Jack drifted through an endless void, the harsh light gradually dimming into a calm, rhythmic glow deep within his consciousness. Slowly, he became aware of himself—not just an abstract presence, but a solid essence, a sense of being. Surrounding him was a soothing, protective energy, an unseen force that cradled his very soul.
Then, a familiar, clear voice echoed in his mind—the System.
[Welcome back, Jack. The integration is complete.]
His thoughts sharpened. "Koa… Where am I?"
[You are within the Cycle of Reincarnation—a realm where all souls return to be reborn. Here, life energy is renewed, and souls are cleansed and reshaped.]
Jack's mind raced. He'd heard about reincarnation before—myths, religions, late-night philosophical discussions. But standing in the reality of it, feeling the sheer, overwhelming vastness, was beyond anything he'd ever imagined. "The Cycle… So what happens now? Am I just… another soul in the mix?"
[Not exactly. Typically, when a soul enters the Cycle, it diffuses. The core—its essence—remains intact, but everything else, its memories and experiences, blends with countless others. Each core absorbs fragments from others, creating new identities and new lives.]
Jack struggled to wrap his mind around it. "So, every time someone is reborn, they're a mix of countless past lives?"
[Yes. The Cycle renews souls, blending experiences to foster growth and learning. It's both a cleansing and a rebuilding process.]
A heavy silence settled between them. Jack thought about his life—the memories that defined him. The idea of being stripped down to just a core, losing all those moments, was terrifying. "Then… what about me? Is this… the end of who I am?"
[No. Your journey is different. I was designed to protect you. Unlike basic Systems, I safeguard your entire soul—not just the core. Everything that makes you you will remain intact.]
Jack's awareness sharpened. "Protect me? How?"
[My energy surrounds your soul, shielding it from the blending process. It acts like a barrier, preserving your memories and identity. The Cycle's energy still flows through you, but instead of diluting your essence, it merges with you, strengthening both your soul and me.]
His mind buzzed with questions. "So… you're feeding off the Cycle's energy?"
[In a sense. I collect energy from the Cycle to sustain and enhance my functions. This energy also fortifies your soul, reinforcing our bond. Other Systems can't do this—they drain the soul instead of protecting it, eventually damaging the core.]
Jack frowned as the pieces began to fall into place. "And if the core is damaged… it can't reincarnate again."
[Correct. A crude System might grant you temporary power, but comes at a great cost. The soul becomes too fractured, too weak to survive another reincarnation. Their existence ends permanently.]
A chill ran through him. "And you? You're… different?"
[I was designed to be perfect. The energy I gather strengthens your soul instead of depleting it. Our bond is symbiotic: as you grow, I grow. Because I fully protect your core, you'll retain your memories and abilities in every future life. You'll reincarnate again and again, always carrying me with you.]
Jack's thoughts swirled. "So… I'm immortal?"
[In a sense. You'll still live and die like anyone else, but your soul will endure. Everything you are—and everything you become—will carry forward.]
The weight of it settled over him. Immortality. Reincarnation. An eternal journey of growth and power. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. "Why me? Why was I chosen?"
[It wasn't random. I was designed to find a soul strong enough to withstand the merging, pure enough to bond without damage. When you touched the artifact, our compatibility was confirmed. You were… ready.]
Jack absorbed this, a strange mix of awe and responsibility washing over him. "So… what happens now?"
[You're about to leave the Cycle. Your soul has been fortified. The merging is complete. Soon, you'll enter your new world.]
Anticipation swelled within him. "A new world… Do I get any say in where I go?"
[The Cycle decides. But you won't be unprepared. Our bond ensures you'll carry the knowledge and strength you need. This is just the beginning, Jack.]
The void around him began to shift. The soft, pulsating light grew brighter, the hum of energy intensifying. He could feel it—a pull, a gentle tug, as if the universe itself was calling him forward.
"Koa… Any advice?"
[Remember what you've learned. Adapt. Survive. Grow. The path ahead will be difficult, but you're not alone. We are one now.]
The light intensified, becoming blinding. Jack felt his essence stretching, drawn toward something vast and unknown. His last coherent thought, before the light consumed him, was simple yet profound.
"Let's see what's waiting for me."