Chapter 1 — Another World

I suddenly woke up. Rubbing my eyes, I looked around. In front of me was a small pond, surrounded by towering trees.

"Is this… the new world? Huh? Wha—my words…"

I looked down at myself. My body was smaller! God, what’s going on? I’ve shrunk!

When I tried to stand, my legs wobbled and I nearly fell. I couldn’t walk properly anymore. Was it because I’d become so small? Maybe I’d get used to it and walk better later. Oh… is that why God said “when you grow up”?

As I staggered, something supported me—no, someone lifted me by my clothes and set me down again.

I turned around. Sitting there was an enormous dog.

A dog… could this be the one God promised me? But this wasn’t an ordinary dog—it was dozens of times bigger.

"Master, I’m glad you woke. You slept so long, I was worried."

I froze.

"What’s wrong, Master?"

"Doggy… you can talk?"

The dog was speaking to me like it was normal.

"Yes. In this world, creatures like me can talk."

Amazing! Talking to animals—just like the picture books I loved, where boys traveled with animal companions. I was thrilled.

"Doggy, what’s your name?"

"I don’t have one yet. You must give me one."

He kept calling me “Master.” When I asked what that meant, he explained:

"It’s hard to explain… think of it as ‘owner.’ But first, we must form a contract."

I didn’t really understand, but when he said “owner,” I nodded.

"Yes. Now, give me a name."

I thought hard. He was huge, with fur as white as snow. Pure white… Mashiro!

"Doggy, how about Mashiro?"

"Mashiro… a fine name. From now on, I am Mashiro. Master, I will never leave your side. I will always be your ally."

So I became Mashiro’s owner. But I remembered my picture book—the boy wasn’t just the dog’s owner, he became his friend too. I wanted that. I’d never had a friend before.

"Mashiro… can we be friends too?"

Mashiro blinked, surprised. Then smiled.

"Yes. You are my master, and my friend."

I was overjoyed. My very first friend!

But then I wondered—what should I do now? This was a forest. I couldn’t just stay here. With my small body, I couldn’t walk far. I asked Mashiro.

"Mashiro, what should I do now?"

Mashiro muttered something under his breath, but I couldn’t hear.

"Mashiro?"

"Ah, nothing. For now, we should head toward the people God meant you to meet—"

Suddenly, Mashiro stood protectively in front of me, growling at the forest.

"What’s wrong, Mashiro?"

"I can’t believe I failed to notice something so close… Master, stay still and quiet."

From the forest emerged a massive birdlike beast, as big as two cars.

"Mashiro, what’s that animal?"

"Not an animal. A magical beast."

"A… beast?"

"Yes. A higher species. It hid its presence well. But don’t worry, Master. I’m here."

"Mm. I’m okay. Because Mashiro is here."

The beast stared at us, waiting for the right moment to attack. Mashiro growled, shielding me. At first I was scared—but with Mashiro beside me, the fear melted away.

"Master, close your eyes for a moment. I’ll call you when it’s over."

"Okay."

"I’ll finish this quickly!"

The instant I shut my eyes, a powerful wind roared past. My small body rolled with it, but I kept my eyes closed, waiting for Mashiro’s voice.

I heard many sounds—Mashiro’s voice, the beast’s cries, the wind. Then suddenly, silence.

"Master, it’s safe now."

I opened my eyes. Mashiro stood before me. Behind him, the beast lay motionless.

"Mashiro… you won!"

"Yes. No need to worry anymore. And with all that noise, others will be coming soon."

"Others…?"

And so, my life in another world began—loud and chaotic from the very start. Later, I learned it was all because of God’s mistake. But I wouldn’t know that until much, much later.