“In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix must first burn.”
— Octavia E. Butler
As I stepped off the carriage, he stood in front of a small wooden church.
I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of disappointment. I had imagined something grand—something closer to St. Peter’s Basilica from my old world. But this place? Humble. Quiet. Almost forgettable.
We didn’t enter right away. Instead, we crossed the street and checked into a modest inn. While changing into a fresh set of clothes, I couldn’t stop wondering—What magic will I receive?
Soon, my father, sister, and I left the inn and returned to the church.
As I opened the wooden doors, I was greeted by the soft glow of golden statues lining the walls—effigies of various gods, their eyes seemingly watching us.
The priest welcomed us and led a prayer in front of one of the statues.
Then, my sister stepped forward. She knelt before a towering statue, her eyes shut in reverence.
Suddenly, a bright golden light flooded the church. I had to shield my eyes from the brilliance.
When I could see again, I saw her standing before a glowing screen.
Mana Capacity: 60
Elemental Affinities: Ice, Earth
My father wrapped her in a proud embrace. We all congratulated her.
Then it was my turn.
I approached one of the statues—one I couldn't name, its face hidden in the shadows. I slowly knelt, closed my eyes, and prayed as my heart was pounding.
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"I really hope I get fire magic!", I thought.
A tricolor light—red, white, and gold—consumed my vision.
Then, nothing.
I awoke in a strange world.
The sky above me stretched endlessly, a deep, tranquil blue that seemed to hum with power. Beneath me, I sat on what looked like water—but it didn’t soak through my clothes or touch my skin. It was smooth, cool, and luminous, like I was floating on a mirror made of light. Every breath I took felt weightless, almost holy.
I blinked, trying to process where I was… and then I saw them.
The gods—no longer lifeless statues carved from stone—but living, breathing beings. Divine and terrible.
A tall woman stepped forward, her blue hair cascading down like a waterfall. Her eyes were a calm storm: gray, ancient, all-knowing. Her voice flowed like a river.
“I am Aqua, goddess of water and the sea.”
Then the air grew heavier. Thicker. My chest tightened.
Beside her stood a man whose presence seemed to darken the sky itself. His black hair curled slightly over crimson eyes that burned with intensity. His gaze felt like it pierced through my soul, unraveling every secret I held.
“I am the god of war and manipulation.”
My mouth went dry. My body didn’t move. Couldn’t move.
Then, both their voices echoed together—calm, yet thunderous:
“We will bless you.”
The moment hung in the air like a blade above my neck.
Gasps and hushed voices broke out around them. I hadn’t even realized there were more gods standing in a circle behind them—watching. Judging. Disbelieving.
“It is rare,” one of them whispered, her voice tinged with awe and fear,
“nearly impossible for him to bless a mortal… let alone agree with the goddess of water.”
My heart pounded like a war drum, but I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t ask why me? or what does it mean?
Before I could move, before I could even begin to understand—
The world crumbled into white light, and I was gone.
When I opened my eyes, I was back in the church—though now, everything was tinged in red and cyan light.
A system screen appeared before me as I focused on it.
Mana Capacity: 45
Elemental Affinity: Water
Not terrible. But not great.
Then I noticed something else—something listed in my skill bar.
Skill Unlocked: Detached Will
Removes all emotion. Achieves the assigned goal by any means necessary.
My family surrounded me, trying their best to comfort me.
“45 is still a good amount,” my father said.
“You can master water magic,” my sister added with a smile.
But I felt... nothing.
“What a big letdown,” I thought.
This was the start of my new life.
