"Chapter 1: Meeting with the Old Man"(Revised Version)

"Where am I now and why am I talking to myself? It's quite simple – I'm dead. That's right, what a surprise. I find myself in emptiness, like in typical stories where heroes die and end up somewhere, then meet a god. The most surprising thing is that I ended up here when I expected to go to hell, the place they scare children with.

Why was I supposed to go to hell? It's quite simple – I knew how I lived and what awaited me. I probably thought I could find a job there. It's always better than suffering eternal torment. Back to the point: here I am, pondering what to do next. Wait for the big G or ROBA, as they call them, or try to escape to where I'm supposed to go.

How did I die? It's quite simple – no truck-kun or heroic saving of women or children from disaster. I died like a typical old man from a heart attack at the age of over 25. How did it happen? It's quite simple: late-night gaming sessions, energy drinks, and coffee – all led to a heart attack in a young body. And that's how I ended up here."

??? - You're quite an interesting young man, may I say?

Alexander - Well, I think it's quite logical that someone like me should end up in hell rather than getting a chance at reincarnation and such.

??? - And why exactly did you decide your place is in hell, not, for example, in heaven?

Alexander - I believed in Hell and Heaven and thought that for one's actions, one should bear punishment. Plus, I thought I could find work in Hell.

??? - Haha, first time I see someone who wants to find a job in Hell. You're truly an interesting kid.

Alexander - I guess, thank you. Who are you, old man, God or ROBE?

??? - Neither one, kid.

Alexander - So you're the One Above All, right?

OAA - That's right, and you win a prize! clap-clap-clap Bring the prize to the studio, well, actually, to the void.

Alexander - You're quite a jovial old man.

OAA - I'm not old. Why does everyone I meet think I'm old? Even my two sons think I'm already old.

Alexander - blank stare You do realize you're older than the multiverse that's been around for eons, right?

OAA - These are all trivialities, young Alexander.

Alexander - And now you're speaking like the Almighty. sweating profusely

OAA - Alright, let's leave all these trivialities and discussions. Now that you've figured out why I'm here, will you choose to be reborn or will you go where your karma dictates for your actions and the life you've lived?

Alexander - Well, I think only a fool would refuse. So, what can I wish for and what can't I?

OAA - You can wish within reason, don't be greedy, young friend.

Alexander - Then, what's the upper limit of power I can wish for? Can I choose the world I'll go to and change my appearance?

OAA - As for power, I think you understand it's not about omnipotence and such. As for the other questions - yes and yes.

Alexander - A rather vague answer about power, but okay. Let me think for a couple of minutes and I'll tell you my answer, if that's okay with you.

OAA - Everything's fine, take your time.

[Some time later...]

Alexander - I think I've decided on the abilities I need. I want all the abilities of Anos Voldigoad.

OAA - Well, those abilities don't contradict what I mentioned earlier. But can you explain why these powers specifically?

Alexander - I'm not satisfied with typical main characters who overcome everything with willpower and friendship. I want to be strong and unconditionally dominant, breaking any barriers effortlessly, without getting into blood and dirt. I need power to live on the edge, where I am respected and feared, and where every step I take becomes a challenge for those around me.

OAA - So you just don't want to bother?

Alexander - Exactly. And one last question before you send me to the world I choose. Can I absorb their powers and knowledge here before going on adventures?

OAA - (laughs) You really surprise me, kid. No one has asked to stay to absorb powers before leaving. Well, sure, you can absorb knowledge and powers here. Just let me know when you're ready.

Alexander - Thank you. And one more thing. Can I get starting weapons, or can I only ask for powers?

OAA - What starting weapon do you want, my young friend? But remember, it shouldn't disrupt the balance of the world you're going to.

Alexander - The swords Yamato and Beowulf.

OAA - Well, I think such weapons can be allowed. Why this choice specifically, and not something more exotic like the Gates of Babylon or Solomon's rings?

Alexander - These are my favorite weapon. I like their style.

OAA - (laughs) Good choice. Are you ready to begin receiving powers?

Alexander - Yes, I'm ready. And regarding appearance, before I head to another world with my face and dead fish eyes, I want a look like Anos, but with eyes the color of mystical death perception, not like Satoru's.

OAA - Noted. Let me know when you're ready to begin.

ОАА: Good, when you absorb the powers and experience, you'll be ready for adventures. And please, name the world you wish to journey to.

Alexander: Alright, alright, no need to get upset. I'm ready to receive your blessing, oh great elder.

ОАА: Oh, don't make it all so bad. Absorbing such a volume of knowledge will be a bit unpleasant, so bear with it for a while.

Some time later...

Alexander: I must say, it's been quite an interesting experience. Feeling these powers and seeing how I look now... I can say I'm pleased with myself.

ОАА: Well then, are you ready for your adventures, young Alexander?

Alexander: Yes, I'm ready to journey to another world. I want to go to the world of Danmachi, a year before the main events start. And if possible, I'd like to enter an alternate universe where Bell is a girl? And please, I prefer it to be near Orario. I just don't want to travel too far. Can I also receive a small starting capital so I can afford housing and food until I find a family to join?

ОАА: Of course, that's possible. And don't worry about using weapons and gaining experience; you'll learn all that as soon as you arrive in the other world. So, are you ready?

Alexander: Yes, I'm ready. And thank you very much for everything you've given me and the opportunity to fully enjoy life.

ОАА: Then I wish you a safe journey, young Alexander, and may luck always be with you.

"This isn't The Hunger Games," I managed to shout before the portal sucked me in, and all I heard afterward was the laughter of that old man before everything went dark.

Some time later...

After waking up, I found myself already in the forest. Nearby lay the weapon I had asked for from the old man, and a small pouch of money from this world, if I remember correctly, they are called Valis. As for the clothes I was wearing, at first, I thought it would be the standard attire of the power I had chosen. However, it turned out to be clothing similar to Vergil's from DMC, which pleasantly surprised me because I've always liked his style.

Now, onto the silliest question I hadn't thought about before asking for the weapon: where do I put it? Maybe I can store it and summon it, like in those games. And it seems to have worked. I practiced a bit with summoning and dismissing the weapon to better understand how it works.

Now, the most important moment — how much money did the old man give me? Peeking into the Valis pouch, I found a note from the old man with a short message: "Don't thank me, sometimes we all forget something."

Alexander: Ha-ha-ha, I admit, the old man has a sense of humor.

After reading the note and laughing at my own foolishness, I decided to check how much money I received as a starting capital. There were about a million Valis in the pouch, enough for me to rent a nice room or buy a decent house until I join a god and their family. Well then, I can start my adventures.

To be continued...