Slowly, I open my eyes after some resistance. I feel my body completely numb, as if I had been sleeping for a long time. After gathering my thoughts, I begin to check my surroundings. A dark, bluish environment surrounds me, with small white points shining in the distance.
As the seconds pass, fragments of memories begin to settle in my mind. Me walking down the street, happy. It was my first day of summer vacation from school, and I was excited as I headed home. After all, I could focus more time on my hobby: the classic watching anime and reading manga or fanfics, as always. The misfortune? The last thing I remember is a man running toward me, and then... nothing.
I can assume he killed me based on where I am now. Could this be the limbo? Haa... how troublesome.
Unconsciously, I feel small tears forming in my eyes and a pain rising in my chest. Sure, my life wasn't perfect, but I wanted to keep living peacefully. And what worries me most is my father. Some years ago, my parents separated, and I stayed with my dad. My dear father, who since I was little, took me to school, taught me right from wrong, while my mother didn't care about me.
He has always been my safe haven, and leaving him alone with no one to keep him company is what breaks my heart the most… I hope he lives well and happily even after my death...
Lost in my thoughts, a great light begins to form, as if one of the small glowing points around me were rapidly growing.
"Child, it seems your mind is restless. It was not entirely your death that brought you such sorrow… but rather, your love for your father. A truly kind soul…"
A gentle voice speaks. I glance around, noticing no one, and focus my attention on the large glowing sphere, seemingly the source of the voice. I've never been particularly religious, but if anything akin to a god exists, this figure before me must be close.
"You are partially correct, child. I am something you might call a higher god or a titan. My name is Andromeda, and I am one of the 12 superior titans."
Initially, I feel a bit surprised that such a being can read my thoughts, but after her introduction, it somehow feels plausible.
"Nice to meet you, Lady Andromeda. My name is Cassiopeia. I assume my life on Earth has ended. What will happen to me now?"
My voice comes out almost as a whisper. This situation is still too chaotic in my mind.
"A polite child, how delightful. Unfortunately, you are correct, child. Your life on Earth has ended, and I am sorry. However, I can offer you a new opportunity. Reviewing your life, I noticed you are quite fond of fantasy stories, especially those where the protagonists are reincarnated into other worlds. Humans never cease to amaze me with their ability to imagine something that already exists, created by us higher titans."
A mix of emotions floods me. Even knowing my death was certain, having it confirmed is hard. Sighing and trying to set those thoughts aside, I focus on understanding everything Andromeda said. A certain childlike joy at discovering that something I enjoyed so much exists is certainly surprising.
"What do you mean by a new opportunity, Goddess Andromeda?"
I ask, trying to move forward. After all, it's what my father would want for me.
"Well, child. As you might imagine, I will grant you the opportunity to be reborn in another world, just like in the stories you enjoy. Of course, this is a mutually beneficial arrangement. Unfortunately, part of it stems from my own selfishness and that of my companions."
Hearing the goddess's words, I am not naive enough to think this wouldn't be mutually beneficial. Even a powerful entity wouldn't do a favor for nothing, but I do not condemn her for it.
"What would you like me to do?"
I ask promptly.
"Well, child. What I can tell you is that there is an almost infinite number of worlds across the omniverse. Many literary and cinematic works are existing universes somewhere. Each of these worlds has a protection preventing entities from interfering, and as you might guess, we entities, with our vast age, often observe these worlds for entertainment."
Hearing the goddess speak, it feels a bit amusing, but I understand her point. After living so long, any being would eventually seek new forms of entertainment.
"And well, my companions and I, in observing another world, came across one that, unfortunately, many like me did not appreciate. The way gods were portrayed by those inferior beings angered most of us. Which, in the end, brings us back to you. In your world, there was a work called Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka?, or Danmachi for short."
Recalling the series, which happens to be one of my favorites, I instantly understand why so many gods were angered. As a piece of entertainment, it was excellent, but the gods were portrayed in a rather… fantastical and stereotypical manner. The same would provoke outrage if applied to any community.
"It seems you understand, child. Indeed, it seems I chose well in picking you. So, our offer is this: we will reincarnate you into the world of Danmachi, with your body receiving our 'falna,' and you will represent us. Of course, we will grant you some gifts, but unfortunately, the barrier prevents us from intervening more directly. How does a 'system,' as in those famous stories, sound as our gift?"
It's funny that even though I only hear her voice, I can imagine her smiling. This whole situation is very similar to the stories I love. It's genuinely exciting to go to a world that, despite its dangers, is incredibly intriguing. And with a system on top of that.
"I accept, Goddess Andromeda. I will make sure to become very strong and represent you as the true gods."
I might sound like a crazy fanatic for gods I just met, but even if this benefits them, I've been given the chance for a new life with gifts I could only dream of. In the end, I have much to be grateful for. Is this some twisted Stockholm syndrome? Oh well, who cares.
"I'm glad you accepted, child. Have a wonderful new life and show them the true meaning of gods."
The goddess's voice speaks. Then, I see millions of other stars start to shine even brighter, and countless "thank yous" are spoken in different tones.
Finally, a great light envelops me. A new life begins...