"Happy birthday Ram," echoed the chorus of well-wishers as the celebratory atmosphere filled the room.
"Thanks everyone," I replied with a genuine smile, acknowledging the warmth of the greetings.
I am Ram Bharadwaj, a 31-year-old from Mumbai, India. It's my birthday today, and I find joy in the simple pleasures of life. I have a penchant for reading novels and mangas, immersing myself in captivating stories. Animes hold a special place in my heart, providing a source of entertainment and inspiration. Professionally, I am a high school teacher, sharing knowledge and shaping young minds. In the intricate dance of fate, my colleague has become something more – my cute girlfriend.
As the festivities wind down, I steal a moment to myself, glancing at my reflection in the mirror. "Today, I will go to meet her father for a marriage proposal," I announce to my reflection, a mix of excitement and nervousness evident in my eyes.
With purpose, I step into my car, ready to embark on a significant chapter in my life. The engine roars to life as I navigate the city streets, each turn bringing me closer to the momentous occasion.
However, fate takes an unexpected turn. The serene drive is abruptly disrupted as my car collides with another vehicle. The world around me blurs, and the screeching of metal against metal fills my ears.
The sequence of events hangs in suspense. The collision, the jolt, and the overwhelming darkness that follows. An unsettling question echoes in my mind.
"Am I going to be reincarnated because I was hit by a big truck?"
In the abyss of uncertainty, consciousness wavers, and the boundaries between life and the unknown blur.
.
.
.
.
As the veil of darkness lifts, I find myself in an ethereal realm. The surroundings are otherworldly, and an inexplicable calm prevails. The questions that lingered in my mind dissipate as I stand in awe of this mysterious space.
"Where am I?" I mutter, scanning the surreal landscape that stretches before me.
A soft voice resonates, seemingly from the depths of the ethereal expanse. "Ram Bharadwaj, you have been granted a second chance".
"A A loli, huh," I uttered, my words laced with a mixture of surprise and confusion.
"Uhh, what did you call a loli? I am the god of reincarnation, Celen, and I am going to reincarnate you," she declared with an air of authority.
"Oh, then will I get op skills?" I inquired, curiosity sparking in my eyes.
"Hehe, we will find this by spinning the wheel," she replied, her demeanor taking on a mischievous tone.
"Huh!" I exclaimed as Lady Celen summoned a mystical wheel, hovering in the ethereal space between us.
With a flick of her divine finger, the wheel began to spin, its vibrant colors blending into a mesmerizing blur. The anticipation built as I awaited the revelation of my fate in this new, fantastical realm.
And then, it stopped on a most unexpected outcome – online shopping.
"Online shopping?" I echoed, a mix of confusion and amusement evident in my voice.
"Yes, you can shop anything from Earth to the other world, Beltretast," she explained, her eyes gleaming with a cosmic mischief that only a god of reincarnation could possess.
"So, what will be its currency?" I inquired, trying to wrap my mind around the peculiar nature of this reincarnation system.
"It will use mind points (mp). The system will give you 100 mp to start. You can increase this amount by leveling up," she elucidated, unraveling the intricacies of the otherworldly economy.
With newfound knowledge, I contemplated the possibilities that awaited me in this uncharted realm. Lady Celen, the architect of my reincarnation, looked at me with an expectant gaze.
"So, what will you do in this new world?"
she prompted, her divine presence casting a glow in the space we occupied.
I hesitated for a moment, the weight of potential choices pressing upon me. Finally, I revealed my desire to build an empire, to carve a legacy that transcended the realms.
Lady Celen chuckled, a melodious sound echoing through the cosmic space. With a wave of her hand, she granted me not just a new life but a younger body, knowledge of the world, and some magical powers.
"In this world, I've found a location – vast and rife with potential. It's a place where you can build your empire. But beware, for it is filled with dangers. Your mp will increase with the growth of your population, the number of wives you acquire, and the structures you build. You can also use your skills as heirlooms for future generations. And, by the way, a special person in your life will also come soon," she revealed, her words echoing with a sense of destiny.
"Who?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued by the mysterious hint.
With a whimsical smile, Lady Celen simply said, "So, let's start."
And with that, the cosmic journey began.
.
.
.