Silence. Total darkness.
Rian had no idea how long he’d been unconscious.But this time… it felt different.Not pain weighing on his body. Not wounds.
This was… emptiness.
When his eyes slowly opened, there was nothing but void.No heat, no cold—like the world itself was holding its breath.
He tried to speak.
“…Hello?”
No answer. Not even an echo.
His mouth moved, but his voice was swallowed by the void.
He stood, body strangely light—too light, like a dream. He walked forward, confused, not knowing where to go—until suddenly—
BRUAAAKK!!
A blinding white light blasted from behind him, like a runaway train made of pure radiance. Instinctively, Rian turned.
SWOOSH!
A woman appeared from the light, dressed like a Roman goddess—flowing white robes, golden ribbons faintly glowing. Her braided hair shone, and she carried a massive book and a feather quill.
Panting hard, she floated before him.
“Haah… haah… DON’T JUST DISAPPEAR LIKE THAT!” she yelled. “I panicked! I thought you wandered into the wrong afterlife!”
Rian blinked. Once. Twice.
“…Did I… die?”
Ignoring him, the goddess flipped open her book, eyes scanning his face.
“Alright, identity check… You: Rian Adriansyah. Half-demon sorcerer. Savior of humanity. Owner of spirit-shotgun. Destroyer of highways. Correct?”
Rian nodded slowly.
“Good. Since you can’t really talk here, let me just switch your ‘voice feature’ back on.”
Snap.
“Test, test. One, two, three. Okay, works again,” Rian muttered, rubbing his eyes.
The goddess smiled proudly. “See? Much better. Now then—allow me to introduce myself. I am the Goddess of Judgment. Job description: evaluating hero souls and handing out tickets to their next life.”
Rian smirked lazily. “So basically… exit interview?”
“Rian,” she said, suddenly serious. “You died with honor. You saved people from demons born of human desire. But… your fate was cruel. Betrayed by those you protected. Dying with your spirit and desire drained away…”
Rian stayed quiet. Couldn’t deny a word. Because it was true.
“That’s why I must ask,” she continued softly. “Do you have any regrets in your life?”
He sighed. “Maybe… I regret showing my power so openly. Made everyone paranoid.”
A bitter smile. He adjusted his always-crooked glasses.
“As for happiness… I think I had my fair share too.”
The goddess scribbled in her book, then looked at him kindly.
“Thank you… for being honest. And forgive me. I’m the one who gave you that power in the first place. I realize now… it might have been more of a burden.”
Rian just grinned, patting the gaping wound in his chest.
“It’s fine. ‘Cause with that power, I could still protect the people I cared about.”
Her shoulders eased, smile genuine.
“…I’m glad. Now, here’s the fun part. Because your life score is ridiculously high—and, well, your plot armor is thick—you’re being granted another chance. To live again. In another world.”
“EHHH?! Another world??” Rian blurted.
“Calm down,” the goddess said quickly. “So, here’s the deal. You actually qualify for a peaceful world. No demons, no wars, no trouble. But… your strength is needed. Elsewhere.”
Rian scratched his head. “Needed? For what? You want me to shotgun corrupt politicians or something?”
The goddess giggled, then explained:
“That world is in chaos. Humans and demons at war in the western continent. Heroes were summoned already… but they’re just high school students. Only one teacher was summoned with them. And honestly… they’re not ready.”
Rian folded his arms. Eyes sharp, but not cynical.
“…High school kids, huh? From Earth too?”
“Yup! Summoned last week. Right in the middle of their math exam.”
“…Damn. Rip.”
“So… what do you say?” the goddess asked. “You can refuse, and live peacefully. The choice is yours.”
Rian paused. Then—
“I’ll take it.”
The goddess nearly choked. “WHAT!? That fast?!”
“Yeah.” Rian shrugged. “I’ve mentored kids before. And if these ones never dealt with anything scarier than algebra… yeah, they’ll need me.”
The goddess stared at him. A mix of pride and sorrow.
“…Why’re you looking all soft now?” Rian asked.
“Sorry. You’re just… so open-hearted. That’s why—I’ll grant you three wishes. Anything.”
Rian thought for a moment, then whispered something in her ear.
She blinked. Then laughed. “That’s it? Easiest request ever. Granted.”
A magic circle flared beneath Rian’s feet, glowing purple-blue.
“Good luck, Rian Adriansyah,” the goddess said warmly. “Guide them well. And may you find peace… wherever it may be.”
Rian smiled. Not cynical this time. But genuine.
A smile that said: “Alright. Let’s do this.”
FLASH!
Light swallowed him whole.
End of Chapter 3