"Ahh, what a boring way to start the day," I muttered to myself, feeling a strange wave of nostalgia wash over me. It was hard to believe how much my life had changed—from a regular office worker to whatever I was now. I used to enjoy the predictability of my old life, but compared to the chaos of this new reality, it was starting to seem almost... peaceful.
"Not that I was exactly a happy employee, but let's not get into that," I added under my breath as I glanced at the huge, dog-like creature in front of me. Its eyes seemed to be saying, This human looks like a good snack. The hungry gaze was enough to remind me just how dangerous this world could be.
Who would've thought that helping an old lady cross the road would get me reincarnated into a world filled with magic? And all because of that guy whose only job is to fling people into new worlds. I still can't get over the ridiculousness—my life has turned into a cliché, straight out of some web novel.
Congrats to anyone who guessed what happened! For those who didn't, well, I literally hinted at crossing the road. I mean, come on. Anyway, not everyone can be as sharp as me. One of these days, I swear, I'm going to find that jerk, Truck-kun, and give him a piece of my mind.
But, tsk, tsk. Back to the present. "Hey, system, where are you?" I shouted, but all I got in return was silence. Isn't every reincarnated person supposed to get some overpowered system to help them become a hero or something? It's been ten years since I ended up here, and I still haven't gotten one. Sometimes, I feel like I'm the only one without any help in this world where everyone else seems to have some cheat-like ability. But I guess it's fine; not everyone gets a system, or so I've been told.
At least I got some divine power out of it. I should be thankful for that, right? I'm currently in the Asura Forest, not too far from the orphanage I grew up in.
Yup, I'm a ten-year-old orphan here the names kaito. The sad part is My mother abandoned me at the orphanage right after I was born, on the edge of the Darkwood Empire. Growing up alone wasn't easy, but it did toughen me up. Still, it left a void—a longing for connection that never quite goes away.
"But don't get me wrong, I'm not like the snotty-nosed brats at the orphanage. I was an adult in my previous life, so it doesn't bother me as much. Now, why am I even here, you ask? Well, it all started because I couldn't keep my mouth shut," I sighed, glancing up at the sky as I recalled that eventful day.
Like every other poor soul who got dragged into this world by that blasted Truck-kun, I had to meet a goddess. She was breathtakingly beautiful in a way that made you feel both drawn to and wary of her. There was a kind of power in her presence that was hard to ignore.
"I am the Goddess of Death, the ruler of the eternal abyss. I command shadows and guide the souls of the departed, ensuring their passage into the afterlife. My presence brings both fear and respect, for I am the ultimate fate that awaits all. With a simple word, I can summon the unknown, reminding the living that life is short and that my realm is unavoidable. Bow before me, for I am the end and the beginning—"
"Oh, shut up! Who's going to remember that long speech?" I blurted out before I could stop myself. My brain instantly screamed, You idiot!
She stared at me with a glare that could've killed me right there. For the first time since being hit by Truck-kun, I actually thought I might die a second time. My heart pounded in my chest, and I knew I had really messed up.
"Uh, sorry for interrupting; I was just... confused, that's all," I said quickly, hoping she wouldn't smite me then and there. But the goddess—oh boy, she did not look amused.
"You insolent being! How dare you mock this goddess?" Her voice echoed with a force that left no room for doubt. "I curse you by the authority granted to me by the All-Father: your soul will weaken whenever you use your skills!"
Everything around me seemed to freeze as if the world itself had taken a deep breath. Then, I felt it—something being ripped out of me, something I couldn't describe. The pain was sharp and unyielding, like a thousand needles piercing my very soul.
"Ahhh! Please forgive me, goddess!" I pleaded, this time with genuine fear. Panic gripped me tightly, making my voice tremble.
Her sky-blue eyes softened for a moment, as if pitying me. She sighed, waved her hand, and the pain lessened, but I could still feel the weight of the curse pressing down on me. "I'm sorry, but I can't lift the curse," she said, almost as if it hurt her to admit it.
My heart sank. "Why? Why can't you remove it, goddess? I know I messed up, but please!"
"It's not that I don't want to; I can't. The curse was made with the power of the All-Father, and no one can undo his authority, not even me," she explained, and I felt a chill run down my spine.
I stared at her, my jaw practically on the floor. "There's no other way? No other option?"
"There is... one way. The All-Father himself can lift the curse. I will guide you to him, but even then, I can't promise he'll help you," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "However, to aid you in this quest, I will grant you my blessing, which will allow you to access a portion of the All-Father's authority. But on one condition."
I glanced up at her, confused. "A condition? What could I possibly do for you?"
She giggled at my cluelessness. "Don't worry, dear. I'll tell you when the time comes."
"Right… great," I muttered under my breath. "Just what I needed. More mysteries."
She began chanting in some ancient language I didn't recognize. After a moment, she took a knife, cut her jade-like skin, and beckoned me closer. I stepped forward, mesmerized by her beauty, not entirely sure what was happening.
"Drink my blood, human," she commanded.
I hesitated for a second, then leaned in, drinking the golden liquid that poured from her wound. The moment it touched my lips, I felt a surge of ancient power flowing into me—overwhelming, terrifying, and exhilarating all at once.
"In my name, Erevanis, I grant you the power of death and darkness, powers that will aid you in this world. You shall bear my mark, and it will allow you to walk in my name. Use this power wisely, for it is limited to demigods."
With a flick of her wrist, darkness enveloped me. "Rise, dear one," she said, "and carry my essence forward as you step into Terra."
The darkness faded, leaving me standing alone in empty space like a dark tunnel.