Well, well, well, look what we have here—another poor soul that just died, and even worse, got struck by a driver. Damn, what a way to go. You live your whole life trying to be careful, cross the street properly, look both ways, and still end up as an unfortunate pancake on the road.
The moment my vision went black, I thought that was it. End of the line. Goodbye cruel world, goodbye responsibilities, goodbye rent. But apparently, the universe decided to throw a plot twist my way.
When I opened my eyes again, I wasn't lying in a pool of blood or floating in some dark void like in the movies. Instead, I was standing—or rather, floating—in a room filled with light. Not just any light though. It was warm, gentle, and kind of comforting, like the kind of glow you see in fantasy novels when the hero meets a goddess for the first time.
And right in front of me, sitting on what looked like a throne made of crystal and stars, was her.
A literal goddess.
Her hair flowed down like a waterfall of silver, and her eyes shone brighter than the moon. Her whole presence screamed divine. Just looking at her made me feel like I wasn't even supposed to breathe the same air she did.
But then… she looked sad.
"I'm sorry."
A simple phrase, but it hit like thunder.
For a second, I thought I was hallucinating. Why would a goddess—someone who looked like she could command armies of angels with a finger snap—apologize to me, a random guy who died like an idiot?
The word echoed in my head over and over again.
"I'm sorry."
The goddess bowed her head low, her expression full of guilt and regret. "If it weren't because of me, you would still be able to explore the world by now. I'm sorry."
She kept repeating it, like she was punishing herself for something unforgivable.
I blinked, trying to make sense of what I was hearing. "Eh… so, are you going to lead me to the afterlife or what?"
Her teary eyes widened, as if she just remembered I existed. "Oh, right! Yes, yes! I forgot to tell you something."
You forgot? How do you forget about a dead guy floating in your divine lobby?
"Since you are the first person to be accidentally killed in history," she continued, waving her hand, "you will be given a chance to enjoy your life once more in another world. Or, you could simply die and live forever either in heaven or hell. It all depends on you."
I stared blankly at her. "Wait, wait, hold up. The first person? What do you mean the first? You're telling me no one else has been accidentally killed by divine intervention before?"
She coughed awkwardly. "W-well, accidents happen, but this one was… special."
I squinted. "Special how?"
"Let's just say…" she mumbled, avoiding eye contact, "…someone might've dropped an alchohol on accident."
I deadpanned. "So I died because of an accident?"
"I said might have!" she said defensively, her cheeks turning pink.
Wow. So I really died because the goddess of life and order fat-fingered my coordinates.
"Right…" I sighed. "So should I feel grateful or sad?"
"Both, maybe?" she said sheepishly.
"Great answer."
She cleared her throat again, clearly trying to shift the topic. "Anyway, I won't just send you off like that. I will give you a few abilities in exchange. Of course, you can pick whatever skills you want—passive abilities, active abilities, core abilities, and more."
Now that caught my attention.
"Oh? So it's that kind of reincarnation? The fantasy isekai deal?" I asked, leaning forward.
She nodded with a faint smile. "Exactly. Think of it as a second chance—an apology gift from the heavens."
"Well then, I'll choose to enjoy my next life," I said without hesitation. Honestly, who wouldn't? Between eternal nothingness and another shot at life—preferably with magic and cute girls—the choice was obvious.
"Alright then," the goddess said with a glimmer in her eyes. "Tell me any skill that you want, and also what your main goal will be in your next life."
"Is there a limit?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Yes. You'll only be able to pick at most five skills. But you can invest them all in one type—active, passive, or core. I won't limit your creativity."
"Only five, huh…" I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. "Alright then, my first active ability won't be hard to pick. I've always wanted to have a girlfriend all my life and experience the world of adulthood. So, I'd like an ability that could help me understand women—and even better, a skill that could make them fall in love with me directly."
Her eyes widened a little. "Such an interesting choice…"
"Yeah, well, I died single and broke. I deserve some romance in my next life."
She chuckled softly but then frowned. "I actually couldn't grant you that wish since it would mean meddling with the fate of other people—but…" Her tone suddenly turned playful. "…I'll make an exception. As long as you're willing to help me with a few tasks, I will grant you the ability. What do you say?"
I didn't even think twice. "Deal."
I mean, come on. Who would say no to a divine contract that potentially lets you charm every woman in existence?
"Alright then," she said, raising her hand as a small ball of light appeared above her palm. "I'll give you the ability to transform any female into your own, whether she's human or not, as long as you raise her favor rating. That will be your active skill: All Are Mine."
The light entered my chest, and I felt something awaken deep inside me, like a spark of energy spreading through my veins.
"Since I'm also a nice goddess," she continued, "I'll give you an extra passive skill that complements your active one—Alluring Scent. As long as you get close to the opposite gender, their favor toward you will increase naturally."
"Awesome," I grinned. "Then… can I request another thing?"
She tilted her head. "Sure, what is it?"
"Is it possible if I keep the other skills for next time—when I arrive in my new world—so that I can pick skills suitable for that world?"
"Sure, sure, anything for you," she said cheerfully. "Alright then, without further ado, I'll transmigrate you to the other world, along with a companion. I hope you enjoy your journey."
That last part caught me off guard. "Wait—companion? Who—"
Before I could finish, my vision blurred again. The world around me spun as if someone had pulled me through a whirlpool made of light.