Moment Before the Cycle of Rebirth
***
I float in a wide expanse of nothingness.
Was it dark? I doubt it. It was just... nothing.
A place where neither light nor darkness existed. I just floated in a space where even gravity and physics were absent as well.
In that moment, I was certain that I was dead.
But what really bugged me was: where the hell am I? There's literally nothing here. Is this heaven or hell? If it's heaven, at least I'm supposed to see a bright light as bright as the sun, grand buildings, and choirs of angels with their constant praise to the Most High.
Don't get the wrong idea—I'm not religious, but that's what I was always told.
If I were in hell, there should be devils, demons, scorching flames burning my teeth, worms and insects eating my flesh. I should be in constant pain.
Yet, I felt nothing. No sensation, no change of emotion. I felt empty and plain.
As I continued floating, a bright light appeared in front of me. Naturally, it should have blinded my eyes, but then I realized—I had no eyes. I was just a floating ball of soul or something.
The light shone brightly, but it was unable to dispel the darkness of this space. I was sure this wasn't a normal place.
"What brings you here, human?"
A thunderous voice reverberated in my ears. I was utterly speechless, unable to say a word.
"Are you going to remain quiet?"
"I died."
What the hell? My voice—it sounded like a child's! Where is my deep voice? Hey, big light guy, give me back my voice! Obviously, I didn't dare to say that out loud.
"You died? Then what are you doing here?"
"Uh?"
"Why come to my house? Surely, you're not here to steal from my treasures."
Hold up, big... ball of light or whatever. First of all, I don't even know where the hell I am. Secondly, how can you call this darkness your house? And thirdly...
"Who the hell are you?!"
Yup, that slipped out. Well, something akin to my mouth, since I had none.
That said, if this guy is who I think he is, then I'm definitely done for. Yeah, I've accepted my fate. Hell, I'm sure it won't be as bad as people say it is.
"Human..."
Here it comes.
"... you are..."
Yup, let me guess: 'You are sentenced to an eternity in hell.'
"... the best."
Huh?
"Come here, small human! Gaahbababa!"
Not only was that laugh strange, but everything happening now was utterly weird.
I was pulled toward the 'big light guy,' and immediately a sense of warmth and comfort hit me.
"Awesome."
My thoughts escaped again. I wondered if this warmth came from the burning light.
"You are the first human to ever speak to me so casually. Others are just way too respectful. It's kind of boring, you know."
"Uh… you don't say."
"Really! They just keep calling me all these weird names. It's kind of creepy, but I had to keep up appearances. Otherwise, I'd lose face."
"Wow, that's... nice. But if I may ask, what's your real name?"
"Hmm... that's a tricky question."
"A tricky question? You don't know your own name?" I was about to laugh but held it in. Better keep this atmosphere normal.
"It's not that I don't know my name; I've just forgotten it. Over centuries and millennia, I've been called so many different names that I forgot my real one."
"That's sad." Haha, but it's kind of funny though. Who forgets their own name? I've seen that in movies and anime, but really—how? Haha, he's really dumb for a light. So glad he can't hear my thoughts.
"Human, you do realize I can hear your thoughts, right?"
Huh?
"..."
"..."
"Your thoughts are what brought me here in the first place."
"Oh, I see... I'm sorry," I apologized, sounding like a child.
"Don't worry about it."
"Huh? Aren't you going to rage or something? Like get really angry and send me out of here?"
"Why would I do that? It's not your fault. After all, humans aren't in full control of their thoughts."
"What do you mean?" I was genuinely confused.
"As you heard me. Humans aren't in full control of their minds. As a human, you can only control your consciousness. Everything else is beyond your grasp. For instance, when you sleep, you're unconscious, and in that state, you have no control over your body or mind. In that unconsciousness, you might dream or not—it's not something you decide. Even if you dream, you don't choose what it's about. It could be the day you lost your virginity to Jane in your apartment, or the time you had intercourse at school. It just happens."
"You don't have to..."
"Hmm?"
"No! I was just trying to say... you don't have to use those events as examples."
This dude is insane. What happened to privacy? Does it not exist in this realm?
Oh no. Let me guess—he also knows I can't last more than three minutes in bed...
"Yes, I'm well aware of that too."
"What the hell?! You're a creep!"
"Gaahbababa... You are an amazing human. I'm so glad you came here. You've made my eternity!"
Tsk, just making fun of me, this creepy ball of light or whatever.
"... and I'm also aware that you don't believe in me. So, you don't worship me."
"Yeah..." I whispered.
"You don't have to feel ashamed. It's quite common recently, but I won't charge or punish you. After all, you are my beloved creation. So tell me, human, what brings you here, and why are you not with the others?"
"I honestly don't know. I just woke up here."
"Hmm, this is the first time something like this has ever happened. You know what, human? I've taken a liking to you. Not only did you make my lifetime, but you were also fun to chat with. You relieved me of some stress."
"Yeah, I'm really happy for you."
"So, how about I give you a second chance?"
"A second chance?"
Oh, I love where this is going! I can go back to my goddess—
"But! Bear in mind, you can't return to your original world."
"W-What do you mean? Then what's the point of a second chance?"
"You will start a new life, as a new person, in a new world."
"But can't you just send me back or something? Please?"
I need to go back. I have my goddess waiting for me. I need to finish school and start a life with her. That's my dream.
"Rest easy. Jane will wait for your return."
"What? My return? Like, for real? I'll return?"
"Indeed. That is, if you complete your task."
"A task? Hit me with it! I need to hurry this up and return as quickly as possible."
"I love your enthusiasm, but it seems you have a little misconception about the events that are about to unfold."
For some reason, this light guy is using big words that I don't understand.
"Regardless, I'll still send you. Right now, the world of a friend of mine is facing a huge crisis, and it's on the verge of destruction. I want you to save that world."
"Hmm, that's kinda tough. Saving a world and all."
"Surely, I won't leave you without a boon."
"Now you're talking, light guy. All this Isekai stuff. So, I wish for—"
"It's not in your authority to wish for anything. I will give you the boosts myself."
Are you kidding me? You better give me something good.
"Yes, I'll give you something nice. First, I grant you a big stamina boost. In this world, stamina is an essential asset for survival."
"Oh? Nice."
My interest piqued. A world where stamina is important for survival?
"For the second boost—since you've entertained a divine being like me, I'll give you a divine attribute: Neural Shell. It's a defensive attribute, but it can also be used offensively when upgraded. Use it wisely."
That's not bad, right? It's kinda cool—Neural... something.
"Now for the last one..."
Oh, let it be something good. Please give me something good.
"I will send you with a companion, who will guide you."
Yup, I'm screwed. No super strength, super speed, or unlimited mana.
"Now, for a bonus boost."
"A bonus boost?"
"Yes, this is a time seed. Once your mission is complete, it will mature and give you temporary access through time and return to your world. Be cautious when using it, as it's a one-time thing."
A glowing green ball hovered toward me and entered my soul.
"That's all. Now, my last message to you: no matter what you do, survive."
"Survive."
"Survive."
That word echoed in my mind as I drifted into another sleep. This time, I was about to be reborn.