Darkness.Silence.And the faint sound of waves that didn't belong to any ocean on Earth.
A nameless soul drifted aimlessly through a silver mist. It didn't know where it was, nor why everything felt like a half-forgotten dream. But soon, the mist parted—and something appeared.
A man — no, a being — sat atop a throne made of shimmering constellations. His robes rippled like galaxies in motion, eyes filled with the quiet amusement of someone who had seen everything, twice.
"...So, you died," the being said casually, sipping tea made of stardust.
The soul blinked. "I—uh—guess so? This doesn't look like heaven. Or hell. More like... a celestial customer service office."
The god snorted into his tea. "Hah! I like you already. Relax, kid. You're not in trouble. I just found your soul floating around bored, and I thought—'Why not give him a second chance?'"
"Second chance? Like... reincarnation?"
"Exactly. But this time," the god leaned forward, voice echoing like warm thunder, "you'll be reborn in a world of pirates, islands, and dreams that defy gravity."
The soul's eyes widened. "You mean—One Pi—"
"Shh!" The god snapped his fingers, sealing the words. "Spoilers. I can't have you remembering that. But yes, that world."
The soul floated closer, excitement bubbling. "Then... can I have something? A cheat? A power? Maybe a bloodline?"
The god smirked. "Why not both?"
The soul froze mid-air. "...Really?"
"Of course," said the god, conjuring a golden screen before them. On it appeared a human figure with a bar labeled 'GENETIC MATRIX: 0%.' Beneath it was a list of races—Fishman, Mink, Giant, Skypiean, Lunarian...
"Go on," said the god. "Mix and match. But remember—the main bloodline must exist in that world. No mana. No chi. No reality-breaking nonsense. I'm omnipotent, not reckless."
The soul nodded, thinking fast. "Alright, then—Lunarian, fifty percent. They're tough, right?"
"Durability, slow aging, minor heat resistance. Half-blood means no flame control, though."
"Good enough. Then... Muzan Kibutsuji, from Demon Slayer, twenty percent."
The god raised a brow. "Oho, interesting choice. You get enhanced senses, regeneration, internal biokinesis—control over your own body. But no sunlight weakness, since your Lunarian side already took care of that."
The soul grinned. "Perfect. And lastly... Giant, thirty percent. For strength and stamina."
"Done." The god's fingers danced through the air, and the figure on the screen shimmered.Fair skin with a faint lunar glow. Silvery-grey hair like moonlit metal. Eyes—deep crimson with slit pupils—glowed faintly like a predator's focus.
"Pretty, aren't you?" the god teased. "Two meters tall by seventeen, stops there. Strong, but still human enough to fit in. Balanced design. I approve."
The soul tilted its head. "Do I get, like, a system? Something that says 'Ding! You leveled up!'"
The god laughed so hard the stars quivered. "A system? Do I look like a mobile game developer? No, no. But I'll give you something better."
A golden sigil flared before the soul, embedding itself in its essence.
[Blessing Granted: Astral Instinct]Type: Cognitive–PerceptualEffect: When Altair sees, hears, or experiences a skill or ability, his mind instantly builds its instinctual blueprint. He comprehends the logic, flow, and purpose of any technique — but mastery still requires practice.
The soul blinked. "So... I'll understand how things work, but I still have to train?"
"Exactly. You'll learn faster than anyone, but effort's still on you. Think of it as cosmic Google with no auto-complete."
The soul chuckled. "Fair deal."
The god's tone softened. "Now... last chance to choose your birthplace."
The soul thought for a moment. "Then... somewhere peaceful. Maybe near a village known for swords and honor. Somewhere quiet."
The god smiled knowingly. "Simotsuki Village, East Blue. Fitting."
As light began to surround the soul, the god added gently, "You will lose all memory of this conversation — and the world you're going to. Only a faint trace of your wish will remain. You may, however, leave one message to your future self."
The soul conjured a transparent letter, writing something brief—something only it would understand. But no mention of the world. No spoilers. Just... a spark of purpose.
The god watched fondly. "Done already? You're an interesting one. Before you go, tell me... what's your dream, child?"
The soul turned, smiling with an innocence that shimmered like starlight. "I want to—"
But before the words could reach him, the light consumed the space.
The god chuckled softly, leaning back in his cosmic chair. "Heh. That's a good dream... no wonder I chose you."
East Blue, Midnight.
A cold wind whispered through the forest road leading to Simotsuki Village. A young couple stumbled through the darkness — a man bleeding from his chest, carrying a wrapped infant close to his heart.
His wife, weak but smiling through her tears, pressed the baby's forehead. "He's... beautiful..."
The man nodded, voice trembling. "We couldn't protect the village... but maybe... maybe he'll have a future we couldn't."
They reached the orphanage gate. The moonlight fell upon the small name tag pinned to the baby's blanket."Altair D. Nova."
They placed him gently at the doorstep, whispering apologies neither heaven nor sea would hear.
"I'm sorry... we won't be there to watch you grow," the mother wept.The father smiled faintly, closing her eyes as his strength faded. "Then... let the stars watch him for us."
Moments later, the door creaked open. The orphanage matron gasped, clutching her shawl. "Who leaves a child out at this hour? Poor thing... cursed night or not..."
The baby stirred, his tiny fingers clutching the air. The woman sighed, picking him up carefully. "You'll have a name, at least," she murmured, reading the badge."Altair... D. Nova."
The child cooed softly, eyes fluttering open just for a second — crimson pupils glimmering like distant suns.
The stars above flickered, almost as if watching him.And thus began the legend of the boy born from starlight and sorrow —the one who would one day chase the sky itself.
[End of Chapter 1]