Reluctant Isekai

A heaviness in your eyelids and an uncharacteristically soft fabric beneath your fingers—that is the first thing you realize as you come to. You open your eyes to see a carved brocade canopy that was certainly not in your bedroom. Around you lies a vast chamber filled with a fireplace, tapestries, and soaring windows that overlook the towers of a fairytale castle. Your head spins, and a sticky sense of unreality swells in your chest.

You attempt to sit up, but your vision swims—and suddenly, a translucent, bluish window, etched with unfamiliar symbols, floats before your eyes. A familiar chill, like a digital interface, runs down your spine.

— Welcome to this world, traveler! Before the story begins, I shall bring you up to speed. You are currently sleeping in two realities at once, but as soon as you wake up here fully—your new life begins.

The window flickers, pulsing in time with your breathing.

— So, you were knocked down by the Crown Prince of the kingdom near a merchant's stall. He has just sent his servants for a healer, so you have a few minutes to choose your appearance and your backstory. In this world, you will be tasked with completing quests, developing skills, and building relationships with the locals. You can become a hero, a villain, or a mere background extra—the choice is yours. Even a romance with the novel's protagonist is possible, should you desire it.

This... this is that very same novel! But I'm not the protagonist... Why am I here?

An input bar appears at the bottom of the screen.

— Now, you must enter your details: [Name], [Age], [Social Status], [Appearance], [Brief Backstory], so that the world may recognize you as its own. Do not delay—the Prince is already returning.

Footsteps echo from somewhere in the corridor, making your heart skip a beat. The system window gives a satisfied wink and awaits your response.