Volume 1 - Ch 1
I died. I suddenly died.
How? Im ashamed of saying it.
I died protecting my family would have been a cool thing to say.
Accidental death. It was an accidental death.
Not interesting, right?
Yeah, but I wasnt interesting in the first place, so whats the big deal?
I was cocky. I know that it was wrong and I regret it now.
After all, I had finally overcome the university entrance exam, albeit barely.
Wasnt it my right to be even a tiny bit happy?
Yet I was run over by a truck.
Such a handsome guy. To think that he died.
Good development it would have been if that were the case but it was not.
You would need outrageous luck to remain handsome after getting run over by a truck. I was not that lucky.
Fu~n, the bumper of the truck became a food processor. Thats how it felt.
Those who are eating at the moment, I apologize.
After having watched such a miserable me for a while from the sky, I seem to have migrated to the realm of afterlife.
Overcome by a strange floating sensation, engulfed in pure white space, Im in front of what resembles a municipal office.
Is this the realm of afterlife?
Nope, theres something written on the gate.
Reincarnation procedure, here
Its that, right? That stereotypical reincarnation? Yeah, I know.
Currently, Im sitting idly on a sofa, looking at the reception desk which has Earth written on it.
(I did die back there, didnt I? So, what now?)
While I was thinking that, with my head down in gloom, someone called out to me.
Its gloomy here yet that voice was contrastingly bright.
Aww~, you died, right? Thats awful.
Well, Im sorry that I died. And who might you be?
Oops, Im a staff member of Reincarnation Control Centre. Well then, have you decided on the destination world after you reincarnate?
Well, I have yet to understand things.
You do? Okay then, which world did you come from?
Japan, Earth
Upon my words, the male staff member I see~ nods his head. Hes a difficult-to-understand type of person. His age seems to be about 20 years?
Earth is quite popular. Furthermore, Japans acceptance rate is pretty high~. By the way, how about a world other than Earth?
Eh? Is there such a world?
There is~. Of course there is~. So, are you interested?
Am I interested? Of course I am but this man doesnt seem to be serious. Is it really alright?
Nah, if I can be reincarnated, I would like to go back to Earth, I think.
What did you say!? Its another world! A world of swords and magic! A fantasy world!
R-Really? Hey, think about it. Isnt a world of swords and magic really dangerous to live in? In Japan, if you can secure top position in occupations ranking, you can become a Public Servant which can provide you with financial stability in such an era as this.
Dont! Dont say anything. Even if you do, theres no use~ the quota is fixed. Quota.
Quota? Like filling?
You understand that there are many worlds, right? Every world has a fixed quota in respect of the number of people in order to maintain balance. Also, its about time for the change of shifts. Do you know what would happen if they find out that I couldnt handle even one person? Terrible~.
While lamenting, he peeks at me through the gaps between his fingers.
Why do I smell a lie?
Exactly what kind of god would behave like that?
N-No Then how about a special service? You will receive one skill of your choice as a present. Eh?
While I was trying to say something, he shut my mouth with his index finger.
Well, Im interested in this otherworld anyway.
It does sound interesting.
I can hear your story at least.
Thank you so~ much. Guide this gentleman, ple~ase.
Suddenly, a man grabs my arm and pulls me.
The man takes me to another reception desk. Iris is written on this reception desk. Which reminds me, Earth was written on the previous reception desk. So, is Iris the name of this otherworld?
Have a seat, please. Lets start right away. First, your present as a special service.
O-Okay.
Heres the keyboard. Type whichever word you want. Ill give you the description of the skills in the search results. Feel free to use it, please.
Why is there a keyboard!? And why is there a Liquid Crystal Display!?
Ah~, it materializes as something which is easy-to-recognize for you. Dont pay any mind to it.
Does it? So, if someone from another world were here in my place, would it materialize as a crystal ball?
Alright, lets set that aside and search something. Im grateful for the fact that its easy to use.
Stereotypical fantasy world, here I come.
Magic
It is.
I lightly type the words in and click the search button.
O-Oh! The page is full.
Fire Magic Lv1
Water Magic Lv1
Wind Magic Lv1
Earth Magic Lv1
Dark Magic Lv1
Light Magic Lv1
Origin Magic Lv1
Spirit Magic Lv1
It goes on and on.
Oh well, its something that I only know of. I have never seen it.
Excuse me, what does this Lv next to the skill name indicate?
Ah yes, all the skills start with Lv1. In your life in the otherworld, you can level it up. Like any ability, you can train a skill until you reach its peak. Lv1 is Basic, Lv2 is Intermediate, Lv3 is Advanced, Lv4 is Expert, Lv5 is Superhuman.
What- Superhuman!?
If I
Umm, this service allows me choose just one skill?
Thats right~ its special, you know? Youre the only one whos receiving this service.
Stock scam phrase.
Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless.
This service lets you choose one skill. However, the skill someone possesses is decided by their birth. In other words, it depends on their race. Even if you choose a skill, its not necessary that youll get that skill.
Fumu, is there no skill in this world which lets you gain other skills?
I should stop being double-minded.
After all, a true man is always straight.
Alright, next.
Martial arts
I type.
Sword Arts Lv1
Spear Arts Lv1
Axe Arts Lv1
Archery Lv1
Body Arts Lv1
Stick Arts Lv1
It goes on and on. The problem is, I have to choose only one.
Resistance
Abnormal Status Resistance Lv1
Mental Disorder Resistance Lv1
Fire Attribute Resistance Lv1
Un, Im so troubled. I cant decide on one.
Thereafter, I typed in numerous keywords but found nothing of interest.
So, should I give up on it?
While I was thinking that, I unintentionally-
-Searched a blank.
Thiefs Godly Skill Lv1
And this is what came up.
Excuse me, what kind of skill is this?
This?
Yeah, it seems to be good. Please give me its details.
Thatll be difficult~. Do you really want me to? Okay, this is a hidden skill. How did you come across it anyway~? Err itll be too much to explain for a mouth. Wait a bit there you go.
Inside my head, some words float up.
Thats convenient, hey!
Thiefs Godly Skill (Riot Grasper)
Can steal any skill from the owner of the skill.
The level of the stolen skill shall be same as when the skill was stolen. It is possible to train the stolen skill.
Following are the conditions of invocation:
The skill to be stolen must be known and visually confirmed.
The body of the target to be plundered must be in contact at the time of invocation.
Success Rate: 10% Skill Level
(Total Lv of All your Skills Combined Lv of the Skill to be Stolen) 1% shall be added to the success rate. (No change in case of negative resultant number)
In case of failure, the same skill of the same target shall be permanently disqualified for invocation.
Usage limit per day: Depends on the skill Lv.
The stolen skill can be returned to the original owner.
Oh my god!
Ive found a hidden skill.
I can smell it! I can smell it! I can smell strong Middle School 2nd Year Syndrome, eeee!
This is it!
Th-This Rio- Thiefs Godly Skill Even if the person whom the skill is stolen from dies, the stolen skill will not be lost, right?
Thats right~. The owner changes for all purposes.
Theres a formula that mentions skill Lv. It means the Lv of Thiefs Godly Skill, right? Also, what does total Lv of all your skills combined mean?
Im actually more confused.
By the way, the total number of skills you can possess is limited to 10. It depends on race, though. So, would you like choose this skill?
Ye- no Wait a minute, please.
Lets think about it carefully. Invocation condition The skill to be stolen must be known and visually confirmed. Isnt it impossible? How would I know as to who possesses which skill? And I cant plunder people indiscriminately, right?
Whats the matter~? To tell you the truth, theres no need to think for you dont get to choose To the otherworld YOU GO!
Hey, I still havent decided if Ill go to another world!
Its too late to say that. Take this present, too. The otherworld, here he comes!
Unique: Scholars Knowledge (Can appraise status and items)
Owa! Im being forcibly teleported.
Well, isnt it actually amazing?
Isnt it a perfect combo?
Reincarnating in Iris.
Thus, my connection to Earth was finally severed. With my heart jumping inside my chest, I was being reincarnated in another world.
Thank you for choosing us~! Well then, lets quickly get the procedure completed.
I wasnt scammed, right? Its gonna be okay, right?
Which race and gender would you like?
Race? What choices do I have?
Humans: Extremely high population in Iris. Balanced faction. Individual differences considerable.
Dwarves: Skillful fingers. Suited to be artisan. Incredible strength.
Beastkin: Cats, dogs, wolves, lions, etc.; Comprises various kinds. Enhanced physical abilities.
Elves: The people of the forest. Possess plenteous magic aptitude. Suited to be rearguard.
Dragonewts: A race that pursues different evolutionary system from the dragons. Tough. Extremely low population.
Demons: Hostile relationship with almost rest of the races. Superior in terms of abilities. Not recommended to a novice.
This is basically it, so~
Ah, the man opens his mouth before long. Its bothersome. Surely.
I mean, hey! Demon? Really?
And its not recommended!
Umm, demon
So, is this what you want to choose?
No I choose dragonewt.
Because I could smell danger, I circumvent. But why drago-something?
I cant even say it properly. How embarrassing.
Its a dragon with a name right?
What about sex~?
Err male.
Man, of course.
I dont even want to imagine being a woman, making out with men.
Al~right! With this, the procedure is complete. Well then See yaaa.
Wait, isnt there a manual or an explanation about this otherworld?
Actually, you will be reincarnated as a baby. Therefore, even if I explained it to you now, itd be of no use to you in the otherworld. Also, explaining it to you is not part of my job, so~
Reincarnated as a baby?
I know, right?
I misheard it, right?
I knew it I want to reincarnate in a safe world. I cant- I wont enjoy such a world. Its so absurd that Im trembling.
That!? Eee! Again? But its about time for another change of shifts and I need to achieve my quota with you.
Well, sorry.
Good! Well then, you will now reincarnate in the otherworld with the current settings. There YOU go
How is it good!?
In that case, I want to choose human race can I?
E~h
Actually, this is the only way that doesnt require you to start over as a baby~.
Well human is even better, then
Its extremely regrettable but theres no other way.
Fuu alright, if thats your decision. Well then take care.
All of a sudden, I was in a mans hands. At the same time, my vision blacked out and I lost consciousness.
Un
Hey!
E?
Hey, are you alright, hey!?
My head is all muddled up.
It all feels like a dream.
To think that there was a time when I was like that.
Have you finally woken up? How long have you been lying here?
The first thing I saw in this otherworld is moustache and beard of a burly middle-aged man.
Ee, its an unforgettable experience that Id rather forget.
I was sent to this otherworld for this?
No, I must see things from various angles.
From my angle and from others angle.
Name: SeijiAgatsuma
Race: Human
Age: 18
Job: None
Unique: Scholars Knowledge
Skill(s)
Thiefs Godly Skill (Riot Grasper) Lv1 (0/10)
Name: NicholasHoffman
Race: Human
Age: 35
Job: Sentinel
Skill(s)
Sword Arts Lv2 (24/50)
Body Arts Lv1 (6/10)
Well then
Enjoy the life in the otherworld!
However, the fact that I have just one skill is saddening!
But the fact that this middle-aged mans job is not Thief is reassuring.