"Pain."
"My first memory was pain."
"And now..."
"My last thought is pain."
Granger Reiner lay on his bed. His cancer had finally won.
He could hear the sobs of his mother, father, and little sister. But in his final moments, all he felt was relief.
He was finally free from a life of suffering.
"My only regret..."
"I won't get to play RPG games anymore."
A small laugh escaped his lips as he thought about the countless hours he spent playing games, unable to leave home because of his illness.
All his life, he tried to live normally, but life had been cruel.
"I hope heaven has video games... if heaven even exists."
His consciousness faded, swallowed by a gentle darkness.
"It's finally over."
He felt the soft embrace of death and welcomed it with a smile.
But the darkness didn't last long.
He heard the chirping of birds.
The warmth of the morning sun touched his skin.
A nearby river flowed gently, its sound soothing.
Granger opened his eyes slowly and found himself in the middle of a garden. It was filled with vibrant flowers and shrubs, more beautiful than anything he had ever seen.
For the first time in years, there was no pain.
He looked down. He was no longer wearing a hospital gown. Instead, he wore a simple brown tunic, like something out of a fantasy game.
Startled, he stood up.
"Where am I?"
"This is my sanctuary, the Ascension Garden," a soft voice replied.
Granger turned to see a woman sitting on a white chair, sipping tea. She had golden hair, golden eyes, and wore a silky dress. Her skin was as white as snow, and her beauty seemed almost unreal.
"Granger Reiner," she said, her smile gentle, "your life was tragic. Pain and suffering defined it. You had no true friends... a lonely existence."
Granger furrowed his brow but said nothing.
The woman laughed softly, her voice melodic.
"Ah, where are my manners? My name is Edrina, the Goddess of Ascension. And you, Granger, have been chosen for a great task—to become my 101st champion."
Granger's eyes widened.
"Champion?"
"Yes," Edrina nodded. "A champion is someone granted powers by their god. You will act as my avatar... or, as your people might call it, my 'player.'"
Hearing this, Granger's curiosity grew.
"Please, tell me more."
Edrina smiled, pleased by his enthusiasm.
"The gods have created a competition among themselves. The task is simple: clear the Endless Dungeon in the world of Agrasia. It's both a way for us to show our power and to save that world from destruction."
Granger tilted his head.
"So, I'm your 101st champion? That means this has happened 100 times before, and now it's my turn?"
Edrina hesitated for a moment, a pause Granger noticed but didn't question.
"Yes," she said, nodding. "But there's a lot at stake. If you fail, I will lose my divine authority."
Granger nodded. "I understand."
"I'm glad you do."
"But," Granger added, "what's in it for me? What do I get for representing you?"
Edrina's smile returned.
"I will grant you one wish. You can decide what it is as you journey through Agrasia. Perhaps, in fighting for my glory, you'll discover what your heart truly desires."
Granger considered this. "That's a fair deal. I'm in."
Edrina's eyes widened in surprise. "You're agreeing so quickly?"
Granger shrugged. "My life was full of pain. You're giving me a chance at something new. Why would I refuse? Besides, living in a dungeon-crawling adventure is a gamer's dream."
Edrina laughed softly.
"I see. Very well. Granger Reiner, my champion, you will receive your Status Board. I created it using the last of my divine authority. Use it wisely and unlock its full potential. I'm putting everything on you. Win this for me."
A blue portal opened before Granger.
He looked at the portal, then back at Edrina, raising a thumb.
"See you, Goddess."
Edrina smiled warmly.
"Be careful, my champion."
Without hesitation, Granger stepped into the portal.
The room grew silent. Edrina's smile faded, replaced by concern.
"Do your best, my champion," she whispered softly.
"You are my last hope."
•••••
Granger emerged from the portal into a large, empty room with marble walls. A blue magic circle glowed beneath his feet.
Behind him, he noticed a statue of Edrina.
"Here we go," he said quietly. "My new life begins now."
[Welcome to the world of Agrasia, Player.]
A calm, monotone female voice spoke in his mind.
[I am a guide created by your patron. I will assist you on your journey. First, here is your Status Board.]
A glowing panel appeared before him.
•••••
NAME: Granger Reiner.
PATRON: EDRINA
ASCENSION RANK: Weak.
LEVEL: 1/10.
NEXT ASCENSION: Level 100.
[STATUS]
HP: 10
MP: 10
[STAT POINTS]
STRENGTH: 1
INTELLIGENCE: 1
CONSTITUTION: 1
DEXTERITY: 1
AGILITY: 1
CHARISMA: 1
AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 3
[Abilities]
SKILL: WEAK BARRIER.
HP: 10% of the user's HP.
RANGE: 1 Meter.
[Barrier Special Effects]
—WEAK—
ACTIVE:
PASSIVE:
AVAILABLE SPECIAL EFFECT: 1
•••••
"Wow, it's just like in RPGs," Granger said, scanning the details. "But it seems to focus entirely on one skill… Barrier?"
[Correct.]
[This Status Board was personally designed by the Goddess of Ascension. It's unique and tailored through trial and error. Your system revolves entirely around the Barrier skill.]
[However, being unique has drawbacks. You are bound by this system's rules, and strategies that work for others may not apply to you. Good luck, Master.]
Granger smirked, his excitement building.
"I'm really in another world. This is the start of my new life."