Since the beginning of the universe, the Creator had always been a curious observer. As the maker and destroyer of numerous worlds, It was involved in the affairs of his creations. Sometimes, it would guide them and grant them knowledge essential for their evolution. If the world's activities got too boring for it to watch, It would introduce agents of chaos and watch as the world plunge into devastation. It always kept a tight leash on how much devastation occurred. Too much and the world was permanently trapped in a death loop. Too little and the world trundled onwards, never knowing the terrifying screams and baleful howls of war.

As a rule, It promised itself never to interfere with a world's denizens unless necessary. After all, what good did it bring if he coddled the denizens forever? They wouldn't learn from their mistakes and be dependant on their God for everything. So It watched the worlds, observing their actions and recording their history. It rejoiced when there was an era of peace and It mourned when it became a time of war. For a while, It was content that everything was fine. The never-ending cycle of peace and war in the numerous worlds kept their denizens placated. Natural resources were plentiful as long as the denizens controlled their usage.

It was the immense amount of souls that were reincarnating that shattered his contentment. Normally, he cared very little about the souls reincarnating. There were trillions of the little sparks of light as they were randomly launched into other worlds to be reborn. Some of them had lived great lives as leaders and warriors, but the majority were the ones who lived normal lives. Their wish to become someone better tugged on the Creator's heart and It pitied them. Rising from his throne, It began crafting a new masterpiece, an object that would grant the chosen ones their desire. With a final touch, the inert, lifeless object was completed. All it needed was a name to bring it to life. Gazing at the multitude of worlds surrounding him and beyond, It contemplated for a while until he finally snapped his fingers.

It was a strange name, but it made sense. When they reincarnated into the new world, it no longer became a normal 'world' in their eyes. Rather, it was a game, where everything was up for grabs, and history was tied to their decisions and actions. "I name thee 'The Gamer's System'," It spoke. Brilliant blue light flashed and a shrill cry announced the birth of the System. Like its creator, the System was curious about the denizens it was charged with giving a second chance. For eons, the System studied its denizens and learned from their achievements and failures. Once it gained enough knowledge, the System began its duty of selecting and reincarnating the first Gamers.

The first generation was limited to the type of worlds they reincarnated in. For starters, they were all dropped into historical periods and imposed with severe restrictions. Most of them succeeded in their goals, such as creating new versions of existing empires or introducing technology ahead of its time. The early success of the 'Trial Gamers' spurred both the System and Creator to increase the next batch of Gamers. With each successive generation, it grew larger and diverse. The number of worlds was dramatically increased to accommodate the Gamers. New abilities such as the Jumpchain allowed Gamers to travel to different worlds to gain new traits and materials. The blinding light of their success masked the System's corruption until it was too late.

The first flaw was the merging of the System and Gamer. By granting the Gamers their powers and perks, the System had ingrained itself into the reincarnated people. By the time the System realized its mistake, it could not separate itself from the reincarnated people that were so dependant on it. The Gamers were now a vital part of the System and could not be killed by the Creator. Its personality warped, the System saw the Creator as an enemy and sought to destroy everything.

Horrified, the Creator tried to fix the System. None of his solutions worked as the merged System and Gamers rejected them. The Creator had no choice and banished it to the darkest and deepest ends of the universe. There, they began their plan to take vengeance on the Creator and the universe.

- The Creator -

How long has it been since I banished the System? Centuries, eons? The passage of time worries me as I stare down at the river of light below me. I know that my son has succumbed to the corruption, the taint of desires from the Gamers. Even now, he continues his duty of fulfilling the reincarnated's desire of becoming a godly person.

Staring at the river, I carefully parse through the motes of light flowing below me. Each mote is a soul that has recently departed the land of the living, waiting to be reborn in another world. Sifting through their memories, I can tell how they lived their previous lives and what they desire in their next one. Most of them wish for a happier and better life, one where they achieved more and gained more. It would take decades to personally interview them, asking what their ambitions are and how they would use their newfound powers. But I don't have the luxury of time.

Eons ago, my son and I granted the Gamers the Planewalker Spark. The idea came about when the Gamers began requesting the System to travel to different worlds. Originally, we feared that it would disrupt the natural order and progression of the prime version of the world. It took a few centuries, but we did it. The Planewalker Spark involved two parts: traveling and branching. Traveling to and from worlds was easy, but branching was a unique process. Once the Gamer arrived in the new world, it would automatically create a parallel world that only the Gamer could access. Through this method, the prime or 'canon' version would remain intact. Lately, someone has been disabling that function and interacting directly with the prime world. These worlds would be ruined and turned into lifeless rock. Without the prime universe, no one can access their own parallel worlds.

These incidents have been isolated from the other worlds, but the number of incidents has been rising. I can only suspect the System is doing this by exploiting the Jumpchain ability. His agents have sowed discord and terror into too many worlds, worlds that are not ready for this amount of chaos. I need someone who can fight with me, someone loyal.

What I need is a Gamer that can defeat my greatest creation. A powerful but humble person, someone who understands that power and responsibility are intertwined.

Plucking one out with my fingers, I lay it on top of my workbench. My workbench is simple: a thin layer of nebulous gas. It was the first tool I made with my powers when I was born out of nothingness. I can make any tool by grabbing a puff of the cloud and shaping it with my hands. Grabbing one, I stretch it continuously until it is shaped like tissue paper and toss it over the mote of light. Anything underneath it cannot see me and can only hear my booming voice. Grabbing another puff, I shape it into the form of an old papyrus scroll. Unrolling it, I toss it into the air and it explodes. Diagrams and pictures spin around me as I am covered in a dome of indecipherable words and symbols. The modifications are extensive as I rewrite the System's blueprint.

The first item modified is the leveling system. Removing everything except the Health and Magic status bars, I insert two new statuses: Power and Resistance. Power is a combination of Strength, Vitality, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Wisdom attributes.

The second item to be modified is Skills. Originally, you gained skills either by leveling up or upgrading previous skills. No longer will the Gamer gain skills by leveling up. If they want new skills, they must learn them from a mentor or train extensively.

With my modifications complete, I gently tap the sphere of light with my finger. It stretches and forms into the glowing visage of a sleeping man.

Personally, I don't like the idea of pinning my hopes and dreams on an untested person. But I don't have a choice. With a great shout, I wake him up.

- ? -

The last thing I remember before waking up was the darkness. One moment I am asleep, the next I'm awake and confused. There are no landmarks on where I'm standing. The ground below me is bright white and the sky is pitch black. I can see my own hands and bend them, forming a fist and punching the air.

Suddenly, a booming voice roars from above.

You have been selected to become a Gamer

I freeze as I understand his words. "I'm sorry? Who are you?"

I have many names: God, Zeus, Jupiter, Atum, and so on. I created everything: you, the world you lived in, the universe. You have been selected to become a Gamer, mortal. A person with great power. the voice explains.

I furrow my eyebrows, trying to remember about the Gamer's ability. From the fanfiction I read, it was an ability bestowed by the System to the Gamer, granting them power and sending them to another world. The Gamer would gain power by leveling up. The idea sounded interesting, but most fanfic protagonists were power-hungry or wanted to get a harem.

"Okay, I accept your offer," I say cautiously. God doesn't sound too happy about choosing me as its Gamer.

Very well. In exchange for becoming a Gamer, you must -

"Whoa, wait a minute!" I shouted aloud. I could sense that something wasn't right the moment God said 'In exchange'. The System would never make that sort of deal. Gamers were meant to live their second life as they saw fit. "What do mean 'In exchange'? I am supposed to live my second life however I want, right? Why are you doing this? Also, where are you sending me?" There was a poignant pause before God answered in a despondent voice.

You are correct. As a Gamer, you are allowed to live your new life as you want. No one, not even me, can interfere or control you and your actions because you are responsible for them. Allow me to explain my dilemma.

The dark sky above warped and changed into a kaleidoscope of bright lights and swirling colors.

Long ago, I created the Gamer's System as a way for people to have a second chance. By carefully scrutinizing the candidates and their desires, both the System and I selected and gave the chance to become Gamers, people imbued with overwhelming powers. For a while, it worked as intended and we expanded our horizons. An exclusive realm was made for the Gamers was created and the number of gamers increased exponentially. Blinded by my success, I failed to notice the System's corruption.

By merging itself with the Gamers, its personality was warped. I tried to fix it, but it was too late. I banished it to the farthest end of the universe to protect myself and the universe. Now, it's sending Gamers to destroy as many worlds as possible.

The kaleidoscope of bright lights and swirling colors ends as the sky reverts to darkness. For a while, I don't say anything as my confused mind tries to understand the situation. Finally, I speak, "Why didn't you destroy it in the first place? I mean, you're God and everything, right?"

An irritated voice rumbles from the heavens, anger, and annoyance laced in its words. If I had done so, I wouldn't be calling you, right?

"Well, what am I suppose to do? Kill the System for you?" I shout back at the dark sky above me. I realize my mistake as God laughs an amused chuckle.

That is exactly what I need you to do. Become a powerful Gamer and destroy it for me. In return, you get to continue your new life as a Gamer. Should you accept this, there will be some restrictions to follow.

Here it is, the moment I have been dreading since I woke up. If I refuse, he might kill me and send me on my merry way to rebirth. On the other hand, I get to experience life in a new world while preparing to kill God's greatest creation and its minions. I don't know what the restrictions will be, but I hope they aren't too severe. If I survive, all is well.

"I will do it. I will become a Gamer and kill the System for you. Just promise to keep your end of the deal, okay?"

Very well, I swear to you that I will keep my promise. For your second question: are you familiar with High School DxD?

The name sounds familiar but I never watched the anime. All I knew that it was a popular ecchi anime. "No, I heard of it, but I never watched it."

That's fine. You don't need to know the story, but here is a quick summary. It is a world where devils, angels, and gods exist. Every god that you know about is a real person. Forbidden magic and mystical weapons are abundant in this world.

"Can you tell me more?" I ask. A defiant 'No' shakes the ground beneath me.

Now, let's get started.

There's a loud pop as a translucent menu pops into existence in front of me, the words shimmering in the air.

Skill Acquired: Gamer's Mind (False) - Allows the user to think through most situations calmly and logically. Immune to most mental disorders and attacks. Limits: Ineffective in cases of extreme PTSD.

Skill Acquired: Gamer's Body (False) - Grants a game-like body for the user. Prevents the user from dying unless HP reaches zero. Limits: Unable to carry or lift extremely heavy objects

Race Type:

[Human] - Perks: Double XP /Penalty: Constant Target

[Angel] - Perks: False Divinity / Penalty: Double Target - Devil and Fallen Angel

[Fallen Angel] - Perks: Shadow Cloak / Penalty: Double Target - Angel and Devil

[Devil] - Perks: Sly Tongue / Penalty: Double Target - Angel and Fallen Angel

I get the double XP part, but the rest of the bonuses are a bit confusing to understand. As for the penalties, I think I got that part down. For example, if I choose the Human race, then I will be targeted by the other three factions.

"Could you explain the other perks besides Double XP? I -" My question is answered as another menu explaining the other perks pops up next to it.

False Divinity - As a representative of God, Humans will obey your commands without question.

Shadow Cloak - Creates a cloak of shadow to hide. Only Ultimate and Special class individuals can perceive you.

Sly Tongue - Increased chance of persuading someone to follow your actions or demands.

Out of the three perks, I am stuck with Shadow Cloak and Sly Tongue. Shadow Cloak sounds useful for a rogue or mage type if they're trying to get away. However, Sly Tongue seemed to be a general skill, something that could be used in all situations. For a moment, I decide to choose the Devil race when the idea of hybrids comes to my mind.

"Do hybrids exist in this world?" I ask.

Yes, they do. However, certain hybrids do not exist, such as a Devil and Angel hybrid.

Hmm. So much for my dreams of being a Nephilim (a Devil and Angel hybrid). Looking at the race menu, I decided to reincarnate as a Devil/Human hybrid. The menu for DxD's races shatters into shards of glass before reforming into a new menu focused on my biography.

[Anti-Satan Faction] - Born into a random family that is part of the 72 Pillars. You can become the heir of the family for one extra credit.

[Old Satan Faction] - Born into a random family that is part of the Old Satan faction

[Extinct] - Born as the survivor of an extinct family.

'Anti-Satan' and 'Old Satan' are dead giveaways to who are the good guys and bad guys. 'Old Satan' sounds like some kind of rebel group, while 'Anti-Satan' is the group against the 'Old Satan' faction. Then again, it could be vice versa. Being a rebel could mean anything, from toppling the existing rulers to fighting an oppressive empire. Being the survivor of an extinct family is my best chance of starting neutral.

Once again, the menu shatters into a million glass-like pieces and reforms into a blank screen titled Weapons, Magic and Armor.

Normally, this option would not be used, but these are pressing times. Simply say or imagine the weapon, armor, or magic you want and I will grant it for free. There are some restrictions, such as wielding a God's weapon or a weapon with near-divinity status.

My jaws would have dropped open if I had one. My mind is practically filled with glee at the overpowered weapons I could use. For now, let's start with armor. I don't care about magical armor. What I really want is a powered suit, like the MJOLNIR suits from Halo.

"Could I have the MJOLNIR power armor from Halo?" My hopes and dreams of being able to tank a missile in the chest are shot down with a hiss. Racking my brains, I remember another power armor that would be suitable for me. "Crysis Nanosuit 2.0?"

There is a chime as the suit appears in front of me. Modeled after the human muscle anatomy, it's pretty impressive. God's voice rumbles as it gives me an option to be hermetically sealed inside the suit. If I remember correctly, it grants the user to shapeshift. That's a nice ability, though I'm worried about my bodily functions. Do I still need to eat and drink if the suit provides me energy? There are a lot of things to consider.

In regards to bodily function, you can still do whatever you want. It has been modified to run on infinite energy, so there's no worry about the suit shutting down. Besides, no one can tell if you're wearing the suit or not if it's hermetically sealed. All they will see is your naked body.

That's a good point I hadn't considered. Snapping my fingers, I move on to the next item: weapons. Using a rifle with infinite ammo is a bit overrated and I want something unique. I need a weapon that is powerful enough to kill my enemies while also fitting into the environment. Thankfully, that weapon does exist.

A golden longsword with red and blue stripes running down its length materializes in front of me. It has no crossguard, but its rain guard is a flat rectangle with a golden spade. A rectangular metal box is attached through the rain guard. Grabbing the grip, I swing the longsword around to test its weight. Surprisingly, it is not as heavy as I expected. Then again, the main character did carry it as a one-handed sword despite its huge size.

"I chose King Rouzer as my weapon." I was afraid God would reject my choice as it was the weapon used by Kamen Rider Blade in his final form. A bell-like chime echoes in my ear before God speaks.

I will warn you: choosing King Rouzer does not grant you the ability to use the Rouzer Cards. The Rouzer Cards is considered a type of Sealing magic."

"That's fine. In that case, I will choose the Rouzer Cards as my magic." A deck of playing cards appears next to the longsword and I quickly shuffle through the deck. All 52 Undead have been sealed, allowing me to use their abilities as I wished.

For the Rouzer Cards, some have been upgraded for you. In addition, you have access to an infinite amount of blank Rouzer Cards to seal your enemies.

Are you ready to begin, Gamer?

"What about my perks?" I protested aloud.

That will be explained later when you reincarnate. Prepare yourself: The process is quite unpleasant.

A jolt of electricity runs up my legs and I begin feeling exhausted. Falling to the ground, I try to move my arms, only to find them paralyzed. My breathing becomes labored as I inhale shorter breaths of air. I could feel my heartbeat grow weaker every second. With one last gasp of air, my mind became blank and my vision turned black.