That Time I Reincarnated as a Stone

Chapter 5: New Sensations

The first thing I attempted was to stand, but my hind legs proved to be like coiled springs, not unlike a rabbit’s. The moment I exerted any force, I launched into an involuntary leap and slammed face-first into the mud. I didn’t feel any sorrow; I simply laughed.

What erupted from my throat was a croak-like mewl, though in my mind, it echoed as pure, clear laughter. It was the first time I could perceive the dampness of the earth—or rather, the first time I could feel anything at all.

I scrambled up as best I could. I felt the wind, the warmth of the sun, and the cloying humidity clinging to my feet in the wake of the storm. After so long, I felt alive; the will to live surged back into me. I left the rock on the ground, bidding farewell to my former body so that I could finally move forward.

I tried to walk, but my anatomy was foreign, especially for someone who had been human and then an immovable stone. I moved my legs with caution to avoid stumbling like a fool. This body bore no resemblance to a man’s: it was small, barely a meter tall, and covered in short fur reminiscent of a gorilla’s. I also noticed my heart was racing—perhaps a byproduct of my size.

I reached the trunk of a tree and sat down to observe. Around me, the landscape was a graveyard of fallen trees and the wreckage left by the storm. I remained there for a long while, recognizing every texture: the brittle leaves, the tiny twigs, the rugged bite of the bark… Then, curiosity took hold; I needed to know what I looked like.

Growing more accustomed to my limbs, I waddled toward a nearby puddle. My reflection revealed a creature akin to a cat, complete with whiskers, but topped with antennae and long, kangaroo-like ears. I also noticed a small pouch on my belly; I realized I was male. “What on earth does a male need this for?” I wondered.

I spent hours admiring the scenery. Everything was beautiful; I felt like a prisoner finally tasting freedom. The trees, the shrubs that had withstood the flood, and the tiny birds were all so new to me that I felt the urge to weep.

However, as night fell, the roar of my stomach made itself known. I had forgotten that being a living thing entails basic necessities: eating, drinking, sleeping, and discarding. Driven by a ravenous hunger, I began to trek in search of something to sate my insides.

Though puddles surrounded me, I avoided drinking from them, remembering that bacteria could be fatal. I had no idea if this new body could withstand the microorganisms of this world; the truth was, I knew absolutely nothing about the ground I stood upon.

The sounds of the night were unsettling: the whistle of the wind, the echo of my own footsteps, the sound of my breathing. I heard what seemed to be crickets and perhaps… an owl? There were too many unknown noises.

After several minutes of fruitless searching, I remembered that this body was omnivorous. I had seen Viktor eat everything from plants and fruits to small insects. There were several bugs within reach, but they filled me with such profound disgust that I kept walking.

I wandered for nearly another hour until hunger turned to dizziness. My focus narrowed onto a small bush with dark leaves that smelled of mint. I recalled seeing Viktor feed on them, so without a second thought, I began to chew. They were incredibly bitter and numbed my tongue almost instantly, but they were the first thing I had tasted in an eternity. A single tear escaped.

My friends would call me mad if they saw me weeping while eating bitter leaves that froze my mouth, but to me, it was proof that my life was moving forward. Anyone would mock a defenseless animal in this state. “Have I become more sensitive, or is this simply the joy of finally doing something with my life?” I reflected as I swallowed.

With something in my stomach, thirst became the primary antagonist; in fact, the leaves seemed to have made it worse. I searched for a river or clean water, steering clear of the muddy pools. Finally, I found a shrub glistening with dew. I gathered the droplets with my small hands and began to lick them. It took the edge off my thirst, but it wasn’t enough. Still, it was incredible to reclaim the ability to perform such a simple act.

The search continued until I stumbled upon the mouth of a cave. I thought there might be an aquifer inside, but the darkness was absolute. I didn’t dare enter. What if a predator was lurking? I had no intention of dying again.

Another hour passed, and the thirst became unbearable. Damn it, being a living being is exhausting; for a moment, I wished to be a stone again, though I immediately remembered that being a rock was worse. Just then, I heard the murmur of a current.

I quickened my pace, following the sound as it grew more intense. I pushed aside some leaves blocking the path and there it was: a majestic river… or well, that’s how I imagined it. In reality, it was a small creek. I didn’t care.

I leaned down and pressed my mouth to the water. My parched lips seemed to cry out in joy as I began to drink. It was a sensation of immense gratitude. Being alive is truly incredible—even if I am an animal, and even if I’ve already died once. What has my life become?..

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