[2] Escape

-Perspective A-

Alright, let's analyse this place first. Given that I now possess a keen sense of smell, I assume I am near the sea. This scent of salt is one I know well.

This means I am in a port city, a place where unfortunate souls are captured by slave traders and are now being taken to the market for display. What a dire fate I face. Is this karma? If so, then I accept it with an open heart at this early stage of my transmigration.

My eyes carefully scan the surroundings. The atmosphere is quite bleak. Most of their eyes lack any spark. It is understandable given the grim future that awaits them.

Suddenly, the wagon halts at a warehouse. I am certain this is the slave market. Peering through a small gap in the cloth, I attempt to glean more information about the wooden building adjacent to us.

Before long, a muscular figure with a fierce and intimidating face arrives, resembling a bandit. I shall call him Bandit A.

Bandit A unlocks the cage, causing the other unfortunate children to tremble in fear. These child slaves are not only from the beastman race but also include humans, elves, and dwarves. Wow, Bandit A, you truly are an immoral scoundrel.

By the way, it's amusing that I, once a normal man in Japan, am now a beastman slave in this other world. And the manner of my transmigration is quite bizarre.

My eyes continue to observe every detail around me. The warehouse walls are made of rough wood, with some sections beginning to rot. Sunlight filters through small cracks, adding a slight illumination to the dark, damp room. The scent of the sea mingles with the foul odours from this place, making me increasingly uncomfortable.

"AS#DFWS%7^$@3," Bandit A barks in a harsh tone.

'Huh? What is this scoundrel saying!? Oh, right, I'm in another world. The language here is certainly very different from Earth,' I think to myself, nodding with closed eyes, trying to comprehend the situation I'm facing.

"F4#@#UP," Bandit A shouts at me, his voice shattering my confusion.

Ah, right, I am not moving. My body is stiff, trapped in fear and bewilderment. However, I soon realise that I must act quickly. I cannot allow myself to appear weak in front of this bandit. Clumsily, I rise and follow the instructions given by Bandit A.

He directs us to line up, and we are then forced deeper into the warehouse. The foul, damp smell fills the air, intensifying the bleak atmosphere. Inside, I see more slaves of various races and ages, all in pitiable condition. They look despondent, as if they have lost all hope for a better future.

I gaze at the other children around me. Their eyes are vacant, filled with fear. They all seem to have given up on their fate. Yet, I cannot surrender so easily. Something within me whispers that I must endure, that I must find a way out of this situation.

Bandit A continues to shout and issue orders in a language I do not understand. However, I try to observe and mimic the movements of the other children, who seem to know what to do. We are separated into small groups and placed into different cages. The sounds of crying and complaints echo throughout the warehouse, adding to the tension in the air.

When I am placed in a cage with several other children, I try to adapt to my new surroundings. I look around, searching for any signs that could help me understand more about this place. I realise that I must learn their language as quickly as possible if I am to survive.

As I lie in the corner of the cage, I contemplate my next steps. I need to find a way to escape from this place, discover allies who can help me, and learn more about this new world. No one knows what will happen, but one thing is certain: I will not give up without a fight.

With my resolve strengthening, I close my eyes and try to sleep, gathering strength to face the days ahead. I know this is only the beginning of a long and challenging journey, but I am ready to confront whatever may come.

...

I dreamt another strange dream. Now I find myself in a place that resembles the sky, where my feet rest on clouds and the blue sky stretches as far as the eye can see, a sight I often viewed from an airplane window. I look just as I did before transmigration, a young human, yet the only garment I wear is a simple white cloth.

[You... have come as well,] a voice suddenly sounds.

I turn my gaze, searching for the source of the voice. However, there is no one here. I am certain that I am alone.

[Above, I am above,] the voice says again.

Reflexively, I look up, only to see the most glorious figure I have ever encountered, a man with a halo above him and wings as white as a dove. His face is incredibly handsome, radiating peace and authority.

"You!?" I exclaim in shock, kneeling before the majesty emanating from him.

[Indeed, the form you see is my manifestation in human imagination. I am Gabriel, the messenger of God,] he replies in a calm and authoritative tone.

"Huh? Isn't this another world? And just moments ago, you mentioned that the God of Earth does not have authority over this realm? So why are you here? Are you an entity in disguise!" I ask suspiciously, raising an eyebrow.

[Indeed, the Father has no authority over this world. However, your message has received forgiveness from the Father, allowing your soul to become a conduit due to the faith that has already grown within you,] Gabriel's words sound convincing and wise.

"Alright, let's assume I believe your words, but what will you do now? Help me escape from my unfortunate fate of transmigrating into the body of a 12-year-old beastman with the identity of a slave?" I ask sarcastically, albeit disrespectfully, questioning his role in guiding my soul to this world.

[That was an accident, and you have misunderstood. I do not guide your soul but rather set it on the correct path. Beyond that, it is not my doing. However, I am confident that you will gain greater insight into this incident,] he states firmly.

I nod in understanding, stroking my chin. "Hmm, there is some truth to that."

[Additionally, my duty, as always, is to convey a message from the Father. The Father has stated that you will be forgiven and should live righteously in this life. As assistance, the Father will grant you His miracles,] Gabriel continues.

Then, the angel's hands come together, forming four orbs of light that suddenly enter my body.

"Eh, what is this!" I exclaim, panicking as I feel my body, trying to comprehend what has just occurred.

[The orbs of light that have entered your body are miracles granted by the Father. Among them are 'Wisdom: Raphael', 'Strength: Uriel', 'Insights: Gabriel', and 'Resilience: Michael',] Gabriel explains calmly.

I feel a strange transformation within me, as if new power and knowledge have awakened. "Thank you," I say, still feeling confused but also full of hope.

[Therefore, live wisely and strive for good in this new world. The Father will always watch over you,] Gabriel says before vanishing in a dazzling light.

I awaken from that dream, returning to the grim reality of the slave cage.