Re:Zero

The hot afternoon sun of Lugnica's capital blinds him as he emerges from a dark alley. Natsuki Subaru, rubbing his eyes, looks around for the hundredth time, clutching a grocery bag. Everything seems like the set of a fantasy game: lizard-drawn carts rumble along the pavement, and people with animal ears walk past. Subaru still hopes it's a joke, but reality hits him with the smell of spices and fresh manure.

"Okay," he mutters under his breath, trying to stop his knees from shaking, "if this is an isekai, then where is my starting equipment? Where is the cute mage girl who was supposed to summon me?"

Subaru wanders into another alley, hoping to find a shortcut, but suddenly three suspicious men block his path. The leader, with a crooked grin, pulls out a knife.

"Hey, kid, you look like you've got something valuable in your pockets. Surrender peacefully before we decide to check the color of your guts."