'Oww! What the hell was that for?! Well, it actually didn't hurt, now that I think about it. It seems like I still have my memories, so I guess ole Aubrey wasn't all that bad.'
I opened my eyes to see legs, bare legs and a massive bush of hair barely shrouding my dangly bits. "Oh, someone should cover me up. I'm butt naked - but wait, why can't I control my body? My legs are walking on their own through the forest.' I thought as panic started to take hold. "What the hell is going on!" I yelled, but as I did a metallic voice rang out through me.
'What the? Was that voice coming from me just now?' I reflected. Stunned, I tried to turn my head and look around, but to no avail.
"What's wrong with this reincarnation?!" I screamed and again the mechanical words echoed.
"?"
Internally I was pacing back and forth. 'Aubrey, you bastard! What did you do! I regret ever thinking you were kinda cute in that off-putting, chilling sort of way!'
"Now, now. Don't go getting all worked up." said an oh-so familiar monotone voice, as I felt something being pulled off my face. I was back in the barren location again, or more like I never left. Standing in front of me was Aubrey in a red and white Hawaiian button-up shirt, wearing a sun hat, and holding a brief case with clothes hanging out like it was quickly packed.
I did not have a good feeling about this.
I looked around me and noticed the space seemed...different, but familiar. It was still mostly empty but instead of a cubical there was a desk set up like my gaming station back in my apartment. Everything was the same as I remember, down to the empty wrapper from the take out I had eaten before I died.
"What is all this?" I said gesturing to the new void set up. "I thought I was getting isekai'd."
"Congratulations on your promotion, young soul! You are the lucky winner who was chosen to oversee this new realm still in its infancy. You will be the system for the heroes who will guide the world into survival and prosperity."
'What the hell is this maniac talking about!' I furrowed my brows.
"Cut the shit! You're using me so you can go on vacation! What was all that talk about me reincarnating?" I asked annoyed.
Aubrey, however, looked unperturbed, dare I say almost tranquil. "True, and I didn't lie about that, once I get back, I will undoubtedly reincarnate you, I can't have you running around here as evidence for my respite now can I? Anyway, I've already set everything up. I've reprogrammed the systems operations to function in a way you should be somewhat familiar with. It is constructed to grow expansive, releasing additional features the more you engage and understand it. It will be like a game, just with real lives at stake." they explained while they looked at their watch.
"Lives at stake? What if someone dies and comes to the void? I'm not equipped to handle that."
"Ah, don't worry about that. I have initiated the rebirth protocol on a loop so their memories will be wiped and sent to the realm next in line for a delivery. But if push comes to shove and you are in a dire situation you can just call Gene from HR. They owe me one. He or she, depending on the decade, will be willing to help, their on speed dial-line 3. Whatever you do don't dial 1 or 2 for your own good." Aubrey clarified in a rush. "Ok, if nothing else then I'm off!"
They threw their case over their shoulder and with brisk steps, walked right past me.
"Wait, wait, wait! When will you be back?" I uttered in haste, following behind them.
"Hmm, time works differently here compared to what you are used to." they remarked holding their chin, but not slowing their pace. "Oh - well, I'll be back when I'm back. You will be fine, have faith in yourself young soul." With that they snapped their fingers, creating a beautiful ornate door in the void that wasn't there before.
I stopped in my tracks, arms crossed. "I hope you get caught and punished for this." I huffed under my breath.
"I hope they fire me... now that would be great." Aubrey replied, obviously overhearing me but not looking back, just continuing to step through the door. With a thud it shut behind them and vanished as quickly as it arrived.
"Well fuck..."