1 Reborn

Rizki's eyes flickered open, and he found himself enveloped in a vast, shadowy void. Confusion swirled within him as he struggled to piece together his recent memories. "Where am I?" he murmured, his voice barely louder than a whisper. The boundless emptiness that surrounded him provided no answers, only an unsettling silence. His last recollection was baring his soul to a girl, a tempest of emotions, and then, an abrupt descent into this abyss of nothingness.

Amidst his disorientation, a figure materialized from the obscurity. Before him stood a woman with an otherworldly aura, an ethereal beauty. Her silver hair cascaded like moonlight, and her eyes resembled the clearest skies, radiating wisdom far beyond her apparent age. She donned a shimmering silver gown that exuded an otherworldly radiance. Rizki couldn't help but be captivated by her surreal grace, the delicate contours of her figure, and the soft pink shade of her eyebrows against her fair complexion.

"You've finally awakened, Rizki Irawan," she whispered, her voice like a gentle breeze rustling through leaves. Each word hung in the air, creating a sense of tranquility.

Rizki furrowed his brow. "Who are you? And where am I?"

The luminous figure introduced herself as Faye, the Goddess of Reincarnation. Her voice was a melodic whisper that caressed his thoughts. She revealed that she was one of the highest deities in the universe and clarified, "I am here to decide the fate of those who find themselves at this crossroads between life and death, whether they should be condemned to the depths of hell or granted passage to the realm of eternal peace."

Rizki couldn't help but harbor doubts. "Are you about to send me straight to hell?"

Faye's response was a melodious laughter that resonated like chimes in the wind. "I won't do that."

As he contemplated her words, Rizki realized that Faye had called him "Rizki" earlier and couldn't resist asking, "By the way, how do you know my name?"

Faye smiled, her demeanor hinting at ancient secrets. "I know more about you than you might realize, Rizki Irawan."

Intrigued, he probed further. "Alright, then, spill the beans. Where am I, and what's happening?"

Faye's eyes twinkled with mischief. "You find yourself in a realm between worlds, a transitional space. As for the situation, well, it's a bit more intricate."

Skepticism crept into Rizki's voice. "Intricate? That doesn't sound very reassuring."

Faye's laughter was like a gentle stream winding through a tranquil forest. She conceded, "You have a point there. Let me clarify. You remember confessing your feelings to that girl and the journey, right?"

Rizki nodded slowly. "Yeah, that's the last thing I remember."

Faye's gaze turned contemplative. "You met your demise in a train accident. Your face met the front of a speeding train after you slipped on a wet floor while handing something to your beloved."

Rizki was taken aback. "Wait, what? I got hit by a train?"

Faye's smile held the enigmatic charm of a shared secret. "Let's just say it was your dramatic exit from your past life. That moment, the gesture you were about to make, was meant to be a turning point, leading you to this very place."

"A turning point?" Rizki's voice was tinged with disbelief.

Faye affirmed, her words weaving a tapestry of fate. "You, Rizki, were chosen for something beyond your mortal existence."

Rizki's skepticism emerged. "Chosen? By whom?"

Mischievous sparks danced in Faye's eyes. "By me, of course."

Rizki blinked in astonishment. "You?"

Faye's laughter resonated like distant bells ringing in a grand hall. She quipped, "Surprised? Consider that you have been chosen by the most benevolent goddess there is!"

Rizki crossed his arms, still skeptical. "Alright, what's your grand plan for me?"

Faye extended her hand, conjuring an image of a vivid world known as Acra. Its landscapes unfolded like a tapestry of life, from sprawling cities to lush forests. "This is the world where your influence can make a difference. Heroes meant to save the day? Their actions have led to chaos."

Rizki's intrigue deepened. "So, you want me to become a hero?"

Faye shook her head. "Not a hero, Rizki. I need you to be a counterbalance – to challenge the hero's path and end the reign of the demon lord."

Rizki was surprised but intrigued. "A villain? That's certainly a twist."

Determination and hope converged in Faye's gaze. "I believe in the power of change, Rizki. Acra needs someone to restore balance, even if it means taking a different route."

Rizki met Faye's gaze, contemplation in his eyes. "So, you want me to be the 'bad guy'."

Faye's smile held a blend of compassion and purpose. "More like the necessary opposition."

A chuckle escaped Rizki's lips. "Well, I've played many roles in life, but being a world-shaking antagonist wasn't on the list."

Faye's laughter joined his. "I anticipated your reaction would be nothing short of intriguing."

As their laughter subsided, Rizki's expression turned contemplative. "But what if I refuse? What happens then?"

Faye's gaze softened. "I can't guarantee a safe passage to heaven, Rizki. But by embracing this journey, you hold the promise of purpose and the chance to make a significant impact."

He absorbed her words. "So, you're offering me the chance to reincarnate instead of facing eternal damnation."

Faye nodded. "Exactly. A fresh start, an opportunity to shape a world that longs for change."

Rizki's attention shifted from Faye to the image of Acra, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty and potential. "Well, I suppose a shot at reincarnation is better than an eternity of torment."

Faye's smile carried understanding and encouragement. "Ultimately, Rizki, the choice is yours to make."