Chapter 4: reincarnated_Beyond Earth: A Soul's Reincarnation

Chapter 4: REINCARNATED

[Unknown POV]

*drips* *drips* *drips*

The unhurriedly dripping sound of the rain gradually engulfed the whole peaceful forest.

As birds hurriedly flocked to their nests, seeking shelter from the impending storm, a small crack nestled within the lush branches of a majestic tree. Inside that crack, a mysterious object rested—a small egg, about the size of a fist, gently cradled on a warm bird-like nest.

The egg was a sight to behold, painted in a dark red hue with peculiar patterns adorning its surface. It emitted an eerie fiery aura, casting an otherworldly glow in its immediate surroundings. The crack enclosing the egg was of moderate size, measuring approximately 50 centimeters in diameter. At the top, the space had been drilled, leaving scattered small gaps through which rainwater could find its way.

The raindrops, as if guided by an invisible hand, trickled down the glossy green leaves, cascading along their paths and eventually reaching the small gaps in the crack. They journeyed through the cracks like tiny explorers, until they fell into the nest, creating a symphony of soft clicks as they made contact with the egg’s delicate shell.

Suddenly, a voice emerged from within the egg, muffled and filled with confusion. It was the voice of a young woman, disoriented and unaware of her current circumstances. She struggled to make sense of the darkness surrounding her, unable to see or feel her own hands. Panic welled up inside her as she attempted to scream for help, only to be met with a deafening silence.

Desperate to break free from her confines, the young woman focused her willpower, attempting to move her body within the darkness. Gradually, she felt a glimmer of sensation returning, as if her body was slowly awakening. With determination and growing awareness, she began to thrash and tumble within the confines of the egg, each movement accompanied by the sensation of breaking free from her shell.

Cracks began to appear, allowing slivers of light to penetrate the darkness. The young woman’s efforts intensified, driven by an unstoppable force within her. Finally, the shell shattered, and she burst forth into the unknown. Her body was propelled into the murky water, surrounded by an unfamiliar environment of yellowish walls and tangled branches.

Confusion and fear gripped her as she struggled to comprehend her new reality. She called out for help, her voice filled with desperation and echoing through the alien landscape. However, to her surprise, instead of her voice, her cries were met with hissing sounds, foreign and unsettling.

I cautiously surveyed my surroundings, my gaze darting anxiously in every direction, searching for the elusive hissing noises that had stirred both alertness and fear within me. Finally, my eyes came to rest on the ground, where a crystal-clear pool of water reflected the image of a curious little snake, no larger than a walnut, gazing back at its own reflection.

"That's me!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with panic as my widened eyes registered the terrifying truth. "I'm a snake! Wait... what?!"

Confusion swirled within me, threatening to overwhelm my senses as I grappled with the incomprehensible situation. Yet, despite the disorientation, a latent instinct enabled me to navigate the water with ease, my supple body gliding in graceful, zigzagging motions to maintain control.

"Yesterday was the darkest day of my existence, and now this? How much more must I endure, transitioning from one troubled life to an even bleaker existence?" I bemoaned, the weight of despair and frustration permeating my voice.

[Ding! Awakening complete]

[Ding! Congratulations, host, on your awakening!]

Out of nowhere, a robotic voice resonated within the confines of my mind, causing me to recoil in startled response. I instinctively coiled up and submerged my head in the water, seeking refuge from the sudden intrusion.

"Good heavens... what is happening in this realm? First, I discover my transformation into a snake, and now a peculiar voice invades my thoughts! What sorcery is this?" I exclaimed, my bewildered state further amplified.

[Ding! Answering back to the host. This system is not comprehending the host's instructions. Please provide further elaboration.]

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"W-wait?... a system?..."

[Ding... indeed, the host's discernment is correct. I am your personal status system assistant.]

Gradually, the pieces of the puzzle began to assemble in my mind as I swam out of the water and onto a bed of withered leaves. I endeavored to make sense of my bewildering circumstances, yearning for answers.

"So, you're suggesting that... I possess a system?... and you are that system?" I inquired, seeking confirmation amidst the tumult of my thoughts.

[Ding. Yes, the host's deduction is accurate.]

"But why... Why do you exist? And why am I here?!!" I implored, desperation lacing my words.

[Ding. In response to the host's queries, this system has been created from the nothingness of everything. It encompasses all creations, transcending the boundaries of logic and illogic. It exists outside the realm of creation itself.]

"This... This is utter nonsense! I demand an explanation for my presence here!" I shouted, my frustration mounting as I confronted the enigmatic voice.

What preposterous claims!

[Ding... Host, please calm down. Through the presence of this system in the host's previous world, your life was salvaged and transposed into this new realm, complete with a fresh, revitalized form.]

"W-what! That explanation fails to address my inquiries!" I protested, unsatisfied with the revelation provided. "What befell me? What do you mean by the 'previous world'?"

[Ding... the host's demise occurred due to a heart attack.]

"T-this?... I-!"

"The host's arteries were obstructed, impeding the natural order of the host's body and resulting in death."

"..."

A profound silence enveloped the space as my widened eyes absorbed the shocking revelation.

"I... I died?" I uttered, my voice tinged with a mixture of disbelief and acceptance.

[Ding... yes, the host's comprehension is correct.]

"..."

Now armed with the knowledge of my demise, an overwhelming wave of sorrow surged through my small heart. The realization that I could never return home or reunite with my parents sank in, punctuating the depths of my despair.

I had transgressed...

I departed without seeking their forgiveness.

I am the epitome of guilt. Tears cascaded down my scaly skin, my heart constricting with grief and self-reproach.

'I... I died...'

Seeking solace, I slithered my way to the center of my makeshift nest, curling my diminutive body into a protective coil.

This was the only way I could find a semblance of warmth in this desolate world.

"For now, leave me be... I need time alone," I murmured, my words laced with an undertone of longing.

[Ding yes, host.]

Hours slipped away like sand through my metaphorical grasp...

I slowly opened my eyes, my gaze fixated on the uneven wooden ceiling, as if transfixed by its imperfections.

Memories of my past life lingered in the recesses of my mind, their weight still palpable.

"I died... huh," I sighed, the realization resonating within me.

'sigh... being a snake isn't as dreadful as I initially believed...' I silently contemplated, seeking a flicker of optimism amidst the gloom.

"Now that I've been granted a second chance at life, I must adapt to ensure my survival. One false move, and I could meet a grisly fate. After all, the hardships of this tainted world I once knew will pale in comparison to the perils of this forest. At the very least, I won't have to contend with those disruptive humans."

"Hey, system... how can you assist me? What is your purpose?"

[Ding, in response to the host... this system can aid you in every conceivable manner, enabling you to grow more formidable.]

[Ding... the host can acquire evolution points by eliminating or devouring other living beings, regardless of their species.]

[Additionally, the host can learn skills through your unique talent, Devour. However, presently, you are limited to consuming a maximum of five skills within the constraints of this world, ensuring a harmonious balance within the natural order.]

“I see… so, like any other system, I have a personal panel, right? Being able to observe my current condition would be crucial.”

With a sense of curiosity, Sara decided to access her Status panel to gain a deeper understanding of her abilities and current state.

[Ding…]

[STATUS

Name: Sara

Level: 1/10

Age: 0

Size: 10cm in length, 0.5 cm in diameter.

Species: Common snake

Strength: 1 (Average stat for a human: 10)

Dexterity: 1

Intelligence: 1

Mana: 0

Affinity: ??? (Evolution required)

Skills: None

Talents: Devour

Points: 0

Evolution points needed until the next phase: 100 points.]

“Wow… I’m tiny and utterly weak, huh? But of course, I’m just getting started,” Sara thought, acknowledging her humble beginnings.

As Sara contemplated her next move, her attention was drawn to a small creature scurrying within the crack’s entrance—a tiny cockroach, small enough to be her first victim. Without hesitation, Sara’s agile body lunged forward, snapping the cockroach in her mouth mid-air.

*Plop!*

She swallowed it hurriedly, but the taste that followed was far from pleasant. “Ugh! It tasted like… shit!” Sara exclaimed, disgusted by the flavor. Despite the unpalatable experience, she gained 10 evolution points.

“Ugh… Even so, it barely provided me 10 points. I mean, I’m not aiming to be greedy, but with that kind of taste, I would rather dip my head in a public kiddie pool and brush it off with a knife,” Sara grumbled, finding humor in her own distaste.

“Now… should I stay at the entrance and wait for more bugs? It seems like the cockroach from before was trying to avoid the rain. And I’m pretty sure other tiny creatures would do the same,” Sara pondered.

“Yes, I should just wait here for today. It is my first day, after all. No need to rush,” she decided, embracing a patient approach to her newfound existence.

Content with her plan, Sara positioned herself lazily in front of the crack’s entrance, her body laid out comfortably on the ground. In this life, she mused, perhaps she could become a legendary salted fish—taking things at her own pace, biding her time for greater opportunities.