Chapter 1: A New Beginning

Hello author here.

I will upload the first ten chapters in one go so you can get an insight into the story.

I hope you will like it.

Have fun.

■□■□■□■

The last thing Emma thought before her life in the real world ended was that everything was so... normal. An 18-year-old college student, she had spent the past few years trying to navigate the confusing, sometimes boring world of human interactions, education, and constant self-doubt. Her grades were decent, her social life was non-existent, and her biggest goal was simply to make it through the next few years without screwing up too badly. She had never dreamed of anything grand, never hoped for anything special.

And yet, as her life abruptly ended, it didn't seem to matter much. One moment, she was walking home from class, listening to music with her earphones in, lost in the mundanities of her life; the next, everything turned black.

There was no pain, no explosion, no dramatic last words. Just darkness.

When Emma opened her eyes again, she didn't immediately recognize where she was. It wasn't the busy streets she had walked down every day, nor was it the cluttered apartment she called home. Instead, she found herself in a vast, endless expanse of soft, glowing light.

It wasn't frightening. In fact, it was strangely peaceful. She could hear nothing, but somehow felt no need to say anything. She didn't feel the weight of her body, nor any sensations of warmth or cold. Just pure tranquility.

Then, a voice spoke. It wasn't an ordinary voice—there was no sound per se, but Emma could hear it as if it resonated in her mind.

"Hello, Emma."

She blinked and looked around, searching for the source of the voice. There, floating just in front of her, was a small, translucent being. It was humanoid in shape but distorted in such a way that it didn't quite look like anything she could identify. It had no discernible features—just an ethereal, shifting glow.

"Wha—who are you?" she asked, her voice tentative.

The being let out a soft, airy laugh, which somehow managed to sound both playful and wise at the same time.

"Who I am... well, that's a bit of a tricky question," the being said, its tone light and casual. "But that's not what you need to focus on right now."

"Okay… then what is happening right now?" Emma asked, still a bit confused but strangely calm.

The being waved a translucent hand through the air, creating ripples of light that stretched out like waves on water.

"You're dead, Emma," it said simply, almost as if it was stating a fact she should already be aware of. "Your life on Earth is over, and I'm here to offer you a choice."

Emma didn't feel any immediate sadness or anger at the statement. She had been so overwhelmed by the suddenness of her death that it hadn't fully hit her yet. But this strange being seemed to be waiting for her to understand.

"A choice?" she asked, her voice still laced with hesitation.

"Yes," it replied. "You can stay here... or you can have a second chance. A second life, to do whatever you want. No missions, no expectations. Just pure freedom. You will be 18 again, starting fresh in a world full of possibilities."

Emma's heart skipped a beat. A second chance? She had always heard about such things in stories, but to actually have the opportunity—this was something entirely different.

"What's the catch?" she asked, wary of any potential trick. The idea of such an offer seemed almost too good to be true.

The being chuckled softly again, a sound that somehow made her feel at ease.

"No catch. No strings attached. Just... a chance," it said. "You'll retain your memories, your intelligence, your strength and I will give you the seven flames. You won't be a god or anything like that, but you'll be stronger and more capable than the average person. You will, however, have to learn to wield that power carefully, as it can be overwhelming at times."

"What are the seven flames?" she inquired.

"That is for you to find out." the being answered.

Emma processed the information she got. No catch? A fresh start? A mysterious power? It sounded like a dream come true.

She had no family to miss, no deep emotional ties to anyone. Her life had been simple—maybe even boring at times—but the idea of starting over with the chance to shape her own destiny was exhilarating.

"What kind of world would I go to?" she asked, intrigued.

The being smiled, or at least Emma felt a smile, though there were no lips to stretch.

"Oh, it's a world with superheroes, magic, and all sorts of extraordinary things. You'll be able to live freely, without worrying about the mundane struggles of your old life. A world where you can make a difference if you so choose, or just enjoy the adventures that await you."

Emma's eyes widened as she began to piece things together.

"Wait... could it be that I'm going to... Marvel?" she asked, incredulously. "Like, the Marvel universe?"

The being nodded.

"Correct. You'll enter a world where you'll encounter heroes like the Avengers, villains with grand ambitions, and dangers far greater than anything you've known. But don't worry—you'll have the means to defend yourself."

Emma took a moment, letting the enormity of the decision sink in. A part of her—maybe a deep, subconscious part—had always wanted to experience something extraordinary, something out of the norm.

The idea of joining a world where the impossible was possible was tempting. To experience the thrill of powers, of meeting people she had once only seen on screen, to live in a world of vibrant chaos...

It was everything she had never known. And everything she didn't know she wanted.

"So... I can do whatever I want? No strings attached?" she asked again, just to be sure.

"No strings," the being confirmed. "But remember, the choices you make will shape your new life. You will be strong, but not invincible. Intelligent, but not omniscient. You can be a hero, or you can simply live your life as you please."

Emma smiled for the first time in what felt like forever. A world of endless possibilities awaited her, and this time, she would have control.

"I choose a second life," she said, her voice firm but excited.

"Good," the being said. "Then it's done. Your new journey begins now."

Before Emma could say another word, she felt herself being pulled into a bright light, and the world around her vanished completely.