THE MERCHANT'S SECRET: My Unexpected Isekai Life

s nightmare. I was just 15 years old when the bus accident happened. Losing my only fami

at his picture beside my bed, three years felt like forever. The frame was slightly worn from the t

rip for months-a week of solitude in the wilderness, the same place my grandfather and I used to camp. The thought o

e Filipino convenience store, trading shifts

the camping gear under the bed, th

its and soft bread my grandfather used to drink over the fire. The scent alone might bring back memories I

began my trek into the wilderness. The familiar scent of damp earth and pine filled the air

Heavy rain poured down, turning the ground into thick mud. Thunder rumbled overhead, followed by flashes of lightning that lit up

sharp, searing pain shot through my body. I know I scre

at the age of 18-with not

**

miliar voice echoed in my ears lik

d slowly, I opened my ey

d? But I know

pain-I remember it all. Lightn

m I stil

-Asian, half-Irish person with an ordinary look an

Are you

or the source of the voice. The

ngels-or maybe gods-stood in perfect rows, their stone faces staring down at me. The air

Robinson Jr?" the ma

ook-and my mo

dless as the ocean, glowing with an unnatural light. His silver hair flowed past his should

eeing things? Or is

?" I asked, my

t regretful. "Nope. Thi

. "Are yo

mile faltered as he shut his eyes briefly. "I'm sorry

. "Then why am

my lightning. I flicked my finger the wrong way." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I

ensat

answered w

"So... this

ain. I sort souls, you know-deciding whether they go to heave

arms. "And

nd you to heaven... or you can be reinca

ics I used to read? Wow. And those sexy elves? Why not? A smir

u can't go b

idened. "

registered. If you're reincarnated or summoned to

y what I wanted. To live peacefully with lots and lots of money. Besides, I didn't have anyone on Earth. Why not try

id with a smile. "I can send

all

ts or a cheat skill." The guardian

nt to be summoned, not reborn. Being reborn sounds like too

end you to the world you cho

" I replied, grinning. "I

gued. "Interesting. You're different.

ntasy world with magic and a status s

e gifts? You can choose

rfect. "I want something that can stop me from getting

rstood what I meant. "I can give you that. In fact, I can gi

shield?"

s like you are inside a magical bubble. Nothing-no person, no monster-will

d amazing. "Oka

about the

ted. "Can I have m

all

was carrying when I died. It was importa

and there it was-my precious green

one you wan

art racing. "But I w

cal bac

ant all my goods ins

n smiled knowingly.

y!" I g

gain, and my backpack glowed with

wink, "it can never be stolen, and

rkled. "Tha

ft," he said, his voice

nderstand all the language and have a little magical

l abilities?" I asked, curious. Why

ting. But you have a bright soul, Dirk Robinson. You're kind and gentle, yet you were born in the wrong world. I'm granting you

ve it-this was my new beginning. A new life,

" I said, my voice shaking with em

d at my words, his glowing eyes r

ely the guide. The world you choose will be filled with challenges and adventures. Bu

nning. A world full of magic, adventure, and endless possibilities awaited me. I

ep breath, a determined look s

of pride in his eyes. "Very well, Dirk

nd shapes swirling together like a vortex pulling me into the unknown. T

have the power to change

that, everyt