Chapter 1 – The Joker of Solmyra
I always imagined reincarnation as a grand, almost divine experience.
White light. Angelic voices. Maybe a majestic orchestra welcoming the birth of the so-called Chosen Hero.
But what did I actually get?
Cold floorboards and the stench of rusted iron.
Slowly, I opened my eyes. A cracked, grey ceiling greeted me. The neon light above flickered weakly, clinging to life but refusing to die out completely.
Beautiful. Dramatic. Fitting for yet another world I had fallen into, what version was this now? I'd already lost count.
I pushed myself up. The body felt… different. Slightly muscular, but not overly heavy. Breathing was steady. The muscles were fresh, unused, like a brand-new suit waiting to be worn in.
One thing was certain, this was not my old body.
I sat upright, glancing down. My clothes were dark, thick fabric embroidered with faint runes across the sleeves. A strange mantle draped over me, something you'd expect an actor to wear on stage.
Or perhaps the final boss in a cheap fairytale.
"Well then…" I took a deep breath.
"Let's check the condition first."
I patted my chest. Still beating. Good.
I clenched my fingers. All ten intact. Excellent.
Closing my eyes, I called upon the routine that had become second nature to me.
In an instant, a translucent window appeared in my vision.
[Status: Active]
[Identity: Unregistered]
[Role: — ]
[Level: — ]
A moment later, new lines of text began to scroll.
[Detection of extraordinary existence. System updating role.]
A small smile tugged at my lips.
"Extraordinary, huh? If only you knew how sick I am of that word."
[Primary role suggestion: The First Hero.]
[Confirmation required.]
I scoffed. Called it.
No matter the world I landed in, they always wanted me as the first hero, the last savior. As if no story was complete without someone worshipped, paraded around, and sacrificed for the greater good.
I raised my hand and flicked the window aside.
"No."
The system paused, as if shocked by the blunt rejection. Then, slowly, the text shifted.
[Rejection acknowledged.]
[Primary role not assigned.]
[You are free to choose your own path.]
I rose to my feet. The room was empty. No voices. No applause. No weeping citizens begging me to save them.
Peaceful. Silent. Serene.
I brushed a hand over my face. This time, I wouldn't be the hero.
This time, I wanted to be something else.
Someone who stands on the sidelines, watching as others struggle to carve their epic tales.
Someone who mocks, who laughs at the false bravery they so desperately flaunt.
Someone who creates heroes… instead of becoming one.
"Well then…" My gaze fell upon the iron door ahead.
"Let's try a new role."
Hand on the doorknob, breath steady.
"If this world needs a hero… then I'll be the one who creates him."
The door creaked open. My first step began.
*****
"Ow… that spotlight's way too bright."
I raised my hand, shielding myself from the imaginary white glare. The audience wasn't here yet, but I was already prepared.
This time, I wasn't a hero. I wasn't a villain.
I was the Joker.
"Welcome… to the greatest stage in this world."
I stood tall in the middle of a ruined stone plaza. Cracks spiderwebbed across the ground. Anyone watching would probably think I'd lost my mind. But that was exactly what made it fun.
"This world is overflowing with heroes… boring. Overflowing with kings… cliché. So allow me to deliver something different."
I stepped forward, arms stretched wide, as if embracing the very air.
"To all the unseen spectators beyond this curtain… make yourselves comfortable."
I bowed theatrically.
"Tonight's performance is titled: How to Create a Hero! Just to Watch Him Fail!"
Silence. The wind brushed past. No applause.
I snapped my fingers.
Snap.
"…Seriously? No intro music? System, you're so stingy."
A new holographic box flickered before me.
[System: Please choose a Role.]
I sneered.
"A role? What is this, some casting audition?"
[System: Yes.]
"…Eh?"
[System: Just kidding. Please choose a Role.]
I sighed.
"Sigh... Fine, fine. What are my options?"
The list shifted.
[Available Roles:]
- The Grand Hero
"Ugh, boring..."
- Shadow King
"Meh, too edgy."
- Ancient Sorcerer
"Overdone."
- Legendary Villain
"Cliché overload."
A low chuckle escaped me.
"Sorry, but this list looks like a winter catalogue of outfits I've already tried on."
The box blinked, almost confused.
[System: Please make a selection.]
I pressed a hand to my chest, grinning wide.
"My role: Joker."
[System: Role does not exist.]
"Oh, come on… after so many reincarnations, nobody thought to make Joker an official class? Tragic."
[System: Please select.]
"Nope."
[System: Select.]
"Nope."
[System: …]
I turned toward the empty wall, pretending to face an invisible camera.
"In case you're wondering, yes, the system is exactly like an insurance salesman. Pushy as hell."
I crouched, tying imaginary shoelaces, then stood up again.
"If you won't give me the role, I'll create it myself."
[System: Please wait…]
A green loading bar appeared above my head.
[Processing… Processing… System error. Unable to comprehend user logic.]
Clap!
I clapped slowly.
"Perfect. I've already broken the world's management system. Took me five minutes."
[System: Role confirmed.]
I froze.
"…Huh?"
[Role: The Joker of Solmyra.]
Silence.
"…Wait, seriously? That worked?"
[System: Temporary. You will be evaluated after your first performance.]
I raised both arms high.
"Hear me, unseen audience! Behold the debut of the Joker, who will craft heroes only to trample on their pride!"
Wind swept past, billowing my cloak dramatically.
"If this world craves drama… I'll deliver it. If it seeks hope… I'll feed it falsehood. If it demands a hero… I'll forge one myself, then maybe break him apart."
I glanced at the empty wall.
"You're ready, aren't you?"
Of course, no one answered. That only made it more amusing.
I stepped beyond the doorway. The stage was set. The curtains had risen.
And thus, the Joker took his first step.