A Second Chance

"Mmm~"

Luke's eyelids fluttered as he slowly regained consciousness. A wave of dizziness washed over him, and a sense of disorientation clouded his mind. As he tried to sit up, he realized he was lying on a smooth, featureless surface that stretched out endlessly in all directions.

Panic surged through him as he took in his surroundings—a vast, blinding white void, empty of landmarks or anything remotely familiar.

"Where... where am I?" he thought, his heart pounding. The last thing he remembered was a sharp pain in his side and Elara's terrified face, pleading with him to hold on. Now, he felt oddly detached, as though his physical form was just a fading memory.

Just as he was beginning to grasp his situation, a woman's voice echoed around him, resonating deeply within him.

"[Welcome, Luke Dawnbringer.]"

He looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice, but he was alone. "Who—who are you?" he stammered, his voice shaky.

"[I am the God System. You have been granted a second chance at life.]"

Luke's heart skipped a beat. "A second chance? How? I... I died. I remember... I was shot."

"[Indeed, you have died. But before your soul could enter the cycle of reincarnation, the system chose to bind with you.]"

The voice was cool, emotionless—more like a programmed interface than a reassuring presence.

Luke struggled to wrap his mind around this. "What does that mean? What... what am I supposed to do now?" He felt a glimmer of hope despite the confusion.

Luke had read plenty of cultivation novels where protagonists gained special powers from systems, and now it seemed like he was living in one.

At just 18, Luke was the eldest in a family of four. He lived with his supportive parents and his spirited younger sister, Lily, two years his junior. Despite his family's encouragement, Luke had struggled academically, often facing a mountain of poor grades. If it hadn't been for Elara's help, he might not have made it to college.

He didn't consider himself much to look at—average in appearance, with a body that wasn't built for sports. Instead, he'd found solace in novels, escaping into worlds of adventure and heroism, where he could dream of a life far removed from his own challenges.

And now, with this second chance, maybe—just maybe—he could return to Earth someday.

"I could see Elara again!" His heart raced with excitement.

As if in response, the voice spoke, its tone as neutral as before.

"[The system can help you reincarnate. However, there is a condition.]"

Luke's heart clenched. "A condition?" he repeated, a flicker of dread in his chest, though hope still glowed in his eyes. Whatever it was, if it meant returning to Elara and his family, he would do it.

"[The system can reincarnate you, but not in your original world; it can only send you to a new one.]"

The weight of those words hit him like a punch. His hope shattered, the realization settling heavily on him. Leaving Elara, his family... was it really worth it?

"[If you desire, I can record the coordinates of your world; when you reach a certain level, you may attempt to return to it.]"

The system's response felt almost empathetic. Luke felt slightly reassured, though a deep ache remained. Beneath the pain, however, a stubborn determination began to burn. "If I have to leave... then I'll find a way to come back."

"[That is an admirable resolve, Host. The world into which you will reincarnate will provide the opportunities you need to grow stronger. The path will be challenging, but it will empower you to reach your goal.]"

"So... is it a cultivation world? What kind of world am I going to?" Luke asked, his voice wavering between hope and apprehension.

"[The world you will reincarnate into is highly advanced, blending both technology and cultivation. Unlike the worlds in traditional wuxia novels, there are no flying swords or ancient sects. Power comes from cultivating cosmic energy.]"

"Cosmic energy?" Luke murmured, intrigued. In the cultivation novels he had read, cultivators harnessed spiritual energy. Was cosmic energy a new form?

'It doesn't matter,' he thought, determination hardening within him. 'If this path can bring me home, I'll do whatever it takes to become powerful.'

Ready to accept the system's offer, he found himself with lingering questions.

"Can I ask a few things first?"

"[Of course. If it is not confidential, I am here to answer.]"

Taking a steadying breath, Luke asked, "What exactly are you? Were you... created by someone?" His voice was tense. He didn't want to end up as a puppet, controlled by some unknown force.

The system paused, as if considering his question.

"[No, I was not created by any entity you need to fear. I am a product of cosmic forces, born from the origin laws that govern existence itself. I serve no master; my purpose is to assist those to whom I am bound. In this case, you.]"

Luke narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "So, you're... a neutral force? Not tied to any gods or higher beings?"

"[Correct. I am bound to no one—not to gods, nor to any other powers. I exist solely to guide and empower you, but every choice remains yours alone.]"

Luke felt tension ease from his shoulders. He had read tales where systems were mere tools for manipulation by higher beings, and this answer reassured him. "Alright... that's a relief." He exhaled, finally beginning to relax.

"One more thing... What exactly are the system's functions? How will you help me grow?"

"[If you wish to learn more about the system's functions, you must first bind with me.]"

"You mean... we're not bound yet?" he asked, surprised.

"[No, Host. I would not do so without your consent. Once the system binds to your soul, it is permanent; we will merge on a fundamental level. This is a significant decision, one that should be made with full understanding.]"

Luke nodded, a sense of appreciation growing for the system's honesty. "I appreciate the transparency."

Taking a deep breath, he squared his shoulders. "Alright. I'm ready."

He stood still, his heart pounding as the vast whiteness around him seemed to pulse with his thoughts. This was it—the turning point. He would leave behind everything he knew, including Elara and his family. But he was resolute.

"[Very well, Host. The God System will now bind to your soul.]"

As those words echoed through the endless expanse, Luke felt an indescribable force envelop him.

It wasn't painful, nor was it comforting. It was a cold, neutral sensation that seeped into his core, entwining with his very being. His soul quivered as the system's energy merged with his essence.

"[Binding process initiated.]"

"[Soul synchronization at 25%.]"

"[Soul synchronization at 40%.]"

"[Soul synchronization at 68%.]"

"[Soul synchronization at 99%.]"

"[Binding process complete.]"