1 Chapter 1

"You're unusually quiet. Typically your kind would be, as one of your kin put it, freaking out, right now."

The being's tone reflected undisguised amusement.

Carefully selecting my words I replied respectfully, "I would not want to trouble you with hysterics your greatness."

All was quiet for a moment. Then the being began to laugh. It's laugh was deep and joyous, perhaps entertainment was rare for such an entity.

"I care not for such titles but I did not expect one as collected as you to worship me. Truly delightful."

Erring on the side of caution when conversing with a potential omnipotent entity had been the sensible choice. I had not intentionally appealed to its sense of humor but I was overjoyed to have gotten such a positive response.

Based on our interactions this being seemed to be rather amicable. I could even go so far as to say laidback.

"You have brought this avatar of mine great joy, I thank you little soul. Though I would like to continue this exchange I cannot stray from my purpose any longer."

Despite my ethereal state feelings of worry still bubbled up inside of me. Apparently the dead were not spared from anxiety.

"If you were not aware, your previous life has now come to an end. You are currently in a domain isolated from space and time known as limbo. I believe your kind are familiar with the concept of reincarnation?"

The child within me burst forth. Soaring through the skies as Superman, exploring the vastness of space with unimaginable technologies, wielding boundless power as a mighty immortal cultivator.

Lacking my previous composure I hastily asked, "Am I to be reincarnated your greatness?"

"An interesting moniker. Indeed little soul, you shall retain your memories and begin life anew someplace else! I believe it should excite you to learn that you shall receive a few boons to aid your adventures."

Tingles of excitement coursed through me. It was ironic how surreal the situation felt.

"You shall be reborn in a world unknown, perhaps you might even recognize it from the stories of your kind. I am no genie and will be granting no wishes. Your boons shall make themselves known to you upon regaining physical form. It was a pleasure to meet you little soul. I wish you luck."

And with that, my new life began.

....

"A strong baby boy! Congratulations. Perhaps in a few years our village shall gain another capable hunter."

A dizzying array of information assailed my senses. Most prominent was the biting chill of the air and the calloused hands of the elderly woman supporting my tiny body.

I was treated not unlike a piece of meat as she inspected me for any problems, "He is in excellent health, I assume you would like to hold him now?"

"Yes Graneta, I want to hold my son."

Something within me was inexplicably comforted by the gentle womanly voice and in the next moment I met the hazel eyes of my new mother. Her face was pale from exertion but her smile was infectious.

"Ghebahe!"

The embarrassment I felt at my lack of motor control was overshadowed by my mother's pearly laughter.

Without breaking my gaze she stroked the tender skin on my face, "Hello little one, I'm you're mother. But you shall address me as mama or mummy. My name is Charlotte and yours shall be Toran. That irresponsible father of yours will not be back for another few moons, his name is Rodney and the kind lady who brought you into this world is Graneta, the healer of your new home."

Getting up from her stool the old woman leant on the branch that served as her walking stick and added, "Hello Toran."

The next few hours were a blur of scents and sounds as Graneta cleaned my mother's body and bed. The temperature dropped once more as darkness consumed the little light outside the windows of my mothers hut.

Several blurry flames told me my neighbors were still up, likely awaiting news of the village's newest inhabitant. The level of technology was obviously low but I was relieved to notice familiar cutlery as well as a few farming implements.

Envisioning myself astride a mighty white steed clad in exquisite armor ruling this medieval world I quietly listened in on Graneta and my mothers conversations.

Grain harvests, squabbles amongst the children, taxes; nothing caught my interest. I only perked up slightly upon mention of my absent father.

To my delight my new dada appeared to be more than a simple farmer. Judging by the pride in my mother's voice and the respect in Graneta's, Rodney was a rather capable man. He had left some days ago with a few other men of the village to escort our trade caravan to a nearby city.

His skills would be helpful in my quest for strength.

"Hello little soul. I'm glad to see you're settling in well. I shall now inform you of your boons."

Charlotte's face displayed stark panic as my body uncontrollably displayed the nervous emotions I was feeling. Her worries were dispelled as Graneta delivered a swift and stinging slap to my buttocks. The pain quickly cleared my head.

'Thank you your greatness, please continue.'

The being hummed in acknowledgement of my thoughts and carried on, "Your first boon shall be known as [ Genius ]. Your learning capacity is extremely high in all areas. Your second boon shall be [ Strong ]. Your muscles, bones and nerves hold immense potential, training yields extensive results. Finally..."

Greedily digesting the information I made several delighted gurgles.

The being remained silent for a few moments. When it spoke again it's voice contained a strange hesitance, "Finally...your third boon shall be known as [ Collector ]. You may unlock new boons through impressive accomplishments. Little soul you become more and more abnormal, this boon is unlike any I have seen before. Goodbye."

My head returned to silence once more. Graneta had since left and my mother's drool trickled slowly down her chin.

I was alone once more.