Chapter 1

Two men sat facing each other in a stark, windowless, and doorless white room, enveloped by an unsettling stillness that seemed to reverberate through the air.

The elderly man, his face weathered with age, pulled out a file and gazed at Andrew Hendricks with a piercing stare, his voice low and measured as he asked, "So, Mr. Hendricks, are you aware of the reason you've been brought before me today?"

"Well, I obviously have no idea what I'm doing here. The last thing I remember is falling asleep after completing my mission," the young man said, looking around vigilantly, his eyes darting back and forth. (the young man is likely in his 30s.)

"Hmph, then we'll have to take an alternative path," the old man said, his sigh heavy with resignation. Andrew opened his mouth to speak, but the old man cut him off, his words dropping like a bombshell: "You're dead, Andrew. Your life has ended, and you've been brought here for the next phase of your journey."

"You have a choice to make," the old man continued, his eyes piercing. "You can opt for reincarnation in a new world, where you'll have the chance to live a new life. Or, you can choose to move on to the afterlife, where you'll face judgment and be sent to either the heavenly or hellish realm, depending on your deeds in your previous life."

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Pov Andrew:

I haven't had an easy life. As an orphan, I relied on my physical abilities to get by. After completing my education, I joined the army, where I spent 10 years taking lives in combat. I rose to the rank of sergeant and led my team in numerous battles. After leaving the army, I worked as a mercenary, taking on various missions. My final mission, just before my death, was similar to the others - I had to rescue hostages held by terrorists demanding the release of their leader from prison. I completed the mission without any casualties and successfully saved the hostages.

I'm familiar with the concept of reincarnation, even though I've not read manga or watched anime and I just watch some movies to relax my mind. But my friends on my team would often discuss it, and I learned that it's a chance to be reborn into a new life. I didn't know which world I would be sent to, but I was certain that if I didn't choose reincarnation, I would end up in hell. After all, my life's work was taking lives - what else could I expect? I had spent my years as a soldier and mercenary, causing harm and destruction. The thought of facing judgment and punishment for my actions was daunting, to say the least. 

After careful consideration, I let out a sigh and said, "Okay, I'll choose to be reincarnated in a new world." The old man gazed into my eyes for a moment, then nodded and said, "Very well. As a boon, you will receive a mutated body that is twice as powerful as a normal one, with the ability to counter harmful elements and adapt for your benefit."

He paused for a moment, give time to collecting my thoughts before continuing, "However, remember that this gift does not make you invincible. You can still be killed by powerful forces if you recklessly put yourself in harm's way. Your new body is a tool, not a guarantee of godhood. Use it wisely."

I pondered for a moment before asking, "Can you tell me where I'll be reincarnated and will I retain my memories when I'm reborn?"

 The old man gazed at me, then replied after a brief pause, "You'll know when you're reincarnated, and as for your memories, you won't retain all of them, just glimpses or a sense of familiarity, like déjà vu."

He tapped his fingers on the table, and suddenly a portal appeared behind me. With a gesture, he indicated for me to go through it. I expressed my gratitude to the old man and stepped through the portal.

As I emerged from the portal, my mind was clouded with obscurity, and my body felt drained of strength. The only recollections that lingered were the haunting sensations of darkness and weakness, while everything else remained veiled in mystery.

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Author's Note:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story! I wasn't sure how it would be received, but your support means the world to me. I appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement.

Please note that my other fanfic will be on hold for now, as it requires more development and material to continue. However, I'm committed to working on it and will update you when progress is made.

Until then, thank you again for your support, and I bid you farewell for now! Ciao! ✌️