"It's still beautiful, no matter how many times I've seen it."

I voiced out my thoughts as I, Rylan Ainsworth, stared at the sun setting beyond the horizon of Zephyria. Despite my elderly physique and stature, I manage to remain standing with the aid of my wooden cane. The place where I'm at is a precipice of a grand cliff located near my residential home. 

I like this place. Overlooking the sprawling, enchanting forest below is a sight to behold.

While Zephyria is several hundreds of light years away from the Federation's core systems, the planet itself especially the town of Ellsworth was a haven of simple, rustic charm, its cobblestone streets winding through quaint cottages adorned with ivy and climbing roses. Yet, despite its rusticity, the town held secrets that transcended the boundaries of time and space.

As to why an old man like me is in this dangerous-like place like this, you can call it my pilgrimage. It was here, in the presence of nature's grandeur, that I sought solace and connection to the cosmic mysteries that once fueled my spirit. I do this each year in accordance with the anniversary of my retirement from the Stellarian Federation Space Force.

Hohoho, you heard that right. This old man was a fleet admiral back then. Traversing the cosmos in search of life, knowledge, understanding, and resources for humanity's survival and progress!

But now I'm just a gramps living peacefully in the town of Ellsworth whose bones keep creaking and cracking whenever I move.

"Hahaha.... Ouch, my back!"

My lower back ached the moment I started laughing.

As I tap my aching back with my balled fist, I can't help but reminisce about my life here during my retirement. The townfolk regarded me with an almost reverent awe. They saw me not just as an elderly man but as a living legend, a hero from a bygone era.

Though my once-powerful frame had aged gracefully, my silver hair and weathered face carried the weight of countless years... or as they say. I could see in their eyes the respect and admiration for this aging warrior ran deep, and the tales of my valorous exploits had become the stuff of local legend.

Whenever I thought about it, I could only let out a sigh.

Despite the numerous deeds I did that were labeled as "good" or "great", there were some unspeakable things that I've done in the name of duty and the Federation. During those times, I thought that the decisions I made were for the sake of the citizens that I swore to protect and serve, for the greater good of mankind.

Oh boy, I was wrong. No matter how much I wanted, I could not change the past nor undid what I'd done. I could only live through and with it.

Anyways, the people of planet Zephyria, even the folks here in Ellsworth seem to not pay attention to my shortcomings back then.

"You did what you think was right, old man."

"It was to save the Federation and its citizens, so it was somewhat acceptable."

Hearing those words from servicemen and residents alike made this long-lasting guilt of mine feel lighter. It is still there but it felt like a heavy boulder was lifted from my heart. 

Aside from the onset of a heart attack, of course.

"Hahahaha! Ugh, my back..."

This old relic of a body of mine... Why didn't I go for life extension healthcare when I had the chance back then? Ah, that's correct. I made this choice, a lifelong cross that I choose to carry to atone for my sins.

I may not be super religious or devout but I do acknowledge the need for faith in times where science and technological advancements progress rapidly.

As I stood alone at the precipice, the radiant rays of sunlight above seemed to mirror the chaotic beauty of my distant past.

In those recollections, stars collided in a breathtaking celestial ballet, starships sailed through the boundless tapestry of space, and my name was known and revered throughout the Federation and the galaxy. I had commanded fleets, charted uncharted regions, and forged alliances with alien races, all in the pursuit of safeguarding peace among the stars. My exploits were legendary, my tactics unmatched, and my leadership unwavering.

As I gazed out over the vast expanse of the mystical world below, a deep and poignant yearning tugged at my heart. It was a yearning for the adventures I once knew, the camaraderie of my fellow officers, and the thrilling uncertainty of exploring the uncharted. This old man couldn't deny the emptiness that had settled within me, like a dormant star awaiting the spark of its next supernova.

"I'm just an old recluse nowadays."

I softly laughed at that thought. 

To the kids here in Ellsworth, I was simply known as "Old Rylan," the kindly recluse who dwelled at the edge of the town, tending to a modest cottage enveloped by a blooming garden that bore testament to my green thumb.

I don't have any kids of my own, let alone grandkids. Back then I was so absorbed and determined in my career that one could say I married it and made it my wife. It was also one of my regrets but I acknowledge that I made a choice on my own volition.

While there are some officers and cadets I treat as my own children under my wing, I always wonder what it feels like to have a kid of your own. One thing is for sure though, I will be a strict parent like how I was a strict superior to my subordinates haha!

*Cough* *Cough*

Darn it, I choked on my saliva as I started laughing again. I tried to relax my throat through coughing but it felt weird. My chest began to tighten and I found it hard to breathe, as if my airways were getting squeezed out. I immediately reached for my medicine in my pocket but I couldn't find it.

Crap, I forgot to carry it with me today. I tried to calm myself, even if the pain in my chest started to be unbearable now, as I grabbed my transponder in my pocket. In my mind, if I could make an S.O.S call from my device surely the authorities would surely come to my aid...

*Thud*

But I immediately fell down on the ground as my limbs shook and weakened, unable to exert strength and bear my weight. Due to my falling down, the transponder fell from my hand's grasp and bounced several inches on the ground beyond my reach.

"Ugh...!?"

I groaned in pain as the pressure on my chest became unbearable, making me unable to take in air. I instinctively put both hands on my thorax and sternum as my vision started to blur.

"I guess this is it, huh..."

Those were my last thoughts as I accepted wholeheartedly my fate. That I, Rylan Ainsworth, the once mighty fleet admiral of the Stellar Federation Space Force, died from cardiac arrest. Now that I think of it, this ending wasn't so bad after all.

At that instant, everything went black.

.......

....

....

....

Hmm... Is this how dying is supposed to be?

If I am correct, then I should be dead an hour ago. But why is it that my consciousness is still active? And what is this dark place?

Is this what those religious people call purgatory or limbo?

*Shing*

A sudden flash of light accompanied by a notification-like sound made its presence known...

「 Your life has ended. 」

This holographic-like message made itself known and my brain automatically read its content. Ended huh? So I guess I really died...

It's weird. I feel at peace when I read that sentence. Does being dead make your emotions dull or what?

「 Your previous saved files have been successfully carried over after careful analysis. 」

Huh? What do you mean by "previous saved files?" Am I getting pranked or something?

「 New Life + is now commencing. You'll be now transported in 3, 2, 1... 」

Before I could speak of my mind, I was engulfed in a dazzling brilliance.