Chapter 1

The manga of this work will be released on August 26th.

In Japan, it is said that there are gods in various places and things.

Mountains, seas, land, water, fire, and many other things.

Recently, it seems that even toilets have gods.

Gods exist even in such everyday objects.

Is there no place left where they don't exist?

Perhaps the map of the world is more dominated by gods than by humans.

Everyone knows about the existence of gods, but no one has ever seen or met one.

I'm the same. I've never seen one, of course.

Just an unseen, existing entity that is only worshipped.

Is that why they are called gods?

However, at the age of twenty-seven, I met one.

In a completely white space.

A so-called god.

---

My name is Ikuji Ijima. I am twenty-seven years old, single, and work as a salaryman in the food industry.

I'm not married. I don't even have a girlfriend. I live alone in an apartment.

I'm not regretful at all? I don't feel envious when I see high school couples on the street? I really don't?

If I wanted to, I could...

I didn't particularly aim for the top, but I entered a decent high school and then a decent university.

I didn't struggle much and enjoyed my student life.

I have no regrets about that.

I was able to get a job at a mid-sized food company.

I've always liked cooking, and I tend to make elaborate meals because I live alone.

I have a certain level of interest in food, and I've been able to continue working in the industry.

It's been five years since I started working.

Looking back, maybe I worked too hard during that period?

I basically like to slack off, but the company was particularly busy at that time.

I was busy from morning till night, traveling to various places.

I even spared no time for meals or sleep.

Finally, I managed to get through a hellish week, completely exhausted.

It seems the company is in a growth phase and is expanding.

This busy period will likely continue for a while.

I understand it's a chance, but it's just too busy.

Some of my colleagues have even fallen ill, and I would have definitely fallen ill if I had made a mistake in my schedule.

Fortunately, our company is not a "black" company, and my colleagues were able to take proper breaks.

"... I don't want to work this much anymore. Maybe I should go back to the countryside."

I was walking down the street on my way home, feeling bitter about the excessive workload.

Vroooom!

A loud engine sound could be heard.

"... Is it a truck?"

I lost interest and started walking again.

"Hey! It's dangerous!"

Someone was shouting.

How annoying. I'm tired and just want to go home and sleep.

"It's dangerous! Watch out—"

They were still shouting. What's going on?

I slowly turned around, and a large truck filled my vision.

"Huh?"

The world seemed to stop as the truck slowly approached.

I had seen scenes on TV where people get hit by cars and thought I could avoid it. But with this size and distance, it's impossible. Not to mention my current condition.

The driver, a middle-aged man, was sleeping.

Is he overworked too?

I hope so. If it's something like drunk driving, it would be his own fault.

By the time I thought this, the truck, with its overwhelming force, was right in front of me.

There should have been a guardrail... but it didn't help at all!

Ah, it's because I'm overworked. If I were in better condition, I might have noticed the first warning and avoided it.

If I hadn't been overworked, I wouldn't have been coming home so late.

Sigh, I'm tired.

If I'm reborn, I'll live a relaxed and easy life in the countryside.

And then I received a huge impact... and died.

---

Ah, it's warm.

When I opened my eyes, I was in a completely white space. It was vast, seemingly infinite. There were no walls, or if there were, they were all white and indistinguishable.

I was indeed conscious as Ikuji Ijima.

Heaven? Hell? Or perhaps the next life?

"Ooh? That's unusual."

Amidst the many questions that arose, a stretched-out old man's voice came from nowhere.

"... Who are you? Where are you?"

"Relax, don't be on guard."

I heard a voice from behind and turned around to see an old man with a white beard.

He was wearing something like a brown robe and had a staff in his hand.

... Just an old man?

"Where are you from?"

"... From Earth, Japan."

"Earth! ... Wait a moment."

I answered suspiciously, and the old man put his hand to his forehead.

Is he just old? Is he okay?

"I apologize, you're still alive! ... Hmm. Ikuji Ijima, is it?"

What? Did you read my mind? Are you a god or something? How do you know my name?

"Yes, that's right. On Earth, I am a god! So it's natural that I know your name!"

"..."

Is that true?

"Mmm? You don't believe me?"

"No, no, I believe you, I believe you!"

"You just said 'Is that true?' in your mind."

"This space and mind-reading are proof."

"Mmm, whether you believe me or not doesn't matter, but I have something to tell you."

"Okay."

When I responded, the god (?) cleared his throat.

"Well, first of all, you died on Earth. That's certain. You remember, right?"

"Yes, I definitely died."

Yes, I definitely died. Because of a large truck.

"Normally, according to Earth's rules, there would be various processes, but for some reason, your soul ended up in a different world. A world that, in your terms, is called a different dimension."

"... A different dimension?"

"Yes. This is the first time such a thing has happened. Once you're here, there's no going back. You will be reincarnated in this world."

... Really? I don't have the confidence to live in a world filled with monsters and extreme harshness.

Is it even a place where humans can live?

"Yes, it's fine. There are humans like on Earth. There are some monsters, but it's okay."

"No, no, that's dangerous."

"Science hasn't developed much, but there is magic in this world."

Ah, you ignored that.

"... Magic?"

I wanted to live a relaxed life in the next life. But again, such a situation.

Can I survive in such an environment...

"Don't worry. You're a valuable sample... experiment... the first person from a different world, so I'll make your life a bit easier."

"Did you just call me a sample or an experimental subject?"

This guy is saying such things with a smile!

"It's just your imagination. Anyway, you will be reincarnated. There's no avoiding it."

I see... then there's no choice. I'll try to enjoy life there. You said you'll make it easier.

"What do you mean by 'easier'?"

"You're quick to adapt."

"Well, that's my nature."

Once it's decided, there's no choice. I'll try to live a relaxed life. If it's a dream, I'll live a relaxed life in the next life.

"Hmm, in terms of status, you could be the third prince or the eldest son of a duke."

It sounds like it will be busy again. What? There are royal and noble families?

"Your abilities... since it's a special case, I'll give you a magic aptitude, and maybe one ancient magic."

Oh, the god is generous. But my goal is just one.

"I want to live a relaxed and enjoyable life in a place with abundant nature... Is there such a place?"

"Mmm? Is that okay?"

"Yes, that's what I want."

"In that case, the second son of the lord of the village of Coirat, which is rich in nature, is available."

"I'll take that."

"Then, I'll give you some special abilities. What kind of abilities do you want?"

"Can I think about it for a moment?"

"Sure."

What kind of ability? Magic... big magic like in a game? Healing? Defensive barriers? Magic power?

No, no, that would be too dangerous. I want to live a relaxed life.

Living place: countryside. Second son of a lord.

Let's imagine it.

Minimum necessary defensive power. With the magic aptitude you're giving me, I can probably achieve it with effort.

Since it's the countryside, I should have time as a lord.

So, to avoid the disadvantages of living in the countryside...

Countryside... countryside.

First, let's list the advantages.

First, the land is vast. The nature is rich and the greenery is beautiful. Perfect for outdoor activities!

Other advantages include fresh food, delicious air, cool summer nights, and beautiful stars. Mutual help and interaction with people.

Hmm, none of these are found in the city. I envy it.

And the disadvantages in Japan? Probably something like this?

And the disadvantages.

Low wages. Many elderly people. Lack of doctors. Damage from animals like monkeys and boars. Natural disasters. And... transportation.

Well, these are all things in Japan, and they might not apply to a different world.

In general, these are the main points?

Yes, the biggest problem is probably transportation. I don't think there are motorcycles or cars.

Magic for transportation? Transportation... transportation... teleportation?

Is there such a magic?

"Excuse me, God."

I looked around to call the god, and he was sitting on a tatami mat, leaning on a table and eating a cracker.

"Hmm? Have you decided?"

He slurped his tea and stood up.

Ah, the table disappeared.

"Is there a magic that allows instant long-distance travel?"

"Hmm? Spatial magic? If so, you can teleport to most places instantly. It's one of the ancient magics."

"Can I have spatial magic for teleportation?"

"Hmm, you're unusual. I thought you'd choose a big magic."

"With spatial magic, I can escape if necessary, and I can quickly go to distant places for shopping or earning money. If there are only doctors in the city or if there's no salt or sugar, it would be a problem."

"I see. Living a relaxed life in the countryside might be perfect. Then, I'll send you now."

"Okay, thank you."

"I'll make it so you can use teleportation with a bit of effort."

With the god's smile as the last thing I saw, my vision turned completely white and then dark.

... This time, I'll live a relaxed life in the countryside.

New work started!

'The Skill Tree Unlocker ~A-Class Party Exile, Using [Unlock & Lock] to Aim for S-Class Adventurer~'

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n2693io/

A story of an adventurer in a different world who can unlock skill trees to gain skills and lock opponents' skills to neutralize them.