Lightning danced across the exposed wiring behind Rai's computer just as he landed the tournament-winning combo.
A power surge cracked through the casing—pop—and a sheet of blue sparks arced over his desk. The smell of burnt plastic hit a split-second before the electricity punched through his headset into the base of his skull. Screen, keyboard, and heart all went dark at once. Rai's last conscious thought was a half-formed victory shout, cut short by static.
---
The Rift Zone
Instead of drifting toward Earth's afterlife, Rai's soul was yanked sideways into a pale, gravity-less corridor known as the Transit Expanse. Such corridors appear whenever god-level battles rupture spacetime, punching random holes between worlds. Every stray soul swept inside becomes unanchored, no longer bound to its birth reality.
By ancient cosmic rule, each new arrival triggers a lottery among the gods. Sigils flare in starless darkness, and a single deity's crest crystallizes in gold, marking the winner. The prize: rights to reincarnate the wandering soul—on one condition.
> Payment: one confirmed victory in the godly standings.
This cycle, the crest belonged to Zeirion of Aetherion. He accepted the contract immediately, wiring a staggering chunk of his dwindling divine resources into the system ledger. It was a desperate gamble.
Rai, still half-formed light in the Expanse, felt the pull of Zeirion's claim and tumbled toward a waiting gate of white fire.
> "You'd better be worth the price," Zeirion muttered, watching the transaction finalize.
The gateway snapped shut behind the soul, sealing the bargain and setting the stakes. If Rai triumphed, Zeirion would climb the rankings. If he failed, the investment—and perhaps the world of Aetherion itself—would crumble with him.
Rai opened his eyes to find himself standing barefoot on a floor that shimmered like starlight. The air was warm, still, and quiet—too quiet. His last memory was the championship match.
"Died just after the win. I should have atleast given time to enjoy the moment. Fuck you god...
"Ahem..."
A voice, neither loud nor soft, echoed around him.
"You were not meant to die now. But your timing may yet serve a purpose."
Rai turned. A man—or rather, something shaped like one—stood before him. Glowing robes, golden skin, and eyes that flickered like living constellations. He looked impossibly ancient and impatient.
"I am Zeirion, God of the world Aetherion," the being said. "A world currently underperforming."
"Underperforming?" Rai asked, raising an eyebrow.
Zeirion gestured. Screens appeared mid-air, showing charts, rankings, combat footage. Massive creatures. Magic wars. Tactical maps. One ranking glowed in red:
"Each world is a player in a grand system of divine strategy. Battles, evolution, politics—it's all scored. My world is falling behind in team matches, particularly because the three major races—humans, demons, and beastkin—refuse to unify."
"So you're drafting me into your fantasy league," Rai said, slowly grinning.
"Exactly. You are a wildcard from Earth—an unbound soul. You think differently. And for that reason, I'm offering you a deal."
Zeirion raised his hand. Light gathered into a rectangular floating screen—an interface like a game menu.
"You will be reborn in Aetherion, and as compensation, I'll grant you a perk—a golden finger—to help you adapt and thrive. You will also choose one of the three blessed bodies I've prepared:"
He waved again, and three outlines appeared:
Human Prince – Heir to the eastern empire, politically powerful, blessed with high intelligence and rare affinity for light and time magic.
Demon King's Son – Brutal combatant, resistant to corruption, wielding bloodfire and infernal dominion.
Beastkin Heir – Spirit-touched, bonded to ancient totem beasts, master of instincts and terrain.
"All three are blessed with incredible talent. But you may choose only one. The others… will be born dead."
"Cold," Rai muttered. "What's the catch?"
"Your mission is simple: Unify the world. Bring the three races together before the final Riftstorm. My world's survival—and my divine ranking—depends on it."
"And if I succeed?"
"You will get money, power, resources, women, glory. The higher you climb the ladder better the rewards. Everything is available for the winner."
"Choose your perk carefully. You only get one."
A list materialized:
[Overpowered Perks Available] -235
Leveling System – Classic RPG level-up mechanics with stat growth, skill trees, and class evolutions.
Beastmaster's Will – Command, evolve, and fuse with spirit beasts. Access to Beast King's domain.
Necromancy – Control over the dead. Raise armies, bind souls, and master decay-based arts.
Affinity Mastery – Begin with max affinity in any one element (fire, ice, lightning, shadow, time, etc.).
Inventory System – Unlimited spatial storage accessible by thought. No weight, no cooldown.
Fusion Crafter – Combine any skills, spells, or items into hybrids. Results may be unpredictable but powerful.
Eyes of Insight – View hidden stats, soul value, growth potential, and weaknesses of all beings.
Summoner's Pact – Form lifelong contracts with rare entities across realms. Up to five active summons.
Scriptbreaker – Ignore system restrictions and cooldowns temporarily. Dangerous but game-breaking.
...
...
...
Zeirion folded his arms, watching.
"Make your choice, Earthling. One perk. One race. Choose wisely—your decision will shape the future that you will create.