A vast expanse of pure emptiness lay in the heart of an all-consuming abyss. A void is so deep and all-encompassing that no light or sound could penetrate it. Within this desolate chasm, a lone man's consciousness wavered, teetering on the brink of being swallowed by nothingness.

[My apologies. Let me remake you correctly.]

As the fragments of my shattered existence began to coalesce, I could feel the very fibers of my being weaving themselves back together. With each passing moment, my senses were reignited, and my vision gradually cleared, revealing a breathtaking new reality.

I stood in a grand, opulent hallway adorned with gilded decorations and intricate designs. The walls to my left and right seemed to extend into an unfathomable abyss of darkness, giving an eerie contrast to the otherwise magnificent surroundings. A warm, calming light emanated above, glowing gently over everything in sight.

"He-llo?"

She walked up to him, "My name is Aura. I took a human form to speak with you, as you can't see the fourth dimension. Regardless I am here to decide your fate. Or rather, you will decide it given the circumstances."

Memories begin to flood in as he remembers what happened, how he died, how he failed to save them and was the one who put them in danger. Why is he even being given a choice?

"My life was a sinner's story, so I guess I'll choose hell," he spoke angrily and regretfully.

With a compassionate gaze, she continued, "Would you like to see what transpired? Your perspective shapes your memories, and I believe they may not fully reveal the truth of your situation. I don't think you deserve the abyss."

Jake stuttered, "What happ-ened?"

A visual screen appeared, showing the events that transpired before his death. He saw what and who caused it. Now he didn't know whether to blame himself for not realizing it or his 'friend' for being an idiot. It was a contradiction as his mind was split, believing he was guilty and innocent. He continued to think to try to find an answer, but the moment he thought he was guilty, he'd make a reason he was innocent. The woman stared in confusion.

"Jake Crenshaw," she began, her tone imbued with warmth and empathy, "this is truly a remarkable anomaly. Your mind is caught in a perfect contradiction. It's as if you're torn right down the middle, with one half firmly believing you deserve to feel guilty while the other half insists you're innocent. It's an intriguing situation I have never encountered before."

Jake exhaled a heavy sigh. His brow furrowed in confusion. "What does that even mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with bewilderment and apprehension. As the realization dawned on him, he continued, his eyes widening, "Wait a minute... Can you see my thoughts?"

Aura offered a gentle nod in response, her eyes filled with kindness and understanding. "Yes, I can," she admitted softly. "But please know that it's not my intention to invade your privacy or intrude upon your memories. I apologize if it feels that way."

Jake's eyes widened in disbelief, and he couldn't help but let out a small, incredulous laugh. "Did a god – or whatever you are – just apologize for that?" He shook his head, still trying to process the surreal nature of the situation. "Isn't that what you all do anyway? You know, peering into our minds and memories to decide whether we're destined for heaven or hell or something along those lines?"

Aura gently took Jake's hand, her touch warm and comforting. "That's a common misconception," she explained softly, her voice full of empathy. "Morality is, in truth, a reflection of what people believe is right or wrong. Individuals are sent to the abyss – or what many refer to as 'hell' – if both they and others around them believe they deserve such a fate. The same principle applies to those embraced by the light."

She paused, her eyes meeting Jake's with an air of wonder. "But when I hold your hand, I sense something extraordinary. Within you, I feel the presence of the abyss and the light coexisting in perfect harmony. It's fascinating and speaks to your soul's complexity and depth."

Jake's eyes welled up with tears, and his voice trembled as he spoke. "I guess it's true then," he whispered, the weight of his emotions making it difficult to talk. "All my life, I've wondered if a god existed. It always seemed like when you're living as I have been, there isn't anyone up there looking out for you – and if there were, they'd probably hate you for your choices."

He took a shuddering breath, the tears streaming down his cheeks as he stared into Aura's caring eyes. "Just send me to the abyss," he implored, his voice barely more than a whisper, heavy with pain and resignation.

"Jake," Aura began gently, her voice filled with warmth and understanding, "I want to clarify that I am not a god. I am a fourth-dimensional being, existing beyond the constraints of your world."

She paused, giving him a moment to absorb her words before continuing with a compassionate tone. "You possess a purpose and a reason that surpasses the comprehension of most third-dimensional beings. The fact that you could defy the very factor that decides whether one is sent to the abyss demonstrates that your mind and spirit are beyond what any typical third-dimensional being should experience in an afterlife."

Jake stared into Aura's golden eyes, struggling to grasp the implications of her words fully. His voice trembled with emotion as he spoke, "Please, just send me to the abyss. I don't want to do this. I don't deserve the light. I'm not a good person."

"But... I can see that you're lying," the woman said gently, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "I can sense your thoughts. If my explanation wasn't clear, allow me to put it in simpler terms. Your heart is pure, but the environment around you has been tainted. This imbalance has created a contradiction within the system. Yet, here you are, speaking with me, your mind and soul intact. That means you possess a level of comprehension that most, if not all, humans do not have. It could have been luck, but now you find yourself in this place.

She paused for a moment, her expression softening with genuine concern. "If you truly wish to return to the abyss, I will grant your request, but please know that it is not what I desire. I care about your well-being and believe you have a greater purpose of fulfilling."

Jake's face reflected his astonishment, his eyes searching for answers within Aura's caring gaze. He hesitated before finally voicing his question, "Is there... another option? Something other than the abyss or the light?"

Aura's eyes lit a gentle glow as she considered Jake's question. "Yes, there are other options," she confirmed, her voice tinged with excitement. "After looking through your memories, I can see that you've often wished you could escape to a fictional world. All worlds and possibilities exist in the vast expanse of the multiverse, and I can send you to any of them."

She paused momentarily, her eyes flickering with the images of the worlds she'd glimpsed in his memories. "I see Bleach, Code Geass Re:Zero, and Highschool DxD among the many universes you've dreamed of visiting."

Jake's expression shifted, revealing a hint of amusement. "Oh, that was mostly a joke," he clarified, a sheepish smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I mean, sure, Bleach might be fun if I were overpowered, but most of its characters are geared toward battles, and that's not really my scene. As for Code Geass, it could be interesting, but I'm nowhere near as smart as Lelouch, so I'd just end up feeling lost and out of place."

He paused for a moment, considering the remaining options. "Re:Zero's world has its appeal, but the idea of repeatedly dying doesn't sound like a good time. And Highschool DxD?" Jake chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "That was more of a joke. Besides, now that I think about it, it would probably be its own hell, considering how Issei just gets teased constantly."

Aura listened intently, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "It appears that your thoughts gravitate towards Re:Zero, but you're not interested in being part of the main story you've watched," she observed thoughtfully. "I think I have a solution that might suit your preferences."

Her expression brightened with the prospect of a new possibility. "Since you've only experienced the anime, I can send you to a different point in that world. You'll be reincarnated in Re:Zero, but be prepared for some differences from what you've seen on screen. As a real, living reality not bound by human storytelling and censorship constraints, you'll find that the world is more raw and authentic – it's as if the so-called' profanity filter' has been switched off."

Jake considered Aura's proposal carefully, his curiosity piqued. "So, I'll be reincarnated in a different time period than when the story begins? That doesn't sound too bad," he mused, weighing the idea in his mind. "But from what I've seen in the show, it seems like everyone without power is at risk of dying. And, well, what would happen if I die again while I'm there?"

Aura nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging Jake's concerns. "As an anomaly, there is a possibility that upon your death in the Re:Zero world, you may evolve into a fourth-dimensional being like me," she explained, her voice gentle and reassuring. "As for your concerns about power, we can also address that."

She continued, her eyes reflecting the depth of her knowledge, "I can create the specific time and place for your birth in the Re:Zero world, and we can conduct a random selection to determine the power you'll possess there. This way, you'll have a chance to experience a unique and fulfilling life without the constant fear of being powerless."

Aura's gaze fell downward, a hint of melancholy coloring her expression. "It can be lonely doing this job," she admitted softly. "Interacting with you has been a refreshing and enjoyable experience." She looked back up, determination in her eyes. "Yes, I will rewind time to weave your existence into the fabric of the Re:Zero world. As for your powers, give me a moment to assess the abilities most suitable for your safety."

Suddenly, a massive black crow emerged from the depths of the surrounding darkness. The sheer scale of the creature was overwhelming, casting a chilling shadow that loomed over the golden hallway. Its colossal size dwarfed the ethereal woman and me, its ebony feathers glinting ominously in the gentle light.

Like twin orbs of obsidian, the gigantic crow's eyes pierced through the calm atmosphere as it fixed its penetrating gaze upon us. To my astonishment, the crow opened its beak, and a deep, resonant voice echoed through the hall, filling the space with its powerful timbre.

As it spoke, the air seemed to vibrate with the weight of its words, creating an atmosphere of awe and reverence.

After the crow spoke its enigmatic message, it slowly faded. Its massive form shimmered and dissolved as if composed of wisps of smoke or tendrils of shadow. The colossal wings extended gracefully, stretching out towards the abyss on either side of the hallway.

After a moment, Aura's eyes fluttered open, a serene smile gracing her face. She looked at Jake, her expression warm and encouraging. "Now that I've determined the appropriate powers for you, I have to ask," she said gently, her eyes meeting his with genuine care and concern, "Are you ready to embark on this new life?"

Jake's eyes widened in disbelief and apprehension as he considered the powerful abilities Aura had mentioned. "Why would I need such insane abilities? What even are those?" he asked, his voice trembling with uncertainty. "What will I be facing in this world requiring me to have such powers?"

Aura offered Jake a warm, reassuring smile, her eyes radiating confidence in him. "You will be just fine, Jake. I have faith in you and your abilities," she said softly, her words a soothing balm for his fears. "I truly hope that one day you transcend to become a fourth-dimensional being, so we can share our experiences and have someone to talk to. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Jake Crenshaw."

As the vision of Aura began to fade, Jake felt a pang of sorrow and regret at the thought of leaving her behind. He watched silently as the woman's golden eyes began to shimmer with tears, and an overwhelming sense of guilt washed over him. If he could, Jake would have transcended into a fourth-dimensional being in that very moment just to be with her and ease her pain.

Gin was born in a poor village with brown hair and turquoise eyes. His father, Martin, was muscular and around six feet tall. His mother, Mary, had blue eyes and was younger than her husband being, twenty-two years old. He also had an older brother Isaac, four years older than him. Most of the village was improvised, but due to his father's influence, they lived in a middle-class home and could function somewhat correctly.

Martin sighed, drinking a beer, "Great, we got anotha runt to feed."

"Look at his eyes. They're beautiful." Mary said, picking up the baby, "He's heavy. He might grow up to be as strong as you, darling."

Martin looked at the baby, "Y'know how much I'm gon have to work even more to feed another kid. We already got Isaac to feed. This village has no good ways to make any money other than stealin' or workin' on a farm. If we jus ain't have kids, we could've moved to somewhere else than this dump."

"Don't say things like that. Isaac is right there." Mary said as the young boy watched in confusion.

Isaac was very mature for his age, even surprising his parents with what he could learn at his age. He had similar brown hair and green eyes and was an introverted child who spoke little. Isaac was more of an observer who watched as things counited, trying to learn how his world operated. As his father left, Mary began to shed tears holding her baby.

Isaac walked up to her smiling, "Mom, don't cry. Father is just acting like he usually does."

"I'm sorry if I'm a bad mother. It's hard to make a steady income in this village, and Martin is doing everything he can to support us. Perhaps having another son was not the best idea." Mary admitted feeling guilt but also knowing their current living situation could change for the worst quickly.

Isaac picked up the baby as his mother went to talk to his father. He stared into his turquoise eyes, curious about what kind of person he'd become or if he'd survive long enough in this village in the first place. He knew that they were already fortunate to have the living situation they had, but feeding another mouth might be enough to lose that privilege.

Mary went to the room she shared with her husband, "Martin are we going to be able to survive? I don't want to burden you more with another child. I'm sorry for causing you so much stress."

Martin didn't say anything as he knew nowhere else in the village would be any better. He cursed the Kingdom for letting most of their subjects be lucky to get three meals every day. Even after all his efforts and attempts he couldn't make enough to get them out of there or find them a decent job. He'd go to nearby nobles offering any service or function he could do but be ignored or humiliated. He thought about his father, that served in the demi-human war and the instability of the Kingdom. Even the current Sword Saint Theresia Van Astrea could barely stop the war. He wasn't dumb and knew the consequences of war only affected the poor. But if he could, he'd do his best to be a decent father.

After five years passed, the village was able to grow more opportunities for jobs and income slowly. This was the only reason Gin and his family survived, but at this point, Gin had decent self-awareness and knew of a few of his Divine Protections. His father recognized his talent with the sword and got him a wooden sword and a war treasure from his father that he never would've used. He surprised Gin by celebrating his fifth birthday and giving him the sword.

Mary, Martin, Isaac, and Gin sat around their small kitchen area. There wasn't any particular food or usually any gifts for birthdays, but since Martin saw some talent in the boy, he thought it would be a waste not to find out. Isaac felt annoyed being shorter than Gin despite the age difference. He was now nine years old and never got anything for any of his birthdays. But he didn't mind that he only found it annoying that Gin got a gift when he never did.

"Happy birthday, kiddo. I got you something my father found during the demi-human war. Not sure if it'll be helpful, but I see ya got talent, so not gon let that go to waste ya hear me?" Martin said as he handed Gin the sword.

Gin took the sword from his father's hands, "Thank you, father. I'll be sure to take good care of it and make good use of it."

"Be careful with it. To sweetie, you don't want to hurt yourself." Mary commented as she watched him tuck the sword around his waist sheathed.

Martin laughed, "If the kid falls off the tree, then he learns not to. Don't get so worried. I've seen him practice with wooden swords, and I'll admit the boy got talent. Ya don't hear me saying that often now, do ya?"

"I'm sure he's very talented," Isaac said, glaring at Gin.

Gin asked, "Father would you like to spar? We have two wooden swords. It would be fun."

Martin rested his chin on his hand, "Alright, kid, but if ya get ya ass beat, that ain't on me, alright? I ain't even used a sword in years, but strength is strength I know that much."

"Great idea Gin. I'm sure you'll do great." Isaac continued.

Gin and Martin went outside to the back of the shack-like home, where Gin would practice his sword Technique. Martin tossed him a wooden sword, and they got into their stances. Isaac watched from a window with a grin as he waited to see Gin get some sense knocked into him.

Martin didn't do any particular stance and held his wooden sword with two hands as his arms stretched upwards, "Let me know when ya ready."

Gin took a more proper stance as he planned for a parry, then strike, "Ready!"

Gin rushed towards his father, using the Divine Protection of Swiftness to move at speeds not traceable by the human eye as he parried his father's blow and stood behind him with his wooden sword pointed at his neck. Isaac watched in confusion, unable to see what had just happened.

Martin turned around, seeing the sword aimed at his neck, "Well, I'll be damned ya do got talent. Keep this up, and ya might become a knight for the Capital, not that I'd want that most of them knights all talk anyway. But still, I'll say it once I'm proud of ya Gin."

He moved the wooden sword back to his waist and grinned, "I'll keep it up. I got plenty of time to train here anyway."

"Ya, that's one way to think bout it. Let's head back inside. I needa take a bath." Martin said as the two walked back inside.

Their home wasn't much more than a nicer shack than the rest of the village, but it still had a bath, kitchen, and two rooms where Isaac and Gin shared one and their parents shared the other. Gin returned to his room to unsheathed the sword his father gave him when he saw his brother on the ground with burn marks on his hand.

"Isaac, are you alright?" Gin questioned, realizing what he had tried to do.

Isaac stared at him with a repulsed look, "Sure."

Gin walked to the sword that was lying on the ground beside him. The sword had a crimson handle and a short blade. He picked the handle up and didn't feel any burning, then put it back in its sheaf. He had no idea why it burned Isaac when he held it but didn't know what to do about his older brother. He was envious of him, but he had to have something or some talent, or else he'd be useless too. It was just how the world worked; some were born gifted while others were not. He lay on the small cushion on the floor and stared a the ceiling.

Another two years passed, and Gin practiced daily with the sword his father gave him. He wasn't sure what the sword was, but when he described what it could do, his father could only guess that it was some relic of the past with some power. Gin wasn't certain of it either, but as he stared into the reflection of his face, he began to remember.

…my memories. It's so foggy I can barely remember. Where am I?

Gin walked around, trying to figure out where he was. His memories were foggy, so his memories of being in the world slowly merged. As he stared at his sword in confusion, he wondered what world or place he could be in. All he's seen is a village, and he has a sword and knights. Something about a demi-human war which he had no idea what that even meant. As he started to walk inside, he closed his eyes, trying to remember.

"Gin, are you alright?" Mary asked, seeing her son seem he has sick or confused look.

Gin scratched his head, "Yeah, I am doing good, mother. Just practicing with my sword technique."

"You'll become a fine swordsman one day." Mary smiled as she brushed his brown hair, "Maybe you'll surpass even the Sword Saint. Your father goes on all day about how talented you are it makes me happy. I've never seen him cheerful or proud of being a father."

Gin heard sword saint as his eyes widened, "Mother, thank you, but I don't know I'll ever reach the strength of the Sword Saint."

Mary teased, "Your grandfather, who passed away, served in the demi-human war. From what I know about Theresia Van Astrea, I wouldn't be surprised if you do surpass her. You're only seven years old!."

Mary brought Gin into her arms, smiling, "No matter what you choose or decide, I'll be proud of you. Just make sure to behave well. Being strong can make you arrogant or even abusive. I love your father because he was one of the few men I met that was different."

"I love you, mother and loving father too. If he didn't give me the opportunity, I would've never been able to learn I had the talent, to begin with." Gin replied as he cast his thoughts aside, feeling his mother was Mary, even if he wasn't from this world.

Gin returned to his room to figure out what was happening. He knocked on the door and entered, with Isaac giving him a usual glare.

So Sword Saint? But it's not Reinhard? Am I in the past or the future of this world? I wish I did more than just watch the anime if I was going to be brought here…. Isaac is smarter than me and older. Maybe he'd know?

"Brother, can you help me with something? I need someone with knowledge, and I'm lacking a bit on that," he asked, trying to be friendly to Isaac.

Isaac considered it as he never was asked for anything from Gin. He felt that being asked for knowledge was a sign of respect, "What knowledge? I'm glad your finally acknowledging me."

"Isaac, I wasn't even trying not to acknowledge you. I always thought you were smarter than me, but ever since my birthday, when I got a gift, you seemed to hate me. I don't hold anything against you so that we can be friendly to each other," he replied, realizing that he never really paid attention to his older brother or bothered to know why he acted as he did.

Isaac grinned, "I'll help you this once. What do you need?"

"Well, what stuff is going on in the world? It's a weird question, but uh, I never really paid much attention, and I want to know more about the Kingdom outside of just this village y'know?"

"Like what? The other nations or something? I'm unsure what knowledge to give you since you asked a vague question." Isaac responded, a bit confused, assuming his question related to sword saints or who was the strongest, as he always thought his brother was just a gifted idiot.

Gin thought of a question as he considered a few things, "Isaac, how close is this village to the Capital? Also, has the White Whale been killed yet?"

Isaac started to question his brother's sanity, "White Whale? How do you even know about that, let alone think it's been killed? The three great demon beasts have been around for four hundred years. Our village is on the very eastern corner of the Barielle territory."

Gin was lost as he had no idea where that was but had to find an excuse for the White Whale, "Nothing, I just wanted to know since I want to kill the White Whale. Also, I'm still kind of stupid regarding locations and stuff. Thanks for the help though I don't know who else I would've asked. I'm going to bed."

If I have power, then… who is going to try to kill me?

I was considering giving him custom DP's (Not one's made yet) but I'm not sure.

DP of Sword Transformation (Allows the sword to be sentient) lmk what y'all think

This starts about 20 years before cannon btw