My name was Hiraku Machio.
The company I joined right after graduating from university had been a "black company" that ground my body down until I reached my thirties. I spent the following decade living in a hospital bed.
I was male.
I was thirty-nine years old when I died.
And currently, I was standing face-to-face with God.
"Reincarnation into another world?" I asked.
"No, it is a transfer," God replied.
"A transfer? But I’m fairly certain I died."
"You did. That is why I am going to bring you back to life in a different world."
"Um, what about my body...?"
"I have purged the disease and reconstructed your rotted internal organs. If I hadn't, you would simply drop dead again immediately. I will throw in a bit of rejuvenation while I am at it."
"Thank you very much."
"No need for thanks. Sending you to another world serves my own interests. In a manner of speaking, you are being revived for my sake."
"I see. In that case, is there something specific I need to do there?"
"No, just living your life is enough. Go and enjoy your second chance to the fullest."
"I understand."
"...Do you have any complaints?" God asked.
"None at all."
"You are quite the agreeable fellow. But... are you truly certain?"
"Yes. After all, I spent nearly ten years bedridden and unable to move. If I can have a healthy body—and be young again on top of that—I have no reason to complain."
"I see. Ah... well, look. It feels wrong to simply force my own circumstances on you. I will grant you a few wishes to make up for it."
"My wishes?"
"Umu. For instance, you could possess a special skill, or have a destiny that leads to fortunate encounters."
"Then, please give me a body that won't get sick," I requested.
"...A body that won't get sick?"
"Yes. I suffered so much from illness. If possible, I never want to experience anything like that again."
"U-umu. Very well. I shall grant you a body immune to disease—the Healthy Body."
"Thank you."
"I will grant you one more."
"Eh? But..."
"Just say it."
"Ah... well, if it's possible, could you make it so I can live somewhere without many people?"
"A place with no people?"
"Yes. You see... when my parents passed away, people claiming to be my relatives put me through a lot. Then there was that company I worked for... so, I suppose I’ve developed a bit of a distrust for others. Or rather, I just don't think I'm very good at communicating with people. I know I should try to fix that eventually, but doing it right away would be a bit much..."
"So, a secluded place. Understood. I will take that into account when choosing your destination."
"Thank you."
"I do not mind granting one more."
"What, really?"
"I said just tell me."
"Ah... let's see. Oh, I know. Please make it so I can speak the local language."
"That much is already taken care of. You will be able to handle basic conversation with humans. It is part of what I call a kind Beginner's Pack."
"Oh, I see."
"Come now, hurry up and state a wish."
"Even if you tell me that... I spent so much time in a hospital bed that just being able to move makes me happy. Most of my desires have already been met."
"Then how about this: Is there anything you actually want to do? Your destination is a world of swords and magic, the kind you often see in games. You could aim to be the world's greatest adventurer, a legendary mage, or simply a king."
"Ahaha. All of those sound far too heavy for me. ...Wait, I've got it. There was something I always wanted to do if my body ever worked again. I just remembered!"
"Oh? Let's hear it."
"Farming."
"..."
"I still remember the time I held a hoe during a field trip as a kid. For some reason, it just stuck with me. So, I want to be a farmer."
"I see. Farming, is it...?"
"Is that not allowed?"
"It is not that it's forbidden. It is just... that wish falls outside my direct jurisdiction. Wait a moment."
"Alright."
While I waited, the God in front of me pulled out something resembling an old mobile phone and began a conversation. I could hear the words, but the meaning was complete gibberish to me. Was it a different language? Even so, I could tell the person on the other end was getting incredibly worked up.
"Sorry for the wait. I am giving you this."
He handed me a single hoe. The handle was wooden, while the blade was made of iron.
"It is the Universal Farming Tool."
"Universal? I mean, I know hoes are excellent, but isn't calling a piece of farm equipment 'universal' a bit of a stretch?"
"Right now, it takes the form of a hoe because that is what you are imagining, but it can change shape to suit your needs."
"It can change?"
"Umu. Look, if you want it to be a sickle... see? It became a sickle. It can freely transform into a saw, a hammer, a pickaxe, or a shovel."
"Whoa!"
"Furthermore, it is bound to you alone. It will always stay by your side, and it will return to you even if thrown."
"That's high-spec!"
"I have also made it so it dwells within your own body so you will not have to worry about storage. You can summon it or put it away at will. Give it a try."
I did as he said, storing the Universal Farming Tool inside myself and then bringing it back out.
"This is amazing!"
"Make sure you take good care of it."
"I will. I'll treasure it."
"...Then, it is almost time for your departure. Are you ready?"
"I am. Thank you for everything."
"Umu. Well then, take care."
As I heard those final words, I felt the sensation of my body melting away.
When I came to, I was standing in the middle of a forest.
Time for a body check. My limbs... they moved perfectly. There was no pain. I was completely healthy. I didn't have a mirror, but looking at my hands and feet, I definitely felt younger. Early twenties? No, maybe late teens? Regardless, there were no issues.
As for my clothes... I was wearing something unfamiliar. I looked like a generic villager from a fantasy game, dressed in simple trousers and a rough tunic. My underwear... seemed like trunks tied with a string. At any rate, I was just glad I wasn't in my burial clothes. I supposed this was another part of the Beginner's Pack God mentioned.
Next, I tried summoning the Universal Farming Tool. The hoe appeared instantly, its handle resting firmly in my hand.
Thank you, God.
Come to think of it, I never did catch his name. I didn't even know who I should be praying to. Well, it’s the thought that counts.
I stood up and scanned my surroundings.
Forest.
In front of me, behind me—nothing but forest.
To my right, to my left—forest.
...
I did ask to be sent somewhere with few people, but I think I might have been dropped somewhere with no people at all.