Fate, however, refused to let Lucas rest. His soul, gripped by a force beyond comprehension, was pulled into an endless void.
"So this is the end, huh? No heaven, no hell... only this ever-consuming emptiness."
He tried to sigh, but there was no breath to draw. "Wait—how am I even thinking? I can't move... I can't even feel my body." Realization hit him like a wave of ice.
Then the void trembled. The silence shattered into a deafening resonance that nearly snuffed out the fragile flame of his soul.
From the abyss, an entity emerged—formless, faceless, yet impossibly vast. Its mere presence distorted reality. When it spoke, its voice was neither human nor divine, but something older—like the first echo before time began.
> "Oh, a mortal dares to drift into my domain. How... interesting. The void should have devoured you, and yet it favours you. How immense must your fate and karma be to withstand its hunger!"
Lucas screamed soundlessly. His soul felt like it was being flayed—ears bursting, eyes burning, body boiling, though none of them truly existed.
"P... please... stop... talking..." he managed to force out before his consciousness began to flicker.
> "Whoops—my bad, my bad. I forget how fragile mortals are."
The entity's overwhelming presence softened. Its outline shifted into something vaguely human, and the crushing pressure evaporated.
> "Where are my manners? I am..."
What followed was incomprehensible. Every syllable warped reality itself—names that mortal comprehension could not bear. Lucas's perception shattered as his ears popped, leaving only fragments:
> "...the Overseer of #^#@#, Supreme above ##^^#^"
He couldn't make out more.
> "Ah, I see the problem," the being said, almost amused. "Your mortal consciousness can't process my true name. Very well. For your convenience, call me the Incarnation of the Void."
Its unseen gaze pierced through Lucas.
> "How curious... your soul bears a seal of fate. Someone has shackled your potential completely. Such underhanded means... how despicable. Since you are the first mortal in eons to survive the omnipotent void, I shall grant you one wish. Do not worry—I'll also remove that bothersome seal."
The voice grew solemn.
> "Now speak, mortal. What is it you desire?"
Lucas gathered what remained of his will. "I want... to be reborn. In a world where I can grow in strength—strong enough to one day reach power like yours."
He hesitated, then added through gritted, nonexistent teeth, "And I want the power to avenge my parents."
The void pulsed in response.
> "Your first wish shall be granted. But know this—it is forbidden to bestow divine power upon a mortal. Ambitious, aren't you? The beings who wronged your family are far beyond your reach... though," the entity's tone darkened, "they are not beyond mine."
The void roared again, louder than before.
> "It seems your time here is up. Since you were the first to speak to me in countless ages, I shall add a few... benefits to your reincarnation."
Before Lucas could ask more about his parents, a blinding light swallowed him whole. His consciousness blurred—and then, he saw himself entering a woman's womb.
Moments later, the world exploded into light, sound, and pain. His head was pulled free.
"Why isn't he crying?" a soft, exhausted voice asked.
"My lady, he's perfectly healthy," said another voice—a maid's, kind but firm. "Looks like he just needs a little... encouragement."
The maid turned the newborn upside down. The sudden movement jolted Lucas's fragile brain. The shock overwhelmed him, and he began to cry.
"Congratulations, ma'am! You have a beautiful baby boy. And look—he inherited his father's ruby-red eyes."
Through his tears, Lucas analyzed everything—the luxurious chamber, the fine silks, the faint scent of incense. A noble household, he concluded.
So... it really happened. I was reborn.
A faint warmth stirred in his tiny chest. Thank you... Incarnation of the Void.