Ara
"Can you outline the advantages and disadvantages of each option?" I ask when dessert is presented to us.
"For option 1, you know what happens, so you can change it and do better. However, you will still have to relive the entire process including your family's death and hope that your decisions lead you away from an undesirable fate. Despite this, you retain the freedom to make choices, which increases your chances of living a fulfilling life. Nevertheless, there is still a possibility of making mistakes that could result in a life less fulfilling than your destined one." Waving her spoon around as she took another bite of pie, she then proceeds to discuss option 2.
"Option 2: Since this will be an entirely new world, we'll make it easier for you to acquire the memories and knowledge of your counterpart to facilitate your assimilation. You'll have a year to assimilate before fate begins to progress. Given that this is a world of fantasy compared to your old world, I understand your inner geek's desire to embrace it on principle. However, there are some drawbacks to this option: a new life, new people, and old people who may not behave as you expect. Additionally, there will be new rules and cultures to navigate. I do want you to remember that both options present opportunities for new dreams, hopes, and dangers. So choose wisely." The spoon clinks in the bowl as she sets it aside.
The moment the spoon stopped clinking, we were instantly transported back to her desk, and her eyes shone even brighter than before. "Now we've reached the part of the meeting where a decision must be made. Option Redo or Option Something New? What will be your choice, Nyxara?"
Thinking quickly, I review everything I was told. While a redo would be like having a cheat sheet to life until I reach 26 again, something new is where my soul yearns to go. Should I follow my head or my heart? I think I know which option I'll choose. Before I make my decision, though, I have one question.
"In this alternate universe, is my family alive, and will I be placed in the same world as them?" For the first time, I look Angel straight in the eyes and don't feel overwhelmed. I waited for her answer as she seems to be examining me.
"Yes and yes. That's all I'll say on that matter so don't ask anything else about them. I need your soul to be as pure as possible. You have enough information to make an informed choice. So, are you ready to make your choice or do you need more time?" I shake my head in the negative, and then I gave her my answer.
"I'm choosing Option 2—for all the isekai geeks who can only dream of this kind of chance. As long as I can be with my family again, I'll make whatever sacrifices I have to," I say with a hopeful smile. Angel's eyes have grown so luminous that they're now blinding me.
"Wonderful choice. I'm happy you chose the option we needed you to take. Thank you for helping me reach my quota and maintaining my title as the angel with the highest number of souls sent to other universes." Her laughter was like the tinkling of wind chimes. Her presence has become even more oppressive than when I first arrived.
"Your current universe is overpopulated, so we're relocating compatible souls to other universes that need them for nurturing. Sparkles will now complete your transition process, so you can begin your new life right where your counterpart left off. It has been an honor to get to meet you. Your case is intriguing, so I might even visit you during my vacation to observe how things unfold for you. I'll send you a dream link should I visit. Well, goodbye for now."
I feel myself being sucked backwards without further notice. I try to speak or move but nothing I do stops what is happening. With a glare, I close my eyes and stop struggling. Please don't let me wake up as a spider. Or a slime. Or worse… a talking vegetable.
Angel
I watch as Sparkles, the entity Nyxara referred to as a "whatisit," devoured Nyxara's soul. Sparkles is my transition assistant, so it can handle making the necessary adjustments to Nyxara's soul so it can survive and thrive in her new universe. As Sparkles flutters out the door with the transitioning soul and food cart, I swiftly packed up my belongings so I can head home to my family. I was just about to file Nyxara's file when something about the symbols on it caught my eye. It was then that I realized I had inadvertently omitted crucial details regarding the fated destinies of each choice.
In option 1, her fated destiny was to become a global advocate and ambassador for major causes that helped shape her world into a better place. It was a remarkable accomplishment, but when compared to her other destiny, it seemed an insignificant achievement. In contrast, her fated destiny in option 2 is a much more extraordinary and chaotic fated destiny, akin to a trope-y fated destiny.
"Yep. Cabinet locked. Crisis shelved. Time to vanish for 50 years. With time and space being easily manipulable for us higher beings, I can fix any issues when I return. Yes, this is a possible soul transfer violation in the context of properly explaining high-tier fated destinies. But am I worried? Nope. Not at all. She will be perfectly fine—probably. Even if things will be way more like that Chinese curse about interesting times than I may have led her to believe." I swiftly and smoothly locked up the cabinet and headed home. It wasn't until I had been on vacation for five years that I realized I had left my work emergency phone in my desk at work.
"Everything is probably going fine. I bet she's living her best life right now." I sip my coconut drink while sunbathing under three suns. Delusion is my motto—at least until someone drags me back or the multiverse starts screaming.