Darkness.
But this is different from what I expected. Why am I still conscious?
I try to speak, but no sound comes out.
Am I dead? Is this what being dead is like?
Surely not. It can't be. But if it is, will I float here, inside of the darkness, endlessly?
A shudder runs through my spine as I think of the never-ending nightmare filled with boredom.
Until I see the familiar flash again.
[DING!]
[System: FEAR-ENGINE v1.0]
[Dear Host, your consciousness is currently being transported to a suitable body. If you have any preferences, please provide them to the system.]
A system?
Interesting. As ridiculous as it is, it would explain my current situation, along with my last memory.
Let's think about this later.
Whether this is a dream or not doesn't matter. Preferences.
How can I even communicate with the system...? I can't speak, nor write.
System, can you perhaps read my thoughts?
[DING!]
[System: FEAR-ENGINE v1.0]
[Affirmative.]
In order to choose the right preferences, I need to know more about the system.
[System: FEAR-ENGINE v1.0]
[Affirmative.]
[FEAR-ENGINE v1.0 system allows its Host to feed on fear, cultivating both body and spirit.]
[The Host has full autonomy over their actions, and is not required to fulfill the desires of the system.]
[However, the system strongly encourages doing so, as it will benefit both sides.]
Both sides, you say? I guess that's given. Expecting something for nothing is not how things work.
What do you get out of it?
[Negative. Host does not have high enough authority to access this information.]
[This information can be accessed upon gathering enough fear.]
[Warning: Time limit approaching. Immediate preference selection is recommended.]
[Please select your gender, world type, and social standing.]
[Warning: Unreasonable demands will not be fulfilled.]
What even is an unreasonable demand in this situation? You say I can select a world — is that not unreasonable?
[Warning: There is almost no time left. Proceed with selection.]
Fine. I lack information, but what can I do.
Male, cultivation world, sole heir to a respectable family.
[Please confirm.]
Confirmed.
[DING!]
[System: FEAR-ENGINE v1.0]
[Beginning transfer: IN PROGRESS]
[Host is advised to be cautious. Karma level of your soul is low. Without system interference, Host's life will be miserable.]
As if it wasn't miserable enough already. What's the worst that can happen? Death? Been there.
The moment the thought crossed my mind, the space itself cracked open in front of me.
[Host is advised to proceed. The original owner of Host's next body has died. Compatibility is high.]
Here goes nothing.
With that, I step out into the blinding light. The closer I get, the more I feel like I'm being sucked in.
Is my soul being integrated into his body? Interesting.
But with everything that has happened today, it's hardly surprising.
As I'm about to take my final step, the system blocks my path. This time, it's different. Red.
[!WARNING!]
[System would like to warn the Host.]
[Please search for Fear as soon as possible.]
[Original body has not died naturally.]
Which is to say, someone tried to kill ''me'', but failed.
[Affirmative.]
Seeing me all well and alive will likely make them want to try it again.
[Affirmative.]
Your warning is appreciated. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll need to solve my murder.
With that, I take my last step forward. My body, engulfed in a blinding light, feels as if my whole being is being pulled towards something.
After a brief moment, I open my eyes.
Unfamiliar ceiling.
Unfamiliar architecture.
''Fair enough.''
''It was not a dream.''