The United States Capitol was unusually calm that morning. Cameras clicked, reporters whispered, and the marble hall of Congress gleamed under the lights. The nation was watching.
President Evelyn Hartwell, the first woman to hold the office, stood confidently behind the podium. Her voice carried through the chamber, steady and strong.
"Today, we reaffirm that America's strength lies not in division, but unity. Together, we'll build a future guided by hope, justice—"
A metallic click echoed from the edge of the stage.
Heads turned. Screams broke the calm. A man in a gray hoodie shoved past security, pistol raised — no sniper, no distance shot. He was right there.
Before anyone could react, Kaito Mercer, the Secretary of Defense, was already moving. His instincts — honed through years of service — took over. He lunged forward, slamming into the gunman just as the first shot fired.
BANG!
The bullet tore through the air, grazing the President's sleeve. Another BANG! followed.
Kaito felt the impact — a burning pain blooming in his chest. The crowd's screams blurred into white noise. His knees gave out as the guards tackled the assailant.
He looked up at the blinding ceiling lights and managed a faint smile.
"Madam President… y'all stay strong now…"
Then everything went dark.
---
The Veil Beyond
When Kaito opened his eyes, there was no pain — only silence and endless light. Clouds drifted under his feet like mist.
"Well, I'll be. Either I'm dreamin', or heaven got a whole lot fancier than I pictured."
A calm, melodic voice answered.
"You stand in the Sanctum of Aetherion, the bridge between worlds."
He turned. A woman stood before him — silver and blue robes flowing like liquid starlight. Her hair shimmered as if woven from moonlight itself.
"I am Seraphina, Goddess of Renewal," she said gently. "You have left the mortal plane, Kaito Mercer. But your courage… has earned you another chance."
Kaito blinked, still trying to ground himself out of habit.
"So… this some kinda afterlife orientation, or am I in trouble?"
Seraphina smiled softly.
"A heaven, of sorts. But not your world's. You gave your life to protect another — a rare act of selflessness. For that, I will grant you rebirth in a new realm."
"Rebirth, huh? Sounds like a raw deal unless there's coffee involved. What kinda world we talkin' about?"
"One ruled by magic and steel. A world at war. It lacks your technology, your order — but it needs hearts like yours."
Kaito scratched his chin.
"Magic and steel, huh? Alright, if I'm startin' fresh, I'll need some tools to keep from endin' up worm food."
Seraphina nodded gracefully.
"You may choose three blessings — powers to aid you in the life to come."
He thought for a moment, his expression sharpening like a man back on a mission.
1. Tactical Awareness – an instinctive map of his surroundings within a limited radius.
2. Enhanced Reflexes – heightened reaction speed, precision, and coordination.
3. Adaptive Weapon Mastery – the ability to quickly learn and wield any weapon.
Seraphina's eyes glowed softly with approval.
"You've chosen well — not for power, but for practicality."
Then she raised her hand, her voice warm and melodic.
"And for the courage you showed in life, I shall grant a fourth blessing — the gift of Universal Comprehension. You will understand any spoken or written language, no matter the world."
Kaito chuckled.
"Well now, that's mighty kind of ya. Talkin' to folks without a translator's gonna make life a whole lot easier."
Her laughter was light, like wind chimes.
"Indeed. One more thing, Kaito Mercer — you will begin anew at eighteen. Youth will aid you in this fresh start."
He looked down — his hands already younger, steadier. The scars of old battles gone.
"Heh. Guess I'll be runnin' laps again. Feels like boot camp all over."
Light began to rise around him, warm and blinding.
"Then go, brave soul," Seraphina said, her voice fading like a song. "Carry your world's wisdom into the next."
The light engulfed him—
And when he opened his eyes again, he lay in a field of tall, golden grass under a vast blue sky. The air was crisp and sweet. Birds circled overhead.
He sat up, brushing dew from his hair, feeling the breeze against his youthful face.
"Alright then…" he muttered, scanning the horizon. "New world, new body, new mission."
A faint grin crept across his lips.
"Let's see what kinda mess this world's got brewin'."
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