Brandon stood in the vast, ethereal hall, the air humming with power. The golden throne before him radiated a gentle warmth, its occupant watching him with a curious, almost amused gaze.
"Whew, I almost thought you were going to deny my request for gravity magic," Brandon admitted, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders as relief washed over him.
God smiled, the expression transforming his features into something both gentle and formidable. [I considered it,] he said, [but it's not that serious. You could have asked for something far more dangerous—like time magic or chaos magic. So, I'm content with your choice.]
Brandon blinked in surprise. "Those were options?"
[Not at all,] God replied with a chuckle that resonated like the chime of distant bells. [They would have been rejected the moment you asked.]
Brandon let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Figures."
The hall seemed to brighten slightly, as if in response to their shared amusement. For a moment, Brandon allowed himself to relax, enjoying the brief reprieve from the weight of his impending journey.
[Now,] God continued, his tone shifting to one of business, [let's move on to your physical features. How would you like your new self to look, and what name do you want in your next life? You can keep everything the same if you wish.]
Brandon considered his options, glancing at the reflective marble floor that seemed to shimmer with hidden depths. "Make me look similar to you, but with red eyes. And I want a new name... let me think for a bit."
God raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the request. [You want my face?] he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Brandon shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Sure, why not? You're handsome enough, and I'm not here for vanity. I have a mission—to be the strongest and win this contest. Why should I care about appearances?"
God leaned back on his throne, his expression thoughtful. [A logical point. I can't argue with that. And your new name?]
"Michael Corvinus," Brandon said decisively, the name resonating with a sense of purpose.
God nodded slowly, as if savoring the name. [Michael Corvinus. A fine name indeed. You continue to impress me, child.]
A comfortable silence settled between them, the only sound the faint hum of energy that filled the hall. Brandon took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decisions he had just made.
[With those details settled,] God said, breaking the silence, [we have a bit of time left for small talk. The world you're entering is a version of Earth, similar to the one you knew, with the same continents and cultures. However, one crucial difference is that it's inhabited by a variety of races—elves, dragons, devils, and vampires, among others.]
God paused, his gaze steady as he observed Michael's reaction. He expected wide-eyed wonder, or at least a flicker of curiosity, but Michael simply nodded, his expression unreadable.
[Aren't you excited about encountering such beings?] God asked, leaning forward slightly. [Almost every other champion in the past has lost their composure at this point, overwhelmed by the possibilities.]
Michael's gaze was steady, unwavering. "I'm here to defeat every opponent I face. Those races don't exist in my mind as anything more than obstacles."
God studied Michael for a moment, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. [You have to learn to enjoy your new life, child. I know your last life was fulfilling, but that's the past. Don't let it dictate your future.]
Michael considered God's words, feeling a flicker of uncertainty. There was truth in what God said, but he couldn't afford to be distracted. He had a mission—one that required his full focus and determination.
"Would you prefer I indulge myself, my lord?" Michael asked, his tone respectful but firm.
God sighed, a sound that carried the weight of millennia. [Forget it. Let's continue.]
Michael remained silent, sensing that God had more to say.
[You will be assigned a familiar to assist you,] God continued. [All champions are given one, so don't think of it as a special privilege. Your familiar will be your guide and support, so treat them well.]
Michael nodded, absorbing the information. He wasn't expecting much, but any help would be useful. The idea of a familiar intrigued him, though he kept his expectations in check.
[Your familiar will be bound to you,] God elaborated, his tone becoming more serious. [Their life will be intertwined with yours, and they will share in your struggles and triumphs. The bond you form will be crucial to your success, so do not take it lightly.]
Michael's thoughts turned inward, wondering what kind of being this familiar would be. He had read about familiars in various books during his military downtime, but he had never imagined he would have one of his own. The thought was both exciting and daunting.
[I know I'm not giving you a lot of details,] God said, almost apologetically, [but that's your familiar's task. I'm bound by an oath to reveal as little as possible. My apologies, but this is how the competition is designed.]
God's tone was sincere, and Michael understood the constraints. Rules were rules, and he would have to figure out the rest on his own.
[I'm about ready to send you off,] God said, his voice carrying a note of finality. [When you wake up, it will be your twelfth birthday in a new body and a new life. Have fun, and show me how much better you are than your competitors. I'm looking forward to seeing how you use your gifts in this new life. Any last words?]
Michael hesitated, his mind flickering back to the life he had left behind. His wife, Kayla, and their daughter, Iris, flashed before his eyes—a memory so vivid it was almost painful. "Is godhood truly the prize for defeating everyone else?" he asked, his voice laced with a quiet intensity.
God's gaze softened, understanding the unspoken question. [Yes, it is. And since you won't ask, I'll answer the question that's been on your mind. If you ascend to godhood, you can visit your old world—your family.]
A flood of emotions surged through Michael, but he held them in check. He had long accepted his fate, but the thought of seeing his family again—of ensuring they were safe—ignited a fierce determination within him.
"Then I have nothing left for me here. I'm ready to start this," Michael said, his voice firm with resolve. He didn't care for a grand reunion or dramatic entrance; he just needed to confirm that his family was safe and well. With the answer he had hoped for, he was ready to begin.
God smiled, a gentle but knowing expression that hinted at secrets untold. [Very well, Michael. This world will challenge you in ways you cannot yet imagine, but I believe you will rise to the occasion. This journey will be one of growth, of discovery—of power.]
Michael nodded, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile as excitement began to build within him. The thrill of a new adventure, of facing the unknown and emerging victorious, filled him with a sense of purpose. "This world will be fun," he said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The air around him began to shimmer, reality itself bending and warping as God prepared to send him off. The hall faded, the golden throne dissolving into particles of light, until there was only God and the infinite expanse of the void.
[Good luck, Michael Corvinus,] God's voice echoed, even as his form blurred into the surrounding light. [I will be watching with great interest.]
And then, with a final surge of energy, Michael felt himself pulled away, the world around him spinning and twisting as he was thrust into his new reality. The last remnants of the divine hall vanished, leaving behind only the echoes of God's words and the promise of the trials to come.