The battlefield never truly leaves a soldier.
For Shepard, the screams of his fallen friends echoed in the silence of his nights. He had fought in deserts, jungles, and broken cities watched comrades bleed out in mud, and carried the guilt of being the one left standing. To ease that pain, he clung to fiction. The worlds of Halo, the saga of the Mandalorian, and the honor of heroes like Captain America became his comfort. They gave him hope when reality only gave him graves.
When his heart finally stilled in his sleep, Shepard expected nothing. Instead, he awoke to a void of white light. Floating before him was a vast screen, flickering through the images of his life his victories, his sacrifices, his quiet moments of kindness.
[LIFE REVIEW COMPLETE.][KARMA: POSITIVE.]
Shepard stood straighter, hands unconsciously behind his back in parade rest.
Then the words appeared:
[REWARD GRANTED: CHOOSE YOUR NEW WORLD.]
Three portals shimmered into existence
Naruto: the land of shinobi and endless wars.
Cyberpunk: a world of chrome, neon, and blood on steel.
Star Wars: the eternal galaxy of war, hope, and destiny.
The choice was easy.
"Star Wars." Shepard said firmly.
The screen pulsed, then offered the next selection:
[CHOOSE YOUR FORM.]
Two silhouettes appeared. One was clad in green Mjolnir armor Master Chief. The other bore the shield of Captain America. Shepard smiled faintly.
"Both," he said without hesitation.
His body would carry the enhanced physique, instincts, and combat efficiency of both legends: the unbreakable shield of Steve Rogers and the tactical supremacy of John-117.
Then came the last gift:
[CREATION SYSTEM INSTALLED.]Provide raw material → forge desired equipment.
With a soldier's pragmatism, Shepard already saw the possibilities: armor stronger than beskar, weapons surpassing blasters, shields capable of stopping a turbolaser.
Finally, the question came:
[CHOOSE YOUR STARTING POINT.]
"Mandalore. Clan Fett." His voice carried the weight of purpose. "Make me Jango's older brother. He'll need someone to guide him through what's coming."
The void pulsed one final time, and Shepard felt gravity return. The white faded into color, into sound, into the cries of a newborn. Strong hands lifted him, voices speaking in Mando'a. The crest of Clan Fett hung above him.
A new life had begun. Not just as a soldier. But as a Mandalorian.