In a city under the golden sun, a bustling metropolis where dreams collided with reality. Among its many inhabitants, one stood out: Marcus Elman, a self-proclaimed genius and otaku. With disheveled dark hair that hides his piercing blue eyes, and a grin so disgusting that could scare even the most seasoned warrior.
Marcus had always believed he was destined for greatness. He always wanted to revel in the admiration of others, often trying to find something worth admiration in his own reflection.
Though he has grown accustomed to the disgusted looks people have given him.
As he strolled through the vibrant streets, Marcus felt the urge to turn around and head home. He wore a crumbled suit with loose threads hanging from his cuffs and faint stains as he stood out like a peacock, drawing glances of mockery from passersby. He was on his way to the manga store where the latest volume of an anime he was waiting for had been put on sale.
"Maybe I shouldn't have left my house until midnight," he murmured to himself.
However, destiny had other plans. As Marcus approached a busy intersection, a sudden cacophony of screeching tires erupted. Time seemed to slow as he turned to see a runaway truck barreling toward him. Panic flashed in his mind, and his instincts kicked in. He tried to leap to safety, but his lack of stamina and Being overweight, there was little strength he could muster.
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When Marcus regained consciousness, he found himself in a vast, ethereal void. There were no walls, no ground—just an endless expanse of shimmering stars and swirling colors. Confusion washed over him, and he instinctively reached for his phone, only to remember that it was now lost to him.
"Where am I?" he shouted into the void, his voice echoing back at him.
A figure emerged from the swirling mists, stepping into view. It was an androgynous being, its features shimmering and shifting like a mirage. The being wore a robe of cosmic energy that seemed to absorb and reflect the light of the stars around it.
"I am the Random Omniscient Being," it said, its voice resonating in a way that felt both familiar and foreign. "You may call me ROB."
Marcus narrowed his eyes, trying to assess the entity before him, but he felt his mind unraveling. "So, I'm dead? Is this some kind of afterlife?"
"Not quite," ROB replied, floating closer. "You are in a realm between worlds. Your life has ended, but I offer you a choice—two wishes that will shape your new existence."
"Wishes?" Marcus echoed, a mix of skepticism and intrigue flickering through him. "What's the catch?"
"No catch, but understand that great power comes with great responsibility," ROB explained. "Choose wisely, for your wishes will define your path moving forward."
Marcus's mind raced. He had always fantasized about having —a lot of power, admiration, a lot of adventure. "I wish for Hajun's abilities and appearance," he declared, recalling the legendary figure known for his immense power and destructive capabilities.
"An ambitious choice," ROB mused. "Hajun embodies destruction and rebirth, but it requires a strong will."
With a wave of its hand, ROB enveloped Marcus in a blinding light. He felt a surge of energy coursing through him, reshaping his very essence. His body transformed; muscles rippled beneath his skin, and dark, flowing robes draped over him, exuding an aura of authority. He could feel it—the power of Hajun thrumming within him.
"Your first wish is granted," ROB proclaimed. "Now, what is your second wish?"
Marcus took a moment to revel in his new form, appreciating the raw strength coursing through his veins. "I wish to travel to other anime universes," he said, excitement bubbling within him. "I want to experience their stories and fight alongside their heroes."
A lie…at least partly. He wants to show off and beat down powerful protagonists and antagonists alike, he wants to experience being a god and to have to have people worship him in
"Very well," ROB replied, a hint of amusement in its voice. "You shall traverse the anime-verses and movies of your choosing."
As the last word left ROB's lips, Marcus felt himself being pulled apart, the fabric of reality stretching and twisting around him. Colors exploded in a kaleidoscope of light, and then, with a jolt, he found himself standing in a new world…not quite.