Chapter 1: First Steps
Where… am I? Why…Why can't I move?...What is this? I can't feel my body, I can't feel anything. My voice...I can't hear my own voice. I can't hear anything besides my own thoughts. Dark…It's all dark….Pitch black…can't see anything.
Wrong…It feels all wrong, whatever this is.
What was the last thing I did before all of this? I was someplace in... I can't seem to recall. The last thing I remember is feeling tired, followed by feeling content. I wonder why I felt that way.
I must be dead aren't I? That's the only conclusion I can think of… Is this the afterlife?… Hell? Heaven?... Hah as if, there ain't no way I'm walking through the gates of Heaven unless the big man upstairs had a twisted sense of humor and decided to reward the scums of the world.
A fitting punishment given the amount sins that I committed when I was alive… death will be too merciful.
"Giving up already?"
A booming voice echoed in the eternal darkness that seems to be coming from every direction. I try to ask who's there but I'm reminded of the fact that my body doesn't exist here, but I'm still not sure how to respond to whoever is talking to me.
"Allow me to fix that."
Next thing I knew I suddenly could physically feel again, I can breathe, hear, and smell…Coco? I open eyes to see my surrounding but immediately shut them back down hard with curse due my vision being invaded by bright lights. Slowly but surely the pain from my eyes dissipates and I open them once again my vision adjust I can finally see where I am.
I look around and I appear to be in some kind of a dining area, an extravagant one at that. Heck, everything in here looks expensive, probably cost more than all the money I had in my previous life. I couldn't help but admire the beauty of it all, from the furniture to the food and even the beautifully crafted architecture of the room.
I gave the decorated hall another look around and that's where I finally laid my eyes on him, wondering how I didn't notice him in the first place. There sitting a short distance away at the other end of the dining table was a humanoid figure that seems to be made out of darkness with blue flames that outline his body. The being didn't have ears and a nose where they would be but it did have a blue line where the mouth would be with eyes made of the same color.
The thing that stood out from him was not his strange appearance or the blue flames that's emanating from all over his body…But it was his eyes that really caught my attention; it was the eye's that rooted me in place as if some invisible chains holding me down tightly… It was almost as if they were looking into my very soul… Scanning...reading it like an open book.
"Oh I am."
"….Ah shit"
The looming figure laughed as he picked up an ornate cup drinking whatever contents within it with a satisfying at the end.
"I must say….The things I uncovered throughout your souls history are quite amusing."
Okay… not only that he can read my mind, skim through my soul like some sort of a search history. Hmmm… am I forgetting anything else…Oh yeah, he brought me back from the dead.
"Are you…God?"
I politely ask him; don't wanna anger the big powerful deity.
"If you're asking if I'm the biblical god from Christianity then no I am not…nor am I Satan for that matter."
He answered joyfully, good to know that his in a good mood.
"I am in a pretty spectacular mood but that's enough about me… Eat, you're going to need all the energy you can get for what I have planned for you."
In perfect timing my stomach started rumbling, well no need to be told twice but dang I don't even know where to start… Meh don't care, food first than worry later. I pick up a plate and start placing whatever set of food was closes to me, by the end of it my plate was nearly spilling over.
Munching down my meal I start thinking about my current situation and quite frankly I'm both excited and terrified at the same time. Excited knowing that I'm alive to begin with and terrified on what is to come, I mean he did say he has plans for me… let's just hope it's nothing unpleasant. I mean why would an omnipotent being go on the effort of brining me back from the afterlife if it didn't serve any purpose.
Finishing the last grub, I pick up a mug that seem have magically appeared next to my plate than downing all its contents in one go. Wiping the top of my lip, I place the mug back down the table with a satisfying sigh that was followed by a thunderous burp… Damn, I can't remember the last time I had such an appetizing meal.
I hear him laugh at the other end of the table, amused by my antics.
Now how do I do this? You know what I'll just ask him directly.
"I don't mean to be rude or anything but what do I call you? Do I call you boss… master… or is there a specific title that you want me to call you?"
I asked him politely, the strange entity of dark energy took a bite out of his meal before placing his utensils down. Then disappears in a particle of lights and reappears right next to me, towering over me with a unnerving sweet smile.
JESUS CHRIST ON GOD ALMIGHTY!... I nearly shit myself when he pulled that stunt and GAWD DAYUM He's HELLA TALL!... I knew he was tall but I didn't think he'll be this tall, I swear he must be around 6'10ft.
"7'ft actually."
"…Oh..right, you could do that."
He pats me on the shoulder while chuckling at my reaction.
"Sorry I couldn't help myself, it's just that I saw the opportunity to mess with you and took it… besides there's no need to be so tense you're in a safe place, in fact the safest place in the omniverse."
"G-Good to know…"
He chuckles at my response; he took a step back and sat down on an ornate chair he summoned out of thin air. Slowly my chair flew up and turned, making me face toward him and gently landing back down without much of a sound.
"Now for who I am, I many things, I have accumulated many names and titles over the years."
Fear… that's the first thing I felt as he spoke, like my body instinctively knew I was in danger but my mind couldn't comprehend where it was coming from. The room began to shake, not immediate but slow and steady like the worse has yet to come.
"I am the one; I am sin and virtue intertwined."
The shaking intensified, parts of the room began falling apart, bricks falling from the ceiling, furniture falling over, cracks scattering over every surface.
"The alpha and omega for there shall be no others besides me… This is the undeniable truth."
Broken glass, reality shattered into nothingness returning me back into the void with the only source of light emanating from him. The flames dancing on his darken body grew in size and power but as quick as it came it was absorb back into him leaving a thin light outlining his figure.
"For I am..."
Power… absolute… unbridled power.
"Tanas."
Like a star finally reaching its peak the eternal abyss was no more erased in an explosion of blinding light… I was no more.
"Does this answer your question?"
As if any of the events that have transpired never happened everything was restored back to normal.
"What?... Where is?... H-Huh?"
I survey the room frantically trying to comprehend if all is as it seems, I turn back to him…Tanas stares back at me with a mischievous smile. All I could do at the moment is smile back at him nervously, my entirety still recovering from the early mind-fuckery experience.
"Now with the introductions out of the way we can start with why I brought you here Nicholas, you don't mind if I call you Nicholas do you?"
I quickly nod at his question, not even surprised he already knows my name.
"Good…That's good, now for the reason why I summoned you is for one very, very important task."
The way he smiles at me is unnerving.
"What would that be?"
Without breaking eye contact he takes another sip of his drink.
"It's a very simple task nothing too complicating but it is a long term one… You are going to be my champion."
"…A champion?"
I asked confusedly.
"Yes, a champion… an apostle or a disciple of mine basically glorified employee in simpler terms."
Oh… That's not what I expected.
"All good or do you need a more detailed explanation?"
"No, no, no, no it's all good, I understand… I've watched anime."
At my answer, Tanas bellowed with laughter causing the room to shake uncontrollably once again.
Something isn't right; hard to believe a being of this magnitude is doing this out of the goodness of his heart.
"What's the catch?"
The look in his eyes became precise but still holding that mischievous glint.
"Smart man… First thing first, there's no quitting, this job is for life."
Okay, that part makes sense but in all honesty I wasn't even planning on quitting.
"Lastly… Entertainment."
….Did I… hear that right?
"...So..I suck your dick or something?"
This time it was Tanas who's caught off-guard, the room shook even more violently from his thunderous laughter. I was terrified that he was going to destroy reality again.
"By the omniverse I'm so glad I found someone like you… you and I are going to get along quite well!."
Collecting himself after his bout of amusement, he continues.
"While the offer for some good lip service is quite tempting but no… not that kind of entertainment. What I desire from you is your journey."
Alright I'm lost.
"My journey?... I'm sorry I don't quite understand what you mean by journey?"
I expected him to get annoyed by my lack of understanding but instead he just got even more excited.
"Do you know what I am Nicholas?"
Where is he going with this?
"…You are a god"
"Close but think harder."
"A primordial god?"
"That's a good one but think older."
…What could be older than the universe itself? ...The multiverse?
"Much… much older."
Oh yeah… mind reading.
"The Omniverse."
I was startled by a colorful explosion of miniature fireworks and confetti's that started appearing above me.
"DING, DING, DING!... We have a winner!"
As fast as it came the celebration comes to an end.
"Do you know what it means to wield such great power?"
He sounds tired…
"…That it comes with great responsibilities."
That felt more like a question.
"That's a good reference but yes it does entail a small amount responsibility."
….I wonder what is considered "small" to a being of his magnitude.
"You see Nicholas, having omnipotent powers I get to do the whole "Sees all and Knows all" gimmick… and let me tell ya… Being an all knowing deity gets really, really… boring."
Oh… Ooooooooh.
"It's like going to the theaters and watching the latest hit marvel movie but –"
"You already know how it ends because you already spoiled it yourself!"
"EXACTLY!"
Tanas exclaims in exasperation.
"Damn… that's got to be annoying."
I tried to stifle my laughter but gave up the first few seconds. Tanas just rolled his eyes at my amusement or I think he did… Kind of hard to tell since his eyes is completely blue with no irises.
"So, with that in mind I decided to temporarily turn off that nifty power of mine and just go with the flow."
I nod at him understanding his reasons for doing that. He smiles and downs all of the contents in his cup in one go.
"Now that all is said and done…You ready?"
I smile back at him excitedly.
"Hell yeah."
[Installment is complete System is now online… greetings Nicholas Blak]
I experienced a range of emotions, the most prominent of which were disbelief, astonishment, and excitement. I've read and seen enough manga and anime to know where this is going to lead to.
[- The Authority -]
"The Authority" is an extraordinary superpower that grants its possessor unparalleled control over knowledge and skill acquisition. Those bestowed with this power have the remarkable ability to rapidly assimilate and internalize a diverse range of skills, abilities, spells, and powers from various sources. With The Authority at their disposal, individuals can effortlessly learn and adapt to new disciplines, effectively becoming masters of countless domains.
Through The Authority, individuals can absorb combat techniques from martial arts masters, delve into ancient and arcane knowledge, and even emulate the superhuman abilities of other extraordinary beings. There are virtually no limits to what can be learned and achieved with this power, as it allows individuals to quickly attain proficiency in any field or domain they encounter.
[Systems]
[+]The Omni-Scan System| T.O.S.S
Omni-Scan is a remarkable ability that grants the user the power to effortlessly scan and acquire comprehensive information about any object they focus on. By simply directing their attention towards an item, the possessor of Omni-Scan can instantaneously perceive a wealth of knowledge pertaining to its nature, properties, and characteristics.
[+] The Battle Grounds System |T.B.G.S (Tabigs)
The Battle Grounds System is an immersive and dynamic gaming experience that offers players the opportunity to venture into dimensional realms filled with an assortment of randomly generated enemies. It serves as a means for players to efficiently farm experience points (EXP) in order to level up and enhance their abilities, ultimately making them stronger.
[+] Nexus Emporium
Step into a world beyond imagination and discover the limitless possibilities at the Nexus Emporium, the premier online store for all your interdimensional shopping needs. As the name suggests, we are the nexus, the epicenter where the boundaries of the omniverse blur, and the finest products from every corner of reality converge.
[Stats]
Name: Nicholas Blak
Title:(?)
Race: Human
[Level: 0]
[EXP:000/000]
MP: 000/000 { 5pts every two seconds }
Strength:
[+]Measuring of the physical power.
Constitution: 0
[+]Measuring endurance, stamina and good health
Dexterity: 0
[+]Measuring agility, balance, coordination and reflexes
Intelligence: 0
[+]Measuring deductive reasoning, learning, knowledge, memory, logic and rationality
Wisdom: 0
[+]Measuring self-awareness, common sense, restraint, perception and insight
Mana: 0
[+]Measuring the magical reserves and affinity.
Charisma: 0
[+]Measuring force of personality, persuasiveness, leadership and successful planning
Luck: 0
[+]Measuring of luck influences quality of item drops, encounters and outstanding successes in life
Stats Points: 10
Currency:
The Authority starts to merge into my body, mind, and soul, providing me with an endless supply of knowledge and guidance in a blur. I can feel something inside of me expanding, allowing me to absorb the knowledge of the system, it's such a strange sensation...it feels like I'm standing somewhere high and looking down on the world…It's making me feel light headed and a bit wobbly.
I try to balance myself but I end up falling forward but Tanas manages to catch me.
"Careful there, Nick. It's a big adjustment at first, but you'll get used to the feeling,"
Tanas says with a reassuring smile…I think, kind of hard to tell but he does sound the part.
"The Authority is basically like a giant library of information with a personal assistant to guide you throughout the omniverse. You'll have access to anything you can think of, so just take your time and explore. It can be pretty amazing the more you dive into it."
Amazing…Nah bro this goes way beyond amazing.
After getting a hold on myself, I relish in this new sensation…I feel so good, lost in my own world I didn't even notice that Tanas had moved us to a new room.
The room was bathed in a soft, ethereal light, emanating from an enormous window that stretched from the floor to ceiling. It framed a mesmerizing view of outer space, showcasing a tapestry of sparkling stars, distant galaxies, and vibrant nebulae. As I gazed out into the infinite expanse, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and insignificance. The enormity of the cosmos made my everyday worries and concerns seem trivial. I was reminded of how small I am in the grand scheme of things, a mere speck in the face of the universe's boundless wonders.
I slowly walked closer to the window, my eyes fixed on a distant spiral galaxy, its graceful arms swirling in a cosmic dance.
"Breathtaking isn't it?"
I turned to face Tanas, admiring the cosmic spectacle before us. His voice snapped me out of my reverie, and I couldn't help but agree with his sentiment.
"Tell me Nicholas…With this new found power, what are you going to do?"
Power… Something I desperately worked hard to earn in my previous life. Something I wish I had in the earlier start of my journey…Sadly life was never fair. I played by the rules and it fucked me up.
You know what they say...Nice guys finish last…I'm done with that bullshit.
With all the honesty I could ever muster in me I answered back.
"I'm going to abuse it to the MAX!"
Tanas raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering across his face. He studied me for a moment, perhaps searching for any sign of falter in my words, but my expression remained resolute. A mixture of curiosity and mischievousness danced in his eyes as he finally spoke.
"Careful Nicholas… power is a double-edged sword. It can bring immense possibilities, but it can also corrupt and destroy. Are you sure you want to tread that path? There's a responsibility that comes with such abilities."
I chuckled softly, a tinge of bitterness in my voice.
"Responsibility, huh? I've shouldered enough responsibility in my life. I've played by the rules, done everything right, and what did it get me? Disappointment, heartache, and being left behind. Well, not anymore."
As I spoke, a fire ignited within me. The vastness of the cosmos outside that window served as a stark reminder of the insignificance of my previous struggles. In this moment, I felt a newfound liberation, as if the universe itself was granting me permission to break free from the chains that had held me back.
"I'm tired of being small, Tanas. I'm tired of being at the mercy of others, of circumstances. With this power, I'll forge my own path. I'll seize opportunities, shape my destiny, and make my mark on this vast universe. No more playing nice, no more following the rules. I will become a force to be reckoned with."
Tanas regarded me thoughtfully, his gaze filled with a mix of understanding and…satisfaction? Then Tanas chuckled that slowly lead into a full on maniacal laughter that started to cause the room tremble.
"I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER MYSELF!"
As Tanas's laughter filled the room and the tremors grew stronger, a chill ran down my spine both out of fear and excitement. The shift in his demeanor from understanding to satisfaction and now to outright maniacal raised alarms within me but I couldn't help but laugh along with him. The ethereal light in the room seemed to flicker, casting eerie shadows across the walls.
"SCREW MORALITY AND GIVE IN TO DESIRE!"
As our laughter echoed through the room, it became difficult to discern where mine ended and Tanas's began. The boundaries blurred, and the lines between sanity and madness became indistinguishable. It was as if our shared desire for dominance and liberation had merged into a singular, overwhelming force.
The shadows cast by the flickering light danced wildly on the walls, taking on sinister shapes that seemed to revel in our descent into chaos. Yet, instead of fear, I felt a strange exhilaration coursing through my being. The constraints of morality and conventional norms were slipping away, replaced by an intoxicating freedom to pursue my deepest desires without remorse or regret.
As the room continued to tremble and our shared madness consumed us, I felt a surge of energy building within me. It was as if the very fabric of reality was bending to accommodate my desires, my thirst for power and freedom. I could no longer deny the exhilaration that coursed through my veins, fueled by the immense possibilities that lay before me.
The constraints that had held me back for so long crumbled away. The weight of societal expectations, the shackles of morality, and the fear of failure were replaced by a singular focus, the pursuit of my ambitions. In this newfound liberation, I saw endless opportunities to reshape whatever world in my image, to bend it to my will.
The cosmic tapestry before me, with its swirling galaxies and sparkling stars, seemed to beckon me forward. It whispered promises of uncharted territories, untapped power, and limitless potential. The vastness of the universe mirrored the boundlessness of my own aspirations, and the opportunities are out just ripe for the taking.
In the face of such unadulterated ambition, I was aware of the risks. Power had the potential to corrupt, to consume those who wielded it without caution. But I was determined not to fall victim to its pitfalls. I would harness this power, mold it to serve my purpose, and navigate the treacherous path with calculated steps.
As I stood before the colossal window, its view into the vastness of the cosmos, I felt a profound sense of purpose. The universe, with all its wonders and mysteries, would bear witness to my rise. I would carve my own destiny among the stars, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of existence.
"The Omniverse is a vast ocean of infinite possibilities…Where do you want to start your journey?"
Tanas asked now in a more calm state but still holding that hint of amusement from his tone.
As I turned to face Tanas, his question resonated deeply within me. The magnitude of the Omniverse's possibilities loomed before me, and I knew that the choice of where to begin my journey held great significance. I needed to tread carefully on what world I should start my grand adventure and not just pick randomly.
It had to be a place where I was confident with and felt reasonably secure based on my acquired knowledge. Definitely not a medieval setting, I still desired some level of internet access and proper lavatory.
Somewhere that is safe for the most parts…But there are so many to pick from. Where do I even begin? Alright let's start with the simple stuff. Okay, let's see how do I access Authority?
In the middle of my thoughts, I hear the gentle resonance of a woman's voice. It resonates with a professional and inviting tone, captivating my attention.
[If there's anything you need help with, simply ask and I'll be glad to assist you]
Ah, adjusting to this is going to take some time, but you know what they say, there's a first time for everything…Authority?
[Yes master?]
…Okay that felt kind of weird being called master.
[I apologize if I've said anything that made you feel uncomfortable]
Oh no no, I didn't mean it was bad I just found it kind of funny being called master.
Hey Authority can you pull up a list of worlds; I'm trying to decide which universe to go to and I need help to jump start my memories.
[Gladly master]
As I look upon the holographic list of possible worlds aligned in alphabetical order, I notice an array of diverse and intriguing options. The holographic display hovers in front of me, offering a glimpse into the vast realm of possibilities. Each world is represented by a shimmering orb, labeled with its corresponding name. This list ranges from anime, movies, and all the way to books…This is going to take quite some time to read through. It's better to be careful then just rushing in to the unknown.
After some time of looking over the enormous list that Authority produced I've chosen a suitable world to begin my journey. And if I'm being honest, one of the main reasons I chose this world specifically is because it's going to provide a much easier access to farm for EXP.
[Excellent choice master! You've selected the vibrant and action-packed world of RWBY. Welcome to Remnant, a realm where huntsmen and huntresses protect humanity and faunus from the dangerous forces of Darkness.]
While there are many worlds that could provide safer methods to acquire exp but it just wouldn't be fun.
"So you've chosen the RWBY verse as your starting point."
I turn around not surprised to see Tanas has sneakily returned… I believe he tried to spook me again but the excitement was too great in me to be rattled.
"What can I say, the way Remnant is structured it's a perfect place to farm for resources…And has a lovely selection of colorful characters."
Tanas chuckled as he stood to my side and stared into the cosmos.
"Indeed… I always found the RWBY-verse an excellent playground for newcomers to start their new lives."
He turned to face me looking down with an excited glow in his eyes.
"….Hell yeah"
"Then step forth, my champion, and embrace this new chapter in your journey. Live life to the fullest, whether you choose to play the hero or the villain. Your morality matters not, as long as it entertains me!"
Tanas exclaimed enthusiastically.
Slowly, my body is bathed in a myriad of light that illuminates every inch of the room. I raise my hand moving it around in any random direction enjoying the way it leaves a trail of light particles that dances beautifully in the air like fireflies in the night.
"Have fun Nicholas"
As I was pulled away into an ever changing tunnel of light, passing through multiple realities many that I recognize and others not so. I made a silent vow to myself as I flew through this colorful experience. I would become the master of my own fate, the architect of my own reality. And as I ventured into the great unknown, propelled by boundless ambition and an unyielding spirit, I knew that nothing would stand in my way.