The last few questions on the list were of minor consequence, yet Jian Wei reviewed each response attentively before handing the form to the Angel named Li Mei, who stood behind him.
Li Mei accepted the form, her swift perusal confirming the accuracy of his answers. With a nod of affirmation, she gestured for him to follow.
Within minutes, their journey led them to an expansive space adorned with galaxies dotting the sky, an awe-inspiring spectacle that left Jian Wei entranced. He stood rooted, his gaze skyward, lost in the celestial grandeur.
"Quit gawking, come along. Have you never seen anything?" Li Mei's impatience snapped him from his reverie.
"My apologies," Jian Wei hastened to join her. His conception of Angels as benevolent and kind clashed with Li Mei's demeanor, her celestial grace juxtaposed with her brusque attitude.
Their destination was a quaint cottage nestled amidst the captivating vista.
"Your Eminence, Master Tianpeng, I've brought the soul as you requested," Li Mei announced as they entered.
Stepping inside, Jian Wei encountered an elderly man, his eyes locked on a computer screen. Alarmed, he hastily moved to obscure the monitor, shielding its contents from view.
In a fleeting moment, the elder froze, registering the intrusion.
Quickly, he rose, positioning his body as a shield to veil the screen from his visitors' sight.
Though the exposure was brief, Jian Wei glimpsed an image—a half-dressed anime character gracing the monitor. Yet, the elder's endeavor was in vain, as a symphony of explicit sounds emanated from the surround sound speakers scattered around the room.
Reality crashed upon the elder like a wave, dawning comprehension mingled with embarrassment.
Li Mei's demeanor underwent a stark transformation, her gaze directed at the elder now laced with disdain.
He cleared his throat delicately, averting his eyes, a feeble attempt to restore a semblance of dignity.
'Will this endeavor truly bear fruit?' Jian Wei pondered, observing the elder's composed facade crumble amidst this unexpected situation.
The elder had never anticipated an uninvited intrusion during his private indulgence.
"Boy, what is your name?" the old man, named Tian, inquired, hastily powering off his computer.
As an advocate of the Bros Before Hoes Brotherhood, Jian Wei embraced the diversions Master Tian introduced.
"My name is… Jian Wei," he replied with a knowing smile, embracing his new identity.
"Jian Wei? A fine choice," Tian assessed him with a discerning eye. "So then, Jian Wei. Did my assistant, Li Mei, brief you on everything?"
"Yes, she conveyed that I'm selected for the Heaven's Gate Project."
"Did she reveal anything beyond that?"
Jian Wei shook his head, casting a glance at the Angel whose arms were crossed in vexation.
"Merely that this project holds confidentiality," he answered, his gaze inadvertently fixating on Li Mei.
"She's right," Tian mused, his fingers idly tugging his beard. "Before proceeding further, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am the God of Gamblers, Tianpeng. For brevity's sake, call me Tian."
"I crafted the Heaven's Gate Project to transport an individual to a chosen world, evading the scrutiny of those who cling to archaic rules."
"Is this venture… unlawful?"
Tian burst into laughter. "Certainly not. A deed is only a crime when reported. You'll be unscathed… probably."
"Am I still free to withdraw?" Jian Wei inquired, laughter tinting his nerves.
Tian disregarded the query, retrieving a form from his pocket and extending it to Jian Wei.
Resembling the previous form, it appeared an extension of his character creation choices.
"Given your selection as my guinea pig, or rather, my chosen hero for this endeavor, I find it fitting to extend some perks," Tian explained, a smile as sly as a seasoned trickster. "Choose one wisely from these offerings."
Jian Wei perused the proffered form, anticipation absent from his gaze.
However, as seconds passed, a revelation illuminated his eyes. Astonishment settled in, a testament to the "perks" delineated on the document.
—-
< Special Enhancements! Choose one. >
( System Integration )
– A random System accompanies your rebirth, non-negotiable. The Eunuch System is not recommended.
( Fortuitous High-Tier Skill )
– Commence with an exclusive High-Tier Skill, bound to your soul, unique to you.
( Enhanced Exp Growth )
– Should you be reborn in an experience-based world, progress at an accelerated 20x rate.
( Charismatic Aura )
– Your Charm Stat attains its zenith; even rocks could be charmed by your gaze.
( Resilience against Ailments )
– Inoculated against Poison, Charm, Sleep, Petrify, Paralysis, and other bodily and spiritual afflictions.
( Limitless Mana Reservoir )
– Magic will never exhaust your mana reserves, regardless of incantation.
( Unceasing Vitality )
– Your stamina shall persevere regardless of the endeavor's duration, proving tireless.
( Unique Physique Attunement )
– Possess an extraordinary body constitution coveted by mortals and immortals alike.
[ Examples: Celestial Dragon's Form, Frost Phoenix Legacy, Thunder God Embodiment. ]
( Ultimate Gacha Draw )
– Customized to the world of reincarnation, this Gacha rewards you in accordance with each realm's laws.
– An SSR Item, Artifact, Weapon, Waifu, or Husbando Companion is guaranteed.
—
"Damn!" The expletive slipped from Jian Wei's lips as he perused the tantalizing options, each promising a monumental edge.
'Any choice I make will endow me with tremendous advantages in my next life,' he mused, acknowledging the gravity of his decision.
"I'll only gain an advantage regardless of my choice," he thought, the contemplation both serious and lighthearted.
"Well then, young one, have you arrived at a decision?" Tian inquired after half an hour elapsed, observing Jian Wei's meticulous consideration.
"Yes," Jian Wei nodded with resolute assurance, his evaluation of the options complete.
With his choice made, Jian Wei faced the God of Gamblers, resolved to paint across his features. "Tian, I choose…"