[Dear Lucas,
We here at Reincarnation Inc. apologize for your accidental and untimely death.
Due to a clerical error made by a junior employee, our intended target was mistaken for yourself. As compensation, we're granting you a new life in a world of your choice.
We've compiled a list of your favorite fictional realities. Along with your new life, as a bonus, we've received permission from our Boss to grant you a top-tier System to aid in your new life.
Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience.
Regards,
Reincarnation Inc.]
———
…
"What the fuck?" Lucas muttered, staring at the transparent panel that had just materialized before his eyes. He'd died unexpectedly, right in the middle of enjoying one of his guilty pleasures: watching cringe compilations on TikTok.
His life hadn't been incredible, but he had no real complaints. Graduating university at 21, he'd landed a stable job in the HR department of a large corporation. Most days, Lucas's routine consisted of work, exercise, occasional hangouts with friends, and gaming.
So it's over, just like that… Not that I'm truly depressed about the situation. I was just going through the motions most days. Bills were getting more expensive and I was getting sick of my job.
Rereading the panel, Lucas sighed, closing his eyes and pushing his hair back. "Not much I can do, I guess."
"Do I need to verbally confirm I want to progress?" he questioned aloud. He still had some semblance of a body, but it felt more like he was suspended in a thick, viscous fluid. An odd detachment from his own form settled over him.
———
[Please select your home world:
1. Highschool DxD
2. My Hero Academia
3. Twilight
4. Harry Potter
5. Marvel
6. Dragon Ball Z
7. Pokemon
Further world travel will be dependent on your abilities, or bound System.]
———
"Well… these aren't bad options!" A smile touched Lucas's lips as he scanned the list, carefully weighing each possibility.
"DBZ is out, and so is Marvel. No matter my luck, I don't stand a chance against the villains in those worlds. MHA and DxD are a step up, sure, I'd have a bit more survivability, but people die a lot in those worlds too."
Scratching the back of his neck, Lucas hummed, considering the remaining three options. Each had its drawbacks, but they were solid choices nonetheless.
"Harry Potter… what if I got a System based on physical fighting? I'd be completely screwed. Pokemon could be fun, but I've always been terrible at the game. While most people planned their fights, I just grabbed my strongest Pokemon and spammed one move."
Lucas couldn't help but grimace at the list of worlds. He knew his limitations; he wasn't some genuine genius.
"I guess I'll go Twilight. At least it's close enough to the modern era for me, and almost the whole world doesn't even know about vampires. Depending on my System, I could lead an easy life."
He pressed his finger on the third option, a sense of contentment settling over him. The panel vanished for a moment, then reappeared with new text.
———
[Please choose from the following options. Your System will be granted based on your choice.
Freedom.
Power.
Potential.
Defence.]
———
Lucas stared at the options, his mind momentarily blank, confusion mounting.
"So, are you asking if I would prefer one of these options over the other?"
Unfortunately, the panel didn't respond. Lucas could only tsk in annoyance, left to his own assumptions.
His finger hovered over the Power option for a few seconds, his eyes scanning each word as he contemplated if it was the right choice.
"God damnit."
Moving his finger down, Lucas closed his eyes and mashed his finger onto the Potential option.
Holding his breath, he waited for the panel to make some sound, or for his body to experience some kind of pain as the System bound to him.
Minutes passed, and nothing happened.
Cracking an eye open, he peered at the panel before snorting and letting out a chuckle.
"Figures."
———
[Your System will be bound once you arrive in your new world!]
[Congratulations! You have obtained 'The Gamer' System!]
[The Gamer System - Apex-Tier System with infinite growth 'Potential'. At higher levels, you will be able to do and be anything!]
———
…
Gamer? I swear that's familiar. Was it from an anime or something? I can't complain though, Apex-tiered and infinite growth is an attractive offer.
"Okay, is there anything else I need to do before heading off to my new life?" Lucas asked.
———
[Life choices:
Reborn into a new family. (Age 0 - Reborn into middle class family.)
Orphan. (Age 6 - Chance to be adopted by wealthy family.)
Emancipated minor. (Age 16 - $1,000 granted, small home rented.)
Please make your choice!]
———
Lucas took no longer than ten seconds to make his choice, his finger finally hitting the third option.
I don't want to have a new family, and I've already gone through education once. I'd rather skip a little and have more control of my own life. The money will be an issue, but I'm sure I can figure it out.
As Lucas began making plans for his future, he missed the panel flickering away for a moment before reappearing for the final time.
[Your choices have been confirmed, and your destination is now locked. The next time you are awake, you will be in Twilight at the age of 16, as an emancipated minor living in your home in Forks, Washington. The Gamer System will be live when you awaken. Enjoy your new life!]
The world around Lucas dimmed as his consciousness began to slip into sleep. His last thoughts were on the possibilities his new System would bring.
———
Authors Note: Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed the first chapter, if you have any advice or ideas, please comment here and let me know.