003 | Be Happy

"Alpha...What is this drink?"

The man seemed delighted to answer. He took a sip of his drink and smiled.

"This is from another Earth Copy. It's a sweet drink that incorporates elements that make it 'sparkle' as you drink it."

I gave it a try. It was tremendously sweet, more like something I would see served for dessert rather than an alternative for water. Despite that, it was quite the luxury to taste it. I finished the cup and Alpha smiled at me.

"You seem to like it. I'm glad we can be friends."

"I don't believe I agreed to that just yet."

"Ah, but sooner or later you will. You will have no choice but to become my friend. Though, worry not. I don't abuse the ones I like and I tend to admire your life quite a bit."

It was time for me to get conclude some points from his confusing manner of talking. For one, I know that Alpha is an individual that exceeds any sort of limitations. I also deducted that Alpha is capable of crossing to different worlds, evidently from him talking about another classification of 'Magic' known as life force.

"Alpha. Why have you kept me alive?"

That was my ultimate question. The one thing I was most curious about. I pale in comparison to Alpha, if he kept someone as insignificant as me alive, there must be a reason behind his goals. I've learned from my battles that unexpected generosity and kindness always have something behind it. What could he want from me?

Luckily, Alpha answered.

"You like getting straight to the point. I do like that kind of people, well, as long as they don't interrupt me that is."

Alpha smiled. Though filled with sincerity, it was greatly overshadowed by his ominous pressure. I may be lacking compared to him, but I'm not completely blind to not having noticed his overwhelming presence. I simply nodded and Alpha continued.

"I have come to give you a gift on behalf of the CCO, the Creator's Council of Overseers. We have all monitored and viewed your life from beginning to end. It was quite a depressing tale, starting from childhood you never experienced anything a normal mortal would have. Several Overseers shed some tears for you."

I now felt truly insignificant, like an ant having the knowledge that there are even more Elephants that knew of its existence. I could be stepped on anytime if any Overseer decided to end my very life.

"So what is it that you decided to gift me?"

Alpha smiled. I forgot to mention that Alpha was undoubtedly in a transformation. The form he takes right now is not his true body. I can probably guess that it was to show his authority. Alpha is the ancient primal race that used to dwell in the harshest and deepest caverns of the planet.

Dark red scaly skin and black horns. Often mistaken as devils, they were easily misunderstood and persecuted by the world. Though they were low in population, their powers exceeded ordinary means. Even as of right now, I can guess they are living in hiding, forever hidden from the eyes of the world. Such powerful beings merely wish to ignore the rest of the world to continue on with their lives.

Seeing Alpha in that form allowed me to truly witness the ancient race's physique. Quite intimidating might I add. Alpha continued.

"Your gift is from the entirety of the CCO. We have decided to bestow to you another life, transferring your status from a mortal to that of a reincarnated mortal."

I was dumbfounded. Shocked beyond belief.

"Reincarnation? Not even the Empire has fully grasped the concept of how Time Magic works, yet you are able to bestow upon another person a spell that reincarnates them?"

Alpha smirked proudly.

"Don't be too surprised. We wish to give you another chance at life. From your achievements and accomplishments as Castor, you are given the right to be reborn."

I opened my mouth to earnestly accept, but the foggy memories of my disciples lingered on throughout my mind.

"I'm sorry. I will have to refuse."

Alpha didn't seem surprised, in fact, it was as if he expected that sort of answer from me.

"I see. Well, no worries, you can't refuse."

He snapped his fingers and the ground opened up to a large circle that had no end to it. The couches and coffee table fell. I utilized a spell to stay afloat in the air. Even if Alpha can control this domain as he wishes, I won't tarnish my disciple's efforts to liberate the Empire.

"My disciples have worked hard to kill me. I shall remain dead on their behalf."

Alpha appeared right behind me and patted my back. He walked effortlessly in the air. I mean, not to brag, I could as well, but just accomplishing such a feat would be considered peak levels of magic capabilities. Alpha squeezed both sides of my face cheeks.

"Don't be ridiculous, come on! You know you want to! You'll be sent to another Earth Copy either way! It'll be similar to your world!"

"No! My disciples worked hard, I will respect their efforts! Let me die!"

"Ghosh, just live already! Fall down!"

Alpha put his hand on my shoulder and pushed down. He wasn't using any strength but he sent me flying down the circular pit. There was no end when I looked down, nothing but an empty black void, so I continued falling. Still, I wouldn't let myself be so easily sent off. Not without some resistance. I was not satisfied just yet.

I utilized my mana to conjure several barrier spells to reduce my velocity on top of making myself as light as a feather. Furthermore, I took advantage of this domain's infinite stamina function to continuously teleport myself upwards, no matter how Alpha pitted me down, I would still rise up slowly but surely. It seems Alpha noticed my struggle.

"You are one stubborn mortal. Hailed as the strongest at a young age. Been in more wars than anyone a few decades near your age group. The Empire's Sword. Despite such accomplishments, you lived in worse conditions than a slave. A runaway for a few years. Living off the streets and brutally murdering others or else you won't even be able to get a wink of sleep at night."

I didn't listen to Alpha's rambling. I knew my life already. I knew it was bad. That's why, for the sake of my disciples who had similar lives, I will bring honor upon their decision to let me rest in peace.

Their gift of death greatly outweighs the gift of rebirthing.

Alpha sighed. He flicked his finger and I found myself standing on the floor with the gaping hole closed. Alpha and I looked at one another, not saying a word.

"Listen. The world I'm sending you to is an Earth Copy."

Right. I should have asked about that first.

"What is that?"

"Well, simply put, there are too many planets to count. In other parts, there are planets that are quite similar to your planet, Earth. Though their inhabitants, technology, and magic terminology may differ, each and every Earth Copy is like a sister planet. They are also EXTREMELY interesting to oversee."

"You're sending me to another Earth Copy?"

"Exactly as I said. You deserve to relive your life again."

Speaking of memories. My disciples definitely enchanted their weapons with some sort of illusory magic. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to recall any of their faces.

"Are you able to recover my memory?"

"I could. However, is that what you really want to do?"

Thinking about it more, I realized the goal that my disciples wanted to achieve. To allow me to forget them in order to make me never remember them. That way, I won't come to hate them or despise them, I'll simply forget about them and move on. That's too bittersweet for my tastes, but I'll have to commend them for creating a new spell. Fortunately, it seems my magic resistance withheld some of its effects as I can still somewhat recall distant moments. I made up my mind.

"No. It's fine. I'll keep it the way it is."

"Great! Speaking of memory, I'll allow you to keep yours when you reincarnate."

"..."

"What?"

I let out a big sigh. There was no way to refuse Alpha. It looks like the Overseers want me to accept their gift. I was fine with not being happy with my life because, in the end, I was content with it.

"Fine. Tell me about the details in my next life."

"Finally, you sure took a while. Anywho, you're way too strong. You're most likely on the top of the 99th percentile of all mortals part of Earth Copies. The CCO decided to make it a bit more entertaining."

"Entertaining for you or for me."

Alpha smirked. The answer was blatantly obvious.

"We decided to limit your mana and magic prowess with twelve different seals. Each seal returns you exponentially more power than the previous one. Of course, you are also able to cultivate the 'magic' in your new life."

Twelve seals. I feel like that was intentional to match the number of disciples I have.

"How cruel."

"Really? It's just fun and games, don't worry."

"Only time will tell."

"Do you want more benefits? How about a visual screen that acts as a guide?"

Alpha snapped his fingers and I instantaneously suffered from an intense headache. I dropped to one knee and held my head with both hands. When I was done, I looked up and saw a rectangular translucent window. I looked at Alpha and my hands and another window appeared at my peripherals.

"Why can I see...all the details about me? Is this...My strength in numbers? What are these numbers besides Health, Mana, Attack, and Defense?"

Alpha sharply inhaled as if he made a mistake.

"Oops, I forgot you don't play many games. In another Earth Copy, the mortals there have yet to discover mana. Instead, they rely heavily on technology."

"Like Dwarves?"

"Well, you could put it that way. But they were able to make simulations inside a screen that showed different visuals. Mortals there enjoyed it quite a bit for entertainment."

"Get rid of these screens. They disgust me."

"So many gamers are mad at you right now."

More unfamiliar terms came hurling at me.

"So many what?"

"Nothing~"

Alpha chuckled as he snapped his fingers again. This time I was feeling slightly light-headed before those windows disappeared. What a frightening experience I went through.

"How about this. I will grant you one special skill just for you. It will be a spell that constantly runs without consuming any of your energy as well as being unconsciously active at all times. The mortals in the other Earth Copy would call this a 'Passive Skill'."

I got the gist of it. Maybe I'm starting to understand the new terminology. Before I could ask what it is, Alpha caught me off guard. He vanished and appeared behind my back, putting one leg forward and pushing my back. As I fell, Alpha quickly opened and closed the floor. I was doomed to fall down the hole.

"Hey! We're not done talking just yet!"

I once again stacked various magical spells to decelerate myself and reach the top. However, this time, I could tell it was useless and I was only delaying the inevitable.

"Alpha! Open it right now! You still haven't told me what special skill you're giving me!"

There was a reply. Though, it wasn't a reply to what I asked. In a soft tone, Alpha told me a few words that got me to stop my resistance.

"Be happy in your next life."

I let myself fall down, there was nothing but pitch blackness. I muttered a reply to the kind gentleman Alpha is.

"Thank you."