Reincarnation... (Test Chapter)
~Omniscient Pov~
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A wandering soul floated aimlessly in the boundless expanse of darkness, where time and space seemed to fold into themselves... The void stretched endlessly, a silent, oppressive presence that seemed to devour all sense of direction and purpose. The soul, a shimmering essence of light, drifted through this endless night, lost in contemplation.
"W-Where... am I?" the soul asked, its voice echoing softly in the void. "No... I... I was going to the market to get some food for my mother... And... And then..." Suddenly, memories flashed in its mind.
"I... I died!? the ground caved in under me... Heh... What a shitty way to leave the world."
The memories of the market, the small crowd, and the simple task of buying food, all seemed so distant now... The soul could almost see the ground breaking apart, the sudden rush of panic and confusion... Still, the void around it felt colder, more isolating.
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As the soul grappled with its newfound reality, a faint glimmer of light began to pierce the darkness slowly. It was a soft, warm radiance, growing brighter with each passing moment. The light grew stronger, taking shape and form, revealing a figure bathed in divine brilliance.
The figure approached with gentle grace, and the soul felt a strange mix of awe... The figure was nothing short of godlike, their presence both comforting, yet overwhelming.
"Who... Who are you?" the soul asked, its voice trembling.
"I... I am a guide," the being replied, its voice resonating with a soothing, yet oddly melodic tone. "I have come to help you understand this transition... Your journey has not ended; it has merely changed course... Sadly, you ended up here. Hmm... I've seen your fate, and... You don't deserve to be here..."
The soul felt a flicker of hope, but also a pang of uncertainty. "But... Where am I? And why... why am I even here?"
The guide's expression softened, and their voice took on a more solemn note. "This, is the void, an in-between of sorts, specifically the space that separates the living and the dead..."
The soul's mind raced at that, trying to grasp the implications of the being's words. "B-But I don't understand. I was just going to the market, trying to do something for my mother... How could I end up in this void?"
The guide's gaze was filled with compassion. "The nature of your transition was likely unforeseen, and the circumstances of your departure were harsh. This void is not where you should remain... It is just a temporary state, a waiting ground for your soul to come to terms with its past and prepare for its next journey."
The soul looked around, feeling the weight of its predicament. "So... W-What happens now? Will I be able to move on?"
"Well..." the being pondered for a moment... "I have somewhat of a solution for you... Reincarnation. Your passing, it wasn't meant to be, and the reason for that is due to your deity abandoning this universe..."
The soul's eyes widened in confusion and curiosity. "Reincarnation? But... what does that mean for me? How does it help?"
The guide's expression was one of gentle resolve. "Reincarnation is a process through which your soul can return to a mortal realm, taking on a new form and a new life. This opportunity will allow you to continue your journey, to fulfill the potential that was cut short. The abandonment of your deity has disrupted the natural order, leaving many souls in limbo, including yours."
The soul felt a mix of hope and uncertainty. "So, I can go back to the world I knew? To my mother?"
The guide nodded, "Not exactly as you were before, but you will be given a new chance in a new reality... This new life will allow you to find a new purpose and resolve unfinished matters you might have had. Your previous memories may be obscured, but the essence of who you are will remain, guiding you towards your next path."
The soul took a deep breath, considering the guide's words. "A-And what about the void? Will I be stuck here forever if I don't take this chance?"
"No..." the guide replied softly. "This void is not your permanent dwelling. It is a transitional space, a pause between worlds. By accepting the offer of reincarnation, you will be moving forward; essentially stepping into a new chapter of your own existence... And with that, I can give you choices based on what you want..."
The soul paused upon hearing this, 'What do I want?' It thought. However, not even a moment passed before it settled its mind. "My mother... If I can ask for anything, I just want her to be safe, and prosperous..." It said.
The guide, observing the soul's sincere wish, remained silent for a moment. A soft, knowing chuckle eventually escaped its lips, a sound that seemed to resonate with the very fabric of the void. "I see... For your demonstration of kindness and selflessness, I can honor that request. Your concern for another in such a time of uncertainty is commendable..."
The guide's form glowed more warmly, and a sense of gentle power filled the space. "As a reward for your selflessness, I will bend the rules a bit... You will receive a better boon, an advantage in your new life that can potentially aid you immensely in your journey."
The soul's expression brightened with a mixture of relief and interest... "A better boon? What does that entail?"
The guide's eyes sparkled with divine light. "The boon will grant you a special ability or advantage in your new existence, something that will help you navigate the challenges ahead and fulfill your purpose. It will be a gift to support your new life and to ensure that your desire for your mother's well-being is realized."
The soul felt a sense of profound gratitude. "T-Thank you. I will use this gift wisely and strive to honor the chance I've been given."
The guide nodded approvingly. "Your resolve is strong. As you prepare for reincarnation, know that this boon will be a guiding force in your new life, a testament to your selflessness and compassion... However, what do you want as your boon? And, what kind of universe do you want to live in?"
The soul pondered for a moment, reflecting on its interests and desires. "I love comics," it mused, a spark of excitement igniting within. "And I loved the idea of the system... maybe..." It considered how to use its boon wisely, thinking about the fictional skills it admired.
After a brief moment of contemplation, the soul addressed the guide with newfound determination. "I... I want a skill, one of the fictional ones to be exact. Its main function is to capture skills, talents or anything I want from the person I choose, and that could be anything. How does that sound so far?"
The guide's eyes flickered with a mixture of amusement and slight approval. "An interesting choice..." It said, "Such a skill could indeed offer you great advantages in your new life... It even reflects your creativity and the desire to harness unique abilities." it mused.
The guide continued, "However, based on the sheer potential of this boon will be granted as a system of sorts that allows you to absorb and utilize various skills, talents, passives, and traits from those you encounter, minus their physical or mental attributes... It will function within the parameters of your new existence, offering you flexibility and power... But!"
The being's voice resounded powerfully, "This condition can only be fulfilled once you defeat your enemy, however even that may vary..."
'A shame I couldn't take their actual stats...' The soul thought.
The guide's gaze however was firm but reassuring. "Yes... The boon is designed to be a powerful tool and to access its full potential, you must overcome challenges and adversaries. This condition ensures that you are tested and that the boon is earned through effort and resilience. More importantly, it is a way to balance the power you will receive..."
The soul took a moment to absorb the information. "So, I'll have to face and defeat people to unlock the full benefits of this system? And, what functions will the system have?
"Correct," the guide affirmed. "To answer the latter... The system will not have its typical functions; rather, only two will remain as I allowed it for convenience to track your stats and abilities, as well as an inventory function. So it's more of a panel than a system..."
The soul accepted the terms so far, not seeing anything wrong with it.
"Alright," the guide continued with a tone of finality. "So what type of universe do you want to reincarnate into, anything in mind?"
The soul considered the question, reflecting on the possibilities. "I would like to be reincarnated in a universe where I can make somewhat of a meaningful impact and maybe challenges that will allow me to grow as a person... Ideally, a place where I can use my boon effectively too, and where there are opportunities to achieve my goals... Heck, maybe live the life I couldn't have."
The guide nodded thoughtfully, "Very well. I will take your preferences into account. The universe you are to be reincarnated into will offer you a range of difficulties and opportunities, as well as a setting that will allow you to use your new ability."
With that, the guide's light began to envelop the soul once more, preparing it for its new journey. The soul felt a surge of anticipation as the environment shifted, moving towards its new existence.
As the transformation was underway, the soul slowly began dispersing into nothing, fading from the void itself, but before it could leave, It had shouted one final thanks...
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"It seems my job here is finished... Now, I just need to manage the rest of the omniverse..." The being sighed tiredly...
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"HAHH!!!" A boy suddenly coughed, his body slightly convulsing as he took his first breath. He was on the ground, surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds. The world was vibrant and alive, a massive contrast to the dark emptiness of the void he had left behind...
Not only that, memories that weren't even his suddenly flooded his mind. After a few minutes of panting, he calmed down...
The boy, now fully conscious, looked around with wide eyes, taking in his new surroundings. The air was crisp, the colors vivid, and the atmosphere filled with the hum of life he had missed.
He took his time and rose to his feet, "I'm... I'm back!?" He felt his body; his face, arms, legs, chest, hair, and everything under the sun and even places where the sun couldn't reach...
He glanced down at himself, noting that everything felt both familiar and practically foreign. The memories of his previous life were like fragments at best—Both distant and dreamlike—but the knowledge of his boon and its purpose was extremely clear to him.
Before he could continue, he walked towards the side of his room, seeing a mirror. With a quick glance, he stared at himself, taking in his new appearance...
'Hazel brown eyes, short raven hair, extremely light brown skin, and an ordinary face...' He was the epitome of a blank slate at the moment.
"So this is the new me..." He said to himself. He wasn't sure what to make of this, the fact he reincarnated was still bizarre to him. However, he could still check one last thing...
'System.' He thought. Soon, a translucent blue screen popped up in his vision, revealing all sorts of information about himself.
Main HUD Display;
Name: [Yohan Newman] Age: [16] Height: [169.2 cm] Race: Human
Health (HP): [End*10 = 40] / [40]
Energy (EP): [Con*5 = 20] / [20]
Physique; None
Physical Growth Rate: F- (Max Growth Rate is {EX} class with {F-} being the worst, this refers to how fast someone can grow physically.)
Mental Growth Rate: E+ (Max Growth Rate is {EX} class, this refers to how fast someone can grow mentally.)
Attributes; (Each stat point has a 20% multiplicative difference between itself... Can only be increased through suitable training.)
Strength: 5 - 60 kg- (Affects lifting power and striking power)
Agility: 5 - 10 mph- (Affects attack speed, evasion, and movement speeds)
Endurance: 4 - User can survive being hit by a metal bat- (Affects health, stamina, and toughness)
Intelligence: 7 (Affects all forms of intelligence and memory)
Control: 4 (Affects maximum energy capacity, control and skill efficiency)
Perception: 5 (Affects reaction speeds, awareness, senses, and dexterity)
Skills Tab;
Active Skills (Toggleable);
Minor Fire Manipulation {F-}: Allows the user to manipulate fire, with flames as hit as 180 degrees Celcius; costs 3.5 EP per minute.
Skill Plunderer {EX}: Allows the user to absorb anything from the being it is used upon, the condition is that the user defeats said being, or takes its life.
Passive Skills (Always on);
Talents Tab;
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'So this is real...' He thought. He still couldn't believe it... 'I don't even have a clear goal at all, urgh...' He groaned internally at his own stupidity, he should really thought more about this...
"I might as well get used to it..." He sighed, sitting on what seemed to be his own bed. 'I need to sort through these memories as well...' He began sorting through 'his' memories. About the life he supposedly lived here. He was more or less ordinary, or a little less. He didn't have much talent in anything...
However, this was nothing compared to where the universe he now lived in. Beings that could use telepathy, shoot ice, fire, and wind out of their arms, and the strength that could move literal mountains?
Factions were composed of mainly three races; being Werewolves, Vampires, and finally Humans, with himself being the latter. A human. Humans had no real advantage or disadvantage. Their only real redeeming quality is utilizing something known as energy... 'I reincarnated somewhere absolutely insane... Haven't I...'
He clutched his head at this all, not knowing where to start, he had a few days left until he had to go back to the academy, but being close to the absolute weakest out of the school, with only a few being at the same level as himself.
"I need to get strong enough that I won't get pushed around anymore at least... But, who do I defeat?" He thought about his current predicament, and it didn't seem too pleasing at all.
'Maybe this wasn't a goo-Ouch! Damn!!' He flinched as he felt something bite him on his arm, without thinking twice, he swatted it. Looking down, he realized it had just been a small ant...
"For something so small, they pack quite the punch..." However, just as he was about to go back to thinking, a darker blue translucent screen popped up in front of him, "Huh!?"
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Entity: [Worker Ant] Race: [Atta Ant]
Age: 3-5 years (Typical lifespan of an ant worker)
Skills (Active):
Mandible Crush {D-} (requires race): A powerful bite using the ant's enlarged mandibles. Deals crushing damage, capable of severing or breaking objects with extreme force. Effect: High physical damage, effective against armored foes or objects. Can crush bones or tough materials. Cooldown: 5 seconds.
Acid Spray {D-}: The ant sprays a corrosive acid from its abdomen, used for both defense and offense. Effect: Causes moderate acid damage over time, capable of melting through armor and weakening enemy defenses. Range: 10 meters. Cooldown: 10 seconds.
Antennae Sensory Burst {D-} (requires race): The ant's highly sensitive antennae pick up minute vibrations, smells, and heat signatures in the environment. Effect: Temporarily heightens sensory perception, allowing detection of hidden or invisible enemies within a 50-meter radius. Duration: 30 seconds. Cooldown: 60 seconds.
Pheromone Trail {C}: The ant releases a trail of pheromones that can communicate with other ants or confuse enemies. Effect: Summons a small swarm of ants as reinforcements or creates a confusing scent trail that disorients enemies. Cooldown: 120 seconds.
Passives;
Chitinous Exoskeleton (Passive) {D+}: The ant's natural armor, is composed of thick, durable chitin. Effect: Reduces incoming physical damage by +50%, with additional resistance to slashing and piercing attacks. Also provides minor protection against fire and acid.
Enhanced Strength (Passive) {B+}: The ant retains its incredible proportional strength. Effect: Increases physical strength, allowing the ant to lift, push, or carry objects several times its own body weight. Grants +2800% to carrying and +75% striking power.
Environmental Adaptation (Passive) {C+}: Ants are highly adaptable to various environments. Effect: The ant has enhanced resistance to environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, or drought. It suffers no penalties from non-lethal environmental changes.
Colony Mind (Passive) {D}: Ants work as part of a collective, constantly aware of the presence and actions of nearby allies. Effect: Grants heightened coordination with allies and increased combat efficiency by 20% when fighting alongside others. Provides resistance to mind-control effects due to the decentralized nature of its consciousness.
Chemical Communication (Passive) {C++}: The ant communicates using chemical signals, allowing for the transmission of complex information. Effect: Grants limited telepathic communication with other ants or insect-like creatures within a certain radius. Also provides the ability to release pheromones that can manipulate insect behavior.
Talents;
Tactical Coordination {C+}: Ants have a natural ability to strategize and coordinate with their allies during complex operations. Effect: Increases the efficiency of multi-target battles or team-based actions, boosting coordination and timing for large groups.
Survivor's Resilience {B-}: Ants are resilient survivors, able to endure harsh conditions and recover from injuries quickly. Effect: Passively reduces the duration of negative status effects (like poison, paralysis, or bleeding) by 35%.
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"No way..." He looked at the screen, seeing that it wasn't his, but he didn't know it would work on things like insects... He knew it would at least work on other humans. As if on instinct, he took all of the talents, and skills he could. All of them were useful at this point in time, since he had nothing to his name. It was unfortunate that some skills were only absorbable by taking race as a pre-requisite...
'Still, it's vastly better than nothing, and I'll only lose two skills...' He sighed for a moment, and with some minor hesitation, 'Confirm Plunder.' The second he uttered those words in his mind, he felt a massive amount of pain rush through his body.
"Arghh!!!!! Gaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!" His muscles, skin, and bones all shifted immensely under the strain of energy that washed over him. After a grueling process of his body metamorphosing for minutes straight...
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the intensity of the energy subsided. His muscles unclenched, and the fiery torment that had overtaken him began to ease. His breath came in ragged gasps, the pain slowly fading into a slightly dull aching feeling...
He lay there for a moment, trembling from the situation, his body feeling odd yet... stronger. As he pushed himself up, weak but steady, he could feel it—the power coursing through him. The Plunder had been successful...
'System...'
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Name: [Yohan Newman] Age: [16] Height: [169.2 cm] Race: Human
Health (HP): [End*10 = 63] / [63]
Energy (EP): [Int*5 = 20] / [20]
Physique; None
Physical Growth Rate: {F-}
Mental Growth Rate: {E+}
Attributes; (Each stat point has a 20% multiplicative difference between itself... Can only be increased through suitable training.)
Strength: 5 * 29 --> 23.5
Agility: 4
Endurance: 4 * 1.5 --> 6.3
Intelligence: 7
Control: 4
Perception: 5
Skills Tab;
Active Skills (Toggleable);
Skill Plunderer {EX}: Allows the user to absorb anything from the being it is used upon, the condition is that the user defeats said being, or takes its life...
Minor Fire Manipulation {F-}: Allows the user to create and manipulate fire, with flames as hit as 180 degrees Celsius; Costs 3.5 EP per minute.
Minor Acid Manipulation {D-}: You can create and manipulate corrosive acid from your energy, used for both defense and offense. Effect: Causes moderate acid damage over time, capable of melting through armor and weakening enemy defenses; Costs 5 EP per minute.
Passive Skills;
Chitinous Exoskeleton {D+}: The ant's natural armor, is composed of thick, durable chitin. Effect: Reduces incoming physical damage by +50%, with additional resistance to slashing and piercing attacks. Also provides minor protection against fire and acid.
Enhanced Strength {B+}: You retain the ant's incredible proportional strength. Effect: Increases physical strength, allowing the ant to lift, push, or carry objects several times its own body weight... Grants +2800% to carrying, increases grip strength by 800%, and +250% striking power.
Environmental Adaptation {C+}: You are highly adaptable to various environments like an ant. Effect: The ant has enhanced resistance to environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, or drought. You suffer no penalties from non-lethal environmental changes.
Colony Mind {D}: Effect: Grants heightened coordination with human allies and increased combat efficiency by 20% when fighting alongside others. Provides resistance to mind-control effects due to the decentralized nature of its consciousness.
Chemical Communication {C++}: You can communicate using chemical signals, allowing for the transmission of complex information. Effect: Grants limited telepathic communication with other ants or insect-like creatures within a certain radius. Also provides the ability to release pheromones that can manipulate insect behavior.
Talents Tab;
Tactical Coordination {C+}: You have a natural ability to strategize and coordinate with your allies during complex operations... Effect: Increases the efficiency of multi-target battles or team-based actions, boosting coordination and timing for large groups.
Survivor's Resilience {B-}: You are a survivor and quite resilient, and able to endure harsh conditions and recover from injuries quickly. Effect: Passively reduces the duration of negative status effects (like poison, paralysis, or bleeding) by 35%, and also improves healing capabilities by +50%.
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'Interesting, the skills changed to fit my current race... But not inherently weakening in the process. No, one of them got even better...' he realized. Regardless, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
He might still be fodder, but he was no longer complete fodder. He could hang with most lower intermediate-rank students now, at least strength-wise, he thinks anyway...
With that, he smiled. He had a few more days until school began, and another 2 months after for the rank-up tests... If he played his cards right, he'd be more than powerful enough.
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END