Chapter 1

Upon waking up I found myself laying on the ground, sprawled out like some sort of puppet with its strings cut off. Through the dense foliage, I could see the bright blue sky and some of the sun’s rays gently coming down here and there.

A warm breeze, reminiscent of a late summer blew through the forest, managing to sober me up a little bit.

Not that I was drunk. Or was I? I couldn't remember last night at all. For that matter, I couldn’t remember anything regarding my life except for my name.

A few more minutes passed and I thankfully managed to prevent a panic attack. I had many questions, but none that I could answer, at least right now.

A stronger wind blew this time. It managed to move a few branches just enough for the sun to shine directly in my eyes. That managed to get me out of my stupor.

With a groan, I moved my limbs from the unnatural positions they were set in. Along with the movement, I felt the pleasant touch of grass and fallen leaves. Making sure that I don’t force anything, but with no lack of urgency, I slowly stood up.

For having slept or rather passed out in such an awkward position, I was feeling alright. No pains or stiffness to be had. Apparently, I was quite flexible? Did I do Yoga or something?

I quickly stopped myself before going through another loop of impossible questions to answer.

With a shake of my head, I looked around and found out, just like I suspected, that I was in a forest. There was nothing special about it besides this weird feeling it gave me. It felt fresh? Untouched? It had this vitality to it that you would be hard-pressed to find in parks or in places close to modern human civilization.

Having an idea about where I was, I proceed to take stock of the things I had with me. I was dressed in a blue pair of jeans, a pair of solid-looking hiking boots, and a simple grey shirt. Comfortable, if simple. When checking if I had anything like a cap or something on I realized that I didn’t know how I looked. I didn’t know my own face.

Needless to say, I had to spend another few minutes adjusting myself after that revelation.

With a small sigh, I searched through my pockets, hoping to find a phone or a wallet. Unfortunately, most of them were empty with the exception of a single one.

I took out a folded piece of paper that looked hastily ripped out of a notebook. I curiously opened it, hoping for some sort of clue regarding me or my situation.

“To Reginald Bridge

From: Dnoop Sog

Eyy, mah man Regi how you doin’?

It sucked to die, didn’t it?

Don’t worry tho.

Listen, I did ya a solid and moved ya to anotha world

Here’s a sword, go wack some fools.

Keepin’ it real,

Dnoop Sog

P.S.

Man, who would ‘ave thought they’d really shoot yah in the balls amirite?”

“…”

‘What the hell is this?’ I think as the wind ruffles the nearby leaves once again. The silence proved to be an unsatisfactory answer.

I was apparently shot in the balls???

What? Why?

Did I die? I died, didn’t I?

Understandably, I was getting quite miffed about the whole situation. This gave me almost no answers at all, but it piled up another whole load of questions.

Who is Dnoop Sog? I was transmigrated? Is that why I can’t seem to remember anything?

Why the hell was I shot in the balls!?

What kind of person am/ was I that got in those kinds of situations?

Where am I now?

What kind of person shoots someone there??

In my agitation, I began pacing around unknowingly until something managed to grab my attention and put a hold on my thoughts.

It was a sword. More specifically it was a longsword, standing perpendicular with its tip stabbed in the ground. Simple in its design, but the way the sun shone off the blade made it look if not brand new then very well maintained.

The handle had brown leather wrapped around it and the guard was made from a simple, straight metal piece. The pommel had no insignia and its colour was the same dull silver as the rest of the metal making up the weapon.

With more than a little bit of curiosity, I grab hold of it and lifted it up. It had some weight to it, but just enough to make it feel reliable. Its length was a bit bigger than I expected, the blade being longer than my arm. Though, even with that, it was perfectly balanced, making the few swings I tried with it simple and natural even while using one hand.

Just to make sure I tried inspecting the edge. It definitely looked sharp. I used a leaf for a test and it easily cut through it.

Alright, so I had a reliable weapon with me. That was good, it gave me a lot more confidence to deal with...whatever the hell this situation was.

What was that about whacking some fools? Don’t tell me I’ll get into a fight right off the bat. I have no idea how to use a sword except “hit them with the shiny part”.

Well, if I had to guess I would bet on meeting some low-level schmucks. That’s how these kinds of things usually go right? Something like a goblin or a rat right?

Please don’t be a bear.

Bears are terrifying. Yes, they may look fluffy and cute.

But they’ll break you like a twig…

And I have in no shape or form the confidence to get within stabbing distance of a bear.

On the subject of stabbing, where am I going to hold my newly acquired weapon? I don’t have a scabbard or something to hold it in place while I walk.

Am I just going to have to carry it around in my hands? What if I meet someone?

‘Hello! Oh don’t mind the dangerous, sharp and pointy weapon I have out, I just want to make friends.’

Speaking of people, I should get a move on. I think it was about noon so I have some time to find civilization or, if not that, then some kind of shelter to pass the night.

Spending the night with Baloo in a pitch-black forest doesn’t seem ideal though.

I gave another look around in case I missed something and, having found nothing else, I began walking in a random direction.

I kept going for about an hour I think. It was quite uncomfortable walking around dense foliage with a dangerously sharp weapon in my hands. Thankfully, my hiking boots were quite useful and I felt like I was going at a good enough pace.

Going around another tree I came up to a clearing. The place itself was not that special. It was a simple open field with grass and flowers, surrounded by trees. What stood out though was the beginning of a road up ahead. Well, road was a bit of an exaggeration. It was more along the lines of a rugged country path.

But it meant civilization.

Even so, I decided to take a little break first. My body was in good shape, not really muscular or athletic, but not fat or sickly either. Unfortunately, the forest was a pain to navigate and I needed a few minutes to catch my breath.

The sun still shone brightly up in the sky so a little rest to gather my strength was alright. I sat down on a random spot of grass and placed my sword near me. I haven't met any bears yet. Actually, besides birds and a few critters, I didn’t meet any other animal. Still, I’d rather keep it close to me in case something does pop up while I rest.

I spent a few minutes just enjoying the fresh air and warmth of the sun. unfortunately, just when I was about ready to get up, I heard a loud roar.

The sound passed like a wave through me and even seemed to make a few branches shake.

Naturally, I sprung up to my feet instantly, the sword firmly grasped in both my hands.

‘That didn’t sound like a goblin...’

And I was right. It was anything but a goblin. A few more roars rang out. Each one sounded more and more closer. I contemplated running, but I’d rather see what I was dealing with first.

Maybe it was the fact that I had something to defend myself with or maybe I was expecting a fight since I got here that made me stand my ground.

Or maybe I was just a bloody moron.

Another roar sounded, but even with my rapidly turning head, I couldn't see anything coming out of the woods. In my agitation, I missed how the sudden shade settled over the clearing.

By the time I noticed it was too late.

Descending with the arrogance of an apex predator, a huge, ten-story tall, goliath made the nearby trees tremble from the winds it conjured with each beat of its wings. Its red scales stretched out like impenetrable armor along with its four powerful limbs. The menacing, twisted horns crawling out of its head made little effort to take attention away from its glowing, golden eyes.

Eyes that were now looking in my direction.