The void.
Empty.
Pitch black darkness.
This was what a peculiar individual saw as two pairs of glowing ember eyes appeared into the emptiness. The eyes looked confused, or maybe tired, like after a long period of dormancy. Nevertheless, adjusting to their new surroundings, they pierced through the inky canvas.
From an outsider’s perspective, it resembles some sort of foreign creature peering through a torn rift in the fabric of the universe. Then, suddenly, if the creature woken from a prolonged slumber, both of their eyes frantically started moving, dashing from place to place and attempting to regain some sort of motor functions and situational awareness.
Then, akin to a child gaining their first consciousness, a flow of new thoughts began flooding through his head. His… head. Yes, he was a male, once. An Esport player if he remembered correctly.
In his prime, he was a pro gamer, achieving greatness and accomplishing feats that many considered remarkable. He pioneered uncharted territories, guiding the gaming industry into the new era. Of course, like all great things, it had to come to an end. Everyone expected that, but it didn’t make it any less painful. Yet, he hoped his presence and influence would be missed.
– Because y’know, I just fucking died! The last thing I remembered was that I was at the tour finale, saying goodbye to my young fans and youths, mentoring and guiding the new generation and stuff. Yes, I was a mentor for many, and many more for my fanbase. I was semi-famous, and it wasn't a bad thing at all. Allowing me to offer one-on-one advice to these youngsters and it was more appealing than addressing a crowd of thousands. Of course, I did have to get permission first because I was live-streaming and all that. God, I hope my disciples are doing well since my departure.
“Disciples? Pfffft.”
– Yeah, it’s what I called my fanbase, which basically came from a small inside joke blown into portions. But, I genuinely hope they’re taking my death well since the last thing I recalled was leaving the stage and, out of nowhere, three massive pieces of equipment fell on som-
– Wait-a fuckin’f minute- Who are you?!
“Hello!”
A figure clad in gold suddenly materialized, gradually becoming less transparent over time, indicating who the speaker was. Yet, despite his playful tone, his appearance was not. Like straight from the many depictions of the regal Zeus, his skin was gray and his long crown of curls was even gray-er. Plus, his regal presence not only gives others a sense of regality but also inspiring some sort of expectations of the same, instilling people around him with purpose and power. Naturally, in response to this, his ghostly posture straightened, and his back was fixed in place like stone.
“Buhahahaha! At ease, my boy, I mean no harm. I swear I won't bite.”
As if the manifestation of Zeus himself had cast a spell on him when he said this, his rigid guard relaxed into a zen/calm state. Even though his astral-like form lacked a physical body, his lower spine felt like it might snap based on how quick he sat up just now.
– Oh phew, okay. But yeah, what the hell am I? And where am I? Wait… no, I feel like I know where this is going… Did I get transmigrated into another world?! I've read too many manga to figure out what type of bullshit this is. First, it’s like some kind of old man introducing the MC to a new world, then granting them some OP, please-nerf abilities to slay the demon lord or something. Oh yeah, I can see it, that makes sense.
…
– Waiting a fucking moment, am I getting dropped into a parallel world!? Holy shit, that’s actually so cool! Wait! Is the world gonna be fantasy, sci-fi, or something like that? Maybe even anomalous- wait no. Don’t send me into the SCP universe.
The old man chuckled in response to his rapid musings, “Haha, oh please, there’s no need to worry… just yet.”
– …
“I’m joking, c’mon. It’s not like I’m deciding the course of your new life in the next five minutes… teehee.”
“…You have bad taste, old man.”
“Oi! Meanie. And I’m not that old.”
He raised his non-existent eyebrows at the old man, and, in response, he simply smiled, ignoring his questioning look.
– Yeah, no. Definitely not a wise old man. Like, you would think he would be a God of Lightning or something, but I swear, his personality does not fit his appearance. It’s… uncanny. He acts more like a child than anything els-”
“HEY! I can still hear you,” he pouted, “Whatever, can't even have fun with anyone. You should meet Lucy; y’all would make good friends. Humph!”
…
“Ahem, I mean, introduction! Hello, name’s God, Lord of Creation. You have been selected to be reincarnated into my newest world! It has been a joy to watch and make it grow into such a diverse planet. And I would like you, an outsider, to enjoy what we created!”
– Oh sweet, I am getting transported to another world. But I have a question, well multiples actually. You said diverse… as in racially diverse and clashing with other species or diverse as in the various and different beauty of your ‘creation’?
“Yes.”
– … Ah great, I thought I could leave the old world behind, with all the war and hate and gloomy shit and… y’know. Like, move into a nicer reality, escaping the last one. Haha…
Hearing his creeping sadness rising through his voice and for the time that he had met him, he truly deserved to be called a god as he stared at him with a longing gaze and a mysterious glint behind those mystical glowing eyes, almost like a grandfather lecturing his grandkids.
“If you so chose, you can and always make a change… a difference. Especially in the new world,” he paused to emphasize his message, “Or maybe it’s why I’m sending you over there in the first place. Who knows and who am I to decide. But always remember, it’s your choice. Your action.”
– Ah, okay…? Hmmmmm, but still. What’s the world like?
“How many fantasy genres do you know?”
–... a lot?
“Exactly. There are dragons, magic, cultivation, swordmaster, elemental benders, ruins, the seas and oceans, the warp, anomalies, runes, leyline, feywild, Ki and lifeforce users, aether, gods, first contact, heroes and many, many more.”
– That’s a lot to take in. Sheesh, ain’t the world gotta be enormous to fit all of those things on one planet? Is it just like five times bigger than Earth?
He smirked and simply pointed up, gesturing a higher number. The pair of ember eyes widened in response and gave him an accusatory/questioning look. Of course, like if he prefers to be mysterious, he slowly raised his index finger to his lip in a hush-hush meaning.
– You know what? I’m not even gonna entertain that line of thoughts, like I mean. How? Shouldn’t the density just crush everything by proxy in the near vicinity of 10 kilometers- nevermind. Next question… wait, you said gods? Aren’t you one?
“Hmmm? Oh, well, just imagine I made a sandbox and invited some of my friends to play.”
– Uh, that’s… Hmm. Okay, whatever. So… are they doing okay?
“Hmm? Oh, the ones that you saved? They’re doing fine. The girl is leading a memorial for you and requesting people to recognize you as a martyr. And the boy, well… he had his demeanor flip 180 degrees, for the better of course. He has been working himself to death… Besides that, they’re doing great. But let’s stop talking about them for a second and let's talk about you. You could have reached retirement if you didn’t intervene, y’know.”
– Nah, I would probably make the same choice if I had the chance to redo it again. Like, just because it’s our fault, doesn’t mean that others have to pay for it. But that’s good to hear, at least my death wasn’t in vain.
Swiftly shifting from the quickly developing depressive topic, he continued in a cheerful tone.
– Last question, do I get a MC like power??
“Yes.”
– Sweet! No way-
“You’ll get them… based on how much you’re willing to sacrifice.”
– Whatcha mean by that, old man.
“Well, it’s better to show it than explain it. Thus, introducing…! The Perverted (one-time-use) System!”
– Nevermind, I wanna go back to my world now.
“Wait, I'm joking. Well… not really. Okay! I get it, jeez. Don’t glare at me like that. Give the system a glance and take a look at it. If you don’t want to, then fine, we’ll get you a heroic talent or something similar, Mr. Manchild.”
– …feels like I’m in some kind of sitcom or something.
He shook his non-existent head in exhaustion and began researching about the system reluctantly, which was in God’s outstretched hand. While scrolling through the list, his facial expression contorted with disgust. Not from the fact that the penalty was horrid and terrible, it’s the fact that the old man suggested this in the first place.
He looked back up at him questioningly and then saw his playful smirk. A transparent vein popped out his head for some reason, and he gave an angry ‘Imma wipe that goofy ahh grin off yo face’ smile, showing his pearly canine teeth. Thus, he faced down at it again.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
[Choose your character:]
[Gender: Male (Selected)]
[Age: 10-200 (Radomize)]
[Race: Human (Selected)]
[Second name: Spark (Selected)]]
[1 out of 3]
[Physical body archetype and heavenly abilities:]
(Note: If you gain any negative abilities, you will be assigned a few tasks to complete)
1. Charming Demon or Devil (masculine or no) Body [Heavenly Abilities: -3]
2. Beauty Beyond Belief [Heavenly Abilities: -2]
3. Hot [Heavenly Abilities: -1]
4. Handsome [Heaven Abilities: +0]
5. Androgynous [Heavenly Abilities: +0]
6. Beautiful [Heavenly Abilities: +0]
7. Cute [Heavenly Abilities: +1]
8. Feminine [Heavenly Ability: +2]
9. Astolfo (Dangerous) [Heavenly Ability: +3]
[Choice has been picked… processing.]
[Done.]
[Character’s Body: Astolfo (Selected)]
[Congratulations! You have gained 3 Heavenly Ability Tickets!]
Upon selecting his option, the system seamlessly merged into and within his consciousness. To verify the system's status, it dispatched a celebratory message along with three tickets, each able to receive a random Heavenly Ability from the Wheel of Fortune.
"Wait, I was just kidding. You seriously picked that? I stumbled upon the system from another deity with, uh, a penchant for gambling, and you actually went ahead and used it? This god was a lecherous guy, obsessed with Otome games. You don't understand! What if, for your next character creation, it gives you only two bad options? Maybe it's some kind of perverted system that forces you to give up your manhood! Plus, it was a joke. Originally, I was going to give you a basic skill and have you train like a NORMAL person, but I guess not, you crazy bastard. Giving you instructions and hands-on experience was supposed to be the plan."
— Nah, I'mma going to do my own thing. But for real, the only two benefits I saw were the Charming Demon Body, which was pretty practical for everyday use, and the Heavenly Abilities. Now that you've said that, you've given me more reason not to get the damn demon body thing, since I have to complete its... 'tasks.' Ugh, gross.
"That’s not the point! It can possibly and probably will screw with you, for god-my sake!"
— Well, you know what they say nowadays, in for a penny, in for a pound!
[2 out of 3]
[Physical manhood:]
1. Godly Dickens: 10+ inches [Heavenly Abilities: -3]
2. Heavenly Key: 8~ inches [Heavenly Abilities: -2]
3. Vlad the Impaler: 6~ inches [Heavenly Abilities: -1]
4. Average Human: 5~ inches [Heavenly Abilities: +0]
5. Friendly Weapon: 4 inches [Heavenly Abilities: +1]
6. Rod of Creation: 3 inches [Heavenly Abilities: +2]
7. Cute Princess: 2 inches [Heavenly Abilities:+3]
– ... Why did you have to jinx it? Breathe in, breathe out. It's fine, it's fine, it's not fine. IT'S NOT FINE. What do you mean 2 inches?! Fine!
"Wait, nooooo!! You don't have to do this!"
– The price of losing my manliness is a fair exchange for absolute power!! Every true gamer knows this! MUAHAHAHAHAHA. All the evil shall know my name! Yes! Everything has a price, but absolute power is ABSOLUTE.
[Choice has been picked… processing]
[Done]
[Character’s Genital: Cute Princess: 2 inches (Selected)]
[Congratulations! You have gained an additional +3 Heavenly Ability Tickets]
“...”
Upon hearing about his congratulatory gift, he took a deep breath through his nonexistent nose and let out a heavy sigh. Determined to see this through, he shook his head and then continued through his status screen.
[3 out of 3]
[Tutorial:]
1. Easy Mode: Abundance of Guidance [Heavenly Abilities: -1]
2. Normal Mode: Moderate Guidance & Little Danger [Heavenly Abilities: 0]
3. Harden Mode: Scarce of Guidance & Difficult Threats [Heavenly Abilities: +1]
4. Nightmare Mode: Nilhil of Guidance & Immediate Danger [Heavenly Abilities: +3]
5. Legendary Mode: Survive Impending Death [Heavenly Abilities: +5]
[Tutorial has been selected… please wait for processing]
[Congratulations! You have gained an additional +5 Heavenly Ability Tickets]
[Legendary Mode initiated]
[Searching for a new body for the host… Starting transfer]
After confirming his choice, he mentally pressed on the options, the white and gray text in his mind. The surroundings of this void started to warp and twist into a purple fog. God stood agape at Spark's choices as the fog rapidly condensed around Spark, somehow being able to read his inner mind space, probably utilizing his godly power or something.
To wipe his slack jaw, he shook out of his stupor and quickly floated over to him, despite the void being a dimension without space nor time. "You…" he began to say, before letting out a sigh, "Ugh, the previous choices, I get. They're free gains without any actual downside, as long as you don’t mind them. But this… was not that. You might die again, you know. And it won’t come with another free migration into another world."
Spark, the amber eyes, let out a smirk upon seeing the non-plastered grin across God’s face, the promise he had kept to himself. Yet, in spite of this, deep down, he really wanted this, the thrill of adventure and absolute danger makes his heart pumping with adrenaline. He can’t help but smile, alongside with his smirk, with the oncoming immediate challenge.
– Yeah, I know.
“... Heh. Fair enough then. This is the first and last time you’ll see of me, so be safe. And don’t die or anything,” he forcefully chuckled, then suddenly embracing the ghostly visage of Spark. “In truth, I do wish the best of you. So... please live on. I can't break the promise I've made. The boy has already worked hard enough... So please, no more."
Despite the surprise from the hug, he can’t help but slowly pat his hand behind his back, feeling the sheer tenderness and sincere warmth radiating from him. The fog continued to consume him, in twist and distortion. The boy, huh? Thanks… I promise I won’t bite the dust again. Hahaha. He thought to himself, but another question popped into his head.
– Alright, I won’t. But, this question is gonna bug me if I don’t ask. So, is God your real name or is there another alias you go by?
He laughed softly and said, “Demiurge. I go by Demiurge.”
– Gotcha.
“... and if you do meet Lucy, tell him I sent you.”
As he told Spark this, his vision was covered by the fog, filling his sight with purple haze, and he disappeared from this realm. God stared at where he once stood, saying farewell in his mind, and he seamlessly teleported out of the void as well. Good luck my friend, you’ll need it.
/—/
Meanwhile, as the fog started to dissipate from his view, he was astonished by what he observed in his unfamiliar surroundings. He was in shock at what he saw… No, he was mortified.
Something is wrong.
Very wrong.
Not soon after, getting out of his shock, he screamed into the void.
– The fuck is the meaning of this? What am I looking at?
[This is Yang Xial, the current Sword Saint of Jade Iperios Province. The new body of the host.]
– But why… is he dying?!?
He said, while floating above the battlefield of flashing cultivators and clanging of swords. Unable to take his eyes off the one-sided battle, he glared at the five uniformed men, with long sleeves and robe, as he hovered above them, unaware of the astral projection of Spark. Those five, seeming to be cultivators, strong at that, continued their ambush of a family of eight.
Men, women, and children were slaughtered across the grass plain, now he found himself in, and dyed it red with their bloods. Not further away, it seemed to be a magic cart, broken and battered, with multiple corpses alongside it. The thing that was grabbing his eyes the most is Yang Xial, himself, as he was able to fend off five superhuman-like men, with his masterful sword play at work. To his surprise, he was barely in his teenage years, around his 12 or 13.
A kid. Fighting against, what he’s going to call them, late game’s bosses and, to make it worse, they were apathetic contrasted between the murder of children and women. In fact, they seemed to be pleased with it, cutting down one more of the family to prove this, but this was what set Spark’s mind off, screaming into the void as he witnessed this massacre. The Sword Saint, not far off and comparable to a raging inferno, yelled out his brother’s name in wrath and despair.
“Brother Chji! NO!”
– WHAT THE HELL. System, do something!
He screamed, yet no response came. He crawled his way forward, yet an invisible wall blocked his way. He punched, yet no effect was seen. He tried his best to somehow intervene with the battle, even if he was unable to fight or see the combatants’ quick movements and slashes.
Another fell.
As he attempted to push past this barrier in his astral form, he saw it again, another kid dying to an air slash from the ongoing attack. A child dying to a stray from the battle.
FUCK. What am I supposed to do? Why can’t I interact with anything? Or can I? He racks his brain with thoughts and plans, thinking of ways to intervene. He has to find a solution… no, not yet. He must line up with his current available resources and go from there. One must know oneself before planning ahead. Shit, gotta gather and think. What do I have on hand, right now?
Then, with a quick flash of inspiration crossing his mind, a sudden realization arose. Wait, this is a one time use, right?
– Hey, system! I can use my Heavenly Ability Tickets, right? Once I receive my abilities, it becomes mine, right? They won’t disappear after you leave, RIGHT? ONE TIME USE, RIGHT?
In contrast to his hysterical questions, the system’s monotone voice only replied with, [Once the host is transferred to the new body, the system will disappear. If the host hasn’t fully utilized all of their Tickets, the system will stay until otherwise. The host may begin his spins in the Wheel of Fortune before the initiation is finish]
With this being said, a wheel of colors popped up into his vision, adorning with gray and blue. Those colors are most likely indications of the type of rarity he found in the games he played. He saw most of them were gray and blue, a few purple and a scarce amount of gold.
– Oh, good. Alright, let’s do this. I pray to you, Demiurge, to give me luck…
Saying his prayers, he sent it and started spinning the Wheel of Fortune, using one of his eleven Heavenly Ability Tickets. The wheel flashes gray and blue, and sometimes comes across purple, as it spins. Then, the wheel started to slow down around patches of gray areas and he wallowed in despair. Once it fully stopped, the system sent him a congratulatory message.
[Congratulations, you have received: “100% Critical Strike - 3 Times the damage dealt once fully hit. This ability can bypass any armor once it… (Press expand for further details).” (Level: Basic)]
He doesn’t care and spins again. He needs something else, something more. Thus glare at the wheel as it spins again. This time however, it quickly stopped at something he could’ve never imagined in his dreams. On this queue, the system sent him another message.
[You have received: “True Teleportations - Your hands can teleport anything to anywhere, as long as the host is making physical contact… (expand)” Level: Mystical]
It landed on gold.
And he was absolutely hysterical. YES!