In the endless expanse of the cosmos, where stars and nebulas painted a canvas of unfathomable beauty, a lone soul stood facing an entity of immeasurable power – Cosmos. The entity, a being of swirling lights and shadows, emanated an aura of ancient wisdom and cryptic knowledge. Before it stood a man, his life on Earth abruptly ended, now caught in the in-between of existence.

Where am I? His mind reeled as he gazed upon the endless expanse around him, a cosmic tapestry that defied understanding. This can't be real. Am I dreaming? The thoughts tumbled through his head like leaves in the wind, each one a fleeting attempt to make sense of the impossible.

The vast expanse of the cosmos unfolded like an ethereal painting, a realm where reality blended with the surreal. Stars twinkled like distant candles, their light casting a soft glow over nebulous clouds that swirled in hues of blues, purples, and silvers. The void was silent, yet it hummed with an energy that was almost palpable, a symphony of cosmic forces at play.

The air – if one could call it that – was devoid of scent, yet it carried a certain freshness, a cleanness that felt both invigorating and alien. The temperature was neither cold nor warm, an ambient neutrality that defied the senses.

Before the man stood Cosmos, an entity whose appearance defied description. It shimmered like a mirage, an ever-changing blend of light and shadow. Its 'face,' if it could be called that, was an enigma, shifting between forms that were both familiar and utterly alien. Its presence was overwhelming, yet strangely comforting, exuding a sense of ancient wisdom and untold power.

He tried to speak, to call out to the entity before him, but found his voice trapped, an unyielding silence in this void. Why can't I speak? Is it this place, or something else? Panic clawed at him, a primal fear of the unknown, but he pushed it down, forcing himself to focus. Think. Observe. Understand.

The entity, Cosmos, was a mystery – a formless presence that seemed to both occupy space and transcend it. He watched it, trying to discern patterns in its movements, a clue to its nature. Is it watching me? Studying me? The thought was unsettling but fascinating.

"Welcome," Cosmos's voice resonated, neither male nor female, echoing through the void. "You stand at the precipice of a new beginning, in a world far removed from your own."

The man, still grappling with the surreal reality of his death, gazed into the entity's nebulous domain. He was a picture of calm analysis, his eyes reflecting a mind that sifted through confusion with precision.

"You have something of value to trade for a chance at a new life," Cosmos continued. "Anything intrinsic to you can be converted into cosmic currency, with which you may equip yourself for the world to come."

They mentioned trading... something about currency for a new life. The concept was bizarre, yet a part of him recognized the opportunity it presented. If I'm really dead, then clinging to what I was won't help. I need to think ahead.

The man considered his options. He looked down at his left arm, contemplating the surreal notion of trading a part of himself. It's just a limb. If I'm going into a new world, I need resources. Sacrifices are necessary, I think. The decision was made with a cold, analytical detachment, as both a test and a gamble, he offered it, the sensation of his arm dissolving into stardust sent a shiver through his being. Identity slough away, a sacrifice on the altar of potential.

Next came his memories. He sifted through them, discarding those that tethered him to a world he no longer belonged to – laughter shared with friends now beyond reach, the warmth of love now lost, the sting of failures and the triumphs of success, his name... Each memory traded added to his cosmic currency, each loss a step away from who he was towards who he could become.

Memories were harder. These are parts of my life, my identity. But what good are they in a world where they have no meaning? Each memory relinquished was like letting go of a piece of himself, a painful but necessary severance.

With a substantial sum amassed, he turned to the opportunities laid out before him. Cosmos's 'store' was a fascinating display. It manifested as a series of ethereal projections, each item or skill represented by a symbol that floated in the void with different colors, rankings and images, glowing with an inner light. The options were vast and varied, ranging from mundane to extraordinary. Skill-based system. That's the key. His mind raced with possibilities, strategies forming and reforming like intricate puzzles. Not raw power. The capacity to grow, to adapt. Instead of immediate power, he chose potential. A skill-based system, akin to those in fictional tales he once knew, became his first significant investment. This system, he knew, would not grant him immediate strength but would offer limitless growth – a path befitting his analytical tendencies.

* Skill-Based System: Represented by a glowing orb encircled by runes, it promised growth and potential. Price: 2435 Cosmic Credits.

* Enhanced Learning Ability: Symbolized by a rapidly spinning gear, it suggested accelerated cognitive capabilities. Price: 1498 Cosmic Credits.

He upgraded this system extensively, understanding this was a one-time opportunity. Attributes, skill growth rates, learning capabilities – each aspect meticulously chosen to maximize his potential in the new world.

* Skill Fusion: This upgrade allows for the combination of two or more skills to create new, unique abilities. Price: 703 Cosmic Credits.

* Attribute Points: Additional points that can be allocated to various attributes like strength, intelligence, agility, etc., providing flexibility and customization in character development. Price: 956 Cosmic Credits.

* Class Slot: Grants the ability to adopt a specific class, opening up a range of unique skills and abilities associated with that class. Price: 735 Cosmic Credits.

* Class Tree Evolution: Enables the expansion and evolution of the chosen class, leading to advanced skills and greater power. Price: 755 Cosmic Credits.

While other upgrades were not worth the price.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

* Path Progression: A feature that accelerates the user's progression along their chosen skill or class path. Price: 1664 Cosmic Credits.

* Talent Points: Additional points that could be used to unlock or enhance ‘innate’ talents. Price: 2453 Cosmic Credits.

* Skill Points: Points that could be directly allocated to learn or enhance specific skills. Price: 1437 Cosmic Credits.

* Multi-Class Slots: Allows a user to adopt multiple classes simultaneously. Price: 2573 Cosmic Credits.

* Class Fusion: A feature that combines elements of different classes for hybrid capabilities. He found it overly complex for his initial strategy. Price: 4639 Cosmic Credits.

* Power Cards: Special items that grant temporary boosts in power or abilities. Price: 200 Cosmic Credits per card.

* Helpful AI: An artificial intelligence companion that provides guidance and assistance. Price: 3500 Cosmic Credits.

The currency itself was an enigma. Cosmic Credits appeared as small, glowing orbs that floated around him, each pulsating with a light that seemed to contain miniature galaxies. The exchange rate was baffling – memories and physical attributes had their own unique values, determined by some inscrutable cosmic metric. A cherished memory might be worth hundreds of credits, while a forgotten one might yield only a handful.

As he made his selections, the credits dissipated, transforming into streams of light that flowed into the chosen symbols, activating them. The process was mesmerizing, a dance of light and energy that signified the transfer of power and potential.

A few options seemed very tempting but he was not going to waste points on something he could deal with in other ways.

* Advanced Combat Skills: Shown as two crossing swords that shimmered with a fierce light. Price: 2544 Cosmic Credits.

* Language Mastery: Illustrated by a book with ever-turning pages, it offered instant fluency in the languages of the new world. Price: 1001 Cosmic Credits.

He purchased a simple magical capability. Nothing extravagant, just enough to blend in with the inhabitants of his new world. His magical talents would be mediocre at best, but that was by design. He preferred the edge of an unassuming exterior, a facade under which his true capabilities could grow unhindered.

* Basic Magic Affinity: Depicted as a small flame gently flickering, it indicated a fundamental connection with magical forces. Price: 581 Cosmic Credits.

He still had some Cosmic Credits, the list of options was apparently infinite.

* Basic Unarmed Combat Talent: Represented by a clenched fist surrounded by a faint aura. This skill offered proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, a foundational skill for any would-be warrior or adventurer. Price: 307 Cosmic Credits.

* Charismatic Personality: Symbolized by a radiant, smiling face. This trait would ensure a natural charm and persuasive ability, invaluable for those seeking leadership or social influence. Price: 2045 Cosmic Credits.

* Born in a Rich Family: Illustrated by a golden crest, this option promised a life of privilege and resources from birth, providing a significant head start in the new world. Price: 5000 Cosmic Credits.

* Enhanced Reflexes: Depicted by a lightning bolt intersecting a human silhouette. This ability would give the user lightning-fast reactions, beneficial in combat or any situation requiring quick responses. Price: 1751 Cosmic Credits.

* Mystical Beast Companion: Shown as a shadowy figure with glowing eyes. This companion would be a loyal and powerful ally, offering both companionship and aid in battles or journeys. Price: 4090 Cosmic Credits.

* Elemental Magic Mastery: Represented by four icons of fire, water, earth, and air intertwined. This skill would allow the user to wield powerful elemental magic, a formidable tool in both offense and defense. Price: 10000 Cosmic Credits.

* Musical Talent: Illustrated by a harp encircled by musical notes. This talent would make the user a master of musical arts, able to charm and captivate audiences. Price: 1610 Cosmic Credits.

* Photographic Memory: Symbolized by an intricate network of neurons. This ability would grant the user the power to remember everything in vivid detail, a valuable asset for learning and strategizing. Price: 3038 Cosmic Credits.

* Alchemy Expertise: Depicted by a flask bubbling with a mysterious liquid. This skill would make the user proficient in the art of alchemy, capable of creating potent potions and elixirs. Price: 2555 Cosmic Credits.

* Natural Stealth Ability: Represented by a silhouette merging with shadows. This trait would render the user naturally adept at moving unseen and unheard, ideal for espionage or avoidance. Price: 850 Cosmic Credits.

* Craftsmanship Mastery: Illustrated by a hammer and anvil. This skill would endow the user with exceptional ability in crafting, from weapons to intricate devices, essential for a creator or inventor. Price: 2229 Cosmic Credits.

* Master Strategist: Symbolized by a chessboard with moving pieces. This ability would provide the user with extraordinary strategic and tactical thinking, crucial for leadership in battles or complex scenarios. Price: 4588 Cosmic Credits.

* Favored by Fate: Depicted by a pair of dice glowing with an ethereal light. This mysterious trait would seemingly tilt the odds in the user's favor, a wildcard ability that could turn the tides unexpectedly. Price: 7777 Cosmic Credits.

With the remnants of his cosmic currency he purchased some useful abilities.

* Whisper of Luck: Depicted by a die emitting a soft shimmer. It provides a nudge towards favorable outcomes in trivial matters. Price: 777 Cosmic Credits.

* Quick Response: Depicted by a series of small lightning bolts surrounding a head silhouette. Increases the user's reflexes to above-average levels, providing an edge in moderate combat scenarios or daily activities needing quick reflexes. Price: 265 Cosmic Credits.

As the final transactions were made, Cosmos nodded in what seemed like approval. "Your choices are made. The path ahead is yours to forge. Remember, the world you enter values strength, cunning, and power. How you rise to these virtues is your journey to carve."

What will this new world be like? What challenges will I face? The questions swirled in his mind, a mix of apprehension and excitement. He knew he was venturing into the unknown, a realm where the rules were unfamiliar.

As the portal to his new life opened, he steeled himself for what was to come. This is it. No turning back now. I'll make the most of this. I have to.

The man, no longer who he once was, felt the pull of the new world tugging at the very core of his being. He was ready. His mind, sharp, was already weaving strategies for different possibilities.

The cosmos around him began to shimmer, the boundary between realms thinning. As he crossed the threshold, his story in this new world began – a tale of a man reborn, not as a hero or a legend, but as a thinker, a planner, a silent architect of his own destiny.