The celestial being explained the reincarnation process as if it was a game. I remember playing a bunch of MMOs when I was young, so I was familiar with game mechanics and whatnot. "So will I be basically creating my character?" I asked, emphasizing the last part. The celestial being stared at me blankly before opening their mouth.

"It's similar, except you'll be reshaping yourself rather than creating a new one" they said, snapping their fingers. The white expanse around me began to shift and change, morphing into a grand hall filled with floating, glowing screens. Each screen displayed various options. I caught a glimpse of some that would be referred to as abilities, some as different forms. I couldn't see anything else since the screens were so high up, and I didn't really want to appear rude before God, who must be watching right now. All in due time, Ethan. You'll get your chance at seeing everything. Just live up to your fan's expectations. God, it's still weird to call him a fan.

The status window reappeared in front of me, displaying my available Karma points.

Karma Points: 1,682,195

I initially didn't know how to react, I didn't notice how much Karma I had at first due to the encounter with God and everything, but was this amount really that high? I mean the celestial being said that it's higher than she ever saw, and I could see that last 5 slightly off the screen so they weren't wrong when they said It's off the charts, but I still had no point of reference to really comprehend how much I had, I mean the highest they ever saw could be merely a thousand or two thousand higher than the second highest, however I wouldn't think that their reaction would be that, well, surprised if that was the case.

"So since mister artist over here has the highest ever Karma recorded to date, we'll unlock a lot of options to you that nobody ever had the luxury of even seeing, since they were impossibly expensive" they gestured for one of the floating screens as it started moving down towards us, after a moment, It settled right in front of me, I could see a table, and five options in total.

Core Selection: Choose your core. Each core grants unique base attributes and abilities.

As soon as I looked at the screen, a popup message prompted in front of me, preventing me from seeing the options clearly.

MORE OPTIONS UNLOCKED!

Core Type Description Karma Cost Dragon Core Grants draconic powers, including flight and fire-breathing 80,000 Celestial Core Affinity to divine magic, healing and creation 60,000 Corrupt Core Affinity to Necromancy, Dark magic and corruption 55,000 Ancient Spirit Core Upgraded version of the celestial core, adds domain control 120,000 Demon Core Affinity to demonic magic 45,000 Nature Core Affinity to nature-related magic, including manipulating plants, trees and terrain 90,000 Void Core Affinity to void magic, including teleportation and invisibility 70,000 Beast Core Provides ability to transform into powerful beasts 50,000 Titan Core Grants immense physical strength and size 100,000

The first word that caught my eye was "magic" Conventional wisdom indicated that I wouldn't be reincarnated on Earth—there were no records or traces of magic there, aside from those who claimed to summon demons, but that hardly counted. Also, why was necromancy so cheap? That was concerning. The celestial being had mentioned that most of these options were beyond the reach of others due to their cost. Was necromancy one of those hidden options? I really had no idea, I couldn't really see the initial five because of the popup.

"So necromancy is off the table. Why would I want that? Why is that even an option?" I thought to myself, feeling a bit disgusted. Returning my focus to the screen, I considered my other choices. The Nature Core stood out. I loved my garden, so the idea of gardening on a higher, more majestic level was appealing. But the Celestial Core... did that mean I'd be equal to the celestial being in front of me? Maybe, but I didn't want to be confined to a limitless white expanse, just sending people off to their next lives.

However, if I really was to reincarnate in a game-like world filled with magic, then the power of creation and divine magic seemed like the best option. The Celestial Core offered just that. It might be my thing if I was to embrace it, I mean I wouldn't mind being a local deity that just lives in a temple and receives offerings from the local populace, in my old life, I lived alone most of my life, I don't mind the loneliness If that's what I'm concerned about.

I started having a conversation with myself, as If i was talking to another person, I did that most of the time, they say artists are a bit cuckoo up there, it's not that far off the truth to be honest. After a moment of contemplation, I almost made my decision. I was initially going to go for the celestial core without reading the rest, but I decided to just quickly skim through them, Demonic? nah, Draconic? I don't feel like being huge really so that also crosses off the titan, oh, what is this? I noticed an upgraded version of the celestial core, Ancient Spirit Core, so that means I can somehow upgrade my core? nice! It really has game-like elements, so It won't be that boring now would it. “I’ll go with the Ancient Spirit” I declared. The celestial being nodded, and the screen updated to reflect my choice.

CONFIRMING SELECTION: Ancient Spirit..

CORE SELECTION CONFIRMED..

I saw those two messages pop on the screen before It floated away, and another moved to take its place.

As the other screen settled right in front of me, I could see five more options, same popup message, indicating more options being unlocked, and I could see the full table after. Something was off, huh? why is everything grayed out? It was confusing for a moment, but then I scrolled down and saw only one option available:

Ancient Spirit Powerful spiritual form with ethereal abilities 80,000

So the core selection limited my form selection options, makes sense, you can't really have an ancient spirit soul inside a human, I doubt the human body would be able to handle it, resulting in it either exploding or just dying painfully somehow, I brushed off the thought and selected the only option I had. Was it even an option at this point? It also confirmed my theory that I won't be reincarnating on earth, I saw options including dwarves, elves, fae, beastmen and other various options, again, there was no hint of any of them back on earth.

After selecting my form, the screen floated back up, and another one moved to take its place. This time, it was about abilities. I could choose abilities? Magic? I could cast spells? The idea was almost too bizarre to grasp. Back on Earth, I had only seen this kind of thing in novels and movies. I never imagined it could become my reality.

As the screen descended, I began contemplating which spells and abilities I wanted. If D&D had taught me anything, it was to always pick Fireball—despite the 1% chance it might accidentally obliterate you and your party. There was something immensely satisfying about hurling it into a room full of kobolds and watching them burn. Just thinking about it brought a nostalgic smile to my face.

I drifted off, reminiscing about my days as an adventurer on battlemaps and paper. Maybe, just maybe, I’d find some of my favorite spells among these new options.

The screen settled right in front of me, revealing an overwhelming array of spells. Seriously, there were too many to count. Looking at the prices, it seemed like I could just buy everything and call it a day. But as an artist, I had a deep aversion to clutter. I prided myself on keeping things neat and organized. I didn’t want to end up with a pile of spells I’d never use or have to sift through an unmanageable list.

“Is there a filter option here?” I asked the celestial being, who was staring at me blankly. Didn’t they know it was rude to just stare like that?

“Just command it to filter out whatever you want, and it will obey” they replied, their tone as motionless and emotionless as ever. I felt a twinge of irritation. After all, they were sort of an employee of God, or at least someone with a connection to the divine. It was a bit unsettling to think I might have been inadvertently rude to such a high-ranking celestial.

I mentally commanded the screen to filter out low-grade spells, necromancy-related spells—if any existed—and physical enhancement spells. I was an artist, not a barbarian. I would never hold a sword, although I wouldn’t mind wielding Fireball, as it felt artistic in its own explosive way.

I started going through the list for what seemed like hours, a couple options caught my eyes, and so I add them into their own little table before I looked through the list one more time to make sure I didn't miss anything, I didn't want to limit myself in what I can or can't do.

I didn't rush it, after another hour or so, I couldn't really tell the time, It's not like there is a clock, but after what felt like an hour, I looked back at the complete list i made.

Ability Name Description Karma Cost Whisper of the Winds Control the wind to move objects, create barriers, or aid in travel 6,000 Spirit Vision See through illusions and perceive the true nature of beings and objects 4,500 Celestial Flames Call down purifying flames that burn away corruption (and enemies who can't be purified) 9,500 Echoes of the Past Read the memories of dead spirits (yes spirits can in fact die) 7,000 Spirit Healing Powerful healing ability that can restore health and cure ailments 5,000 Binding Light Immobilize enemies with chains of light 6,800 Guardian of the Grove Summon an ancient guardian to protect an area or aid in combat 14,000 Terrain Shaping Alter the terrain to create barriers, bridges, or clear paths 11,500 Nature's Embrace Manipulate and control plants and nature 8,000 Spirit Form Mastery (P) Enhance your control over your abilities 12,500

Ten seemed like the perfect number—neither too overwhelming nor too sparse. I picked only those spells and abilities that felt immediately useful. There was nothing indicating that I couldn’t gain new abilities later on, but I still wanted to review my choices one more time.

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Whisper of the Winds felt like a versatile utility spell. It allowed me to control the wind to move objects, which, assuming the spell could be leveled up, would mean I could eventually handle heavier items. The ability to create wind barriers was also handy, but the real draw for me was the potential ‘aid in travel.’ If that meant I could fly, then I’d finally get to experience the freedom of flight I’d always dreamed of!

Spirit Vision seemed essential. Being able to assess whether a person, creature, or sentient being was corrupt or not would help me avoid placing trust in the wrong individuals and potentially facing danger. It also paired well with Celestial Flames—if I couldn’t purify someone, I could at least purify world of them if necessary.

Echoes of the Past was another practical choice. In a new world where I’d be starting from scratch, information would be invaluable. Extracting knowledge from someone who couldn't lie or resist seemed like a powerful advantage. Spirit Healing was included just in case someone decided to cooperate and I liked them enough.

Binding Light was a safeguard for when things went south. It could immobilize an enemy, allowing me to escape or regroup. It also had offensive potential. Similarly, Guardian of the Grove was another defensive measure, allowing me to protect myself or others without direct conflict. I preferred to avoid killing if possible, but if it came to it, having someone do it for me was preferable.

The remaining three abilities were self-explanatory.

With a significant amount of Karma still remaining, I felt a twinge of disappointment at not being able to use it all. The screens that had once presented me with choices had now faded away, leaving me with a sense of unfinished business. I wondered about the purpose of all those screens if not for presenting options. For now, at least, I had the freedom to select whatever I wanted without any restrictions or trade-offs between different screens.

I turned my gaze toward the celestial being, who was slightly taller than me and still staring blankly. I cleared my throat, hoping to catch their attention. Had they fallen asleep? It seemed odd to think that celestial beings could sleep, but their aura had dimmed a bit, suggesting they might have been resting. After a moment, the being shifted, their presence becoming a bit more pronounced, confirming my suspicion.

"Uhm, yes, you're done. Congratulations! I assume you still have quite a bit of Karma left?"

"Well, yeah" I replied, a hint of disappointment in my tone. "It's a bit frustrating to think it might go to waste"

The celestial being's gaze shifted slightly, and a hint of amusement—or perhaps curiosity—appeared in their expression. "Why would God grant you something you won’t use?"

My eyes widened with renewed excitement. "So, there are still things I can do with my remaining Karma?"

The celestial being gestured for me to follow, and I did so eagerly, like a child who’s just been given a new toy. The new chamber we entered was vast beyond my initial comprehension, its sheer size almost overwhelming. We made our way to a large fixed screen atop a wooden table situated in one corner of the room. As we approached, the screen flickered to life, and my eyes widened with excitement as I read the bold, large letters displayed across it: Artifact Creation.

The being stepped back, as I approached the screen myself, I checked my status window first.

Karma remaining: 1,397,395

Wow, I really did have a metric ton left, nice, that means I can create really powerful artifacts!

"The first thing I'd recommend you create is a median" the celestial being said from behind me. "While you can certainly cast spells with just your hands, having a median like a staff or scepter would give you enhanced control and increase the effectiveness of your spells"

I nodded thoughtfully, considering their advice. It made sense to invest in something that would amplify my magical abilities.

Turning back to the screen, I began to contemplate the artifact I wanted to create. With 1.3 million Karma left, I decided to craft something unique and meaningful to me—a brush that would reflect my artistic spirit and affinity for nature.

The screen just showed a buffering logo, I didn't know what to do exactly, I looked back to the being and he explained that I need to just think about the artifact I wanted to make, Imagine it, with all it's abilities and attributes.

I began to imagine the brush, visualizing every detail. It would be a slender, elegant tool with an intricate handle, intricately carved with symbols of nature and flowers. The bristles would shimmer with an ethereal glow, reflecting a colorful galaxy. As I pictured it in my mind, the brush evolved into a perfect blend of beauty and functionality. Focus, Ethan, you need to create a masterpiece—a brush that even Picasso would rise from his grave to get his hands on.

In my imagination, I saw myself using the brush to draw glowing, colorful lines in the air. These lines sparked to life, transforming into intricate patterns—vivid trees with lush foliage, delicate flowers in a riot of colors, and swirling stars that danced across the canvas of the night sky. I envisioned painting a morning sky, complete with soft clouds drifting lazily across the horizon.

With a final, decisive thought, I allocated 600,000 Karma to create this artifact. As I confirmed the creation, the screen in front of me began to shimmer and glow, and the brush materialized before my eyes. It was a masterpiece—its handle adorned with delicate carvings of nature, and its bristles gleaming with a soft, celestial light.

Artifact Created: The Verdant Brush

* Description: A slender, elegant brush with an intricate handle carved with symbols of nature and flowers. The bristles shimmer with an ethereal glow, reflecting the artistic spirit of its creator.

* Attributes:

* Artistic Mastery: Enhances the creator's artistic abilities, casting spells using the brush makes them 25% more powerful.

* Nature's Embrace: Grants control over natural elements, allowing not only reshaping but the creation of plants, trees, and floral patterns in the environment.

* Celestial Illumination: The brush can produce glowing, vibrant lines, Binding Light is now 20% more effective when cast using the brush.

* Elemental Infusion: Allows for the infusion of elemental magic (fire, water, earth, air) into objects.

* Time-Resistant: The creations made with the brush have enduring qualities, lasting longer and withstanding more than their natural counterparts.

* Special Abilities:

* Living Art: Creations made with the brush can come to life, animated by the creator’s will. For example, flowers can bloom and move, trees can sway, and stars can twinkle.

* Realm Weaver: The brush allows for the manipulation of the environment, enabling the creation of temporary landscapes or illusions.

* Aura of Inspiration: Provides a calming and inspiring aura to those who observe the creations, enhancing their creativity and focus.

* Karma Spent: 600,000

* Remaining Karma: 797,395

Next i focused on creating a bow, I envisioned the bow forming in front of me. My mind's eye conjured a slender, graceful shape, its limbs gracefully curved as if molded by nature itself. The bow was crafted from the heartwood of an ancient tree, its surface intricately carved with delicate patterns of leaves and vines. The wood seemed to hum with life, radiating a warm, earthy glow.

The bowstring, a shimmering thread of ethereal light, stretched perfectly between the limbs. As I drew an arrow from the quiver, it felt light and balanced in my hand. I imagined the power it would unleash: arrows that could summon natural elements, vines bursting from the ground to ensnare enemies or gentle gusts of wind to guide the shot.

With a mental command, the bow's string vibrated with elemental energy. The arrows transformed into shimmering projectiles, ready to harness the power of fire, ice, or lightning. The bow’s elegance and strength merged seamlessly with my artistic vision, and I could almost feel the rush of wind and the crackle of energy as it sprang to life.

Next, I turned my attention to the quiver. In my mind, it materialized as a sleek, dark green pouch, adorned with glowing runes that shifted like liquid light. The quiver seemed to pulse with an infinite energy, as if it could hold an endless supply of arrows. The arrows themselves were elegant and slender, their fletchings gleaming with subtle hints of magic.

As I imagined drawing an arrow from the quiver, it effortlessly manifested in my hand, perfectly formed and ready to be nocked onto the bowstring. I pictured the arrows adapting to the needs of the moment: glowing with elemental power, silent as shadows, or imbued with special effects.

The quiver’s magic allowed for the seamless integration of each arrow with the bow, and I envisioned the arrows flying true, guided by an invisible force that ensured they struck their targets with precision.

Artifact Created: Celestial Bow of Nature

* Description: A beautifully crafted bow made from the heartwood of an ancient, enchanted tree. Its elegance and strength reflect Ethan's deep connection to nature.

* Attributes:

* Camouflage: The bow’s material allows it to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings.

* Precision: Enhances the accuracy and power of each shot.

* Infinity: Automatically regenerates its energy, allowing for an almost infinite number of arrows.

* Special Abilities:

* Nature’s Arrow: Arrows shot from this bow can summon natural elements such as vines, thorns, or bursts of wind.

* Elemental Harmony: Allows the bow to channel different elemental energies (fire, ice, lightning) depending on the user’s needs.

* Silent Flight: Arrows are noiseless, making them ideal for stealth.

* Cost: 400,000 Karma

Finally, I focused on a kimono. My imagination began to weave a garment of extraordinary beauty. The kimono flowed with elegance, its fabric shimmering like stardust. Patterns of celestial and natural elements intertwined across its surface, creating a mesmerizing dance of light.

The kimono draped gracefully over an invisible form, the threads of starlight weaving through the fabric. I could feel its protective aura enveloping the wearer, a soothing shield against both magic and physical attacks. The fabric adapted to its surroundings, blending seamlessly into natural settings or radiating an aura of light when needed.

As I pictured the kimono in action, I saw its celestial aura calming those around the wearer, projecting a sense of peace and serenity. The garment had the ability to heal minor wounds and fatigue, its threads mending the wearer's injuries with a gentle touch. I imagined creating a path of light with a simple gesture, illuminating a dark tunnel.

Artifact Created: Kimono of The Celestial Garden

* Description: A kimono crafted with threads of starlight and woven with patterns of celestial and natural elements. It symbolizes both elegance and the harmonious blend of art and nature.

* Attributes:

* Celestial Weave: Provides 10% protection against magical and physical attacks.

* Nature’s Cloak: Camouflages the wearer with their surroundings, especially in natural settings.

* Graceful Movement: Enhances agility and speed by 30%, allowing for fluid, almost dance-like movements.

* Special Abilities:

* Celestial Aura: Projects an aura that calms and soothes those around the wearer, ideal for diplomacy or pacifying conflicts.

* Nature’s Ward: Provides regenerative effects and can heal minor wounds or fatigue.

* Starlit Path: Grants the ability to create light that illuminates dark areas or reveals hidden pathways.

* Cost: 200,000 Karma

With each artifact, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I had spent 600,000 Karma on the The Verdant Brush, the Enchanted Bow, the Quiver of Infinite Arrows, and the Kimono of the Celestial Garden that now lay before me on the table.

I reached out to touch the Kimono, my fingers brushing against its delicate fabric. As I did, a sudden realization struck me with a jolt. I looked down, and to my horror, I saw that I was completely naked. My heart raced in panic. The grand and elaborate garments I had just created were now my only clothing, but they remained on the table.

“Oh, shit!” I muttered to myself, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “I met God naked!”

The celestial being, still observing with an impassive demeanor, seemed oblivious to my predicament, but I couldn’t help but feel self-conscious. I glanced around, wishing for some sort of cover to my unexpected nudity.

With a deep breath, I gathered my composure and decided to handle the situation as gracefully as possible. I reached for the Kimono of the Celestial Garden and slipped it on. The fabric was light and flowing. It felt like a second skin, offering both comfort and an aura of elegance befitting an artist like myself.

Next, I carefully strapped the Quiver to my hip. It fit snugly, the quiver’s design blending seamlessly with the kimono’s aesthetics. I could feel the quiver’s enchantment hum gently against my side.

I then lifted the Enchanted Bow and placed it on my back. The bow’s elegant curves and glowing runes contrasted beautifully with the kimono, complementing its design. It felt surprisingly lightweight and perfectly balanced, despite looking really heavy.

Lastly, I attached the Verdant Brush to my belt. I’d created a special, neat handle just for it, ensuring that it was both secure and accessible. The brush was now an integral part of my attire, its handle designed to match the kimono's patterns.

With everything in place, I stood tall, waiting for the celestial being to guide me through to the next step.