Different World Endeavor
Thanks a bunch!
********************
Name's Hikari Tanaka
Did the whole college thing, then spent my twenties grinding away in some soul-sucking corporation, only to end up bedridden in my thirties.
Guy.
Kicked the bucket at 39.
Now, I'm face to face with a god.
"Reincarnate in another world?" This chapter's debut? N0/v3l--B1n, my friend.
"Nah, it's a transition."
"Transition? I thought I was dead."
"Yep, you were. So, I'm reviving you in a new world."
"What about my body?"
"Fixing you up, getting rid of your sickness, regenerating those rotten organs. Otherwise, you're toast. Oh, and I'm throwing in some youth."
"Thanks, I guess."
"Don't sweat it. Sending you to another world works for me too. You're like my ticket, you know?"
"Got it. So, do I have to do anything there?"
"Nah, just live it up. Enjoy round two."
"Sounds good."
"... You cool with this, though?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"Pretty chill. But... really, you're good with it?"
"Yep. Been stuck in a hospital bed for almost a decade. Having a healthy bod and being young again? I'll take it."
"Fair enough. Ah, can't really push you around just for my convenience. I'll grant your wishes."
"My wishes?"
"Yep. Want some special skills or a life filled with all the good stuff?"
"Give me a body that never gets sick."
"... Never gets sick?"
"Yep. Been through enough illness. Don't wanna deal with that crap again."
"Got it. You're getting a 'Healthy Body'."
"Thanks."
"Got another one?"
"Huh? But..."
"Just say it."
"Well... How about I live somewhere with not too many people?"
"Place without folks?"
"Yeah. Lost my parents, then a bunch of strangers claimed to be relatives... even at work... I've kinda lost trust in people. It's a bit different, but I'm not really a people person. I know I gotta work on it, but..."
"So, you're asking for solitude? Got it. I'll find a spot for you."
"Don't mind if there's another."
"Huh?"
"Just tell me."
"Um... Oh, right. Make sure I can understand the language wherever I end up."
"Shouldn't be a problem. You'll be able to talk to the locals. Beginner's pack, you know?"
"Got it."
"Got any other wishes?"
"Well... been bedridden for so long, just being able to move is a blessing. My biggest wish already came true..."
"Alrighty then. Got any big plans? Destination's your typical swords and sorcery world. Wanna be the top adventurer, master some rare magic, or maybe a king?"
"Haha, nope. Those are way too much for me... I got something in mind. Something I've always wanted to do if I could move again."
"Oh yeah? What's that?"
"Farming."
"..."
"I always remembered messing around with a hoe when I was a kid. No idea why, but it stuck with me. So, yeah. Farming."
"Huh. Farming, huh?"
"Is that a problem?"
"Nah, not at all. It's not really in my domain, but I'll make it happen. Hang on a sec."
"Sure."
While waiting, the god pulled out what looked like an ancient cell phone and started talking to someone.
Couldn't make heads or tails of it.
Different language, maybe?
Whoever they were talking to seemed pretty excited.
"Sorry for the wait. Here you go."
They handed me a hoe.
Wooden handle, iron blade.
"The 'Swiss Army Hoe'."
TN:万能 (bannō) - Means versatile, but also kinda omnipotent.
"Omnipotent? This hoe's something else, but calling it all-powerful is a bit much."
"It might look like a hoe, but it can change into whatever you need."
"Change?"
"Yep. Think of it as a sickle, it'll become one. Need a saw, hammer, crowbar, or shovel? It'll do that too."
"Sweet!"
"Plus, it's yours. Always by your side, even if you chuck it away."
"Efficient!"
"Oh, and you can stash it in your body, so no worries about where to put it. Whip it out whenever you need. Try it."
Slipped the Swiss Army Hoe into my body, then gave it a go.
"Awesome!"
"Take good care of it."
"Will do."
"... Ready to move on?"
"Yep. Thanks for everything."
"Alrighty, take care."
As I heard those words, it felt like my body was melting away.
Next thing I know, I'm in a forest.
...
Quick once-over.
Body's... working fine.
No pain.
Healthy as can be.
Can tell I'm younger from my hands and feet, even without a mirror.
Early twenties?
Late teens?
Either way, I'm good.
Clothes... something out of a fantasy game. Rough coat, pants.
Underwear's... a loincloth held together by a string.
Just glad I'm not dead.
Guess this is part of the beginner's package.
Next up, the Swiss Army Hoe.
A hoe in hand.
Thanks, god.
Wait, what's the god's name?
Oh well, gratitude's the same, right?
Now.
Stand up, look around.
Nothing but trees.
Guess i am in a forest
...
Asked for a place with few people... but this place ain't got anyone at all.