For minutes, I lay still, staring at that sky, my eyes wide with shock. Then, I began to laugh.
"Hahaha... HAHAHAHA!"
Amidst my laughter, I pushed myself up. "Ahh... I really did it. I can't believe it..." Tears began to stream from my eyes. It was real. I hadn't been clinging to empty dreams. All my sacrifices weren't in vain.
While I was still reeling, Artemis's voice chimed in.
*Chief Professor Orion, transition to another dimension confirmed. Our real-time connection with the Earth system has been severed. We are attempting to re-establish the link. The parallel universe coordinates of Earth are being calculated. Estimated reconnection time could be several days. Additionally, we have detected an unknown energy cluster forming within your body. This energy bypasses all scans, and its nature is unidentifiable. However, based on your parallel-universe-tear-energy theory, I hypothesize that is what this is.*
Hearing this, I quickly snapped back to focus. I frowned, thinking rapidly. *Parallel Universe Tear Energy*—this was a theory I had developed. In every story I'd ever read about reincarnation, the protagonist always ended up a hero or possessed strange abilities they called a "Golden Finger." That's why I proposed this theory.
When traversing parallel universes, tears are created and must be instantly repaired, lest they lead to the destruction of both realities. As we pass through the tear, the dimension repairs it, and a portion of that repair energy is transferred to our bodies.
As for how this energy transforms into those "Golden Fingers," it's simple: usually, the entity that summons you converts it. But since I arrived in this world on my own, this energy remains in its raw state. This means... I can forge my own power. This is a crucial point. Just from the book's title, I can deduce this world will host countless extraordinary figures.
While these "Golden Fingers" are often classified as strong or weak, I believe that's not entirely accurate. I think the Parallel Universe Tear Energy received by us "migrants" is generally the same in quantity. However, sometimes this energy is distributed elsewhere, like into "Luck." For example, in the novels I read, the systems of villainous transmigrators are often superior to those of heroes. The main reason is that villains channel all their Tear Energy into things like systems, while heroes distribute it across luck and other vital attributes. In short, there seems to be an automatic distribution based on "type."
The reason I didn't get one is because I'm a stowaway—someone who shouldn't be here.
But right now, the most important thing is to quickly use this energy to create my power. I don't know if it's permanent. With that thought, I quickly sat down.
"Artemis, help me sense the energy."
With my words, I felt a shift in my consciousness. It was as if I could see inside my body through the micro-robots. Then, I felt *it*. And the moment I sensed it, it sensed *me*. It reacted, flaring up and beginning to grow.
Instantly, my vision darkened. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in complete darkness. The only thing visible was the glowing blue energy of the Parallel Universe Tear. I could feel it. All I needed to do was touch it and imagine what I wanted to transform it into.
It was infinite potential. Infinite choices and opportunities. But it didn't overwhelm me. From the day I first discovered this at 16, until now at 80—for 64 years—I had thought of this moment. *If I go to another world, what would be the best power for me?*
Only one answer came to mind. The only power that fit my personality and soul: **Creation.** The power to create anything with just my thoughts, without exception. For me, this was the most suitable power.
Thinking this, I quickly reached out and touched the Tear Energy. Upon contact, it blazed brighter, spreading through my body and beginning to merge with me. There was no pain. I felt as if I were in heaven. My entire being overflowed with peace and warmth. I felt as if I could create universes with a wave of my hand.
I lost track of time, savoring this new power. When I opened my eyes, I saw the blue sky again. I slowly stood up, trying to feel my body. Within me, I felt a power that was both familiar and strange. This was my Golden Finger. The answer to my desires and the reward for my hard work.
Feeling this, I couldn't help it—tears streamed from my eyes once more.
"I did it. Everything really went according to plan. I can't believe it. I'm so happy, Artemis."
*Congratulations, Orion. You've reaped the rewards of your hard work. Be proud of yourself. This is the result of your efforts.* Artemis, in her cold voice, tried her best to offer encouragement.
Hearing her words, a smile spread across my face. Yes. Finally, I was ready. My new life was about to begin.
"Well then... where should we go now? Any ideas?" I looked at the empty plain before me. Not a single sign of life.
*Professor Orion, I apologize, but I currently have no information about the surroundings. I cannot assist you.*
I nodded slightly at her words. Stroking my beard, I began to think, and my new power came to mind. I quickly closed my eyes and tried to use it. Immediately, I understood its limitations: using this power drains my mental fortitude, and to create something, I must have at least touched it before or have a deep understanding of it.
Frowning upon reading these limitations, I quickly relaxed. After all, this was only natural. With that, an item came to mind, and I wanted to test it.
One of my favorite films from my youth was a pirate movie, featuring a compass that led the holder to what they desired most. While I'd never touched that compass, I knew about it—its creation, its destruction were described in detail.
I raised my hand and tried to activate the power within me. Surprisingly, it responded without a hitch. Energy flowed from my body into my hand, and a compass slowly began to materialize in my palm. There was no grand spectacle or light show; it was created in silence. However, I felt my mind accelerate tremendously, as if under extreme strain. Just before a headache could set in, Artemis acted. The micro-robots linked to my brain, acting as an external processing aid, lifting the immense burden from me.
The process lasted only 20 seconds before it was complete.
"Thank you for your help, Artemis," I said quickly, picking up the simple compass in my hand. Excitedly, I opened it and began to desire the nearest village. The compass needle indeed moved, spinning a few times before settling on a direction.
"Hahaha! It really works!"
But before I could think about following it, Artemis's voice chimed in my mind.
*Professor Orion, I believe before moving, you should create a weapon for self-defense. We don't know what dangers we might face in this world.*
I paused. "Ahh, you're right. How did I not think of that? Old age is really affecting me, it seems."
We repeated the previous process. This time, what emerged was a revolver with a futuristic design, black with red accents. It was one of the newest tech weapons from my world, capable of storing atmospheric energy, self-recharging, and firing concentrated plasma bolts with incredible power. With this by my side, I felt confident I could protect myself.
And with that, I began to walk in the direction the compass pointed.