Prologue
Edit: 10/08/2023: Added a description of what the MC roughly looks like that was missing.
Dying sucks. One second you're enjoying life, and the next it is just black. No senses, no feelings, no nothing. Just an endless black void. They all say that in your last moments a reel of your best memories will play in front of your eyes, but they are wrong. As I've already established, nothing happens. You just get transported to an empty, endless void. There isn't even a concept of time in this void. Despite me doing my best to keep track of the relative time, it still felt like it was the exact time I'd died, 5:42:32 pm for those that care. Yes, I somehow knew the time down to the second. I don't know why.
Congratulations! You have been chosen!
This strange voice suddenly rang out, startling me. "W-What the? Who are you?" I called out,
The identity of ourself is unnecessary. We shall continue on the spiel you rudely interrupted.
I was surprised. Suddenly, a thought came to my head. Oh, it's one of those Systems isn't it? Like those ones in those 'Gamer SI Fanfic'. To say I'd had an interesting relationship with fanfiction in my now former life would be something. I'd read countless pieces of what would be classified as amateur fiction, one of the most popular tropes being that of the 'Gamer Reincarnation'. To think that I was going to live one however…
As we were saying, you have been chosen! You may be wondering what this means, but worry not, for we shall explain. For starters, you will get to live out a new life in a world that was fictional to your original one, albeit it has been chosen for you based on your interests in the previous world.
That was slightly worrying, I had to admit. One that was based on my interests. Well, there were a few where I'd quite certainly die (again, I reminded myself) within a few hours of arriving, but there were a few I wouldn't mind.
You have been selected to reincarnate into the Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V universe, which our records indicate that you loved immensely in your previous life.
Oh, ARC-V? That wasn't so bad, I suppose. I might have to get used to Action Duels though. That would certainly take some getting used to. The use of a duel disk as well.
You do have to make a few choices, however such as appearance and difficulty. That being said, are you happy with the appearance that your bore in your previous life, or would you like to create a new appearance based on your old one?
"New appearance please." I answered. There were certainly a few faucets of myself that I'd change, given the opportunity.
Certainly! Are you happy with your body's current sex or would you prefer it to be reversed?
"I am happy being male." I responded,
Understood. Please use the sliders and menus that will appear in front of you in a moment to customise yourself as you wish.
As the voice informed me, a menu appeared, with different tabs representing different body parts appeared. I decided to age myself down to the age of Yuya in the canon of the story, or about 15, as I knew where I'd start if I was able to choose, and as such, being the age of the Yu-Boys would certainly help, scaling my height down to be the same as I had been at that age. I also changed my physique to be more athletic, as that was one of my shortcomings in my old life, plus it would be useful in duels where you could actually move around. Everything else I kept the same, as unlike many, I was perfectly fine with what I looked like, keeping my reddish-brown hair and dark brown eyes, and with the muscle I added, I made sure that it was lean muscle as bulk would probably hold me back in an Action Duel.
Thank you for customising what you look like. Please select a difficulty option from any of the following:
Story [200 Cost]: It will become practically impossible for you and your allies (if any) to lose a duel, although you will have priority if you duel an ally. Recommended for those that want to experience their favourite stories with the changes you wish.
Easy [150 Cost]: It is hard for you to lose a duel without trying. Your starting hand and draw luck are increased, any opponent of yours' being decreased, although not to an unreasonable level. Recommended for beginners to Yu-Gi-Oh! or people who want to cruise without duels being trivial.
Normal [100 Cost]: You and your opponents' starting hand and draw luck are neither increased nor decreased. Decks may be made more modern, but won't include any non-archetypal cards from beyond the ARC-V era. Recommended for those who want to leave their victory to chance.
Hard [50 Cost]: Starting hand and draw lucks are reversed from the [Easy] difficulty. Decks will be made more modern, using cards up until the most recent set upon your demise. Recommended for those that want to be decently challenged.
Nightmare [0 Cost]: Winning becomes practically impossible. Your opponents will always open optimally, and you will almost never. Decks are changed to be their most competitive version that existed in your previous world upon your demise (minus Link Monsters and related support). Some decks will be changed entirely. Only select if you are a master of the game and are confident in your skills.
As the choices appeared in front of me, I raised a question, "Uh, what does 'Cost' mean?"
[Cost] will be explained later. Just know that there may be benefits based on how little [Cost] you accumulate.
"Thanks. I think I'll take the 'Normal' option." I selected. While I had no distrust in my skill, I would prefer to not be put on a challenged side while not cruising through the story. I want narrative tension, dammit!
Thank you for making your selection. Now, as you surely know, romance is a key part of any story. But to what extent will you pursue it?
As the choices started to appear, I groaned. I knew this choice would be coming, and I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. I knew there would be some harem options, but I knew I didn't want them. That sort of thing wasn't for me.
Normal [50 Cost]: A variety of people will be attracted to you based on their preferences. You can only romance one person.
Desirable [? Cost]: More people will be attracted to you than normal. You are required to choose one of the following sub-choices if you choose this option.
Standard [50 Cost]: You will only be able to romance one romantic interest at a time.
Two-Timer [100 Cost]: You are able to romance several romantic interests, but it will NOT be a harem, and you will be pressed to make your interests non-suspicious about any cheating you may (or may not) be doing.
Harem Master [200 Cost]: You will be able to recruit several romantic interests as members of a harem. None of these members will be against the idea, nor the addition of additional members.
Casanova [? Cost]: You don't have to even try! People will throw themselves at your feet, literally in some cases, just to be with you. Requires the same sub-choice as [Desirable].
I grimaced reading that third one. Like, I knew it would be appealing to some people, but the idea of having personalities just erased because I was a charm machine… yeah that didn't sit right with me. "Desirable, Standard, please."
Choice acknowledged! Now, we need to talk about where (and when) you will be starting your journey!
Standard Dimension [0 Cost]: Start in the Standard Dimension either shorty before Yuya's duel where he discovers Pendulum, or shorty after. Either way, it is before the Lancers are determined!
Xyz Dimension [100 Cost]: Start in the Xyz Dimension around a month before the Invasion (roughly three months before the discovery of Pendulum).
Synchro Dimension [? Cost]: Start in the Synchro Dimension two months before Rin is supposed to be kidnapped (One month before the discovery of Pendulum). You need to choose your origin if you make this selection.
Common [50 Cost]: Your starting Card Pool and Cash are reduced, but certain characters will trust you easier.
Topsider [100 Cost]: You will have significantly increased starting Cash and can get anything you want (within reason of course) that you want.
Fusion [500 Cost]: Start in the Fusion Dimension as a Duel Student a year before Leo's arrival (Four years before the Invasion). You will have been graduated for a year upon the Invasion's occurrence.
Now this was really interesting! Getting to choose which Dimension I start my story in would be rather important, I'd gather and the choices, and timeframes, were very intriguing to me. Fusion was obviously the one to pick if you wanted to go full fix-it, as a year before Leo? Four before he invades Xyz? Thatgive so many opportunities to mess with his plans or prevent them entirely, but I didn't think I'd select that one. Synchro and Xyz were also interesting, as I could prevent the kidnapping of one of the Bracelet Girls, which is always nice, and I could potentially make the Invasion not hit as hard as it did in canon, but those seemed a bit too idyllic. Unfortunately, I had to make the choice that, while logical, was far from perfect, but the best of a bad bunch, y'know? "I'll start in Standard."
Thank you for selecting. Next, we will be covering your family. The displayed choices are only templates. Any details you tell someone, unless you note that you are lying to us, will be noted as true. You will also gain any relevant knowledge about who your family is. WARNING: Some trait options become unavailable if you select certain options.
Only Child [0 Cost]: You have two parents and that's it for immediate family. Slightly increased starting cash but social skills will be 10% slower to level up.
Nuclear Family [25 Cost]: You have two parents and a younger sibling of the opposite sex to you as well as a dog.
Large Family [50 Cost]: You have two parents and are one of a randomly generated number of siblings that is always greater than or equal to four, while being no higher than eight. Randomly selected relative age. Slightly reduced starting cash but social skills will be 10% quicker to level up.
Damn, were these options… annoying. Granted, I knew that I wouldn't be able to choose everything, these options were surprisingly barebones. I shook my head slightly seeing the modifiers, but accepted that this wasn't going to be a win-win regardless of what I chose. "Only child, thanks." I announced, deciding that a sibling might complicate matters, and I didn't mind the hit to my social skills, there'd likely be a trait that allows me to make up for this loss.
Acknowledged. You will be an [Only Child] upon reincarnation. Now, everyone knows how important family is, but aren't friendships just as, if not more so? Please select one of the following options. The same WARNING as the previous choice applies.
Loner [0 Cost]: You have been alone you whole life. Start with no friends and social skills are 10% slower to level up.
Small but Meaningful [50 Cost]: You have (or had, your choice) three very close friends. Relationships, whether platonic or romantic, are 10% slower to form, but your relationship progresses 20% quicker.
Social Butterfly [100 Cost]: You start with a wide variety of friends, but most of them are more acquaintances. Social skills level up 10% quicker.
ARGH! Just when I thought the hard choices would be over, one that is arguably harder comes up. Noticing something I asked a question, "What does the 'or had, your choice' mean?"
Simply, you can specify if you are in contact with those friends. If not, a valid reason is generated.
"Ah, OK. Small but Meaningful then, no contact." I answered with my choice, as I didn't want to have to juggle friends, but I did like the sound of the progress boost.
Understood. Your generated reason is [Moved Away and Drifted Apart]. Next, we will be covering other changes. Please note that these can affect the fabric of the universe itself. So choose carefully.
Orphan Central [100 Cost]: Why do parents always seem to disappear? A number of characters, yourself included, become orphans. As a result, you no longer have any penalties for choosing 'Only Child' in 'Family', but no benefits either. Unlocks [Shared Connection] topic [Fellow Orphan].
Role Swap [200 Cost]: What if Zarc was good all along and Ray was in the wrong? Flips the cosmic alignment of the Progenitors. Slightly changes some character interactions.
Rule 63 [? Cost]: Rule 63 of the internet states that "if it exists, there also exists a genderflipped version". Swaps the original sex of certain characters determined by a sub choice.
Random [0 Cost]: Random characters have their sex swapped. You have no control over this.
All Reincarnates [50 Cost]: Zarc, Ray and their reincarnations all have their sexes swapped and no one else.
Specific Reincarnations [100 Cost]: Either the Yu-Boys or Bracelet Girls (your choice or random) have their sex swapped. Includes Zarc and Ray.
Specific [500 Cost]: You can choose to swap the sex of any given character.
Additional Characters [100+ Cost]: Tired of not seeing your favourite character in ARC-V? Well now you can! Add characters to ARC-V's universe for 100 Cost each. You can also ask for a random number of characters.
Card Creation [10000 Cost]: You gain the ability to create a card you need in a pinch. NOTE: Unselectable if difficulty is 'Normal' or easier.
Wow! Looking at some of these options, I was surprised by what they were. The Rule 63 one looked entertaining, but ultimately, I decided against it, thinking it might cause too many issues for my view of the story, as strange as that sounds. Orphan Central just sounded depressing, so I couldn't choose that, and it feels like the System was taunting me with that last one. I had selected the Normal difficulty, so Card Creation was off the table, but my eyes widened slightly at the cost of that one perk, despite its understandable reasoning. "Hmm, can I take six random characters?" I asked,
Sure. Any preferences?
"Not particularly. Just make them interesting." I respond,
Understood. [Cost] has now increased by [600] units. Next, we will need you to select some traits. All good characters have some, don't they? Please take a look at this list and select any. All traits, except where specified, are [100 Cost].
"Okay, let's see what's there." I thought aloud as a list appeared in front of me. Looking over it, I swiftly made my selections in the following; Lucky, which would give me ten points of luck, and a 2% chance to I believe rarity bump a booster pack I opened, Romantic, which was practically self-explanatory, but now my flirting and romance skills wouldn't be hampered by upbringing, and Dramatic which gave a bump to dramaticism, and allowed me to gain XP for it an effective 15% faster.
Thank you for making your selection. Next, we will have you choose your goal. You will have two choices here. They have automatically updated to fit what you have selected.
Objective: Defeat Zarc: Your goal is to defeat Zarc in any way you can. Be that by preventing his (or her) resurrection in the first place, or by beating him in the final duel.
Objective: Aid Zarc: Your goal is to help Zarc ascend to power. Gather the reincarnations and force them to duel! Allow the story to play out as usual but betray the 'heroes' at the last minute. The choice is yours, but all will be glorious for the Supreme King Dragon!
OOHHHH! I practically shouted in my head at the choice now presented to me. Of course, stopping Zarc is always nice, leads to a happy ending for… most, but to help Zarc, that does sound interesting. I probably spent a good half-hour of bodily time, as there was no concept of actual time here, thinking about it, but ultimately "I choose to defeat Zarc." I declare.
Thank you. Now, you may have noticed a 'Cost' associated with every choice you've made. This is where that comes into play. Your starting cash is a base 100000 points, with your total [Cost], in your case that is 1100, being used to calculate the difference. You also have a 25% bonus, which is calculated with the original. We will now divide any non-zero digits in your [Cost] and divide.
Calculating…
You will be starting with just over 11000 Duel Credits in currency.
"Uhh, OK?"
Thank you for undergoing this process. You will now be transported with all your choices applied. Do not worry for accommodation, it will be provided, although rent and utilities still need to be paid. There will also be a few unmentioned changes. Please stand by.
"Wait, what was that?! And what about my deck?!" Suddenly, I felt a drag on my core, and I was falling. Letting out a scream, my vision went black, and I couldn't hear my own scream anymore.
Next Chapter Preview: Waking up in his new world, our protagonist decides to go exploring a little bit, if only to familiarise himself with the area.
Hey all, thank you for reading this chapter. Before I get more into it, yes this is a 'Gamer' fic, which I understand is not everyone's cup of tea, but I've read quite a few, and always had a desire to write one, but could never decide what property to write it for until now. I will say that Honkai Star Rail or Fire Emblem Engage got pretty close, and who knows, perhaps one day I may do one for those as well.
Now, I'm sure there are a few questions people will have, such as our protagonist's name. Well, that'll be revealed next time, so stay tuned. Also, in regards to this following ARC-V's story, next chapter alone has major canon divergence, not just because our protag is in the world now.
Also, what is this fic's update schedule? Well, the first two chapters are already written, but I need to proofread, and I am still working on my Pendulum of works, and as such, this fic may be rather slow to update until Pendulum of Darkness is finished relatively soon. After that, I will be aiming for every other week, with chapters of a similar length to Pendulum of Darkness.
If you came here from Pendulum of Darkness, I hope you enjoy this work, and even if you didn't, I do as well. If you have any questions, advice, criticism or just want to say hi, please do leave a review or comment, and I'll answer it to the best of my ability in the next chapter. Thank you all once again for reading, and I hope you enjoyed! - NightWingBOI