The room is stark white, sterile, and bathed in the hum of advanced technology. At the far end, a large screen dominates the wall, displaying a myriad of data and holographic projections. Scientists, data analysts, and engineers bustle about, each absorbed in their specialized tasks. And there, in the center, stands a stasis chamber—my prison for the past decade.
I should be dead. The explosion that consumed the research lab left nothing but charred remains and radiation. My lower body was obliterated, but my skull, miraculously, protected my brain. The government, unwilling to lose such a valuable asset, ensured my survival through any means necessary.
A bio-stasis chamber now keeps me alive, wires snaking from my brain to various machines. A camera acts as my eye, allowing me to see the room, but I am confined to its limited view. My thoughts are projected onto a screen, every memory, every image, every... meme. Yes, even those. The scientists have a filter, thankfully, that turns on and off with their work schedule. The brain needs rest, after all.
"How are you feeling today?" Dr. Maria asks, her voice soft but clinical. She adjusts a dial on one of the machines, her eyes scanning the readouts.
"Same as always," I reply, my voice synthesized through the chamber's speakers. "Trapped, but eager to work."
She nods, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Your enthusiasm never ceases to amaze me."
I've always been fascinated by the mysteries of the universe, space, physics, engineering, programming. Even as a kid, I was consumed by these passions. It's what led me to become the fastest brain in the world—a title even EVA, our advanced AI, finds intriguing. EVA can't explain the mystery of my brain, suggesting I use 90% of it. Even bioengineered humans struggle to reach that threshold. But I guess passion drives me beyond ordinary limits.
The government installed this chamber to keep me alive, to harness my mind for their purposes. I contribute to scientific research, my work unchanged despite my bodiless state. The enthusiasm remains, but the absence of a body is... depressing. Yet, it doesn't break me. Not even a little bit.
"We've got a new project," Dr. Maria says, pulling up a holographic display. "It's about Quantum Consciousness. Think you can handle it?"
"Bring it on," I reply, a surge of excitement coursing through what's left of me.
Ten years in this stasis, and my mind is as sharp as ever. The world outside may have changed, but in here, time stands still. I am a brain in a chamber, but I am more than that. I am a scientist, a dreamer, a survivor.
And so, the work continues. The hum of the machines, the soft murmurs of the scientists, the flicker of the holographic displays—they are my world now. A world of endless possibilities, even within the confines of this chamber.
The research lab is eerily quiet today. It's a rest day, and the usual hum of activity is replaced by an unsettling silence. The scientists and engineers are at home, leaving only the security personnel on duty. I watch the empty corridors through the CCTV cameras, the monitor displaying multiple feeds. It's strange to see the lab so still, so lifeless.
Suddenly, figures burst onto the screens, moving with swift precision. They're not our security. These are unknown assailants, dressed in black, faces obscured. My first thought is that they're here for me. Why else would anyone raid a research lab on a rest day?
I count them as they enter my room: one, two, three... twelve in total. Most of them scatter, reading the screens, invading my thoughts. It's an odd sensation, knowing they can see into my mind. But I've never been one to dwell on such things.
One of them approaches the stasis chamber, her eyes fixed on my brain. It's a strange sight, even for me—seeing your own brain from a camera's eye view. She speaks, her voice muffled slightly by her mask.
"Can you hear me?" she asks, tapping lightly on the chamber.
"Yes, I can hear you," I reply, my synthesized voice filling the room. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't break my home."
She pauses, then speaks again, her voice softer this time. "Because of you, the world is in peril. Constant wars, suffering... the peace we once knew is gone."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I always knew my work could be used for ill, but I never thought it would happen so soon. I had hoped they were building a utopia, not a world of endless conflict.
"I didn't know," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was just... selfish, I guess. Focused on my work, not the consequences."
She shakes her head, tears in her eyes. "I don't blame you. But it has to end. And it starts with you."
She raises her gun, aiming it at the stasis chamber. I can't feel fear, not physically, but a sense of finality washes over me. It's been a long time coming, I suppose.
"It was getting boring in here anyway," I say, a weak attempt at humor.
She pulls the trigger. The glass shatters, water pouring out, and my brain is exposed, raw and vulnerable. She fires again, and everything goes dark.
"Hello, Dr. Ored Zaiyed," the woman says, her voice resonating with an ancient power.
Hearing my full name sends a shiver down my spine. It feels like a warning, like when a wife uses her husband's full name, signaling that something is very wrong.
"It's not a warning, Doctor," she says, as if reading my thoughts. "Let me introduce myself. I am Goddess Atheia, and I have been waiting for you."
"Atheia," I murmur, the name rolling off my tongue. "A beautiful name, but I'm sure you're not my wife. At least, I hope not."
She laughs softly, a sound like distant bells. "Oh no, you misunderstand. I am in dire need of your help."
I raise an eyebrow, skepticism creeping into my voice. "That's what they all said before they used me to create chaos on Earth. What makes you think I'll accept now?"
Atheia kneels before me, her eyes filled with desperation. "Because I am begging you."
Damn it. I've always been weak to people begging. It's like my superhero instincts kick in, and I can't say no.
"Oh well, what exactly do you need?" I ask, resignation in my voice.
"My world is in peril," she says, her voice trembling slightly. "I need you to save it. I cannot intervene directly, but if it's you, you can surely do it."
"It's not Earth, is it?" I ask, already knowing the answer.
"No, it's not," she replies. "Here, let me show you."
She places her hand on my forehead, and instantly, I see another world. A fantasy realm, vibrant and alive, yet shadowed by darkness. It's breathtaking, but I can't help but ask, "What's in it for me?"
Atheia's eyes soften, and she places her hands on my chest. A surge of power courses through me, deep into my soul. "A new life," she says. "Your own body. I have seen your previous life; it's heartbreaking. That's why I will also give you a gift."
She opens a portal, revealing a glimpse of Eldoria, the world she needs me to save. Without hesitation, I lean in and give her a quick, impulsive kiss. If I'm going to experience my first kiss with a woman, it might as well be with a goddess.
Then, I step through the portal, ready to face whatever awaits me in this new world.
Suddenly, I'm enveloped in clouds. The cool mist against my skin is refreshing, rejuvenating even. I look down and see my own body—whole and intact, but completely naked. Well, at least I'm well-endowed. But hey, I'm about to go down with a big bang if I don't do something about this falling situation.
Think fast, I tell myself, but there's really no need to rush. I have time, even if it feels like I don't. How am I going to land safely? I wonder, the wind whipping around me. Is this the goddess's response to me kissing her? I guess I deserve it, but it won't kill me. Not after she said she needs me to save her world.
The forest below looms larger, the trees stretching up like welcoming arms. And then, impact. The ground shudders, a wave of force rippling out from where I hit. A groan escapes my lips as pain shoots through my back. I look around, taking in the massive crater my fall has created.
"Damn that goddess temper," I mutter, stretching my back. A satisfying crack echoes through the forest. Is this what she meant by a gift? I fell from what must have been thousands of feet, and yet, I feel... invigorated. Like I could take on the world. But I won't. Not yet, at least. I made a promise to save this world, not destroy it. There will be time to test my strength later.
For now, priorities. I need to find something to cover myself. I can't exactly go traipsing around a foreign world naked as the day I was born. Or reborn, as the case may be.
I stand, brushing dirt and debris from my skin, and take a moment to assess my surroundings. The forest is dense, filled with towering trees and lush underbrush. It's peaceful, almost serene, a stark contrast to the chaos of my arrival.
First things first, I think, setting off towards the nearest cluster of trees. Find clothes. Then, find out more about this world. And maybe, just maybe, find out a little more about myself while I'm at it.
As I walk, I can't help but chuckle. "Well, at least I'm not starting this adventure with a whimper. More like a big bang."
How do I go from here? Ored thought to himself. I need a clear goal. I'm not a fighter; I'm the one who figures out how things work and builds them. He pushed those thoughts aside. Even with his new body, he still needed to eat, drink, and rest. Food, water, and shelter. That means hunting, finding a river, and setting up a makeshift camp—or better yet, a cavern.
He scanned his surroundings, taking in the lay of the land. The best site for shelter would be near a mountain or hills, close to a forest and a large body of water. He sighed. After all those years of just thinking and not doing, this feels... lazy. Like a punishment. But he shook off the feeling. First things first: find water.
He stopped in his tracks. Wait a minute. When I was falling, I remember seeing a small river to the south and a mountain to the west.
Suddenly, a holographic projection appeared in front of him. Congratulations! You unlocked the mini-map!
Ored blinked in surprise. "I must be going crazy," he muttered.
[ I apologize for the late introduction, I am your guide system, brought to you by our most beautiful goddess Atheia ]
Ah, a simp, Ored thought.
[ I'm not a simp. I'm just devoted to our goddess Atheia ]
Definitely a simp, Ored insisted.
[ Not a simp. Anyway, here's your profile status ]
A display popped up in front of him:
Ored Zaiyed Traits:
Rapid Learning: Allows the character to learn new skills and knowledge at an accelerated rate.
Total Recall: Enables perfect recall of information, allowing for rapid problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Goddess Atheia's Blessing: Immune to physical, magical, spiritual damage.
Goddess Atheia's Love: Grants immense physical power and incredible speed, allowing to effortlessly overpower opponents and move at lightning-fast speeds.
What in the world is this? Ored thought. Ridiculous plot armor much?
[ Hey you bastard! What is this Goddess Love trait? There should be no one that can touch our Goddess Atheia's heart ]
Oh shit! It must be that. Ored realized.
[ Hey! What's that? Answer me! What did you do to our Goddess? Why is she blushing? ]
Oh no... It was an impulse, Ored admitted, trying to brush it off.
[ Hey! Answer me! ] The guide system insisted.
Ored just shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips as he continued his journey towards the river.
As I ventured deeper into the forest, I spotted a tree draped with long, sturdy vines. I gathered as many as I could, feeling a bit like a caveman starting from scratch. This is literally Stone Age survival, I thought. I could use these to make axes or spears for hunting. Not that I need them, but I might as well play the part for now. Plus, my naked attire could use some cover.
Later, I found a tree with large, broad leaves. Using some of the vines as a makeshift belt, I fashioned a loincloth. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
[ Achievement Unlocked - Fashion Forward, Fossil Backward: Fashioned a most fashionable loincloth from the finest leaves the forest had to offer. ]
"Now you're just shitting me," I muttered, rolling my eyes at the holographic notification.
Hours of walking later, I felt a sensation I hadn't experienced in ten years—thirst. After spending a decade in a stasis chamber, the simple act of needing water felt almost foreign. But here I was, in a new world, with new needs and new challenges.
The wildlife in Eldoria was unlike anything on Earth. I saw a rabbit-like creature with horns, its sharp teeth hinting at a carnivorous diet. There were deer variants with formidable antlers, clearly used for combat rather than display. Birds sported vibrant, otherworldly feathers, and there were creatures I couldn't even begin to identify. The plants were just as alien; some reminded me of the sentient flora on Kelthoria IV, capable of consuming small animals and insects.
And then there were the goblins—straight out of fantasy books. I hadn't encountered one up close yet, but the snippets of images and information the goddess had shown me were enough to know they existed. This world was a blend of the familiar and the fantastical, a place where every step brought a new discovery.
Moments later, a distant noise caught my attention. It sounded like the chatter of little children, high-pitched and excited. I turned to see three goblins clinging to a deer-like creature, their antics a mix of comedy and chaos.
One goblin had attempted to lasso the deer but ended up being dragged along for the ride. Another had its spear lodged in the deer's side, using it as a makeshift handle to hold on. The third goblin was riding the deer, stabbing it with a sword, though the deer's frantic shaking and jumping didn't seem to deter the goblins in the slightest.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. These creatures are just adorable, I thought. Small, but aggressively stupid. Their relentless pursuit of the deer was both entertaining and slightly concerning. Despite their size, they were clearly formidable in their own right.
The deer finally let out its last breath, collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud. The goblin with the sword—Stabby, as I dubbed him—kicked the deer triumphantly, hinting at why the creature had given them such a hard time. The lasso goblin tugged at the rope, trying to pull the deer, but it didn't budge an inch. Meanwhile, the spear goblin stood proudly on the deer's body, admiring his heroic conquest.
I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. These creatures are just unique, I thought. Their dynamics were fascinating and entertaining. Despite their aggression, there was an endearing quality to their stupidity.
Suddenly, the spear goblin spotted me. He alerted his fellow goblins, who quickly abandoned their prize and charged in my direction. The lasso goblin, however, remained committed to his task, still tugging at the deer with all his might.