Prologue
No One's POV
It was a scorching summer day in Texas. The air buzzed with the sounds of life—cars honking, birds chirping, and people bustling about. Among them walked Benjamin McKinney, a loner with a quiet fire behind his eyes. He'd just withdrawn enough cash to finally buy Dragon Ball FighterZ on Steam, his fingers itching for high-speed, ki-blazing showdowns.
Benjamin's POV
(Once I get this game, I can finally stop watching Bardock combos and start uploading some of my own. Damn, that guy's a beast. It's about time I started fighting like a Saiyan.)
Just as I was nearing the game store, I noticed smoke rising in the distance. Then—
BOOM
A massive explosion rocked the nearby industrial district. Panic rippled through the streets.
(What the hell...?!)
Without thinking, I took off toward the blast.
Scene Shift – Five Minutes Later
3rd-Person POV
Benjamin crouched behind an overturned truck, surveying the battlefield. A gang of armed mercs—paramilitary, judging by their gear—had planted bombs near a daycare center. Civilians were trapped inside. Police were pinned down and helpless, hiding behind their cruisers.
(They're not going to make it in time.)
He clenched his fists.
(Damn it... Guess I'm doing this the hard way.)
Tearing off his jacket and tying it around his waist, Benjamin charged into the fray, dodging bullets and debris with surprising agility. Years of martial arts and instinct kicked in. He weaved through gunfire like he'd done it all before.
One merc turned, aiming directly at him.
BANG
Blood sprayed.
But it wasn't Benjamin's.
He had shoved a child out of the line of fire, taking the bullet to the shoulder. Gritting his teeth, he pulled the kid to safety, then picked up a dropped rifle.
(Fine... Let's see how much like Bardock I really am.)
He charged, screaming.
Benjamin: "You bastards picked the wrong warrior!"
Gunfire erupted. Benjamin didn't stop.
He ducked, fired, kicked a merc through a window. Even wounded, he fought like a man possessed—feral, strategic, relentless. He tore through them, one by one, until only the leader remained. The last merc activated a detonator, smirking.
Merc Leader: "Too late, hero. This whole place goes down in thirty seconds!"
Benjamin, bleeding, panting, and barely standing, glared at him.
"Then I'll just take you with me."
Tackling him, Benjamin drove the merc through a wall and into the bomb-rigged basement. He slammed the detonator shut, trapping the explosion—and himself—underground as the bombs went off.
Scene Shift – Afterlife
Floating Cloud Platform
Benjamin lay unconscious on a glowing platform suspended in the heavens. Light surrounded him. Before him stood a figure cloaked in divine majesty—God.
Benjamin's POV
I groaned, sitting up slowly.
"Let me guess... I died."
God: "Yes, young man. But your sacrifice saved over forty lives, including several children. Your name has already become legend."
I exhaled and closed my eyes.
"Well... that's something. Better than dying in my sleep."
God: "You didn't just die a hero, Benjamin. You died fighting, like a warrior to the end. Because of that, I offer you more than peace. I offer you rebirth."
I looked up, eyebrows raised.
"Rebirth?"
God: "Yes. You may choose a world—any world you know. And you will retain your memories. You also have two wishes to aid your new journey."
I stood slowly, fists clenched.
(A second chance... No hesitation.)
"I want to be reborn in the world of Overlord."
God: "Interesting... And your wishes?"
"For my first wish—I want to be reborn as Bardock: the Saiyan warrior. Not some copy—the real thing. With all of his strength, instincts, and willpower."
God: "And your second?"
"I want to be a trusted member of Ainz Ooal Gown—his right hand. Feared by enemies, respected by all. I want to be known as the Overlord of Life."
God rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then smiled.
God: "It shall be done."
He raised his hand, fingers poised to snap.
God: "Wish granted."
Scene Shift – New World
Light flooded my vision.
When I opened my eyes, I stood in a vast chamber of black marble and golden trim. The 12th Floor of Nazarick—headquarters of Ainz Ooal Gown.
A transparent interface hovered before me:
Name: Bardock
Race: Saiyan (Reforged)
Title: Overlord of Life
Class: Warrior / Ki Wielder / Arcane Support
Rank: Second-in-Command of Nazarick
I smirked, tail flicking behind me.
"Hmph... Looks like I've got a new battlefield. Let's see what this world's made of."
(Let the games begin.)