authors note :
'....' for thinking
[...] for system
<< >> for the point of view or P.O.V
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In a realm that contains nothing but emptiness, there exists a humanoid being. The being appeared majestic beyond mortal comprehension, cloaked in a white gown that concealed its features. One couldn't make out what the being truly looked like due to the radiant light it emanated, which added an air of mystique. The being's presence was indescribable; words like "perfect" or "madness" barely scratched the surface. Perfect, because there were no wasted movements in its actions. Madness, because to a mortal's eyes, it appeared to be performing the same action over and over.
The being repeatedly picked up a radiant orb from a crystalline river, observed it for some moment, and then placed it into another river flowing in a different direction. The only noticeable difference was the distinct color of each orb to the mortal eye but it was anything but ordinary the radiant orbs were not just simple orbs but the soul orbs . each containing a distict soul , colour of the orbs signify presence of an ego inside the orb while the colorless or white signify the that the soul orb doesnot contain any ego and are ready to rebirth . inside the crystalline river quantity of the colored orbs are but very few unlike the white or colorless ones . Task that 'Being' was doing is very dalicate one but the task was executed with robotic precision, as though the being was compelled to do this for an eternity. It was unclear how long it had been performing this ritual or how much longer it would continue. Then, as it was in the midst of its repetitive task, the being paused, its attention drawn to a particular orb. As if has found something intriging to watch .
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I don't know how long I've been in this trance-like state. I can neither see nor hear anything from the outside. All I have are my thoughts and distant memories. I don't remember how long it has been like this or how much longer it will last. All I can do to cure my boredom is recall fragments of my past—the life I once lived, the good and bad moments, for some reason i couldnt recall any media that i had consumed just some bits and classic plots. Series, anime, books, manga, and movies—they're all faded from my memory all i could recall of having a normal life and the faces of people I knew, loved, or admired have started to blur from my mind.
I know that soon even these memories will be gone, but I cling to them desperately to avoid becoming blank. The thought of losing everything, of becoming a hollow existence, terrifies me. Just as I was spiraling into despair, something began to change. Slowly, my senses returned. My thoughts grew clearer, and the unknown anxiety that had gripped me began to fade. It was a gradual, almost therapeutic process, as if orchestrated by some unseen force.
When my sense of sight returned, I noticed a being before me. It looked humanoid, but I couldn't be sure. Something about it made it clear that this being was responsible for my condition. The being was draped in a golden cape, its features obscured by a mysterious fog and an ethereal glow. Despite the concealment, its presence was captivating, almost divine. My calmness now fully restored, I couldn't help but notice how this situation felt straight out of an isekai trope. The thought made me chuckle internally. Gathering my courage, I broke the silence.
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The being, having picked the soul from the crystalline river, slowed time until everything became completely still. It was as if the universe itself acknowledged the being's intentions and acted in respect. With practiced precision, the being began restoring the soul, its movements deliberate and controlled. Any faster, and the fragile essence of the soul would have crumbled. Once the soul stabilized, the being shaped it into a more humanoid form, giving it a moment to collect its thoughts.
The silence was finally broken.
Soul: Thank you... for helping me and... calming me... Umm... god?
Being: Do not mention it, child. I am merely performing my duty. Relax; you may call me whatever you desire. I mean you no harm. In fact, I believe what I am about to do will greatly interest you.
As the soul was listning to the monotone of the 'Being' in front of him it made one thing clear that the 'Being' doesnt want to harm him as 'Being' have a proposal of sort for him . The conversation sounded famaliar to the soul and started to try to remember the famaliar situation from his memory atleast what is remained of it .The soul remain silent, its mind racing with questions and possibilities. Could this really be what it was thinking? The infamous issekai troup !!!
Being: I have observed that you mortals have quite the fascination with reincarnation. The stories you create through web series, anime, novels, fan fiction, and manga are truly fascinating.
Soul: 'So does this mean all the gods enjoy human media in some way? It's intriguing to think of deities finding entertainment in our creativity. Do they watch, read, or even participate? Well, I guess it makes sense. After all, they must have been around for eons and would need some form of entertainment.'
Being: You are not entirely wrong in your assumptions, but not all of kind are alike. Now, let us move to the main topic. I will be reincarnating you into a different world and granting you some boons. However, I will not make you overly powerful. Too much power would make things boring. Does this sound agreeable to you?
The soul sighed in relief but was now flooded with questions about the boons and their limitations.
Soul: Umm... God, may I ask about these boons?
Being: Hmm, the boon you will receive is a skill I obtained from someone else. It is called 'Devour.'
Hearing the name, the soul felt a surge of excitement. The skill sounded immensely powerful. The being continued its explanation with the same monotone as before.
Being: 'Devour' allows its user to recover energy and stamina. Additionally, there is a small chance to acquire skills or traits from the devoured body the user had consumed.
Soul: 'Hmm, can this skill only devour dead bodies? If not, it could be incredibly broken.'
Being: Yes, only recently deceased bodies can be devoured. I dislike granting too much power.
Soul: 'Thought so. What a bummer. Now the only question is about the plundering ability of the skill.'
Being: The plundering ability depends on the user. Do not worry; this skill will find its use with you.
The soul nodded, digesting the information.
Soul: '...'
Being: Now, let us discuss the world you will be sent to. This will help you choose your race and other details.
Hearing this, the soul grew more intrigued.
Being: The world I am sending you to is an apocalyptic one. Monsters roam freely, societies have collapsed, and the environment is hostile and unforgiving. This world is teeming with mythical creatures, demons, angels, spirits, dragons, gods, and even aliens. It is a fractured existence, with everything struggling for survival.
Soul: Umm... Are there no normal humans in this world?
Being: There were humans, but not anymore in the form you are accustomed to. There are corrupted humans and hybrids mixed with the aforementioned species. If you have more questions, you will have to find the answers yourself. It is more entertaining that way.
Soul: Umm... God, is there a species that is half-human and half-dragon or something similar?
Being: Certainly. Such hybrids exist and possess immense mana aptitude and reserves, as dragons were beings equal to gods in term of energy.
As the being explained, the soul grew visibly more excited at the prospect of choosing such a species. The potential for power and adventure was thrilling.
Being: So, do you wish to be reincarnated as one?
Soul: Yes, please. And can you make it so that I regain my memories at six years old? I do not want to experience birth or early childhood as an adult myself. It would be... traumatic.
Being: That can be arranged. Then best of luck, Souei—or should I call you by your new name, Ryokou?
The soul paused as if remembering something deeply precious. A smile formed, as though a void in its heart had finally been filled. With that, Ryokou faded into unconsciousness, ready to begin his new journey.
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[Initiating the link with the soul...]
[Establishing connection to the astral plane...]
[Connection established successfully. Verifying integrity of the soul...]
[Soul verification complete. No anomalies detected.]
[Beginning analysis of the soul's attributes and traits...]
[Analysis in progress... 10%... 50%... 100%]
[Analysis successful. Extracting essential characteristics of the host soul.]
[Scanning for compatibility with the current race...]
[Compatibility assessment underway...]
[Assessment complete.]
[Scanning for initial skill allocation...]
[Skill database accessed. Determining optimal skill for the host...]
[Skill selection complete. Initial skill: "Observation"]
[Generating host profile...]
[Host profile generated successfully. Preparing the sequence...]
[Finalizing parameters... 10%... 50%... 90%...]
[Parameters locked. Initialization complete.]
As I regained my consciousness, I noticed that I was inside some kind of hard container, whose inside was very slimy and cramped—so much so that I couldn't even move my toes. In desperation, I started moving, applying more force. As a result, the container started cracking, but I had to admit, this was one heck of a sturdy container. As this was happening, anger started to take root in my being.
Ryokou: 'Whoever trapped me in here, I swear, once I leave this place, I will find you and make you pay, no matter what!!'
I started applying my full strength to break the container apart. Finally, the cracks became visible and grew larger as time passed. After some more effort, the container finally broke, and I fell onto the cold floor. Relief spread across my being, followed by a sudden curiosity about my surroundings. I quickly wiped the slimy substance off my face so I could see. As I opened my eyes, my vision was blurry, making me nervous.
Did my terrible eyesight cross into this world with me? I imagined a dim future where I'd have to wear glasses in this life too.
Just then, a deep voice spoke to me.
???: Calm down, child. There is no need to be hasty. Let your body get used to the outside environment.
For some reason, the voice felt familiar, so I chose to trust it and wait. After some time, all my senses recovered—no, they were enhanced, at least twice as powerful as before. It would have been much better if I had a system of some kind to see my status.
As if responding to my thoughts, a holographic screen suddenly appeared in front of me.
-----------------------------------------Name: RyokouGender: MaleAge: 6 yearsSpecies: Half-Human, Half-DragonPotential: Peak 2nd-Level to Low 3rd-Level Existence
Level: 1
Mana: 200 (Average Mana in an adult: 120)Strength: 20 (Average Strength in an adult: 80)Endurance: 15 (Average Endurance in an adult: 80)Dexterity: 13 (Average Dexterity in an adult: 80)
Battle Power: Peak 1st-Level ExistenceSkills: Analyze, Devour
State: Curious and Confused-----------------------------------------
I didn't have time to question or even process how I should feel about this because, in the corner of my vision, I saw a massive pitch-black body moving. It had the characteristics of a lizard, a snake, and a crocodile combined. The creature looked like a nightmare come to life, and the only word that came to mind to describe it was—dragon.
Yet, strangely, I didn't feel fear. If anything, I felt a strange bond with the black dragon. As I was wondering what this could mean, the dragon finally lifted its head, revealing deep gray scales—some shattered, some cracked. Then, it spoke, breaking the silence.
Black Dragon:It's a relief that you have finally awakened after six years.
The dragon sighed.
Black Dragon:It seems those guys didn't lie, and it worked the way it should have. Truly, what a relief… I can finally rest easy, having fulfilled my promise to your mother.
The dragon's deep voice made the entire cave tremble. Yet, despite its overwhelming presence, there was a break in its voice, as if it was suppressing something—pain, perhaps? Overwhelming that pain was a sense of relief.
Ryokou: 'The dragon… It looks like it's in pain. What is this feeling inside me? I should be scared, but instead, all I feel is warmth. And when it spoke, that break in its voice—it sounded as if it was suffering. What could possibly harm such a being?'
As if sensing my concern, the black dragon spoke again, trying to ease my worries.
Black Dragon:Do not worry, child. This is a very common occurrence in a world such as this. You may call me Father, for that is what I am to you. Now that all formalities are done, rest, my child. Every new hatchling needs it, after all.
With that, the black dragon laid its head on the ground and continued to rest.
Ryokou: 'Phew… Let's calm down. There's no need to stay angry. But still, this is a lot to take in on the first day…'
Ryokou: 'Now, let's address the elephant in the room.'
At just the thought, the holographic screen appeared again, flickering irregularly as if it could barely maintain itself. Then, in the next moment, it stabilized.
-----------------------------------------Name: RyokouGender: MaleAge: 6 yearsSpecies: Half-Human, Half-DragonPotential: Mid 3nd-Level to Low 3rd-Level Existence
Level: 1
Mana: 200 (Average Mana in an adult: 120)Strength: 20 (Average Strength in an adult: 80)Endurance: 15 (Average Endurance in an adult: 80)Dexterity: 13 (Average Dexterity in an adult: 80)
Battle Power: Peak 1st-Level ExistenceSkills: Analyze, Devour
State: Curious and Confused-----------------------------------------
Ryokou:Okay, so I have a system too. Did a god give it to me or something?
As if responding to my thoughts, the screen flickered.
'DING'
[The host is incorrect. The system is not a gift from any being or god.][The system chose the user due to his special soul.]
After reading that, I was shocked, but at the same time, excitement bubbled up within me. Just imagining the future possibilities made a hungry smile creep onto my face.
'DING'
-----------------------------------------Quest!Task: Reach Low 2nd-Level Battle Power (Mana-Free).Rewards: 15 Status Points, Skill [Poison Immunity].-----------------------------------------
Ryokou:'Alright… I have a system, and it even gives me quests. This could be the key to surviving in this world.'
I exhaled deeply.
Ryokou: 'Huff… Let's calm down and not think about anything else for now because, somehow, I feel really tired… and… sleepy…'
As if on cue, I passed out on the floor.