Chapter 4: Foggy Space

In a vast space shrouded in dense fog, three humanoid figures stood around a stone round table. They gazed at one another, but a momentary headache interrupted them.

However, this headache granted them knowledge of their surroundings, certain rules, their identities, and how they were connected to each other to a certain extent.

The facts before them were beyond common understanding: first, the experience of reincarnating into a fantasy universe; second, this utterly strange place; and lastly, the three figures originally came from the same soul, which was then divided and scattered by the threads of a higher being.

They had been sent to different times and spaces but were now reunited for a specific purpose to survive in their respective new worlds of origin. It was like a fanfiction story they had read, where a soul was divided into different parts and became too powerful for their respective worlds by sharing powers with their other selves.

However, due to their awareness of a similar environment, several restrictions were imposed in this space.

"It seems that I wasn't just reincarnated into one world, but into multiple realities of different worlds. As the saying goes, one for all and all for one," commented Azar, the young Zygerrian prince, as he observed his counterparts more amicably. Upon closer inspection, they had similar physical traits but slightly different due to their experiences.

"Indeed, but unlike that story we briefly read where everyone benefited in each meeting, one of the restrictions, let's call it rule number one, is that temporarily, only one of us will benefit from this encounter. I think we should call it The Blessing," said Dr. Whitman.

"That brings us to rule number two. In each meeting, another of us, or what was once a single being, will join, coming from another world. Now, rule number three: when we reach an even number of members, The Blessing will increase by one. For example, now we are three, so only one will benefit; in the next meeting, two will receive the blessing," explained Claus.

"Similarly, rule number four states that The Blessing is the ability to transfer knowledge, experience, skills, powers, talents, or stuff, in a manner similar to the movie In Time. The one bestowing the talent places their arm over the forearm of the other, who receives the ability with their hand beneath the other's. They can see these attributes like a character window in a video game and choose what they want," mentioned Azar.

Dr. Whitman sighed. "Which brings us to rule number five. If, for example, one of our counterparts grants a blessing from a fantasy world with magic, and the recipient is from a world like Naruto and chooses a magic talent, what they'll receive will be something compatible with their world. In this case, they might gain chakra if they didn't have it or an increase if they did. In other words, what we receive will transform into something compatible with our universe."

Claus continued, adding, "With the next rule, number six, each meeting is a critical point to discuss the events of our worlds to determine who needs The Blessing the most. Since each encounter is unpredictable due to the different flow of time between universes."

"Leading to the final rule, if one of us or one of our counterparts dies in their origin universe, a statue will take their place in our current seat to continue bestowing blessings to the others, but to a lesser extent. Additionally, another self may emerge in our universe but at a different time than the one originally lived," said Azar.

Dr. Whitman, wanting to add, said, "Don't you think it would be odd if we referred to each other as 'hey, me from universe X'? We should refer to ourselves by our new identities."

Claus and Azar looked at each other simultaneously at Dr. Whitman's words and nodded in agreement after a silent conversation, realizing that despite sharing the same past memories, they were now different in their new worlds.

"I think it's a good point. Let's start with introductions. In my new life, I am called Azar Scintel. As you can see, although we don't share exactly the same physical traits, I am no longer human. I am a Zygerrian. I was reincarnated into the Star Wars universe, currently in the year 32 ABY. I am 18 years old," Azar recounted, sharing his new life experiences, family conflicts, new race and political environment, as well as his romantic relationships with Ahsira and Sheera, and his recent events and current direction.

"How enviable, living a semi-harem life with this Sheera and Ahsira. My circumstances in my universe won't allow it, only one at a time legally and morally, or maybe several but cheating them" commented Dr. Whitman.

"Putting that aside, my name is Claus of Sparta. Based on my deductions, I am in the world of 300, the film directed by Zack Snyder. I survived the famous agogé. I am currently 31 years old, probably the oldest among us. My only known family in this world is my mother, who passed away a couple of years ago. Finally, before coming here, I witnessed my King Leonidas I throw the emissary into the pit, shouting the iconic line from the movie," explained Claus of Sparta.

"As for me, my universe is the TV series Grey's Anatomy. I realized it when I arrived at Seattle Grace Hospital a year before the main plot, currently a day before the storyline begins. My name is Dr. Josh Whitman, specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. For now, I am a virgin, focusing on my career and occasionally on my business ventures. I am 26 years old," declared Dr. Whitman.

After hours of exchanging stories, the conversation focused on the purpose of their meeting: The Blessing. Azar explained, "We must decide who will receive the blessing, as I feel our time is running out."

Josh looked at his counterparts, pondering deeply before commenting. "For now, I don't really need to receive the blessing. Since my world is normal, I'd look for something more appropriate or similar to my modern world if another version of me appears. This leaves us only three options: either I give my medical knowledge to either of you, or Azar receives Claus's combat experience, considering your current situations."

Azar, with a reflective expression, said, "I also find it unnecessary to receive anything, as I am about to get involved in the final part of The Phantom Menace, to facilitate the aerial battle and build connections with the characters to achieve my goals. The key point is that Claus will most likely be selected for the Battle of Thermopylae."

Claus, with a slight smile, intervened. "Without a doubt, I am the one in the most dangerous situation at the moment besides Azar. Additionally, as Josh said, I want to receive the blessing of medical knowledge, perhaps to last longer in the upcoming battle with my compatriots or to survive."

Claus and Josh stood up to perform the first blessing. Like a video game, Claus saw a character window for Josh. After visualizing what to obtain, he decided on Medical Knowledge. According to the rules, he would receive this knowledge in a manner suited to his time but slightly more advanced.

As they prepared to return to their respective worlds, they parted with deep respect and gratitude, Claus carrying with him not only his new medical knowledge to survive the cruel battle ahead but also the certainty that they would always be united by their common origin and shared purpose.