Surrounding Daze was darkness, empty and devoid of life.

The only thing him was a pers-... no 'it', standing nearby him. The moment Daze had eye contact on it, he felt enormous pressure poured onto him. From then on, he knew that whatever that was before him was indeed a true higher being.

As though trying to act like an ordinary person, it wore dark coloured casual wear, a brown shirt along with jeans, and also a murky yellow jacket, paired up with a hoodie which covet 'its' entire face. Even though the clothes 'it' wore seemed to clash against the fashion sense of the present world, Daze couldn't describe the attire in any other word other than perfect.

Daze suddenly realise that he is starting to take interest in the higher being before him.

“How in the world is it that I can feel?” Daze unexpectedly spoke his mind. He suddenly felt the sensations of shock and surprise, the two sensations which he never experienced before in his life.

Perhaps it was because he was in the world for lunatics, that all his mental abnormalities had been removed, allowing him to have desires or even sympathise.

Even with the mental block issue resolved, Daze isn't happy. That cold outlook to the world he has spent his life to cultivated still remains in him. He has no longer cared nor see purpose in the world he lived in. With the crazy exception of his father. 

That was his only purpose to life now. To devote his life in his father's life long wishes.

Daze restricted his newfound feelings of sensation, ignoring the signals actively swarming his mind as though he were a Chinese monk casting away his desires.

“Come.” The higher being finally spoke, gesturing Daze forward. Daze complied.

“You should know you’re here. I’ll skip some steps then. The people that are brought here are those who seek to escape their reality, but you chose to come here for a different reason. But nevertheless, you will be treated the same.” 'It' spoke in high pitch, clear and cheery voice, which one could distinguish as a female’s.

“Don’t be mistaken, I’m no god, but merely just a guide entrusted by god to help those who are entering a trial. So long you have reached here, you have already started your participation in the five trials god has set for you. But you may choose whether or not you want to complete them. If you managed to complete them, you will return back to the world as god’s champion. And choose not to do the trials, you can live how you wish in this world. Whether to enjoy it or end it all and be with god.  But remember this, only the deserved can live in this world.” The guide waited, knowing that Daze had a question.

“god’s champion and five trials... I’m curious, what are they?” Daze shot a question to the guide.

“god’s champion is the chosen one who will save the desecrated world you once lived in from killing itself, leading it to greatness once again. As for the five trials, they will be the determiner of who will be chosen to become god’s champion. For every trial you succeed, you’ll be sent back to a soulless living body with the most compatible brainwave to finish any unfinished business you have in the real world. The body you have manifested will also become stronger depending on the number of trials completed. 

But do take note, this will only be in effect for 3 days, and if you die with your soul still intact in the body, you're dead. ” The guide explained to Daze.

“I see, so the man that was sent to kill me in the hospital was someone who completed a trial. Probably is someone who has a vengeance, and was given a carrot and stick to kill me.” Unexpectedly, Daze thoughts were spoken out loud again.

“In this world, you will be given advantages as well as limitations. For limitations, all thoughts will be spoken out loud. Food effects, like poison or drugs will not work, and there will be no need to defecate waste. However, food is still a necessity in order to survive. 

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Lastly, the lust for flesh has been taken away in this world, seeing there is no need for breeding in this world." 

"As for advantages, all clearly distinguishable enemies you have defeat will grant ‘power’, which you will be used in strengthening your strength. 

Also, you are given an option to gain characteristics of a game character. This allows one to gain information on items, encounters and even areas explored. Stats can be added manually, and you'll be missions to strengthen yourself. 

However if you choose to decline this option, power gained from enemies will be used to strengthen based on the way they live and fight. Since this is your first trial, you can change the way you look and will be given the appropriate system to help you with the trial, along with a spirit gift that you will be most familiar with.”

“Now decide. Do you want this ability?” The guide waited the answer she already knew.

“Can you explain what sort of stats there are, and how they work?” Daze asked.

“That will give unfair advantage, so no.” The guide humbly declined.

“Game characteristics…” Daze unhurriedly analysed his options, “There are many different types of games in the world, while some games have over 16 types of stat types, others only have a few like 6. There are probably no retries once stats are chosen, meaning a perfect stat composition for a person is impossible. Definition of each stat may not be shown, so people may become ignorant of the importance of certain stats, which the auto-add may correct this mistake.

For information, the game ability holds a higher advantage. Information is priceless in a new environment since it will greatly boost survivability.  However the amount of info gain is also based on the types of encounters and how much a person deduce from it. Thus, the disadvantage of information loss can be made up by gaining power to boost luck and intellect...”

After spending some time, Daze came to a decision.

“I’ll decline the offer.” He unhesitantly said.

“Hah, thought as much. You’ll now be sent to the other side where you’ll meet others in the same situation like you to face the first trial.” The ground where Daze stands started shimmering in a bright circle of light.

“Before you go, god has entrusted me to give each person a hint before they enter a trial. If you want to succeed in it, its best you listen and reflect on it." The tone of her voice suddenly became much more serious. 

“Why is life precious? Good luck.” 

Afterwards, the shimmering light under Daze swallows him whole like a vortex, sending in a twister of vertigo. 

Daze could felt his body vibrating like crazy, being painlessly torn apart and contorting into strangest shapes.

“Is thee mettthhhhod to chaaaaaange appppearanceeeeeeeeeeee.” Daze struggled to talk as the shape of his mouth continuously changed its length and size.

Daze concentrated on the image of his original appearance, and immediately, the cells in his body obeyed and merged back together into his original form. 

However, Daze never considered for a second about changing the way he looked, a scrawny, pale figure whose face was absolutely saggy from constant overwork he has experience. 

It was fine though. To Daze, appearance wasn’t important. 

Well to him, everything is meaningless except for his mission.

And Daze traveled to the other side, a world where he will eventually fight and struggle to survive.