The workers' hut wasn't big, but it was still leagues better than what other people like us were living in. It had a working water supply, a few two rooms, and a small kitchen. We had to use the workers' bathroom for cleaning up, which was on the other side of the courtyard.
Uncle Sam placed his torn shirt on one chair and went back outside to wash up in the workers' bathroom. He did have a few good clothes; he just didn't like wearing them so casually. He made sure not to wear them unless necessary.
I also used some water in a bucket outside the hut to wash my face.
"Okay... so what the hell is going on!" Jack muttered. "I died, I think, except I didn't. Now I am in the body of someone named Jack, and I have all the memories he has had till now... that must've been the reason I was able to read that weird text on that book."
'This is really something from my wildest imaginations. It's called transmigration, isn't it…'
"So the real question now is, how do I get back? Yes! The watch."
Jack raised his left wrist and stared at the watch. He knew it was due to this watch that all of this had happened. That was the only possible explanation, though it in itself defied any logic or reason he could have thought of. "Sorcery... maybe that would help me learn more about this watch. What else could have caused it if not some sort of sorcery..."
Jack looked at the book, which he was holding close to his chest. "Let's review it…"
At night, Jack spent some time with his uncle. They talked about both of their futures. If Jack got into the academy with the top score, not only would he have unlimited resources to grow, but he could also accept "Quests" given by the academy to earn extra money, experience, and even rare artifacts as rewards.
On the other hand, Sam was also soon going to get a proper job as one of the locomotive drivers. He had spent a lot of time learning and listening to locomotive drivers' guides, which Jack would read out to him, as Sam couldn't read most hard words. If Sam passed the interview and was accepted, he could earn up to 40-60 copper coins a month, which was enough to eat meat twice a week and have extra money saved up in case of emergencies.
They had rice and potatoes for dinner, after which they wished each other good night and went to their respective rooms.
Jack was able to have a short review of everything that had happened during that chaotic day. "The watch seems completely normal now... no matter where I turn the dial, nothing happens."
'Well, that means I have to live as Jack now…'
Clock realized that he was not as emotionless as he thought he was. He was now all alone in a strange world. He missed his father.
"Damnation!" he thought. 'Then I should really study for the entrance exams if I want to survive till I find a way back home. Let's see... the test consists of three parts: the writing exam, the oral test, and the interview. One has to score enough in the previous test to attempt the next one. These examinations are held once every year. Seeing my current conditions, I should be able to really get the top score. It seems Jack was a hard worker; he already knew enough about history, literature, and mathematics to bring shame to Clock's intellect, which he had considered to be his most strong point.'
'Two months... that's the amount of time I have left to prepare. Let's get started..'