First Reincarnation (End of Prologue)

Ogden decided to gloss over Zerem's advice about genders for now and tried to change the subject.

"So? You still didn't tell me how can I reincarnate" Ogden asked again. Honestly, after his brief but eventful meeting with Zerem, he couldn't wait to start his next life. As an author this was a magnificent opportunity he could use in his works... well if he reincarnated in a modern world that is.

"Do you really have to go so soon? We were still getting to know each other and I really fought hard to earn this opportunity to be your neighbour"

To be frank, seeing a fierce orc giving you puppy eyes was a disgusting feeling. It's like seeing something familiar but not exactly familiar which creates a feeling of dissonance and disgusts you.

What was it called again? Right! The uncanny valley theory. The most famous example of this theory was human-looking robots and honestly, Ogden agreed that this theory was right. They really looked disgusting.

"Yes, I have to. I already told you that my life was uninteresting and average so if I want to tell you stories I have to live a new and interesting life" said Ogden trying to convince Zerem. Still, he left the part where he decided to live his life as unassuming as possible. He really was considering becoming a farmer.

Zerem thought about it and agreed eventually. He remembered an idiom 'Melon forcefully plucked tastes bitter' which meant if you do something forcefully it would end badly. Zerem really wanted Ogden to tell him stories to relieve his boredom but Ogden wanted to leave as soon as possible so if he kept him forcefully this would create some friction between them. Also since they had an eternity ahead of them he wasn't in any hurry.

"Fine, you are right. I hope that you keep your promise and live an interesting life that you can tell me about"

Ogden nodded, for now, he wanted to start his next life as soon as possible.

After they finished their tea Zerem brought Ogden somewhere that looked like a city centre. The buildings were a mishmash of modern, ancient and fantasy style so it looked kind of annoying. Couldn't they just pick a style and stick to it? Also didn't Zerem say something like there weren't more than a hundred perpetual reincarnators? So what's with the city centre that looked like it could hold thousands of people at the same time? And this was just a corner of the Underworld so he couldn't even imagine how big it truly was.

"Okay, we are here. Now you see that blue portal over there? You just have to walk through it and you will start your next life. Don't forget to start crying as soon as you gain consciousness otherwise they are gonna smack you hard. Hahaha" Zerem made a cringey joke again but Ogden didn't respond.

He was hesitating. Now that he was standing in front of the portal Ogden didn't know what to do. His mind was a mess. He was afraid of the blue portal in front of him. What if he reincarnated in hell or become a demon? He didn't want to do evil things!! He just wanted to have a chill and relaxing life.

"Um, what kind of world do you think I will reincarnate to?" He asked with uncertainty which made Zerem annoyed. Wasn't it Ogden who insisted to come here so what was with the cold feet all of a sudden?

"As I said before, it's totally random. If it's any consolation you are more likely to reincarnate in worlds similar to your origin dimension. Sometimes you might even reincarnate there again! But don't think this is absolute. It's at best about 5% more likely. So it is better to hope it's a modern world"

"So you are telling me I have a one in twenty chance to reincarnate in a modern setting. Ugh, I have never been good at anything related to luck... are you still sure you are not going to cast that memory sealing thing on me?" Ogden asked once again with hope.

"Humph, I won't so stop dillydallying and get on going now," said Zerem and shooed Ogden away.

"Okay then... I am really going now" Ogden took a step and turned back to Zerem.

"Come on then we don't have all day. If you are not going to reincarnate just say so and we can return home"

Ogden shook his furiously. He really wanted to go into a different life but he was scared of the unknown.

"Fine, I am going for real this time" Ogden turned back once again and looked at Zerem after taking another step towards the portal.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay? If you promise to teach me some magic or whatnot I might be persuaded to stay" said Ogden again.

"Argh, don't be such a bitch!" said Zerem and gave Ogden a big push on the back and hurled him towards the portal with unimaginable speed!

"ZEREEEEEEM! YOU BASTARD!!!!!" Ogden screamed as he passed through the portal.

As soon as Ogden went inside the portal the world became all dark and kinda... humid?

Then he felt a burning pain on his bottom and started to cry uncontrollably.

Did he just... get born?