Silence. No torches flickered in this darkness. No scent of ash, no moans of dying men.
Just the quiet void and a feeling of weightlessness. Danarre—no, what was he now? Just a shard of a soul drifting between worlds—floated in the gulf of nothing.
Then, a whisper of cloth. A faint clink, like bone tapping on stone. A shape emerged.
A figure draped in robes of tattered black, its face hidden by a white porcelain mask. Across the mask's surface, cracks formed a twisted smile, and sockets where eyes should be glowed with pinpoints of faint green light.
"Welcome," said the figure. Its voice echoed in Danarre's mind rather than in any physical air. "You have died. But your fate is not yet written."
A round wooden table materialized between them, old and scarred, as if carried through countless ages. On this table lay a deck of large, ornate cards: thick parchment edges, inked illustrations that shimmered.
The robed figure shuffled them lazily. Danarre felt the presence of something immense behind this being, as if it were only a servant of a greater cosmic order.
"Who are you?" Danarre asked, or tried to. It felt more like pushing thought through gel, but the figure responded anyway.
"I am the Gatekeeper of Souls," it said gently, "a humble attendant to the God of Death. You, Danarre, are offered a choice."
[System Notification] You have died. Your mortal life ended with HP reduced to zero. However, an Opportunity Event has triggered! Condition: Unusual Willpower at Death You have encountered: The Gatekeeper of Souls. Your future will be shaped by the cards you choose.
Danarre felt his consciousness tighten. He didn't have a body, yet he could feel adrenaline again.
Another chance? He refused to be a mindless husk. If some god offered a path, he'd walk it—hell, he'd sprint.
The Gatekeeper spread the cards face down in a wide arc. Twenty-two cards, each representing some archetypal force. Their backs were inked with swirling skulls and blooming flowers.
"Pick three," it said, voice almost kind. "Three cards to define the shape of your new destiny."
Danarre tried to speak, but only thoughts emerged. "What do these cards do?"
The Gatekeeper chuckled softly. "They grant blessings, curses, and traits. They influence your new life. Choose carefully, for the weave of fate is fragile."
Danarre reached out—metaphorically, since he lacked hands. Still, he felt his essence guided toward the cards.
[System Notification] Tarot Selection Phase Initiated! Choose 3 Major Arcana Cards to determine starting stats, abilities, and destiny path.
Options Unveiled:
The Tower – A card of upheaval, struggle, and dramatic change.
The Sun – A card of vitality, success, and clarity.
The Moon – A card of mystery, intuition, and hidden powers.
The Devil – A card of ambition, temptation, and binding contracts.
Death – A card of transformation, endings, and new beginnings.
The Emperor – A card of authority, control, and martial might.
The High Priestess – A card of hidden knowledge, subtlety, and intuition.
The Magician – A card of skill, resourcefulness, and the harnessing of forces.
The Chariot – A card of victory through willpower, discipline, and conquest.
The Lovers – A card of choice, unity, and profound bonds.
Justice – A card of fairness, law, and consequences.
The Empress – A card of growth, nurturing, and abundance.
Strength – A card of inner courage, patience, and resolve.
The Hermit – A card of introspection, spiritual journey, and solitude.
The Hanged Man – A card of sacrifice, perspective, and letting go.
Wheel of Fortune – A card of fate, luck, and sudden turns.
The Star – A card of hope, guidance, and inspiration.
Temperance – A card of balance, moderation, and synergy.
Judgement – A card of reckoning, rebirth, and final decisions.
The Hierophant – A card of tradition, structure, and established truths.
The World – A card of completion, integration, and total understanding.
The Fool – A card of potential, spontaneity, and the unknown journey.
They lay before him, shimmering. Danarre felt overwhelmed. Every card radiated possibilities.
The Gatekeeper leaned forward. "Take your time," it whispered. "Your choices shape your destiny."
Danarre considered. He was a mercenary who wanted strength, but strength alone hadn't saved him. He remembered being cornered, lacking magic, lacking versatility.
Perhaps he needed cunning, hidden power? Or the means to break free from old limitations?
He hovered over The Emperor—that would bring martial might. But he also remembered how pure force wasn't enough last time.
The Magician tempted him: skill and resourcefulness. Maybe blending sword and sorcery would be wise.
The family he was heading toward, though he didn't know it yet, might frown on magic. Having that ace up his sleeve could help.
Death caught his eye too. Ironic. He was literally dead. Could it unlock transformation, a better second life?
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
And maybe The Tower, for it mirrored his old life's chaos, or The Star for hope?
He decided with instinct and a grin. "I'll take The Magician," he said. "I like the sound of harnessed forces."
[System Notification] You selected: The Magician
Gained Trait: [Resourceful Mind] (+10 INT, +5 DEX) Gained Starting Skill: [Arcane Glimmer Lv.1] (Allows minor magical effects)
Passive Bonus: +5% EXP gain for unconventional methods.
Danarre felt a subtle warmth, like a spark in the void. Good start.
For his second pick, he considered longevity and change. He wanted to be better, to adapt. He locked onto Death. Why not embrace the symbol of his current predicament?
"I choose Death," he said.
[System Notification] You selected: Death
Gained Trait: [Rebirth's Edge] (Each level-up restores more HP and MP) Gained Starting Skill: [Awakened Potential] (Hidden growth stats unlocked) Passive Bonus: Greater affinity for transformations, curses reversed into blessings over time.
Perfect. That sounded potent. Transformation and growth.
Now for the third card. He wanted something that gave him staying power, some inner fortitude.
Strength beckoned. He lacked brute force at the end. Inner courage could help.
But The Emperor offered authority and martial skill. Then again, The High Priestess might unlock deeper secrets…
He remembered how he died trapped and outmaneuvered. He needed discipline, will, something to push him forward.
The Chariot? Victory through discipline. Or The Tower for dramatic change?
He exhaled (or imagined doing so) and settled on The Emperor, a symbol of command and structure. He would lead, not follow.
"I choose The Emperor."
[System Notification] You selected: The Emperor
Gained Trait: [Commanding Presence] (+10 STR, +10 END) Gained Starting Skill: [Battlefield Focus Lv.1] (Briefly enhance combat stats by 10% for 10 seconds) Passive Bonus: Improved leadership capabilities and respect from martial individuals.
Danarre felt a surge, as if muscles were forging themselves from nothing. He almost flexed phantom arms.
The Gatekeeper nodded. "A fine triad. The Magician, Death, and The Emperor. Your path will be unconventional but guided by strength, cunning, and endless rebirth."
The Gatekeeper gathered the remaining cards. "But we are not done. One last spread to shape the details of your new life. This time, I will draw three cards for you."
"You may accept or reject one of them, but only one."
The being fanned out the deck again, but this time it drew three cards face-up:
The Hanged Man: A pale figure suspended by one foot, calm in adversity.
The Devil: A horned creature with chains at its feet, tempting and cunning.
The Star: A radiant star shining over tranquil waters.
The Gatekeeper tapped them with a bony finger. "These represent your burdens and blessings."
"The Hanged Man grants the ability to gain insight from suffering—leveling certain skills faster when injured."
"The Devil offers temptation and ambition—faster power growth but at the cost of moral corruption."
"The Star grants hope and guidance—improved recovery and a hidden ally in times of need."
Danarre considered. The Devil was dangerous. He liked ambition, but corruption? He'd been ruthless, but not rotten.
The Hanged Man's boon sounded interesting, but relying on suffering for growth sounded grim.
The Star, though—it promised hope and subtle aid. He remembered how alone he'd been in death. Maybe a hidden ally would save him next time.
"I accept The Star and The Hanged Man, but I refuse The Devil," he said. He didn't want corruption on top of everything else.
The Gatekeeper nodded.
[System Notification] You accepted: The Hanged Man
Trait: [Insight Through Pain] (Skill proficiency gain +20% when HP <50%)
You accepted: The Star Trait: [Guiding Light] (When all seems lost, a hidden ally or hint will appear once per major arc)
You rejected: The Devil No penalty gained. Devil's temptation avoided.
The Gatekeeper lifted a skeletal hand, and for a moment, Danarre felt pride. He was shaping himself into someone better than before.
"Now," the Gatekeeper said, voice deeper, "we must set your starting parameters. You shall be reborn. Let your Status screen reflect these choices."
[System Notification]
Reincarnation Status Initialization
Base Stats (Average Noble Child): STR: 1, END: 1, DEX: 1, INT: 1, WIS: 1, LCK: 1
Applying Chosen Cards…
From The Magician: +10 INT, +5 DEX
From Death: Growth modifiers improved
From The Emperor: +10 STR, +10 END
New Base Stats: STR: 1 +10 = 11 END: 1 +10 = 11
DEX: 1 +5 = 6 INT: 1 +10 = 11 WIS: 1 (No direct bonus, but improved growth) LCK: 1 (No direct bonus yet)
Skills Gained: [Arcane Glimmer Lv.1] – Minor magical utility. [Awakened Potential] – Hidden growth. [Battlefield Focus Lv.1] – Temporary combat boost.
Traits Gained: [Resourceful Mind], [Rebirth's Edge], [Commanding Presence], [Insight Through Pain], [Guiding Light]
Passive Bonuses:
+5% EXP from unconventional methods (Magician) Transformation, curses reversed over time (Death)
Leadership and martial respect (Emperor)
Final Adjustments Complete.
The Gatekeeper clapped slowly. "Your canvas is prepared, Reborn One. Remember: Fate can be kind or cruel. Seek balance and seize your destiny."
Danarre's thoughts swirled. Strong starting stats for a child. He'd be formidable, but the world might not expect that.
He wondered where he'd be born. Noble child, it said—he'd have a family this time, one that might shape him. He promised himself not to be stepped on again.
The Gatekeeper swept the cards into the deck, then placed the deck in a small black box. "One final offering," it said.
"Between these three tokens, choose one boon to carry with you. It will manifest in subtle ways. Choose wisely."
Three tokens appeared floating in the darkness:
A small iron key.
A tattered parchment scroll.
A dull gemstone, cracked in half.
Danarre considered these silently.
[System Notification: Choose a Boon]
Iron Key: Unlocks hidden opportunities or dungeons early.
Tattered Scroll: Grants a secret technique once conditions are met.
Cracked Gemstone: Absorbs a portion of incoming damage once per day, potentially saving your life at a crucial moment.
Survival, hidden technique, or early opportunities? He remembered dying, cornered, wishing he had a trump card.
The cracked gemstone might buy him a second chance. But the scroll could offer a technique to turn tides. The key might open forbidden doors.
He took the cracked gemstone. Life was precious. He wouldn't waste a second chance by dying before he could get stronger.
[System Notification] You have chosen the Cracked Gemstone.
Trait: [Soulshield Fragment] (Once per day, nullify a lethal blow, leaving you at 1 HP.)
Perfect.
The Gatekeeper inclined its head. "Your path is set. You shall awaken anew, in a world where swords and thunder dance, where noble bloodlines define destiny. Go forth and prove your worth."
Danarre felt a pulling sensation, as if a great invisible hand were dragging him away. The Gatekeeper began to fade, the table vanishing like mist. The darkness swirled with distant lights.
Before everything faded, the Gatekeeper spoke once more: "Remember: power alone is not enough. You must wield it with cunning, purpose, and sometimes mercy. We shall watch."
[System Notification]
Reincarnation Process Initiating…
Timer: 3… 2… 1…
Danarre tried to smile, tried to feel the shape of his new face he didn't have yet. He felt hope and a feral determination.
This time he wouldn't die in some forsaken ruin surrounded by nobodies. He would rise above the petty wars, the betrayals.
He would carve his name in stone and thunder.
A final whisper from the Gatekeeper: "We will meet again, at the final toll of fate's bell."
Then blinding light.
He drifted, weightless, through a kaleidoscope of pale blues and gentle golds. He heard distant voices—muffled but kind. Was he hearing midwives? Attendants?
He felt warmth and softness. Suddenly, there was a rush of sensation: the scent of linen, the hush of a quiet room.
He was being born,reborn, into the world.
But in his mind, he still saw the cards, still felt their powers imprinted on his soul. He had chosen The Magician, Death, and The Emperor.
He had accepted The Hanged Man and The Star. He carried the cracked gemstone within the fabric of his being.
And etched deep in his new soul were the system's words:
[System Notification] Welcome to your new life, Danarre. May your path be long and victorious.
As cries (his cries) filled the room, and muffled voices exclaimed over the newborn child, Danarre knew this life would be different.
He would shape destiny, not be crushed by it.
And somewhere beyond mortal sight, the Gatekeeper and the God of Death looked on, curious to see how this child of tarot and blood would fare in a world where thunder and steel reigned supreme.