Chereads / Halo: Rise of Reach / Chapter 2 - A New Beginning

Chapter 2 - A New Beginning

It's so annoying how life treats us, making us feel so insignificant. Like all we can ever achieve wouldn't affect life in any way. Well, I'm speaking from experience.

As a guy who, like everyone else, had a hard time due to one of the mightiest hurdles of life but still clung on. As a rising star, fresh out of college, first class bachelor's degree, sponsorships lining up and piling, Assurance of a secure future, until life happened, Covid-19 happened. Life turned my portion, upside down.

I found a new type of joy in form of gaming and the sci-fi genre to be more specific, becoming a halo devotee in no time. I ended up an avid fanfic reader and transmigration believer, so, I prepared for such a future.

It was a time of uncertainty, a time when the world was grappling with the devastating effects of a global pandemic. In the midst of this chaos, there lived a dissatisfied hardworker named Alex. He had always prided himself on his work ethic and dedication, but the circumstances surrounding the pandemic had taken a toll on his mental and emotional well-being.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months as Alex found himself confined to the four walls of his apartment. The once bustling city streets were now eerily empty, and the constant news updates of rising case numbers only added to his growing sense of despair. His usual sources of joy and fulfillment had been stripped away, leaving him feeling adrift and purposeless.

As the pandemic wore on, Alex turned to the world of sci-fi movies and games for solace. He immersed himself in the captivating realms of futuristic adventures, finding a temporary escape from the harsh reality that surrounded him. It was during this time that he stumbled upon the universe of Halo, captivated by its epic battles and heroic narratives.

But it wasn't just the allure of Halo that drew Alex in. He had always been a curious and driven individual, constantly seeking ways to improve himself and find meaning in life. Frustrated with his current circumstances, he yearned for a life that was more fulfilling and exciting, far removed from the monotony he had grown tired of.

Driven by this dissatisfaction, Alex discovered a mysterious transmigration code, a concept that promised a chance at a new life. Intrigued, he delved into extensive research, immersing himself in psychology, reactions, manipulation, politics, business, and various forms of combat. He knew that in order to truly thrive in this new existence, he needed to be prepared for any situation that might arise.

With each passing day, his determination grew stronger. He spent hours pouring over books, articles, and online forums, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. He meticulously honed his skills, both mentally and physically, knowing that he needed to be well-rounded to navigate the challenges ahead.

But it wasn't just about acquiring knowledge and skills for the sake of it. Alex was determined to make a positive impact in this new life. With a desire to boost his karma value, he dedicated himself to volunteer service. He tirelessly worked at food banks, homeless shelters, and community centers, pouring his heart and soul into helping those in need.

However, fate had a cruel twist in store for him. Despite his best efforts, he ended up infected with the virus himself. The news hit him like a sledgehammer, and despair threatened to consume him completely. The lack of a cure at the time left him feeling hopeless and trapped in a never-ending cycle of suffering.

With each passing day, the pain and misery multiplied until it became unbearable. Alex, confronted with the reality of his own mortality, made the heart-wrenching decision to embrace euthanasia as a means to end his suffering. In his darkest hour, he prepared for the final act, hoping for a release from the torment that had consumed him.

But as his consciousness faded away, something extraordinary happened. Alex awoke, disoriented and bewildered, finding himself on the planet Reach, twelve years before the events of the Halo canon would unfold. Confusion and disbelief washed over him as he tried to comprehend the inexplicable turn of events.

This was the beginning of a new chapter in Alex's life, a chance to rewrite his own destiny. With the knowledge and skills he had acquired in his previous existence, he would embark on a journey that would test his resilience, challenge his beliefs, and push him to the very limits of his capabilities. Little did he know that the path he had chosen would lead him down a treacherous road, where the line between light and dark would blur, and the choices he would make would shape not only his own fate but the fate of the entire universe.

And so, the dissatisfied hardworker who once sought solace in the world of Halo would become a player in a game far greater than he could have ever imagined. The stage was set, and the choices he made from this point forward would determine whether he would rise as a hero or succumb to the temptations of the dark side.