I woke up in a place that didn't look like anywhere I'd ever been before. A white void stretched infinitely in every direction, and a voice—a calm, almost bored voice—cut through the silence.
"Welcome to the afterlife, Ryan. You've earned your passage. Don't get too excited; it's not all fun and games from here on out."
I blinked, trying to process what had just been said. Afterlife? I glanced around, but there was nothing to see but an endless expanse of white. This was either the weirdest dream I'd ever had, or I was really dead. Not much I could do either way.
I tried to speak, but my voice came out as a dry rasp, as though my body hadn't fully woken up yet. "What… what's going on?"
The voice was unfazed by my confusion. "First off, you've received positive karma in your life, and for that, you're granted a chance to reincarnate. You've earned a clean slate, along with a few gifts to make the transition easier. Your memories will remain intact."
Memories? The weight of the words hit me. Reincarnate? I wasn't sure if I should feel relief or dread, but before I could think too much on it, the voice continued.
"Your karma can be exchanged for gifts. They come from a preselected list. Let's see how many you can pick."
Something tugged at my chest. I looked down and saw five golden coins hovering there. A digital screen flickered into existence in front of me, and the coins shot toward it with a flash of light. In the corner of the screen, five credits appeared.
"Well, that's new…" I muttered under my breath.
The screen displayed a search bar, but as I scanned the list, I noticed strange and powerful items like Devil Fruits, Sacred Gears, Zanpakuto, and Noble Phantasms. I couldn't help but feel a pang of excitement. This was the stuff of legends.
"Go ahead and start your selection," the voice instructed, its tone practically oozing indifference. "Each item only costs one coin. But keep in mind, some things have been adjusted, or aren't available at all. Also, all items you choose will be soul-bound to you. They'll work perfectly for you, no matter the energy source."
I felt a twinge of disappointment. I had already started mentally cataloging some of the most powerful, universe-bending items I'd always dreamed of, but they weren't on the list. No Omnitrix. No Infinity Stones. No Annihilation Maker. The list wasn't quite as overpowered as I'd hoped, but I wasn't about to let that stop me.
With a sigh, I started typing in the search bar. Fountain of Youth. It popped up almost immediately. I grinned.
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[Fountain of Youth from 7 Deadly Sins]
Grants the owner Adaptive Immortality, Adaptive Eternal Youth, Instant Regeneration, Pain Dulling, Immunity to Poison, Sickness, Disease, and Toxins. The owner no longer requires food, water, oxygen, or sleep. The owner's blood accelerates plant growth, heals others, restores youth, and extends lifespans. A copy of the fountain can be summoned from the owner's body to drink from and has a delicious, non-alcoholic fruit flavor. Soulbound.
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I stared at the description for a long moment, letting the words sink in. Immortality. A healing factor that could bring me back from anything. I wasn't sure what world I was going to, but I sure as hell didn't want to show up unprepared.
"Done," I muttered, clicking on Purchase. The Fountain of Youth appeared in front of me, the golden goblet materializing and flowing with pink liquid. The moment I made the selection, a strange warmth washed over me, and knowledge flooded my mind on how to summon it whenever I needed.
The credits dropped to 4.
I didn't hesitate. I had my next pick ready.
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[Gate of Babylon (Empty) from Fate]
Grants an infinite storage space connected to the owner that can be accessed via portals. Items stored inside do not rot or decay, and liquids replenish indefinitely. Items can be fired from the gate through portals at high speed as a form of attacknand will automatically be retrievd and repaired. Portals can also be used defensively to block and absorb attacks. The owner can adjust the color of the portals. Soulbound.
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I smirked. This would be a lifesaver. Even without the treasures of Gilgamesh, having infinite storage and the ability to store resources or weapons for any occasion was invaluable. I clicked Purchase without a second thought. The golden key materialized in my hand, and once again, a flood of knowledge about its use rushed through me.
4 credits became 3.
I paused for a second, feeling the weight of the choices I was making. I'd planned for this. I had thought about what I'd want if I ever got a second chance at life. My rule was simple: Three I's. Immortality. Inventory. Internal World.
The next item was a little more abstract, but it would fit perfectly into my plans.
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[Violet Jade Immortal Realm (Empty) from Ancient Strengthening Technique]
An amulet containing an internal world rich in Qi and Life Force. Features adjustable time dilation up to 1000x, anti-aging effects, a life spring pond that satiates hunger and improves cultivation. Can absorb treasures of heaven and earth, growing with the owner. Soulbound.
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This was perfect. A hidden sanctuary, one that could grow with me. Time dilation up to a thousand times? That alone was worth it. If things got tough, I could escape there and wait things out. It was the perfect hidden base, and if I was in a world full of cultivation or danger, it could save my life.
I clicked Purchase. The amulet appeared around my neck, and once again, information filled my mind.
With that, I felt a surge of confidence. My survival chances had increased exponentially, but I wasn't done yet. I still had two credits left.
I took a deep breath and thought about my next move. There was one weakness I couldn't ignore—my soul. It was a fragile point, and I wanted something to guard it.
"Do you have anything to protect and strengthen the soul?" I asked, feeling a shiver run down my spine.
The screen flickered, and a new item appeared.
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[Ancient Stone Talisman from Martial Universe.]
A talisman that passively nurtures and protects the soul. If the body is destroyed, it can house the soul. It increases the owner's talent and nourishes stored artifacts. It absorbs rich Qi to produce body-strengthening medicines and condenses Qi into forms for cultivation. The talisman also features a Dream Space for training, where shadows aid technique development and doppelgangers offer combat experience. A Jade Soul Platform inside the Dream Space strengthens and heals the soul. Soulbound.
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This was a rare find. It wasn't just protection; it actively helped with soul cultivation. And the Dream Space? That would be invaluable for training, honing my body and soul without any risk. The passive effects alone would give me an edge in almost any world.
I clicked Purchase without hesitation. The talisman appeared, glowing faintly as it bonded to me. A cool sensation washed over me, and I felt my soul grow stronger.
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Now I had only one credit left. I couldn't waste it. I searched through the list and found something that might be exactly what I needed.
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[100% Heavenly Restriction from Jujutsu Kaisen]
Grants a special body restriction: In exchange for not being able to use cursed energy, the owner gains a Superhuman physique, including strength (50+ tons), speed (mach 5+), durability (steel body), and endurance far beyond normal humans. The owner also gains perfect memory, superhuman senses, and a healing factor. Restriction only applies to cursed energy from the Jujutsu Kaisen world. Soulbound.
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I paused, reflecting on what this meant. The restriction seemed like a trade-off at first—no cursed energy—but the power it granted was incredible. Also the chances of me going to the JJK world were slim. Superhuman strength, speed, and durability? It was everything I needed for a solid foundation in any world I could end up in.
I clicked Purchase.
The black and gold markings of the restriction spread across my body, and I could feel my body transforming. Strength, speed, endurance—it was all being enhanced. My mind sharpened, and my senses heightened. I felt unstoppable.
As the final change settled within me, the voice spoke once more, softer this time.
"Your selection is complete. Prepare yourself. The world you are about to enter awaits. But before that. There is one more thing."
I stood, feeling the rush of new power surging through me. A mix of excitement and anxiety twisted in my chest. What kind of world awaited me? Whatever it was, I was ready.