There was no time to think before my vision was assaulted with total darkness. A sudden event that thoroughly astounded me.
"Huh? Why'd the lights go out?" I was momentarily stunned.
Right now, I don't really know what's going on. First, the lights go out. Second, I can't move. Third, I nearly shat my pants. I heard before that on rare occasions, healthy people suffer paralysis. This condition, as they call it, was Sleep Paralysis.
I don't really remember sleeping before this, but it doesn't really matter. If it's sleep paralysis, then I'll go to sleep. It wasn't like I had any important matter to attend to anyway, so maybe I'll just think about life...
Mm, it's really dark. This darkness... it reminds me of my future.
I shook my head, ridding myself of such negative thoughts. Hold it together, me! You have a bright future ahead of you... probably.
I really can't help feeling weak at heart as I said that. As a matter of fact, I was a loner in the truest sense of the word. Well, I can't be totally blamed for that. When you get stuck on a hospital bed for a decade or two with no one to talk to but yourself, things can get a little dull. It doesn't help that both parents are also extremely busy, just so they could sustain my life by another day.
I know how much of a burden I was, so I really wanted my parents to just let me go, but it seems that they really do love me to death. Sigh, parents and their children, when will I ever understand such simple yet complicated love?
Nonetheless, I liked looking at the glass as half full. Although I wanted to so badly die already, I looked at the brighter side of things. Since I'm gonna die soon anyway, why not enjoy the rest of my time?
And that was when I found an amazing discovery. I dare say it was the best thing I ever found. What could it be other than the internet?
The internet was a wondrous place. Anything to everything was nearly available. Moreover, you never need to go outdoors for the internet. On the contrary, the internet worked best indoors. It was practically customized for people like me!
What caught my attention the most, however, were the miracles of Japan called anime and manga. When I discovered it, I felt as if my world of black and white had suddenly been visited by a tsunami of unicorns and rainbows. The world suddenly became that bit more colorful.
Over the years, I encountered a wide variety of series. The most popular ones, especially, were my first loves. As I watched more and read more, I gradually came to discover a new kind of entertainment - Novels.
If before it was like a unicorn, this time it was like a Pegasus. Each had their own unique traits that drew my interest. Gradually, I came to discover new titles from all kinds of countries such as China, Korea, and those from the West. It amazed me how people could have such limitless creativity.
And in plenty of such novels, especially the Eastern ones, there was one particular theme that I was strongly attracted to - Reincarnation.
It was an amazing concept. Who wouldn't want a second chance? I know I do! It was one of the only things that could comfort me as I approached my natural lifespan. I might have lost in life, but at least it wasn't so bad.
Anyway, it's been quite a while now since the blackout's been going. For some reason, I had an odd nagging feeling at the back of my mind, I felt that this situation was a bit strange. Normally, a big hospital such as this would have backup generators activated already, but what the heck is this? At least get a nurse to check on me! Your patient might get a heart attack here, you know?
Oh well, time to sleep, I guess...
Or not.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
No response.
Or so I thought.
[Welcome, Host.]
"Huh?" I replied blankly.
[Welcome to the System, Host.]
"Um... huh?"
[The System advises the host to temporarily shut up and listen as it will soon activate the Next World Generator.]
"You shut up." I retorted out of instinct.
[Ding! Starting up Next World Generator...]
"Wait."
[Ding! Generating random choices...]
"Is this for real?!"
[Ding! A choice has been selected. Sending host to another world!]
"Nani the fuc-" I exclaimed, but before I could finish, I was cut off. I immediately felt myself getting hit by a dizzy spell as a spatial tunnel grabbed hold of me and took me in for a wild ride, sending me to lands unknown.
...
Gradually, my consciousness cleared up.
Okay, what the heck is going on?
Once again, my vision was covered with a layer of darkness. But for some reason, this time felt a bit different?
Hmm? Why is this so uncomfortable?
Earlier, despite being in that boundless darkness, I was at least lying down on a comfortable bed. But now, why the heck is this so hard?
I raised my head.
"Ah!" I cried out and covered my eyes.
"Huh?" for a moment, I blanked out.
"HUH?!" this time, I was shocked.
"Wh-what's going on? Hello?" I uncontrollably shouted out, still dumbstruck. What's going on? Wasn't I in a hospital? Why am I in a weird forest? More importantly, why do I feel so great?!
[Yes, Host?] came the reply, crisp and swift.
"It's you!" I shouted, still feeling giddy.
[This is your System, Host.]
"My name is not Host!"
[Understood. What name would you like the System to call you?]
"Uh... my name, Jack Flay, will do."
[Understood, Jack Flay.]
"Call me Jack."
[Understood, Jack.]
"Now, where were we again? Oh yes, I remember now." I paused as my expression changed to one of disbelief, "Don't tell me you brought me back to life in another world?"
[Understood, I will not tell you I brought you back to life in another world.]
I momentarily blanked out. Holy shit! For real?
[Language, Jack.]
'Stop reading my mind!' I complained. 'Is... is this really real?" my tone was filled with wariness and anticipation.
[Correct, Jack. The System God found you too pitiful, so it decided to reincarnate you in a random world with a system, which is me.]
"Really really?" I said in excitement, but inwardly felt gloomy. I'll take your pity this time...
[Really really.]
"Wow." I was immediately lost in wonder. What a bizarre experience! At the same time, my emotions went into turmoil due to the mystifying situation, but then I realized something important, "Wait a minute, does this mean I died earlier?"
[Indeed.]
"Oh..." I felt somewhat dejected, it was a natural reaction. I haven't even managed to say my farewells to my loved ones yet. I couldn't help but sadly sigh.
[Don't worry, Jack. As my host, your parents will receive the blessings of the System God and live a fulfilling life. I also conveniently wrote a letter for them with your name. Don't ask how I did it.]
"I... that's... good... thank you...." tears glistened at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill as I bowed my head in gratitude.
[The System has no need for thanks, Jack. The System is here to help!]
"Okay, but thanks anyway. So what world am I in?" I was still feeling emotional, but I held myself back. I could go wild and cry to my heart's content later on, but for now, I had to get my bearings. After all, knowledge is power.
[The System God says that's up for you to discover.]
"Oh, okay..." I felt depressed.
"So, what other functions do you have?"
[Currently, the System's available functions include Status, Shop, Inventory, and the Mystery Box which is only available once in a lifetime.]
At that last sentence, I perked up as my eyes seemed to spout fire. As a reader who has read plenty of novels with a System theme, how could I possibly be ignorant of the good stuff? Without a pause, I immediately asked, "Show me Mystery Box!"
[Ding! Opening Mystery Box...]
[Ding! Congratulations, you have received the Unique Item, 'Genie's Gift'.]
After which, the image of a strange blue man originating from a golden lamp gradually took form on the virtual screen in front of me. Aside from its fiercer visage and majestic bearing, it looked nearly identical to the Genie in Aladdin!
[Genie's Gift: The Genie is feeling magnanimous and decided to grant you with one wish of any kind. Choose wisely.]
[Ding! The System God sent you a message: You are one lucky bastard.]
I was instantly stunned.
There was no time to think before my vision was assaulted with total darkness. A sudden event that thoroughly astounded me.
"Huh? Why'd the lights go out?" I was momentarily stunned.
Right now, I don't really know what's going on. First, the lights go out. Second, I can't move. Third, I nearly shat my pants. I heard before that on rare occasions, healthy people suffer paralysis. This condition, as they call it, was Sleep Paralysis.
I don't really remember sleeping before this, but it doesn't really matter. If it's sleep paralysis, then I'll go to sleep. It wasn't like I had any important matter to attend to anyway, so maybe I'll just think about life...
Mm, it's really dark. This darkness... it reminds me of my future.
I shook my head, ridding myself of such negative thoughts. Hold it together, me! You have a bright future ahead of you... probably.
I really can't help feeling weak at heart as I said that. As a matter of fact, I was a loner in the truest sense of the word. Well, I can't be totally blamed for that. When you get stuck on a hospital bed for a decade or two with no one to talk to but yourself, things can get a little dull. It doesn't help that both parents are also extremely busy, just so they could sustain my life by another day.
I know how much of a burden I was, so I really wanted my parents to just let me go, but it seems that they really do love me to death. Sigh, parents and their children, when will I ever understand such simple yet complicated love?
Nonetheless, I liked looking at the glass as half full. Although I wanted to so badly die already, I looked at the brighter side of things. Since I'm gonna die soon anyway, why not enjoy the rest of my time?
And that was when I found an amazing discovery. I dare say it was the best thing I ever found. What could it be other than the internet?
The internet was a wondrous place. Anything to everything was nearly available. Moreover, you never need to go outdoors for the internet. On the contrary, the internet worked best indoors. It was practically customized for people like me!
What caught my attention the most, however, were the miracles of Japan called anime and manga. When I discovered it, I felt as if my world of black and white had suddenly been visited by a tsunami of unicorns and rainbows. The world suddenly became that bit more colorful.
Over the years, I encountered a wide variety of series. The most popular ones, especially, were my first loves. As I watched more and read more, I gradually came to discover a new kind of entertainment - Novels.
If before it was like a unicorn, this time it was like a Pegasus. Each had their own unique traits that drew my interest. Gradually, I came to discover new titles from all kinds of countries such as China, Korea, and those from the West. It amazed me how people could have such limitless creativity.
And in plenty of such novels, especially the Eastern ones, there was one particular theme that I was strongly attracted to - Reincarnation.
It was an amazing concept. Who wouldn't want a second chance? I know I do! It was one of the only things that could comfort me as I approached my natural lifespan. I might have lost in life, but at least it wasn't so bad.
Anyway, it's been quite a while now since the blackout's been going. For some reason, I had an odd nagging feeling at the back of my mind, I felt that this situation was a bit strange. Normally, a big hospital such as this would have backup generators activated already, but what the heck is this? At least get a nurse to check on me! Your patient might get a heart attack here, you know?
Oh well, time to sleep, I guess...
Or not.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
No response.
Or so I thought.
[Welcome, Host.]
"Huh?" I replied blankly.
[Welcome to the System, Host.]
"Um... huh?"
[The System advises the host to temporarily shut up and listen as it will soon activate the Next World Generator.]
"You shut up." I retorted out of instinct.
[Ding! Starting up Next World Generator...]
"Wait."
[Ding! Generating random choices...]
"Is this for real?!"
[Ding! A choice has been selected. Sending host to another world!]
"Nani the fuc-" I exclaimed, but before I could finish, I was cut off. I immediately felt myself getting hit by a dizzy spell as a spatial tunnel grabbed hold of me and took me in for a wild ride, sending me to lands unknown.
...
Gradually, my consciousness cleared up.
Okay, what the heck is going on?
Once again, my vision was covered with a layer of darkness. But for some reason, this time felt a bit different?
Hmm? Why is this so uncomfortable?
Earlier, despite being in that boundless darkness, I was at least lying down on a comfortable bed. But now, why the heck is this so hard?
I raised my head.
"Ah!" I cried out and covered my eyes.
"Huh?" for a moment, I blanked out.
"HUH?!" this time, I was shocked.
"Wh-what's going on? Hello?" I uncontrollably shouted out, still dumbstruck. What's going on? Wasn't I in a hospital? Why am I in a weird forest? More importantly, why do I feel so great?!
[Yes, Host?] came the reply, crisp and swift.
"It's you!" I shouted, still feeling giddy.
[This is your System, Host.]
"My name is not Host!"
[Understood. What name would you like the System to call you?]
"Uh... my name, Jack Flay, will do."
[Understood, Jack Flay.]
"Call me Jack."
[Understood, Jack.]
"Now, where were we again? Oh yes, I remember now." I paused as my expression changed to one of disbelief, "Don't tell me you brought me back to life in another world?"
[Understood, I will not tell you I brought you back to life in another world.]
I momentarily blanked out. Holy shit! For real?
[Language, Jack.]
'Stop reading my mind!' I complained. 'Is... is this really real?" my tone was filled with wariness and anticipation.
[Correct, Jack. The System God found you too pitiful, so it decided to reincarnate you in a random world with a system, which is me.]
"Really really?" I said in excitement, but inwardly felt gloomy. I'll take your pity this time...
[Really really.]
"Wow." I was immediately lost in wonder. What a bizarre experience! At the same time, my emotions went into turmoil due to the mystifying situation, but then I realized something important, "Wait a minute, does this mean I died earlier?"
[Indeed.]
"Oh..." I felt somewhat dejected, it was a natural reaction. I haven't even managed to say my farewells to my loved ones yet. I couldn't help but sadly sigh.
[Don't worry, Jack. As my host, your parents will receive the blessings of the System God and live a fulfilling life. I also conveniently wrote a letter for them with your name. Don't ask how I did it.]
"I... that's... good... thank you...." tears glistened at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill as I bowed my head in gratitude.
[The System has no need for thanks, Jack. The System is here to help!]
"Okay, but thanks anyway. So what world am I in?" I was still feeling emotional, but I held myself back. I could go wild and cry to my heart's content later on, but for now, I had to get my bearings. After all, knowledge is power.
[The System God says that's up for you to discover.]
"Oh, okay..." I felt depressed.
"So, what other functions do you have?"
[Currently, the System's available functions include Status, Shop, Inventory, and the Mystery Box which is only available once in a lifetime.]
At that last sentence, I perked up as my eyes seemed to spout fire. As a reader who has read plenty of novels with a System theme, how could I possibly be ignorant of the good stuff? Without a pause, I immediately asked, "Show me Mystery Box!"
[Ding! Opening Mystery Box...]
[Ding! Congratulations, you have received the Unique Item, 'Genie's Gift'.]
After which, the image of a strange blue man originating from a golden lamp gradually took form on the virtual screen in front of me. Aside from its fiercer visage and majestic bearing, it looked nearly identical to the Genie in Aladdin!
[Genie's Gift: The Genie is feeling magnanimous and decided to grant you with one wish of any kind. Choose wisely.]
[Ding! The System God sent you a message: You are one lucky bastard.]
I was instantly stunned.
