Avatar - Conquering the Elements

Prologue

So this is the afterlife. It's not what I imagined. Strangely, my memory remains, but it feels one-sided—all the information is impersonal. No name, no loved ones, as if they never existed. I remember being a middle-aged man when, for some unknown reason, I ended up here. My entire life flashed before my eyes, but the emotions I once felt are gone. I recall being in kindergarten, blowing bubbles through my nose. From school, only subject knowledge and abandoned sports clubs remain, along with the anime I watched and books I read. University memories are even fainter—just bare theory from my major, relationships with girls, then work and daily routines. It all flashed by in what felt like seconds. Maybe it's for the best. I doubt I could think clearly now if I had all my memories drenched in emotions.

Looking at myself, I see only a transparent, spherical form with pulsating white lines inside the outline of a body. I'm definitely not human anymore. I look more like some strange spirit from the anime I've watched. Though I can still see perfectly, as if I had eyes. Now it's clear why my thoughts flow so calmly, and I don't feel human needs. It feels strange, but there's no discomfort.

The place I've landed in isn't much different from the ordinary world: the same trees, grass, earth, even a gentle breeze rustling fallen leaves. It doesn't really feel like heaven or hell.

Thoughts of being in another world keep intruding—the colors are too vivid and contrasting compared to my memories. It's like the colors in cartoons. I think I should find the locals, if there are any.

Choosing a direction at random, I started moving—or rather, floating—toward the forest. After what felt like several hours, I hadn't met anyone. The thought that I might be alone here was creeping in when I heard a rustling ahead.

From behind a tree emerged a creature that looked like it was made of earth, with leaves on its head. If I were still human, I'd definitely be shocked, but my emotions weren't that strong. I only managed to be surprised as the creature started running around me and jumping, making strange sounds.

"Pryuu-ryuu-ryuu," it chirped, continuing to jump and radiate joy.

Somehow, I understood what it wanted. It was like a transfer of thoughts through emotions. This guy wanted me to play with him, and his thoughts were simple and impulsive, like a child who hasn't fully grasped themselves yet. I tried to send him my questions about the world and himself. It seemed to work—at least, he stopped, tilted his head, and stared at me in confusion. Question marks seemed to hang over his head. He probably hadn't even asked himself these questions or wasn't interested in them. After standing like that for a minute, he started running back and forth again.

I felt like sighing. I wouldn't learn anything from this guy. There's still hope that not everyone here is like him. Continuing my journey with my new companion—who apparently doesn't want to go his own way yet—at least it's less lonely.

As I went deeper into the forest, it grew darker and more unfriendly. It even felt uncomfortable, like something was physically pressing down on me. The spirit, who had been cheerful earlier, started pulling me back and whining that I shouldn't go there. It made me curious about what was bothering him, but I decided to go on alone. Pushing my new acquaintance back, I conveyed my message: I'm going further. Seeing I'd made up my mind, he started walking back, turning every few steps as if to ask, "Have you changed your mind?" After saying goodbye, I ventured deeper into the dark part of the forest.