Reincarnated in Hell

What is this…? Daichi thought, his mind reeling from the sudden, powerful sensation

Daichi stepped through the gate, his body still tingling from the immense energy that had surged through him. The air was thick and heavy, filled with an unsettling atmosphere. Strange structures loomed in the distance, and eerie red skies stretched endlessly above. He took cautious steps forward, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. So, this is Hell…

Meanwhile, the Warden made his way toward an enormous palace, its dark and towering structure exuding a sense of overwhelming authority. Inside, he entered a vast throne room where a massive throne stood at the center. A figure sat upon it, their face hidden in shadow, radiating an aura of absolute dominance.

Bowing slightly, the Warden spoke. "Your Highness, I seek answers regarding the new arrival—Daichi Kurusu. Why was he sent to Hell?"

The figure on the throne remained silent for a moment before replying in a deep, commanding voice.

"As you know, Warden, those who are sent to Hell have lived as negative beings, ones who barely did any good in their lifetime. That is the law." The ruler paused before continuing, "However, there is something strange about him. I cannot see his past life. Something is blocking our vision."

The Warden's expression darkened. A soul that even the highest authority cannot see? That's unheard of.

He clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "I understand, Your Highness," he said firmly. "I know what to do."

Without another word, he turned and left the throne room, his face set with a newfound seriousness.

Something was not right about Daichi Kurusu.

And the Warden intended to find out why.

Meanwhile, Daichi wandered through Hell, aimlessly exploring his new reality. He kicked at the ground, sighed at the never-ending crimson sky, and even threw a rock just to see if anything interesting would happen.

So far, Hell is kinda… boring, he thought.

But then, something changed.

As he walked, he suddenly entered an area that felt different. The air here was heavier, but not in the suffocating way the rest of Hell was. It carried an eerie stillness, a strange presence that made his skin tingle. He furrowed his brows. Why does this place feel so… off?

Curiosity took over, and he stepped forward, determined to figure it out. But before he could take another step—

BOOM!

A massive bolt of lightning crashed down right in front of him, making the ground tremble violently. The force of it sent him stumbling back, shielding his face from the blinding light. When he finally lowered his arm, his eyes widened in shock.

Standing in the middle of the scorched ground was the Warden, his body crackling with residual energy from the lightning. His gaze was sharp, unreadable—but something about his expression sent a chill down Daichi's spine.

With a cold, unwavering voice, the Warden asked,

"What do you think you're doing, Daichi Kurusu?"

Daichi let out a nervous chuckle, still shaken by the sudden lightning strike. "Oh, Warden… You scared the hell out of me." He exhaled sharply before pointing ahead. "I was just going to check out that area."

The Warden raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You mean you're interested in the Arena of Abyss?"

Daichi frowned. "Arena of Abyss? What's that supposed to mean?"

The Warden sighed, crossing his arms. "I see you don't know anything yet. Let me explain." He cleared his throat before continuing.

"In Hell, souls are punished in different ways depending on their deeds. But punishment isn't eternal—afterward, we use a reincarnation method to give the souls a new life. This process repeats six extra times, meaning every soul has seven chances to be reincarnated."

Daichi listened carefully, but the Warden's next words sent a chill down his spine.

"Once a soul has exhausted all seven lives, we send it to the Void—a place where no one remembers you. It completely erases your existence."

Daichi swallowed hard. "So… it's like being erased from reality?"

The Warden nodded. "Exactly. It's as if you never existed in the first place."

Daichi's mind raced, trying to process everything. But before he could respond, the Warden continued, his tone growing darker.

"There's a twist, though. When you're reincarnated, you won't be the same person. You'll start from scratch, with no memories of your past lives."

Daichi's eyes widened. "So… you're telling me I could've already been reincarnated before and wouldn't even know?"

"Precisely," the Warden said. "But…" He paused, glancing at Daichi with a knowing look. "Sometimes, there are those who break through that barrier… and remember their past lives."

The Warden continued, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable weight.

"On the other hand, the Arena of Abyss is an alternative path to reincarnation—but it's not for everyone."

Daichi tilted his head. "Alternative path?"

The Warden nodded. "Let me explain. The Arena of Abyss is a place where souls can earn their reincarnation by competing in various games. These games test your strength, intelligence, and willpower. Only those who successfully complete them can return to the world of the living."

Daichi opened his mouth to say something, but the Warden raised a hand, stopping him.

"But," the Warden added, his tone shifting, "there's a twist."

Daichi frowned, sensing something ominous.

"It can also be a benefit to you," the Warden continued. "If you pass through the games, you'll gain special abilities—powers that will stay with you even after reincarnation. You'll be stronger, faster, maybe even something more than just human."

Daichi's eyes widened. "Wait… so you're saying I could come back with powers?"

The Warden smirked but quickly turned serious again.

"Yes. But…" He took a step closer, his gaze locking onto Daichi's. "If you lose—even once—you'll be sent directly to the Void."

Daichi felt a chill run down his spine.

"That means complete and utter erasure from existence. No second chances. No reincarnation. Just… gone."

A heavy silence followed. Daichi clenched his fists. The idea of gaining abilities was tempting—but was it worth betting his entire existence on?

The Warden let out a small sigh before adding, "And just so you know—no one has ever passed through that game."

Daichi felt his stomach drop. "Wait… what?"

The Warden's gaze was unwavering. "Not a single soul has ever completed the Arena of Abyss. Every single one who tried… failed. And you know what happens when they fail."

Daichi swallowed hard. The weight of the decision pressed against him like a boulder. The logical part of his brain screamed at him to back off, to take the normal reincarnation path. But another part—something deeper, something reckless—refused to back down.

He let out a shaky breath, then smiled nervously. "Well… someone has to be the first, right?"

The Warden raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

Daichi clenched his fists, his voice steadier this time. "I'm ready to play this game."