Jacob Ladder never expected that death would come so unceremoniously. One moment, he was trudging home under a cloudy midnight sky, mind abuzz with daydreams of fantasy worlds. The next moment, a pair of blinding headlights flared in the corner of his vision. He turned just in time to see the hulking silhouette of a truck skidding far too close. There was a scream—perhaps his own—then the world went black.
For a timeless stretch, there was nothing. No pain, no light, no sound. Jacob floated in a void, weightless and disoriented. So this is dying, he thought distantly. It was oddly peaceful, in a way.
But then, something pinged. A soft chime echoed in the emptiness. Jacob frowned (or felt as if he did—he had no body now to frown with). The darkness before him rippled like disturbed water. Lines of neon text blinked into existence.
[Conqueror’s System] ALERT: Fatal trauma detected... Initiating Soul Transfer Protocol.
“What the—?” Jacob’s thoughts echoed. A system notification? Was he hallucinating some last flicker of consciousness? The text hung there in the void, unnaturally bright.
Before he could question further, a new presence made itself known. The void around him shimmered, shapes coalescing into the outline of a person. In an instant, Jacob found himself standing—actually standing, with what felt like a body—on what looked like a floor of swirling stardust. Before him stood a figure robed in silver and gold. The figure’s face was obscured by a radiant light, but it spoke in a clear, gentle voice.
“Greetings, Jacob Ladder,” the figure said. The voice was warm and genderless, echoing slightly, as if more than one person spoke in unison. “It seems your life has met an abrupt end. My condolences.”
Jacob blinked, trying to process. The last thing he remembered was that truck. Reflexively, he looked down at himself. To his surprise, he had a semi-transparent form—like a ghostly projection of his body. He still wore his work clothes: a wrinkled shirt and jeans, now oddly pristine despite what happened.
“I… I died, didn’t I?” Jacob asked quietly.
The robed figure nodded. “Yes. Your time in that world has ended. However,” it continued, raising a glowing hand, “your journey may not be over, should you accept a new path.”
Jacob’s heart—or whatever now served as his heart—fluttered. This felt eerily like the beginning of one of those light novels he read obsessively. The ones where the protagonist dies and is offered a second chance in another world. Could this really be happening?
He decided to test the waters. “Who are you?” he asked, voice trembling between hope and doubt.
“I am the Administrator of the Conqueror’s System,” the figure answered, inclining its head slightly. “You may think of me as a guide, or a facilitator. I manage special reincarnations for souls deemed... compatible.”
Jacob’s mind raced. Conqueror’s System? Special reincarnations? This sounded exactly like a cheat-like ability scenario. His earlier fear began to melt into excitement. Perhaps dying wasn’t the end after all. Perhaps it was an opportunity.
“Why me?” he asked, curious and a bit skeptical. “Was I chosen for a reason?”
The Administrator’s aura flickered softly. “In your final moments, your heart’s desire shone brightly. A desire to live in a world of adventure, one you often imagined as an escape from your mundane life. That wish, combined with certain karmic compatibilities, made you an ideal candidate for the Conqueror’s System.”
Jacob remembered the countless nights he spent reading web novels and playing fantasy RPGs, longing for magic and swords instead of spreadsheets and commutes. It was a secret wish he carried constantly: If only I could live in one of those worlds...
He felt a flush of both embarrassment and excitement. “So, you’re saying I can be reincarnated in a fantasy world? With this Conqueror’s System?”
“Yes,” the Administrator confirmed, its tone carrying a smile. It waved an arm, and images blossomed in the air around them like holograms. Jacob saw flickers of landscapes—vast green plains under strange skies, towering cities with spires and flying creatures, dense forests illuminated by will-o’-wisps. Each scene felt vaguely familiar, as if plucked from games and novels he knew.
“You may choose the world you wish to be reborn into,” the robed being explained. “The Conqueror’s System will grant you unique talents and an interface—much like a game— to aid in your journey. Your goal, as implied by the system’s name, will be to grow strong and conquer the great challenges of that world. Perhaps even become a ruler or a legendary hero, if that is where your path leads.”
The images cycled rapidly. Jacob glimpsed a world with giant mechs, another with high-tech cities, a realm with floating islands and sky-ships. Then he saw one that made him gasp—a quaint countryside with a single cozy house, smoke curling from its chimney. Outside the house stood a familiar couple: a brown-haired man swinging a sword and a beautiful woman with long blonde hair watching cheerfully.
Jacob’s chest tightened with recognition. No way... That looks like Paul and Zenith Greyrat. The couple from Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, one of his favorite light novels.
He stepped closer to the floating image, and it expanded as if sensing his interest. He could see the details vividly—the training yard, Paul’s wooden practice sword slicing through the air, Zenith’s gentle smile as she clapped at her husband’s display. Jacob’s mouth went dry. Was this real? Could he actually enter the world of Mushoku Tensei?
His mind raced through everything he knew about it: the intricate magic system, the adventurers’ guilds, the looming conflicts and world lore. Mushoku Tensei’s story had its dark moments, true, but also incredible opportunities for someone armed with foreknowledge—and possibly a cheat-like System.
“I can choose… any world?” Jacob asked, tearing his eyes from the scene to look at the Administrator. His voice quivered with building excitement.
“Any of these worlds shown, and more,” the Administrator said. With a gentle motion, they slowed the carousel of scenes. “Each has its own difficulties and destiny. Choose the one you desire, and I will facilitate your rebirth there. But choose wisely; once decided, the path cannot be changed.”
Jacob hardly needed to think longer. The image of Paul and Zenith—characters he felt he already knew—called to him. Starting in Mushoku Tensei’s world meant being born possibly as their child, if the System placed him at the beginning of that story. He’d effectively replace the original protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat, or perhaps become a sibling or relative. The thought was exhilarating. Rudeus had lived an incredible life (with some very questionable decisions along the way). Jacob believed he could do even better, especially with a system backing him.
“I’ve made my choice,” Jacob said, straightening his translucent back. He tried to appear confident, though inside he was practically vibrating. “I want to be reborn into the world of Mushoku Tensei.”
The Administrator’s light-draped face seemed to regard him thoughtfully. “An interesting choice. That world is rich with magic and peril alike. Are you certain? Its challenges are considerable, even with the System.”
Jacob nodded vigorously. “I’m sure. I know about that world—at least, some key parts of its history and how things work.” He took a breath. “And honestly, I’ve always imagined what it would be like to live there, to... to meet the people and see the places in person.”
At that, the Administrator lifted a hand, and the other floating scenes faded, leaving only the image of the Mushoku Tensei world—specifically that Greyrat household in the countryside. The robed figure then closed its hand into a fist, and the image collapsed into a single glowing orb of multicolored light, which hovered above their palm.
“Very well, Jacob Ladder. Reincarnation into Mushoku Tensei world is prepared.” The Administrator’s voice gained a ceremonial quality. “Now, let us discuss the terms of your new life and the boons you shall receive.”
Jacob stood at attention like a gamer waiting for patch notes on an update. This was the crucial part—his cheat abilities.
“First, you will retain your memories of your previous life,” the Administrator said. “This is standard for a Conqueror’s System user and should aid you, especially since you possess foreknowledge of the world’s events up to a point.”
Jacob let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Good—his knowledge of the story and its characters would stay with him. That alone was a huge advantage.
“Second,” the robed figure continued, “you will be granted The Conqueror’s System itself. Think of it as an interface similar to a video game HUD integrated with your soul. It will allow you to view your status, receive quests, gain experience, and develop skills beyond the normal constraints of that world.”
As if on cue, a semi-transparent blue window flickered into existence next to the Administrator, facing Jacob. On it, he saw lines of text labeled: [Name: Jacob Ladder], [Level: 0], [Health: —], [Mana: —], [Strength: —] and so on, all with placeholder values or blank. It strongly reminded him of RPG character stat screens.
Jacob’s face split into a grin. This was exactly what he hoped for. A game system in a fantasy world—he’d be able to power-level like a protagonist in a LitRPG novel.
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“You will start at Level 1, of course, as a newborn infant of that world,” the Administrator explained. “But with the System’s guidance, you can grow faster. Completing certain actions or quests will grant you experience to level up your overall abilities. The system can also quantify things like mana capacity, physical strength, or skill mastery which normal inhabitants have to gauge through trial and intuition.”
Jacob nodded along, mind already thinking of possibilities. “Will I have any special starting skills or talents?” he asked. In many stories, the reincarnator gets a unique power or affinity.
A soft chuckle emanated from the Administrator. “Indeed. Consider it your ‘starting build’. We have assessed your soul and aspirations to assign appropriate talents. For you, Jacob, the System will bestow High Magic Affinity and Vast Mana Reservoir. In simpler terms, your capacity for using magic will far exceed that of a typical newborn in that world, even surpassing many gifted adults. This should serve you well in Mushoku Tensei’s magic-rich environment.”
Jacob felt giddy. High magic affinity and huge mana... That sounded exactly like Rudeus’s advantage in the original story—Rudeus was born with an abnormal mana pool. Jacob would have that as well, maybe even more so since it’s a deliberate boon. He could truly excel at spellcasting from an early age.
“Additionally,” the Administrator continued, “you possess a Quick Learner trait, an innate talent you cultivated in your previous life perhaps through your avid consumption of knowledge and fiction. This will translate to faster skill acquisition and improvement. Swordplay, magic, languages, you will grasp these quicker than most.”
Jacob remembered how he used to binge whole series in days and retain all that lore. If that became an actual trait, he might become a prodigy in multiple fields.
The figure paused as if considering something. The cosmic aura around it pulsed. “One more thing—your physical appearance in the new world. Typically, reincarnations resemble their new world parents, but the System’s influence can sometimes carry over an essence of your soul. In your case, expect some unique features. Perhaps a reflection of your inner spiritual qualities.”
Jacob tilted his head, curious. That was oddly specific. “Unique features?”
The Administrator’s hooded face gave the impression of a benevolent smile. “You will see soon enough. Now, onto the final aspect: the objective.”
At this the starry floor beneath them glowed, projecting an image of a looming shadowy figure crowned in darkness, behind it armies of monsters—or maybe it was symbolic. Mushoku Tensei’s world had many threats: Demon God Laplace, human-demon conflicts, the Dragon God Orsted, and more.
“In each world, the Conqueror’s System sets a grand objective—a conquest, if you will. This does not have to mean literal world domination,” the Administrator said, voice resonant. “Rather, it is the ultimate challenge that will drive your growth. In the world you chose, a great calamity and ancient evil lie in wait decades in the future, as you might recall from the story. The System’s goal for you, simply put, is to overcome those trials and bring about a better fate than the original timeline might have.”
Jacob swallowed. He knew exactly what that referenced: the eventual battle with Laplace, or perhaps the mysterious Human-God’s manipulations. In Mushoku Tensei canon, it took multiple reincarnations and generations to resolve those conflicts. The idea that he might be responsible for conquering those threats was daunting, but also thrilling. If I play it right, I could prevent so much tragedy, he thought. And become a true hero of that world. His fists clenched with determination.
“I accept that goal,” he said firmly. “I’ll do whatever I can to conquer those challenges.”
The Administrator bowed its head. “Excellent. Remember, the System will guide you, but it is ultimately your choices and willpower that determine success. Do not rely solely on the System or your foreknowledge; the world can change in unexpected ways due to your presence.”
That made sense. Butterfly effect—just him being there might alter some events from the story. Jacob promised himself he would remain adaptable.
A gentle breeze picked up in the void, swirling the mists around them. The glowing orb representing the world floated toward Jacob.
“It is time,” the Administrator intoned softly. “Are you ready to be reborn, Jacob Ladder, now to become Jacob Greyrat of the Mushoku Tensei world?”
Jacob felt light-headed with anticipation. This was it. He was really going to do this. He straightened up and nodded. “I’m ready.”
The Administrator extended its hands. The orb of light hovered right before Jacob’s chest. Instinctively, Jacob reached out his own hands to touch it. It was warm, humming with energy.
“Then go forth, and conquer,” the Administrator’s voice echoed, growing distant and layered as the light engulfed Jacob’s vision. “Live a life worthy of song and legend. We will watch your progress... With great interest.”
Jacob felt a sudden pull, like gravity reversing. The light swallowed him whole. His consciousness began to fade again, but this time he knew it wasn’t death—it was transition. He was moving, hurtling through unseen corridors of existence. For an instant, he felt both heavy and light, like being squeezed through a tube.
As everything went white, Jacob’s last coherent thought was a triumphant, eager declaration echoing in his soul: Here I come, Mushoku Tensei!
Sensation returned slowly. Jacob felt... cold, and wet, and extremely uncomfortable. A loud wail echoed in his ears, and only after a confused second did he realize he was the one crying. His lungs burned with the effort. I’m crying? Why am I...
He tried to open his eyes. At first all he saw was a harsh light and blurry shapes. Everything was loud—there were voices, excited and exhausted, but he couldn’t understand the words yet. He felt gentle hands holding him, and the sudden shock of being wrapped in a soft blanket.
I’ve been born. I’m a baby. The realization hit him even through his newborn disorientation. He had really done it—this wasn’t a dream. He was an infant again, taking his first breath in a new world.
The crying was more reflex than his own will; he tried to calm down and control his breathing. His vision gradually cleared, and he found himself gazing up at a face leaning over him, a face with sweat-soaked blonde hair, flushed cheeks, and tearful blue eyes filled with joy and relief. A beautiful face he recognized from illustrations and anime—Zenith Greyrat, his new mother.
Zenith was laughing and sobbing all at once. “Oh, my baby... my precious boy...” she whispered in the language of this world.
A second face appeared beside Zenith’s, grinning widely—a handsome man with short, tousled light-brown hair and sharp green eyes, brimming with pride. Paul Greyrat, Jacob’s new father, looked down at him with amazement. “He has your eyes, Zenith... golden, just like the morning sun,” Paul said in awe, gently brushing a finger across Jacob’s cheek.
Golden eyes? Jacob’s heart (tiny and fast-beating as it was) skipped. I have golden eyes? That wasn’t typical for either parent. Paul had green eyes, Zenith blue. Golden eyes were unusual—perhaps one of those unique features the Administrator mentioned. And if so, that meant...
Zenith shifted the blanket slightly, and a tuft of fine, damp hair on Jacob’s head caught the light—white hair, nearly luminescent. Zenith gasped softly. “His hair... it’s so light, almost pure white.”
Paul chuckled, though he sounded just as surprised. “White hair and golden eyes... he looks like an angel.”
Zenith cradled baby Jacob closer to her chest, a gentle smile lighting up her exhausted face. “Our little angel... what should we name him?”
Jacob felt a wave of emotion at those words. These two—Paul and Zenith—his parents now, regarded him with such love. He’d never quite felt such warmth in his previous life. It was overwhelming and strangely comforting.
Paul stroked his chin thoughtfully. “We should name him after someone remarkable. Hm, how about...”
Before Paul could continue, Zenith shook her head, chuckling. “No, nothing old-fashioned. He’s unique. I can feel it.” She looked into the baby’s golden eyes, and Jacob stared back as intently as a newborn could, mesmerized by seeing these characters alive. Zenith’s expression softened further. “Jacob,” she said suddenly. “I want to name him Jacob.”
Jacob (the soul inside the baby) felt an electric jolt of surprise. That was his name from his past life! Did Zenith somehow hear it? Or was it sheer coincidence? The Conqueror’s System, perhaps nudging fate?
Paul blinked. “Jacob? That’s an unusual name in these parts. But...” He smiled as he rolled the sound on his tongue. “Jacob Greyrat. It does have a noble ring to it.”
Zenith beamed and looked down again. “Hello, little Jacob Greyrat. Welcome to the world,” she cooed softly.
At that moment, Jacob Ladder was grinning from ear to ear. Hello, Mom. Hello, Dad, he greeted them silently, his heart swelling with resolve. I promise I’ll make this life extraordinary.
Exhausted from the ordeal of birth and the flood of new sensations, Jacob felt himself drifting off in Zenith’s arms, the gentle murmurs of his parents lulling him. As consciousness faded, one final thought glimmered through his mind: The journey begins.