AAAAAAAAAAAA
"What's going on?" Why am I screaming, I think to myself.
It seemed to me that I was falling, but nothing was happening.
Taking a deep breath, I try to comb my hair with my hand, but I don't feel anything.
I tried again, but again nothing…
And again, and again…
Then it hit me, I don't feel my hands.
I don't see them!
No, I don't have them!
I'm not breathing…
"Oh my God, what's going on!" I scream, but I don't make any sound. My mind runs to dozens of different scary things and situations of being stuck in this state. Each one is more terrifying than the next.
I try to look around, and my fears are greatly amplified. Another thing that hit me, I can't see. I don't know how early, I didn't realize my previous statement.
There is literally nothing around me.
Is this a dream? Am I not alive!?
At all costs, I want to shake it off. I wish to have everything I had before.
This can't be natural!
"Please!"
"Can anyone hear me!?"
"Is anyone here!?"
"I would like to avoid being here."
The questions were left unanswered.
My emotions start to go crazy. Losing all control, along with my body and voice, is terrifying. I want to wake up from this nightmare. Is it a dream? It must be, just wake up. However, there is nothing here, not even me. I think or speak, I don't even know myself.
"Please" I can hardly do anything, all that's left is my consciousness. I start to lose my mind.
"Is this some kind of punishment, a stupid joke?" for what, from whom.
"It's cruel" If I could cry, I would definitely do it now.
"What am I supposed to do now?" I think, nothing else is left for me, literally. Spending I don't know how much time in this place doesn't sound good. It's hard for me to count it.
"Hello Raphael," said a powerful inhuman voice, freezing me.
Two words that were music to my non-existent ears. I have no idea how long it took me to shake off my shock.
Someone spoke to me! My mind began to think more soberly and deviated from my previous observations. Finally, someone is contacting me!
And after a moment, like a battering ram knocking on the door of my mind, a powerful feeling of doubt crept in. These words reached me from all sides, so I couldn't determine the speaker's position. It couldn't be true, I'm here alone and there's no one here.
"I'm starting to freak out in this place" I once read an article that people are social beings. It amused me then. I thought I was a loner type, but after spending an indefinite but short amount of time in this place. The desire for another person in this place is huge.
"I assure you that I am real and as for you…" The voice paused, seemingly lost in thought over the final statement. "You died, and you're here," the creature finished with a slight touch of humor.
It couldn't be like that, I wanted to deny it, I couldn't die yet. I didn't want his statement to be true.
"That can't be true, where are the others, then?" I say quickly.
"Others? They're waiting for their moment, and now it's yours," the creature declared mysteriously. I slowly began to worry.
It wasn't long before I replied.
"And who are you? God?" I tried to hide my concern, with the ease with which the creature spoke in this place was a bit suspicious.
"I have many names and many call me that" The ease and indifference with which he replied, not trying to elicit any reaction from me. It seemed as if he had said it many times before. Is it possible that I am not the first person he has spoken to?
"That's a pretty simple question, and you're not the first person I've talked to" I didn't say anything, how did he know I was thinking that?
"And again another simple question, yes I am called God." He surprised me again, how can he know what I'm thinking? There didn't seem to be any malicious intent. However, the voice coming from everywhere was already a bit creepy. Maybe he really is God, then did he come to punish me or possibly save me from this situation?
"Well, you're here, thoughts and speech have no meaning here," he replied, but the more important issue is: Where is here?
"Since you feel uncomfortable when I answer your questions," He paused for a moment, giving me a second to think and began to continue.
"When you think you're thinking, in such a place it doesn't matter. You are open to this place, and it is open to you…" That's a bit strange. However, it means so much to me that I have no privacy here.
A critical issue came to my mind.
"Why am I here!" My little outburst was ignored.
"Hhy… one could say that it's a kind of punishment and a lesson associated with it," God finished calmly with slight thoughtfulness. His flat but demanding tone told me. I waited a little longer.
"You've spent 147 years here, I hope you'll learn from your stay here" Now this truly interested me. How is it possible that I spent so many years here? It seemed to me that I had been here for maybe a few hours or several dozen minutes. I had no way of checking the time spent here.
I guess I have no choice but to accept this being as God. Only He is here with me. And only He can help me get out of here. I can't count on anything else but wait for the verdict he will issue against me. I hope I won't be here forever.
From what I remember, I wasn't a bad person. There were a few moments in my past when I wasn't entirely good. If I wanted to find something, I would have to analyze 26 years of my life, and I guess the time of my non-life doesn't count. Of which I don't remember much. What matters is whether it's a heavy or maybe light punishment.
"Wait, why don't I remember my family? I know I had someone and how I died," I ask, a little worried and disoriented. Is this also part of it?
"Yes, but it didn't last" That would mean that I can't regain my memories. That's pretty good news. Earlier, I didn't think about my past.
"But not now, you will have the opportunity to regain them if you ultimately want to" So is there a catch?
It's good that our conversation has entered normal tracks given the situation in which we find ourselves. Responding to my thoughts is a bit strange, it's better when everything goes traditionally. He certainly knows this and doesn't bring up the subject. I'm grateful for that.
"Well, then what next?" I say, at this point, nothing else matters to me.
"Next? You will choose the path you want to take," And that's very fascinating! I'll get an option where I can decide.
"What will it involve?" I ask.
"I will ask a question, and you will answer it…" A moment of pause and thoughtfulness for God, then he resumes.
"Ah and there will be an element of randomness" Oh, I hope it's not like drawing whether I'll be a human, an alien, or maybe a rodent. I hope I'm wrong because I would be quite nervous.
I am a person who prefers specifics. Not only that, but I always move according to well-trodden patterns of things. Creativity is not my strong suit.
"Are you ready?" I have no other choice but to move on, further reflection on my fate will bring me nothing. I have to move forward.
"Yes" This easy word is my key to the future.
"So, let's start with the lottery." In a magical way, a giant wheel of fortune appeared in front of me. In such an empty place where I am, the wheel contrasted forcefully with the all-encompassing emptiness.
The sudden appearance of the device gave my senses a point of focus. All my attention was focused on the big wheel. Finally, I saw something and why are there various movies, books, TV shows and games there.
The closest positions I saw and that told me something were Star Wars, Marvel, The Legend of Huma, Supernatural, and Halo. There were so many positions, yet when my gaze rested on a specific one, everything was clearly visible.
"How big is this wheel?" Even though I have no reference for size, it's definitely big. My curiosity was quickly satisfied.
"Every universe created by people is here, from the smallest to the largest" So everything is here, the question is what now.
"Ok, so what now" I want to avoid speculating, but what will happen next will probably be explained, just wait.
"Now the wheel of fortune will show us where to place you" So that's it, drawing my new life. My previous one most likely doesn't count as an option.
"Is my previous life an option?" I ask, a little worried. If I got a positive answer, it would mean that everything I knew was someone else's fantasy. Though in some respects it would be. After all, I went to work in a company that someone invented. There are many examples to list, but it's clear what I mean.
"Do you really want to know?" The serious tone of the question sowed a seed of doubt in my mind, but I have to know!
"YES" the word would have been hard to get through my throat if I had one.
"No, your previous existence was not fiction" A proverbial stone fell from my heart, but that means I won't be back. Should I be happy or maybe cry? On the one hand, everything was real, but I will leave my home and everything associated with it behind.
However, I can't dwell on this again, after all there is no way back. Even if there was, with such an amount of luck, I would have to have an incredible stroke of luck. Were there many before me…? Of course, he is God, after all. What a stupid question, there were others, and I wasn't alone on earth, many were before.
Will I come to terms with my fate? Time will probably tell. Because if I can regain memories of my family, I will keep my memory, or at least most of it, maybe.
"So do I have to set it in motion, or perhaps just a word is enough?" I ask with a hint of interest.
"Two words are enough: start to start the lottery and stop to end it," well, you could guess that.
So, it's probably worth starting, I've been here for far too long.
"START!" The wheel began to spin incredibly fast, it was impossible for me to read even one word on the dial, everything was flashing background colors of a given point and there were really a lot of them.
Stopping, I would like to be able to close my eyes and cross my fingers for some friendly world where I could spend the rest of my life peacefully.
Such a huge number of colors and the frequency of their changes caused me to see rainbows in front of my non-existent eyes.
Should I stop now? Or maybe wait a moment longer? Possibly, I'll count to five and then do it. No f… perhaps I'll talk about it better, but.
"STOP!" And now the moment of truth, whether I will die quickly or a little slower. Actually, if I die there, will I come back here?
The wheel immediately slowed down and I could read every position. Almost all the titles mean nothing to me, so I won't dwell on them. What matters is where it stops.
In my opinion, maybe about 10 seconds have passed. And the wheel has already slowed down to a rather snail's pace. Whatever it may be, I feel a massive excitement.
Title after title and there will be my new life.
And the pointer almost stopped at… WARHAMMER 40K.
My gaze automatically fled from the pointer to the very top. All the positive energy that filled me when it stopped suddenly burst. The dial stopped, and I would rather not look at that damn pointer.
Warhammer is not a place to live. I don't want to go there. I was a little interested in this universe, reading and listening about it gave me great pleasure. But now… I hate it! It's not a place to live, the number of horrors waiting for me there is unthinkable.
Suddenly, I felt like staying here. Even though I'll be thrown in there anyway, I wanted to participate in it myself.
"Do I really have to go there?" My question was dripping with despair.
"Well, you could have hit better or worse," God replied to me, his voice betraying no emotion. This will definitely be my second funeral, and I certainly won't live even 10 years.
"But you always have to go forward, overcome and accept your failures." God now took on the tone of almost a mother or father.
"If you are once thrown to your knees, don't give up, perseverance is always rewarded" But how can I accept almost another certain death? I think, and my gaze slowly slides down to the pointer on the dial.
What surprised me very much was the omission of that terrible universe. The pointer was not on that nightmare, but on… NIER AUTOMATA! I once played this game, it's not the most colorful story, but it's probably a better place than the one I expected to go to.
From what I remember, androids, or at least YoRHa almost worship humanity. And as the only human being, I would have many benefits. This might work, if there was an element of randomness now, then what next?
"So the wheel of fortune is behind me now, what's next?" That's what I'm thinking now, but what if I'm not human? Just a machine!? What then?
"In the next part you will have to choose four abilities and six items with which you will be sent" Actually that's quite generous, but you don't look a gift horse in the mouth, so I won't complain.
"Are there any restrictions regarding what I choose?" Because if not, then maybe I'll definitely decide indestructibility.
"I will personally consider everything and make my own corrections, and no, you will not receive indestructibility" It's really a shame I'll have to think of something else.
"Will I even be human and retain my current memory?" I wouldn't want to be a mechanical form of life.
"Yes you will, and your memory will remain as it is" Now I can breathe, knowledge from the game can be an invaluable tool.
Moving on to the next issue, I'll start with abilities and end with items. So if indestructibility is out of the question, possibly immortality is worth asking about, although it's quite similar.
"As my first ability, I would choose immortality" Now there is silence from the other person.
"You will receive immortality, but it will not be complete" Ok, what's the catch if it's incomplete?
"What will be the difference then?" Maybe it means that I can live a long time, but other factors will affect me.
"Your thinking is good, you can have a long life…" So, I guess it's a bullseye. I don't even pay attention to reading my thoughts anymore.
"But there are other factors that can be fatal" That means don't die. It's not much different from normal life, although it may be longer.
Now I have to think about the next ones. What would be useful? Perhaps something for escape?
The Shinobi in Naruto are quite fast, their agility and ability to move like jumping through trees can be useful.
"Would having Shinobi skills pass?" Machines are probably not very agile and fast.
"Unfortunately not, it's too much with the skills they possess" Too bad, I forgot what they can do. Possibly, I'll force through the part I was thinking about.
"What about their movement like speed and jumping through trees?" Maybe it will work here?
"I could agree to that, but there is one catch" What now?
"What" I ask.
"To move like a Shinobi you need a chakra, and then you would be too versatile, although I could agree to that" I forgot, I need some source of power that I could use. With chakra, you can do a lot, like a water dragon that can wreak havoc among enemies. Without energy, my movement would not be as effective.
Speaking of power, what about Star Wars? Jedi and Sith used the Force. Thanks to it, they could do a lot, but it's not the same level as manipulating chakra and creating jutsu. Although I don't know them, using the Force would probably be easier.
The ability to move like a ninja is one thing, and the source of my energy is another. Then I would have three abilities. So, it wouldn't hurt to ask about it.
"So without a power source, it won't be as good, and with the Force like in Star Wars as my third ability?" I wonder if he will agree.
I think he's really thinking about my question, in my opinion, it's been a while. Furthermore, It is not my intention to interrupt him, I'll wait and won't say anything.
"That's acceptable, I can make everything work" Victory! Moving like a ninja from Naruto and using telekinesis will be wonderful!
Now the last skill, I have to think for a moment, what else would I need…?
I think invisibility was a suitable option, for now, I'll leave this option.
Super speed is already out, maybe super strength?
What other options do I have? Think, think.
A quick healing factor would come in very handy. There are so many possibilities of being injured. Though I don't think it would help me if I got flattened by some machine.
Perhaps knowledge? Though, I would prefer strength more.
Sticking with Naruto, what if I could have Sharingan eyes? Mangekyou is strong and not forgetting the Susanoo ability, but I don't think I could get it. Though a regular three, tome would also be helpful with abilities like copying. I could quickly learn sword fighting or predict an opponent's movements.
I thought about this option for quite a long time.
God is still my silent observer, or rather listener. I'm starting to feel a bit like in a video game where you create your own character.
Think, think… my mind is completely blank.
My impatience won, and I'll try with Mangekyou.
"Mangekyou sharingan would be my fourth choice, and if not, then at least three tomoe" Now just wait to see if there are any objections to my choice.
"I'm afraid the stronger version won't be an option, do you accept the weaker one?" Why not, though I'm still considering the healing factor?
When I meet Androids, quick regeneration will no longer be needed, though I don't think it will be something like express regeneration. I was informed that I could die, so the possibility of healing from fatal wounds is not an option, but sharingan…
Yes, I'll choose the eyes.
"So I'll stick with three tomoe" So I finished another stage. Now there are still items left. I'm getting closer and closer to the new world. Excitement completely consumed my worry.
I already have an idea for the first one.
"As my first item, I decide a magic bracelet that will hide me from machine sensors" If I don't find someone quickly, I must stay off the machine radar at all costs.
"The first one has been accepted" My choices didn't surprise him at all, maybe he already knew?
From what I remember, the earth in the game behaves a bit like the moon, on one side it's always day and on the other night. So, I could use clothing that regulates my body temperature.
Since I'm human, I have to eat something. What if I don't find anything nearby? A wilderness survival kit would also be helpful. I wouldn't want to waste two choices on such simple things. However, it's better to have a full stomach and be prepared for any eventuality.
"So right away I'll choose three, and they'll be long-term food rations, a survival kit and magic all-weather clothing" I'd rather regret this choice than have nothing to eat and suffer because of my clothing.
"Wise of you, you never know what to expect" I'll take that as a yes.
Next I'll select something for defense, a gun, or maybe a sword. I'm not a Jedi and I don't have any sword skills. I'm not trained in using firearms, either.
The skills I picked would work better with a sword, at least I could hit something. On the other hand, a ranged weapon like a gun has no chance that before I hit anything I'll shoot all the bullets from the magazine, and the noise is much louder when firing. If I would rather not stick out, I'll choose a sword and learn how to use it over time.
Thinking about the sword reminded me of that unfortunate Warhammer 40k, more precisely the power sword which would be best suited for people like me and my power.
"Well, I could use something for defense, so I decided on a sword, more precisely a power sword from Warhammer" Being able to transfer my energy which comes from power into the sword will be a really deadly weapon.
"Wouldn't you prefer a ranged weapon?" I've already made my choice. There's practically nothing in firearms that would convince me, unless it's infinite ammo, which might be worth asking about.
"And will my magazine never run out?" If so, I would decide a gun after all.
"Unfortunately not, you'll be limited to the number of bullets in the magazine" Then I don't like it at all. So, definitely I'll take the sword.
"In that case, I'll stick with the power sword and I don't intend to get into a fight with machines" Nothing will force me to risk my life.
And what to take as the sixth. I have a weapon, food, a survival kit, appropriate clothing and my invisibility bracelet for sensors. And what if I had invisibility for optics, it would also be quite useful. I think I'll go with this line of thinking.
"As my last item, I choose active camouflage" Please agree to this.
"And how do you think it should work according to you?" The question threw me off a bit, but without thinking quickly, I decided to answer.
"Just like my invisibility bracelet for sensors, only for optics" Will he not agree?
"You'll get your active camouflage, just not on the same terms" Ok, I realize that being completely invisible would be too easy. However, you could always try. Though with a concession, but it's a plus.
"Where the first bracelet is always active, the second will work for a specified time and will have to recharge" That's fair, I think.
I've already made all my choices.
"I accept these terms" Even temporary invisibility can save a life.
So, that's it. If I had a face, I would have a wide smile now.
I can finally leave this place! I don't know how to feel? Furthermore, I guess I'm very excited and happy despite the dangers that will be waiting for me. New life, albeit a bit difficult, but again I'll be able to feel what it's like to live again! And my skills, I can't wait to use them.
My smile would be even wider now at the thought of throwing machines left and right with my telekinesis. I'll definitely be abusing this ability. Meanwhile, first I have to meet Androids and that will be my most important step.
"So wide road young man and good luck" That's quite a quick ending on His part, but I won't complain.
"Thanks, I hope we don't meet soon. No offense of course" I don't want it to sound like something negative.
"None taken" I sensed he would answer like that.
"So how…" And everything cut off for me.