Chapter 1: Reincarnation as a Crafter, Neither a Hero nor a Sage

When I realized it, I was in a pure white room. Even though I should have been in a hospital bed just moments ago. Just where is this place?

As I was thinking that, I heard a voice. But looking around, there was no one there. It seemed like they were speaking directly into my head.

“You seem to be wondering about this. You passed away moments ago. However, a much greater possibility was hidden within your soul. I find it regrettable that it did not blossom because you were not blessed with a good environment.”

Is that so? I graduated from a normal university and worked at a normal company. There was a lot of overtime, and sometimes I had to work on holidays, but I don’t think it was bad enough to be called an exploitative company. Though for some reason, my memory is vague.

My salary didn’t go up much, and since I had almost no financial aid from my parents for university, I was barely scraping by repaying the debt called a scholarship. But, I thought that was normal. I had no time and no money; I feel like I didn’t have the leeway to get a girlfriend, let alone get married. It’s regrettable if you want to call it that, but it should be a life that isn’t particularly rare these days.

“Ah, the fact that you consider that a normal life is what is strange.” The owner of the voice inside my head lamented. “In your world, they call it a ‘corporate drone’, do they not? Truly a life without freedom, like livestock. A world where life’s choices are scarce unless you win the ‘parent lottery’. In such a place, hidden possibilities cannot bloom.”

Hidden possibility? Did I have something like that? I really don’t think so.

“No, you certainly did. I truly regret that you never had the opportunity to realize that possibility. Therefore, I wish to create an opportunity for you to live once again in another world.” Oh, is this the otherworld reincarnation I used to read about in novels?

“The world you will be reborn into is a so-called World of Swords and Magic. Monsters appear, and civilization isn’t that advanced, but it is a lively world with the potential for development. Fufu, it is a world I created, you see.”

Ah, was the owner of this voice God? So that’s why my inner thoughts were leaking out. Even if it was in my mind, I apologize for speaking casually. “No, do not worry about it. I know that you are a good person. Therefore, upon your reincarnation, I shall grant you a blessing. You can be born as a Hero possessing excellent sword skills, or a Sage possessing outstanding magic skills.”

A Hero or a Sage, huh? I did yearn for that when I was a child. Huh, when I was a child? Just how old am I? “The memories of your life were not all pleasant. That is why I have made them vague. Memories of an advanced civilization will likely be useful in your new life, but I do not think it is necessary to carry painful memories with you.”

God is kind. Thank you very much. “Being able to honestly express gratitude like that is also one of your virtues. Now then, will you choose the Hero or the Sage?” Both are attractive, but somehow I can’t shake this feeling of exhaustion, and I don’t have the energy to become a Hero or a Sage. Couldn’t I just live slowly in the countryside, doing some crafting or something?

“I see. Perhaps your very soul has become tired. Hmm, I do not have much memory of reincarnating someone as a Crafter. Ah, being a Crafter in the Frontier seems to be one of your possibilities as well. Is that acceptable?”

Yes, a Crafter in the Frontier is good. I don’t remember clearly, but I feel like I thought it would be better to have a job where the things I made remained, rather than being chased by quotas and selling things.

“Understood. Then I shall respect your wishes. Ah, also, your memories of your previous life will return not when you are born, but after you have grown up a little.” Thank you for listening to my request.

“I hope your new life will be a good journey. Since you will be born receiving my blessing, people will gather around you, and naturally, they will become a great strength. A kind person like you might change society for the better.”

And thus, I was to be reincarnated not as a Hero, nor as a Sage, but as a Crafter.