"Oh? You managed to stay here without being transferred... Did the summoning fail?"

"Huh...?"

I unintentionally let out a dumbfounded sound, unable to comprehend the situation.

Just a moment ago, I was at school, right? I think I was about to leave after homeroom ended.

...Right, a magic circle appeared in the classroom!

I was in the hallway, just about to head home, but I barely stood within the outer edge of the magic circle. I remember stepping one foot outside, thinking I could get out...

"Maybe I didn't make it in time..."

"I see, so that's what happened."

An old man nodded as if he understood something. Yes, when I realized it, there was an old man with a white beard and hair, wearing a simple robe, standing before me. The surroundings were pure white, with nothing else in sight. This can only mean one thing. It's the typical "class transfer" scenario, isn’t it? I’ve read enough light novels to know what's happening.

"Uh, and you are...?"

Probably a god or someone... Someone, right? I’m not sure.

"Yes, well, calling me a god is mostly correct."

"I-I see."

Apparently, he can read my thoughts.

Come to think of it, I don’t see anyone else. There were other students in the classroom too, right?

"It seems a summoning ritual was performed in some world, but the others have already been sent to the summoned country."

"For real...?"

*Sighhh...* Looks like I was too slow to escape. And to be left behind all alone... If I couldn't escape, I would’ve preferred to go with everyone else. Not that it would make much of a difference, considering I'm always a loner anyway.

"Is it possible to go back to where I was?"

I feel like it's unlikely, but I have to ask. If I can go back, then at least my escape attempt wouldn’t have been in vain.

Even though I've read many light novels, I don’t expect to be conveniently overpowered in another world. It's usually filled with danger.

"That’s impossible."

"Can I ask why...?"

"Because the real Mizumoto Shuu is still living his life on Earth."

"Wait... what?"

Mizumoto Shuu is my name... but I’m still on Earth? Then, who am I?

"You are a copy of Mizumoto Shuu’s soul. If you're worried about causing concern for your family, rest assured."

"Seriously?"

That doesn’t make me feel better at all.

I instinctively stare at my hands, but they look the same as ever. When I touch my face, nothing feels different either—it's still my usual small stature... I think.

"Well, you know... couldn’t I at least merge with the real me or something...?"

"Hmm, it’s not impossible, but if you do, the current you would disappear. It would be like your soul being absorbed by the original, and your memories wouldn’t remain."

What the heck? That’s basically the same as dying!

"Mom, Dad..."

I muttered to myself, feeling like tears were welling up.

What’s this "copying the soul" nonsense? So, am I really Mizumoto Shuu? You’re telling me I was summoned, but only my soul? What even happens to my body in that other world?

It feels like I’m quietly dying, with no one even noticing.

"Well, don’t be so gloomy. Our meeting here must be fate. Normally, skills are assigned randomly, but I’ll let you choose yours."

"Skills...?"

"Yes. Usually, skills are automatically assigned when passing through the godly realm to another world, but I’ll make an exception for you."

While I was still spaced out, a translucent window suddenly appeared in front of me. It looked like a skill list, with familiar-sounding skills like "Swordsmanship" and "Spearmanship" lined up. As I scrolled, I saw magic skills and support skills too.

"Hmm..."

There’s a lot to choose from. The standard choice is probably an appraisal skill. Then there’s skill-stealing abilities or growth-boosting skills... though appraisal skills sometimes have flaws. Considering my classmates, picking a stealing-type skill might give a bad impression.

"Oh, the remaining time is running out, so you should hurry."

As I was lost in thought, the god’s voice urged me to decide.

"What!?"

Even if you're rushing me, I need more time to think!

For now, maybe I'll go with "Double Experience Gain." Oh wait, there’s a "Tenfold Experience Gain" right here! Is there anything with an even higher multiplier...?

As I quickly scrolled through the list, I found skills like "Hundredfold Growth Rate" for various stats like stamina and magic.

Yeah, "Tenfold Experience Gain" should be good.

"You can choose more, you know?"

"Seriously!?"

My arm controlling the window started to blur. I could feel myself being pulled toward the world of the summoning. I had to hurry.

"This one, and this one..."

I hastily tapped on various growth-related skills before my vision darkened. As my consciousness faded, I thought I heard the god say, "Take care."