Forcing my eyes shut I waited for my time to come.

........ummm, shouldn't it have hit by now?

There was a blinding white light as I opened my eyes.

"Where the heck am I?"

The slot machine disappeared, and I'm sitting in a completely diffused white glowing room.

Is this perhaps heaven?

I get up and start walking around.

"Hmm, there doesn't seem to be an end to this room."

I've been walking for what seems like an hour and I've yet to see any kind of exit, much less a change of scenery.

"Hello there!" (???)

"Wah!!?"

A sudden voice calls out from what seems to be coming from all directions.

That's a hell of a surround sound you got there.

"Why thank you!" (???)

"Guessing you could read my mind then?"

I ask with a wry smile.

"Indeed, there are no secrets here."

"So I'm safe to assume this is the afterlife?"

"Yes and No Markus" (???)

"Hahaha, it's been a while since anyone's said my name."

"So what did you mean by yes and no, God?"

"Yes, I am your so called God!" (God)

There was a bright flash making me look away. Adjusting me eyes I could finally get a good look.

Wearing a robe and sporting a fine white moustache, with a healthy almost glowing complexion, actually I think he really is glowing. 

"As for your question. This place is the point between life and death. The bright light at the end of the tunnel, as most would say." (God)

"I see. So what happens to me would be decided here and now?"

"Correct! An observant one aren't you?" (God)

"Does everybody who comes here get to personally talk to God?"

If they do then they would certainly be religious after coming out of it. But most don't, I wonder if their memories are erased after all was settled?

"This is actually a special case. Every once in awhile a soul must be offered up to power spaces such as the one we are currently in. By offer I don't mean as a sacrifice, but more of a conduit for letting the rest of the souls to pass through. Normally, souls are recycled by having their memories deposited into special containers and then sent off again to be reborn. However, the 'conduits' in which they pass through will wear out after some time. That is when another soul is chosen to take its place. Do you have any questions thus far?" (God)

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Hmmm...so someone who is on deaths door is given the choice to become a 'tunnel' of sorts. Once they wear out, whatever that means, then another is given a choice to be the next conduit. If there is a choice then there must also be a good reason to choose to be a conduit.

"I understand most of it. But I do have a few questions if that's alright with you?"

"Yes, ask away" (God)

"Alright then, first, what are these 'special memory containers' you spoke of? Specifically, what are they for?"

"As the name implies, they are containers for holding the memories of the life the soul once lived. These memories are stored and left to, I guess you could say 'mature', until they are ripe enough to be born as an entirely new soul. After which they are placed into the soul cycle keeping things running smoothly." (God)

So each death eventually brings about a new soul. That's comforting to know when you think about it.

"In the case of being 'worn out' what happens to the soul?"

God gives a quick nod before answering.

"When a soul has gone through countless cycles it begins to deteriorate. Once it is at it's final cycle the soul will be taken out of and be presented with an option to either serve as a conduit until it's reached it's limit or fade into oblivion." (God)

What!? So I'm a deteriorated soul that's reached it's final cycle? I was wondering how a conduit was chosen. Alright, time for the most important questions.

I stare at God and ask.

"What would I get out of being a conduit? Other then not fading into oblivion?"

God stared right back with a stern expression which gradually changed into a smile.

"Hahaha, you are the first to ask that question! The others only went along with it and thought that there were only two choices." (God)

Oh! So this was a test?

"Exactly!" (God)

"Oh right, you could read minds..."

"Hahaha, let's see, what you get out of it eh? Oh, I got an idea!" (God)

"Woah! Wait, so you don't actually have a plan for this?"

"No, it's not that I don't have a plan its just that you are the first." (God)

"What do the others get if you don't mind me asking?"

"The others would simply be made into what you call angels." (God)

"I see, so they pretty much become immortal?"

"That's correct. Once they are angels they can live how they want over at my personal planet." (God)

That's not bad at all actually! But I still want to know of the alternative.

"Hmm, the alternative eh? If you spend the remainder of your souls time as a conduit then I will grant you a few things, are you willing to listen?" (God)

Will I listen? So if I listen then that means I've already agreed huh.

"I will listen!"

"Wonderful! To start, once you are a conduit then you will naturally receive any leftover soul fragments that happen to pass by you. These fragments will grant you physical and mental strength. Be sure to saver every last bit of it as you will not get any more once your time is up. The next thing also comes naturally, that is you will be granted the title of reaper, along with all of it's skills and abilities." (God)

Nice! I get to be a reaper! Like the grim reaper!? Hell yeah!!!

"That pleases you eh? Hahaha, good then I'm glad. Your next abilities and skills will be decided by the types of jobs you've had in your life thus far. So how many and what were they Markus?" (God)

"Jobs? Ehhh, I've only had one official job."

I answer somewhat embarrassed.

"What did you do in this job?" (God)

"I worked as an undertaker at my local cemetary."

"Good thing you're getting the title of reaper. Hmm, only one huh? Did you do anything on the side that at least earned you some income?" (God)

"Income? Maybe...ohh! Right! There was one time where I used to upload let's plays on YouTube. I didn't earn much due to my low subscriber count but it still made me happy to receive something nonetheless. After that I tried out ecommerce. Again not a lot of money but it was still enough for a meal here and there. Couldn't really do much outside work due to my condition so I mostly stuck to inside things."

"Time brings about various technologies I'm sure. Alright! That will do." (God)

"Wait, what are my skills?"

"Don't worry I'll work something out. Now then! You will get one wish. It could be anything and it will accompany you to your new world." (God)

A wish? I could really wish for anything? Should I wish for immortality? No, I will get that eventually going by the things God has said earlier. Then maybe a power of some kind? If it's a world full of magic then it should be a magic power. Hmmmm, this is harder then I thought. The last place I was at was a casino so maybe something related to that? Now that I remember it, I used the last two coins I had on that slot machine. Should I ask for my two cents back? Hahahaha.....well enough for the jokes for now, so what abou-"

"That's a fantastic idea!" (God)

That booming voice jolts me out of my thoughts. What's a fantastic idea?

"Your wish will be granted! Now then Markus, you will go into stasis until you have served your part as a conduit. Farewell and enjoy your next life!" (God)

"Wait!?"

Everything went dark before I could finish my question.