Death and Meeting With Goddess

"So, this is going to be my last day," sighed Paul as he lay in the luxurious hospital cabin, gazing out at the Aegean Sea.

Paul Nikolaus Morales, an enigmatic figure in the world of business & finances and a highly talented extreme sports enthusiast, was born to a Greek mother and a Spanish noble father. Tragically, both parents perished in a plane accident when he was only six years old. Consequently, much of his formative years were spent in the company of loyal family butler and other estate employees.

Despite the absence of parental guidance, Paul managed to avoid the pitfalls that often befall young heirs of noble families. Instead, he fervently pursued two passions with unwavering dedication: academic excellence and the thrill of extreme sports. When it came to his studies, Paul possessed an insatiable appetite akin to that of a true intellectual glutton. Simultaneously, he fearlessly immersed himself in adrenaline-fueled activities such as skydiving, mountain biking, paragliding, and racing, among others.

Although Paul delighted in the exhilaration afforded by his chosen pursuits, he remained steadfast in his duty as the heir to a dwindling noble family. Graduating from university at a precocious age of twenty, he astutely transformed his €20 million assets into a burgeoning fortune exceeding a billion euros in just five short years.

Yet, it appeared that the goddess of misfortune took umbrage at his meteoric rise. Having lost his parents prematurely, Paul embodied a unique amalgamation of intellect, caution, cunning, success, sociability, and charm. However, fate had a different path in mind. On one fateful sunny day, while embarking on a mountain biking expedition within the sprawling expanse of his hilly estate, he succumbed to a heart-stopping fall from a staggering height of 2,000 feet. Though his life was spared, his body bore the ravaged remnants of nearly every bone and sinew.

The ensuing decade was devoted to an unwavering quest for healing. Yet, it seemed that the goddess of misfortune had grown increasingly displeased with his existence. After much contemplation over the past few years, Paul concluded that his life of confinement, marred by unrelenting pain and immobility, had become unbearable. Thus, he made the arduous decision to embark on a final journey, embracing the solace of euthanasia as a means to liberate himself from the confines of his crippled body.

"Mr. Morales, I implore you to reflect upon your decision one last time. Once this button is pressed, the procedure will commence, and there will be no turning back." cautioned the doctor, his gaze tinged with melancholy.

"Nope. It is finally time for me to dance once more after a decade of captivity. Please, proceed," replied Paul, his laughter carrying a subtle undercurrent of sorrow.

....

"Where is the gate to the afterlife? I didn't even meet the legendary Truck-kun to die," gasped Paul, disappointed as he didn't see the expected view after his death. He had anticipated something like a station where he would catch a train to the afterlife. However, instead, he found himself sitting in front of a throne.

Lost in his thoughts, he suddenly heard a melodious and intoxicating feminine voice say, "Welcome, Paul."

The voice struck him with awe, as he had never heard such a mesmerizing sound in his entire life. Shaking off his trance, Paul replied, "Hello, stranger. Who are you?"

"Oh, me? I'm Nemesis, a minor goddess working in an office," replied the voice.

"Can I see you?" Paul inquired.

"No, my dear. I'm afraid that if you were to see me, your soul would be destroyed. It lacks the power to even withstand a glimpse of my true form."

"I see. Then why am I meeting you now? I thought I would be on my way to the afterlife, as I am tired of myself."

"Actually, I have a request for you. More precisely, I need your help with something."

"What could a mere mortal, incapable of even enduring a glimpse of a self-proclaimed goddess's power, do to assist her?" Paul questioned, sensing the goddess's hesitation and giving her time to gather her thoughts.

After a moment, Nemesis spoke again. "You see, in the Magic World, there was a person named Severus Snape. One day, while I was in a bad mood after quarreling with my brother, Grim, I decided to play a prank on his record book. Unfortunately, my prank resulted in Severus living a life of misery."

"Severus? the potion professor in the Harry Potter world? But they are fictional characters, aren't they?" Paul asked, his mind filled with numerous questions.

"No, dear. In fact, all fictional worlds are very real. Sometimes, for our entertainment, we allow certain individuals to catch a glimpse of those worlds for inspiration."

Although Paul was overwhelmed by this revelation, being a successful businessman, he focused on the main point. "But that doesn't explain why you want to have a chat with me, does it?"

"After witnessing Severus's miserable life, I tried to rectify my mistake by giving him a chance to go back. However, the process had a flaw that ultimately destroyed his soul. But before his soul was completely erased, he made a request. If I ever found someone whose life was equally miserable or who could understand the pain he endured throughout his life, he should be given the opportunity to live as Severus."

"So, I am actually an attempt at redemption by higher beings," Paul pondered.

"Yes. Will you go?" Nemesis asked, her voice filled with joy.

"No. Because what's in it for me? I am already exhausted and tired of the life I have lived. From what I know and remember, Severus had a terrible family life, and if I were to live his life, I would have to endure that, despite his power. I have already experienced a difficult childhood due to the death of my parents, and I don't wish to go through it again."

"Why not? Any other person would jump at this opportunity," the goddess persisted.

"Perhaps others would, but certainly not me. There is nothing in it for me, and my business-minded nature wouldn't allow me to take such a risk, even though my adventurous side is tempted," Paul firmly responded, though his mind was secretly amused.

"What if I proposed a deal you couldn't refuse?" Nemesis challenged.

"You're just saying that. You haven't proposed anything yet," Paul countered.

"How about if I change the circumstances of Severus's parents and grandparents?" the goddess offered.

"Not enough. I would still have to face the duo of a teacher and a student who are incredibly powerful but mentally challenged. It's not enticing enough for me to take the risk."

"What if I also grant you all of Severus's experiences until his death? He was likely the third most powerful wizard when he died. It would help you gain power faster and become more powerful." Nemesis suggested.

"No. Still not tempting enough. Even if he was the third most powerful wizard, he still died, didn't he? So, I would rather go back and catch my train to the afterlife. Goodbye," Paul declared, satisfied with the proposal he received. But he decided to push for more, sensing that there was more to gain from this benevolent yet childish goddess.

"Just tell me what more you need to accept the proposal, as I don't have any other options. I definitely don't want my brother to complain to our father," Nemesis responded with a hint of cute anger in her voice.

"As you know, there will be changes in that world due to the butterfly effect caused by external interference. I need the power to see the future, not some vague prophecy that cannot be changed or may not even happen. I need the ability to see a future that I can alter, along with the immunity to all types of prophecies. That is the bare minimum I require, in addition to the other offer you proposed. Otherwise, give my regards to Grim and your father," Paul stated.

After an uncertain amount of silence, he heard the words he desired and took comfort in. "Okay. But don't create chaos in everything. Be cautious in your choices, or else I will be punished for creating more mess than before."

"Thank you, Goddess Nemesis. Now, have a pleasant journey," Paul teased Nemesis.

"No, that was my line to say" he heard the cute, angry voice as he slowly lost consciousness, bringing him joy.