Paintbrush Summoner – 3

Chapter 3 – Minimum Civilized Appearance

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When he came to, he was in a forest. A clearing, with a small river flowing nearby.

“Hah…so this is another world…”

He realized that air itself was different. It seemed…richer.

The smell of the trees, the grass, the river… None of it was bad. But he was reminded of how the air he had lived in up until now, was severely lacking.

“My new name is…Menew, I think. This is a pretty detailed dream…”

Still thinking that he was dreaming, Kazuya looked at the ground near his hand, and saw that there was a single letter, a short sword, a leather pouch containing coins, and a pencil and sketchbook.

“Hmm…?”

The hands that held the letter looked more healthy than he expected. It wasn’t like before, where the bones were protruding.

He frantically moved to the river in order to see his reflection. And in the calm water, he saw the appearance of Menew.

“Wh-what the…”

His hand reached up and touched his cheek. The reflection did the same. This wasn’t a dream. That was really him.

There was vitality in the face.

As for age, it was likely the same, mid-twenties.

The brownish-black eyes and short black hair were also the same, but his skin was not dull like before. His cheeks were not hallowed.

“Kind of handsome, aren’t I?”

He stood up, and noticed that his line of height seemed to be higher than before. He checked his clothes; an undyed shirt, robes, trousers, boots.

His body felt light, and with just the right amount of muscle.

Finally, he squatted down and opened the letter.

As expected, it was from Seker.

‘To Mr. Menew,
This is not a dream. I hope you have not forgotten?
I am Seker.
First of all, congratulations on your successful reincarnation.’

So, was there a chance of failure then?

‘Your appearance was crafted to reflect how you would look if you were leading a healthy and civilized lifestyle. Your age remains the same.’

Just how unhealthy had he been? He was a little exasperated with himself.

‘The next page contains the matters that we agreed upon. Please learn the basic social conventions and common sense at your location. If you say that you have traveled from a distant country, but fell off a cliff and have amnesia, that should resolve most issues that you may have.’

Forceful. What a forceful solution.

‘Your reincarnation bonus is written on the next page. Yes, yes, as I thought it would be easier to understand with a status, I have made it a world where you can see it.’

How very considerate of him. Thank you. I will check it out later.

‘Please enjoy your new life in this world. After all, you are Menew now.’

And so the letter ended. The rest of the pages really were like business documents, where matters were arranged neatly.

He could surely read them later. It would not do to still be out here when night falls. He had not camped out since he was in elementary school.

“In any case, I must find a town… A place to stay.”

The papers had included a map, with an X marking his current location. And so if he followed the river, he should be able to reach the closest town on foot.

As there was a large pouch around his waist, Menew put all of his belongings inside, and then started his walk towards the town.

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