In the bustling city of metropolia, the most feared entity wasn't a tyrannical overlord or a ravenous beast. No, it was a simple, unassuming vehicle—an everyday truck. For in Metropolia, being hit by a truck was a one-way ticket to another world. A world filled with magic, adventure, and a surprisingly high mortality rate. Most people dreamed of the adventure and riches that awaited them in these alternate realities. But not Arthur Thorne.
Arthur was a man of simple tastes. He liked his morning coffee, his predictable 9-to-5 job, and his cozy apartment filled with a meticulously curated collection of model trains. The idea of being whisked away to fight dragons or battle dark lords filled him with dread. The thought of living in a world without the comfort of his daily routine was unbearable. Thus, Arthur became known as "The Truck Dodger."
Every morning, Arthur would leave his apartment, eyes scanning the street for any sign of danger. He had mapped out the city's busiest intersections, the times of day when truck traffic peaked, and even wore a bicycle helmet for extra protection. His co-workers thought he was paranoid, but Arthur knew better.
Metropolia was a sprawling city, its streets teeming with life. Skyscrapers towered over the roads, casting long shadows that seemed to move and shift as the day progressed. The city's transportation system was intricate, with trucks of all shapes and sizes navigating the narrow streets, often at breakneck speeds. These trucks were not ordinary vehicles; they were agents of fate, their drivers unaware of the magical force they wielded. The urban legend held that getting hit by one of these trucks would transport you to another world—a world filled with fantastical creatures, epic quests, and perilous dangers.
Arthur had no desire to be part of that world. He enjoyed his simple existence, working as a data analyst for a mid-sized tech firm. His office was located in a sleek, modern building, just a few blocks from his apartment. Each morning, he took great care to avoid the busiest routes, sticking to side streets and alleyways. His vigilance was a matter of survival, not just a quirky habit.
"Morning, Arthur," said Jenny, his cheerful neighbor, as she stepped out of her apartment.
"Morning, Jenny. Watch out for trucks," Arthur replied, his eyes darting left and right.
"You're such a worrywart," she laughed, heading towards the elevator.
Arthur shook his head. "Better safe than isekai'd," he muttered, taking the stairs instead. Elevators were too unpredictable; you never knew who or what you might encounter.
As he walked to work, Arthur couldn't help but notice the increasing number of "isekai enthusiasts" loitering near busy intersections, hoping for their chance to be transported to another world. These thrill-seekers wore bright clothing and carried signs with messages like "Ready for Adventure!" and "Hit Me, Truck-kun!" Arthur found their behavior baffling. Why would anyone willingly leave the safety and predictability of their life for the unknown?
Arthur's day was going smoothly until lunchtime. He was walking to his favorite sandwich shop when he heard it—the unmistakable rumble of a truck engine. Panic surged through him, and he threw himself into the nearest alleyway.
"Whoa, buddy! You okay?" asked a passerby.
"Fine, just... tying my shoe," Arthur lied, hastily pretending to fuss with his laces.
The truck trundled past, oblivious to the chaos it had nearly caused. Arthur let out a sigh of relief and continued on his way, but the incident had left him shaken. He had to be more vigilant.
At the office, his colleagues were discussing the latest news: another person had been isekai'd the previous day.
"Did you hear? Tom from accounting got hit by a truck. Lucky guy!" one of them said.
"Yeah, I heard he's already a knight or something," another chimed in.
Arthur shuddered. He couldn't understand their excitement. To him, the real world was adventure enough. His routine, his model trains, his quiet evenings with a good book—these were the things that brought him joy.
That evening, as Arthur walked home, he decided to take a different route, one he had meticulously planned out to avoid any possible truck encounters. He was halfway home when he heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw a figure he recognized—Max, the eccentric conspiracy theorist from his building.
"Arthur, my man! You won't believe what I found out," Max said, eyes wide with excitement.
Arthur groaned internally. Max was harmless but had a penchant for wild theories. Still, he was a decent guy. "What is it this time, Max?"
"I've been doing some digging, and I think I found a way to stop the trucks!" Max declared.
Arthur's interest piqued despite himself. "Go on."
Max led Arthur to his cluttered apartment, filled with maps, diagrams, and what looked like a homemade radar system. "This baby," Max said, patting the contraption, "can detect truck routes and predict their movements. We can use it to avoid them completely!"
Arthur stared at the device, a mix of skepticism and hope in his eyes. "Are you serious?"
"Absolutely. With this, you'll never have to worry about getting isekai'd again," Max said with a grin.
Arthur felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could keep his simple, ordinary life. And with Max's help, the Truck Dodger's adventures in avoiding adventure had only just begun.