Chapter 1: The Divide

He's definitely driving left, his handles aren't nice enough to go through the middle. I know better than to reach normally, but it's Bobby, at the worst I'll miss but he'll be forced to pick the ball up.

If I’mma try it has to be now-

*Ckgrjkrgjk*

Huh?

What was that noise, better yet...why am I falling? What is this overwhelming pain?

Ah, I see...

I just had my ankles seriously broken for the first time, is this how it feels? How many times has Bobby had to endure this pain(although my weight probably amplifies it). To think that it finally happened after all this time, wait...why am I reminiscing about the first time I played ball, why is the fall lasting so long, this defies logic.

Now that I think about it, everything is in slow motion, this isn't fair, why do I have to witness everyone laughing at the speed of .2 frames a second.

Is this...my life flashing before my eyes? You can't be deadass, like, you can't even die from having your ankles broken.

But if that's not the case why is this happening, and better yet, it's only showing the worst memories. The way Ms. Nixon looked at me with disappointment when she found out I did shrooms, Emma never paying attention to me, Jazmine roasting me thinking I was in a lower grade, all the times I injured myself and got laughed at by the squad, every occurrence of RDR ever.

Is this a joke?

All of these memories and thoughts crossed my mind for what felt like an eternity as my vision faded to black…

“Yoooooooooo.”[???]

Huh?, So I'm not dead, that's even more embarrassing.

As I begin to open my eyes I slowly adjust to the scenery around me...a mid-sized room with white walls on all sides, pure white ceiling but even though there is no lights I can make out it is still fairly bright...but easily the most noticeable thing in the room was the thing right in front of me.

As my mind becomes less foggy I see the entity that most likely called out to me a second ago...what seems to be a person...but not? If a person could be made of pure light is what I would call it if I had to describe it...like the complete opposite of a shadow

“One second, let me just finish this match.”[???]

Match? What do they mean…now that I look at it...is that a PlayStation 4...this being is literally playing Destiny in this situation?

After about what felt like five minutes of messing with my body to see what state I was in and aimlessly looking around the room (and watching this being absolutely dominate in Destiny) they finally speak.

“So, I bet you're wondering what this situation is huh Robert-chan.”[???]

“Rob...How do you know my name?”

“Well because I am God of course, it's only natural I know everyone's names.” He said with a smug look...as if they didn't care how absurd what they were saying is.

“...Well assuming you are God, does that mean I actually died?”

As much as I don't want to admit this nonchalant person in front of me is God the whole situation I am in right now is abnormal.

“You damn right.” He said casually...which was somewhat irritating.

“So what is this place, and why am I here if I'm actually dead as you say.”

“This is what we Deities call 'The Divide’, in simple terms it's the place that one can only experience after death and before birth.”

“Hold up, before birth, what's that supposed to mean, it doesn't really make sense to me.”

“Well, this is kind of a fork in the road if you will, this is a place that all human souls will end up regardless of circumstances, however once they arrive their options differ.”

I listen intently as this is fairly interesting and may be the only insight I have to my situation, that and for some reason this being feels so familiar, I can remember talking to someone like this when I was alive as well, but I have no recollection of the names or faces of the people I once knew.

“For example if a human soul is deemed to be tainted, or as it's come to be called by humans, filled with sins, they are sent to what you would call hell. If the soul maintained at least a fair amount of virtue in its life they have the option to speak to a residing God here given the right circumstances.”

“Sooo, I fulfill those circumstances I'm guessing?”

“Yes, and when they speak with us we typically give them three options, one is to go to what we call ‘Bliss’, but humans call it ‘Heaven’, another option is in return for not experiencing Bliss, they can have their soul returned to Earth to carry out a goal or speak with someone they once knew one last time...Humans who have experienced these returning souls were the start of what are referred to as ghosts.”

“And the third?”

“The third, which may not sound like an enticing offer, but has been requested in the past, is the dispersal of the soul, to turn to a state of nothingness, typically people who have no regrets or desires left choose this.”

“So what I am understanding is that I need to choose one of those three? If that's the case then I would-”

“Now, now, now, hold on...If you remember what I said, there are typically only those options, but for a select few there's another.” The being’s demeanor suddenly changes, from a business-like explanation to what now seems like an anxious and excited demeanor...which honestly makes me more concerned.

“Reincarnation.”

“...Like being born again?”

“Exactly, however not in the sense you may be thinking of, similar to some of Earth's entertainment a reincarnation to another world, one where humans are not the only highly intelligent species, and where things thought of as impossible on Earth happen regularly.”

Amidst this beings explanation I notice they have a lisp...why would a God have a lisp...now I'm back to doubting everything. Despite this I continue listening and ask curiously…

“So I have the chance to do this?”

“Exactly, we know you have played video games with similar concepts which is honestly a large factor...some who choose this without having experienced the idea, in some way or form, during their life just can't handle the new world once they arrive, suicide isn't uncommon, and even without that the hardships such as war and monsters also play a part.”

“So what sense does telling me the downsides make? I can't see a reason why I would choose that over heaven.”

“Well don't be so hasty, since you meet the requirements if you were willing to do this I can ensure that you will see amazing benefits.”

“Such as?”

“Namely three abilities of your choosing, so long as they aren't too op, trivial things such as being able to speak the language, limited knowledge of how that world works and its history will automatically be taken care of, no need to ask for them.”[

“Will I have the same body or a different one?”

“Well typically we just give someone a copy of their body as it was in their prime, of course we wouldn't want you reincarnated with broken ankles in your case...pftttt.”

The memory of my death was still clear in my mind...the fact this “God” was laughing at me just made me more irritated with the whole situation...asshole.

“Was that laugh necessary?”

“No need to be so upset, you're not the only one to die that way, if you remember who Stephen Curry is most of the people he plays streetball against end up in your shoes.”

“Whatever, going back to the main topic, is there anything I need to particularly do in this world.”

“Nah, of course there is a Demon Lord and enemies to humanity but heroes are a title we can only bestow to people every few decades...and you definitely don't meet those requirements...what potential hero would live or die the way you did?”

(In my head I know they aren't wrong but...it's just more and more insulting, in any case I just want to leave this place.)

“That said, what do you say? Live in a world of fantasy or…”

“Fine, it doesn't sound entirely bad, so do I tell you the abilities I want right now or what?”

“Lit, and yes feel free.”

“Well first a game like inventory I guess, or like a void storage type deal, would that be possible?”

“Of course.”

(After they say that they signal with their hand anxiously as a prompt for me to continue.)

“Actually before I continue, you said there is magic in this world right? Will I have innate ability to use it or do I have to ask?”

“Ehhhh…you'll be able to use magic if you were to practice for years just like any other person in that world, but since it is a concern and you won't be starting off too young I'll let you have a proficiency for magic for free.”

Nice, although due to the prior insults I don't really want to show this 'God’ my appreciation.

“Then in that case a new body, since I am not starting off too young like you said I wouldn't want to just be put back into my unathletic body again, it would be a hassle.”

“I see, a new body...drip or no drip?”

“Drip?”

“Yeah, like a new slang that means like ‘sauce’, or even older ‘swag’. Although don’t get it twisted, drip is temporary, sauce is forever.”

“Oh, uhm, I suppose an average drip?”

“...” They gave me a disgusted and disappointed stare accompanied by an exaggerated sigh that felt annoyingly condescending.

“Is there a problem with that?”

“No, you just really are that type of person huh? Well not that it matters now but you would probably say “an average amount of drip”, not whatever nonsense you just said.”

“Oh...sorry I guess, I don't really see the difference, it just sounds stupid and unnecessary to me.”

They give another disgusted stare, this one more infuriating than the last.

“Well anyway onto the third, I have the body request in mind, so you should be fine...bars”

Did they just say bars? What is this so-called God trying to accomplish with it's cringy use of slang?

“So, your last request?”

“Oh, if I had to wish for something else I would say luck, like a positive amount of just natural luck.”

“Ah, makes sense, you want to avoid RDR in your new life huh? I could see why.”

Upon hearing RDR I can faintly remember negative experiences from past life, although I can't remember why it became a name or who else knew it other than me. Given I don't remember too well I make no comment.

“Well again this is not a chance for you to become some overpowered person in a new world, however I can make it so your innate luck stat is fairly above average.”

What do they mean stat, does everything in this world act based on visible stats? Curious as to know what they meant I ask.

“Stat?”

“Oh did I forget to mention?”

(I nod my head.)

“Damn, my bad, yes in this world it's possible to visit a guild or what are known as appraisers, a guild is common knowledge even for you, but if you register as an adventurer you can obtain a guild card that shows your stats, an appraiser can tell your stats to you but they are mainly used to appraise the abilities of kids in Noble families, hence the name, you'll probably never run into one...seeing as how your not going to be born to a family, and you are a broke boi at that.”

Is it impossible for them to speak without saying an unnecessarily annoying comment?

“Well from what you have said your luck stat and magic stat will be above average, just to give you an idea from what you have requested.”

“I see.”

“Well, now that your requests have been heard, are there any questions before we start the process?”

“No? I don't believe so.”

“Well without further delay.”

Upon hearing those words the room starts to light up and I can see my body fading, I don't seem to have any true mass so I can't feel it but the visual is somewhat alarming.

“Ah one last thing, I have hidden two things specifically for you to find in this world, no matter which path you take you are sure to encounter them.”

Two things?

(They continue speaking despite my clearly confused face.)

“And if you are to collect both I will grant you one more request.”

“Will I know what they are when I see them?”

“I would hope so, they're your ankles, because you lost them shits crazy in your last life.”

That insult is the last thing I hear before my conscientiousness fades to black again...that last, enraging insult...