CHAPTER 1 - INTO THE VOID
CHAPTER 1 - INTO THE VOID
"Damn, that hurt!"
I never thought my day would end like this—or should I say, my life. Of all things, WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE A TRUCK? It's not like there aren't any other ways to die. I am not even Japanese or from Japan, nor have I ever been there. So why a truck?!
Let's backtrack a bit as a form of introduction, just to be polite. My name is—or was, apparently—Michael Folster. I was above average in most things in my life: I had a good family with loving and supportive parents, the ever-annoying sibling that, as the elder, I must never admit to actually loving but constantly protected. I had good grades in school and was active enough in physical activities. Aside from that, my hobbies and interests were pretty varied—from literature to martial arts, with a little bit of anime thrown in there, which I am unashamed to admit.
It all started on an ordinary Tuesday. I was rushing to my part-time job after school, my mind occupied with the upcoming martial arts tournament and the latest episode of my favorite anime. I remember glancing at my watch, cursing under my breath, and picking up the pace.
As I approached the crosswalk, my phone buzzed with a text from my sister, Sarah. She had forgotten her homework and was begging me to bring it to her. Typical Sarah. I sighed and texted her back, promising to drop it off after my shift.
I was so distracted by our conversation that I didn't notice the truck speeding down the street. The next thing I knew, there was a screech of tires, a blinding flash of pain, and then... darkness.
When I came to, I was floating in a void. It was eerily silent, and I felt weightless. "Is this... the afterlife?" I wondered aloud.
A soft, amused voice answered, "Not quite."
I spun around to see a figure cloaked in shimmering light. "Who are you?" I asked, my voice trembling.
The figure chuckled. "I am a celestial being tasked with guiding souls. You, Michael, have a unique opportunity ahead of you."
"Opportunity?" I echoed, confused.
"Yes," the being said. "You have been chosen for a second chance in another world. Your death was untimely, and the cosmic balance must be restored."
I stared at the figure, trying to process what I was hearing. "So... I'm getting reincarnated? Like in those anime?"
The celestial being nodded. "Exactly. You will retain your memories and skills. Use them wisely."
Before I could ask any more questions, the void around me began to shimmer and fade. I felt a strange sensation, like being pulled through a tunnel at high speed. Then, everything went black again.
When I opened my eyes, I was lying on a soft bed in a quaint, unfamiliar room. Sunlight streamed through the window, and birds were chirping outside. I sat up, groaning as I rubbed my head. "Where am I?" I muttered.
A gentle knock on the door made me jump. "Come in," I called out hesitantly.
The door creaked open, and a young woman with long, flowing hair and kind eyes stepped in. She smiled warmly at me. "Ah, you're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Confused," I admitted. "Where am I? Who are you?"
She sat down on the edge of the bed. "My name is Elara. You are in the kingdom of Lorian. We found you unconscious in the forest and brought you here."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "Thank you for rescuing me, Elara. My name is Michael. Michael Folster."
Elara's eyes widened slightly. "Michael... That's an unusual name for this world."
"Yeah, about that," I said, scratching my head. "I think I have a lot to explain..."
As I began recounting my bizarre journey to Elara, I couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. A new world, a new adventure—it was just like the stories I loved so much. And this time, I was the protagonist.
Though, if I had something to admit, it was that I was a bit too much into online novels of many genres. I read everything, from gritty anti-heroes and straight-up villains to fluffy romances with some drama thrown in to face-slap a few people. I was recently indoctrinated into the world of fanfics, and I have to say it consumed a lot of my time. Star Wars, Naruto, MHA, Bleach—but for some reason, the ones that made me lose myself in the worlds they recreated over and over again were the Harry Potter ones. I just enjoyed the characters and how some changes or points of view could alter the way everything ended.
Now that you have a basic grasp of who I am, let's get back to how I died because it just made me curse at the cliché of it all.
I had just finished high school with good enough grades to enroll in the university of my choice, and with my parents supporting the path I was trying to follow in my life. I took a long time to really think about what I wanted to do in life and I came up with something no one envisions for themselves as a child: I wanted to teach.
On my way back from the university, after filling out some of the last forms and getting my student ID, I stopped to get some of my favorite snacks as a reward for everything going well. As I stepped outside and got to the corner of the street, I saw a young mother and her child crossing the street. (We know where this is going.)
The mother was distracted, fumbling with her phone, and the little girl was skipping ahead, unaware of the danger. I noticed a truck speeding down the road, clearly not planning to stop. My heart skipped a beat as I realized what was about to happen.
"Hey! Watch out!" I shouted, dropping my bag of snacks and sprinting towards them.
The mother looked up, panic flashing in her eyes as she saw the truck bearing down on them. She froze, unable to move. The little girl, oblivious to the danger, kept skipping.
There was no time to think. I pushed myself harder, every muscle screaming in protest as I reached the girl. With a final burst of energy, I shoved her out of the truck's path, sending her tumbling safely to the sidewalk.
Then came the impact. The world exploded in pain and noise as the truck hit me. I was thrown into the air, my body twisting and turning before crashing onto the pavement. The last thing I saw was the horrified face of the truck driver and the mother clutching her daughter, tears streaming down her face.
"Damn that hurt," I groaned, the words barely escaping my lips before everything went dark.
When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in that strange void. This time, I was more aware, the memory of the accident still fresh in my mind.
"Is this... really the end?" I wondered aloud.
Once again, that soft, amused voice answered, "Not quite."
The celestial being appeared, the same one from before. "You showed great courage and selflessness, Michael. Your actions saved a life."
"Does that mean... I get another chance?" I asked, hope mingling with the confusion.
The being nodded. "Indeed. Your bravery has earned you a second chance in another world."
I took a deep breath, my mind racing with the possibilities. "So, I'm really getting reincarnated?"
"Yes," the celestial being confirmed. "And this time, you will have the opportunity to fulfill your potential and make a difference."
As the void shimmered and faded once more, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I was determined to make the most of this second chance, to live my life to the fullest and help others along the way. And maybe, just maybe, I could finally become the hero I had always admired in those stories I loved so much.
As everything grew darker and darker, I felt my consciousness slipping away. I closed my eyes, ready to surrender to the void.
But then, to my surprise, I realized I was still thinking. I couldn't feel my body, leading me to believe I might be alive but completely paralyzed. However, after a few moments, I noticed something even more unsettling—I wasn't breathing, and there was no sensation of pain. Paralysis wouldn't numb the absence of breath or pain.
My mind raced through possibilities: Was I a soul being judged right now? Was this limbo, the in-between of life and whatever came next? The idea of eternal nothingness in the afterlife terrified me. Or perhaps this was some sort of waiting room for whatever came next.
As I pondered these thoughts in the darkness, a faint light began to appear, growing brighter with each passing moment. It beckoned me forward, pulling me from the depths of uncertainty toward an unknown destination.
After what felt like an eternity in the void, a sudden white light engulfed me. As it faded, I found myself standing—or floating, I wasn't sure—before two imposing figures. One was a man nearing middle age, with salt-and-pepper hair and a neatly trimmed beard that framed his sharp, stern face. His intense red eyes seemed to glow against the backdrop of his blood-red robes, reminiscent of what Jedi might wear. Beside him stood a woman with pitch-black hair and eyes that mirrored the darkness itself. Despite her appearance, her gentle features radiated a calmness, dressed in robes as dark as her hair.
They regarded me silently until the man spoke, his voice carrying a weight that echoed in the space around us. "Michael Folster... you are now dead."
"Well, damn," I muttered, the finality of his words crashing down on me.
Thoughts rushed through my mind—my parents, my little brother, my friends, and all the dreams and aspirations I had for my life. Amidst the flood of memories, two thoughts surfaced: at least I saved that little girl, and I'm glad I didn't die a virgin.
Before I could dwell further, a faint cough broke the silence, pulling me from my introspection.
"I... I get a second chance?" I stammered, my mind struggling to grasp the enormity of what the woman had just said.
The man nodded solemnly, his intense red eyes fixed on me. "Yes, Michael. Your act of bravery and the goodness in your life have earned you another opportunity."
The woman smiled gently, her dark eyes reflecting compassion. "You weren't meant to die yet. Fate has other plans for you."
I blinked, trying to process the unexpected turn of events. A second chance at life? It seemed too incredible to believe after facing what I thought was the end.
"But... how?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
The man spoke again, his tone measured. "There are rules, of course. You will return to the mortal realm with certain conditions and tasks. Consider it a chance to fulfill a greater purpose."
I nodded slowly, the weight of the opportunity sinking in. "I understand."
The woman stepped forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You have a rare chance, Michael. Use it wisely."
With those words echoing in my mind, the white light began to intensify around me. I felt a strange sensation, like being pulled through a tunnel once more. Before I knew it, I was enveloped in brightness, my thoughts swirling with possibilities and a newfound determination.
As the light faded, I found myself back in the world, lying on the pavement where I had fallen moments ago. The sounds of the city filled my ears, and I took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of life coursing through me once more.
I glanced around, my senses alert. The little girl I had saved was being comforted by her mother, who looked at me with tearful gratitude. People had gathered around, murmuring in disbelief at my sudden revival.
I sat up slowly, a sense of purpose burning within me. I had been given a second chance—a chance to make a difference, to fulfill my dreams, and to live a life worth living.
And as I stood, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, I silently thanked the mysterious figures who had seen something worth saving in me.
The white light surrounding me shimmered as I processed the astonishing reality unfolding before my eyes. "Isn't this the exact situation that anyone who's read some reincarnation stories dreams about? It can actually happen?"
The stern-looking man nodded solemnly in response to my question about traveling to a different world. "That's right."
Excitement bubbled within me as I sought clarification. "And do I get to choose where I go?"
The woman, her demeanor almost motherly despite her dark appearance, spoke next. "We will assess and determine if it's an appropriate world, but yes, you do get a choice."
Hope swelled in me as I dared to ask, "And do I get some kind of cheat ability or skill to help me?"
The man's reply was blunt, dashing my expectations. "No."
Disappointed but still hopeful, I pressed further. "Oh, come on, explain properly," I said, looking to the woman. "Do I get any bonuses or help?"
The woman sighed softly, her expression softening. "You do receive some bonuses, but they are limited. We can ensure that your desires are fulfilled within reason. However, we cannot directly interfere, as it would violate the domains of other gods and could bring repercussions upon us."
As she explained, I realized the gravity of the situation. This was a rare opportunity, but it came with its own set of rules and limitations. Still, the prospect of starting anew in a fantastical or sci-fi world, with the potential to shape my destiny, was beyond anything I had ever imagined.
"So," I began cautiously, "how does this work? What happens next?"
"Please refrain from being so harsh and kindly explain everything clearly," the woman said, her tone slightly huffy. She glanced at me before continuing, "You will receive certain bonuses, provided they do not exceed reasonable limits. However, it's important to note that your desires will be fulfilled by the world itself. We cannot directly intervene as that would infringe upon the domains of other gods, potentially leading to severe consequences."
"So, I can make wishes within certain boundaries, but you can't control how they're granted?" I sought clarification.
Both nodded in response.
I pondered this for a moment, considering the implications. This was something I had fantasized about for years, albeit only in my imagination.
"Could I become a wizard and enter the world of Harry Potter?" I finally asked the couple.
"That world is acceptable. It involves reasonable risk, no dimensional travel, no possibility of ascension, and you already possess knowledge about it, which aligns closely with your own experience, allowing ample flexibility to manifest your bonuses," the man said, speaking more than he had previously.
"Could I be born a few years before Harry Potter?" I asked eagerly, hoping to align myself more closely with my ideal path.
"Of course, dear. As long as you don't request to become one of the pivotal figures chosen by the world's fate, you'll be fine," the woman answered gently.
"That's fantastic! And how many requests can I make to assist me in my new life?" I inquired with excitement.
"It depends on the nature of your requests," the man replied tersely, getting straight to the point.
"I have a list of desires," I explained to the duo as I finished outlining my ideal scenario. "I'd like to be born with a family legacy, perhaps as the heir to a lost or noble lineage. I want to possess almost eidetic memory, be a natural Occlumens, have an enormous amount of magical ability, the ability to communicate with animals and magical creatures, an incredible will to improve myself and never give up, and, well, being handsome wouldn't hurt."
"The bloodline aspect will be straightforward to arrange in the designated time period. Occlumency and eidetic memory can be intertwined without issue. Enhancing your magical energy will be more complex—we'll need to ensure your new body can adapt and manipulate magic with practice. Your appearance is easily manageable, and instilling the requested willpower and determination is straightforward. The final ability depends on whether the world permits it; that's beyond our influence," the man responded, succinct and definitive, setting a new personal record for spoken words.
"Yes, I believe everything else falls within the world's limits. And I trust you completely with my appearance," I replied gratefully, acknowledging her enthusiastic assurance.
"Then I'll thank you in advance for everything," I added, expressing my appreciation. "Oh, and will I retain memories of my previous life?" I asked eagerly, hoping for continuity.
They exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement.
"I think that covers everything," I said, pausing to ensure I hadn't overlooked any details.
"Prepare yourself, dear. We'll send you down shortly," the woman said with excitement in her eyes.
"Prepare yourself, as achieving your wishes will likely require enduring some hardship, but it will be temporary, and you will reap your rewards," the man cautioned, warning of the challenges ahead.
"Thank you both. Before I go, though, I must ask who you both are. It feels a bit rude not to have done so earlier, but I want to properly thank you for everything," I said sheepishly, meeting their gaze.
"We are Death," they intoned in chilling unison, their voices resonating through the mist that surrounded me. The figures before me, cloaked in shadows that seemed to dance with the whispers of forgotten souls, exuded an eerie presence.
"And now it is your time to depart," they continued, their words hanging in the air like a solemn decree.
I stood there, heart racing, trying to comprehend the surreal encounter. "Then thank you for everything, Mr. & Mrs. Death!" I managed to yell out, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and gratitude as everything around me began to blur and fade.
As the world dissolved into a haze of ethereal light, memories flashed before me—fragments of a life lived, moments cherished, and regrets acknowledged. A sense of peace mingled with the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Voices whispered from the beyond, urging me forward into the unknown.
In that fleeting moment between existence and whatever awaited, I felt a surge of courage. "Wait," I called out into the void, my voice clearer now, emboldened by the promise of a new beginning. "What awaits me in this second life?"
Silence enveloped me briefly, broken only by the faint rustle of unseen forces. Then, a single voice spoke, gentle yet firm, "Discovery awaits. Paths uncharted, choices anew. Embrace the journey, for it is yours to shape."
With those words echoing in my mind, I felt a gentle pull, like a current guiding me towards a distant horizon. The sensation of leaving behind one world and stepping into another filled me with a strange exhilaration, a blend of apprehension and excitement.
And that's how my second life began—a leap into the unknown, embraced by the mysteries of existence and the promise of endless possibilities.
As the light enveloped me, I felt weightless, as if drifting through a cosmic ocean of stars and dreams. Colors swirled around me, vibrant and alive, painting scenes of distant lands and untold adventures yet to unfold.
Moments stretched into eternity, and then, with a gentle jolt, I found myself standing on solid ground once more. The surroundings were unfamiliar yet strangely inviting—a lush forest canopy overhead, sunlight filtering through emerald leaves to dapple the forest floor with golden hues.
A soft breeze carried whispers of ancient trees, their wisdom echoing through the quietude. Birds sang melodies that spoke of renewal and rebirth, each note a promise of a new beginning.
I took a tentative step forward, feeling the earth beneath my feet, alive with the pulse of nature. Fragrances of wildflowers and damp soil filled the air, a symphony of scents that awakened my senses to the beauty of this new world.
Ahead, a path beckoned, winding through the heart of the forest like a thread of destiny. With each stride, I felt a growing sense of liberation, shedding the weight of past uncertainties and embracing the limitless possibilities ahead.
Time seemed fluid in this place, its boundaries softened by the enchantment of the surroundings. I paused at a tranquil pond, where the water mirrored the azure sky above. A figure appeared beside me—a reflection, yet somehow more, a presence resonating with quiet wisdom.
"You've crossed a threshold," the figure murmured, their voice a gentle caress on the breeze. "Here, in this realm between realms, you are free to explore, to discover the essence of your being."
I looked into the mirrored surface, seeing not just my own reflection but glimpses of countless lives intertwined—a tapestry of experiences woven through time and space. Each ripple on the water's surface whispered secrets of forgotten journeys and unwritten destinies.
With a newfound sense of purpose, I continued along the path, guided by the subtle rhythms of the forest and the echoes of distant laughter. Shadows danced playfully among the trees, hinting at hidden truths waiting to be uncovered.
Days turned into nights, and nights into dreams that seemed more real than waking life. I met beings of light and shadow, each offering lessons in humility and resilience. Conversations flowed like rivers, meandering through landscapes of shared stories and divergent paths.
In the heart of a forgotten ruin, beneath stars that painted constellations of forgotten myths, I found a sanctuary—a place where echoes of the past mingled with the promise of tomorrow. Here, amidst crumbling stones and whispered promises, I began to weave my own tale, one step at a time.
And so, my second life unfolded—a journey of self-discovery and transformation, where endings blurred into beginnings and every moment shimmered with possibility. As I walked deeper into the embrace of this new world, I carried with me the lessons of gratitude and courage learned from that fateful encounter with Death.
For in the embrace of uncertainty, I found the freedom to embrace the unknown, and in the whispers of eternity, I found the melody of my own existence.