Death

Our way in the world is not to let the world change us but to change the world.

To this day, I still wonder why the world has always seemed to hate me. I have lived my life just like any other. I was born to a middle-class family, went to a moderate school, and clearly wasn't exceptional in any way. After school, I got a dead-end job, and since then, everything has been going downhill.

However, by downhill, I don't mean that my life spiraled out of control or anything. No, I was very much in control, but I remained in the same spot for thirty years. My mates got married, had kids, bought cars; meanwhile, I couldn't do any of those without sending myself into unpayable debt.

However, I don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm dead. The dead truly have no worries, that I can attest to.

"Being dead isn't always a good thing, young one," a voice said suddenly.

"Who's there?" I asked in shock.

I couldn't say I was in a void, no. I was in a line, a long-ass line that stretched on for several kilometers on end. From what I could guess, this was the line to the afterlife. Honestly, I am disappointed in what I saw. You would think that when you die, you get judged immediately, but who knew the customer service here was bad?

"Now I realize why the celestials say your kind are self-centered. Do you really think you are the only race in existence?"

"Well, if you put it like that, then it kinda makes sense. By the way, what are you?"

"That should be obvious by now."

"A celestial?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Then what do you want with me?"

"Honestly, nothing. You are just as bland as every other human I have met, but I have a bet with another celestial, and I plan to win."

"Is this what I think it is?"

"You will get reincarnated into a universe of our choice. Whether you are familiar with said universe or not is not my business."

"So standard reincarnation stuff, right? Do I get any powers or items?"

"Let me see," the being said before silence reigned throughout.

Without the voice, everything returned to normal. The line reappeared, and looking around, it was almost as though none of that had happened. Was I hearing the voice in my head? Wait, did I even have a head?

"Okay, I'm back. Turns out I can give you an ability or item if I choose to, but I won't," the voice said in a cheerful tone.

"Why?"

"It's a bet. Imagine if you help me beat them without any powers or overpowered items from me," the voice said.

"Can you hear yourself? What makes you think I will be able to beat someone who has a clear advantage over me? This isn't some game or comic where plot armor exists."

"You don't even know the conditions of the bet. How are you so sure you will lose?"

"How are you so sure the other party wouldn't make their... champion nigh omnipotent?"

"Okay, that does make sense. Anyway, get ready. I'm sending you out of here."