"DAMN IT! What the hell are you doing, Watsin?! Get back to work! Do you think I pay you for nothing? You filthy slacker!"

"I-I haven't… slept for a while, sir-"

"Watsin… shut the hell up and get that frame done before 2 pm, or I am firing you!"

Fire me...? Damn it. Damn this. Damn him! I couldn't afford to lose my job, but I was so tired. If I got fired, I wouldn't be able to afford to pay back my debt to that gang, and if I didn't pay them, I knew they would try to hurt Pup.

"Yes, sir. I will get it done," I said.

"You better!" he shouted as he walked away, leaving me behind in an office cluttered with papers with drawings on them.

That was my boss. The number of times I had fantasized about killing that man was probably unhealthy. Though It wasn't every day I thought about- Wait, it was. Since I worked here all seven days and even slept under the desk, I wanted to kill him for forcing me to work such long hours. 

The last time I showered was maybe… four, or was it five days ago? I couldn't recall.

I was an animator, and unfortunately, I was one of those that got treated like absolute shit.

Damn it. What did I do to get treated like this? What bad have I ever done? I have tried my best to be friendly to shit stains that are better off committing suicide; poisoning would be best for them. A slow, painful death would fit them well. Yeah… that would be beautiful.

I paid my ungrateful parents' bills. The so-called parents should be dead already. Mater fact, the reason I ended up where I am isn't because of a dumb decision I made! It was my parent's fault, the principal fault, and those so-called friends' fault. It was everyone's fault!

The only one I could count on was Pup… I hoped she was okay. I mean, she was a natural hunter; of course, that little red cat was okay.

You know, I always wanted to own a pet lizard and a gold fish too. They were so damn cute. Maybe I should say, I wished I still owned them. Due to my long and unhealthy working conditions, I couldn't go home most of the time to feed them; so the past ones died.

I should maybe rest a bit. My raging heart was making me sleepy. I was sure a little nap wouldn't hurt anyone.

I opened my phone and stared at a picture of a gorgeous cat of mine.

"Hey Pup, be a good little cat, okay? I will make sure to buy treats for you even if I have to go without dinner for a week. You are my best friend. Yeah, you are… yeah, you are."

Like that, I was submerged in sleep.

***

"Come forth, mortal soul, dying before your time. Another chance for you awaits, in a world just for you and only for you~"

Odd, I felt light. It felt like my soul was ripped off my body and I was calmly and smoothly dragged into a gentle land.

All around me was pristine white. The ground consisted of solely massive white tiles. Above me was a white sky, no sun in sight.

Huh…? What's all this? Am I in heaven? Doubt- Wait, honestly, after all the shit I pulled up with people, of course, god would award me with that, wouldn't he?

"Hello, human."

What?

Ahead of me was a beautiful woman. She had long snow-white hair that rested on her hips. A pale white face clear of any blemishes. And her eyes… they were like marbles, clear and beautiful. Even more, her presence itself was like that of a divine being… like that of a goddess.

Wait, did I really die in my sleep? I was just joking about the heaven thing.

"... Haa-ha… this has to be some joke. It must be, Right?!"

The woman stared at me as if she was waiting for me to calm down.

There is no way I can be dead! I refuse!

My fist...

Coming to a quick conclusion, I prepared my fist and rammed it into my stomach!

Thud!

Shit!

An Incredibly sharp pain spread slowly in my abdomen, forcing me to gasp. Collapsing on my knees, I began to cough in pain. "Cough! cough! ouch..."

I haven't awoken yet?

Again, I punched myself. And again!

Thud!

And again!

Thud!

And again!

Thud!

Over and over and over! and over and over! 

I CAN'T BE DEAD! I REFUSE IT! NO WAY IN HELL!

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

"Fu… I broke something..." I fell on my side.

It hurt like hell now. My ribs, my stomach, my lungs… all of it was in pain. I was maybe bleeding internally too.

… It seemed I was really dead. Yeah… yeah, Of course.

Like there was an itch in my throat begging to be scratched, I opened my mouth slightly. Unsurprisingly, Nothing but chaotic laughter came forth. "HAHA… HAHAHHAHHAHAHHA! SO WHAT?! I AM DEAD NOW? GREAT! BLOODYFANTASTIC!"

This wasn't supposed to happen! I was supposed to get rich and famous and look down on all those that laughed at me! Those that spat at me! And mocked me! Damn it!

In fury, I slammed my fist against the floor, or whatever this was!

If I am dead, who is going to take care of Pup? This isn't fair… this isn't right! Why me?!

… It wasn't supposed to happen, but it did.

My mouth settled and my vision fell upon my hands. I knew it this entire time, didn't I?

A chill resolved in my heart along with an understanding so clearly that it was funny how I never realized it till now.

It was obvious why it was me. It was because I always got the end of the stick. I was never meant to exist. I was just an extra in this world. I was just... a nobody.

Funny, thinking of that is weirdly calming yet very... damning.

"You are something else," the lady said.

Staring at her I responded, "Yeah, I am. Anyway, I am not going to heaven, am I? I guess it's hell for me."

"As you know, I am a god."

"Yeah, I know."

Did she ignore me? What is she, some damn NPC?

"Tell me this world where everyone hated you, rejected you, and looked down on you, does it make sense that it happened to someone like you? Someone who deserves everything the world has to offer?"

"What are you getting at?"

"Does it make sense?" She leaned in closer.

"...What if it does?"

She gave a devilish smile. "And what if it doesn't?" 

Her eyes stared deep into my soul. It almost felt like a breeze washed her hair over to highlight her beauty.

What if it doesn't, huh...What if I don't deserve all this suffering? Oh yeah?

"Then why the hell did I suffer so much, huh?! Why was I born with a father that abused me?! A damn mother that was only good for covering up for a disgusting husband and taking drugs?! A damn principal that made me fail every class because someone that looked like me killed his wife?! How about friends, huh! Friends that stole money from me! Lied on me! Hid their drugs at my apartment without me knowing?! And! and! And… what about my love life? Since high school, I have asked over 230 women; not a single one reciprocated my feelings. They all said, "ew". I guess I also inherited my father's looks. I am one ugly-looking bastard. I don't want to live… I am happy that I am dead. After all, I never had the guts to kill myself! I used to wonder how painful it would be constantly. Not that it matters now." 

Nothing mattered now…

I went overboard. Though, getting that off my chest felt nice; It felt great.

But, it reminded me of all the pain I have endured until now. 

I didn't like it. I hated it. I had suffered so much… I have endured so much.

My arms began to tremble. The pain I felt, who else could relate to it?

Tears fell from my eyes, even as I tried to wipe them, they just wouldn't stop.

A warm feeling embraced my face. The soft goddess hands caressed my cheeks. "You have suffered a lot. I am sorry, it was my fault. If only I was better, I would have sent you to paradise." She wiped my tears.

My heartbeat became calmer as my eyes were locked into hers. "Paradise? What do you mean?"

"My poor little boy, it's a world that I created for you. It was designed to be an apology for all the suffering I allowed. Please forgive me."

A paradise for me? As an apology? "Why are you so nice to me?"

"I am not being nice; I am giving you what you rightfully deserve."

As if her words were a charm, I repeated it, "What I rightfully deserve?"

Her smile grew deeper. "Yes, what you deserve."

I knew she was trying to manipulate me, but I liked what she was saying. It resonated with me.

And I thought about it. What I deserved...

 I had been dealt a lousy hand for so long. What could I possibly deserve except ruin and suffering?

As I thought this, something deep in me rejected that notion.

NO! NO! NO! NO! 

I deserved it because of all the shit I had dealt with! Didn't I?!

A world for me?

I deserved it.

A paradise for me?

I deserved it.

With that, it must come 'love', money, and power.

Rising from my knees, my expression hardened." Thank you. You are right, I deserve it."

Her face blushed as if she was intoxicated. Even her teeth showed a bit.

I wonder if she didn't know how obvious she was? But it didn't matter. As long as I could get my second chance of life, she could think of me as a puppet. For now.

Then her mood changed. "Ah, I have forgotten. In that world, there are so-called "chosen ones" who are fakes, devils in disguise. I built a world for only one chosen one, it's true savior, you."

"I will kill them." I don't know this feeling in me. It felt like… I could do anything now.

"Yes, please do. When they are chosen, make sure to get rid of them. I to would love to deal with them myself, however-"

As the wave of confidence grew in me, I responded, "The world belongs to me, and as a result, I should make sure such a gift is well received."

She clasped her hands delightedly. "Thank you! Also, there are some missions I will give you; the dark ruins are our allies, do not negatively interfere with them. Destroy any martial arts school that uses Gi, The five qi pillars, Any information about me, the 'puppet masters', and any guide/assistant for chosen ones. Also, do not tell anyone about me or that you are from another world." Her expression was serious. 

Her next words shook me. "Because if you do, I will kill you."

The pure ominousness of her voice caused me to back up. It was like a demon licking the skin on my back.

I didn't get it. Why would it matter? No, that didn't matter in that moment. This woman was giving me another chance to live. So I needed to know one thing.

"Yes… also, what should I call you?" I asked.

She looked at me and then place her hand on her chin. "The second game master? An order being? Whatever you choose doesn't matter to me. I have no intention of telling you my name, not till you have earned it."

Not till I have earned it, huh? A bit entitled, don't you think? But then again, if she is a god, I guess she has the right to be.

She then spread her arms wide, and spheres as beautiful as pearls began to rotate around her, moving toward me.

It was like buff bubbles from games.

"In other to aid you in saving the world from the villains that parade around as chosen ones, choose your divine gift. May it be the power to charm others or create barriers. Choose."

My cheat power… it's precisely like an isekai cliche.

She then snapped her finger as if she remembered something. She walked over towards me and touched my head."In that world, there are special relics I created for you. They have become rebellious. I trust that you will recapture them."

I bowed before her and said, "Yes, my goddess."

I had to play the act well.

Her chin raised, and her smile grew even deeper; it was almost as if… she was looking at a toy. I wonder what her reaction would be when I choose to rebel against you in the future.

Anyway, I rose, and around me, spheres with icons in them spun around me. Opportunities surrounded me.

That was something I never had back at home. I never had a choice in my life. I had to take any job to survive.

Now, I could choose. Maybe to someone else, I was foolish for getting so excited just for having a choice in my life, but I didn't care.

Also, would anyone be brave enough to call me a fool? Let's see who will be the fool in this new world.

Quickly scanning through the power bubbles, one caught my attention.

I rushed to pop it, but… should I take it? I had to choose wisely. The power to ignite whatever I touched. nah, necromancy? Not bad but gross. This one allowed me to learn a language immediately, lame.

"Hey miss, this world… it has magic in it?"

"No. There is life force energy manipulation like ki and qi."

Huh…? was it a type of cultivation world? Well, it didn't matter to me. A world awaits me, my world.

I rushed and popped the one to my right. Green energy sprung from it and wrapped around my head, flowing into it. It felt like cold water rushed up to my nostrils!

Damn! Taken back, I began coughing as I felt my brain in pain. "Cough cough!"

"Life force mastery, not a bad choice."

Seriously? No concern about me being in pain? No matter. The pain stopped.

"Thank you, with that; I will save my world from the fake chosen ones."

"Thank you."

I began to descend, and around me started to become dark.

"Please do save the world from the fakes, my true savior."

"Of course," You damn manipulative shit. As if I would actually I would do whatever the hell you want.

A bright light was at the end of the tunnel.

"er kommt heraus!"

I heard a voice. It sounded like an eager young man. Who is it?

"Uwaaa~!" My mouth cried out on its own.

Huh, what is this? Is it what I think it is?

"Ich denke, er ist ein kleiner Junge," an elderly voice spoke out. I am assuming I have been given birth to. Gross.

Also… What the hell am I hearing? I can't understand or see anything!

"Gehen Sie vor, nennen Sie ihn," a young lady said. I am guessing that's my mother…

An image of my original mother came to my head, and a deep disgust sprung up from my soul.

"Uh, sein Name wird... Resian Xue Malchio!" and that one was definitely a man.

I thought about his last sentence. Resian Xue Malchio was chosen as my name, I just know that.

I liked it. I now had a new body and a new name.

It was a redo, a restart. I rejected the old me and embraced the new me.

No. Rather, I approved of this change. After all, I was the one and true destined savior and ruler of this world; Resian Xue Malchio.