Reincarnated… But Where?
Episode 3 – The Astonishing World Beyond the Church
So, as I said, the old man finally agreed—reluctantly—to let me go outside.But of course, things never go exactly as planned.
First problem: the identity papers.They took several days to arrive, since a letter had to be sent to the head of the church for approval.
Second problem: the old man still wasn't fully convinced.And to be fair, he had a point.This child—this thing that resembled me—was the last surviving member of his family.
Third problem: me.Art isn't something that gives you ideas in a second.There are subtleties you never think about.Even if I wanted to paint just four pieces, it would take days.
But eventually, after the paperwork was sorted and Sister Eva had a long talk with him, the old man gave in.
After days of thought, I finally had an idea and created my art.Only one problem: no color.Just charcoal.
Still, thanks to the beauty of my work—so powerful it could captivate the masses—I believed it would be enough.
—The next morning: departure day—
Old Man: "Tom, how many times have I told you? I'll say it again—don't get too close to the nobles."Me: "Yes, I know, Grandpa."Old Man: "Be careful with money. Easy come, easy go."Me: "I understand."Old Man: "And remember—Sister Eva convinced me. So be mindful of who's vouching for you."
Sister Eva: "I think Tom understands everything now. Let's let him go and get started."
The old man tried to give me one more lecture, but Sister Eva quickly shut the back door of the church and saved me.
I tucked my masterpiece—the one that would dazzle the world—under my arm and stepped forward.
Forward to where, exactly?
Honestly, I was so dazed and excited about going outside, I completely forgot where I was supposed to go… or how to get back.
I rushed back to the church and asked Sister Narien, who often went to town.She told me I should head to the Grand Market on Saint Florence Street, and return via Fladenia Street.
The outside world was far more astonishing than I'd imagined.The sky was a clear blue—nothing like the polluted haze of my previous life.
No cars in this world.The streets were filled with men and women dressed in medieval fashion, going about their daily tasks.
The road was crowded with noble carriages, each accompanied by their slaves.
Suddenly, someone shoved me.As I gathered my scattered drawings, I heard cheers from the crowd.They were clearing the road.
I moved forward—though not much, since people blocked the way—and heard that the Knights of Light (the noble knights of the church) were passing through.
So that was the reason for the crowd.I tried to stand tall to see them, but all I could glimpse were horses' legs.
When the knights passed, the crowd dispersed.Too bad—I really wanted to see one up close.
These were the knights the author had written so much about.Their armor resembled that of the royal knights, but instead of tarnished silver, it was made of golden plates—symbolizing light.
On the chest, above the torso, was the emblem of the Goddess of Light.
The church's knights were only a third the number of the kingdom's knights,but they held immense power and were backed by the church.No one dared oppose them.
Interestingly, most of the church's knights owned the best farmland within the central wall—along with all the farmers.
(The Great Wall was divided into three zones:Zone One for commoners and middle-class citizens,Zone Two for nobles, mid-level knights, and regular military officers,and the Central Wall for the High Pope, the King, and the Four Great Noble Families:Flora, Hyper, Melodia, and Zharna—symbols of a kingdom built around a single wall.)
Finally, I reached Saint Florence Street and the Grand Market.From afar, I could see the Wall of Death—its towering height sent a chill through me.
Everyone in the market was busy promoting their goods.And me?I sat quietly in a corner and laid out my paintings for sale.
But then…
End of Episode 3