Darkness was the first thing I remember when waking up. A velvety darkness that stretched out in every direction. No lights. Stars or planets. It felt like I was in space or what could be consider space. But I wasn't cold or afraid, in fact, a strange calm settled over me.
In this never ending black void I floated, until I felt myself standing on what felt like solid nothingness. So this is it, I thought. This is death. I was 29, too young by most standards yet here I was, consciousness lingering in a void. A small part of me was confused. I don't remember dying and tried to remember what happened, but the nothing came to mind. The hard and harder I tried to look back in my memories the stranger I felt. Until a surprising relief washed over me and my mind let the thought go. I was more focused on the sense of relieve. The constant weight I'd carried in life fears, regrets, pains was gone. They no longer mattered as I stood in this space.
As I tried to gather my thoughts on my current location, a pinpoint of lights flickered to life in the distance. They grew rapidly, approaching me. I squinted at the brilliance as it expanded, like stars being born in fast-forward. The lights coalesced into a shape, and suddenly, the darkness around me was no longer empty. Countless stars ignited in a vast panorama, illuminating what looked like the very fabric of the cosmos. In front of me, where the light had been, a figure formed. It tower over me greatly like a god of this cosmos.
The light was so bright I had to blink multiple times for my eyes to adjust. I could hardly believing what was right before my eyes. A giant woman sitting on top of a throne. But the throne is what I noticed first. It wasn't was made of any earthly material, but of the night sky itself, a seat woven from swirling constellations and what looked like cosmic nebulae. Beneath it, a great swirling black hole churned silently, its edges bending starlight into an ethereal halo. And on that majestic throne sat a woman.
She was breathtaking. Her, appearance was a woman with glowing light brown skin that emanated a soft radiance. Long, flowing black hair cascaded down her shoulders , shimmering as if threaded with precious metals. Her eyes were a bright, piercing gold, like twin suns that somehow felt gentle.
She wore elegant robes of deep amethyst trimmed with ebony lining, the fabric seeming to ripple with moving constellations, mirroring the cosmic throne beneath her. The space and stars from above then melted into her hand. It shift and reformed into what looked like a magical staff made from a galaxy. It was long and black with little lights from the stars and planets. At it's peak was what looked like a solar system.
A deep sapphire blue sun surround by dozens of planets and moons. They all moved smoothly around the sun's gravity. In that one hand, it looked like she carried control the cosmos like it's nothing. This entire scene before was otherworldly, yet instead of feeling fear, I felt a profound sense of awe and peace. Like I was in the presence of something worth worshipping. Any doubts I had of a god existing vanished with the woman's appearance.
The l heard a voice. It was so sweet and feminine, I felt like I was being warmly embraced. "Welcome, dear soul," the woman spoke. Her voice was serene and melodic, carrying a timeless quality. It rang softly in the cosmic space, like ripples on a water's surface. Yet I sensed it within me start to move.
I finally realized up until this point I didn't have a actual form. Then in that instant a form of some sort, began to form. I looked down at myself and saw a faint, translucent outline of a body, I couldn't see my face so I couldn't tell if it was mine. But my hands trembled slightly, not out of fear, but from the overwhelming presence of the being before me. I steadied myself and inclined my head respectfully. Somehow, kneeling or prostrating myself felt instinctual in the presence of such majesty.
"Wh-where am I?" I managed to ask, my voice echoing softly. "And who or what are you?"
The woman tilted her head ever so slightly with a analytical gaze, like she was pondering on how to answer me.
"You are in the space between life and the beyond or part of the void to be specific," she answered gently. "As for me..." She then paused further.
Then as her lips began to move I heard something, a sound ring inside my mind and a powerful sensation shoot through my whole being. It was as though a chorus of distant galaxies sang a single word in unison. The sheer power and complexity of it made my head swim, and I couldn't comprehend it at all. My flickered under the pressure of her words. I felt like I might have fallen into the void had the unseen force not held me upright.
The woman.... no the goddess noticed my distress and waved a hand gracefully. The incomprehensible sound receded, my flickering form then settled as a gentle hum left my ears. "Unfortunately My true name is beyond what your mortal soul can handle to hear," she said kindly. "Your soul lacks the authority to perceive it fully, but you may address me by Mana."
"Mana" I repeated, the word coming naturally. Was she a goddess of magic, perhaps? The way the very stars seemed to bend to her made it seem like it. I met her golden eyes, trying my best to show respect. "It's an honor to meet you... Lady Mana."
Mana's eyes gazed softly. "Likewise, Jasen," she replied softly. Hearing my name on her lips sent a jolt through me. It shouldn't have surprised me that she knew my name, omniscient goddess and all, but it made this all the more real. This wasn't a dream or hallucination; this being truly knew who I was.
I steadied myself. "Am I... dead?" I asked quietly, though I suspected the answer.
Her expression remained stoic, and she inclined her head in a slight nod. "Yes, Jasen. Your soul has your physical body and the mortal world you knew."
I felt my chest tighten with emotion. There it was, confirmed. A part of me had clung to hope that maybe this was some bizarre coma-dream or near-death experience. But no, I had died. I tried to recall the moments before I ended up here. It was still hard to think on like my mind was stopping me. "I... I don't remember how I died," I murmured, frowning as I failed to dive through my memories. "There's nothing, just waking up in this darkness and..." I gestured around at the cosmic space around me and gestured to Mana. "You."
Mana observed me calmly. "Your death is not of importance," she said gently. "The details matter little now. But what is important is what you do going forward from here."
For a long moment, I was silent, absorbing the truth of my situation. Thoughts swirled within my mind: Why was my death not important? What did she mean by, going forward from here?
I thought of the life I'd left behind. Twenty-nine years felt far too short. I had so many plans unfulfilled, so many dreams deferred because I always assumed there would be a tomorrow. Or the most honest truth I gave up and let the world and the people in it discourage me. Instead of chasing my goals and dream. A pang of regret hit me, my parents, my friends shocked and her. I hadn't even said goodbye.
But that's normally right? Death comes for us all at the most inconvenient times. No do over's or second chances. I was supposed to make my life count and looking back on it all, I failed miserable.
Yet, at the same time, I felt an unexpected lightness. The anxieties that had plagued me, pressures of work, the chronic back pain from long hours at a desk, the loneliness I often felt in crowds, and the doubts, God all the doubts had evaporated like they never existed. The weight I hadn't even realized I was carrying had been lifted from my soul. In this place beyond life and death, there was no pain, no fear of the future. It was liberating in a way that made me feel guilty for finding comfort in it. I should have made the little kid version of me proud. Not be happy that I gave up by dying.
"I... I wish I had accomplished more. I wish I saw my dreams through to the end" I confessed softly, my voice trembling. "Twenty-nine years... I barely got to live, but I wasted so much time. There were things I wanted to do, people I wanted to help... Maybe even people I should have spent more time with and appreciated." My throat tightened as I thought about the phone calls to family and her I'd been putting off. The novels I never finished. The apologies I never made. "I regretted it all. In the end I was a coward who couldn't finish anything."
Mana listened in silence, her face serene but her golden eyes full of understanding. She did not interrupt or chastise; she simply let me pour my heart out.
"But," I continued, managing a small, rueful smile, "in a way, I feel... free. All the pressure I was under, all the worries...it's like they're gone now. I don't have to struggle or hurt anymore." I paused, then quickly added, "Not that I wanted to die. I just... wish I did things better."
Mana raised a hand, and I fell quiet. "I understand, Jasen," she said in that soothing, melodic tone. "Life and it's choice's can be heavy, if one does not have the resolve to see them through. And yours weighed on you more than most. Though you did not do everything you wanted you still made a impact no matter how big or small." Her words resonated through me, gentle and undeniable. "Yet, many who passed on with regrets do not get the opportunity you have now."
I looked up at her my gaze widening, my being filling with sudden hope. "Opportunity?" I repeated.
She nodded before gracefully rising from her cosmic throne. She appeared slender and almost curvy, there was an immense power in the way she moved, like a single step could send ripples through the fabric of reality. She descended her cosmic throne and came closer, until she stood only a few feet from me. She reshape herself, now she was just slightly taller then me.
I could see faint patterns of light glimmering across her amethyst robe. Tiny faint lights danced around her like fireflies.
"You have been granted a rare chance, Jasen," Mana explained. "Call it a gift, a twist of fate, or perhaps the unnatural weave of magic that ties the universe together. Your soul caught my attention."
"Your... attention?" I repeated, astonished. It was hard to imagine someone like her taking notice of someone as ordinary as me.
She nodded, then reached out and placed a hand under my chin, gently lifting my gaze from where I had unconsciously lowered it. Her touch was warm, sending a subtle current of warmth through me. "Do not doubt your worth. Every single soul has limitless value and potential. They can shine brightly given the chance." She let her hand fall back to her side. "I am a Goddess of Magic, and overseer of countless worlds and realities. Occasionally, I intervene, guiding a soul that might bring change to those worlds in need, or simply giving a deserving spirit a second chance to grow."
My mind raced. So she is a Goddess of Magic? Worlds and realities? My mind mixed fluttered with a mix of excitement and disbelief. This sounded like the setup of countless fantasy novels and anime I'd devoured over the years. People dying and meeting a godlike being who offered reincarnation with blessings. I almost wanted to laugh at how closely it mirrored those fantastical stories, yet this was undeniably real. The space around me and the gentle hum of power in the air, the clarity of my thoughts, the very presence of Mana before me, it was all real.
I realized Mana was waiting patiently while I processed her words. I was starting feeling a bit self-conscious. "So... you're offering me what exactly, a second chance at life?"
"Yes," Mana confirmed. "If that is what you wish. You need not move on to the unknown beyond, not yet. I am offering to place you into a new world of your choosing. With a new life of your choice."
A world and life of my choosing! The weight of that offer almost left me speechless. My thoughts immediately went to the world I came from. Or did she mean there and as someone else? Or did she mean something beyond, something truly different? She had mentioned "worlds and realities." Perhaps even worlds I thought were only fiction...
My gaze widened. "When you say worlds and realities... do you mean..." I hesitated, hardly daring to hope, " even worlds only known as fiction?"
Mana's expression finally changed. A faint smile showed on her face, and she stepped aside, sweeping her staff in a slow arc. "See for yourself."
At the motion of her staff, the space beside us came alive with movement and color. Like windows opening in the void, scenes flickered into existence around us, each one a window to a different reality. I turned in a slow circle, marveling at the images surrounding us on all sides.
To my right, I saw twin suns rising over a desert planet. A young boy in robes gazing out at the horizon while droids milled in the sand behind him. I recognized it instantly: Luke Skywalker on Tatooine. This was the world of Star Wars. The scene shimmered and shifted: Glowing lightsabers clashing in a blur of green and red. The iconic hum and crackle of the sabers reverberated faintly in the air around me.
Behind me, another window revealed a vast ocean under a sunny sky, dotted with islands and a massive pirate ship bearing a Jolly Roger flag with a straw hat motif. On the deck, I could just make out a familiar figure with a wide grin and a red vest. It was Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece
To my left, a cloudy night sky roiled with thunder. On a hilltop stood a young boy in a orange shirt holding a bronze sword that gleamed in the lightning flash. At his feet coiled the water form the sea below. The orange shirt said Camp Half-Blood. I knew instantly that was Percy Jackson. I could faintly hear the clash of swords and the roar of ancient monsters echoing forth.
Finally, directly before me, a scene materialized that made my breath catch. A magnificent castle with many turrets and towers, perched atop a cliff overlooking a black lake. I recognize that castle anywhere. It was Hogwarts. The faint sound of a train whistle and the chug of an engine reached my ears perhaps the Hogwarts Express? Warm nostalgia flooded my chest.
"These are but a few of the worlds your kind has imagined and brought to live," Mana said softly. She watched Jasen with a knowing gaze. "Worlds born from creativity, sustained by belief, and in a way, made real in the tapestry of magic. You can live again in one of these places, if it is your wish."
If I could cry I would this was unexpected and amazing. "This... this is incredible." As a child, I had often escaped into books and films, dreaming of adventures in galaxies far away or magical schools hidden from ordinary eyes. To feel and be special, not the outcast loser nobody."
"To be offered the chance to actually go to another world, it is beyond anything I could have imagined." I turned slowly, taking in each option again with hungry eyes.
Star Wars: exhilarating, but war-torn and perilous no doubt I'd end up a nobody in the vast Empire, or worse, caught in endless galactic conflicts. One Piece: thrilling adventure on the high seas, yet death and danger lurked at every turn in that world of pirates and Sea Kings and the world government. Percy Jackson's world of Greek gods come alive exciting, but demigods led brutal lives and rarely got to grow old or even past adolescence .
But Harry Potter's world... that felt different like a strange feeling pulling me to it. It had its own dangers, yes the rise of Voldemort and other dark forces, but something about it had always felt like home to me when I was younger. Perhaps because, despite the magic and perils, it was still fundamentally Earth, just with a hidden layer. I could imagine living an ordinary life there, but with the wonder of magic intertwined. It was a world where results talked more then your family name. If I had both I would be almost unstoppable.
"I choose... the world of Harry Potter." I said firmly, feeling a surge of certainty as I spoke the words. I began to feel excitement course through my being. This was it, the impossible became possible moment of my new journey would truly begin. If Mana allowed it, I would become part of this universe that had shaped so much of my childhood imagination.
Mana inclined her head in acknowledgment. With a subtle twirl of her staff, the other windows around us faded away, their images folding back into the void. Only the window of Hogwarts remained, hovering nearby and illuminating me with a gentle glow. I found myself smiling like a kid at the sight, excitement and nervous energy swirling in me.
"A wise choice," Mana said, a hint of approval in her tone. "That world is in need of more light and hope." Her golden eyes looked into me, and I had the sense she knew exactly what trials lay ahead me. "Now, Jasen, you will be reborn there. We must shape the life you shall live. I will allow you to keep your memories of your past life. So Tell me what you desire for this second chance."
I took a deep breath, my mind already racing with possibilities. This was the next critical step deciding the circumstances of my new life. I knew immediately that I didn't want to simply take over an existing character's life. No, I wanted to be a new person I could mold, free of any predetermined fate. An original character in my own story.
"I'd like to be born as a new, original person in that world," I began slowly, thinking aloud as I crafted my wish. "Someone who could exist alongside the main characters but isn't bound by their exact story."
Mana nodded for me to continue, her expression attentive. "So it shall be, and your background?"
I thought about the timeline I remembered. If I wanted to experience Hogwarts alongside Harry and his friends, I needed to be born around the same time they were. " I remembered Harry was born at the end of July in 1980," I recalled. "I'd like to be born on June 13, 1980."
Mana as as her staff glowed and "Very well."
With a wave of her free hand, Mana conjured a translucent screen in front of her , filled with text. I squinted, realizing it was like looking at system interface from a game or anime. I couldn't read what it said from my side though. Her finger just moved a she was typing away like a stunningly beautiful receptionist.
"Tell me of your family," Mana said. "What kind of life do you wish to be born into? I can't make it the exact way you want it but I can be very close."
This next part was deeply important to me. In the Harry Potter world, so much can hinge on one's family and upbringing. I knew without a doubt that I didn't want a tragic childhood like Harry's, nor did I want the cold privilege of someone like Malfoy. I yearned for something I'd missed out on at times, a warm, supportive family environment where I could grow without constant neglect. My first life hadn't been devoid of love, filled turmoil and isolation. This time, I wanted a foundation of love and stability.
"I want my new family to be diverse," I said. "Let my father be a Black wizard, one whose family is originally from the UK, maybe he comes from a powerful old British wizarding family. And my mother..." I smiled as I envisioned her, "something similar, or from a royal magical bloodline. You can decide. I want to be raised in the United Kingdom, within the wizarding community. A full blooded wizard."
Mana raised an eyebrow slightly, the only visible sign of surprise I'd seen from her yet. "I have the perfect family picked out. " She said calmly. "It seam's you and I both have the same thoughts... The blood of a powerful British wizard family, will flow through your veins."
For a second I worried I might be asking for too much, or something too specific to be within her willingness to grant. "You were gonna pick that for me anyway?" I asked tentatively. "I mean, is it within your power to arrange such a background for me?"
She gazed at me softly , a sound like the chiming of distant bells. "Jasen, nearly anything is within my power in my domain. The question is whether it is wise or fitting. In your case, I see no issue. A healthy, loving family with a powerful background...It will be done, so do not worry."
I followed her gaze to the floating translucent screen, as she showed me what it said.
Name: Callum Tesfaye Dawn
Age: 0 (to be born)
Race: Human (Wizard)
Lineage: House of Dawn & Royal House of Tesfaye
Traits: To be determined...
Names were now appearing for the mother and father of Callum Dawn, along with brief descriptions:
Father: Desmond Dawn ( scion of the ancient forgotten House of Dawn)
Mother: Samira Dawn (maiden name Tesfaye)
So my surname would be an old wizarding family name, it seemed, but not one I recognized. Perhaps a new magical lineage different the books. My Mothers maiden name seems to be my middle name: Tesfaye. It seems a royal magical blood line. My heart swelled at this sight. I had parents waiting for me, who had powerful backgrounds.
"Thank you," I said earnestly, turning back to Mana with gratitude in my voice. "This is more than I could have hoped for." She inclined her head graciously. "Do not thank me yet. The life you described will give you a good start, but it is you who must live it well."
"I will," I promised, resolve hardening within me. I wasn't going to squander this chance. I would treasure this new life and those in it with everything I have.
Mana seemed pleased with my determination. "Now, what of your own gifts and talents? Every soul is unique, but you may request certain blessings or traits to carry with you." She gestured her hand lightly, and the translucent itself up and vanished. "Be aware, however, that while I can grant you blessings, the world you enter will have its own rules say in how your life unfolds. The story you knew could unravel in ways you could not expect. So remember your choice will have consequences, no matter how big or small."
I nodded, having expected as much. This was the moment in those familiar stories where the departed soul asks for cheats. Extraordinary powers, genius intellect, or other gifts to dominate their new life. The temptation was there, of course. Who wouldn't want to start off with immense magical power or unparalleled skills? But when I looked into myself, I realized that wasn't what I truly wanted. In the stories I loved, it was the journey of growth that made them worth reading. The struggles, the learning, the gradual overcoming of challenges. If I popped into the world already at the top, what point was there in living through it all?
"I don't want to be a prodigy handed everything on a silver platter, or a golden spoon" I said slowly. "I don't need to start off with world-breaking power or skill. I... I actually want to grow into my strength, you know? To earn it bit by bit. Redundant I know with my new family background, but I want to have limits to work through surpassing."
Mana's eyebrows lifted in mild surprise, and then she nodded, her expression looking genuinely impressed. "That is a humble and mature wish. Many in your position demand for extraordinary talent or might beyond measure."
I gave a small, self-deprecating chuckle. "Oh, I considered it. But I think it would rob me of the experience. I'd end up repeating the same mistakes I made in my old life, always looking for an easy way out, never truly pushing my limits or testing myself. This time, I want to do it right."
A flicker of memory crossed my mind: times when I had shirked challenges, settling for less because I was afraid to fail. In this new life, I wanted to overcome that part of myself, not run from it.
"Well spoken," Mana said softly, her tone approving. "Still, it is within your rights to ask for some blessings. Starting completely from scratch in a world as perilous as that one might lead to an early end, which benefits no one, especially you. So, what would you ask of me?"
My mind raised. I thought of what I truly needed, not just what I wanted. "First, I'd like to have a strong and healthy body. I want a body that's naturally resilient, durable and flexible. Naturally immune to sicknesses, and incredible stamina. With the potential to grow tall and muscular. Not bulky but lean with some size. And to be blessed below the belt, nothing monstrous but 13 is my lucky number ." I lowered my head, a bit embarrassed.
Mana just gazed a me momentarily and then nodded. "A body capable of great growth and strength and, blessed below the belt. Granted." She traced a small sigil in the air with her fingertip, as a small golden orb came to life.
I then continued. "Second, I would like a better memory and aptitude for learning. Something like a photographic memory and thirst for knowledge. For a world with magic, I know there will be a lot to studying of incantations, potions, history and more. If I could learn a bit faster or remember a bit more clearly, it would help a lot. Especially with my knowledge from my past world "
Mana lifted her cosmic staff as it glowed. "You wish for a keen mind to absorb and thirst knowledge. a photographic memory to remember every detail no matter how small. Very well. But be warned: remembering everything means you will know both the good and the bad. Sometimes ignorance is bliss for those who cannot face the knowledge of truth."
"I understand," I replied, inclining my head. " But I will take that risk."
She continued twirled her staff in a small circle, as the golden orb began to glow more radiant.
"Anything else?" Mana asked, looking at me.
I paused, considering. Those were the main physical and mental boosts I wanted: a strong body and a sharp mind. My magical potential, I hoped, would naturally be decent given my lineage of two strong magical bloodlines. It felt greedy to ask for raw magical power on top of that. Instead, a different idea surfaced, one that made me smile a bit.
"This might be unusual, but I would like your opinion " I ventured, " What do you think I might need?"
Mana titled her head. She could be surprise or contemplating an answer to my suggestion. Then she snap her fingers and a translucent window appeared in front of me.
"I will give you a system interface. But unlike the the RPG system interfaces you are familiar with this one is different. Think of it as a guidance system."
"A... guidance system?" I muttered.
"Yes. A interface that will help you keep track of my progress. No levels or status points. Your spells and their proficiency, along with any traits and abilities you gain. Not something that gives you quest, items or a hidden inventory. Just a tool to monitor how your doing in your life so you don't wonder in the dark."
I tilted my head, I was familiar with the concept. "So I won't receive more blessings, but I can measure my progress. " I said, my tone was more amused then upset. "I have seen systems like this in certain stories implemented on occasion." I said
"You only gain from this Jasen," she said.
I nodded my head. "Ok Mana. I will take your suggestion."
"Very well. A soul bound growth system shall be integrated into your being. It will remain subtle, revealing itself mainly to you and only track your progress. You will not be able to bend reality with it, merely reflect your own efforts and occasionally provide inspiring insight to greater opportunities." She said as her weaved ruins into the air that flowed into the golden orb.
"Perfect. Thank you," I said gratefully. Inwardly, I was buzzing with excitement. A guiding system was exactly what I'd hoped for to maximize this second chance.
Magi tapped the end of her staff lightly on the void beneath us. The golden orb then moved and melted into my translucent body and disappeared. Then there was a soft chime, and suddenly a translucent panel of light materialized in the air before me. I leaned forward, eyes wide. It looked like a clean, minimalist video game interface, hovering about chest-height. At the top, it read in gentle golden letters:
Reincarnation Initialization – System synchronization beginning.
Below that, it began listing basic information in neat lines:
Name: Callum Tesfaye Dawn
Age: 0
Race: Human
Class:
Traits: Blessing of Mana (Rare)
Spells/Abilities:
It was surreal to see what looked at my system window like out of a RPGs, displaying the . I even saw my trait. When I clicked on it the traits description filled my screen.
Trait: Blessing of Mana (Rare)
Your body and mind is loved by the mana around you. Your mind is sharp, and will learn and process information at a faster then average rate. You will remember everything you seen and heard. Your body will remain in peak physical condition.
* This trait is only active when your environment is full of mana.
This was amazing, I will be blessed by the literal mana around me. Mana really has a sense of humor for naming it that. But that (Rare) text has me thinking. Is it my traits rank, and could I increase the rank of the trait?
I won't know until I start to learn magic. Which will be important considering Voldemort will be a problem. But until then this was really happening, I can't wait to get started. After a moment, the glowing translucent interface faded away with from my view.
"It will be with but it will not activate until you had your first magical spike." Mana explained. "Understood," I replied. I already felt a reassuring sense of security knowing I'd had so much help.
Mana's gaze studied me for a final moment, and I sensed a gentle weight to her gaze, as if ensuring she hadn't missed anything important. " I will give you one more boon you may ask," she said quietly. "Consider it a parting gift."
Mana's golden eyes narrowed as she snapped her fingers. Then a soft warm glow shined in my translucent body.
"You will discover this ability when you awaken your system."
"Yes," I nodded. I decided to trust her decision. So far she hasn't steered me wrong.
Mana then returned to her throne instantly. " Remember this .Live this life fully, Callum Dawn," she intoned softly using my new name. "Remember to do what you think is right. Treat others how you want to be treated. And most importantly live a life your younger self could be proud of."
I absorbed her words, letting their meaning and warmth etch into my being. "I will remember, Mana." I said sincerely. "I won't waste this chance you have given me. I'll live my new life to the fullest, and I'll strive to be someone worthy of the gifts you've given me. And someone my old self will be proud of" My heart swelled with happiness.
"Farewell, Callum Dawn. Until we meet again, in another time or life. May the light of magic guide you on your path."
She raised her slender hand and snapped her fingers.
SNAP. In an instant the entire cosmic scene, and Mana vanished before me into nothingness. Until my consciousness itself faded into the void.