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ROBbing Stan Smith

The air crackled with an electric energy as the world around him dissolved into nothingness. Stan Smith, a recent computer science graduate, found himself standing in the midst of an empty void. Panic coursed through his veins, constricting his chest and stealing his breath. He blinked, hoping that this was all just a bizarre dream, but the stark reality of the situation refused to fade away.

"What... what is happening?" Stan stammered, his voice trembling with fear and confusion. He reached out, grasping at empty space, desperate for something tangible to hold onto. But there was nothing—only the ethereal emptiness that engulfed him.

And then, as if conjured by his bewilderment, a figure materialized before him. It was a being that defied description, radiating an aura of immense power. Stan's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to make sense of the being's existence.

"Hello, Stan Smith," a voice boomed, resonating within Stan's very being. "I am the Random Omnipotent Being, or ROB for short. I have brought you here to inform you that your old life has come to an end."

Stan's eyes widened, his mind racing to comprehend the enormity of what he was hearing. "My old life? What do you mean? Why am I here? And who or what are you?"

ROB regarded Stan with an inscrutable gaze. "You have died, Stan. Your time on Earth has ended, and now you have been chosen to embark on a new journey—a different world awaits you. As for who I am, think of me as a guide, a conduit between realms."

A wave of disbelief and grief washed over Stan, threatening to engulf him entirely. "No... no, this can't be happening. I can't be dead! I have a life, friends, family..."

ROB's voice softened, infused with a strange empathy. "I understand your pain, Stan. The loss you feel is natural, and your grief is valid. But dwelling on what was will not change what is. You have been granted an opportunity—a chance to begin anew in a world."

Stan's mind whirled with a cacophony of emotions, his heart torn between the remnants of his past life and the unknown path before him. He clung to the memories of his loved ones, the warmth of their embraces, the laughter they shared. How could he leave them behind?

Tears welled up in Stan's eyes as he sank to his knees, the weight of his sorrow almost unbearable. "I don't want to leave them behind... I don't want to forget..."

ROB's voice remained steady, a beacon of calm amidst Stan's turmoil. "You will never forget, Stan. The memories of your past will always be a part of you. But now, you have the chance to create new memories, to forge a different path."

Days turned into weeks as Stan wandered through the vast emptiness of the void, his grief a constant companion. He mourned his old life, his friends, and his family, cherishing every memory that tugged at his heart. And in those quiet moments of reflection, he began to realize that he had been given an extraordinary opportunity—one that he couldn't squander.

With determination stirring within him, Stan wiped away his tears, his gaze firm. He had always been a conflict-avoidant introvert, seeking solace in the pages of fantastical tales and the pixelated worlds of games. But now, he understood that it was time to face the unknown head-on, to summon the courage he never knew he possessed.

"I will honor the life I had, the people I loved, by embracing this new world," Stan whispered, his voice infused with a newfound resolve. "I will make the world a better place and strive to build a future utopia, even if perfection is unattainable. This is my chance to make a difference."

As Stan made his decision, the void around him shifted, morphing into a dazzling display of swirling colors and shimmering lights. The world he once knew faded into the distance, replaced by the promise of a new beginning. With each passing moment, Stan's grief receded, replaced by a glimmer of excitement. He was ready to leave behind the shadows of his past and step into a realm where he could mold his own destiny. The adventures that awaited him were unknown, but he was determined to face them with all the strength and resilience he could muster.

Stan's eyes flickered with determination as he took a step back, ready to confront ROB once again. But as he turned, his heart skipped a beat. There, standing right behind him, was ROB, as though the being had never moved at all.

"You can't just keep appearing like that!" Stan exclaimed, his voice a mix of surprise and frustration. "I need some answers. I need to know what this new world is like, how I'll get there, and what powers are available."

ROB regarded Stan with an enigmatic expression. "Patience, Stan. All will be revealed in due time. But for now, it is important that you understand the gravity of this opportunity. The specifics of the world and its powers will become apparent as you embark on your journey."

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Stan's frustration mounted, his hands balling into fists. "But how can I make an informed choice? How can I decide what power to have if I don't even know what I'll be up against?"

ROB's voice remained steady, unmoved by Stan's plea. "Sometimes, the greatest strength comes from embracing the unknown. Trust in yourself, Stan. Trust in the resilience and adaptability that lies within you."

Stan's shoulders slumped, a mix of resignation and stubbornness settling upon him. He realized that arguing further with ROB would yield no answers. If he wanted to discover the truth about his new world, he would have to experience it firsthand.

"Fine," Stan muttered, his voice laced with a hint of defeat. "I'll take your word for it. But just remember, ROB, I won't be blind to any injustices or suffering I may come across. My purpose in this new world will be to make it better, to bring about positive change."

ROB's ethereal form seemed to flicker with a hint of approval. "Your spirit is commendable, Stan. Your desire to create a utopia, even in the face of imperfection, is a noble pursuit. It will guide you well in your endeavors."

As Stan contemplated the weight of his new purpose, a thought struck him. "But wait, ROB. What about my friends and family? Will I ever see them again?"

A somber shadow crossed ROB's features. "Your connection to your previous life has been severed. However, that does not mean your journey will be devoid of companionship. In this new world, you will encounter allies and build new relationships. You won't be alone."

A bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of Stan's lips, a mix of hope and melancholy mingling within him. He understood that he had to let go of the life he once knew, but the prospect of forging new connections offered a glimmer of solace.

"Very well, ROB," Stan said, his voice firm and resolute. "I am ready to embrace this new world, to face the challenges it presents, and to use the power I'll be granted to shape a better future."

ROB's form began to shimmer, its essence merging with the vibrant energy of the void. "Your journey commences now, Stan Smith. May you find the strength within yourself to become the agent of change you aspire to be."

With those final words, the void erupted into a kaleidoscope of colors, enveloping Stan in a maelstrom of sensations. He closed his eyes, surrendering himself to the unknown, eager to embrace the adventure that awaited him.

As the vortex of energy engulfed him, Stan felt a surge of anticipation and trepidation intertwine within his being. The world he once knew faded into oblivion, and a new realm, brimming with endless possibilities, beckoned him forward.

As the currents of the void carried Stan towards his unknown destination, his mind buzzed with thoughts and considerations. He pondered the various ways he could arrive in this new world, each with its own set of possibilities and challenges.

"Will I be isekaied, simply teleported into this new world as I am?" Stan mused, his voice laced with curiosity. "Or perhaps I will transmigrate, with my soul inhabiting the body of another, inheriting their situation. Or could I be reincarnated, starting anew as a sentient being, flora, or fauna?"

The uncertainty of his arrival only added to the layers of anticipation building within Stan. It could be a fresh start or a continuation of sorts, but either way, he knew he would have to adapt to the circumstances presented to him.

And then there were the countless possibilities of the world itself. Stan's mind spun through a whirlwind of potential scenarios, considering the vast range of environments and societies he could encounter.

"I might end up in a world similar to my own," Stan contemplated, his voice tinged with wonder. "A place with varying time frames, from alternate prehistory to numerous far futures, where societies could range from slaving warlords to a galactic utopia. The social structures could mirror what I know, or they might be influenced by the powers and complexities I've encountered in the stories I've read or created."

The breadth of potential worlds overwhelmed Stan. He realized that he had to choose a power that could adapt to any situation, one that could ensure his survival and enable him to thrive, no matter the circumstances.

His gaze shifted to ROB, seeking guidance. "ROB, I understand that the power I choose must be versatile and valuable in diverse settings. It should be applicable in a monster-infested wilderness as well as within the intricate workings of a pan-galactic utopia. I also want it to have the potential to make the world I find a better place, a force that can grow to match beings like yourself."

ROB regarded Stan with an enigmatic expression. "The power you seek, Stan, must align with your ambitions and adapt to the ever-changing tapestry of existence. It must be the seed of transformation, capable of flourishing in any environment."

Stan nodded, a resolute determination taking hold. "I understand. I seek a power that can shape the world, one that can build, nurture, and overcome obstacles. I choose the power of a dungeon core—the ability to sense, shape, create, and destroy within my own domain."

A spark of recognition flickered in ROB's eyes. "Ah, the power of a dungeon core. It is a unique choice, Stan. With it, you can craft your own domain, shaping the very fabric of reality within its boundaries. Your power will grow alongside you, allowing you to become the ruler of your own realm."

A surge of excitement coursed through Stan as he realized the immense potential of his chosen power. He could create challenges, foster growth, and bring about positive change within his domain. The power of a dungeon core would allow him to adapt to any world, transcending limitations and crafting his own destiny.

ROB's ethereal presence emanated a sense of satisfaction. "Your choice is an intriguing one, Stan. May the power of the dungeon core be a catalyst for progress and transformation. Your journey awaits."

With those final words, the currents of the void surged around Stan, carrying him closer to his destination. The power of the dungeon core pulsed within him, ready to be harnessed and utilized to shape the world in ways he had only imagined.

With a deep breath and a heart full of hope, Stan embraced the unknown, prepared to embark on a grand adventure in a world yet to be discovered. The echoes of his past life fueled his determination as he looked ahead to the limitless possibilities that lay before him.

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