Alexander existed as a swirling, ethereal ball of darkness, suspended in the desolate expanse of Hell. His consciousness drifted, unmoored from the weights of mortality. He felt... nothing. No pain, no joy, no sorrow. Just an endless, hollow silence.
"Is this truly the afterlife?" Alexander's thoughts echoed through the void. "A realm of eternal tedium?"
After a few seconds passed. "What the hell!" Alexander shouted from his non-existence mouth. Where are the demons, devils, creatives of the night."
His mind wandered, seeking respite from the monotony. Memories of his final battle burst forth, like embers igniting in the darkness. The thrill of clashing steel, the rush of adrenaline, the strategic dance of life and death. A sly smile spread across his non-corporeal form.
"Ah, now that was living."
As he relived the battle, a nagging question resurfaced: How had his opponent anticipated every move? Alexander's tactical genius had been matched, each blow countered with eerie precision.
Just as he pondered this enigma, a low, commanding voice resonated through the void.
"It's because you fought a thousand times, Alexander."
The voice was like thunder on a summer day, unexpected and attention-grabbing. Alexander's darkness coalesced into a vague, humanoid shape, as if drawn to the speaker.
"Who are you?" Alexander demanded, his thoughts taking on a sharp, defensive edge.
"I am one who knows the truth," the voice replied, its tone unwavering. "The God of Time, the King of the Heavens, manipulated events to ensure your downfall. He wove a tapestry of deception, using his powers to cheat you of victory."
Alexander's darkness churned, turmoil brewing within. "Impossible. I would have seen it. I would have known."
The voice persisted, its words dripping with conviction. "You were blinded by your own confidence, Alexander. The God of Time twisted threads of fate, creating an illusion of free will. Your opponent was merely a pawn, moved by the King's invisible hand."
The revelation shook Alexander's very essence. Betrayal and outrage flared within him, like a spark kindling in the darkness.
"How...?" Alexander's mental voice trailed off, consumed by the implications.
The voice fell silent, leaving Alexander to grapple with the truth. His thoughts swirled, a maelstrom of anger, confusion, and determination.
The voice spoke again, its tone calm and authoritative. "Calm down, Alexander. You will soon have your revenge, if you desire it."
Alexander's darkness paused, considering the offer. "Why are you helping me?" he asked, his mental voice laced with skepticism.
"Because you are the successor of the King of the Underworld," the voice replied. "That's why the King of the Heavens deceived you."
Alexander's darkness reeled in shock and confusion. Successor to the King of the Underworld? The concept was unfathomable.
The voice continued, "You will soon understand, if you seek your revenge, of course."
Alexander hesitated, weighing his options. Revenge against the King of the Heavens was tempting.
"I accept," Alexander said finally, his mental voice firm.
"Very well," the voice said. "I have also given you a gift that will aid you in your journey."
As Alexander's spirit body brightened, it vanished into nothingness.
==========
The scene shifted to a large town where a number of people were talking about the Awakening Ceremony.
"I heard the Awakening Ceremony will be magnificent this year!" exclaimed one person.
"Aye, my cousin's son is coming of age," said another.
In a nice small mansion in the upper floor, a young boy with pointed ears was dressing up and looked at himself in the mirror with a blank expression.
He walked downstairs.
"I am Alexander," he said. "My life for the past seventeen years has been peaceful and worry-free. Thankfully my parents gave me the same name as my old, so that works out."
"Today would be the Awakening Ceremony where teens would unlock their mana." he continued.
He left his house and entered a small carriage outside.
"I never really heard of mana till I came to this world so, am excited." he said. "Ever since my reincarnation, I've dedicated myself to training with the sword and conditioning my body."
He paused, gazing out the carriage window.
"This world is vastly different from my previous one. There are numerous races, and monsters roam free. After conducting my own investigation, I've discovered that this world is at least 20 times larger than the Earth I once knew."
Alexander's expression remained calm as he continued.
"The town I'm leaving now, El'goroth, was founded by my clan. My grandfather serves as the town head, and our legacy has maintained peace and prosperity within these walls."
The carriage rolled on, carrying Alexander toward the Awakening Ceremony.
Alexander arrived at his destination and stepped out of the carriage. An elderly man with a warm smile greeted him.
"This is Elder Edwin," Alexander thought. "He's one of the town powerful elders."
Elder Edwin nodded at Alexander. "Welcome, young one. Today's the day you unlock your mana."
He led Alexander to a grand hall filled with teenagers around his age. The air buzzed with excitement.
A voice echoed through the hall, calling out names. Each person walked to the platform, where a glowing orb floated in mid-air. As they touched it, their mana was unlocked.
An hour passed before Alexander's name was called. He walked to the platform, his heart calm. As his fingers made contact with the orb, his mana began to stir.
But to everyone's surprise, Alexander immediately withdrew his hand and left the hall.
He entered his waiting carriage and headed home. Upon arrival, he went straight to his room, closed the door, and sat cross-legged on the bed.
"Calm down," he whispered to himself.
With a steady breath, he spoke, "System interface."
A holographic screen materialized before him, displaying a congratulatory message:
"Congratulations, Alexander! You've unlocked the System Interface."
Alexander's face broke into a smile.