kscans

Chapter 1 - A Beginning from the End

"Well, we have our own operational regulations and internal rules, so I can’t go into detail. To get straight to the point, it’s been decided that you’ll be going to another world. Or as you people would call it, a world of sword and magic."

"I see..."

A man’s perplexed voice echoed from the bed. He was facing a mysterious figure who sat leisurely in midair where there was nothing at all. Its body was not rendered in realistic colors. It looked as if it were about to white out. In short, it had a strangely pale appearance. Its way of speaking was masculine, yet its voice was impossible to identify as either male or female. Perhaps it was unconcerned with such worldly things as gender. The very fact that it was floating in the air confirmed it was no ordinary human.

This was a standard development in light novels, but when it actually happened to him, it felt like nothing more than a joke. The only saving grace was that it did not seem to be a cruel one.

"You’ve probably realized it already, but if things continue as they are, you will die before long. We have no particular reason to care whether you live or die, but there just so happened to be a recruitment opening for another world. Moving your existence over there will save us some trouble."

It was a blunt reason, but the offer certainly benefited him as well. There was no reason to refuse. Especially since...

"It would be cruel to just throw you into a completely different world, so I can grant you a few wishes. What you would call a ‘cheat,’ I suppose."

There was no way his heart would not be moved upon hearing such an offer.

...However, he was a bit too old to rejoice unconditionally at such a sweet deal.

"One thing to confirm. Will I be going to that land as a sacrifice? Or as some kind of agent, or perhaps a tool?"

"Hmm... Not a sacrifice. The latter would be closer to the truth."

"So, you desire for me to go to that world and be active there?"

"That is correct."

"Which means you do not wish for me to die soon after arriving in that land?"

"Of course not. We are going to some trouble to send you, after all."

"To put it another way, my survival over there is, above all else, Your divine will, is it not? Regardless of my own insignificant wishes?"

"That... would be correct..."

The being, who seemed to be a god, appeared to have noticed that the conversation had taken a strange turn, but its words had already been spoken. It was too late.

"In that case, am I correct in assuming that you, my lord god, will guarantee all the abilities related to my survival? Separate from any talk of cheats?"

An expression that said, ‘He got me,’ appeared on its face, but it could not take back its words now. The word of a god was not so light.

"Yes... that is right..."

"Thank you. Then, before we discuss any cheats, let’s take care of the requirements for my survival."

It seemed this was going to be a long night.

The god sighed inwardly, and at the same time, felt a slight sense of reliance on this new agent.