For me, the house has been my entire would for these past three years, and the outside of this family home might as well be outer space. The entrance to the house was the only thing that I have not managed to reach. I have not seen the outside much since the windows were still too high for me to check without the need to climb over something, or is it that am I just abnormally short? I can't even push a chair near a window without exhausting myself. The only window I could properly see through was either the one in my room or when I was sitting on the dining chair. The view doesn't tell much other than I feel like I'm in living in the countryside. I, unfortunately never left the house, as I'd either be sleeping if ever the family decides to leave or most of everyone in the family isn't the outgoing type. I would, however, see father or my two brothers leave the house, but I've never seen mother do so. It's not that she actually stays in the house at all times but she wishes to stay in and keep watch of me. Is this part of the curse as well or am I just being paranoid? I'm surprised I haven't developed cabin fever at this point. My worries keep on piling up.

The following day came and I was awoken by mother further asking me if there are any problems in my physical health at which I gave her a thorough self-diagnosis. My mother carried me and my father opened the door for her as I actually leave the house for the very first time. I was greeted with a bright light and a warm breeze. It felt like I've been stuck underground for so long. There I could see the yard, a small fence, and a gate. I could see the main road from here as well as the houses of my neighbors. Well comparing my house to our neighbors, I can say that the family I was reincarnated to is somewhat well-off. Didn't that being decide what kind of family I will be reincarnated in? Or is it that this is the kind of family that being intends me to be raised in? What is it planning?

So many questions and yet I have no way of answering it. There is a peculiar feeling of having knowledge that greater beings are capable of monitoring your life. The feeling of freedom ceases to exist when you are no longer ignorant of the truth of the world. I wonder if those greater beings are actually reading my mind right now?

Well there's no way of determining other than…

'Hello, is anyone watching me or reading my mind right now? Notpil, if that is your name, are you watching right now? Yeah, I know your name! If that dream was actually really whats happening behind the scenes, then I'm aware of it!'

And after a few minutes, no reply.

As my mother continues to carry me towards the gate, I quickly survey the contents of the yard. It's pretty empty other than a small garden filled with yellow flowers and Tamela vegetable crops that were usually served in meals. The fence surrounding the house looks rather old-fashioned as well. Come to think of it, I just remembered something very peculiar. We only use candles in the house and it does not seem to have electricity. Is it that the family is actually poor and has only inherited a decent property without actually having the capacity to maintain it? Is there even such a thing as electricity? There are no powerlines outside here, so unless they're hidden underground, then this must really be a medieval-like era, albeit having some traces of modern technology for some reason. I know so little about this world and it frustrates me.

What is more peculiar is why is it only up till now did I notice such an important lacking detail? Why have I just noticed the lack of any electronics in the house? This is quite unlike the usual me… Is this because my body still possesses the brain of a child? That my usual capability of processing information has been dumbed down to the degree of a child? I do hope that is the case and not an actual part of the restrictions given to me. The sooner I learn what they are, the better for me to find some way to cope. Hopefully, this priest that these two will bring me to knows what is wrong with me.

As the gate was opened, I finally saw a better view of the neighborhood. The other houses all look old fashioned and I see kids running around playing. I hate these types of children. So carefree and unknowing of the reality of the world. Still at one with their innocence while not yet realizing the futility of life, nor the greater picture of what truly happens to someone after they die. If this is a fantasy world, then shouldn't there be fantasy-like creatures roaming around here? This is the world where people can somehow attain the power of the gods? That being or rather Notpil which is it what I'll start calling you from now on, you have definitely oversold this world to me. How disappointing. Just kids playing outside, and no strange flying creatures to threaten them or make the world a more dangerous place.

As I checked to see what mode of transportation we will be using, I noticed some box-like vehicle that was stationed just near the house. It was made of wood and had wooden wheels. Is this supposed to be a car or a carriage? As it lacked the area where horses would usually be attached to, I can't help but imagine that this might be a car. And when we got inside, the sound of what seems to be the ignition started, and the car or carriage began to move.

I am quite confused by how this world really is. Notpil did say that this world will allow any being to acquire power similar to gods and yet the technological advancement seems rather low. For humans to have supposed abilities that are non-existent in my previous world, there should be a much more advanced civilization in my opinion. Or am I looking at this from a wrong perspective and that this is the situation now due to the lack of a state of necessity for technological advancement. That these supposed extraordinary abilities are the main reason why innovation has grown stagnant in this world? Or maybe my previous world is just a lot older than this one? Or, to not complicate things, I'm just born in the province so that's why the place is like this?

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

I can guess all I want but speculating about it really won't give me the answer. Once I get the chance, I really should try and learn more things about this world. Seriously, I've been feeling rather restless and this way of thinking might possibly be due to me having a child's body. Also, for all I know, since Notpil lied to me about some things as those 'Keepers' did say in the dream, then this world might not have anything extraordinary and he could be lying. Why am I taking a dream seriously? It might also be just a dream. I'm just making myself more and more confused. Ah, as I was preoccupied with these thoughts I'm starting to feel a little drowsy…

"Alkef, wake up, we're near"

I rub my eyes as eye crust had started to form. There I was wondering about the secrets of this world and in the next moment, I was sleeping. This sort of behavior reminds me of the times when I was an old man.

I gestured a thumbs up to indicate that I have heard her.

"What gesture is that supposed to be?"

The sudden question quickly reminded me that I was no longer the old man known as Samuel. I would usually do that gesture to an acquaintance whenever he noticed that I fell asleep and would wake me up. It seems that old habits die hard even if you have already reincarnated or not.

"Nothing, just something I came up with"

"I see, anyway we should be arriving soon"

As I check the window, I noticed that the atmosphere seems rather different. Is this a village or a town? Just like the neighborhood where we live, this place also seemed very rustic and old. No streetlights or paved roads. Then I notice a carriage that was actually being drawn by a horse. The possibility of this being the norm in this world grows ever more likely. We eventually arrived in front of a peculiar establishment.

The building seemed Greek-like somewhat akin to a pantheon but it also had some traces of Christian architecture due to how gothic the design is. This reminds me of my original goal as a child back then when I wanted to become an architect but didn't pursue it due to my lack of patience in measurements and drawing. So I decided to take up psychology and eventually worked as a therapist. My peculiar nature didn't actually manifest because of my unfulfilled childhood goals but rather it existed ever since I was a very young if I remembering it right. I just firmly believed that I could do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I just can't decide where, otherwise I would get caught. Those who told me not to do the things I wanted to do end up most likely dead, except for when a piece of paper tells you that you 'Failed'. A piece of paper can't be killed, unfortunately. You rip it apart and it will not scream or beg for mercy. So I can't help but accept that failure decided by documents is something that I can never refute. Sure I could just kill the person who graded it if that were the case but what if it was checked by a computer? I could turn off or break a computer but the principle just isn't the same. Thus I learned that I couldn't kill my way to get anything I want all the time. Since you can't kill what doesn't have a life.

As we grow closer to the establishment, I notice some men who dress up like they were born in the medieval period, further cementing fueling my anxiety of being reincarnated in a world that I at least can't find anything familiar with to attach my confidence to. The only thing really worrying further are the traces of modern but not so familiar technologies, like the stove, vehicle, and the toilet. We were then greeted by them and the doors were opened.

The first thing I noticed was that this place wasn't as desolate as I had initially believed as it seems that the area was filled to the brim with people. Most of them sick or injured. This could actually be this world's equivalent of a hospital. Mother then led me to what seemed to be the reception's desk.

"Good noon, Welcome to the Church of Hure, Goddess of Health and Prosperity, how may I help you?"

'This was a church? Who? Goddess of what?'

"I would like to ask if there are any available priests that could examine my son today"

"Does your child have any ailments that you are currently aware of? If you only wish for him to simply be examined, then you may proceed to Sir Ipsa's chambers"

'Check-ups can be this fast?'

"Is Terpet available today? He's my brother"

"Sir Terpet? Oh then, he had just finished with his services but I do know that he hasn't left the premises, I'll ask the guards to look for him"

"Thank you very much"

I then examined the reception lady and noticed that she started speaking to some kind of spherical object. Is that supposed to be this world's alternative to wireless communication? After some time, I notice a bunch of men wearing the same uniform as the ones at the entrance move along the area. Eventually, I noticed a tall dark-haired man wearing white robes.

"Terpet!"

"Shila! It's rather strange for you to come to visit. Is there a problem?"

I notice that his gaze then directed to me.

"Is this Alkef? It's been a year since I last saw you!", he said as he ruffled my hair. I remember this fellow now that he mentioned it. He was that same guy with a heavy hand who kept on messing my hair every time he would greet me. I don't like you Uncle Terpet. You treat my head as if it was the fur of some small creature. I'm not an animal.

"Alkef seems to have some problem with his body…"

My mother then enumerated the things I have told her earlier when she woke me up that morning. I then notice my father approaching us.

"Hello Terpet"

"Norford, it's been a while! How's Talia, Norfon, Eris and Rael?"

'Talia and Eris? Are those the names of my sisters?'

"Talia and Eris are still in Wilfra Academy and they haven't returned home since. But we still receive their letters"

"Well they are planning to become scholars so it does take a while for them to finish. And Wilfra Academy is located at the Guardia continent, it'll take three months for them to return here which is too much time for them since their vacation only last for two months a year"

My mother then decided to respond.

"We know, it's just that they still haven't met their youngest brother. They already left before he was born and it's been three years since"

'Huh, so they left before I was born'

"Well recently I just heard, Tyrian the Innovator will be unveiling his new creation soon. Rumors say that it's a flying carriage capable of flying over mountains, rivers, and even the sea!"

'Like a plane?'

"Well, I do hope such a thing would be accessible to my daughters."

"Oh yeah. Speaking of Alkef, follow me to the examination rooms, I'll be examining him there"

The conversation was finally cut short when Terpet remembered the reason why I was here in the first place. I don't know how he will examine me but since there are countless people going here to either get examined or treated, then I guess this place is the go-to place for such concerns.