Voice: I am merely a tool, made by the Great Creator.

  This place is a void—shaped by your own mind so you may accept your death in comfort.

  I have seen many forms of emptiness, even entire galaxies… but yours is unusually quiet.

  You will be reborn and live again.

  ???: Why?

  Why me?

  Voice: Do not misunderstand.

  Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

  The Almighty grants second chances freely. This is not kindness toward you alone—it is fairness in balance.

  ???: Does that mean I’ll get special powers?

  Be reincarnated like in those novels?

  Voice: No.

  This is reality.

  If the Almighty granted overwhelming power to every soul that died, would that not be cruel to those already living in that world?

  Live well this time.

  That is all.

  Goodbye.

  ???: Wait—I still have questions—

  Light flooded his vision.

  SLAP.

  “It’s a boy,” said an old, unsteady voice.

  A sharp pain exploded through him.

  Ahhhhh—!

  Why does it hurt so much?

  Why did that old woman just slap my—

  His thoughts shattered into noise as the world swallowed him whole.