Am I still alive? : Living for the first time in my 1000th life

It is said that surviving and living are similar but different. But what if you've died hundreds of times? Could you call this living? Or is it just surviving?

Iterum has been living his 998th life. They have been a man, woman, hermaphrodite, long-eared, beast, fairy, demon, angel, and now they're a slime. Facing a fierce beast infornt of them and facing another death. As the beast dig through the slime's defenseless body before crushing its core, Iterum once again prayed, "Please let me die."

Unfortunately, for 999th time Iterum open their eyes to face the world to live another life.

'WAAAAAAAAH'

Translation: "For heaven's sake! When will this eeeeend?!"

"Death give meaning to life. Would life be so meaningful if it accumulate or just become meaningless deaths?" As if taunting a voice answered their thoughts.

'Waaah! hik Uwaaaah!'

Translation:"Who? How? Wait! WHAT? YOU UNDERSTANDS ME?!" He was puzzled and cluelessly looked for an answer.

"This will be the last, my child. You've been surviving all these times. But now, please live, just this once. I'll return what had left you, what you love, and what you wished for. So now, LIVE my child." The voice calmly whisper to his ears as a flick of warm light was felt on his forehead.

He slowly loss consciousness and entered a dream.

"I'll atone for my sins. I'm begging you please let them live. Let me die in their stead please." I begged the mighty being infront of me.

"My child, I cannot turn back time. I might be the God of Life and Death but turning back time is not my jurisdiction."

"Please! How about making them live again? I-I just want them to live happily now, by my side."

"Even if they don't know you?"

"Yes, it's alright. I'll look for them. Let me remember them."

"But you will have to go through the retribution first before you meet them. "

"I understand. I will do it. I'll definitely will!"

"I'm sorry my child. I will not heed your request this time. I'll give it back when it's time. I will keep your sanity, their soul, and your life with them. For now, atone for your sins and suffer as many deaths that you've caused to innocent souls."

I wiped my tears when I wake up. This, this will really be the last right?

"Al, did you have another nightmare?" My mother's long fingers caress my cheeks to comfort me.

"No ma! The wight. It huwt my eyes when I wakey hehe." I smiled showing all my teeth

"Hahahaha Let's just eat breakfast huh?"

"Cofyyyy" I jumped out the bed and head to the table.

Am I still alive? Well, yes. And this will be the last so let's live this life to the fullest!