At first, the world was small, only about 100 meters in size, but it had been slowly expanding ever since. It was as if it were copying or reflecting the real world, much like how water distorts and reverses an image. The ethereal world was like a bubble surrounding the real world, reflecting it in a distorted or reversed manner. Over time, more locations from the real world, including oceans, were copied into this ethereal realm, though they often changed after being replicated. Michael realized that his world was the exact opposite of the real world—non-materialistic, with laws of physics that did not apply. Instead, this world was dominated by the idealistic side of existence, where thoughts, memories, and imagination could materialize. The location of this world was constantly shifting, and time moved faster here than in the real world.
From Uncle Sam, Michael learned that this world had no heaven, hell, or afterlife where souls resided. In most cases, souls died along with the body. Only the souls of extraordinarily powerful individuals or devout believers could persist, with the latter being drawn to the kingdoms of the gods they worshipped. This was true for both God's Clerks and servants of evil outer gods, as their powers were tied to their deities. However, Michael discovered that souls *did* enter his ethereal world, contradicting what he had been told. He named this realm the **Ethereal World** after observing the souls that wandered into it.
At first, Michael was worried that this phenomenon might attract the attention of gods or other powerful beings, posing a threat to him. But after several days of observation, he found no signs of interference and decided to remain cautious. He noticed that the souls entering his world were those who had suffered greatly, been wronged, or died with intense emotions or obsessions. While ordinary souls perished with their bodies, these tormented souls lingered for a brief moment, drawn instinctively to the Ethereal World as a place where they could continue to exist.
When these souls first entered, they retained their human forms. However, over time, a black, sparkling substance—like mucus—began to emit from their bodies, covering them completely and obscuring their facial features. They lost their eyes, noses, mouths, and ears, becoming featureless, black humanoid creatures that wandered aimlessly like zombies. Michael named them **Wanderers**. When two Wanderers encountered each other, they would fight mindlessly, with no thought of retreat. The victor would absorb the black substance from the defeated, growing slightly larger and stronger. Michael speculated that this was their natural way of evolving, though he had yet to witness any further stages of their development. He also believed that as his Ethereal World continued to expand and fully copy the real world, it would undergo a second evolution, and he himself might evolve alongside it.
As Michael observed the Ethereal World and pondered its mysteries, he heard a knock in the real world. Shifting his attention back to his human body, he opened his eyes and called out in a commanding tone, "Come in."
Isabella entered the room and said gently, "My lord, lunch has been prepared and is ready to be served."
At the mention of lunch, Michael's face twisted in disgust. He still hadn't grown accustomed to the food here—meat cooked over a fire without spices or salt, boiled vegetables, simple soups, and plain bread. It was a far cry from the flavorful meals he had enjoyed in his previous life. Though it pained him to eat such bland food, he knew he had no choice.
"Alright, let's go. Call Uncle Sam to join us for lunch as well," Michael instructed.
Soon, Michael made his way to the dining room, while Isabella went to fetch Uncle Sam, who was in the barracks with the other guards. Michael took his seat at the head of the dining table, with a maid and a male servant standing by to serve the food. Realizing there weren't enough staff to properly run the castle, Uncle Sam had gone to the nearby village and hired five workers: a cook, an additional maid, a cleaner, a handyman for chores, and someone to tend to the garden and care for the horses.
The food was served, and the maid and servant stood quietly behind Michael, ready to attend to any needs during the meal. About fifteen minutes later, Uncle Sam arrived, dressed in his leather armor with a sword at his waist. Isabella accompanied him. Noticing that Michael had waited for him before starting to eat, Uncle Sam felt a surge of emotion. The previous Michael would never have shown such consideration. Uncle Sam had already observed the changes in Michael's personality since the incident that caused his amnesia. Gone was the cowardly, introverted boy who avoided conversation. In his place was a confident and composed young man who spoke with authority and kindness.
Michael gestured for Uncle Sam to sit beside him, and the two began their meal together.
As they seated themselves, Uncle Sam turned to Michael and said, "My lord, you don't have to wait for me to begin your meal."
Michael smiled and replied, "It's alright. You're like family to me, and waiting for you is no trouble at all."
Uncle Sam was visibly touched by Michael's words. Then, Michael turned to Isabella and instructed her, "From now on, I would like to have my breakfast, lunch, and dinner together with Uncle Sam. Please call him to join me for every meal."
Isabella was also surprised by Michael's kindness. She thought to herself, *Our lord is such a caring person. He doesn't beat or scold the servants and maids, and he speaks to everyone so nicely and politely. Can amnesia really cause such a dramatic change in personality?* Both Isabella and Uncle Sam, who had known the previous Michael well, shared the same thought. They don't know that should they be grateful for the change or something else.
"Okay, my lord," Isabella replied respectfully. "I will inform Knight Sam from now on."