Chapter 1: Reincarnation Happens in a White Room, Right?

At the end of April, marking the start of Golden Week, Shouko was exhausted. Leaning against the door of the crowded train, she let out a sigh.

She was now in her fifth year as a working adult. Since she had taken a gap year and was born in April, she was now 28. When she had just joined the company and turned 24, her mother had casually remarked:

"Oh, Shouko, you’ll be 25 next year? That means you can round up to thirty—you're almost in your thirties!"

The realization had shocked her, but even after four years, she was still in the "almost-thirty" category. And even in five more years, she'd still be there. Remembering that, she chuckled quietly, still leaning against the door.

This year, Shouko had been promoted to a floor manager. The company she worked for specialized in furniture, and frequent relocations every six months to a year were the norm. Those who endured this grueling routine were quickly promoted to managerial positions. It was a respectable but demanding mid-level management role. She faced customer complaints, pressure from senior colleagues, and a growing distance from her increasingly neglected boyfriend.

"Ahh, I just want to go home and rest..."

In a way, Shouko's wish was granted immediately. The train she was on, traveling at excessive speed, derailed while failing to make a curve. All passengers perished.

Her last memory was of someone rushing toward her collapsed body.

And yet, here she was.

In a stark white room, two others sat in stunned silence—a businessman in his thirties and a quiet-looking woman around Shouko's age. The three of them naturally gravitated toward each other. As they attempted to make sense of the situation, a voice rang out.

"You have all perished in an accident. If you wish, you may start anew in my world."

A beautiful woman in white stood before them.

"Reincarnation into another world... You must be a goddess?"

The man blurted it out without thinking.

"That is correct," the goddess replied with a gentle smile.

The other woman clung to her last hope.

"Can’t we go back? What about my family?"

"You cannot return. You are already dead."

"If we’re dead, then why offer us the chance to live again?"

The man shouted.

"Because you are neither harmful nor beneficial."

"What...?"

"Neither harmful nor beneficial—that is what you are."

With a sigh, the goddess continued.

"The world called Earth has drawn the attention of many gods. There has never been another world that developed so rapidly in just tens of thousands of years. But perhaps it advanced too far. The gods of Earth have abandoned it."

"The gods abandoned Earth?"

"Humans, at this rate, will destroy the entire planet within twenty years. It seems the gods grew weary of it."

"And how does that involve us?"

"An ungoverned Earth has become a hunting ground for souls. Gods from various worlds are flocking to claim them. Your surviving family and friends will eventually be taken by other gods. I am one of those gods myself."

The woman smiled.

"I have claimed the souls of all passengers from twelve train cars."

"But only three of us are here?"

The quiet woman looked around.

"The others have all been reduced to soul material for my world."

"And we...?"

"As I said, you are neither harmful nor beneficial. Souls from Earth contain immense energy. When they lean towards justice, they do so to an extreme. When they pursue desire, they do so without restraint. But you—you have no such inclination. Even if you had remained on Earth, you would have neither improved nor worsened it. And so,"

The goddess smiled once more.

"I grant you permission to live in my world."

They should have been angry. Why were Earth’s people being held responsible for a future that had yet to happen? And why had this goddess chosen to take their lives? Worse yet, being told they were "neither harmful nor beneficial"—how insulting.

But Shouko was tired. And if even her loved ones would eventually disappear, what was the point of returning to Earth? Besides, she was already dead.

As if sensing her thoughts, the goddess spoke.

"My world is one of swords and magic. When your soul adapts, you will begin life there as a child, around ten years old. Upon reincarnation, I will grant you three wishes."

Why was it always three wishes? Shouko pondered something so trivial.

Swords? She didn’t want to fight.
Magic? She didn’t want to fight.

Then, an idea struck her.

"Is there healing magic?"

"Yes, there is."

"Then, I want the ability to use healing magic. And a strong, healthy body. Lastly..."

"Your third wish?"

"Someone to help me until I can support myself."

"...Your wish can be anything, you know?"

The goddess furrowed her brows slightly.

Being able to survive on her own—that was what mattered. Once she could live, how she lived was up to her. That was true freedom.

She smiled wryly to herself. She had been too busy to ever feel truly free.

"Being told I was ‘neither harmful nor beneficial’ stung. At the very least, I’d like to heal people, support myself, and live at my own pace."

"Very well."

The goddess turned to the other two.

"I... No, I always wanted to be a farmer. So, I want abilities suited for production. And a strong, healthy body. Also, someone to help me until I can support myself."

"Very well."

"I! I've always been protected by others! I want magic! And a strong, healthy body! And someone to help me until I can support myself!"

"...Very well. I shall place you each near those who will assist you. May you live long lives this time."

Was she being sarcastic?

The three exchanged glances, silently bidding farewell before their consciousness faded.

"They’re gone."

"Indeed. How did things go on your end?"

The goddess was unsurprised by the sudden appearance of a man.

"Well, I thought I’d chosen souls that were neither harmful nor beneficial, but… Earth truly is a land overflowing with desire. Skills to steal others’ abilities. All-element magic. A harem. Increased experience points. Beauty. It’s astounding."

"That’s why it developed so much."

"And your batch?"

"Their wishes were quite modest."

"That’s a relief."

Shouko—she didn’t want to fight. But to heal someone, there must first be wounds. She had yet to realize that her path would inevitably lead to battle.

To be neither harmful nor beneficial—such a rare thing. What kind of impact would the brilliant souls of Earth have on her world?

The goddess smiled softly.