1: Here we go again

I awoke in an empty expanse, a void of white that stretched infinitely. There were no familiar sounds, no landmarks, just silence. Panic gave way to curiosity as I realized my ethereal existence here. I was weightless, and even my voice vanished into nothingness. As I gazed around the endless white void, my solitude was suddenly shattered by a voice that seemed to thunder from the heavens. I whirled around to see the source, my eyes widening in awe. Before me stood a colossal figure, radiant and ethereal, with wings that stretched into infinity. It was like something out of the grandest biblical paintings—an angelic being beyond imagination. I stumbled back a step, my voice reduced to a mere whisper, as I beheld this magnificent presence, wondering if I had stumbled into some celestial realm. The being's gaze fixed on me.

With a sense of trepidation and humility, I managed to stammer, "Who...who are you?"

The ethereal figure regarded me with eyes that shimmered like galaxies, and a voice as soothing as a gentle breeze answered, "Fear not, for I am your guide in this realm. You have ventured beyond the mortal plane and into the boundless expanse of the afterlife. You are a welcome guest in the realm of the eternal, and I am here to be your companion."

I struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the situation, my words almost escaping me as I asked, "The afterlife? Is this... heaven?"

The angelic being gave a benevolent smile. "Heaven, the ethereal plane, call it what you will. It is a place beyond time and space, where the soul seeks its ultimate truth and purpose. You, my dear friend, have transcended your earthly existence to seek the wisdom of the infinite."

I felt a sense of calm washing over me, as if the figure's words were a balm for my soul. This extraordinary guide radiated an aura of serenity, and I knew I was in the presence of a being beyond mortal comprehension.

The angelic being nodded, acknowledging my curiosity, and said, "You stand in this timeless void as a reflection of your past life's karma, for every action has its consequences. Your presence here is a testament to your journey through the cosmos, the choices you've made, and the balance of your soul's account. You are neither condemned nor entirely exalted; you simply exist in this moment to explore and reflect."

I couldn't help but contemplate the weight of my past deeds, wondering how they had led me to this surreal plane. The figure's gentle demeanor provided a reassuring presence, and I felt a strange blend of acceptance and the desire to learn more about the enigmatic nature of my existence.

As I gazed into the infinite void, the angel's words triggered a vivid flashback of my past life. I remembered the gritty city where I was born, a place where crime and corruption ran rampant and the law was often a mere illusion. In that unforgiving landscape, I had chosen a different path. Instead of pursuing a conventional career, I had become a vigilante. Not one of the renowned caped crusaders, but a shadowy figure known well enough across a few states to elicit hushed conversations in the darkest corners.

In the haunting recesses of my own mind, I once asked myself, "Why tread this treacherous path? Why don't I don a mask and take the law into my own hands?" It was a question that had no easy answer. But the one thing I knew was that in a world where the corrupt preyed upon the innocent with impunity, I couldn't stand idle.

My life as a vigilante was a journey marked by both triumphs and tragedies, but the image that remained etched in my memory was that fateful night when I had tried to save a woman. She was just an ordinary soul, caught in the crossfire of a crime she had no part in. I had rushed to her aid, as I always did, with the unwavering belief that justice could prevail.

But that night, justice had been elusive. In my attempt to shield her from danger, I had met my end. It was a sacrifice I had been willing to make, and as I drifted deeper into the memory, I realized that this life of mine had been shaped by a profound sense of duty and an unquenchable desire to make the world a better place.

The ethereal figure, now aware of my innermost thoughts, spoke gently, "You are in this void, my dear soul, because of your karma—karma marked by your unwavering dedication to justice and the pursuit of good. You have earned a rare audience with me."

A sense of clarity washed over me as I realized the reason for my presence in this place of infinite white. The angel's serene countenance made me feel at ease, despite the magnitude of the revelation.

With a voice as soothing as a gentle breeze, the angel presented me with a choice—one that would shape my destiny. "You have two paths before you. The first leads to paradise, where you can bask in eternal tranquility and serenity. The second offers you a new beginning, a rebirth into a world untouched by your past, with a unique boon to guide you. The choice is yours, my dear soul. What shall it be?"

My decision was swift, and my heart was aflame with the unending desire to make a positive impact. "I choose rebirth," I replied, my voice filled with determination.

Curiosity overcame me, and I couldn't help but wonder about the world into which I would be born. With a sense of anticipation, I inquired, "Tell me more about the world I'll be reborn into. What will it be like, and what boon shall guide my path?"

The angel nodded, its ethereal presence radiating warmth and reassurance. "You will be reborn into a world you're familiar with, a world akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, there will be differences to challenge and excite you."

"As for your boon," the angel continued, "it will be allocated based on the culmination of your past life's deeds, your karma, and your unwavering determination to make a difference. Your unique personality will shape this boon, offering you the abilities and qualities you need"

I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement at the prospect of being reborn into a world inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. You see, the tales of superheroes like Batman, Superman, and Captain America have always been a significant part of my life. Those characters had been a source of inspiration and fascination, shaping my worldview.

I remembered countless nights spent immersed in comic books and superhero movies, marveling at the incredible powers and unwavering principles of these larger-than-life figures. Although I didn't always strictly adhere to their no-killing rule during my vigilante days, I had always respected the underlying idea. The concept of second chances, even in the darkest of times, was something I held dear. However, I was also acutely aware that not everyone was deserving of such redemption.

So, standing in the presence of this ethereal being and hearing about the world I would soon enter, I couldn't help but feel a surge of enthusiasm. The thought of stepping into a realm where superpowers, incredible technology, and moral dilemmas were commonplace was nothing short of a dream come true. I would have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the heroes I had admired, striving to make a real difference, protect the innocent, and bring justice to those who needed it most.

"Before we proceed," the angel said in its soothing tone, "do you have any questions, my dear soul? Is there anything you wish to know or clarify before you embark on this new journey?"

I couldn't help but wonder about my memories. Did I have to leave my entire past behind, or was there a way to hold on to some fragments of who I used to be? "What about my memories?" I inquired, my curiosity getting the best of me.

The angel regarded me thoughtfully for a moment, as if considering my request. "I can't allow you to retain all your past memories," he began, "but I can offer you something in return. I can grant you fragments of memories related to the Marvel Universe, the world you're about to enter. However, this would come at a cost—your boon would be granted later in your new life, somewhere between the ages of 18 and 25."

I weighed the options in my mind. The allure of having some connection to the world of Marvel, a universe I had always admired, was tempting. Yet, the desire to receive my boon earlier and make a positive impact on the new world was equally strong. After a brief moment of contemplation, I nodded in agreement. "I'll accept your offer. Give me those fragments of Marvel memories. I'm ready to begin this new journey."

The angel offered a serene smile, his ethereal presence filling me with a sense of tranquility. "Very well," he said softly. "It's time for you to begin your new journey. You shall be reborn in the world of the MCU, with your chosen boon and fragments of memories. Embrace this opportunity, and may you find the hero within yourself once more."

With those words, the angel's form seemed to shimmer with radiant light. I closed my eyes, ready for the unknown, and felt a gentle rush of wind surrounding me. When I opened my eyes again, I was no longer in the blank expanse of the afterlife.