The story begins in 2020, the year of the pandemic, the year COVID began.
I was just a young boy living in Bugarin, a typical shut-in, spending my time at home reading or watching anime, comics, manhwa, and manhua—classic otaku behavior. This went on for years until school started. I developed a crush on my classmate, who we'll call Keith, and for six years, I studied, trying to make memories while pining after her. By grade five, I'd made so many memories, but when grade six came around, Keith finally admitted that she liked me. For a moment, I was over the moon. But later that same day, I saw her with another boy. The sight crushed me, and I ended things right then and there, realizing I'd wasted six years of my life chasing a hopeless fantasy.
After that, I just focused on my studies, pushing through the school year and eventually graduating. Keith told me, "Goodbye, I'll miss you," as I was headed to another province for high school. The next day, I moved to Pangasinan. Adjusting wasn't easy—they spoke a language I wasn't familiar with, and I struggled to keep up, often facing ridicule. But once school started, I found it was easier than I'd expected to adapt. Life at MPJCL became fun, and I quickly made new friends.
Then, on my birthday, I was on the roof with a friend, just talking and laughing. But another friend, who had pent-up anger toward the one I was with, pushed him off the roof. Instinctively, I reached out, grabbing my friend and pulling him up, but I lost my balance and fell. As I plummeted, I thought, Did I live a good life? Heh… probably not.
Moments later, I was a ghost, watching as people grieved over my death, especially my family. I felt a deep sadness, but I was also compelled to move on.
Soon, I met an angel, a guide to the afterlife. I could hardly believe my eyes. "Is it really true? Am I… dead?" I asked.
"Yes, child," the angel replied. "However, God admired your sacrifice to save your friend, so he's offering you a second chance!"
"A chance?" I stammered. "What do I have to do? I'd do anything to see my family again!"
The angel chuckled. "Nothing, child. Just go and meet God. He will grant you certain privileges upon your return to Earth."
I thanked the angel, then hurriedly made my way to a magnificent colosseum of clouds. Inside, I saw Him. I nervously approached and asked, "My great Creator, have you granted me a second life?"
God chuckled warmly. "Yes, child. I was moved by your sacrifice to save your friend, so I grant you three wishes. However, each wish will come with three twists."
I'm going back to Earth? And I get three wishes? Overwhelmed with gratitude, I vowed to thank and worship God every day from then on.
"Alright, God," I said. "For my first wish, I'd like the ability to transform my body, gaining the powers and characteristics of any character I choose. And I'd like to be able to change my appearance, too."
"Wish granted. Now, what is your second wish?"
"For my second wish, I wish for a guide who will answer any question I have, assist me in battles, and help me every day."
"Wish granted. And for your final wish?"
"For my last wish, I wish for the ability to alter any powers I receive from my first wish. And I'd like to be able to freeze time while making these alterations."
"Wish granted. Now, since each wish comes with a twist, you would typically receive three. But because you sacrificed yourself, I'll only give you one twist—and that twist… is a secret you'll discover in time."
"Wait, wha—" But before I could finish, I was transported back to Earth, five minutes before my death.
Whoa, so I'm back? I can save my friend—and myself—with my new powers!
"Master, the past will repeat itself in exactly three minutes," said a voice in my head.
Startled, I looked around. "Who's talking to me? Show yourself!"
"I am the guardian you wished for, Master," replied the voice.
"Oh! Sorry, I didn't recognize you," I said, still adjusting to this new reality.
"It's fine, Master. We've only just met. I don't expect you to be calm when someone's suddenly speaking in your head."
"Maybe I should give you a name?" I suggested.
"That would be delightful, Master."
"Let's go with Novax."
"Novax it is, Master. It suits an AI like me, or whatever you'd like to call me."
"Great! And, please, just call me Red."
"Yes, Mas—Red."
I then asked, "How much longer until my friend gets pushed?"
"Approximately one minute from now."
"Rimuru!" I shouted, transforming into Rimuru's form, complete with wings. Just as my friend got pushed, I swooped down and caught him, leaving everyone, especially the one who betrayed us, in shock.
"NO! NO! WHY DID YOU SAVE HIM?" he screamed.
I looked at him calmly. "Look, even if you're angry at him, you can't just attempt murder."
"WELL, SCREW YOU!" he shouted back.
I sighed. "Well, it looks like I'll be taking you to the police." Using one of my skills, I silenced him and summoned steel cuffs around his wrists before sending him off to the authorities.
But as I was heading home, I saw a creature devouring a civilian on the side of the road. Horrified, I flew into the street and used a skill to kill the creature.
"Are you okay, sir?" I asked, turning to the civilian.
"A-Aahh! A monster! Help!" the young man screamed, running away as if I was the monster.
I sighed in surprise and awe before heading home to rest for the next day.
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The next day...
To be Continued.