Rou:
[Ugh! I can't believe I just blew nearly 10k yen on this stupid game just to beat it! And that's after playing non-stop for six hours! Every protagonist in this thing is obsessed with friendship, trust, loyalty-like, seriously? It's so cringey I could die!]
???:
[I hear you. Want to take a shot at rewriting the whole story?]
Rou:
[Ha! Yeah, like I could just hop into the game and do things my way. HUH!? WHO THE HELL JUST SAID THAT!?]
???:
[Hahaha, wish granted! Enjoy your new life!]
Rou:
[Wha-]
A brilliant flash surrounds Rou, engulfing him in blinding light.
---
A few moments later, Rou's senses slowly return, but something feels... different.
Rou:
[Ugh... Why do I feel like I've been hit by a truck...]
The gentle warmth of sunlight bathes his skin. A light breeze stirs his hair. He can feel the soft, grassy ground beneath him.
Rou opens his eyes-and his jaw drops as he takes in the vibrant, unfamiliar landscape around him.
Rou:
[AAAAH! WHERE AM I?! Wait... my voice?! Why does it sound so... weird?!]
???:
[Welcome, Rou, to my world!]
The voice echoes from behind him, and Rou turns to see a mysterious figure smirking at him.
Rou:
"[WH-WHO-]"
???:
"[Calm down, Rou. This is a golden opportunity. You're about to live a new life-a second chance to make it the best one yet. Just think about it.]"
Rou's breathing steadies as he processes this, a strange mix of fear and excitement building inside him.
Rou (thinking):
(A second life...? I mean... my first one was a mess. I was working my life away, barely scraping by... just frustrated enough to blow my money on games like an idiot... A second chance... Could this really be...)
[Alright... I'll take it.]
The figure's smile widens, almost mischievously.
???:
[THAT'S THE SPIRIT! HAHAHA! But before you go, let me grant you a little 'blessing.']
Rou's entire body starts to glow with a strange, warm light.
???:
[Can't have you venturing out with a frail body. So... what race would you like to be?]
Rou:
(Race...?) [What are my options?]
The figure snaps their fingers, and words materialize in the air:
Elf, Dwarf, Fairy, Demon, Human, Demi-human.
Rou's eyes widen in disbelief, but he keeps his composure, stealing glances at the figure.
Rou:
[H-how about... you pick what's best for me. I want to live this second life with no regrets.]
A devilish grin spreads across the figure's face, and Rou shivers.
???:
[Oh... you're in for a treat. Heh... you asked for it.]
Rou's body suddenly begins to twist and morph, pain exploding through every nerve as his form reshapes. The agony is so intense he can't even scream. Moments later, he blacks out.
---
When Rou regains consciousness, he bolts upright, breathing heavily.
Rou:
[ARGH! W-what the hell was that!?]
His hands... are covered in scales.
Rou:
[What... what happened to me?!]
???:
[Oh, you'll love this! YOU'RE the last of a rare species, a direct descendant of the primordial dragons. You're related to the first emperor of dragons himself! Isn't that exciting?]
Rou:
[W-what?...]
???:
[No time for questions! Just remember, your appearance won't be a problem. This world's... a bit more diverse. But before I set you loose, you'll need to prove yourself.]
With another snap of his fingers, the world shifts, and Rou finds himself in a vast, ancient hall under a sky filled with stars. Statues of gods line the walls, each figure imposing and majestic.
???:
[Welcome to the Hall of the Gods! Every reincarnated soul must pass a trial to prove their worth. So, Rou, give it all you've got-survive and earn your new life!]
Rou:
[W-wait-WHAT!?]
The ground rumbles, and a massive black dragon rises from a chasm, roaring so powerfully it rattles Rou's bones.
Rou:
[YOU EXPECT ME TO FIGHT THAT THING!?]
???:
[Relax, it's a piece of cake. For you, at least.]
Rou:
[A piece of-HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO EVEN TOUCH IT?!]
???:
[I don't know, that's your problem]
The dragon lets out a roar, and Rou can feel his heart pounding in his chest.
Rou:
(A second chance... Can I really do this...?)
He steels himself, gripping his scaled fists.
Rou:
[Damn it! If I'm going to live a new life, I'm not backing down! I'll... I'll make this second chance count!]
The mysterious figure watches, amused, as Rou charges headlong at the dragon, determination blazing in his eyes.
---
After a hard-fought battle, Rou stands victorious, trembling from exhaustion.
???:
[Congratulations! You won! With that, your reincarnation is complete. Now, go live that second chance... and don't waste it.]
The figure flicks his fingers, and the scene shifts. Rou finds himself once again on a sunny hillside.
Rou:
(I can't move... That fight drained everything I had...* The sun feels warm... Just a... quick nap won't hurt...)
His eyes slowly close, and he slips into unconsciousness, his journey in this new life just beginning.