As the light faded, Jace found himself once again standing on the endless expanse of marble, the goddess's radiant form before him. Her gaze was warm, but there was a glint of anticipation in her eyes. The air seemed to hum with energy, and Jace could feel something was about to happen.
"You've agreed to the mission," the goddess said, her voice carrying an almost musical quality. "But before you are reborn, we must determine the circumstances of your new life. I will not send you unprepared to face the great evil beasts, after all."
With a wave of her hand, a large circular platform appeared before Jace, its surface filled with thousands of floating, shimmering cards. They spun slowly in the air, catching the light in an array of colors. The cards seemed to hum with a faint, magical resonance that Jace could feel in his bones.
"This is the Draw of Fate," the goddess explained. "These cards will determine certain aspects of your new life. You will draw three cards—one for your luck, one for your race and background, and one for your skills." She smiled slightly. "The Draw will not be entirely random. The choices you make will shape your destiny, though chance will always play its part."
Jace stared at the swirling mass of cards, his eyes narrowing. "So, this is my 'preparation,' then?" he asked, crossing his arms. "You're going to let a few pieces of magical cardboard decide what kind of start I get?"
The goddess chuckled softly. "You always were one to question everything. But yes, your fate will be influenced by these cards. However, the outcome is not fixed. How you use what you draw will be up to you. Luck, race, and skill—each can shape your journey in ways you may not yet understand."
Jace's gaze lingered on the cards, their shimmering edges inviting him to reach out and grasp one. There was no point in arguing; he had already agreed to this, after all. He took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"All right," he said. "Let's see what fate has in store for me."
•••••
The goddess gestured toward the first set of cards, which glowed a vivid green. "The first draw will determine your luck," she said. "Luck can be a fickle thing, but in a world of magic and monsters, it can often make the difference between life and death."
Jace extended his hand and reached for one of the cards, feeling a slight tingle as his fingers brushed its surface. He pulled it free, and the card shimmered, then flipped itself over in his palm.
[4-Star Goodluck]
A radiant golden glow filled the air around him, and Jace could feel a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The card displayed a symbol of a four-leaf clover, its leaves sparkling with a bright, ethereal light.
"There are five levels of luck in both good and bad," the goddess explained, "with five stars representing the highest tier. Four stars in good luck will provide you with a significant advantage, though it won't guarantee that everything goes your way. It will, however, increase the likelihood of fortunate outcomes and help guide your path in unexpected ways."
Jace smirked. "I'll take it. Better than rolling the dice on bad luck, anyway."
The goddess nodded approvingly. "Now, for the second draw—your race and background." She gestured to the next set of cards, which were glowing in a deep blue. "This card will determine not only the race you are reborn as but also your position in society."
Jace reached out again, this time with a bit more confidence. He selected one of the cards, and as it flipped over, a brilliant blue light illuminated the platform.
[Human – Noble Birth, Goldheart Family]
The card showed a coat of arms—a golden heart emblazoned on a field of silver. Beneath it, intricate scrollwork spelled out the name Goldheart. Jace's eyes narrowed as he studied the card, trying to make sense of the symbolism.
"The Goldheart family is one of the prominent noble houses in the Blustyr Kingdom," the goddess explained. "Their influence extends throughout the kingdom, and they are known for their wealth and magical heritage. As a member of this family, you will have access to resources and training that others could only dream of. However, noble life also brings its own set of expectations and challenges."
"So, I'm being born with a silver spoon in my mouth," Jace said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Sounds like a pretty cushy start."
"Do not be so quick to judge," the goddess cautioned. "While noble birth provides opportunities, it also places you in the midst of intrigue and expectations. You will find that the world of high society can be as perilous as the battlefield. And with your rebellious nature, you may find it difficult to fit the mold."
Jace rolled his eyes. "I'm not worried about fitting into anyone's mold," he replied. "I'll do things my way, as always."
"Then we shall see how far that spirit carries you," the goddess said, her smile widening. "Now, for the final draw—your skill."
The last set of cards hovered before him, glowing in a mixture of silver and gold. Jace felt a surge of anticipation as he reached for one of the cards. This draw would determine the abilities he would take into his new life—his edge against the challenges that lay ahead.
He pulled the card from the air, and as it flipped over, a dazzling light burst forth. Two symbols emerged, each one glowing with its own distinct hue.
[Skill Draw]
[Fusion]
The first symbol depicted a hand drawing a glowing rune from a swirling pool of light, while the second showed two merging orbs, one of fire and the other of ice, combining into a single brilliant sphere.
"Ah, a most intriguing combination," the goddess said, her eyes gleaming with approval. "Skill Draw will allow you to obtain new skills by using skill points that you earn through various means—training, completing missions, or defeating powerful foes. It will provide you with a flexible path to growth."
"And Fusion?" Jace asked, curious about the second ability.
"Fusion is the ability to merge things together—whether they are physical objects, spells, or even skills. You could, for example, fuse two basic spells to create a new, more powerful magic, or combine two items to forge a unique artifact. The possibilities are vast, but the process requires careful experimentation."
Jace couldn't help but grin. "So, I get to create my own skills and powers? Sounds perfect for someone like me."
The goddess nodded. "Indeed, it will give you the freedom to shape your abilities as you see fit. But remember, power without control can be dangerous. Use your gifts wisely."
The goddess stepped forward, her gaze softening as she looked down at Jace. "Your fate has been set, and your new life awaits you, Jace Elinham… or rather, Raiden Goldheart, for that is the name you shall bear in this world."
As she spoke his new name, Jace felt a strange sensation wash over him, as though a new identity was settling into place. "Raiden Goldheart…" he repeated, testing the sound of it. It was a name that felt both foreign and familiar, like a piece of a puzzle he hadn't realized was missing.
"Remember, Raiden," the goddess continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "This second chance comes with its own responsibilities. The seven great evil beasts will not wait forever. When the time comes, you must be ready to face them."
Raiden met her gaze, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "I'll be ready," he said. "And I'll do it my way."
The goddess's smile was full of quiet pride as she raised her hand. "Then go forth, and may your journey be filled with fortune and growth."
•••••
The world around Raiden dissolved in a burst of brilliant light, and he felt a powerful pulling sensation, as though being drawn through a narrow tunnel.
Colors swirled around him—golden light, deep blue, and shimmering silver—until finally, the light faded and darkness embraced him once more.
The next sensation he felt was pain—sharp and overwhelming. The world seemed to compress around him, and he could hear faint, muffled voices.
He felt his small body being pushed and pulled, his limbs flailing as he struggled instinctively. Then, suddenly, he was free. The pain lessened, replaced by the shocking sensation of cold air on his skin.
A loud cry escaped him, echoing throughout the chamber.