The rain fell in sheets, soaking the empty streets. No one else would be out in this weather—not unless they had to be. But he didn't mind. He never minded being alone. His apartment wasn't much better. Four bare walls, a single bed, and a kitchen that hadn't seen a hot meal in weeks. There wasn't much to come home to.

He hugged his knees tighter, the cold rainwater seeping into his clothes. It numbed him. If he closed his eyes, he could almost pretend he wasn't here. That he wasn't living this half-existence, slipping between the cracks of a world that never seemed to want him.

He lived alone now. After his parents left, after the last friend moved away, he stopped trying to keep anyone close. It was better that way. People just got disappointed, anyway.

I wish I was different, he thought, pulling his hood tighter over his head. He could still hear the taunts, though no one was around.

"You're a freak. What kind of guy likes other guys?"

"He's so weird. Look at how he doesn't even talk."

"He's too soft. People like him don't survive in the real world."

He had heard it all. Over the years, he had learned not to react. Just nod, smile, let them say whatever they wanted. Fighting back never helped. It only made things worse.

He shifted uncomfortably, trying to shake off the memories that clung to him like the rain. It wasn't just the bullying that hurt; it was the isolation. He could never stand up for himself, never speak his truth. He wasn't brave enough.

If there was one thing he was good at, it was blending into the background. At school, at work, even in his apartment building, he was the invisible tenant no one ever noticed. The people pleaser who never caused trouble, who just wanted to be left alone.

He shivered. The rain was colder than usual tonight, almost sharp against his skin.

Maybe I'll just disappear one day, he thought idly. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad.

It happened so fast, he barely registered the headlights before it was over.

One second, he was sitting there, and the next, the screech of tires ripped through the quiet night. He barely turned his head before the car was upon him, a blinding flash of light and sound.

And then—nothing.

The impact didn't hurt. He barely felt it. One moment, he was there, and the next, it was all… gone. The street, the rain, the cold—it all vanished in an instant.

Darkness wrapped around him, a heavy, silent void. Was this death? Was it over that quickly?

For a brief moment, he felt… relieved. The weight of his life, the loneliness, the aching need to be someone else—it was all gone. No more trying, no more struggling. Just peace.

But then, a laugh. Cold and sharp, cutting through the void like a knife.

"Well, that was pathetic. I expected more from someone like you."

The darkness rippled, and a sickly light began to bloom around him. It wasn't warm like the sun or calming like moonlight. No, this was something twisted. The light was unnatural, its edges flickering like fire.

The laugh came again, closer now. Slowly, a figure emerged from the shifting glow.

"Look at you," the voice teased. "Not much to show for a soul as strong as yours."

A woman stood before him, though to call her a woman seemed too simple. Her long, silver hair glowed like molten metal, and her eyes were a deep, crimson red—burning with something between amusement and cruelty. Her smile was sharp, like the edge of a blade.

He stared at her, unsure if he should feel afraid. But then, what did fear matter now? He was dead, wasn't he?

"I see you're catching on," she said, her voice dripping with dark amusement. "Yes, you're dead. But that's not the interesting part."

The strange, burning light swirled around her as she approached, her crimson gaze locking onto his.

"Let me introduce myself, little soul," she said, her smile widening. "I am Lua, goddess of a world called gehilda. Though, I suppose you could call me something more… entertaining than that. I like to think of myself as someone who arranges situations." She stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Situations where souls like yours can… thrive."

He tried to speak, but his voice seemed lost in the void.

"You're wondering why you?" she said, almost lazily. "Well, it's quite simple. Your soul is… let's say, unusually strong for someone as pitiful as you were in life."

Her words cut deep, but he couldn't look away.

Lua's eyes narrowed, her smile turning crueler. "I enjoy strong souls. They're much more fun to play with. And you? Oh, I think you're going to provide me with hours of entertainment."

"W-what do you want from me?" he finally managed to ask, his voice barely more than a whisper.

"Want?" Lua tilted her head as if pondering the question. "I don't want anything from you, darling. You've already given me exactly what I need—a soul ready to be broken, molded, and pushed to its limits. I'm going to send you somewhere… interesting. Somewhere dangerous. You'll be reincarnated into a world that's far more unforgiving than the one you left behind."

Her smile widened as she saw the fear flicker in his eyes. "Don't worry," she cooed, her voice mockingly sweet. "I'm not completely heartless. I'll give you something to work with—power. More power than you could have ever dreamed of. But… it comes with a price."

"Price?" he echoed, dread creeping into his chest.

"Oh yes," Lua purred, stepping closer. "The price is simple—you'll be forced into situations that will test every ounce of your strength. Monsters, war, betrayal—you name it. And I'll be watching. Watching to see if you break, or if you rise to the challenge."

Her eyes gleamed with sadistic glee. "And believe me, little soul, I want to see you suffer."

He felt a wave of panic rise within him. He didn't want this. He didn't ask for any of it. But looking into Lua's eyes, he realized he didn't have a choice. His life, his death, and now his very soul were all in her hands.

"I don't… I don't want this," he said, his voice shaking.

Lua laughed, her voice echoing through the void. "Oh, darling, it's far too late for that. You've already been chosen. Your fate was sealed the moment you stepped in front of that car. Now, you're mine."

With a flick of her wrist, the void began to shift, the world around him distorting. His body started to dissolve into the sickly light, a strange warmth flooding his limbs as the power Lua promised began to take hold.

"Good luck, little soul," Lua said, her voice filled with dark delight. "I'll be watching."