Upon waking, Akuro, who had just opened his eyes, was astonished by the sight before him. He found himself in a place so incredible that words could hardly describe it.
The place was vast, seemingly endless. A realm where beautiful stars reflected in the shallow waters beneath his feet. It could be described as both awe-inspiring and terrifyingly beautiful. It exuded absolute peace, a profound silence, broken only by the gentle ripples of the water under his feet. It was calming. And as unbelievable as it seemed, he felt calm, even without understanding why.
However, questions soon flooded his mind: Where am I? What is this place? Why am I here?
It didn't take long for him to get his answers.
Suddenly, an old man dressed in a long male kimono appeared before him. Akuro's first thought was: Who's this old guy?
"I am God!" the old man declared.
Akuro's eyes widened in shock.
"And before you ask… Yes, I can read your mind!"
Akuro couldn't believe his ears. The old man claimed to be "God." He didn't want to believe it, but considering the man had just read his thoughts, he had no choice but to accept it.
"You must be wondering where you are and what this place is," the old man continued.
Akuro nodded and said, "Yes."
"Well, to start with where you are, I must first tell you who I am," he began. "As I said, I am God. But not just any God. I am… the most powerful God in all of existence and non-existence! Currently, there is literally no one above me. As an entity of such a high level, I can do *anything* I want," he clarified. "Cough… cough… Well… I could. As you can see, I'm quite old now."
Akuro listened with an incredulous expression.
"A… God…? The strongest… in all existence… and non-existence?!" Akuro thought.
"You must have heard in your world about things like universes and subsequent theories, like the Multiverse. Well, know that I am above all that. Be it planets, solar systems, stars, constellations, nebulae, galaxies, universes, multiverses, megaverses, omniverses, and countless other existences labeled as 'Verses.' I reside in an existence superior to anything anyone knows. This is the… INFINITYVERSE. An existence above literally *everything*. Above all Verses. Where every second, a life is born, where everything is created and destroyed simultaneously in a cycle beyond infinity," he explained tirelessly. "Cough… cough… Hahaha… Sorry, I think I'm taking too long to tell you who I am."
"Oh… no. Don't worry about me," Akuro said with a comical expression.
"Anyway, I am the Guardian of the Infinityverse, the one who oversees *everything* from above. An entity no one knows. I am the… Infinityverse God."
"I-Infinityverse… God?"
"Yes. Now, as for where you are… You're in a unique dimension exclusive to me. A dimension where no one can enter or exit without my permission. Not even other gods."
"Is this for real?! Wow… That's unbelievable! To think such a thing existed…"
"It is, isn't it? Especially for you. I've been watching you for some time and discovered you're what they call an 'Otaku.' I think you should be considered the greatest. In just a few days of observing you, I noticed you consume this kind of content ten times more than the average human. Oh… maybe I shouldn't say this, but… are you okay?"
"Oh… yeah. Sorry," Akuro said, embarrassed.
"Oh, no, no, no. No need to apologize. It's your life, do what you want. I'm not here to judge you."
"Ohhh… Thank you so much! Kami-sama!" Akuro bowed, crying emotionally.
"Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho…" the old man seemed flustered by the young man's somewhat… humorous attitude.
"But seriously, to think there's something like an Infinityverse, huh. I think it's too much for mere humans to comprehend," Akuro reasoned. "I don't mean to be rude, but… Kami-sama, is there really no one above you? Are you sure? Can you really do anything you want? I still can't believe such a thing exists."
"Of course. After all, the power of an Infinityverse God is a power that: *Infinitely Surpasses Infinity Itself*!"
"What?! Wait a minute, so there's something like 'Fictional Verses' too?!"
"Yes, they exist. But let me warn you. In your world, they may be considered fictional, but it's a fact that they exist. These Verses aren't fictional but real existences. This is because people in your world have had thoughts that align with these Verses, creating an illusion of creation and non-existence," he informed. "Just like the world you came from. It's just one among more than infinite Verses, Realities, Dimensions, and Existences."
Akuro couldn't believe it. After receiving this information, he felt small. Very small. Everything he knew was nothing but insignificant before this incomprehensible Infinityverse. With all this flooding his mind like a tsunami, the only thing that escaped his mouth was:
"Unbelievable…"
"This must be a shock for you, right, kid?"
"Yeah, it is… But I want to know why you brought me here. Wait… Don't tell me…" he started to feel excited.
"Huh?"
"You're going to reincarnate me in another world?!" Akuro asked, stars sparkling in his eyes.
"Oya, oya… Such enthusiasm, young man," the old man commented, scratching his beard.
Akuro was getting hyped. His blood was starting to boil.
"Answering your question… That will depend on you. However, let me warn you upfront. I won't give you systems or grant your wishes!"
"Wait, what?! What do you mean 'it depends on me'?! And why won't you give me a system or grant my wishes?!" All his previous excitement drained away.
"Calm down, kid. You're too hasty. I won't give you a system or grant your wishes because… I'm going to give you all my power!"
Akuro choked. He was speechless. He thought he must have misheard.
"What? What does that mean? A power that *Infinitely Surpasses Infinity Itself*… He's just going to give it to me?!" A thousand thoughts raced through Akuro's mind.
"Exactly. I will give you all my power," the old man confirmed.orig
"AHHH!! That scared me! I forgot you can read my mind!" Akuro tried to calm himself.
"About that, my apologies. I'm not very used to talking with people, so… Anyway, let me explain a bit more about this power since you're going to inherit it."
"Uh… alright…"
"This power grants its bearer *everything*. Anything the bearer wants or desires, this power will make it reality."
"Ohhh… That's… incredible! But what does this 'everything' mean?"
"It means *literally*… *EVERYTHING*. Knowing your nature, I know you like those fictional powers you consume."
"Oh… I don't mean to be rude, Kami-sama, but the medium they come from is called Anime and Manga."
"Let's not get hung up on details."
"If you say so…"
"As I said, there are Fictional Verses. Consequently, the powers used in them exist too. These powers originate from our power. From the power of an Infinityverse God. The powers they use are remnants of ours. Since these powers aren't originally theirs, they can only use them at an infinitely inferior level. Of course, they have no idea and don't even dream of such a thing."
"I see, but… Kami-sama, I've been thinking about this for a while, but… what do you mean by 'our' that you keep mentioning?"
"Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you, but I'm not the original owner of this power!"
"What?"
"This power has been passed down through generations of former Infinityverse Gods."
"Former? How many are there in total?"
"Including me, there are nine. Before me, there were eight others."
"But I don't understand. Why did they pass their power to someone else?"
"Hm?"
"I mean, as you said, this power can do anything the bearer desires. So why didn't they wish for immortality? Why did they let themselves die?"
"Immortality, huh?" he mused over the coveted word. "That's impossible for anyone who isn't the original owner!"
"Huh?"
"The original owner of this power, we call him the 'First.' We don't know his true name."
"The 'First'? He's the original owner of this power?"
"Yes."
"So why didn't he wish or want to be immortal?"
"But he *was* immortal!" he clarified.
"Wait, wait! That makes no sense! If he was immortal, how can he be dead?"
"It's a long story…" he began. "A long time ago, a terrible enemy appeared."
"An enemy…?"
"This enemy's power was so immeasurable that it was comparable to the 'First.' They were equal in terms of power."
"Hey, hey, hey! Two beings with all that power fighting each other?! Imagine the damage caused!"
"Relax, young man. Back then, there was *nothing*."
"There was… *nothing*? What do you mean?"
"Calm down. I'll get to that part," he requested. "The 'First' fought him with all his strength. It was a bloody, violent, ferocious, and epic battle to witness. There will hardly be another like it."
"If Kami-sama says so, it must have been truly incredible."
"There aren't even numbers to show how long they fought."
"Wow. That long?"
"Yes. For a very, very long time… Those two fought as complete opposites. While the 'First' represented goodness and hope, his enemy represented evil and despair."
"I see. They were like Yin-Yang."
"However, this fight had to end. With completely equal and balanced forces, in a final exchange of blows, they generated an energy explosion so powerful it destroyed them both."
"What?! You mean that's how the 'First' died?!"
"It was the only way that fight could end. After all, two completely immortal beings with equal powers were facing each other. Either the fight would never end, or both would have to die. Those were the only options."
"In my view, there's always another option," Akuro said, resentful of that outcome.
"Moving on, it was from that energy explosion that *everything* and *nothing* were born. From it, what no one but you and I know was created: the Infinityverse!"
"What?!"
"With the death of the 'First' and the creation of the Infinityverse, his power wandered through more than infinite places until it found a worthy host. However, it came at a price. While the former bearers of this power could do whatever they wished, they couldn't become *true* immortals. Thus, they were forced to pass this power on after finding someone worthy to inherit it."
"So… if I understand correctly, only the 'First,' the original bearer of this power, could achieve or be something like that?"
"Yes. But even though we Infinityverse Gods cannot become true immortals, we live for a very long time."
"Oh, really? About how long?"
"It varies from God to God. In my case, I'm about to complete…" he whispered the rest in Akuro's ear.
"Is there even a number that big in mathematics?!" Akuro exclaimed, showing his astonishment at hearing something unbelievable. "Anyway, how do you know so much about this? From the way you said it, this happened so long ago you didn't even exist. Was it your Omniscience or something?"
"No, no. Omniscience doesn't work with the 'First' since he's the source of the power."
"Then how…?"
"Haha… It's simple. Once we inherit this power, we gain access to the memories of our predecessors."
"Impressive."
"The only issue is that it takes longer to assimilate the memories of the 'First.'"
"He must have been one heck of a guy."
"We Infinityverse Gods spend eternity protecting it. However, when the power is passed to us, we're also granted the free will to choose whether to protect it or not. But amazingly, all the Gods chose to protect it instead of destroying it. And I'm no exception. That's why I told you at the start that I'm a Guardian of the Infinityverse."
"I see, I see."
"When I pass this power to you, I'll give you the same free will."
"Huh? I forgot. We were talking about the past and all, and I forgot to ask you."
"What's your question?"
"Why did you choose me, of all the vast beings that exist?"
"I'm sorry, young man. But I can't answer you. Besides, you might achieve what we couldn't."
"Achieve? Achieve what?"
"True and total immortality!" he exclaimed.
"Hold on! Wasn't it only the 'First' who could access that?!"
"Yes. But you're different from all of us."
"I'm different? Different how?"
"Alright, alright. Enough questions. Now, come closer. I'm going to pass the power to you."
"Oh… okay."
Approaching the Old God, Akuro received two fingers on his forehead.
Then, the Old God's body was enveloped in a shimmering light, which transferred into Akuro's body. After a while, the light faded.
"Something wrong? How do you feel?"
"It's… impossible to put into words. It's an incredible feeling! I feel like I can do anything!"
"And that's because you can," he laughed.
"Man… what an amazing sensation!"
"So, kid? Did you achieve true immortality?"
"Uh… I have no idea," Akuro said, tilting his head and scratching his neck.
"It's simple, use your Omniscience."
"Oh, yeah, you're right," he said as if a light bulb had gone off in his mind.
Akuro closed his eyes, trying to use his Omniscience. Minutes later, he opened them again.
Akuro showed a high degree of perplexity.
"What is it, young man?" His tone was like someone who already knew what he was asking but asked anyway.
"It's like you said, Kami-sama. I've become… immortal! My power tells me so. Just as someone knows they'll get hurt jumping off a building, I know I've become immortal."
"Ohh… Hahaha. It seems we have a second Infinityverse God in history to be immortal."
"But you know, I still don't understand why this happened to me," Akuro said, some part of him refusing to accept he was truly chosen for this. "Wait! Maybe if I use…"
"Don't even try," the Old God advised.
"What?"
"You thought about using your Omniscience to find out how you achieved immortality, didn't you?"
"Yes…"
"Then forget it. Immortality is directly tied to the 'First.' So your Omniscience won't work."
"Ohhh… That's how it is…?" he wilted like a flower without pollen.
"Answer me. Can you already see the memories of the other bearers?"
"Yes, except for the 'First's."
"No need to worry. One day, you'll see them. Now you're immortal. Time is something you have plenty of."
"I guess you're right. You know, Kami-sama…"
"Yes?"
"All this still… it still doesn't sink in. After all, why was *I* chosen in this incomprehensible Infinityverse?! Please, tell me!"
"I already told you, young man. I can't tell you."
Akuro lowered his head, unable to get the answer. Without saying, he had already used his Omniscience earlier to try to find out something about it. But for some reason, he couldn't discover anything.
"Don't despair, young man. Not getting the answer you seek now doesn't mean you'll never find it. Surely, at some point in your life… you will."
"I think you're right. No point racking my brain over it now," he sighed.
"Well said, young man."
Right after saying this, the Old God began to disintegrate into golden light particles.
"Wait a second! What do you mean by that?! Why are you disappearing?!" Akuro panicked. "Hold on, I'll use my power, and then…" he threatened to start using it immediately.
"Don't do that, young man! Remember, I said I was already very old. That's why I had to pass the power to you as quickly as possible."
Akuro's eyes, for some reason, began to well up with tears.
"Hohohoho… Don't make that face. You're now the INFINITYVERSE GOD! You can't cry over just anything anymore. Listen to me, kid, I want you to promise me one thing. Live the way you want to live. Free, without restrictions. Don't get attached to anything. Do whatever you want and don't pay attention to others' opinions. I know this goes against everything I've told you before, but… If you want to be a villain, an evil person, be one! If you want to be a hero, do good deeds, help anyone, protect your friends, comrades, and loved ones, do it! If you want to be neutral, go ahead! If you want to destroy the Infinityverse, destroy it! If you want to protect it, the choice is yours! Understood? What I mean is… live as you wish. Do what you feel like in the moment. Don't limit yourself to anything or anyone. That's all I want you to do, and promise me."
Akuro quickly wiped the tears around his eyes, replaced by a serious and determined expression.
"In the name of the former bearers, and I, who am now the 10th… I SWEAR TO LIVE FREELY!!!"
The Old God's face was covered with a wide smile.
"Heh, that's good. That's… good…"
And after leaving his final words, he vanished completely. Akuro stared at the spot where he had been, motionless for a while, before snapping out of his trance.
"I guess… now I should decide what to do from here on out. But first…"
Suddenly, a golden aura enveloped Akuro's body. His hair turned the same shade, though his eyes became a kind of aqua-green.
"Awesome! So this is the famous Super Saiyan? So cool, I can really do anything I want. Just by imagining, I managed to transform into the legendary Super Saiyan. I feel no restrictions. I can increase and decrease the Super Saiyan's power as much as I want. I have total control over this transformation. So, let's see…"
"Kaioken!"
A red aura overlaid the golden Super Saiyan aura.
"Unbelievable! I can increase Kaioken as much as I want, with no restrictions or limits. A certain someone can only go up to 20x and still has some difficulties. But I'm already boosting it to 100x and feel nothing. Nothing but my power increasing absurdly! This… this is surreal!"
After this, Akuro reverted from the transformation. He closed his eyes and wished to know how many transformations of that kind existed. The result left him stunned but smiling.
"It's truly incredible. But this surprised me. I discovered transformations I've never seen in anime or manga. There were so many, each stronger than the last, it seemed endless." After this self-reflection, another thought occupied his mind. "Now… which Verse will I go to?"
Akuro thought for a while before seeming to decide.
"The Verse I'll go to will be: High School DxD. It might seem cliché, but I have some different things to do there. Anyway, with everything decided, all that's left is to move forward."
Suddenly, a portal appeared before Akuro. Without further ado, he leaped into it, ready for his adventures in this complex, incomprehensible, and never-before-considered: INFINITYVERSE.