As I fall to my knees, that shameless being looks down at me and says:
"Now I'm feeling a bit bad. Anyway, since this world will be quite difficult for you, I'll give you a chance to ask for something. If I deem it reasonable, you will receive it."
"This guy... What do I do? I'm not much of a fighter, and my mindset is definitely not up to the task for that hellhole. I either need someone to train me or an Aspect that lets me bypass the training altogether. And even then, there's still the problem with my mind."
Then, an idea struck me.
"What if I ask for my first Nightmare to provide me with a teacher of my choice—someone who can train me to fight, maybe temper my mindset, and grant me an Aspect similar to theirs so my training will be specific?"
"That's doable," the ROB said casually.
"Are there any restrictions on who I can pick?" I asked.
"Not really," he replied, "but be warned—your Aspect will be similar to theirs. If you choose someone too powerful, you will inherit an equally terrible flaw. That is the way of the world."
"Shit... I completely forgot about the flaw system. So, I need someone who fights well, has an unshakable mindset, a useful power, and a flaw that won't completely ruin me. Wait—there is someone. A warrior whose strength, mentality, and even his flaw would be incredibly useful in the Shadow Slave world."
I looked up at the ROB and said confidently:
"Qin Shi Huang from Record of Ragnarok."
The being smirked. "So be it."
I heard a sudden clapping sound, and my vision blurred.
"May luck find you in your next life."
Darkness consumed me.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing in an old, worn-down courtyard—the kind that noble families in ancient China might have lived in. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows over a stone path leading to a single wooden door. The air was heavy, as if it carried the weight of centuries.
"Is this the first Nightmare?" I wondered.
The door creaked open.
A man in golden robes stepped out, his presence immediately suffocating. Even without knowing his name, I could feel his authority pressing down on me like an invisible force. His gaze was piercing—cold yet unreadable.
Qin Shi Huang stood before me, younger than his legendary self, yet still emanating an overwhelming sense of power.
His voice was steady, yet carried an unmistakable weight:
"Who are you? Why do you stand before my door?"
He was neither hostile nor kind—simply curious.
I froze for a moment, my mind racing. This was it. My only chance.
If I couldn't convince him to teach me, I was as good as dead.
I took a deep breath and forced my body to stay steady.
"I came to learn from you," I said firmly. "I'm about to enter a world where strength is necessary, and I couldn't think of a better teacher than you—The Greatest King."
He remained silent, stepping closer.
His star-like eyes bore into me, as if he could see straight through my soul.
Then, he spoke.
"Even if I teach you, I see that you have never fought for anything in your life. Your resolve will falter the moment hardship comes your way."
Just as I was about to respond—
He moved.
His fist shot forward without warning.
I barely had time to react before his punch crashed against my raised arms. Pain exploded through my body. The force knocked me backward, my arms aching as if they had been shattered.
I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to look up at him.
I wanted to curse. I wanted to shout. But instead, I took a deep breath and forced the anger down.
Then, I spoke.
"I grew up in a world where fighting wasn't necessary."
"But where I'm going, it is."
"And that still won't be enough."
"I need more—I need the will to push through anything that stands in my way."
Qin Shi Huang's expression remained unreadable, but I felt his attention sharpen.
I continued.
"The world I am going to is closer to hell than reality."
"There are people there who are incredibly strong, intelligent, and determined enough to do anything for their goals... but they will lose so much."
"At the start, they will be lost. If I can guide them—even a little—I can save more people."
"And in turn, they will help me survive... and save the world."
A long silence stretched between us.
Then, Qin Shi Huang raised an eyebrow. Stepped inside gesturing toward me to follow.