Chapter 03: A Wish for Teyvat

"That's why I've decided to resurrect you." I wasn't an expert at reading expressions or anything like that, but for the first time, I noticed that her smile was sincere. "I want you to be reborn in a world of your choosing, and for your unpredictable presence to be able to alter the established course of its history."

However, there was something in her words that I did not understand. I arched an eyebrow, still confused. "But you can see everyone's destinies – couldn't you foresee mine as well?"

"That's right, I could see the course of your past life. But from the instant you expired and came to this realm, you were released from that design. Now you are an existence without fate, whose actions no one can anticipate or intervene. You will walk the path that you yourself draw. That is why I trust that your mere presence is capable of transforming a world."

"Anyway, talking about these subjects is not very interesting." Suddenly, she patted gently, as if to end the subject. "Though talking to you after so many eons is amusing for a change."

'Eons...? It must have been lonely for her.' Imagining an eternity in complete solitude was truly heartbreaking. I could only be a mere soul, but I felt a cold sweat break out across me.

Fiddling absently with a lock of hair, she smiled and added, "I could grant you something, up to a point. But the best will be after you reborn."

"Right now?"

"No, no. I mean after you reincarnate. If I were to create your body here, I fear you would simply pass away again. For example, your ribcage might burst, your guts would splatter everywhere and your blood would paint this drab environment a more vivid color. Unless... you want to give it a try? That would be fun, don't you think? Hehe~"

"Please don't. Let's play it safe."

I only stopped to think about it now as I saw her laughing at her own joke. The thoughts of a deity of such an age must be quite twisted as her humor so... broken. Though I was surprised that after so many eons without companionship, she still retained her sanity and didn't become corrupted by turning into a Final Boss.

"Jezz~ That's a shame. Well, first of all, what world would you like to be reborn in, what kind of place would you prefer?"

I let out a sigh and deposited the empty cup on the table. Several ideas crossed my mind. Going back to my original world was impossible. Mm... Would it be okay for me to jump into a world in which I had no knowledge? Huh? Well, after going to another world, it will be good to get to know that place a bit... I also didn't want to lose the excitement by knowing too much in depth.

And... what do I really want? I was a poor wretch who didn't know the world beyond the hospital walls. For someone like me... I see, I wish for freedom. Just as the goddess said, what I wanted most was to live my life. An exciting and unrestricted life.

That's when it occurred to me to ask:

"This, I'm just curious, but.... would it be possible to be revived in a particular anime world? I know it might be difficult, but-".

"Of course I am! Who do you think you're talking to? I'm the greatest and most powerful goddess! Creating an anime world would only require a slight thought. Bang! and presto!"

Before I could finish my sentence, she perched her hands on her hips and chin up like a penguin in a gesture of proud determination that left me dumbfounded.

So far, despite knowing she was a goddess, she had not demonstrated that aura of divine authority that I had imagined. That's why I was surprised when she declared so confidently to be able to materialize a fictional world.

"Mm. In that case I have a wish."

"I'm listening."

As I thought about what the ideal world would be, I remembered that I was already familiar with many anime stories beforehand. I was also not an expert in the otaku world, as due to my condition I was never able to immerse myself in them completely. Of the anime I watched, I knew all their endings.

Movies... no, no cinematic universe aroused my interest in particular. Any games, then?

It was then that a certain title suddenly came to my memory that I had started playing before passed away, but which unfortunately I couldn't enjoy too much due to my health condition. However, its colorful scenarios and game mechanics managed to hook me the little I was able to experience it.

"A small readjustment to my previous request. So, would it be possible to reincarnate in Teyvat's world?"

"That world... it's doable, I suppose. But are you completely determined?"

Her expression seemed to say, "That boring place won't please me! I want fun!"

"I'm sure. I want to explore that world myself."

I'm sorry, goddess, but I too wish to enjoy my second chance. I don't want to end up in some world full of arrogant young masters or demon kings.

If given a choice, I would certainly opt for a more peaceful place where I would face challenges at my own pace. My choice would fall on Teyvat, "Genshin Impact" game world. I only played it briefly and don't know its story well beyond the prologue, but I enjoyed it and in some ways miss it.

"Since it's your decision..."

She rested her thin face on her fingertips and fixed her gaze on me across those two blue pools, "You have nothing to worry about. I know what you'll ask next: 'Will I be able to survive in that world?' I've already told you, but it's worth repeating: after you're reborn, you'll receive a 'gift' from me. Trust that it will be more than enough to take your first steps in Teyvat."

"Of course, getting stronger will depend entirely on you, on your abilities and how you know how to handle it."

As if some mountains disappeared from my back, I let out a sigh and smiled at the goddess.

"That's fine. And thank you so much for everything. I feel indebted to you."

"Fufu, if you want to thank me, you should pay me a visit from time to time. The gates of my kingdom will always be open." She raised a hand to her lips in a charming gesture, and her eyes curved into two half moons.

When she wanted to, this goddess could be tremendously adorable.

"Before you refuse my offer, I want you to know that I'll get you out of there anyway. Any minute now... So you'd better get stronger, or you might just explode when I abduct- uhum, you visit me. Although conversing with you in soul form again would also be entertaining."

I take that back – she's not adorable at all! Well, somehow I like her better now... Did she influence me?

While questioning my reality, as the goddess gently raised her hands, a warm light surrounded me.

"Since there is no point in resurrecting you to die immediately, I will grant you a boost to your basic and physical abilities, among other things. You will then be a little above the level of an ordinary mortal, and will be less likely to perish."

"Thank you. By the way, you didn't tell me your name."

"Name? I haven't used it in a while, if I remember correctly it was? Ah yes, you can call me Astraia."

Then she smiled and then I lost consciousness.

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If we reach 100 power stones there will be an extra chapter <3< p>