I wake up to the sound of my alarm, its shrill cry piercing through the dark and suffocating silence. Another day dawns in this bleak and soul-crushing world. As I stumble out of bed and dress in the same drab attire, I can feel the weight of despair already settling upon my shoulders.
I step out into the city streets, a labyrinth of towering buildings that cast a perpetual shadow upon its inhabitants. The gray concrete and somber skies mirror the emptiness within me. The city is a monotonous landscape devoid of color or vibrancy. Faces pass by, eyes glazed with resignation, reflecting the collective apathy that permeates our lives.
I trudge through the maze-like corridors of the corporate dungeon that has become my prison. Fluorescent lights flicker overhead, casting eerie shadows that dance upon the cold, lifeless walls. The air is heavy with the stench of disillusionment as if the monotony of routine has suffocated hope.
My desk awaits me—a tiny island amidst a sea of cubicles. I sit down, staring at the computer screen, the pixels forming a window into an abyss. I am a cog in the machinery of this heartless system, an insignificant pawn in a game I didn't choose to play.
Days blend into weeks and weeks into months, all marked by the monotonous rhythm of ringing phones and the drone of keyboard keys. The work itself feels purposeless as if I'm perpetually pushing boulders uphill, only for them to roll back down again.
Outside the office windows, the world passes by in a blur of people rushing to and fro, their faces unmotivated. A heavy fog of isolation hangs over us, disconnecting us from one another and erasing any remnants of human connection. We are mere silhouettes, disconnected from the vibrant tapestry of life.
During lunch breaks, I retreat to a secluded corner, where I can momentarily escape the suffocating routine. I find solace in books, their words transporting me to distant lands and deep emotions. For a fleeting moment, I am free from the shackles of this lonely existence.
As the day drags on, a palpable weariness settles within me, an ache that permeates my very being. The shadows grow longer, mirroring the depths of my soul. It's a battle to maintain some semblance of sanity, to cling to fragments of dreams that refuse to be extinguished.
Finally, as the working day ends, I emerge from the office building, greeted by the dim twilight that wraps around the city like a shroud. I make my way home, each step heavier than the last, as the weight of this dark and depressing world threatens to consume me.
Yet, amidst the desolation, a flicker of hope remains—a tiny ember that seems to get more extensive as it approaches closer to me. And with a thunderous bang and ear-piercing sound of tires screeching, I found myself lying in the pools of my blood.
'Was I just hit by a semi-truck?' I thought as no words could come out of my mouth.
I could see distant shadows of people around me, but I couldn't hear what they were saying as my ears were still ringing.
'Am I going to die.....' I tried to move my hands, but my body wouldn't listen.
I was glad to be dying. The redundancy of life had drained whatever hope and dreams I had. Looking back, I know the very point my world lost its color. It was the death of my parents and my little sister during an earthquake a few years ago. I had tried to keep my head up through the pain, but being only 17 and alone in the current world, it was a miracle I didn't kill myself yet. I had continued to live day by day, not because I wanted to keep my family memories alive or anything. I was a coward who didn't have the guts to end my life. And now, it seemed God had answered my prayers, and I was about to die.
'it's cold' as I felt the bone-chilling coolness spreading all over my body.
************************************************************
After regaining consciousness after what felt like an eternity, I was met with a blinding light. After my eyes adjusted to the blinding light, I realized I was in a white room. I said room, but I couldn't see where the walls started or the floor ended. I was wondering where I was, but I didn't even know what I was currently. I fully remember dying after getting hit by that semi, but here I stood, feeling perfectly fine.
"Your memories don't deceive you, mortal; you are dead." Said a giant pool of light?
Uncertain of what to make of this situation, I cautiously responded, "Dead? But how? I remember the accident, but... how am I here?"
The pool of light shimmered and then spoke again, its voice resonating with a mix of wisdom and solemnity. "Death is not always the end, mortal. Sometimes, certain souls are chosen for a different path, a higher purpose. You have been given a second chance."
As the words sank in, I felt awe and confusion. "A second chance? What do you mean? What am I supposed to do?"
The pool of light glowed brighter, casting a warm radiance across the room. "You have been granted the opportunity to embark on a journey, to explore realms beyond mortal comprehension, and to face challenges that will test your very essence. Becoming a traveler of worlds."
After a few seconds or longer, the light said, "Along with having a second chance, you will be given a gift chosen by luck and fate."
Still perplexed about my situation, I nod. After which, two huge wheels appeared before me with so many different options one couldn't possibly read any of them.
The light said, "The first wheel will give you your gift, and the second will choose your starting location."
"Before I spin the wheels, could I ask you a few questions," I asked, somewhat understanding my predicament.
"Go on, human."
"When you mentioned other worlds, what did you mean exactly?"
"Other worlds like parallel dimensions which include the world of tv shows and anime you have watched while you were still alive"
Upon hearing, I would quite literally escape this world was exhilarating. The prospect of exploring other worlds, including those from TV shows and anime I had watched, filled me with excitement and wonder. It was an opportunity to step into the realms I had previously only experienced through screens and immerse myself in their vibrant landscapes and intriguing narratives.
Feeling curious, I asked, "Can you provide some examples of the worlds I could visit? I want to get a sense of what awaits me."
The pool of light responded, "The possibilities are vast, mortal. You could find yourself in the mythical land of dragons and magic, surrounded by majestic castles and ancient prophecies. Or perhaps you may venture into a futuristic metropolis where advanced technology and cybernetic enhancements shape the world. There are worlds of high fantasy, post-apocalyptic wastelands, sci-fi wonders, and everything in between. The choice is yours to discover."
My mind raced with possibilities, envisioning the incredible adventures that awaited me in each of these realms. The chance to experience the worlds I had admired and dreamed about was both exhilarating and daunting.
"Are there any limitations or rules I should be aware of?" I asked, wanting to understand the parameters of your newfound existence.
The pool of light responded, "While your journey will be filled with freedom and exploration, as a traveler, you aren't bound by the rules and laws of the world."
Taking a deep breath, I felt a surge of determination and anticipation.
"I'm ready," I declared.
"Ready to spin the wheels and embark on this extraordinary adventure. Let fate decide my gift and my starting location."
With newfound resolve, I reached out and gave the wheels a spin, watching as they whirled and turned, each symbol representing a world or a unique gift. As they gradually slowed down, I eagerly awaited the outcome, prepared to embrace my new role as a traveler of worlds and the challenges and wonders that lay ahead.
Relatively new to this writing stuff; I had tried to write before but lost my motivation very quickly. Hopefully, that doesn't happen again. I have plans for this new fanfic, and hopefully, you all enjoy it, too.