Edward wandered aimlessly through the unknown forest, his thoughts in chaos as he desperately searched for someone—anyone—who could explain what was happening.
"I feel so strange... I'm walking, but I can't feel my feet... I can't feel anything at all. It's like I'm floating!" he cried out, voice echoing through the trees. "Can anyone hear me?! Somebody help me!"
But no matter how loud he shouted, his words faded into the wind. As a spirit, his voice couldn't reach the living. No one could hear him. No one could understand him. He screamed until his voice gave out, his strength drained.
Then a thought sparked in his mind.
"If I'm really a spirit… maybe I can speak with the god of this world?"
He closed his eyes, focused every bit of will he had left, and spoke into the silence with firm resolve.
"God of this world, please hear me! I don't know what's happening to me. I need guidance… Please, I beg you. Hear the voice of this lost soul!"
He repeated the plea over and over again, like a prayer cast into the void.
And then—light.
A blinding light poured from the heavens above, so intense that Edward had to shield his eyes.
"W-What's happening?! I can't see anything!"
When he finally opened them again, his surroundings had completely changed. The forest had vanished. In its place stood a radiant white expanse—and at its center, a magnificent golden castle, so awe-inspiring it took his breath away.
A figure appeared before him. Humanoid, made of pure light, glowing like the very sun itself. Two others hovered beside it, equally luminous.
"Greetings, young soul," the being said, its voice calm and comforting. "I heard your plea. Are you lost?"
Edward blinked, stunned by the overwhelming presence before him.
"Are you... the god of this world?"
"I am. I govern these lands. Tell me—how long have you been wandering?"
"Not long… I was about to sit down, and then I just appeared here. I don't have a body anymore. I'm just a spirit. I saw some strange guy in a robe with a wooden staff… like a wizard or something. This definitely isn't my world."
The god observed him carefully, nodding.
"I see… So you were summoned. A mage must've performed a ritual. What's strange is that only your soul was brought here. Normally, when someone dies in this world, I grant them reincarnation. But you… you're not from here at all."
"So it really happened… I was summoned? Magic exists in this world?"
"Yes. Magic is real here."
"Wow... I thought magic only existed in movies," Edward muttered, still trying to process it all. Then he looked up, hopeful. "Um… sir, can you send me back to my world?"
The god's expression turned solemn.
"I'm afraid I can't. Even I lack the power to cross the barriers between worlds. Such travel is forbidden. However—there is something else I can offer you."
Edward's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
"I can grant you a new body. A physical form of your own. With it, you'll be able to survive in this world—and use magic as well. Will you accept?"
"Yes! Of course I accept!" he said eagerly. "Thank you so much! But… will I still have my memories?"
"You will. And your new body will be identical to your old one—same face, same age. A perfect copy."
"T-Thank you… thank you, God!" Edward said, overcome with emotion. He threw his arms around the divine being, who gently returned the gesture with a warm smile.
"Good luck in this new life."
The god raised his hand. A shining white orb appeared in the air and floated toward Edward, surrounding him in radiant light. It grew brighter… brighter—until everything faded away.
---
He awoke with a jolt.
Eyes wide, heart pounding, Edward gasped and sat up. He stared at his hands—solid. Warm. Alive.
"I'm back…! I really have a body again!" he shouted, laughing with joy. "Thank you, God!"
Around him stretched a peaceful forest, bathed in daylight. A dirt road cut through the trees like a path to destiny. With new resolve, Edward stood tall and began to walk.
Hours passed. Then, in the distance, he spotted something: a walled city.
"Yes! Civilization!"
He broke into a run, feet pounding the earth as he rushed toward it. Eventually, he reached the city gates, where two guards in leather armor stood watch.
He approached them, hopeful—only to be stopped abruptly.
"Where do you think you're going?" one guard barked. "Do you have a passport or an adventurer's license?"
"N-No, sir… I don't have anything like that. Do I need one to enter?"
The guard frowned and shoved him back.
"Then get lost! No entry without authorization."
"I understand… but why push me?" Edward pleaded. "Please, I just need a chance. I can work! I'm a great salesman, I can cook, I—"
"Enough," the guard snapped, signaling to his partner.
The second guard grabbed Edward from behind, locking his arms in place.
"W-What are you doing?! Let me go!"
Edward struggled, but the man's grip was iron. The first guard stepped forward—and punched him in the stomach.
"Gahh!"
Blow after blow rained down—his face, his chest, his ribs. The pain was unbearable. He cried out, but no one came. No one helped.
"Stop…! Please… someone…"
Eventually, they let him go. He crumpled to the ground, bloodied and barely conscious.
"Don't ever come back," the guard spat. "Next time, we won't go easy on you."
With that, they returned to their posts as if nothing had happened.
Edward lay there, battered and broken, his blood staining the dirt road. His entire body screamed in pain, and he didn't even have the strength to stand.
---