The summer sun blazed down on the quiet streets as an 18-year-old boy hurried home, excitement dancing in his eyes. His heart pounded—not from exertion, but anticipation. Today was special. The latest episode of his favorite anime had just released, and he couldn't wait to immerse himself in that thrilling world of heroes, battles, and dreams.
A soft breeze rustled the leaves as he rounded a corner, lost in thoughts of the characters he loved and the adventures that awaited him on screen. Suddenly, his daydream was shattered.
A small girl, no older than six, giggled as she played with her red rubber ball on the sidewalk. With an innocent misstep, the ball slipped from her grasp and bounced into the road. Without thinking, she chased after it—completely unaware of the truck speeding towards her.
The boy's eyes widened in horror.
No time to think. Only to act.
Adrenaline surged through him as he sprinted forward, heart pounding louder than ever. In a single desperate moment, he lunged, shoving the little girl out of the truck's path.
A split second later—impact.
The world spun. Pain like he'd never known wracked his body as he was hurled through the air and crashed onto the unforgiving ground. Blood poured from countless wounds. His right arm was mangled beyond recognition, a grotesque mess of bone and flesh.
People screamed. Footsteps raced toward him. Someone shouted for an ambulance. The little girl's mother dropped to her knees beside him, hands trembling as she pressed cloth against his wounds, her voice choked with gratitude and terror.
"You saved her… you saved my daughter… please, stay with us!"
The boy's vision blurred, the world growing dim and distant. But through the haze of agony, he smiled faintly.
He had done something that mattered.
As darkness crept in, he thought not of anime, nor manga, nor novels—but of the little girl's laughter, safe and alive.
And then, with a final breath, his world went silent. His body grew cold.
The girl, now sobbing uncontrollably, clung to her mother as the crowd stood frozen in solemn silence. A hero had fallen—not in a fantasy, but in reality.
........
The Realm Between Life and Death
Darkness.
Silence.
Then—light.
When the boy opened his eyes again, he found himself floating in an endless, pure white space. There was no ground, no sky—only serenity, and a strange warmth that wrapped around him like a gentle embrace.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the space—calm, ancient, and feminine, resonating with divine power.
"Boy... I am very pleased with your kindness. As a reward, I shall grant you a chance to be reborn... with three wishes of your choosing."
His heart skipped a beat. Startled, he looked around, eyes darting in every direction—but he saw no one.
Before he could speak, a brilliant golden light manifested before him. From it emerged a woman—no, not a woman, a goddess. Her presence was overwhelming yet gentle, her beauty so ethereal it defied words. Flowing silver hair shimmered with starlight, her eyes glowed like twin moons, and a soft, divine smile graced her flawless face.
The boy stood frozen, utterly stunned. He had never seen anyone so breathtaking in his entire life.
The goddess stepped closer and introduced herself.
"I am Mear, Goddess of Reincarnation and Death. I govern the life and death of all beings. Your selfless act touched my heart. Now, tell me your wishes."
The boy's mind raced. He had nothing to lose—and everything to gain. Fate had given him a second chance. He steadied his breath and spoke clearly, each word filled with resolve.
"First, I want a body free from all negative energies and disease—a body with unlimited potential that can use any power in existence.
Second, I want a system—like those in novels—that will help me grow, support me, and guide me on this new journey.
And third…" he paused, cheeks flushing, "I want to meet you again… someday."
Mear blinked in surprise. Then, her smile deepened into something more… intrigued. Her eyes sparkled with amusement—and curiosity.
"You are the first mortal to dare court a goddess… even indirectly," she said with a soft laugh. "Very well. All your wishes shall be granted. However, the third—that will only come true if you become strong enough to reach my level. If you can stand beside me... then I shall accept your confession."
As her words faded, the boy's body began to glow and turn transparent. Light engulfed him, pulling him toward a new life, a new world, and infinite possibilities.
Mear watched him disappear, her gaze thoughtful. Alone once more in the white expanse, she whispered with a smile:
"Let's see if you can truly reach me, brave mortal. If you do… I'll be waiting."