"For my reincarnation," I said, sitting forward in my chair and locking eyes with Brakos, "I want to go to a world with magic and supernatural creatures. Somewhere I can live a life of adventure and learn how magic actually works—not just in theory, but in practice."
Brakos raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Ah, a classic request. A fantasy world with real danger and limitless potential. I can work with that. Would you like to arrive as an adult or a child?"
"Child," I replied without hesitation. "I want to grow up in the world. Be shaped by it. Learn its rules from the inside rather than being dropped in fully formed and clueless. Plus, having a background people can trace is less suspicious than just... appearing out of nowhere."
Brakos looked pleased. "Wise. Most people want the shortcut—power, status, fame. You, on the other hand, want roots. I respect that."
I gave a slight smirk. "Shortcuts break games. I'd rather earn my skills. I've always been a bit of a grind-for-everything kind of player. Pay-to-win ruins the fun."
He laughed at that. "You're the first person I've heard compare reincarnation to an RPG and actually make it make sense."
"That's just how I think." I shrugged. "Planning helps me feel grounded."
Brakos nodded, then narrowed his eyes slightly, a look of curiosity overtaking his face. "I can't help but notice how quickly you've adapted to all of this. The concept of reincarnation. Other worlds. Spirits. Most people would be overwhelmed by now."
I tilted my head. "I mean… I was overwhelmed. Still am, a little. But once I realized I wasn't in pain, that I had a chance to move forward... I started to treat it like any other problem. Take in information, assess my options, and make a plan."
Brakos watched me quietly for a moment, then smiled. "You really are something else, Jackson."
I shrugged. "I try."
I paused for a second, then leaned in a little. "That said… I do have a question for you."
Brakos looked mildly amused. "Oh? Turning the interview around on me now, are you?"
"Yup," I said with a smirk. "You've been extremely generous. You're offering me a second life, answering my questions, granting me the freedom to choose... but what's your goal in all this? What do you get out of helping me?"
That seemed to catch him off guard. His smile didn't fade, but it paused—just for a second."...You're sharper than most."
"Thanks. Now answer the question."
He chuckled softly, then sat back with a thoughtful look."Yes, this does function like a contract, in a sense. But unlike most, the only payment I ask… is that you live your life the way you want to. Fully. Honestly. Unapologetically. That's the deal."
I stared at him. "...You want entertainment?"
Brakos shrugged. "You make it sound cheap, but yes. I've read so many stories, Jackson. Some tragic, some beautiful, some unfinished. But they all had one thing in common: they ended. I've watched people with potential get crushed by fate, or waste their second chances by clinging to fear. You, though… You might actually live."
There was something more in his eyes, though. Something hidden. A flicker of purpose he wasn't saying.
"You're leaving something out," I said quietly.
He met my gaze, unblinking. Then, after a long pause, said, "I am. But not out of malice. There are things you're not ready for yet. But when the time comes… you'll understand."
I didn't press him. Not because I wasn't curious—I absolutely was—but because I trusted my read on him. Brakos wasn't lying. He was just playing the long game.
"...Fair enough," I said.
He gave me a genuine smile then. "I'm glad we met, Jackson."
It was a simple thing to say. But the way he said it—it felt honest. Not like some higher being manipulating fate. Like a person who'd gone a long time without someone to talk to.
I smiled back. "Same here."
After a few moments, I leaned forward again. "Alright. I've thought about the kind of life I want to live. And I've come up with a few requests. Some are big. Some are weird. But all of them matter to me."
Brakos sat up, fully attentive. "Let's hear them."
"First," I began, "I want the ability to use magic. Obviously. But I want to learn it—not be given a full spellbook from day one. Give me potential, not power."
Brakos nodded, approving. "Done. I'll awaken your affinity and let it grow over time. You'll have to train, experiment, study. But you'll be capable."
"Second, I want to form contracts with spirits."
Brakos tilted his head, intrigued. "You're drawn to spirits?"
"You made them sound fascinating. Mysterious. I want to work with them, not just borrow their power. That seems… right."
"Plus, I want allies I can count on and fight side by side with but also those who can understand the more.." I gestured to the shelves surrounding us "abnormal and outerworld things I now know of."
"You're the first to ask for that without trying to exploit it. I like that," he said, smiling. "And I have a few ideas already."
"Third," I continued, "I want to start out weak—on purpose. I want to grow at my own pace. Unlock my potential through effort, not shortcuts."
Brakos gave an approving nod. "I'll respect that. Strength earned is strength remembered."
"And fourth…" I paused, hesitating slightly. "I want to be born into a normal family. No nobles. No rich merchants. No political schemers. I hate politics."
Brakos burst out laughing. "That might be the most relatable request I've ever heard."
"Look," I said, holding up my hands, "I just want a peaceful starting point. Somewhere I can grow without immediately being pulled into kingdom-wide drama."
"I'll do my best to find a fitting home for you," he said with a smile. "Simple, stable, and as far from court intrigue as possible."
"Great." I leaned back. "Now... there's one more thing. A bigger request."
Brakos arched an eyebrow. "Go on."
"I want to become a Primogenitor."
The silence that followed was immediate and absolute.
Brakos froze, blinking once, then again, as if trying to make sure he heard me right."...I'm sorry, you what?"
"I want to become a Primogenitor," I said again, calm and clear. "I want to create a new race."
Brakos stared at me for a long time. Not out of anger or disbelief. Just... processing.
"That… is a request I don't think anyone's ever made," he muttered.
"Is it possible?"
He rubbed his face with both hands and let out a breath. "...Technically? Yes. But it comes with danger. A lot of danger."
"I expected that."
"You'd be a target. Not just from the world—but from other Primogenitors. They'll see you as a threat. A rival. And that's not even getting into what the kingdoms would do if they found out."
I nodded. "I'm prepared for that. Which is why… I want my powers sealed."
That caught his attention. His eyes sharpened, studying me anew."Sealed? Elaborate."
I grinned. "I want to grow into being a Primogenitor. The powers would be locked in a special container—accessible only when I'm ready. When I've learned enough to survive and understand the risks."
"...You want to earn being overpowered," Brakos said slowly, like he couldn't believe it.
"Basically, yeah."
And for the first time since I met him, I saw Brakos completely speechless.
Then, a moment later, he grinned.
"You're insane," he said.
"Thanks. I try."