MAN, THAT SURE WAS A BADASS WAY TO GO OUT!!"
That's the last thing I heard before a blinding light enveloped me, and I found myself in what looked like a conference room. The only thing off about it was that there were no walls or ceiling, and it seemed to be floating in the middle of what I could only describe as a galaxy—millions of stars shining like gems across the endless black canvas of space.
Across the desk from me, seated in a sleek black leather chair, was a being made of both light and darkness. The two energies seemed to coexist in perfect harmony, like an eternal dance of change and balance.
And then, this being spoke.
"Hello there!"
….
"What?" was all I managed to mutter, my mind reeling at how unreal everything felt.
"Didn't you get the reference? Come on, it was hilarious!"
"Ha… no… I mean, yes, I did, General Kenobi, but… what's going on here?"
"Ha ha ha! I knew you were a fun guy! I'm so happy I chose you!!" the being laughed, a deep, resonant sound that felt like the universe itself was laughing with him.
"Wait a second—who are you?" I tried to ask, but was immediately interrupted.
"Pep, pep, pep, pep… I know you have a ton of questions, so let me introduce myself first."
I could only nod, speechless.
"I'm known by many names—God, The One Above All, The All-Father, and many others—but the name I most identify with is The Observer. Sure, I created much of what exists, but most of the time, I just watch. And you, my friend, can call me Dave, as that's the name I use when I mingle with mortals. Any questions?" The being—Dave—said with what I could only describe as a smile on his ethereal face.
"Yes, a lot of them, but first…" I said, straightening myself up.
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Gabriel," I introduced myself.
"You don't seem as freaked out as I was expecting! Most people usually faint the first time they meet me."
"Don't get me wrong, I'm still pretty shaken. First, I die, and then I meet God, and one of the first things He says is a really good Star Wars reference. But I'm trying to get a grip and be polite since you seem like an okay guy."
"Ooo, thanks!" Dave chuckled.
"So, what am I doing here?" I asked, genuinely curious now.
"Well, Gabriel, you just happen to be my favorite being in your little universe. I mean, you became the John Wick of your world, so I thought I'd give you a second chance at life."
"Really? Thank you so much! I can't believe something like this is happening to me. I mean, sure, I dreamed of it, but I never thought it would actually happen."
"Don't sweat it, you deserve it. You not only were a hero, but you also saved a lot of people with your final act," Dave said with a nod.
"Thank you. So, how's this all going to work?" I asked, eager to know more.
"Well, for starters, I've already picked the world you'll be reincarnated into: the galaxy far, far away." He grinned.
I couldn't help but smile too. 'I can't believe I'm going to live a second life in Star Wars… this is so cool,' I thought, grinning from ear to ear.
"You'll also get three wishes, but there are rules," Dave added, raising a finger.
"Rule number one: no breaking the universe's rules. No wishing for teleportation or a Sharingan. Those don't belong in that universe." He raised another finger.
"Rule number two: don't wish for absolute power or mastery. You have to earn your own power."
"And rule number three: no systems. I hate that shit." Dave raised a third finger. "What do you think?"
"The rules are fine, and they make sense. It would spoil all the fun if everything was handed to me on a silver platter. I want the power I gain to be based on my effort and hard work. Otherwise, it wouldn't be satisfying." I nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. I always hated how in novels, the main character suddenly gains god-level power overnight. It just didn't feel right.
"I'm glad you agree. So, what are your wishes?" Dave asked, clearly eager to move on.
"My first wish is…"