Chapter 1 - Getting a job.
Consciousness turned on as if by a click. I don't know how to describe this feeling ... It's how abruptly they will wake up from the fact that you fell in a dream ... Yes, that's right, there's no better description.
Immediately, after realizing myself, I noticed an extraordinary clarity of mind, which I had never experienced before, but this is not the most "interesting".
And the most interesting thing is how my body feels now. If you describe this feeling in one word, then the most suitable: "Freedom."
It was as if my whole being got rid of the shackles, threw off the ballast.
Lightness and ethereality captured my body.
Nothing hurts, nothing bothers.
It feels like I can take off at any moment.
Ah ... What a wonderful state ... I don't want to lose it ...
- God, it's good how ... - I purred in a smile, a satisfied voice.
- Did you call me? - a kind, firm male voice sounded.
- "Heck! Too much withdrawn into myself, and in fact, in theory, I should be dead at all! " - I exclaimed in my own mind and sharply opened my eyes.
An endless, flat world covered with a perfect, green lawn that endlessly stretched into the distance beyond the horizon.
Clear, blue sky without any luminary or clouds.
It was in such a place that my mortal body turned out to be.
But the most important thing is the owner of the recently asked question.
Twenty paces away from me stood a creature with the appearance of a human male. And yes, I am sure that this entity is not human, because people absolutely definitely cannot look like that.
Hell, I'm sure only a handful of people can draw, describe what I've seen.
Delicate hands and muscles that haori cannot hide.
Clothes are not able to hide the figure of the swimmer.
Snow-white hair, neatly tied with a red ribbon in the tail.
Skin for which any woman will not only kill, but also eat.
Big eyes, a mesmerizing pink pupil.
A neat nose and shy ears that are almost hidden in her hair.
Bare feet peek out from under the kimono.
With all this beauty, he cannot be confused with a woman because of a formidable, courageous impulse that does not add up to a sweet, pleasant appearance.
A person cannot have such an ideal appearance, he cannot.
"Maybe stop looking at me? Come on, I don't bite. - he said in a warm, kind tone, looking at me with extremely great interest and tenderness.
I've seen this look already. The look of the child that he received a gift and wonders what kind of toy he was given this time.
And yet, from this look, one can understand that they will not eat me alive, and if they do, it will not be right away.
With a slow, mechanical gait, I began to approach him, while experiencing such emotions as fear, excitement and respect, because with the edge of my mind I already guessed what kind of person was in front of me.
Stopping in front of him, he silently stared at him, not knowing what to say.
That's why I decided to just stand there silently, staring at him.
As my father used to say, "If you don't know what to say, you better keep quiet."
The creature, in turn, apparently also decided to wait silently, looking into my eyes, while I myself begin a dialogue.
Not knowing what to do in this situation, I also decided to silently look my opponent in the eye.
Time passed relentlessly. I don't know how long has passed, it's hard to determine here, but at least an hour.
In what in what, and in the "peepers" I have a real talent.
Also, once in this place, I seem to have lost the need to blink.
And although I have a talent for this game, I still cannot compare with this monster. My patience is not as pumped as this bastard.
- Um ... Hello. - I said embarrassedly, awkwardly.
- Well hello. He answered with a smile. In his eyes, one could clearly read: "I won." - Let's not play anymore and get to the point. As you can probably guess, I am God. You died and your spirit came to me. Now we will determine what awaits you next. -
I was not very surprised by this statement, as I was almost completely sure of this thirty minutes ago.
- Okay. - I answered a little worriedly, while experiencing a share of fear.
- Only those who truly want to continue their "adventure" get here, not wanting oblivion, tranquility. In general, people like you, I will reincarnate, giving the opportunity to continue my "journey". -
I listened in silence and rejoiced, because it looks like my path is not over yet. Reincarnation awaits me.
"But before you go further, I want to offer you something. - With a smile he said, seeing my excitement.
Ears perked up, I prepared to listen. An offer from God cannot be simple.
"I suggest you become my" champion "and get a" system ". Before accepting my offer, think it over carefully, because otherwise, there will be no way back.
To say that I was surprised is to say nothing. I wanted to instantly agree, but I stopped myself, albeit with difficulty. Both paths need to be explored before making a decision.
- What does it mean "to become a champion"? What responsibilities will I have? - I asked on reflection, a little cautiously.
- To become a champion means to become my chosen one and get a mark. You see, there are rules among superpowered beings. One of them says that other gods should not affect the champions of other gods in any of the available, possible ways. In general, becoming my champion, you will receive protection from other gods and their chosen ones. Your duty, as such, is only one - to entertain me with your adventures. He finished explaining, with a grin on his face.
Clear. Very interesting. Clown has never been. Okay.
- And what awaits me if I choose an ordinary, simple reincarnation? - I asked almost immediately, not long pondering over what I had recently heard. Because it didn't make sense, I need a complete picture.
- If you choose a simple rebirth, then I will reincarnate you into a random world where you will be left in the care of luck, fate. Basically, you will have two paths. Either you are lucky and you will gain immortality or the ability to travel through the universes. Or you just die and go to another unknown god who will decide your fate. Something like this. - calmly, with a smile, he explained.
Now I understand that his "offer" is too good. So good that it looks more like a trap ... But do I have a choice? And can I refuse at all? To madness, I do not want to play Russian roulette again.
- I accept your offer. I answered with a breath.
- Are you sure? Think better. If you become my "champion", you will link your fate with mine for a long time. Perhaps by choosing an ordinary reincarnation you will be lucky and you will find yourself in a good world.
I'm sure. After a recent death, I don't want to tempt fate again, to jump into the unknown. - I answered, finally accepting the fate of the jester.
- Great! From now on, you are my champion! And for convenience, my champion, switch to a more familiar style of communication! We have a very long time to cooperate! And yes, if you have any questions, ask them! - with a bright, disposing smile he said.
- Okay, I have questions. - I began to speak more relaxedly.
- Ask them. He said and waved his hand. A moment later, two chairs appeared, extremely comfortable. He sat down in one of them and invited me to do the same.
- You could not arrange all this acquaintance, right? I'm sure you could just immediately reincarnate me with the system and secretly watch me. - I asked uncomprehendingly.
- Yes, I can do that, or rather I have the opportunity. But it's not my style to do that. In fact, most superpowered creatures do not bother with such meetings and just throw the lucky one into the thick of things. Lucky for you that even among the gods I am considered a bit eccentric. He replied with a grin.
- Clear. Next question. How am I going to entertain you? And why do you need this at all? - I asked the question again, after comprehending the answer.
- I'll start with the second question, if you don't mind ... You see, the more power, strength, power you have, the more boring being becomes for you. For example, let's take a character from the anime you recently watched - Saitama. This guy, having received enormous power, lost not only his hair, but also most of his emotions and feelings. Rather, it has become much more difficult to experience them. I, on the other hand, are ridiculously stronger than Saitama. - he said with a smile and then asked with a grin.
God : Do you understand what I'm getting at? -
- Yes, understand. I replied, nodding. Even the last idiot will understand.
"It's almost impossible for the gods to experience emotions in the usual way. You will be surprised, but the absolute majority of us are dying at our own hands, unable to withstand such an existence. Even now I do not experience anything, but only "play" to make it more comfortable for you. To entertain me is very simple. The system records your life like a movie with its beginning "Birth" and the end "Death", and then sends it to me for "viewing". During this "viewing" I will experience everything that you will experience. - he finished speaking, spreading into a smile.
I digested this information for a while. I don't even know how to feel about the fact that someone will "experience" everything that I happened to feel.
On the one hand, this is unpleasant. On the other hand, should I be worried that some super-strong, emotionless entity is "looking through" my life?
And again, do I even have the right to vote? In the end, you can think of it as a price to pay for the "system" and the ability to live many lives. And I also don't want to "show off" in front of a creature that can destroy me with a slight flick of a finger.
Okay, the last question that interests me very much.
- Why me? Why am I honored to be your champion? - I asked with sincere misunderstanding.
- There are several reasons for this, but two of them are decisive. First, your soul is strong enough to contain, to withstand the system. Apparently in your past life you had a rather strong soul, since that, even after "cleansing", remained strong enough. Second, and most important ... I like you. Your character and temperament are great for me, and this is very important for someone who is going to "look through" other people's lives, believe me. In fact, you vaguely resemble me when I was at the beginning of my journey. He said with a grin, in a disposed tone.
How strange it is to hear from a man, albeit God, that he likes you. Somehow a little bit hustle ... Even goosebumps ran down my spine.
- In general, do not think much about it. I have thousands of "champions" like you, and even this is considered a small number. He added with a kind smile.
- Clear. I have no more questions, but I have a small request. - I said nervously.
- Interesting, let's voice it. - he said with interest.
- Could you stop saying that you like me ... It really annoys me to hear this from a man. - sweating from exertion, I asked.
- Well, if it bothers you ... - he said and began to transform literally before my eyes. To make it easier to understand, this is somewhat similar to the T-1000 transformation from Terminator 2.
In just three seconds, a handsome man, in front of me, became an incredibly beautiful woman. Twenty-five - thirty years old, hourglass figure, clothes could not hide rather large breasts that stood daringly, ignoring all gravity. Long white hair and deep beautiful pink eyes ... What the hell is going on?
My mind went blank. I just silently, with an empty, unfeeling gaze, looked at ... her?
- Oh, don't look at me like that. In pursuit of emotions, I tried absolutely everything that could somehow evoke emotions. I was, man, woman, hermaphrodite, beast, even furniture and believe me this is just the beginning of the list. Now do you understand how stupid it is to be ashamed of me? She sang in a teasing voice.
Great, "looking through" my life will be a much hollow, perverted creature with no particular orientation ...
- And in your first life, at the beginning of your journey, who were you? - I could not restrain myself, I asked again.
- A woman. Once I was a woman, that after death I also became the champion of one god. Now, I'm a goddess myself. Something like this. She answered with an infectious smile.
- I see, thank you for answering. Can we now move on to reincarnation itself? - Exhaling the remnants of tension, I said.
- Yes, not at all. And yes, of course we can, but before you go on your journey, you need to choose a system. She said, and snapped her fingers.
Instantly a wheel of fortune with prizes in the form of various "systems" appeared next to us. It looks like I won't be able to choose myself, I'll have to trust fate ... Again.
- I didn't think there were so many systems ... - I said, looking at thousands of "lots".
Goddess : Of course there are a lot of them, because basically the path of the champion depends on the system! And that also adds variety! -
- Clear. I'll keep it on mind. I whispered as I examined the various systems.
- Come on! Launch it quickly, I'm also very interested. She said happily, jumping on the spot impatiently.
- So you don't know what will fall out for me?
- Of course not, otherwise what's the point! Everything is decided by chance, luck! -
- Okay, let's go. I muttered to myself and pulled the lever.
The wheel of fortune spun and did not stop for a long time. All this time, I was in tension waiting for the outcome, but the being next to me was clearly interested in this, many times stronger than me.
Finally, after about five minutes, the wheel began to slow down until it came to a stop.
The winning field flashed and golden letters gathered in the inscription: "Improvement System"
- She? - somehow sluggishly, a little disappointed she said.
- Something is wrong? - I asked, a little worried as I already liked the name of the system.
- No, that's right. It's just that I don't really like this system, since there is almost no "random" in it.
- Great, it suits me. - I answered with a smile. As I have already said, I do not like to rely on fate, luck.
- Actually, therefore, the "system" has never been used and has not been calibrated. - she added when she saw my joy ... Sick.
- What threatens me? I asked, frowning.
- Yes, nothing special. Perhaps something may not work, or maybe everything will be fine. Now I cannot configure, check it, since I am just an avatar and am not capable of such a thing. Therefore, I will have to go back to the original and fix and adjust the system there. In general, I can give you another chance to try your luck, or you will suffer one "life", and there your system will be updated. - she said, focusing on "try your luck." It looks like she is not very good, she wants to give me this system ...
- Nothing, I will bear it. - I answered with a smile. I really didn't want to try my luck again. Some sort of "Case System" will drop out to me and I will twist to sit, or rather, twirl on x ..
- As you want. Now there is one last thing left, assistant. Whom do you want? A woman? She asked with a calm smile.
- Not! Not that! Just imagining it, I get a herd of goosebumps! She will always hear, see everything that I create, and most likely also read my mind! It's a nightmare! Never! - I exclaimed and turning my head in different directions.
- Ha-ha-hee-uh, then you a man? - She laughed, seeing my reaction.
- No, this is not an option either ... Artificial Intelligence. Yes, I want my AI as an assistant. Jarvis, Tony Stark is perfect for this. Can this be done? I asked expectantly.
- Can. And it has already been implemented. Jarvis is already waiting for you.
- So, what is next? - I asked her, spreading my hands.
- Nothing. Good luck with your adventure. She said, and snapped her fingers.
A moment, and found myself in a light square room. It all happened too quickly. It looks like you blinked incredibly fast.
Then a semi-mechanical voice sounded in my mind.
- Greetings, sir. My name is Jarvis. I am your advisor and assistant. -
- Greetings, Jarvis. Tell me where we are and how we will go on our "journey".
"You are now inside the system sir. To start the journey, you must tell me which world you want to go to, as well as the time, gender and section of your appearance.
- Everything seems to be clear ... Except for this "section of appearance", explain it to me.
"The thing is, Sir, you can't choose the appearance that you get. It is chosen purely random and then it is configured by the system itself. And yet, despite this, you can choose one of the "sections" of appearances to reduce the "spread". You have access to the "Games", "Films", "Series" and "Anime" sections.
Infection, after all, there is some kind of randomness in the system.
Okay, it's still better than relying on "nature." The system will give a better appearance in every way.
- Clearly, if you choose one of the sections, then the appearance will be selected only from it. For example, if I select the "Games" section, then I will come across "appearance" only from games ... Right?
"You got it right, Sir.
- Okay. Then I choose the "Anime" section. - I said, having made my choice. My decision is pretty obvious ... The only thing that scares me is that I can get the appearance of such characters as: "Felix" "Haku" or "Astolfo" ... But the chance of this is certainly small ... Yes?
- Let's continue. Male gender. Mir - "High School of the Dead". And make me the same age as the main characters. - I said to Jarvis, after thinking a little.
Why did I choose this particular universe? Well, everything is simple here. I wanted to collect knowledge of the same modern world as mine. And yet I have a "system", which means I need enemies for "pumping". In an ordinary, modern, calm world, it will be problematic, "pumped over".
Well, only if you do not become a murderer, terrorist or maniac.
But frail zombies are perfect for this. In this world, they are quite weak and numerous, which is perfect for me.
You might think that only abnormal people can choose the "zombie apocalypse" ... But is that person who survived death, met God and got the system normal? I think not really.
You could, of course, choose any other universe with a "zombie apocalypse" in the modern world. For example, Resident Evil ... But I'm not that crazy ... Maybe sometime in the future?
- Everything is ready, sir. I am waiting for your command.
- Go. I said, exhaling.
As soon as my words had time to sound, I instantly passed out.