Azizah woke up to darkness. Not the comforting kind you'd find at night, but an endless void that stretched far beyond her comprehension. The last thing she remembered was walking home from a long day of classes, her headphones blasting her favorite song. Then there was the screech of tires, the blinding flash of headlights, and… nothing.
"Ah, you're awake." A smooth, whimsical voice echoed around her. Turning her head, she found the source—a figure that shimmered and shifted, never quite staying in one form long enough for her to recognize it.
"Where am I?" Azizah asked, panic rising in her chest.
"You're… well, let's just say you're between realms. It seems I've made a small mistake." The figure gestured apologetically. "You see, your time wasn't supposed to come yet. But accidents happen."
"Accident?" Azizah repeated, her voice trembling. "You mean I'm dead?"
"Technically, yes," the figure admitted, scratching a vaguely humanoid chin. "But I'm not entirely heartless. I've decided to give you a second chance—reincarnation, if you will. With three wishes as compensation."
Azizah's mind reeled. She wanted to scream at this "god" for ruining her life, but something about their nonchalant demeanor told her it would be futile. Instead, she considered her options. If this was real, she could have a fresh start, a chance to live a life she could only dream of.
"Alright," she said finally, after a long pause. "I'll do it."
"Splendid!" The figure clapped its ever-shifting hands. "State your three wishes."
Azizah thought carefully. She'd always been a fan of video games, especially action-packed adventures. If she was going to be reborn, she wanted to be ready for anything.
"First," she began, "I want a strong system, like those gacha systems in games."
The god's smile widened. "Done. You'll get a Multiverse Gacha System with one free spin. Choose wisely."
"Second," Azizah continued, "I want to look like Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII Remake."
"Excellent taste," the god remarked. "Granted."
"And third," she finished, "I want to retain my memories from this life."
"Simple enough." The god snapped their fingers. "Done, done, and done. Now, enjoy your new life."
"Wait!" Azizah cried as the world began to dissolve around her. "Where am I going?"
The god's voice echoed as she was pulled into the void. "Oh, just a small town called Raccoon City. Good luck!"
---
The next thing Azizah knew, she was standing in front of a mirror. Her reflection left her breathless—gone was her ordinary appearance. Instead, she saw Tifa Lockhart staring back at her. Long, dark hair framed her striking features, and her athletic figure was emphasized by the standard-issue uniform of the Raccoon City Police Department (RPD).
She looked down at the badge on her chest: Officer Azizah Lockhart.
"Holy crap," she whispered, turning in the mirror. "It actually worked."
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft ding. A glowing blue screen appeared in front of her, filled with pixelated text.
---
Multiverse Gacha System Activated
Free Spin Available. Would you like to spin now?
---
"Yes," Azizah whispered eagerly, pressing the glowing "Spin" button. The screen transformed into a spinning wheel, filled with names and icons from various games, movies, and books she recognized—and some she didn't.
As the wheel slowed, her heart raced. Finally, it landed on a name she knew well: Chun-Li (Street Fighter).
---
Reward: Chun-Li's Skills (Excluding Hadoken)
Skills Acquired: Spinning Bird Kick, Lightning Legs, and More
---
"Chun-Li?" Azizah grinned. "I'll take it."
She flexed her legs, already feeling a surge of energy coursing through them. Testing the system further, she found that her body moved with an ease and agility she'd never known before. Her kicks were powerful and precise, just like the legendary fighter.
But before she could test her newfound abilities further, a knock came at the door. Azizah quickly dismissed the screen.
"Lockhart!" a voice called. "Briefing in five minutes!"
"On my way!" Azizah replied, throwing on her uniform jacket. As she headed to the briefing room, the memories of her past life and the knowledge of what was to come weighed heavily on her. She knew exactly where she was: the Resident Evil universe, specifically the timeline of Resident Evil 2.
And if the games had taught her anything, it was that this world was about to go straight to hell.
---
The RPD briefing room was bustling with activity. Officers were chatting, sipping coffee, and flipping through paperwork. Azizah spotted Chief Irons at the podium, his imposing presence commanding the room's attention.
Azizah's heart sank when she didn't see Leon Kennedy among the crowd. She knew he'd arrive late—typical rookie—but it still left her uneasy. The outbreak was dangerously close, and every second counted.
"Alright, settle down!" Irons barked. The room fell silent. "As you all know, there have been reports of strange incidents in the city—attacks, disappearances, and an increase in violent crimes. We're coordinating with the CDC to investigate further, but for now, stay vigilant."
The briefing continued, but Azizah's mind wandered. She needed to prepare. Her gacha system was powerful, but it wasn't a guaranteed safety net. If she wanted to survive, she had to make every resource count.
---
Multiverse Gacha System
Points: 0
Daily Missions Available:
1. Complete a patrol shift without injury.
2. Assist a civilian in need.
3. Practice your skills (100 kicks).
---
Azizah smirked. "Guess it's time to start grinding."
---
After the briefing, Azizah was assigned to patrol the east wing of the station. She used the quiet time to explore her surroundings and practice Chun-Li's techniques. Each kick she executed felt smoother and stronger than the last. By the end of her shift, she'd completed her daily mission and earned her first gacha points.
When her shift ended, she returned to her small apartment near the station. She collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion creeping in. But sleep wouldn't come easily. The memories of the game haunted her—zombies, lickers, the relentless Mr. X. She wasn't sure how much of the original story would play out, but she needed to be ready for anything.
As she drifted off, one thought lingered in her mind: Leon was still out there, and the outbreak was only days away.
She wasn't just a survivor anymore; she was part of the story. And this time, she was determined to rewrite it.
---
To be Continued ..