"Hi, my name is King Michael. I'm 29, years old and have, just recently gotten certified to be a network engineer. I've been living in California for about 2 years now, and to be honest I've been very excited to see where this new chapter of my life will take me"
"And what are your strengths?", my interviewer asked, sipping her coffee and scribbling notes down.
'And, it's time to shine' I thought. As the thorough person I've at least imagined myself to be, I've already prepared answers to these basic interview questions and drilled through them again and again.
We were sitting in a coffee shop inside a mall. Several tables filled with guests who are chatting, sipping coffee, and working on laptops. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee, and baked sweets. Just outside of the coffee shop, many people walk by in the mall. The main area of the mall is lit using sky lights, flooding the mall with natural sunlight. Faint music plays in the mall, creating an inviting atmosphere to its potential customers.
I take a sip of my coffee before speaking. "I am punctual, detail-oriented, and a natural leader." I say with unwavering confidence. The interview goes about as smoothly as that.
I've done plenty of interviews before. I've gone to their website, researched what they do, committed there mission statement to memory, and even looked up their company's shareholders. As I said before, I like to be very thorough.
I left the mall, walking onto the hot asphalt of the parking lot. A large smile could be seen on my face as I laugh at my answers to her questions on the inside. 'I'm a team player alright...'
The sun beats down on me, making me sweat through my dress shirt. Walking past the cars in the lot, paperwork in hand, I search for the bus stop.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. 'What do you want, jeez I hate talking.' I say as I pull my phone out, bringing it to my ear.
"Hello?"
"HI, is this King?" The voice on the other end inquired.
"Yes, this is he."
"Perfect. I guess congratulations are in order. See you soon, King."
"Congratulations?"
*beep beep beep*
"Huh?"
I stare at my phone, which shows the words 'unknown caller'. I immediately assume it's a prank call, dismissing it completely.
'Come to think about it, I never got a name. She sounded pretty, though' I thought, whimsically.
Little did I know it was the last thought I'd have.
*BOOM!*
Everything went black.
_______________________________
" Hehehehehe, hope he's not too pissed."
In a pitch blackness, filled with constellations of stars shining bright, there were black, translucent stairs that seemed to be fashioned from the very space itself. Up these stairs stood a magnificent throne, which looked the same as the stairs and the surrounding constellations. Sitting on that throne was what could only be seen as a goddess. Wearing a simple white dress, she had silver hair and, supple ivory skin. She had almond shaped eyes which were shining white. Her long, lustrous hair was wreathed with colorful flowers that seemed to glow in this dark space. She rested her head on her hand, propped up by the celestial armrest of the throne.
"Wake up, little one" She spoke. Her voice echoed in my head as I find myself curled up in a ball, laying on what could only be called the 'floor' of this space, which was covered in stars. I slowly sit up and open my eyes.
'Huh?' That was my first thought as I wipe my eyes. I look around at the place I've found myself in. My heartbeat quickens as I realize I'm in space. I look around in fear as I finally see the beautiful goddess sitting on the celestial throne.
'Holy f@#$' I think as I take in her beauty.
"That must be some sort of automatic reaction. I've heard that line more times than I can remember" the goddess say with a chuckle. Her smile was simply divine.
"D-did you just....read my mind? You must be God or... maybe this is a dream....?" I say as I take in my surroundings once again.
"This is real, King. Very real. You've been chosen" the goddess looks down on me with a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts.
"Huh? So.... I'm not dreaming?" I test as I pinch my arm.
The goddess looks at me in a mischievous way. "Would you like proof?"
"Yes, I would" I say, looking up at her in her glowing white eyes.
The goddess chuckles as she disappears from the throne. The throne and steps also dissappear, leaving me in the empty dark space, illuminated by the countless stars.
The stars start to move. They all start to move and rearrange themselves. Thousands upon thousands of little lights coalesce into a giant version of the goddess that was just sitting on the throne just moments ago.
"My name is Anastasia, Goddess of this universe. Pleased to meet you, King."
I am too stunned to speak. I fall to my knees and look at the all-powerful deity before me in absolute awe. I hear fingers snap and just like that, I see Anastasia sitting on the same throne. Looking like nothing ever happened.
"Proof enough?" She asked, looking at me with a smile. Still too stunned to speak, I just nod my head.
"Good. Now that that is out of the way, I'll tell you why I've brought you here." She says. I look up at her face, and see a hint of.....smugness?
"You're here because I've chosen you to send to another world. You see, I'm celebrating. I've acquired this ability not too long ago, and I chose you to use it on."
I look at the goddess in disbelief. Regaining my senses, I stand up and asked "I died?"
"You did. I made a truck hurtle in your direction and killed you." She said nonchalantly.
"But why? I was going to finally start doing things right. I was going to fix my life. I'm....I was...." I was stunned. This goddess took my life from me, all to celebrate gaining some ability to isekai people. I was feeling emotions I had on clue I even had. I clenched my fists in anger.
"I know, it's a lot to take in. I'm sure you have no clue where to start processing this information, but instead of being judged and placed in the afterlife, you've been given a second life. Angry as you are, be grateful. For none get this privilege." She said calmly, but firmly.
I took a deep breath, pushing those thoughts aside. I had the feeling if I angered this woman I may end up in a worse situation than I'm already in.
A faint smile could be seen on her face. "Good choice. I understand you left a lot behind. Actually, I've been watching you for a while now." She stated.
"Really?" I asked.
"Yes I have. Upon realizing I was reaching a level of divinity that would allow me to send souls to different places instead of the afterlife, I searched for a suitable candidate." She said.
I look at her in disbelief. "And you deemed me, from billions of people to send to another world? I won't lie, it's flattering, but why me?"
"Why NOT you? You've been through some trying times these past few years. You've lost people, clawed your way up, and carved a path for yourself with that empty, hallowed out heart of yours. And I find that you have had a difficult time filling it. It's sad, really, and I can't intervene in that way. So, since you've been lying to yourself, I've decided to give you a chance to start over."
I subconsciously take a step back. I no longer saw this goddess as majestic and beautiful. She looked imposing and impossibly powerful. I think of many questions I had, too many to count. I look up at her and said, "Well, since we both know you know, let's not dwell on the topic."
Anastasia smiled. "Indeed, we won't. I've actually been thinking of ways to let's say....compensate you for your loss."
I perk up at hearing her words.
She put a finger on her cheek. "I've been researching this 'isekai' idea you humans came up with for your novels. I have a pretty good idea of what to do, but I would like some feedback if that's ok." She look at me and smiled widely.
I....hit the jackpot. All of a sudden, all of the dreams of going to another world with super over powered cheat skills and building a harem flooded my mind instantly. Now, for some reason I was given the chance to live the isekai protagonist life. Who wouldn't kill for this !?
I keep my composure and clear my throat. The moment I've been dreaming of is finally here.
"Well, first off I'd like to be a human of noble blood. I'd like a strong affinity to darkness...." I suddenly trail off.
"Is there a problem?" Anastasia asked.
"I'm only assuming that I'm going to a world with magic. Where am I going?" I asked.
"You are going to a place of magic, rest assured. The planet called Oasia. It's the closest thing to what you humans call an 'isekai' world. There's magic, mystical beasts..."
"Catgirls?" I blurt out.
"Cultured, I see. Yes, the whole bit." The goddess says.
"Awesome...." I say. It's going to be epic!
"Continue with your specifications. Noble blood, affinity to darkness. And?" the goddess said, prompting me to continue.
"A strong body. And actually, I'd like a well rounded build when it comes to elemental spells, with a sharp lean into darkness magic." I say. I nod at my choices.
"Hmmm....I can give you these things, but the body constitution will be difficult. You'll have to work that out yourself through training. Oh!" The goddess suddenly exclaimed. She raised her hand and a small star appeared. It was very small, a small twinkle of light. She flicked it, and it flew into my chest. I didn't feel it at all, but it was exciting nonetheless.
"That should help. Ok, I'm sending you now. Good luck, King."
"Goddess Anastasia?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. I really mean it."
"Awww, don't even mention it. Go have fun." She said as she raised her other hand. Stars twinkled in the space as they swirled around and formed a portal of blinding light the sucked me straight it before I could even think.
"He should be quite satisfied. Take care of my little present, King." She said.
________________________________
I was whipping and swirling in the light of the portal, excited for my new life.