Like any typical high school student, I was leading an ordinary existence. Despite blending in, my unusually tall stature set me apart from my peers. A year had passed since I turned 17, marking my days with hard labor at a demolition site, earning the respect of the workers there. But upon turning 18, life took a dramatic turn. An accident at work, a fatal blow from tumbling debris, snuffed out my life.
"Why? I've achieved nothing, I'm useless," I mourned in silence. Out of the abyss, a comforting voice emerged, "Don't be too hard on yourself." Confused, I inquired, "Who might you be?" The reply came with an intriguing proposition that didn't address the question: "Your identity is irrelevant. What matters is the opportunity before you - will you consider it?" Puzzled, I asked what they meant. "Essentially, a do-over," elaborated the voice. "You're not the first to receive this chance." Skepticism crept in; was this just a figment of my imagination, emerging from the enveloping darkness? Laughter escaped me until they offered proof of their existence. A nod from me brought forth a male figure draped in black; if not for his stooped posture, he'd stand taller. His long ebony locks cascaded below his waist as his piercing black eyes held mine firmly. "Trust me now?" he pressed before I succumbed to unconsciousness.
"Embrace this second chance at life; awaken and carve your path," he whispered gently.
Startled awake, I thought "What in the world!? Am alive again… but wasn't I dead? What's this peculiar device?" In my hands was a curious clock with two dials that, when twisted back, reversed time itself. Reality shifted back to my room, but memory failed me until he warned of the power that lay within this instrument – it could devour souls and wreak havoc if mishandled. Touching my forehead triggered a flood of memories—he hadn't granted remembrance of life's resets.
"Perhaps I need some time alone to contemplate," I suggested just as my mother's voice cut through the moment: "SHUN! It's time for school; no more dawdling!" Hastily changing into my uniform—a bra underneath a buttoned-up black shirt coupled with a skirt that drooped past my waistline, black trousers beneath knee-high socks and boots—I hurried downstairs where mom busied herself cleaning up after preparing breakfast.
I bowed quickly and tucked into the food voraciously prepared: savory bacon expertly crisped lying next to perfectly runny eggs—the scent alone capable of stirring even sated appetites. Savoring each spoonful, especially the luxurious egg yolk—the cooking was heavenly—I polished off the meal with one final crunch of bacon before heading to school with hopes of avoiding tardiness.
Naturally, I was tardy for school again. "Shun, you had me concerned. You slipped by me this morning without a word." Luna remarked, a hint of worry in her voice. In her grip was a wooden sword, her expression a mix of annoyance and embarrassment, her cheeks tinged with color. I offered a gentle pat on the head and a reassuring grin. "Perhaps tomorrow," I suggested. Suddenly, a "Boo!" from behind made me startle—I whirled around to find Cecilla there, mischief written all over her smile. "I apologize for catching you off guard—do you have a moment?" she inquired. Annoyed, I retorted, "Really? Didn't we agree my reflexes could do without the scares? Well, class can wait." Composing myself, I walked with her to the secluded spot behind the school where an old tree stood. I'm terrible at gauging intentions; could she be aiming to make fun of me? As we reached our quiet corner, I asked hesitantly, "What's on your mind?" She hesitated before admitting, "Truth is... I've been shadowing you since our younger days." My confusion was clear as day—I stammered out a response. With unsettling earnestness, she divulged habits that bordered on invasion: peering through windows during private moments and even pilfering discarded food—all in the name of affection. Her declaration ended with an unsettling 'I love you, senpai,' to which I couldn't hide my discomfort—it was unsettling to say the least. Her surprise evident when I didn't reciprocate the sentiment—did my honesty ruin her bold confession? Nevertheless, she queried about my feelings. With reluctance in my voice, I expressed my mixed feelings toward any sort of romantic involvement—apologetically distancing myself from her idea of us together.
Predictably unprepared for rejection, she produced an axe from her bag—a turn for the worse loomed ominously ahead. In utter shock, I let out an alarmed cry just as another presence announced itself—a man shrouded in an omnipotent glow defiantly stepped before us. As Cecilla menacingly toyed with the thought of deciding my fate right then and there with an unnervingly joyful smile, he calmly engaged—tossing aside the weapon effortlessly with his left hand—to which Cecilla unleashed a torrent of anger toward him for intervening. His action prompted a candid admission—he was fully aware that their altercation was derailing destiny itself—but his dismissive attitude made it clear that such matters paled in comparison to his present happiness; he'd stand his ground regardless of consequences or threats hurled his way by Cecilla's indignant stance.
Dashing towards the gateway of the academy, it seemed I might just make a clean getaway. "Senpai, where might you be?!" Panic set in as my surroundings bled into a crimson hue. "What on Earth!?" A mysterious force threw me to the ground. "Caught you at last! To think you would flee from me – was my affection in vain?" she rambled on, "Surely that vile creature hasn't spirited you away without sparing a thought for me. Curses! What spell has that god cast over you? Nonetheless, now we are alone together." An icy fear gripped me.
"What is this commotion...Shun, once again you find yourself amidst chaos. I swear, your knack for trouble surpasses any count," she persisted, "Cecilla, dare to close the gap with Shun and detention will be your fate. "Never dictate my actions – she belongs to me, you wench!" she spat venomously. "Consider yourself warned; defy me and face your reckoning, mistress of time." With that, she flung me aside and discarded the axe.
"Consequences be damned – I vow to be the end of her," she declared, as her presence shifted from frightening to utterly unhinged; her eyes ignited with a fiery, blood-red gleam. "You summoned me – so here I am," came her taunting reply. "Do you presume to intimidate me, wench?" Even so, facing the prospect of her end, she stood resolute.
"Enough of this," interceded the principal, halting the escalation. Cecilla let out an infuriated shout: "Curses upon you!" The principal coolly threatened: "Challenge me and be reduced to nothing but dust." Unwillingly pacified, Cecilla retorted: "So be it. But mark my words – next time I shall eliminate both those mongrels. Touch my senpai and face my wrath." With those words hanging in the air, she surged past them.
"Realize that if I act against you there's nothing you could do – but take heart; for now, let's call it quits," Eli's voice echoed with finality.
The head of the school requested my presence for a significant discussion at his residence. "Shun, it's crucial we have a discussion in private today regarding the Re:live powers you possess. The deities have selected you, and as such, it falls upon me to enlighten you about this domain, especially since your recall of the associated terminology seems absent. To begin with, there are others like you who will emerge. For instance, there was Mika—who shared your homeroom class—she passed away in a vehicular mishap. Then there's Cecilla; she succumbed to a cardiac event but rose as a grim angel upon her Re:live awakening. Death is the force that binds your kind together, and its stench is quite unbearable. I anticipate you're aware of the impending challenges. Nonetheless, should you decline my counsel, I'll be forced to leave you to flounder on your own." This was conveyed by Eric, the school principal.
"Agreed, let us finalize this arrangement. But, ensure that I am observed during the trials," was my response.
Instantaneously upon my arrival at school due to the swift transportation, I realized I was tardy for my lecture. "Shun, your whereabouts?" inquired the instructor. Remorsefully, I responded, "Forgive me, it was essential to confer with the head of school."
"Once more embroiled in mischief, you relentless rascal; your recent escapades are numerous. Nevertheless, I propose a task for your involvement today. Why not pair up with Cecilla and assist with her assignment?" she proposed. Desperately, I retorted, "Please, anyone aside from her." Luna, perplexed, interjected, "But Shun, were you not comrades as of this morn?" In distress, I exclaimed, "Lack of awareness of her unsettling antics spares you from fear." Amidst the exchange, a gentle prod on my shoulder arrived and Cecilla chimingly remarked, "Your harshness is unwarranted." she said. "Allow your will to confront the initial test from days gone by," a voice hushed my entreaties. I was washed from my world into a dark classroom.
Enclosed within a classroom smeared with blood across its walls and ceiling, I attempted to force the door open with kicks. Suddenly, a gruesome sight met my eyes; a man's corpse was suspended from above, his abdomen slashed open with organs tumbling out, while blood slowly dripped from his lifeless form. With another forceful kick at the door, I glimpsed a female figure impaled against the wall by knives, her blood splashing over me. Losing my footing on the clutter of corpses strewn about, despair gripped me and I regurgitated my morning meal. Pushing through the nausea, I kicked the door once more; it gave way and I hurried out, disoriented and seeking understanding of my location. Navigating the corridors hastily, I made for the locker room and paused apprehensively at its threshold before entering. Undressing, I sought comfort in a clean towel before adjusting the shower to a soothing heat. As hot water ran through my hair, rinsing away the gore, a sense of cleansing washed over me. Dressed again, I traced a familiar route leading outside where an eerie encounter awaited me—a man with sinister crimson eyes seized me in a sickening grin, his intentions clear as he hurled me back in an effort to hinder my departure. In self-defense, I struck him in the face, battling against his quick reflexes and faraway gaze indicating his distracted state. Suddenly light-headed with pounding pain in my skull, I collapsed to my knees. A newfound power surged within me—the 'Persistence of Death' ability allowing me to manipulate fate and overcome challenges below level ten. With this knowledge unexpectedly flooding my mind, I focused on the man still lost in his fixed smile; mere thoughts commanded he disintegrate into dust.
Eager to distance myself from what could reassemble from that ash, I quickened my pace homeward while contemplating events both mystifying and terrifying.
I hastened back to my home, finding it deserted. The decision was made to stay the night. Extracting my blanket from my backpack, I shrouded myself with it, knowing I would have to confront the truth at dawn.
Disturbed from sleep by the sound of two massive dogs battering against the garage door where I lay, I was horrified to see one carrying my mother's head in its jaws. I leapt up with a shout, clutched my blanket, and bolted inside. The ominous click-clack of footsteps pursued me. In a panic, I slammed the door shut behind me and was met with mocking laughter. "Shun, once I eliminate you, peace will be mine at last." Emerging from the shadows was a figure drenched in blood-stained rainwear, his hair a sinister shade of red, eyes wild with frenzy. As I attempted to wield my power over destiny, he seized me and thrust a blade deep into my stomach. Wracked with torment, I felt him draw the weapon out only to inflict further stabs into my side. By some miracle of my abilities, I rewound time itself though still bleeding from my injuries. *Death Manipulation is now among your powers.* Regaining my composure in the garage, I clandestinely moved towards the interior door and proceeded without incident. Inside, I stealthily entered the bathroom to secure myself until daylight. Meanwhile, *click-clack click-clack,* a haunting scamper reverberated through the house. "I've killed them all...who's left? Curse this persistent Karma; they're all gone," he bellowed frustratingly. His words struck me with sudden dread: if he slaughtered everyone, that implicated my parents... Yet my father had fled to safety - or so I hoped, while monstrous horned beasts claimed my mother's life. Then his voice sliced through the silence again: "Ah, there you are... It took ages to find you." he continued, "Once again, I've located you, and now I hold the reins," he declared, a sinister smile etching into his features, his hand slick with blood as he slashed through my clothing, aiming for my heart. Yet, I had mastered tricking death itself, feigning my demise to escape his grasp. Suddenly, I found myself in a chamber strewn with scarlet stones and cadavers drenched in a gruesome hue. "Ah, Shun, you've arrived at last. This realm is under my command—I am Karma, the scourge of humankind. Cast aside by my kin and branded a fiend, let me bring you abreast of these facts; now that I govern this realm unchallenged, our combat shall come hereafter."
In ancient times, a being known as Karma made his entrance into our mortal plane.
"You wretched boy, who permitted you to dictate your destiny?" challenged father. "You are not my father!" I retorted with passion. His fist struck me down to my knees, an exhibition of paternal fury. I hit the floor and wept in silence—weeping was met with disdain by my father; hence my tears had to remain hidden.
"Son, the way you wallow in self-pity disgusts me—I myself do not succumb to such weakness. Why should you lament so? You will learn of a path where freedom does not bind us. This evening, the president's life shall end by my hand," he pronounced with a twisted grin that belied ominous intent as he stroked my hair lightly. Any opposition would invoke his wrath; therefore, I assented.
But the plot met with disaster—he held me accountable. He carved deep into my flesh with cold steel at my back; any resistance would spell instant death for me. Incessant sobs racked me as hopelessness took hold. Mother entered then, demanding solitude and proceeding with repulsive advances upon her son—a grotesque violation of nature's law. This ignited within me an infernal resolve for vengeance—even if it demanded embracing death.
Then came an opportune night when a mysterious entity propositioned me: wreak havoc upon mankind in exchange for untold power—I agreed fervently driven by vengeance against those who wronged me. Relatives distanced by blood but not by vengeance fell to my wrathful spree. Upon returning homespun with their lifeless forms in tow, an altercation between mother and father presented itself—I drove a blade into father's throat without hesitation and arranged the corpses as macabre ornaments while laughter erupted from deep within. The sight drove mother to her breaking point; she took her own life amidst despair.
Thus has been chronicled the tale of my becoming—the events that sculpted the harbinger you confront today.
He loomed from the shadowy throne, fixing me with a gaze as his eyes snapped open. "Your arrival seals humanity's fate -- I shall extinguish its existence myself." Suddenly, a globe of light arced through the heavens, morphing into spikes as it descended. They impaled me, and I could feel my life's essence seeping from the lethal punctures. Immobilized, I struggled in vain. A second radiant sphere hurtled toward me, targeting my skull. My thoughts weren't swift enough to grasp the imminent doom as it bore down, threatening to snuff out my existence. Yet, miraculously, the hemorrhaging and the spike that caused it ceased. Ash replaced the spikes' solidity as a sensation of pins and needles cascaded through me — my lacerations had sealed. *In addition to divine healing, regenerative powers now augmented with mental transmutation of matter.* An inner voice murmured curiously about this phenomenon. Karma's glare bore into me, wild with consternation. "I presumed you'd succumb to that onslaught; nevertheless, you remain unscathed," he lamented furiously. Resignedly he challenged, "Very well, face this." The room's hue shifted dramatically. Cradled in his palm was a miniature sun encircled by orbiting planets. Incredulous, I queried, "But how?" His chuckle was sinister. "Didn't I declare control over all within my realm?" he taunted with a grim smile. The space transformed once more into an abyssal expanse where only his deranged capabilities and I existed amidst darkness. The planets succumbed to his will; he crushed Earth in his grasp and drank its dust into himself like a cosmic cocktail. Other celestial bodies were similarly doomed — shattered or vaporized — and absorbed with manic glee. Regret tinged his voice as he ingested the celestial remnants: "If only my whim could extend beyond this domain — how unfortunate that I can no longer ascend to my rightful throne in your reality." he proclaimed.
Time froze as he conjured an object that pierced me before I could even blink. The divine healing that coursed through me was lethargically effective. Clutching the spike embedded into my chest, I winced at the searing pain and the excessive bleeding. I managed to remove the spike effortlessly, yet its weight was too great to maintain my grip. In a desperate attempt, I hurled it towards him at high velocity by sheer luck, it made contact—only for him to swat it away effortlessly with his hand—a testament to his overwhelming power, given that the spear's remnants were akin to a celestial system reduced to dust. His formidable strength and unyielding spirit were clear to me. Preparing myself for another barrage, I anticipated his next attack, yet it strangely didn't come. Perplexed, I mused to myself; though he had defended against it, the spike had found its mark in his chest after all. Blood now stained our surroundings crimson. "Dammit! This isn't right," he exclaimed in anguish. *New ability acquired: Solar System foresight and enhanced slow-motion perception.* "Curse you, system... ack!" he choked out as blood gushed from his lips. *One trial down, two more to finish.*
"Regrettably, this is the conclusion that has befallen us. It seems, then, I shall extend my favor unto you." With a firm grasp, Karma reached for his neck and removed a chain. *Ability earned: Universal Embodiment level 2.*
"Ha-haha-hahaha! The wait for a deity to challenge me has been eternal. I will not succumb to lethargy."
A girl fell from the sky a creepy smile carved into her beautiful stature. She held a knife in hand. "I am Sloth." She moved closer to me.
"Watching this battle is akin to watching paint dry, however, should the cosmos decree it, I shall engage," she sighed with ennui. "Truthfully, slumber seems far more enticing than this charade."
"Though, it would be a shame to let potential lie fallow."
My reflexes failed to match her lightning pace.
I felt a searing pain as her blade carved an agonizing trail across my abdomen.
"What a letdown."
"It appears destiny has called me to arms. Such a bother."
A void of emotion haunted her gaze.
Her frigid steel kissed my flesh. Refusing to retreat any further, I rose from the ground where I had fallen and, with speed surpassing my previous attempts, snatched away the knife from her grip. This newfound swiftness also allowed me to connect a kick against her. I bore the weight of an entire cosmos upon my shoulders. With this burden, I seized her by the neck and initiated her asphyxiation. As she struggled to breathe, my resolve did not waver. Suddenly, it dawned on me that something was amiss. The urge to harm another person had never taken hold of me before, yet in a matter of moments, a shift occurred and the notion seemed justified. What had provoked this sudden change? Who was influencing my thoughts in this way? These questions raced through my mind.
"Shun, your journey isn't solitary. Remember, your deeds extend beyond yourself. Let reality unfold." These words were spoken by Principal Eric.
Suddenly, an intense light manifested among us, revealing a figure with lustrous silver tresses - it was Eric together with his spouse, Erica. "Boundaries seem to elude you, Principal Eric. Presumed no longer amongst the living - what brings you here?" I inquired. Sorrow tinged his reply, "Regrettably, this world is not our own - the one we call home faces peril as numerous souls have been claimed by a deity. My power to hold back this force is waning; you must expedite your completion of the trial." Pondering aloud, I proposed a radical notion: "A revelation struck me - could we be mere marionettes at the behest of an entity surpassing divinity? Someone penning our very narratives from beyond our cosmic plane – ridiculous as it may sound, please hold your mirth." Eric waved dismissively and laughed softly, "The sheer absurdity of that notion is undeniable." As we spoke, I felt a sudden force on my shoulder propelling me into the void as Eric declared, "Embrace the true nature of your existence." Amidst this chaos, the once incapacitated girl let out a chilling laugh as she regained her strength. It would be quite regrettable should your sense of reality become lost in this maelstrom. Allow me to offer my assistance," she murmured, her lips curling into a sinister grin. Her fingers wrapped snugly around my cranium. Then, as if day had suddenly turned to night, a bright flash consumed me, and I found myself elsewhere.
Here I was, standing in a vast chasm of emptiness. The edges of my consciousness began to fray as the void seemed ready to engulf me completely.
"Where... Where is this place? What brought me here?"
All around me was an expanse without form or substance. My form felt devoid of gravity, floating in the void, yet paradoxically it seemed leaden and rooted in place.
"How much more of this anguish must I withstand?"
The strains of a distant whisper brushed against my senses, its timbre one that tugged at memories. Cecilla was the one there.
"What is the reason for my presence here? What is going on with me?"
Her sobs echoed into nothingness, and slowly, a figure started to take shape. It was her own likeness.
Why has there been no acknowledgment of my requests?" I inquired. "The power to govern this domain does not lie with me. I truly apologize; it appears that the narrative is beyond our grasp, and the computer is attempting to resolve the issue."
"Is there no escape from this chaos?" My reality dissolved, plunging me once more into the depths of darkness.
"How come I was brought here? What led to my arrival?"
Cecilla's voice reached me anew.
"I'm uncertain. It appears we are facing some unexpected anomaly."
Her voice echoed in the endless expanse as a second known entity appeared.
"Pardon the intrusion, it appears you are the one requiring help. Let my counsel lead you."
Her touch was soothing on my shoulder.
"The time has come for you to journey back."
Brilliant white light swallowed the darkness.
My eyes opened to the familiarity of the classroom.
"Shun, you're awake. Goodevening."
"Is that Luna?"
"It is, indeed."
"Understood." Straightening up from my hunched posture, I inquired sharply, "Where's this deity that needs defeating?" Cocking my head to the side, I awaited an answer. "Presently outside," Luna offered in a quiet voice. Her next words tumbled out in a torrent of emotion, "Shun, the concern for you was overwhelming!" To which I briskly retorted while firmly clasping her shoulder and propelling her away to safety, narrowly dodging a surreptitious blow from the unseen adversary, "We must put aside our fears." Steadying myself, I declared with resolve, "Your efforts to undermine my world will be in vain." The adversary taunted with a scornful chuckle, "Oh really? As if you miscreants can change anything," his gaze heavy with scorn. In contrast, my gaze didn't waver; it was alight with unwavering resolve. I used my ability to embody a universe to isolate the human realm from this false deity.
*Cecilla doesn't die on the m-ack!* What was what, I wondered. I imagined what it would have been like to hold a dead Cecilla in my hands. *Sniff... No, I'm so sorry* This time, I felt like I was in the middle of a global fire, crying my heart out. "This hasn't happened." All of it, I attempted to deny. "Of course, it hasn't happened to you yet, I'm speaking the truth to you." He was speaking clearly and loudly, but all of a sudden I had no desire to respond. *Mom* The sight showed my mother's lifeless corpse with blood oozing from her severed head. The next image showed a girl standing atop billions of people; it faded with a crack and showed a hand reaching out to grab the girl, but instead of bringing her up, it strangled her.
"Every multiverse I've seen is coming to an end. I am unstoppable in my dominion. Pure laziness will not be tolerated by me. Then, I'll end you in a matter of seconds." Four templates, each with an image from a distinct multiverse, formed in midair. Subsequently, hundreds of thousands formed, reaching 500 billion, 1 trillion, and eventually 2 quadrillion. I was made to witness the end of every universe. *Knowledge Learned.* Well, that voice was back, I thought. "I won't let you hurt this Shun!" A tall female with silver hair that reached her thighs and brilliant emerald eyes spoke as she crept up behind me. Cecilla was the one. She grazed a light attack by an unidentified force, sending an attack of her own back at him "This time I will save you." It was ten times quicker than the speed of light, Cecilla claimed, even if she beheaded the false god at speeds greater than my slow motion could not stop it. Not even nine times the speed of light could make me read at that level. In other words, I couldn't understand it. "You find me strange, but I'm skilled at stalking if my senpai is in danger." She stated. The way she smiled said, "I genuinely care about you."