without everyone scattering like pigeons.)

One ordinary day, as Alfred sat in his new clubroom, poking at his bento, something extraordinary happened—the door began to glow mysteriously.

(Did I accidentally microwave the door?)

Compelled by curiosity, he stepped through—and found himself whisked away to an entirely different world.

◆　◇　◆

Alfred landed in Eldoria, a realm where the sky shimmered with auroras and magical energies buzzed in the air. Massive, iridescent dragons swooped overhead, and distant mountains floated, defying all laws of physics.

(Okay, either I fell asleep in the clubroom or that expired yogurt was more potent than I thought.)

He glanced down. Same school uniform, same uncooperative bedhead.

(Great, even here I can’t escape the mess.)

“Finally, finally, Isekai!!!” he shouted, arms raised triumphantly. Alfred had devoured countless tales of Isekai—a world of adventure where misfit heroes gained respect and power, often surrounded by an adoring band of followers. This was his fantasy.

(Maybe here I can finally make some friends!)

“Well, from what I know, the first step in any Isekai is to save a damsel in distress… just need to wait for a scream,” he mused, positioning himself on a luminescent rock while scanning the horizon.

(Any minute now…)

Hours passed with no cries for help—only the gentle rustle of an enchanted forest and the occasional curious glance from a passing creature.

Alfred sat, a statue of anticipation. (Maybe damsels have scheduling conflicts today?)

“Maybe I’m doing something wrong,” he muttered. “Usually, a girl would show up by now.” He fidgeted, growing increasingly restless.

(Do I need to trigger a flag or something? How do I start the quest?)

Then, out of nowhere:

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

The scream he’d been waiting for finally pierced the air. But instead of a damsel, someone else was in trouble.

Eager for a taste of excitement, Alfred grinned and dashed off toward the commotion.

(Time to be a hero!)

◆　◇　◆

Alfred approached the trio cautiously. Two older men with flowing white hair and an air of wisdom stood opposite a towering figure. The guy—though calling him a guy felt absurd—was monstrous in size, standing two meters tall with a build reminiscent of ancient warrior statues.

(Wow, they really grow them big here.)

Although trained in martial arts, Alfred knew his limits against such a behemoth. He opted for diplomacy.

“Gentlemen, I hope you’ll stop…” he began.

(Smooth, Alfred. Very non-threatening.)

All eyes turned to him, expressions mixing curiosity with suspicion.

“Who are you…?” they demanded in unison.

“Alfred,” he replied calmly, though his intense eyes betrayed his peaceful intent.

(Why are they looking at me like I just declared war?)

“Black hair, piercing eyes… it’s not possible…” The enormous youth trembled at the sight of him.

Sensing fear, Alfred stepped forward soothingly. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding…”

(Again? Come on!)

Without warning, the massive youth swung his fist. Alfred’s martial instincts kicked in. He sidestepped deftly—and, without meaning to, countered with a shove so forceful it sent the giant crashing against a rugged stone outcropping behind a bush, knocking him out cold.

(Oh no! I didn’t mean to push him that hard!)

Turning to the white-haired gentlemen, Alfred tried to explain, his tone mixing embarrassment with confusion. “He… he tripped?”

(Great, now they definitely think I’m some kind of brute.)

The two men exchanged wide-eyed glances. “He defeated Grom the Mighty with a single touch…” one murmured in awe.

Feeling more out of place than ever, Alfred began to retreat.

(Maybe if I quietly disappear, they’ll forget this ever happened.)

But one of the men called out, “You… you… wait… Please, tell us your name once more!”

“Uh, it’s Alfred,” he repeated, taking a hesitant step back.

(Is this where they arrest me?)

“Alfred-sama, we humbly request your assistance!” the other cried, bowing deeply.

Alfred blinked. “Wait, what?”

(Sama?! Since when did I get an honorific?)

“Only someone of your caliber could defeat Grom so effortlessly. Please, help us in our quest!” they insisted, eyes gleaming with admiration.

Scratching his head in bewilderment, Alfred sighed. (I just wanted to make friends, not lead a quest… How did this escalate so quickly?)

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding…” he began, but the men had already dropped to their knees.

“Please, Master Alfred!” they pleaded.

(Well, this is a new level of awkward.)

Scanning the area for an escape, Alfred mumbled, “I really should be going…”

“Wait! At least allow us to escort you to the village. The people must meet the hero who saved us!” they implored.

(Hero? Me?)

He hesitated. (Maybe this isn’t so bad after all… Wait, no, focus!) “I appreciate the offer, but I think there’s someone else better suited for—”

“Nonsense! There’s no one more capable than you,” they insisted, voices filled with unwavering admiration.

Alfred sighed deeply. (So much for a low-profile start in this world.) “Alright, lead the way,” he conceded, half-hoping that things might not spiral even further out of control.

(Who am I kidding? This is going to get so much worse.)