-Jaitpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
"You certainly put on quite a show," remarked a man in a black robe, taking a sip of tea as he glanced at the person beside him.
"It was a necessary course of action—unless you had a better alternative?" the other man replied calmly.
"To be honest, I didn't," the man in black conceded. "But obliterating the entire area may have been a bit excessive. You created an enormous crater—nearly 50 meters wide," he added, eyes fixed on the gaping hole before them.
"Regardless, our task here is complete. The 'Hero-Making' plan will now proceed to its next stage," said the man with a tone of finality.
"You're leaving already? At least stay for a cup of tea before heading back," the man in the black robe offered.
"No, I must leave at once. If I delay, the 'Gods' of this world may intervene," he replied, then began chanting in an unfamiliar language.
"This is the age of Kalyug—no god will interfere until the era draws to its end," the man in the black robe said calmly. "There's no need to be so tense."
"Apologies, but I can't afford to take any risks. Until next time." With those parting words, the man vanished before the eyes of the one in the black robe.
"I wish you success in your endeavors," the man in the robe muttered quietly. His gaze then shifted back to the massive crater, watching the rescue workers and news reporters at the scene.
Standing near the edge of the impact zone, a reporter in a white shirt, holding a microphone, addressed the camera.
"As you can see behind me, the crater formed by the explosion spans more than 50 meters wide," she reported, gesturing toward the massive pit.
"The cause of the explosion remains unknown. So far, 16 casualties have been confirmed—14 students, one teacher, and one civilian on their way to work."
"Several others sustained serious injuries, with some still in comas. Rescue operations are ongoing, and more victims are being discovered and brought in for treatment."
"We are continuing to gather more information. Please stay tuned for further updates. Reporting from Varanasi, this is Tejasvi Rai for Varanasi Today."
"I should get going now," the man in the black robe murmured. With that, he too vanished, leaving behind only a paper cup on the table.
---
"Hmm... where am I?" a faint voice echoed through an unknown space.
'Ah, that's right... I was on my way to work when I got caught in that massive explosion... and died.'
So this is what it feels like to die, huh? There's nothing. I can't feel anything. I can't move. I no longer even sense my body.
Strangely, it feels better than living—a life filled with nothing but endless work, day after day. Nothing more... nothing less.
"So, you have finally woke up, my child," a voice echoed gently within my mind.
The voice was neither too soft nor too firm, yet its presence calmed my thoughts and filled me with an overwhelming sense of security—as though I could confide even my deepest secrets without hesitation.
"Who are you?" I asked, trying to turn toward the source of the voice, though I couldn't quite determine its direction.
"Do not worry, child. You are safe here. No harm shall come to you."
"Where am I?" I asked.
"A place where no child should ever enter, nor can they leave. But let us set that matter aside and focus on your current situation," the voice responded with a long sigh. "You died as a result of an unknown explosion—an incident that claimed many lives and left others severely injured. You were among those who perished."
"Strictly speaking, it wasn't yet your time to die. However, due to unusual circumstances, your life was cut short."
"I don't mind," I replied, still attempting to locate the direction of the voice. "My life held no real meaning—no purpose, filled with loneliness. In a way, I was already dead. So I have no regrets about dying."
"I have neither friends nor family, and even my relationship with coworkers barely rises above that of strangers. Due to my condition—Alexithymia—I'm unable to communicate normally with others and have no real understanding of how to do so."
"It made my life even more difficult. My lack of emotional expression often led to me being outcast or ignored. So, truly, I hold no resentment toward my death."
"Even so, I can't help but feel a little bad for your situation," the gentle voice sighed again. "Normally, I'm not allowed to intervene—it's against the natural laws. But your circumstances are unique, which grants me the freedom to offer some assistance. So tell me, do you have a wish—anything I can do for you?"
"I don't believe I have one," I replied thoughtfully. "But I suppose if you offered some suggestions, that might help."
"How about reincarnation?" the voice offered with a hint of amusement. "It's quite popular in your world these days—you might enjoy it too."
"Is reincarnation a common thing on Earth these days?" I asked with genuine curiosity.
"No, not at all," the voice replied calmly. "But isn't it quite trendy in your world? Novels, movies—you seem to enjoy those stories, so I thought you might appreciate the idea."
"I see… In those stories, the reincarnated person often receives some kind of special ability or 'cheat.' Could I have something like that too?" I inquired.
Though my voice lacked emotion, for the first time I felt a sense of anticipation—as though the possibility of a different, perhaps more fulfilling life, had awakened something inside me.
"Ordinarily, I wouldn't be able to grant such a request," the voice said gently, "but your situation is unique, so I can make an exception. However, your reincarnation won't take place on Earth—or even within this universe—as doing so could disrupt the balance of nature."
"Another world or universe, then? I don't mind," I replied. "Anywhere is fine."
"I am glad to offer you the opportunity for a new and fulfilling life, just as you desired," the voice said warmly. "Now, let's get to the point—what kind of ability or 'cheat,' as you called it, would you like me to grant you?"
Hearing this, I fell into deep thought.
"Let me think about it," I replied.