Jack awoke in darkness. Darkness above him, below him, and all around him. A sea of endless black in every direction. It took him a moment to realize he wasn’t standing on solid ground but floating in this void.

The sensation was odd, like floating in a pool of water—but without the water. Jack glanced at himself. He was still wearing his jeans and hoodie, the same outfit he had on when… what? His brow furrowed as he tried to remember how he ended up here. He recalled leaving his crappy apartment, crossing the street to his favorite local coffee shop for breakfast, and then… nothing.

“It was a truck,” a voice said from behind him.

Jack jerked, his arms and legs flailing in the void. The sudden movement was jarring without ground beneath him.

“Aaah, my apologies,” the voice said again. Suddenly, the darkness was gone, replaced by a stark white. Jack found himself sitting on a white chair in a white room with white walls, ceiling, and floor. He didn’t remember sitting down—he just was.

In front of him stood a man dressed in a crisp white suit. His features were sharp, almost ethereal, and his silver eyes glowed with an unsettling depth, like they could pierce through reality.

"Welcome, Jack," the man said, his voice smooth. "You've passed through the veil between worlds."

Jack blinked, struggling to grasp the abrupt change in scenery. "Hold on a minute. You mean I’m… dead?"

The man gave a solemn nod. "In a sense. Your life in the mortal realm has ended, but there are other realms beyond. You have been chosen to embark on a journey in a world vastly different from your own. A realm filled with magic, creatures, and challenges beyond imagination."

Jack rubbed his temples, disbelief warring with curiosity. "So... is this some kind of afterlife or reincarnation?"

The man chuckled. "Not quite. Think of it as a new beginning. You have the opportunity to explore a world governed by magic, where your choices will shape your fate. You can become a part of something greater, Jack."

Jack raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "Wait, are you offering to isekai me?"

The man laughed, a genuine, amused sound. "I suppose you would call it that. Very well, yes. I am indeed offering to 'isekai' you."

Jack leaned back in the chair, still trying to make sense of the situation. "Alright, but what’s the catch? Why me? And how do people know about this isekai stuff?"

The man in white paced slowly, his movements graceful. "Ah, the questions of the uninitiated. The multiverse is vast, and certain individuals possess unique qualities that make them ideal for traversing between worlds. As for the isekai phenomenon, well, it’s a narrative that resonates across many realms. Stories have a way of connecting, even across worlds."

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Jack frowned. "And what if I refuse? Can I just… stay dead?"

The man’s silver eyes twinkled. "The choice is yours, Jack. You can embrace the unknown and explore new realms, or you can choose the tranquility of eternal rest."

Jack snorted. "So I can choose to live again after dying... isn't that more of an afterdeath?"

The man shrugged, smiling slightly. "Call it what you will."

Jack studied him closely. There had to be a catch, something he wasn’t seeing. Finally, he blurted out, "Who are you? And why me? What do you get out of this? You’re clearly way more powerful than I am, so what’s your angle?"

The man raised a finger, as if chiding a curious child. "You do ask a lot of questions, don’t you? Understandable. In answer to your first question, I am Skalavestrix. I have reached a certain level of power, and with that power comes restrictions. I cannot interfere directly in certain events I have an interest in. That is where you come in. You were chosen because of certain… qualities you possess. As for what I gain…"

His smile widened, revealing long, razor-sharp teeth. Predatory teeth. Jack recoiled instinctively.

"All I require from you is a single favor," Skalavestrix continued, his tone smooth again. "In exchange, I will facilitate your rebirth, induct you into the System, and provide you with certain advantages. But when I call on you, be it in a year, a decade, or a millennium, you must answer. That is the bargain I offer."

Jack mulled it over. "When you say ‘System,’ do you mean like levels and stats?"

Skalavestrix—Jack mentally nicknamed him Skala—nodded. "Precisely. You grasp the concept well."

Jack’s suspicion lingered. "And when you say ‘favor,’ you don’t mean I’ll have to, like, kill someone or serve you forever, right?"

Skala sighed, clearly annoyed. "The favor will not go against your moral code, nor will it be beyond your capabilities. I am not trying to trick you, Jack. The System will enforce our bargain. Neither of us can break it without severe consequences. So… do we have a deal?"

He extended his hand. Jack hesitated, noting the contrast between Skala's neat, black fingernails and his terrifying teeth. After a few moments, he took a deep breath and shook the offered hand.

"Yes. It’s a deal."

Immediately, words flashed before Jack’s eyes, like a heads-up display in a video game.

[CONGRATULATIONS! You have been inducted into the System]

[You have entered into a binding Contract with Skalavestrix. Should either party attempt to renege on the agreement, severe penalties will ensue.]

Jack blinked in surprise, instinctively reaching out to touch the floating words. His hand passed through them.

Skala chuckled. "You'll have to get used to that. System messages will appear in response to significant actions, like this contract or defeating an enemy. They will also inform you of skills, titles, and abilities. To dismiss them, simply think the word 'Dismiss.'"

Jack, slightly annoyed at the condescending tone, glared at Skala. Still, he tried it. Dismiss, he thought.

The floating text vanished. "Can I call them back?" Jack asked, trying not to feel too embarrassed for not thinking of that sooner.

Skala smirked, clearly reading his thoughts. "Just think 'Log' to review recent messages. For your status, think 'Status.' Focus on specific elements to get more information. Other details will require the Identify skill."

Jack nodded, starting to get the hang of it. "So, what can you tell me about the place you’re sending me?"

Skala’s silver eyes glinted. "The Realm. A vast world, much larger than your Earth. There, you will find every creature your stories have spoken of, and many more besides."

Jack blinked, his mind racing. "Like elves and dragons?"

Skala laughed. "Yes, but the Realm holds far more than that."

Jack pondered for a moment. If he was going to survive in a world of monsters, he needed every advantage he could get.

"You mentioned extra advantages?" Jack asked.

Skala snapped his fingers, and a new display appeared before Jack. "Indeed. Your first choice… is your race."