Walking among the shelves in the aisle leading to the geography books, I began to search through them. There were various books on diverse subjects, such as climate, terrain, vegetation, soils, hydrography, and the atmosphere.
There were several titles that caught my attention. There were even some that seemed to be about this world's populations, communities, cultures, economies, urbanization, agriculture, industry, and rural activities. Truly, this library seemed like a gold mine for someone as ignorant about this world as I was.
I realized that the language used in these books was the same language I was familiar with: Japanese. I found it strange at first, which further raised my suspicions.
Among the books I chose, I picked up two that I considered most important: these were the titles "World Atlas" and "Continental Geography." With these two books in hand, I walked further into the back of the library, where some tables and chairs were set up for study.
I placed the two books on the table and sat in the chair. I decided to start by flipping through the "World Atlas." This book seemed to contain a collection of maps of various countries, which included symbols, colors, and patterns used on the map to represent elements like rivers, roads, mountains, and boundaries of different regions.
Finally, while flipping through, I found what I was looking for: the continental map, which described the shape of the continent.
I was shocked. The map in front of me described that the world was made up of six continents and a large sea that separated them. Just like Earth, this world had six continents, but their positions, shapes, and orientations differed. It was as if someone had taken Earth's continents and inverted them and turned them upside down. I only know of one place like this. Now I was certain where I was.
(My suspicions were truly correct. I didn't just reincarnate into some other Earth-like world; I reincarnated into the world of Hunter x Hunter!)
I was amazed by the possibilities this could bring me. I was in the world of one of my favorite works. While I was lost in my thoughts, Hana entered the library.
"Haruki-sama, you were here! I've been looking for you. Don't tell me you forgot about your lesson with Professor Saito?"
Snapping out of my thoughts, I replied to Hana:
"I'm sorry, Hana, I lost track of time. You can tell him I'm coming now."
"Hmm... alright then, hurry up. It's not polite to keep people waiting."
"Right, right," I replied to her, scratching the back of my neck, a little embarrassed.
After Hana left, I let out a sigh.
I had completely forgotten. Originally, as a seven-year-old boy, I didn't attend school like other normal children, but instead had a private tutor hired by my father to teach various subjects, from grammar to biology and mathematics. I guess that was the advantage of being born into a wealthy family.
(Unfortunately, I already have 27 years of memory from my previous life. Going back to studying and starting everything over will be hell...) I thought to myself.
I got up from my chair and began putting the books back in their original positions. After finishing this task, I let out a dispirited sigh and walked toward the office used for my lessons.
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– Three Hours Later –
After the hellish lessons, I was currently eating my lunch alone at the dining table. Unfortunately, I discovered through my memories that this is a common routine for me. My parents and siblings were very busy and had various tasks to fulfill in their daily lives, so it was common for me to eat lunch alone. We usually only gathered during breakfast and dinner. Until I was five, Hana took care of me as my nanny, but now, three months after turning seven, it seems they decided to let me be a little more independent.
(In my previous world, this would never be possible, I think.)
My lessons with Professor Saito were boring. Mathematics was a subject I already mastered. The only consolation came from the history and biology lessons. This world seems to have its own history, though somewhat similar to my previous world, yet at the same time very different, but there were still similarities. And the most incredible thing in biology class was discovering that the creatures in this world are completely different from my previous one. There is nothing more bizarre than seeing the description of a six-legged beaver.
I also discovered very important things, such as the fact that we are currently in the year 1995. This world seems to possess technology quite close to the beginning of the 21st century in my previous world: they have internet, phones, cars, and all the other things, which was a relief for me. At least now I know that I was reborn before Gon started his adventure, which gives me plenty of time to prepare. Not that I have plans to meet him; on the contrary, I think it's better to stay away from the main plot for my own safety.
After finishing my lunch, I prepared to go to the Dojo, but first, I went to my room to change into suitable training clothes. Fortunately, Hana had already prepared them for me, so all I did was put them on.
After changing clothes, I headed to the Dojo, walking through the beautiful ornamental garden along the winding stone path that decorated the garden. I arrived at the Dojo. It was a large, carefully constructed wooden hall. Inside, the floor was covered with tatami mats, and at the back, it had an altar (kamidana) with sacred elements like mirrors, swords, and amulets, in addition to paintings, flower arrangements (ikebana), and special lighting. It looked like a shrine dedicated to the martial arts.