A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
WordCount Please Ignore It below
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.
A being of pure, shimmering blue light hovered in the void. It had the vague shape of a man, perhaps a bit soft around the middle, but no discernible face or features. "Congratulations, young man," its voice echoed, calm and ancient. "You have been chosen. A grand journey awaits you."
In front of the entity stood Leo. Just moments ago—or was it a lifetime?—he had been walking home after a long day at work, the city bustling around him.
The crosswalk had been crowded. He'd glanced around, his eyes catching on a little girl who had wandered into the street, her parents lost in the throng. Behind her, the monstrous grille of a cargo truck was closing in fast, its horn blaring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Leo was already moving. He launched himself forward, scooping the child into his arms and tumbling with her towards the safety of the sidewalk in a rough roll.
The girl's parents rushed out, snatching her up and checking for scrapes, their panicked relief so total they seemed to look right through him. Leo didn't mind. He pushed himself to his feet, a quiet satisfaction warming his chest. He had done a good thing. That was enough.
He turned to head back across the street, glancing back at the family one last time. That's when he saw it. A massive dump truck, moving with an unnatural speed, swerved directly toward him. What was stranger still was that it seemed to pass through the family of three like a ghost before its phantom form solidified, its target locked squarely on him.
Leo's instincts screamed. He threw himself aside, but as he scrambled to his feet, he realized the truck was turning, its engine roaring as it came for him again. A cold dread washed over him as he saw that it wasn't alone. From every direction, ethereal trucks were phasing into reality, boxing him in. The world around him seemed to fade; the pedestrians and city noise vanished, as if he were the only person on a stage set for a final, impossible act.
A brilliant light erupted from beneath his feet, and then there was only darkness.
And now, this. Standing before a being made of starlight.
"Alright, let's not dawdle," the blue entity said, a hint of weariness in its tone. "Time to choose your new world. There's a wheel. Give it a spin."
As it spoke, a colossal roulette wheel materialized before Leo, its surface carved with ten distinct sections:
Harry Potter
Pokémon
Fairy Tail
Naruto
One Piece
Detective Conan
Heroes of Armor (System Included)
Urban Modern (System Included)
High Fantasy (System Included)
The Apartment
Leo's eyes widened. He saw One Piece and his heart skipped a beat—the adventure, the freedom of the high seas! But before he could even process all the options, a force beyond his control set the great wheel spinning. It blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and words, the clicking sound echoing in the silence of the void. Slower and slower it turned, until the pointer finally settled on a single, elegant name: Harry Potter.
"An excellent choice," the being noted, though it sounded entirely automated. "Now, as compensation for your… abrupt departure, I'll be merging your soul with that of your new vessel. Think of it as an upgrade. You'll possess a mind and thought process far beyond the average person. No need to worry about the original owner's soul fighting you for control; you two will become one. You'll be exceptional, but still within the realm of human potential."
The entity seemed to lean forward. "A word of warning. In that world, there are those who can read minds. I will provide a basic shield around the memories of your past life and this little meeting. No one will know you are a traveler."
It paused, letting the information sink in. "However, they can still perceive your surface thoughts and all the memories of your new life. If you desire true privacy, you'll have to learn to protect your own mind. It's a skill you can acquire there."
A low, booming laugh filled the void. "Hahahahaha! I'll throw in one last little bonus for you. Something to discover on your own once you arrive. Good luck."
Before Leo could ask a single question, the entity vanished. The world beneath his feet dissolved into a swirling white vortex. The sensation was like being pulled into a jet engine, a violent, disorienting tumble through space and time. Then, his consciousness winked out.