"God? Are you… a god?" Alex blurted out. "What am I even saying?"
The glowing being said nothing, continuing to stare at him.
Why is he staring like that? Alex panicked. Is he deciding how to eat me? I already died once—don't tell me I'm dying again. God, demon, whatever you are, say something!
"Ah, sorry," the glowing being said at last. "I was lost in thought."
"You scared me to death," Alex snapped, then paused. "Again."
The being chuckled softly. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the God of Reincarnation of this universe."
"…So I'm really dead?"
"Yes. You were struck by lightning."
Alex sighed. "Of course I was."
"However, your case is unusual," the god continued. "The lightning that killed you was residual energy from a battle between two powerful beings. It pierced the world barrier and struck your world by accident."
"…So I died because of collateral damage?"
"In simple terms, yes."
Alex rubbed his face. "Great. Just my luck."
"Complaining won't change the outcome," the god said calmly. "So let us move on."
"Fine," Alex said. "What happens to me now?"
"You have two choices," the God of Reincarnation replied. "First, you may reincarnate in your original world. Your memories will be erased, but you will be born healthy, into a wealthy family, and live a long life."
"And the second?"
"You may reincarnate into another world—one filled with magic, cultivation, and danger. There, lifespan can be extended through power. We will grant you a small perk to survive."
Alex fell silent.
"…And I don't get both," he muttered.
"No."
Alex exhaled slowly. "Figures."
After a long pause, Alex lifted his head. "I choose the second option."
The god raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain? That world is not kind."
"I know," Alex said. "But can I choose my perks?"
The god smiled faintly. "I had a feeling you'd ask."
"What kind of world do you want?" the god asked. "Magic, science fiction, or cultivation?"
"A magical world," Alex replied immediately. "With dragons and mages."
The god waved his hand, and a hologram of a planet appeared.
"This is PHENON. Magic governs life here. Lifespans increase with power."
Alex's eyes lit up. "Perfect."
"Now, choose your perks," the god said. "You may have three. Nothing that breaks the world's laws."
"So no reality manipulation?"
"Absolutely not."
Alex sighed. "Worth asking."
"Your choices?"
"First, I want a system," Alex said. "One that helps me build power—like a sect or empire system."
"Granted."
"Second, I don't want to reincarnate as a baby. Transfer my current body to a safe location."
"That will take some effort," the god admitted, "but it's possible."
"And your final perk?"
"I want peak talent."
The god nodded. "As expected."
After a brief pause, the god spoke again. "You will be sent to a peaceful region to grow stronger. Your system will assist you when possible."
The god looked at Alex one last time. "Live well, Alex Smith. Perhaps we will meet again."
"…Yeah," Alex said softly. "Thanks."
And then, his body began to fade.