The announcer's voice boomed through the clearing, echoing off the ancient trees, "Congratulations on your victory!" There was a momentary pause in his speech, a brief silence that seemed to hang in the air, heavy with anticipation. Then he continued, "Okay, Drifter, the civilized universe is watching a highlight reel of your victory.”

Sometimes I forgot this whole thing is televised or whatever for a universe full of strangers to watch. How can they find this entertaining? I have killed how many people so far? Who would watch this? From the sounds of it there must be a lot. What is the point of all this anyway? Is it just money? Power? It can’t be just that. All those questions and more were racing through my thoughts as the voice continued.

“It lasts five minutes.” The announcer continued. “Normally the system grants an ability of some sort to the winner, but this time it did something different. You are the first wildcard or drifter to win. Normally they die nearly right away. It looks like the system looks favorable on its chosen drifter as it has done something unique and powerful for you. For you, the system has choices. We had no idea what would happen, but luckily we had the highlight reel planned. You will have 10 minutes to decide which option you want while the audience watches the highlight reel. Then when it is over, we will cut to you, and you will make your choice, live."

My mind reeled at his words. Choices? Seriously? After what I’ve just been through, how could I be expected to decide something in my current state? My brain felt like mush.

"I will briefly explain your options," the announcer continued, his voice gaining urgency. "First is a token of revival. You can raise a fallen foe or ally. Even Aspirant."

My heart skipped a beat at his words. Reviving Aspirant? The possibility sent a rush of conflicting emotions through me. But another thought pierced my mind, "What about my girlfriend or the baby?" I blurted out without hesitation.

"No," the announcer replied curtly and moved on without giving me a chance to question. "Your second option is a legendary weapon. Third is memories of a slain adversary." His pace quickened. "Fourth is a world creation token, more of a pocket world really. Finally, your last option is a class evolution. Now, your clock is ticking, choose or die."

Before I could process his words fully, a virtual display appeared before my eyes, the word 'CONGRATULATIONS' in bold letters. Below it, an invisible tablet materialized with the words 'Pick your reward'. I could scroll through the options, each a path to a different future.

The first option, 'Token of Revival,' seemed to throb with potential. Reviving Aspirant, a friend, a comrade in arms, felt like the right thing to do. But what about the others who had fallen? And my girlfriend or the baby? When I asked the announcer about them he basically confirmed that there was nothing I could do for them. At this thought I could feel despair set in. What was all this for if I could not save those that I love?

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

I tried to distract myself by considering my options. The next one was the 'Upgradeable Legendary Weapon.' Sentience not guaranteed, what did that even mean? A sentient weapon? A weapon that has a mind of its own. How would that even work? I admit that one did sound cool. But maybe underwhelming when considering the other choices

The third choice, 'Memories of Slain Adversaries,' seemed straightforward but actually was a little confusing the more I thought about it. What knowledge and power could I gain from the memories of those I had defeated? Could that knowledge bridge the gap in my understanding of the system and this new world I was involved in? What if it didn’t though, it would be useless then.

'World Creation Token' was the fourth option. A pocket world, my own realm to shape and control. The possibilities were endless, but so were the responsibilities and unknowns. This was very interesting. What would a pocket world even mean? What would I gain? Would I take it around with me all the time? Could others visit? The thought of having a safe place to go whenever I needed it was seriously tempting. Would it work that way though? I needed more information. How could I be expected to just pick one with so little information?

Finally, I swiped to the last option, 'Class Evolution'. An evolution of my current abilities, possibly a leap into a new realm of power. What new strengths would it unlock? How much power would it bring? What if it gave me an evolution that didn’t work with skillset? I guess that would be pretty dumb for the system to give me an evolution that I was unable to use. Considering that, I expected the evolution to be pretty useful.

I agonized over each choice, the pros and cons swirling in my mind. The token of revival could bring back Aspirant, a noble soul that was almost a friend whose death weighed heavily on me. Yet, the legendary weapon promised a power that could be crucial in future battles. The memories of my adversaries held the allure of hidden knowledge, perhaps even aiding me in figuring out the system. A world of my own creation offered a sanctuary, maybe a place of peace and power. And evolving my class could transform me, elevate my abilities to heights unknown.

Emotions churned within me – the grief of loss, the burden of choice, the uncertainty of consequences. The weight of this decision was immense, not just for me, but for those it would affect. I cursed the system for giving me so little to go on.

My mind raced, time slipping away like grains of sand through my fingers. The announcer's final words echoed in my head, a grim reminder of the stakes at play: Choose or die.

I hovered over each option, the weight of the decision bearing down on me. What path should I take? What future should I choose?

Just then the announcers voice cut in. “Alright! I had forgotten how wonderful this season has been! Now Drifter… what is your choice!?”