Deep within the unknown, a faint light flickered in the all-consuming darkness, drifting aimlessly through the timeless void.
I'm... am I really dead? A voice filled with agitation, anger, and despair echoed alone. No one knew how many times these words had been spoken. Perhaps from the very first day a soul had perished in this world, the same cry had been uttered.
No... No, no, no! No!! I can't die like this! I haven't become the leader of the clan yet! I haven't changed my fate! How could this happen? Nooooo!
A raw, desperate cry followed these roars.
"Shush! Enough! Don't ruin my sleep."
An explosive voice shattered the silence, causing the void to tremble as if it might shatter.
Who's there?!
"Hey, lad, stop your crying while I'm taking a nap. Now, scram!"
With that roar, the drifting light came to a sudden, violent halt, flickering weakly as though it would be extinguished at any moment.
You!You!
"You, scram now. Why are you still there?" the voice demanded after a moment of silence, seeing the light had not moved. "What, you dare defy me?"
I... I can't move, the light replied weakly.
"Huh? Oh, I see."
A young man materialized before the faint light, his face etched with sudden interest.
Who... Who are you? the light asked, its voice trembling.
"Hehe. Who do you think I am?"
Are you... a god? I'm not going to hell, am I?
The young man was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Hell? Hell?! What sort of joke is this?" After a moment, his laughter stopped abruptly. His eyes narrowed, a bright light flickering within them as if he were trying to pry into the soul's deepest secrets. Suddenly, his expression froze. He gasped, his breathing becoming hurried as he greedily tried to suck in air, though there was none to be found in this place.
"I can give you a chance to live," he said, his own voice trembling with excitement.
What? Really?! I can see my dad again!
The young man frowned deeply. "You won't be on Earth this time around."
What? No! Please, send me to Earth!
"Humph. This isn't a negotiation."
You! The voice was speechless. You haven't even told me who you are.
"Hehe, in the future, you will naturally know who I am... if you can survive there."
What do you—
Clap!!!!!!
"Hope you survive." A blinding light flashed for an instant, and the soul vanished. The void returned to darkness.
A shadow coalesced beside the young man, revealing an old man who looked one foot in the grave, yet radiated an energy that far surpassed his apparent age.
"Hahaha, Brother Dyon. I hope you've been doing well lately."
"If you're doing well, then why can't I be?" the young man, Dyon, grunted coldly without turning.
"It seems you have chosen someone to represent your world this time," the old man said, his voice dripping with interest. "Hehe. What do you think?"
"Hmph, stop probing. I won't tell you anything." Dyon paused for a moment, then continued indifferently, "But... you will find out what's so special about him in the future." With that, the young man faded away along with his voice.
"Interesting," the old man murmured, his brows furrowing as his eyes narrowed, faint lights flickering within them. "Now I'm even more curious. What's so special about that lad?" (◡ ω ◡) Hmmm, what's so special!!
---
Elsewhere, in a different space, unknown to the old man deep in thought.
A middle-aged man sitting cross-legged in a serene courtyard suddenly opened his eyes. Profound lights glowed within them.
"I never expected my avatar to meet such a figure," he muttered in surprise. "I've really struck it big this time around. I just hope he survives in that place." As he finished the sentence, one could sense both agitation and excitement in his voice.
A wide grin spread across his face. "I've really struck it big this time. Hahaha! Avatar, Return!"