The words hung in the air, cold and stark, a digital epitaph to my former life. "The System?" I muttered, the phrase tasting like ash. My mind, a chaotic battlefield of panicked theories, offered no solace. Coma? Delusion? Or the chilling victor: crushed beneath a truck, my consciousness a flickering ghost in a broken machine?

  Haha, I choked, a hollow laugh that echoed in the emptiness. I think I've lost it.

  A desperate hope flickered, a fragile ember in the overwhelming darkness. I stared at the text box, a silent plea for more words, for a lifeline. Gathering the tattered remnants of my courage, I addressed the void. Erm, excuse me. Mr. text box?

  "I am the System in charge of the soul sphere, not a text box," came the clipped reply, confirming its sentience, and its petulance.

  Right, the System, I corrected, mentally kicking myself. Can you read my mind?

  "Yes, whilst here The System has access to all of your thoughts."

  Okay, what's next? I asked, feeling utterly adrift.

  And how come you can understand what I'm thinking, even though I don't have a voice? I blurted, my anxiety manifesting as inane questions.

  "What sort of question is that? The System understands ALL languages, even unspoken or foolish ones."

  Is it just me, or does this system seem a bit full of itself? I couldn't stop the flicker of defiance in my confusion. Give me a break, I died recently. I think?

  The text box, or rather, the System, seemed to float, a silent judge assessing my bewildered state. "System understands this is not recorded in your world's history. As such, you have no knowledge of the souls' cycle of rebirth. System also understands that this place is new to you. So your fragile mind will be shocked at its discovery. What System cannot process, is why your questions are so... dumb?"

  I recoiled, stung by the condescending tone. I wanted to defend myself, but the truth was, I was grasping at straws, my thoughts a jumbled mess of fear and confusion.

  "At the moment your soul is inside the Soul Sphere in the Grand Arcanus. That means you are on the Astral Plane of Tironia. It took System a lot of effort and mana to pull you through from your old world's cycle as instructed. That answers the question, where am I? Right now you are currently a soul without a body, that is the reason behind placing you inside the Soul Sphere. Souls without a body begin to disperse if they don't go through the reincarnation cycle. If they are kept within the Soul Sphere and are safely contained with mana, then they will not fade out of existence. That answers your question, 'what am I?'

  "The question 'when am I?' the SYSTEM can only assume you asked because you are not very intelligent. However, to show my magnanimity, I will answer it regardless. Time does not exist inside the soul sphere, also Tironia's world is younger than your last one by a few billion years, it is the year 2020 here. That should answer your illogical question, 'when am I?'"

  Soul sphere? Different world? My mind reeled, overwhelmed by the sheer absurdity of it all. What the hell, I muttered, now I've got another 20 questions after you've only just finished answering the first three. Oh, and as you stated, one of them was just plain stupid.

  I must actually be crazy now, maybe I didn't even die. Perhaps, I just had a breakdown and right now I'm on the psyche ward. I must be strapped to a bed, so full of meds that I'm just hallucinating this whole thing or... my mind has already broken down? It's possible right?

  "No, you died," the System stated flatly.

  Don't be like that system, a brother can dream, it was just wishful thinking. Let's be real, you mentioned another world and a ton of words I didn't understand. I'm just going with the flow here and trying not to freak out.

  I know what you're thinking after those harsh words, but I think I'm doing a pretty good job of handling this situation, all things considered.

  "Since you have been unwillingly taken from your previous world and are to be placed into Tironia, the SYSTEM can let you take an item or possession that you or the SYSTEM have knowledge of. One thing that you think may help in your new life."

  I want a plasma rifle! I blurted, the childish excitement overriding my fear.

  "No."

  What? Why not?

  "SYSTEM has no knowledge of how plasma rifles work. Nor does the SYSTEM believe you will find more plasma on Tironia."

  Damn, I knew it was too good to be true.

  My mind raced, trying to grasp the implications of reincarnation, another world, and the single item I could bring with me. "Knowledge, power, money? How old will I be? How will I know where to go? And what's what? Or who's who?"

  Erm, System? I asked, my voice laced with anxiety.

  "Yes, REINCARNATOR."

  Why are you calling me Reincarnator?

  "It is the term given to those who have entered or are about to enter the Reincarnation Cycle."

  Oh Ok, makes sense, but why not use my actual name?

  "SYSTEM does not know REINCARNATORS original name, as it and other important data are collected upon the point of death."

  What do you mean? Wait, why can't I remember my own name?

  "REINCARNATORS name was taken upon death."

  What do mean taken?

  "Removed, gone, no longer required. Does this satisfy your second rudimentary question? SYSTEM fails to see how you cannot comprehend what 'taken' means."

  It's not that I don't understand what taken means, its the fact that my name has been taken in the first place that's not making sense. Even if it was taken, surely I would still remember it and how do you even go about taking it from me in the first place. Also was that sarcasm? I didn't expect a system to have that. Do you have a bug?

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  The silence stretched, a vast, echoing emptiness punctuated only by the faint hum of… something.

  It wasn't sound, not exactly, but a vibration, a resonance that seemed to emanate from the very fabric of this non-place. I, or rather, what was left of me – a consciousness adrift in a sea of swirling stardust – felt a prickle of annoyance.

  This… being, this System, was proving remarkably resistant to my charm offensive. Not that I had much charm to offer in my current, incorporeal state. More like a nagging itch, a persistent hum in the background of existence. And yet, the System remained stubbornly un-itched.

  The amnesia gnawed at me. It was like a phantom limb, the insistent feeling that something vital was missing. My name. It should be there, a comfortable label, a part of my identity. But it was gone, swallowed by the void. A name, I was sure, that was perfectly suited to me. A name that resonated with… well, with whatever I was before.

  A sigh, or its ethereal equivalent, escaped me. Complaining was pointless. Who would I complain to? The System? Hardly. It already seemed to view me with a mixture of amusement and thinly veiled exasperation.

  Besides, it had been… helpful, in its own cryptic way. It had explained the situation, the reincarnation, the new world. It had even offered me a choice, a single item to take with me on this grand cosmic do-over.

  A flicker of determination ignited within me. If I couldn't remember my old name, then I would forge a new one, a name that would echo through the ages. A name that would inspire awe and terror in equal measure. A name… that would be utterly unforgettable.

  Yes, that was the plan. A grand, glorious plan. The panic that had gripped me earlier began to recede, replaced by a nascent excitement.

  Even the System, with its star-studded, enigmatic presence, seemed a little less irritating. I still felt… clammy? Could souls even feel clammy? It was a disconcerting sensation, like a phantom sweat clinging to my non-existent skin.

  System, I began, my voice a whisper in the vast nothingness, what can you tell me about Tironia?

  The response was immediate, and utterly deflating. “Nothing.”

  What? Why not? I sputtered. Will I have any knowledge of this new world?

  “No.”

  The single word hung in the air, a stark, uncompromising denial. What a bitch.

  Pffft, I managed, what sort of answer is that? Don’t I deserve more than one word after dying, heroically, I might add?

  “Fine,” the System conceded, its tone laced with something that might have been sarcasm. “You have never been to Tironia, so you have no knowledge of its many wonders, resources, or inhabitants. Does this satisfy your third pointless question?”

  I could practically feel its smugness radiating through the void, a celestial text box lording its superior knowledge over my bewildered soul.

  State the obvious, why don’t you? I grumbled. I meant, what can you tell me about it?

  Silence.

  Fucking useless System.

  Another pause, then, Fine. What about power, wealth, prestige? Will I have any of these?

  A tiny spark of hope flickered within me. With imaginary fingers crossed, I awaited the System’s response, my soul-heart (if such a thing existed) thumping with anticipation.

  Come on, I muttered, I have to have at least something going for me. I need something in this new life to look forward to. Anything will do.

  “You will have the power and magic of a Level 1 villager. You will have NO wealth and NO prestige.”

  Magic?

  My ethereal fists clenched. Alright! Magic, kick-ass! Level 1, fine, that meant it would get stronger. Ill be the best there is. The greatest sorcerer ever. I’ll be warping flaming tornadoes and slinging ice lances imbued with lightning before you know it. People will call me ‘The Ultimate Magus. Mwahahaha. Ahem. My inner chuuni might have ran a little wild there.

  Ahem.

  The only problem was the villager part. That sounded mega boring. I didn't want to be farming or weaving or some crap like that. Hopefully, I could make something of myself in this new world. It was incredibly hard to be successful back in my old world, I think? I was sure the rich got richer and the poor just grew in population. In this new life, I needed to hit the ground running and get ahead of the curve.

  System, I asked, why were the words ‘no’ expressed in capital letters? It’s like you’re deliberately trying to tell me that I’m going to be a poor nobody.

  “SYSTEM was just making sure the REINCARNATOR was aware that he would have neither wealth nor prestige upon arrival in his new body on Tironia.”

  So, a broke nobody, with no status or money to my name?

  “Yes."

  Why did I feel like this System enjoyed making me the target of its jokes? Was it because we seemed to be the only two beings here? Or rather, one super awesome, cool as hell soul dude and one sky blue, star-filled text box soul system type thing.

  The fact that I was still vaguely able to process logical thoughts, whilst all this madness was happening around me and may or may not be real, meant I must have a strong mental fortitude. Right?

  I focused my attention back to the singular problem at hand. What to bring with me. The System had to have knowledge of whatever I wanted to have, which was why I couldn't have a plasma rifle.

  Shame.

  Neither this world nor my previous one had advanced technology to such degrees yet, that would let the system provide me one. Damn computer games for making me want a weapon I couldn't have. Hang on, how come I could remember computer games but not much of anything else? Never mind that, I need to concentrate; I had bigger problems to fry.

  I was sure the System had lots of knowledge about the new world I was going to live on next, but what information should I ask for?

  Should I ask for knowledge on all types of magic?

  No.

  What if that information was easy to learn when I got there, and I found out that I'd wasted this glorious opportunity?

  Knowledge for the fastest way to get rich, maybe?

  No, what about knowledge on the best way to stay alive for the longest amount of time!

  That sounded like a good choice.

  Hmm.

  Now I was worried again. The System seemed a little hit and miss with information now, I thought about it. The text box could be helpful but also a little harsh sometimes. What if I asked for information on staying alive, and it responded with, “The best way to stay alive is to not die.” Yeah, I could see it saying that.

  Time seemed to pass, even though time doesn't pass in the soul sphere, as I sat there contemplating my decision… or rather, floated there in spirit form. The System also seemed to wait patiently, just hovering around my form. I could see the stars inside its frame, and they looked like they were shooting around from time to time. It actually looked quite beautiful.

  Focus.

  Maybe knowledge wasn't the best thing to ask for; there was too much choice involved. Maybe I should ask for a kickass, unbeatable, magic weapon out of what the system could provide me.

  Seemed good now, but what if it turned me into the demon king, and people hated me because I couldn't be killed, thanks to my weapon's unknowable secret power or some ridiculous notion like that?

  I definitely didn't want to be considered evil, especially before I even started my new life. Planning for the future was rough; I needed to concentrate even harder.

  What I need, I mused, “is a personal assistant who can keep track of things for me. It would be nice to just kick back for now and let them worry about my decision.

  After what felt like an hour had passed by, or maybe what felt like an hour, I managed to get nowhere. This no-time flow was hard enough to wrap my head around as it was; there were too many distractions here. Even though there was nothing actually here except for me and the System. This whole ordeal was a damn distraction.

  So I floated there, considering all the options I could think of. I considered every train of thought, every avenue of possibility. More metaphorical time passed, and with it, a few emotions passed also. Worry, doubt, and most importantly, the stress over my decision had faded away.

  All gone.

  My mind was serenely clear.

  After what felt like an eternity spent here, I had finally managed to come to a decision. I knew what was within its knowledge and power, that I could bring to help me not just to survive, but to help me live comfortably.

  System, I said, my voice resonating with newfound confidence, I know what I want to take.

  "Very well. Your new body has already been created and is ready. Once you confirm your decision you will be sent..."

  Did you just read my mind again?

  "Don't."

  Why not?

  "You cannot."

  Are there rules against it?

  "No, but... it has never been done before. And I don't want too."

  Don't want to, doesn't mean can't, so I'll take it.

  "No!"

  System... I choose you.