I’m trudging through the forest.

  Ahead of me opens a splendid view: tall, heavy trees, a light mist, creeping fog, a dark sky, and silence.

  I haven’t encountered a single wild animal or strange creature. I can sense a living aura somewhere off in the distance—but the moment I get closer, it vanishes, as if the creatures simply dissolve into thin air. Seems rabbits and wolves aren’t fond of guests. Not surprising, really—considering I have absolutely zero skill at hiding.

  Good thing I don’t need to eat, or I’d be forced into vegetarianism.

  The night grows darker, so dawn will arrive soon.

  I’ve been trying to stick to one direction. Hope I don’t get lost and end up walking in circles through this forest. I can’t grow tired—but I’m afraid the magic holding me together might fade… or that I’ll just become unbearably bored.

  As I walked over old, rotting leaves, an idea struck me: I should thoroughly examine my current condition.

  I still retain a reasonably sound mind, and—importantly—I feel neither hatred nor bloodlust.

  And yet, I can sense the aura of living beings. Let’s count that as a handy detection skill. Although… I don’t sense earthworms in the soil or bacteria around me. Which makes me wonder: are bacteria here magical too? Can they cast spells? Or maybe they’re capable of even more horrifying things?

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  …Wait, I’m getting sidetracked.

  So, point one: I have a living-aura detection ability. That’s settled.

  Point two: for now, I’m relatively immortal. Hunger and aging don’t affect me. I can rebuild my body from practically just a skull. Is that regeneration? Or reconstruction? Should I stockpile spare bones—keep a backup hand or leg somewhere? It would be cool, sure, but I doubt people would understand… or appreciate it properly.

  Point three: I haven’t thought of anything yet, but I’ll leave the spot open—just in case.

  Now I need to decide what to do next—assuming I manage not to reveal my true nature as a walking skeleton.

  Maybe become an adventurer? There must be people like that here—folks ready to crawl into a dragon’s backside if there’s a bit of gold inside. Thrilling quests, breathtaking tales, battles, conquering new lands—that’s what drives their restless souls. Sounds tempting… but honestly, I don’t feel that urge myself. Not yet.

  Or perhaps I could found my own kingdom? Call it something like “Kyrasan.” Devise an incredibly complex, multi-layered conquest plan. Become a mighty overlord, and watch my pitiful neighbors grovel before me. Then I’ll conquer the whole world.

  Bwahahaha!

  …Actually, that sounds way too sinister and cruel.

  Maybe I should just try living peacefully—for now.